Creativity...Everyone expresses themselves in their own way.  As educators, we must provide a safe space and time for students to discover what it is about themselves and their interests they would like to investigate and how. Creativity within the classroom, and daily routine is essential if we want to teach students to be proactive and engaged. Whether its through art, technology, or kinesthetic activities, the classroom is a place for investigative learning and innovative teaching!


I've always been fond of the outdoors but it was my education and schooling that gave me the tools to explore my creative side. 
​
Creativity in the classroom is a necessity because...
  •  Students are members of diverse families and communities
  • Students have different interests 
  • Students have experienced different life experiences and daily adversities
  • Students have different academic needs
  • Students are more likely to succeed and retain material that they feel is relevant to their life​

~Mathematics~

I dreaded the subject until I became a teacher.  As a teacher, I have gained appreciation and understanding for how and why we teach math the way we do today. 
 Integrated Curriculum
Below you will find a unit plan I created for my student teaching placement in a third grade class at Willow Creek Academy. You will find the Math standards attached to the unit plan.
~ The Growth Mindset~
When students have a growth mindset, they take on challenges and learn from them, therefore increasing their abilities and achievement. 

For example, 7th graders who were taught that intelligence is malleable and shown how the brain grows with effort showed a clear increase in math grades.
​ Download the lesson plan used in this intervention!

Practice Lesson at WCA
​

As part of my Teaching Credential Requirement at Dominican University of CA, I created a lesson plan for a 3rd grade class at Willow Creek Academy. My supervisor observed me while I 
delivered the lesson and provided me with feedback. You can take a look at these comments (left)  along with my own reflection on my practice lesson.