Our commenting team is a very important part of the Student Blogging Challenge. They provide an authentic audience for our participants and offer the students support and encouragement.
We know how much students love getting comments on their blog posts!
We are currently building a strong team of commenters to visit the hundreds of students who will be taking part in the next challenge.
Are you interested in volunteering as a commenter? Check out this post.
Who Are The Commenters?
Before we begin the challenge, we thought it would be nice to introduce our commenters who will be working behind the scenes for the 10 weeks.
Commenters are involved in education either as teacher (active, preservice, or retired), student (past challenge participant), or administrator, coach, leader, writer etc.
Our commenting team leader is Sue Wyatt (@tasteach). Sue started the Student Blogging Challenge in 2008. Last year, she handed the baton on to me, Kathleen Morris.
Commenters, Please Introduce Yourself
We’re now inviting our commenters to leave a comment on this post and introduce themselves.
Commenters, please scroll down to find the comment box.
You might like to tell us:
- Your name: Choose the name you’d like students to address you with — either your first name or Mr/Mrs/Ms etc.
- Your location: You might like to be specific about where you live or just tell us the country you’re from.
- Your role this year: Are you a teacher? Student? Administrator? Please share your role in education.
- Why you’re volunteering as a commenter: Or perhaps your interest in blogging or global collaboration.
- Anything else interesting about yourself: Perhaps tell us something about your hobbies, family, pets, or background etc.
- You URL: Do you have an educational blog? Feel free to leave the URL.
Feel free to end your comment with a question for our readers.
We’d love to see any readers (commenters or participants) go ahead and reply to any of the comments!
Example comment
Here is an example of a comment on this post from Sue Wyatt. As you can see, she has used a greeting and paragraphs which is a sign of a quality comment!
If you’re wishing to reply to Sue (or any other comments) look underneath the comment for a respond button.
Replying is just a matter of entering your comment in the box, entering the anti-spam word, and writing your name (students should not write their surname).
Entering your email address is optional but it can be a good idea to enter your email address if you have one and then tick the box to get a notification of follow-up comments.
Our Commenter Twitter List
Many of our commenters use Twitter to connect with other educational professionals. We have added the approved commenters who use Twitter to a Twitter list.
Not all of our commenters are on Twitter and that’s okay. If you are on Twitter, we encourage you to subscribe to the list, follow your fellow commenters and connect with them.
Note: If you’re not on the list and want to be, just comment on this post or send me a tweet (@kathleen_morris).
How To Use The Twitter List
Lists are a great way to keep track of groups of people on Twitter.
Using a Twitter list is straightforward but if you haven’t tried it before, let’s walk through the process.
Here’s how to use the Twitter list using the web version of Twitter.
1) Go to https://twitter.com/edublogs/lists/stubc-commenters-march-19
2) On the left, you’ll see the option to subscribe to the list
3) Click on the word ‘members‘ above the subscribe button. Here you can make sure you’re following all the participants.
4) To check out the list at any time, click on ‘lists‘ on your profile page.
5) Find the STUBC Commenters March 2019 list amongst your other lists (if you have others). Click on the name of the list.
6) You’ll then see the feed from all members of the list so you can interact with their tweets.
Over to you!
Time for you to leave your comment. We’re looking forward to meeting our commenters below!
Hello,
I am Purviben K. Trivedi-Ziemba, a Mom, an educator, and life-long learner.
I am honored to be on Team Student Blogging Challenge. Thank you, Sue Wyatt and Kathleen Morris for leading the student blogger and commenter teams.
After being a stay at home mom for gazillion years, I am looking forward to reentering the field. As I am reevaluating my future, Student Blogging Challenge gives me an opportunity to contribute while learning from the students. I am looking forward to reading the Student blogs, connecting with colleagues from across the grade bands and nations and growing my digital presence.
Come and visit me at
http://trivediziemba.edublogs.org/
or chat with me on twitter at @TrivediZiemba
Best wishes.
Purviben K. Trivedi-Ziemba
Hi, my name is Sibel Taşkın Şimşek. I teach EAP and I am actively involved as a member of the Online Learning Support Project team at the School of Languages, Sabanci University, Istanbul, TURKEY. I am also the coordinator and moderator of “QR Codes in Action” MOOC at EVO.
I have professional certificates including “Teaching English with Technology” offered by The Consultants-E. My interests include technology integration into teaching, MOOCs, learner development and motivation. My blog “songstoteachenglish” won the Edublog Awards 2014 “Best Educational Use of Media”.
Hi! My name is Francesca and I am a university student in Ottawa, Canada. Approaching my fourth and final year of my business degree, I began to think about my future career goals. With a passion for teaching and development, I decided to apply to teacher’s college. I am volunteering as a commenter because I would like to gain more experience in the teaching domain and I believe that my digital marketing studies can help me provide quality feedback. I am looking forward to learning!
Cheese to meet you from Wisconsin!
My name is Betsy Brooks, Mrs. Brooks or Mama Brooks to my students. I teach in Omro, Wisconsin, in the United States. Our small community is two hours north of Milwaukee and one and half hours south of Green Bay. I have been teaching English/ELA for 14 years; 13 years at the high school level.
I am volunteering to be a commenter because I would like to learn more about blogging and bring this exciting new type of writing into my classroom.
I am so lucky to be teaching in the School District of Omro because I get to bring my therapy dog to school with me! Chewbacca is a 7-year-old Goldendoodle and he loves the attention from all the students. He makes Mondays a bit easier *)
Hey Guys! Carol McBroom, an instructional coach from Richardson, Texas here. My middle school consists of 7th and 8th grade and is located just north of Dallas. I feel like I’m a little late to the game here so this will be brief. Usually March finds me participating in the Slice of Life blogging challenge through the Two Writing Teachers site. When I saw the opportunity to serve as a commenter, I decided to give it a try this year instead. Since I don’t have any “students of record” of my own, this will give me a chance to read some fun stuff from their perspective. I have three grown children of my own, two of which are still in grad school. I am a bit nostalgic thinking about what I was doing this time last year: taking my daughter on her first trip to NYC! I’d go back there anytime!
Hi My name is Lynn Cepella. I am a French Second Language Teacher in Ottawa, Canada. I have been teaching for just over 17 years. I am interesting in learning new technologies that facilitate learning and the demonstration of learning while engaging students in Problem Based projects, which are anchored by the UN Goals, using the Design Cycle.
Recently, my students have started blogging about their learning and I’m interested in learning more about student blogging in order to make it more successful for my students.
When I am away from my students, I am a wife and mom of 2 active and happy kids. We spend a lot of time playing games together and hanging out with our family dog, Stella. We enjoy travelling together as a family and will be enjoying some time in Mexico soon!
I love to read books but, I find it more difficult during the school year to simply read for pleasure. I do look forward to summer to catch up on some good reads.
