Inside the Mind of a Jesus Follower

Summer is here and it can be really hard for families to come up with educational activities for their children. However, in an attempt to avoid the summer slide I am creating Tip of the Day videos to give ideas and suggestions that kids can do for some learning fun. Subscribe to my Youtube Channel :  Alecia Gardner's Youtube Channel Tip of the Day 2 Tip of the Day 3 Tip of the Day 4 Tip of the Day 5 Tip of the Day 6 Tip of the Day 7

Shameless plug alert! My crazy wonderful fourth graders Cardinal students are some of the most caring, considerate and loving people I have ever known. This dynamic school district has felt some major heartache, and has faced some trials educators, parents and community members hope to never experience. Yet, the team of students, teachers, administrators and community members band together when things are tough and find a way to come out on top. A few of our AMAZING families Culture and climate are things that usually take a hit when times get tough or when tragedy strikes. Yet, Cardinal has found a way to see the sunshine through the darkness because our leaders, parents and community members have helped create a positive environment. Cardinal is not just a community of learners and educators it is a family full of love, hope, passion and empathy.    Our culture is one of solution-oriented conversations, and a powerful and engaging education. We are a t...

(Please see part 1 if you have stumbled upon part 2 first) Keeping to my word, after our first meeting, I sent suggestions to Ms. Footinmouth.  I inquired how Nehemiah was progressing on a regular basis until Christmas break. Everything seemed to be getting better, and my son was not crying as much to go to school. Though something still did not feel right, and I thought it was just the Mommy in me harboring some resentment from our first meeting. Sadly, I was wrong. In April, after no news except for good news at the second set of conferences, I received a long email from the teacher. The email stated how she has been struggling all year with my child. She shared how his behavior was not allowing her to spend enough time with other students because she had to remind him to take out his materials, repeat directions and get him to focus. He was being sent to the principal's office that same day for his defiance during math, and she was really not sure what to do anymore. She r...

Climbing A Mountain of Snow Parent Teacher conferences are one of my favorite times of year. I love to have the opportunity to brag about "my kids" to their families. It is a great opportunity to see the kids sharing what they enjoy most about school, and discussing strategies to help in areas of weakness. Though, each year I flash back to the worst and best parent teacher conference of my life. This one was with my own child's teacher, and it is one incident, which helps me find perspective when I face a challenging student. "Welcome! Would you mind if a student teacher is allowed to sit in on your conference this evening?" the teacher questioned