Hi there Team SBC,
My name is Rob Kelly and I am the Multimedia Learning Specialist at Berwick Lodge Primary School.
My role is very diverse. I teach students how to write code and build robotics, help them create a weekly radio show for 97.7FM Casey Radio, help to produce the school’s online television series ‘LODGERS’ with my ICT captains, run/oversee weekly STEM and Multimedia enrichment programs, work on community engagement projects and much, much more.
I’m also an Education Columnist. I write for a number of online/print publications.
I can’t wait to be a part of this year’s Student Blogging Challenge.
Best,
Rob Kelly
Hello Rob,
Its nice reading from you how technology can be taught at an earlier age, on top of these you are willing to share these with STUBC participants. Looking to a great learning session to all.
Cheers,
Thomas
Hi! My name is Christie, and I am a first-time commenter for the Student Blogging Challenge. I live in Texas in the United States, and am originally from California. I have taught in both states, and focused my career on technology in education. I stayed home with my daughter for several years, and now I am ready to go back to teaching, this time as a librarian. The classes that I am taking now are giving me a lot of inspirational ideas for when I go back to work, maybe next year.
Last year, we rescued a little dog named Chewie. She is fast, when she wants to be, and likes to run free. I love traveling, going to the beach, and reading. My ideal vacation includes all three. I must socialize when I exercise, and love eating pizza! I have not yet started blogging, but probably will when I go back to work. I am excited to participate this year as a commenter!
Greetings from Vermont!
I’m Cherie Blessing, and I teach a multi 2nd/3rd in Quechee, Vermont. Some of my favorites include snow, the whole New Hampshire and Vermont lifestyle, mountains, singing on the worship team at my church, swimming in my local lake all summer very early in the morning with the loons, walking the Maine beaches during the winter, enjoying my nieces and nephews, piles of books, and tagging along with my veterinarian father on his farm calls.
In school, I love everything about teaching, and I’m a special fan of STEAM challenges, Genius Hour, and Crazy 8’s math club.
I’ve been blogging with my students almost since edublogs began, yet this fall was my first time participating in the Student Blogging Challenge. We loved it and can’t wait for more.
Hello all,
My name is Ms. Chalmers and I teach 5th grade Science in Lancaster, Texas. Lancaster is about 15 minutes south of Dallas. This is my 14th year teaching and simply put I love what I do. I love seeing students excited about learning and helping them to grow. I joined the challenge because I feel it will give me an opportunity to collaborate with others outside of my current world. (That’s technology for you!) I love all things science, music, technology and have a small baking business. All that mixed together makes me one creative educator. I look forward to collaborating!
Hey all, I’m Candice Trimm from Katy, Texas which is right outside of Houston, 4th largest city in the world. It’s rodeo season in Katy & Houston which means kids all over the world compete for scholarships in many different areas like art, raising animals, judging, mechanics, and so much more. The rodeo offers so many opportunities for every kid to reach their goals and increase success in their future endeavors. I teach 6th grade (11-13 year olds) in a public middle school. Not only am I honored to work with kids, I love seeing them class every day. I am passionate about learning and using technology. My students and I are navigating through this exciting digital world together. My favorite sports are reading, running, and drinking coffee. Looking forward to connecting with educators and kids from around the world.
HI! My name is Mrs. Kueter and I teach first grade in Anchorage, AK. I love reading, hiking, and sports. Right now there is lots of snow outside, so I am really into skiing. I decided to be a commentator because I like to work with kids and help them to be successful. I look forward to reading all the amazing things you are doing.
Jennifer
Hi Everyone,
My name is Heather and I am a Year 6 teacher at an independent girls’ school in South Australia, Australia, called Wilderness. I teach Year 6 and have been a commenter on the Student Blog Challenge a few times now.
I love the Student Blog Challenge, it introduces so many new skills to students and gives them an authentic audience for their posts.
I look forward to popping into student blogs around the word to see what they are writing about and give them feedback.
I also look forward to learning so many new things from the participants in the SBC.
See you soon,
Heather
Hello! My name is Tiffany and I am in Richmond, VA.
After working in law for 15 years, I decided to become a “career switcher” and obtained my teaching license in December. I hope to become part of a teaching team this school year. I’m volunteering because I love to read what students are writing and thinking. I learn so much form them and about them. I also want to motivate and encourage students to blog and write, to be creative, and solve problems. This is such an exciting time!
My hobbies have fallen by the wayside as I’ve been working through this teaching program while also being a wife, mother, and maintaining a full-time job. But when have more spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and travel.
My education blog (electronic portfolio) can be found here: https://tclongshore.edublogs.org
Excited to get started!!
Tiffany,
You are going to be an amazing educator.
I read some of your blog posts. The knowledge and passion you have for teaching will enrich your students.
Best wishes.
Purviben
http://trivediziemba.edublogs.org/
@TrivediZiemba
Hi! My name is Marg. I am a retired elementary teacher in beautiful south eastern Alberta, Canada. I loved using technology with my students and being able to learn about other people and countries as well as share our thoughts with the world. It was so exciting for us to get comments about our posts. Now that I am retired, I wanted to keep sharing that feeling.
I have been a commenter for a couple of years and am always amazed at how much I learn. During the last challenge I learned about popular music in VietNam; tried to spend more time with coding; watched in awe the complex blog posts that included video, sound and a variety of formats; as well as do poorly on quizzes using emojis. This time with help from Sue Wyatt I am also going to learn about using flipboard and adding content. ( Here’s my blog. http://1marg.edublogs.org
I use it to to try some of the challenges. )
Being a commenter on the blogging challenge is so much fun!
Hello Student Blogging Challenge commenters,
My name is Ms. Aparna. I think of myself as a life long learner and have taught language in middle/high school levels in India ( where I am from) both in classroom setting as well as a tutor.
I love interacting with kids of all ages and feel privileged to be a teacher and learn in the process.
Technology in education excites me and I am always looking for ways to effectively introduce/use technology in my classroom.
This is my first year in this challenge. I am so excited to be here. I look forward to build connections with other educators from across the globe.
Cheers,
My name is Sherry Siewert. I have taught Middle School for three years in California and am now teaching online High School English since I moved with my family to Seattle, Washington this last summer. I received my teaching credential later in life (over 30) so I got a late start. I have four young boys (ages 10, 9, 7, and 3) and my husband is also a teacher. I love the online format for education, as I was able to complete my own education through online means while my oldest kids were babies. If it weren’t for online education, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I love giving students the chance to expand their online experience through blogs in a positive way, since so much of their social experiences online can be negative. I enjoy reading, crocheting, playing with our pets, and spending time with my family.
Cheers for the efforts, you have made it. I also had the opportunity to advance my career through online courses and this challenge will be a great avenue to grow.
Hi all,
Ms P here. I’m Barbara Paciotti and am barupa or barupatx online. I’m back as a mentor after doing 2 Blogging Challenges and have been privileged to connect with students around the world. I’m looking forward to another great experience.
After 25 years as a high school science teacher and a middle school librarian I am now retired, and the Blogging Challenge gives me an opportunity to still contribute to the lives of students and teachers.
BrP
Hello. My name is Dr. Truitt. I live in North Carolina, but I grew up in New York and also lived in Florida. I retired two years ago after working as a public school teacher, elementary school principal, and district curriculum director for 30 years and a college professor for 11 years.
I taught teacher education classes at a small, liberal arts college and enjoyed working with undergraduate and graduate students. I used blogging in some of the college classes I taught, in particular with teachers who were working on earning a master’s degree. I haven’t blogged since I retired, but I hope that participating in this challenge will motivate me to get started. This is my first experience serving as a commenter in this challenge, and I look forward to interacting with students from around the globe.
I enjoy reading, attending musicals, and traveling. Since retiring, I have joined a book club, am planning to volunteer at the local hospital, and am taking a cake decorating class. My cake decorating skills are not great at this point, but I hope they will improve with practice. Can you recommend a hobby that I might enjoy?
Currently l teach at primary school and teacher college, this challenge will be a plus for me in the field of online learning as become a leaner among fellow commenters and students
My name is Ms. Fadler, and I live in Independence, which is s suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, in the United States of America. I am a fifth-grade writing teacher for the Independence School District.
Besides teaching, I also work with a not-for-profit group at many of the professional sporting events and concerts we have in town. It is a great way to be a part of the community and fundraise to help put my kids through school.
I have two beautiful daughters. My oldest daughter is studying to be a nurse, and my youngest is still in high school but has aspirations of performing on Broadway. Also, we have three cats in our home. The two older cats are siblings, one boy, Captain Hercules Eugene, and a girl, Sweet Pea. The third cat is Blu; he was a rescue cat that my oldest daughter adopted during her first year in college.
Reading and writing are two of my hobbies, but I also enjoy watching Hallmark movies, cooking, and learning new things; blogging is what I am currently learning. I am new to blogging; I started as a way to help my students and myself connect with others globally.
I am looking forward to connecting with others as a commenter!
Hi,
My name is Sarah Gorbatov and I am from Southern California. I am one of four siblings and have a small dog named Romeo. I am a homeschool student and take college classes in addition to my high school work. In addition, I am passionate for music and have been playing the piano and violin for 10 years. In my free time, I enjoy doing tutoring younger students, putting together puzzles, and spending time doing outdoor activities.
I began on my blogging journey in third grade with my amazing teacher, Mrs. Yollis and have enjoyed it ever since. Through blogging, my writing has improved tremendously and I have had the opportunity to meet many people from all around the world. I look forward to being a part of this challenge!
Sincerely,
Sarah Gorbatov
I’m Julie Greller, a retired media specialist from New Jersey. I am still blogging (A Media Specialist’s Guide to the Interest) and love the idea of interacting with students and educators from all over the world. I love photography, web design and writing music. I restore old photos in my spare time. Volunteer work includes serving on the Board of Directors for The Palisades Virtuosi, and handling design and communications for The Teaneck International Film Festival. Currently I am assisting the author who is writing a book about Teaneck, NJ, my hometown.
You can find my blog here: https://mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com/
G’ day to all!
I am not from Australia but I do know what G’ Day means! I am from Texas in the United States where I teach 7th grade science in Katy, Texas. I am the science department chair and I just was awarded teacher of the year for my campus.
This is my 17th year to teach. Five of those years I taught 8th grade math. I, then taught 5th grade science for ten years and have been teaching 7th grade science for 2 years. I love teaching science and engaging my students in all the natural phenomena that surrounds us all.
In addition to being a teacher, I am a wife and a mom to four beautiful children. My oldest is a girl and she is in 11th grade, my second is a boy and he is a 7th grader at the school where I teach, my third is a boy in 4th grade and my ‘cherry on top’ is a girl in the second grade. We enjoy traveling, playing games as a family and enjoying the outdoors as much as we can.
I can’t wait to begin reading all of your blog posts to see what kids around the world are learning about.
Mrs. Lewis
@clewis_wcjh
Hi everyone,
I’m Norah Colvin. I’ve been involved in education all my life in one way or another. It’s in my blood and I feel strongly about the right of everyone to an education and believe that learning should be a joy (hard work at times, but always purposeful with joy in learning something new). Whatever my role, I always try to make learning fun, purposeful and learner-centred.
Most of my classroom years were in lower primary, mainly year one (my favourite) but I also worked as a support teacher and ran educational classes for children of before school age and their parents. I have been involved in educational writing for various publishers, including Education Queensland. I now write two educational blogs and publish teaching resources for the first three years of school on my website readilearn.com.au.
I have loved using technology in the classroom and at home from their earliest introduction. Computers and the internet, which didn’t exist when I was a child, have opened up the world to me. I enjoy being able to connect and make friends with other like-minded people across the globe through blogging and social media.
I wish you all a wonderful blogging experience. I am looking forward to reading your blogs and participating in the Student Blogging Challenge as a commenter for the first time.
Best wishes,
Norah
Hello all,
My name is Amy McKinty, and I’m a 7th grade language arts teacher in central Illinois. I’m taking baby steps into the blogging world. 🙂 I took a blogging course last year and during that time created my own class blog at mrsmckinty@edublogs.edu. Writing the blog has been hot and cold for me because of the craziness of my life. I coach cross country, speech, and scholastic bowl while raising three boys with my husband.
I like the authentic nature of blog writing. Becoming a commenter is just another way for me to dip my toe a little bit further into the blogging pool, so to speak. I love connecting with writers old and young, and I’m excited to see what these students have to say!
Amy McKinty
Hi everyone,
My name is Miriam, and I am a college student from Southern California in the US. I am the oldest of four siblings and have a Miniature Schnauzer dog named Romeo. Some of my hobbies include reading, swimming, and writing poetry. I hope to one day work as teacher.
I started blogging in third grade with my former teacher Mrs. Yollis and had my own blog where I shared my daily adventure. I am also heavily involved in volunteer work at my local library where I run a writer’s and math club and lead the student library council. I work to inspire and motivate young students in creative writing and help them pursue their passion in this subject. I started another blog for the writer’s club: https://writersworld-miriam.blogspot.com/
Best,
Miriam Gorbatov
Hello from California!
My name is Alethea, and I have been an educator for 17 years (2nd grade- 6th grade). I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I have been participating in the Student Blogging Challenge with my students since 2014. My students look forward to this event every year. Sadly, as of this year, I am no longer in the classroom as I now work as an educational coordinator for our county. I wanted to be an advocate for positive change, and this position gives me the opportunity.
With that said, I miss the students terribly. I miss the opportunity to motivate, engage, and build relationships in the front lines. Being able to have the opportunity to participate in the SBC as a mentor gives me a chance to engage in those activities that I miss so much. I’m looking forward to reading and engaging with students from around the world. Let’s do this!
Howdy!
My name is Claudia Quiroga and I teach/live in Katy, Texas. I currently teach 8th grade Language Arts (Reading and Writing). I made the “switch” from 6th grade to 8th grade in January. I am so glad to be a part of the student blogging challenge! I am a huge fan of reading other teachers’ blogs…especially if it’s a Reading or Writing blog! I have taken away some great gems and have been able to implement them in my own classroom. I have contemplated starting my own blog for a few years now and I think this my be a great way to warm up to the idea. I have also wanted to have my students participate. I recently found myself with more “free time” since my two children have grown up and become contributing members of society. Parenting was a great experience but now I want to be able to focus on some of my own personal goals. I’m hoping that by being a part of the student blogging challenge I can take the leap of faith and start my own blog!
Hello all,
My name is Claire and in school, I am called Miss Claire. I am a Technology integration coach at a Canadian school in China. I have been teaching ICT/ Computer science for 15 years Kinder 5 to Grade 12 and now I am a coach. I also train and help teachers develop teachers their IT skills. We are all life long learners!
I love being creative and making things. This year I have been learning about soldering, 3D printing, robotics, making circuit components and MakeFashion.edu which is a movement that integrates technology with fashion.
This is my first time supporting this global challenge, however, I am keen to communicate, learn about and from students across the globe and support students from all over the world to do great things.
Greetings!
I am the Dir of Academics for an online public HS serving students throughout the state of Washington. I am excited to join this opportunity because I LOVE learning what other students and teachers are doing with technology. I am also hoping to encourage blogging in my school because I believe blogging has a tremendous educational value. I consider myself a veteran teacher because I am in my 29th year in education. I have only worked in high schools, and the majority of my experience has been in various Special Education programs.
I live in Olympia, Washington, with multi-generational family members and a few pets. I am in a fairly rural area, and just yesterday observed a herd of about 60 elk in my pasture, which was really exciting! I am constantly in awe of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of the wonderful opportunity!
Darice
Hey Darice! Your view of the elk sounds AMAZING. I would love to be in an open, rural area like that. 🙂 Happy commenting!
Hello world!
My name is Karen or Mrs. Scott, depending on your age. I live in the beautiful state of New Jersey, in the United States! Don’t believe what you see on TV…not all of New Jersey is power plants. We have gorgeous farms, forests and beaches, with lots of activities and attitude! I am so excited to be a part of this blogging challenge! First time for me, of course.
I have been teaching 3th and 4th graders for 14 years and have started a class blog a few times (with varying success). I LOVE words! I am also an author, wife of the man of my dreams, and mom to a son and a daughter, both young adults getting reading to begin their life adventures. I love to read, write, travel, and watch TV shows that make me cry.
I am so excited about the global nature of this challenge, not just for the students but for the commenters as well! Wouldn’t it be great to make some new friends so we could travel the world and visit each other??! Can’t wait to get started and talk to students around the globe. Technology is just amazing!
Hi, my name is Wendy Orchard (MrsO) & this is the first time I’ve been a Blogging Commenter.
Although I’m now retired, for 21 years I taught Technology at a Primary school for 8-12 year olds in Sydney, Australia. During this time, which started before the Internet was even available in schools I saw many changes in technology & I’m excited about it today & where it’s going in the future.
My interests include yoga, art & the marine life in & around rock pools. I really enjoy spending time with my family, including my three grandchildren, travelling to other countries in world & travelling & camping around my own amazing, huge & varied country.
I look forward to learning through reading blogs – as one of my favourite quotes by Michael Legrand is:
“The more I live, the more I learn.
The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”
Hello fellow, Commenters!
I am a High School tech/business teacher in the US, and am excited to help out in the roles as commenter for this session of the Student Blogging challenge. I have been (inconsistently) blogging with my students for a few years now. We tried the challenge last March for the first time with generally positive results. So here we are again giving it another go, with a new group. I hope to shed light on the benefits of good online communication and a genuine global audience with my class, along with providing support to many others! Can’t wait for the fun to begin,
Mrs. C.
Hi Everyone!
I am Pat Ruffing and I currently serve as a technology integration specialist at an independent PS-8 school in eastern Pennsylvania, USA. This is my second year at this school but…I have been a teacher for 44 years, with the last 19 years being in a tech integration role. I started blogging with students back in 2007 and I have previously served as a blogging challenge commenter as well as having had some classes take part in the challenge in the past. I truly believe student blogging can be a powerful vehicle for so many areas of learning, and that it can be a tremendous way to develop communication skills. I am co-teaching a 5th grade “book club” class this year and our small group of students will be part of the challenge. I know how excited students are when they realize someone has actually taken the time to comment on what they have written. I used to have a sign up in my old tech lab that indicated how many countries had visited our class blog. That number reached 121 countries!
I am a mother of 3 grown children and I also have 4 amazing grandchildren! It is an exciting time to be in education, and I can’t even imagine the wonderful experiences that await my grandchildren as they continue through school. What technology will they have at their disposal in the next five or ten years!
I am excited to read many wonderful student posts and to connect with classes around the world!
Hello Pat,
What an wonderful teaching career! I wholeheartedly agree that this is an amazing time in education with all the technology at the fingertips of children and educators. Thanks for sharing the impact blogging has on children. It is one of the reasons I continue to participate in this type of challenge.
Dinah
Hi there, Greetings from Kenya. My name is Thomas Oriya a teacher for the last 27 years. I teach learners from early childhood to primary school, 10 to 14, through college level. At my postgraduate l did research which l have continued to supervise my teacher trainees with findings that revealed how awesome the child,s learning is. This coupled by the various online courses l took, has urged me to incorporate edtech skills in my educational career. This opportunity is hereby presented in the Student Blogging Challenge, though being a first time commenter, will provide the perfect ground to launch such a challenge.
IT integration is still at its infancy in Kenyan public schools with a few private learning institutions initiating it. With this l just started a blog at https://amachild18.edublogs.org as this will be the avenue to use having gone through the self paced blogging for teachers.
I,m passionate about reading, farming and reaching out to new ideas through people, here through the students, teachers, and other educators.
Thank you al those who have kept such hopes alive.
TEACHER, THOMAS
Wow! How exciting to be able to learn about Kenyan education through blogging! I look forward to reading your perspectives!
Welcome and believe it will be a great opportunity to learn for all participants
As I was reading your post…I couldn’t help but “feel” your enthusiasm and passion for what you do! I think many of us can relate, we are reaching out to new ideas and what better way than being a part of such a great community. I am confident that you should be able to takeaway some great experiences out of this new endeavor! Can’t wait to take the challenge with you!!
Mrs. Quiroga,
l do appreciate your encourage.
Greetings.
My name is Selene and this is my first year as a commenter for the Student Blogging Challenge. I reside in California A.K.A. The Golden State -land of the California quail and the California poppy.
While I am a life long learner, I will be completing my program to become a teacher in the near future. During my spare time, I enjoy hiking, and walking my pet-especially during the warmer months. We have a pawtastic time together!
I hope those who participate in this challenge finish with new &/or improved skills, gain confidence in their blogging voice and celebrate their experiences with friends, family or classmates.
Hello!
My name is Trish and I am a first year commenter for the Student Blogging Challenge. My class is also participating in the challenge which is exciting for all of us. I live in Cave Creek, Arizona, in the southwestern United States. Cave Creek is gorgeous, mountains, saguaro cactus and prickly creatures everywhere.
I teach amazing 6th grade students Language Arts and love to read, write, and hike. Living in Arizona allows me to indulge all of these passions as well as share them with my students. My school is a dual language school, practicing a partial immersion model featuring Spanish. Some of my students spend half the day learning science and social studies in Spanish.
My family and I have camped over 400 nights in areas all over the United States and love to hike the Grand Canyon and Havasupai. We have a funny dog named Scout who loves to hike with us and 3 kids that keep us busy.
I was lucky to host a teacher from Saudi Arabia in my classroom for a quarter this year and love discovering new things about people and places. This opportunity is exactly the thing for me and I look forward to learning from everyone.
Feel free to visit my class blog and leave my students feedback.
https://mrsdsroadrunners.edublogs.org/2019/02/17/spanish-language-news-by-dual-immersion-students/
Hi!
My name is Lisa Hammershaimb. I am from just outside of Chicago, Illinois. In my daily work life, I do many things (which is perfect for me!) Most of the time I work as the Associate Dean of Curriculum for Graphic Arts with Independence University, a fully online vocational training college. This is a fancy title that basically means I write and update curriculum for our undergraduate program to ensure it stays relevant and, as much as possible, meets our unique learners where they are. With the position I teach a bit as well and very much enjoy the way, over the course of a term, an online classroom transforms from a bunch of geographically distant participants to really a strong community.
I also do assorted freelance graphic design projects and recently accepted a role as blog writer for the AACE Review blog. I really enjoy creating content, whether that means writing, drawing, digital painting (just got a new iPad + Apple Pencil and am IN LOVE) so try to make that a priority in my weekly schedule.
I’ve never been a volunteer commenter before but am very excited to begin. When I was working on my doctorate, I blogged pretty consistently as a way to document my experience. Though most of my writing was more for me to sort through my own ideas, just the act of sharing in the open helped me meet many cool new people and also connect with others who were going through similar experiences. I am a huge fan of open process and open learning so hope to be part of enabling students to find joy in those things too.
As far as other interesting facts, I have a 7.5 year old Yorkshire terrier names Ruby Joy. As I work from home, she’s my faithful co-worker, four legged child, and all around pal. She too is excited to be part of the challenge and share her own views as a canine commenter. Even now she’s audibly telling me what to write on her behalf. : )
Here’s my website: http://www.pixelsandtweed.com
Looking forward to connecting with everyone!
Hello there! I’m Jessie and live in Seattle, WA. I am actively seeking work (on a national level) in instructional design. I thought being a commenter would be a fun way to participate in the learning community while I transition into my next role. The temporary work in accounting just isn’t cutting it! 😊
My background is in training and I have a degree in instructional design, with an emphasis in eLearning. In my free time, I enjoy playing and coaching volleyball, reading true stories and/or the news, cooking, practicing yoga, and talking life with my besties.
My webfolio can be found at http://www.jessiebee123.edublogs.com.
I’m Talibah Chikwendu, a middle school teacher-librarian in Maryland. My students call me Ms. C.
I have been writing all my life — I was a journalist by professions in a variety of positions for 17 years before coming to public education. Towards the end of my time as a journalist, I began writing and English as an adjunct professor.
I first used blogging as part of my college classroom, which included some writing myself to demonstrate, but I don’t think I have fully harnessed the power of blogging as a personal tool. I think, being a journalist, I had an authentic audience, holding me accountable and giving feedback, so blogging didn’t seem to fit a need.
Having been away from the journalism profession for a while now, I find myself wondering if blogging is a platform that now has more value for me. Answering that question is what made participating in this project so appealing.
Additionally, I am beginning to use blogging for some of my middle school classes and am participating in the self-paced Blogging with Students course Edublogs offers. Participating in this process, I believe, will only enhance those other experiences.
I am looking forward to participating.
Wow! What a story you share. It sounds like you have a clear mission for yourself and your students. I’d love to hear more about what a teacher/librarian is and how you balance the two. Good luck with the commenting.
Hi Everyone,
My name is Jean Hammershaimb and I live in Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb just a little northwest of Chicago, USA. I am a retired elementary school teacher and am currently helping out in kindergarten twice a week. I love working with the Kinders. We spend our time reading on our tablets and we’re just beginning to identify the parts of a story and are trying our hand at writing stories. My young students call me Mrs H.
My husband is a retired chemical engineer and we have three adult daughters (one of which is also a commenter), and four grandchildren. We are blessed to live close enough to see one another frequently.
Among my many interests, I enjoy gardening, cooking, yoga, reading and traveling. Lately we have been remodeling spaces in our small home. I love looking at spaces and visualizing how to rework and redecorate them so they function more efficiently and hopefully are more pleasing aesthetically.
Almost forgot about Posey, my faithful, loyal and always hungry cocker spaniel. Posey is better know as my shadow. She is my constant companion and I love her dearly. She certainly models love and forgiveness to me. She always has time for me and she never holds grudges even if I accidentally step on her paw. Posey loves exploring new places and accompanies our family on road trips. She has been to many states across our country and even to Canada.
This is my first experience as a commenter. I am excited to be part of this team. Looking forward to connecting with people around our beautiful world.
Hello everyone,
My name is Dashia Andrews and I am super excited to be here. I am currently serving as a curriculum writer and education researcher for Noble Education Initiative. I was a classroom teacher at the K-12 level for nine years, a principal for four years, and a college professor for six years. I am looking forward to reading these young people blogs and hopefully starting my own soon. Thank you for having me.
Hi everyone,
My name is Cindy and I live in Raleigh, North Carolina which is on the east coast of the US. I live in the middle of the state, and if you drive two hours east you can visit beautiful beaches, and if you drive 4 hours west you are in the mountains, which is my favorite place to be! My husband is from England, so I have spent a lot of time in the UK over the past 20 years.
I am currently an online adjunct professor for Stevenson University in Baltimore, Maryland. I teach literacy courses to current and aspiring teachers. The course I am currently teaching is called Digital Literacy and Media, which talks all about online collaborations to build community and expand literacy skills, of which blogging is a perfect example!
Before I taught online, I taught students in 4th and 5th grade for 15 years. I have identical twin daughters who turn 18 in a few months and are heading off to college in August!
I am passionate about reading, journaling, yoga, and walking outside. I have considered starting to blog for years, but have never worked up the courage to start, or even figure out what I’d want to blog about! I am looking forward to interacting with new people during this blogging challenge.
Hi! I am a college student who just started a blog with a focus on college. I also love reading and yoga. I look forward to interacting more!
Hi! How do you find being an online adjunct, especially at a school several states away from your home? As a student, I love online classes and independent learning, but as a FTF adjunct, interested in teaching online, I am concerned about making the transition. Was the transition difficult? Is it harder to motivate students or is that less of an issue working online?
Also, I understand about “courage to start” a blog. Which I don’t seem to understand for myself. I wrote a newspaper column, weekly, for years and never worried about whether or not someone was interested in what I had to say. Now, with an opportunity to continue that in a blog, I hesitate. I hope that both of us find the courage we seek to start and sustain a blog.
Hi Cindy –
It’s nice to meet you virtually. I have been looking into finding work in Charlotte, NC, and have only heard great things about your state as you describe above. Your work sounds very interesting and I was wondering how you were able to transition into online teaching. Would you have any pointers?
Jessie
Hi! My name is Christa Pospisil. I am a library media specialist at an elementary school in Haslet, Texas! I am excited and looking forward to helping young writers.
Hello all, my name is Phil Giunta and I am excited to be here. I am a K-8 librarian in central New Hampshire. I love my job and I can not wait to be apart of this. I am working on creating blogs with my 7th grade students, and learning about them myself.
Hi Philip –
It’s nice to virtually meet you. Your work sounds interesting and also important! I love that I am able to start reading recreationally now that school is over. 😊 You mention you are a librarian, and I am curious to know what type of blog you are creating for your students. Would you mind sharing?
Jessie
Hi Everyone,
My name is Patricia Emerson, and I live in the US on the Oregon Coast. I am currently a substitute teacher who retired from full-time teaching in 2017. My students participated in the Challenge and blogged throughout the year. I have been a commenter several times and apologize in advance for the times when I fall behind during the ten-week period. I produce a video blog recommending YA literature, my passion, and hope you’ll check it out.
It is exciting to have a veteran commenter in our midst, someone to show us how it is done. You video blog is nice — I don’t have the guts to be in front of the camera. I like the approach and for your audience, the video blog is the best hook.
Sorry about that last post Patricia, I had a slight computer challenge!
Anyways, it’s nice to meet someone near and close as I’m up in Seattle. I watched your video as I’ve never seen a “video blog” before. I think it’s really great you find time for this as you can tell you are passionate about it. My question is, with all the books out there, how to you decide to narrow down your choices for your audience? I’m assuming you are highly recommending these books to your followers…
Jessie
Thank you for this piece.
Hello from Ohio, USA!
My name is Dinah Hunt. I’m a Media Specialist working with Teacher Education students in Early Childhood and Elementary Education programs. My hobby – and area of expertise – is educational technology. My favorite tech tool is the SMART board.
I keep two blogs. My personal one at http://dinahhunt.edublogs.org/ is for participation in this Edublogs challenge. The second is for work where we share all things involving the TERC http://teachereducationresourcecenter.blogspot.com/.
My non-tech hobbies involve all things arts and crafts. While I’m open to trying just about anything loom weaving and writing to pen pals are my all-time favorites.
I look forward to participating in this Student Blogging Challenge!
Hi Dinah –
Thanks for sharing about SMART board. I’ve heard of this concept but never have seen it in action until today. Do all your classrooms have this technology?
Jessie
Hello Jessie,
Sadly, not all classrooms on this campus have interactive boards. But a few teachers feel it is important to introduce the technology to students and I’m the resident “expert”. So I work with instructors and we teach future teachers how to use the board. The goal is to prepare them for their school classrooms.
Thanks.
Dinah
Hi Dinah,
This resource center gives insight on how to organize such a facility in my locality. thanks a lot.
Thomas
Hello Thomas,
Feel free to contact the TERC and we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about our center. We couldn’t have built such a facility without the teamwork of Ashland University and Lorain County Community College.
Thanks.
Dinah
Hi There. Greetings from Holland, today it is sunny and warm, and Spring is in the air. My name is Sally Edwards, I am an English teacher and work mostly with kids aged 9 – 12. I occasionally teach at high school too. I work with a lot of highly gifted kids too, helping them to utilise their talents and bring them into the world.
I write 2 blogs, one about teaching and one about mindfulness. check out http://www.soulpurposecommunications.com for the mindful posts. The teaching blog is still in the making as I am figuring out how to use a different system – and it is taking me a while.
I am looking forward to helping young writers get their words into the world, and helping them find their voice. I am looking forward to connecting with more people too, and am curious about what this experience will be like.
Hi Sally,
I don’t see your name on the commenters list but would love to have you join us. Please fill in the form here https://studentchallenge.edublogs.org/2019/02/03/commenters-2019/
Hi there. Greetings from sunny Egypt. My name is Josianne Fitzgerald, and I’m currently the middle and high school librarian at Cairo American College. I’ve been a librarian for about 10 years, and an elementary classroom teacher before that.
My librarian blog is http://alwaysunfolding.edublogs.org/, which I started when I took the Edublogs Personal Blogging course in January. Great course, by the way!
Looking forward to connecting with kids and helping them develop as bloggers.
Greetings, all. I am Barbara Kurtz, from Pennsylvania, in the United States. For 27 years I have been teaching Spanish, mostly to senior high students. I enjoy blogging and reading blogs, and the opportunity to encourage and mentor young writers is very exciting! I’m new to the role of commenter, but I am looking forward to the experience. It will be a pleasure to work with all of you and to develop connections and friendships.
Hi, everyone!
My name is Kim Yeomans and my students often call me Miss Y. I am a primary school teacher librarian who is currently taking leave. I live in Melbourne, Australia where it is nearing the end of a hot summer and students have just begun the school year.
I started blogging in 2009 with a school library blog http://smotlrcblog.edublogs.org/ that I loved writing for 9 years. It helped me connect with other librarians, teachers, students and authors. I now have a new blog where I recommend books for young readers because I am passionate about reading and connecting kids and books. http://wildaboutbooks.global2.vic.edu.au/ I am also on Twitter as @kimyeo.
In my spare time you will find me reading, walking, taking photos, and travelling both in Australia and overseas. In recent years, I’ve been lucky to visit Portugal, Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, New York, Washington and Singapore. It’s a long way to travel overseas from Australia, but exciting to explore new places!
I have been a student commenter twice and I’m really looking forward to connecting with this year’s student bloggers…
Hello, Kim! I I visited your book recommendation blog, and I was intrigued by the first book review I read. What’s more, I love this idea, and I am going to share it with librarians in my school district. It is nice to “meet” you!
Hello,
My name is Muriel Harrington. I am a French Mum of 3 living in England and currently homeschooling our talented 11 year old.
I trained as a teacher in England back in the 90’s but joined the world of business in Ireland immediately after. I am curious about the future of education and how it can be more child-led with or without the help of technology.
As an introvert who wrote diaries to avoid small talk and gossip, I now write for pleasure, on paper…
We have used technology to sustain our family business selling records online for the past 18 years. It has freed us from the dreaded daily commute and it has allowed creativity to fill our lives.
Looking forward to hearing students stories and their take on what education should be, what works for them, they are shaping the future of learning…
You can find me on LinkedIn.
À bientôt!
Muriel
Looking forward to hearing feedback from students
Greetings to All
Mr.Chandran from Bangalore, INDIA. Been a teacher in engineering earlier and now in management science. I teach young graduates pursuing their MBA Programme at R.V. Institute of Management. Imparting knowledge and skill through use of technology is been my passion. Of recent have adopted Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC s) and Flipped Classroom approaches for teaching ‘Innovation Management’ & ‘Rural and Agricultural Marketing’ for PG Classes. Have been awarded with AIMS-WE School Innovation Award in the year 2016 and 2018.As coordinator for RVIM Centre for Social Responsibility have initiated and organized at least 20 programmes every year since 2008 in the field of Philanthropy, Conservation, Environment Protection & Pollution Control, Climate Change Mitigation, Health Care, Geriatric Care and support, Disaster Management &First Aid, Animal Welfare, Rural Development, Communal Harmony & Peace. In 2018 RVIM Centre for Social Responsibility was awarded with Association for Indian Management Schools (AIMS) CSR Award.
I am in mid-50. My parents are 82 and 78 years. Astonishing thing is they are able to manage themselves to keep them fit in health. My mother is 78 years and is managing with leukemia (cancer) which was detected 6 years ago. She does all her house hold jobs and cooking herself. All I learn from them is to do our work ourselves to keep ourselves healthy and progressive.
My wife is religious and believes in nature care. She works for water supply department. My children, a son and a daughter are pursuing their college education and are sports and cycling enthusiast with lot of concern for environment. They have been supportive during all my CSR programmes.
My interest is in field hockey. Art and film making could be put in hobbies.
Hi! I am Tracy Vogelgesang. My students call me Mrs. V. I teach writing and science to grades 3-5 in Indiana in the United States. I have been teaching for 25 years. In addition to my teaching, I am also a writer. I write every chance I get.
My favorite thing to do when I am not teaching or writing is spending time with my husband, children, and two grandchildren. I also enjoy traveling, being outdoors, reading, gardening, and spending time with dear friends.
This is my first time to be a commenter. I am excited to see what students are blogging about across the globe! Although I have had my students blogging for several years, this is the first time that I have kept a teacher blog. My class blog can be found at brightfutures.edublogs.org. My teacher blog is at everydaycounts.edublogs.org.
What do you like most about blogging?
Hello Dear STUBC Commenters,
I’m Gail Desler, a teacher in the Elk Grove School District, located south of Sacramento, California. I work as a technology integration specialist, supporting teachers and students across grade levels and subject areas.
I joined the Edublogs community in 2006. Thirteen years later, I continue to learn and grow as an educator through blogging. Blogwalker (http://blogwalker.edublogs.org/) has become my digital file cabinet, a place for documenting my learning journeys.
I am passionate about taking student voices beyond the walls of the classroom and love the many ways blogging can offer our students a global microphone. I can’t wait to connect with our student bloggers.
Hi from Portugal!
My name is Alexandra Duarte and I am a Portuguese EFL teacher at a secondary school in Soure, a rural area, even though not very far from the famous university town of Coimbra, now a UNESCO site. I don’t live far from the school which allows me to have most of my meals at home. This school year I’m teaching teens and I also teach a very engaged (and demanding) group of adult learners (who bring their own kids to class :))
If curious about my school, Soure and surroundings, feel free to watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_W_m1hJI-U&t=7s.
I have two boys (23 and 17) who love reading, watching a good movie and travelling.
As far as I am concerned, I am an avid reader, a blogger (or should I say, a former blogger with research on blogging in Portugal), and very curious about free tools and their implementation in the classroom.
I love animals, but right now I have no pets…I juggle so much that any pet would suffer. Whenever I do have some time – even if it’s just before falling asleep, I read a bit and writing about books and reviews I usually do at https://www.instagram.com/teacheralexduarte/. You can also contact me at @ClubedeIngles.
And that’s it…I’m looking forward to reading your blog posts and commenting on them. It’s the second time I’m enrolling and I am really excited about it. So, let’s do it 🙂
Warm greetings from sunny but cold Portugal.
(Teacher Alex)
Hello! My name is Bonnie and my students call me Mrs. Caminiti. I live in Ottawa, Ontario which is the capital of Canada and, yes, we have A LOT of snow! We had a snow storm last night with 30cm so schools are closed for the day. I currently teach grade 3 but have taught Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2 and worked as a Special Education Resource Teacher. I am considering participating in the next blogging challenge so I have volunteered as a commentator to connect with students and see what the challenge is all about! We began blogging in our classroom 2 weeks ago. My students are really enjoying it and I am wondering why I have not done this sooner. I am passionate about using technology to help students reach a global audience and find meaningful connections for their learning. The blogging challenge sounds like a perfect fit.
I am a mother to three amazing daughters (21, 19 and 17)! I love to travel and I am looking forward to visiting family in Barcelona, experiencing Portugal and Ireland this summer. I am an avid runner and love cooking with healthy ingredients. I am fortunate to do a job I love every single day and I am passionate about learning and teaching.
I have not started my own blog yet but I am going to switch from using a website to a blog in the near future. I can be found on twitter @BonnieCaminiti.
I am looking forward to connecting with new students during the challenge!
Hello, readers!
My name is Mrs. Wohlafka, and I live in East Northport, which is a suburb of New York City in the state of New York, in the United States of America. I am a children’s librarian at a public library in my home district, Commack.
Before I was a librarian, I was an elementary teacher and a teacher of the gifted and talented. I got interested in the Student Blogging Challenge when I was studying to be a librarian. I have been a commenter for the Student Blogging Challenge for several years, and I enjoy interacting with students from all over the world!
I have two adult daughters, and identical twin granddaughters who will soon be two years old. Unfortunately, I don’t get to see my granddaughters as often as I would like, because they live in Virginia, near Washington, D.C.
Reading is my favorite hobby. I was born in Norway, and continue to speak Norwegian with my mom. I like to read books in both Norwegian and English. My favorite genre is mystery. I also like to play SCRABBLE in both English and Norwegian.
Mrs. Wohlafka
Hi. I’m Hilary Robertson. I’m either a teacher or a writer, depending on where I happen to be. Sometimes, I seem to be both at the same time. It’s a great life and I’m lucky to be able to play around with words. A lot!
Hello, Everyone!
My name is Angie Brand, or Ms. Brand as my students call me. I am currently in school to be a teacher, studying at the University of Northern Iowa. I hope to have my own classroom as a STEM teacher at the junior high level – I can’t decide between math and science yet! While I go to school myself, I am also substitute teaching in several districts in Eastern Iowa.
One of the classrooms I have worked in was a 6th grade class in Bettendorf, Iowa. The students in that class were piloting edublogs for the district and were doing amazing things with their blogs! It was so exciting to see what the kids were coming up with and watching them learn new things. That is why I decided to go ahead and be a commenter for the blogging challenge. I hope to encourage students like those I worked with to continue blogging.
I also have a blog at http://msbrandsclassroom.edublogs.org and you can find me on Twitter as @AngieBrand12. I am excited to connect with students, teachers, and other educators and to help students learn through technology!
Hello, commenters! I am new this year and excited to read and comment—and to encourage young writers. 😁 My name is Barb Kurtz; I live in northwest Pennsylvania in the United States. I have been teaching Spanish for 27 years, most of those years in grades 9-12. I enjoy blogging as a reflective process. This is an exciting opportunity, and I’m looking forward to connecting with others!
G’day Barbara,
Welcome to the challenge! I taught some basic Japanese to grade 6/7 students for a few years. But when I travelled to Japan for a fortnight’s holiday, I needed the guide book and a keen ear to pick up the few words I knew.
Hello everybody!
My name is Daniela Bunea and I am a teacher of English as a Foreign Language at a secondary school in Sibiu, which is a town in the centre of Romania. I am also the happy mother of a 9-year old son.
I am looking forward to reading students’ posts and commenting. It is the first time for me. 🙂
Welcome to the challenge Daniela,
I am sure your nine year old son would love to help with the commenting and learn from others around the world.
Hello Students and Commenters and Readers,
My name is Sheri Edwards; my students called me Ms Edwards, although after 31 years of teaching, I have retired. I tweet as grammasheri and nsdedwards I blog at What Else.
I love keeping up with education and maintaining my teaching connections. I am a connected learner and love to blog and help others learn to find their voice and digital presence through blogging, which is why I’ve volunteered to help out as a commenter — to encourage students to be a voice for the future by learning to be a helpful blogger.
I taught mostly middle school language arts media, but have taught all subjects except PE and music. I was the Technology Advocate at my school, and my students learned to create, curate, and connect using Google Apps. I still connect with my online teacher friends, collaborating and creating in projects. And I love blogging.
I have ten grandkids and will be a great-grandmother in July– so excited. We’ve recently lost our fifteen year old cat, and have found a new one we call IttyBitty. She’s a tabby and is growing up, but is small — and was so tiny — when we got her. Size has nothing to do with attitude, however, and she has plenty of that!
I spend my retired time helping our local library, blogging, walking, doodling, and painting in watercolor and gouache. My husband and I love jumping in the car and taking the back roads for some natural scenes and quiet adventures.
What do you think you would do when you retire?
I look forward to reading your posts.
Connect Kindly
Sheri
Hi, Sheri!
When I retire, I think I would move closer to my twin granddaughters! Where do your grandchildren live compared to you? Congratulations on your upcoming first great-grandchild!
May
Thank you Mrs Wohlafka. May, I’ve been very fortunate in that most of our grandchildren live within two hours to four hours from us! Another “set” live six hours away, still not too bad considering that many families live across country or around the world. We also connect through technology, so that’s a good thing about tech. And each summer when the kids were young, they’d spend time here at “Gramma Camp,” which are my favorite memories. Thanks for asking, and I hope you see your grandchildren more often. ~ Sheri
Thank you.
G’day Sheri,
Thanks for joining us again in the challenge. I bet your grandkids loved coming to Gramma Camp.
Greetings to Student Blogging Challenge commenters and participants,
I’m excited to be back participating after a five-year break. My name is Denise Krebs, or as my students call me, Mrs. Denise.
Originally, I am from California in the United States. Now I live and teach in Bahrain at the oldest private school in the country. It was started in 1899. (I was not one of the original teachers. 😉 I teach grade 5 English to students who are native Arabic speakers. It’s amazing to me how well my students learn two such varied languages.
In the past I have been a commenter for blogging challenges, but when I came to Bahrain we didn’t do as much blogging. Now, I will give the student challenge a try with my students so I thought I would also serve as a commenter. I like when students get comments; it can be very helpful to their progress.
I have two grown daughters and two sons-in-law who live in the U.S. I love to read, write, and learn. I’m looking forward to the challenge.
My class blog is at http://krebs.edublogs.org and my teacher blog is at http://mrsdkrebs.edublogs.org.
All the best to the commenters and participants!
Denise
Great to have you back again Denise,
I hope your students enjoy the activities and make some connections with others around the world.
G’day students and other readers,
My name is Sue Wyatt or tasteach as it might appear on some comments. I am the founder of the blogging challenge but after ten years I passed the main role onto Kathleen Morris. I am a retired teacher since 2011 after 35 years teaching from grade 3 to grade 8.
I live in Tasmania, which is the smallest state of Australia and my family has been here since the 1840s. My main hobbies work very well together. They are travelling (have visited 45 of the different states in America), genealogy or family history (have visited Ireland and England to do research on my family tree) and blogging (where I have a blog about my genealogy).
My parents in their 80s and my brother and his family live nearby. I don’t have any pets but there are many cats in the neighbourhood who love visiting my place to roll around on the gravel driveway. I enjoy the birds that visit and wake me in the morning: magpies, galahs, kookaburras, parrots, cockatoos and noisy miners.
Hello! My name is Lily. I live in the United States of America. I am a student and will also be participating in the challenge, as well as commenting. I started blogging in March of 2017. I’m volunteering as a commenter to try and build connections with people all around the world! I have a dog named Mr. Pip. He is a Biewer Terrier. I love him dearly! I’m super excited to be a commenter. You can check out my blog here: http://24lilyz.edublogs.org
G’day Lily,
Great to see you decided to be both a participant and a volunteer with commenting. I know from your previous comments that you enjoy blogging and making friends around the world. Welcome to the commenting team!
love that you decided to participate as a commenter and will be participating! I also have a dog, her name is Chloe, and she is a lopsa opsa. (you probably have never heard of such a dog, but they are beautiful.) I will check out your blog, here is mine! https://writingandreadingtips.edublogs.org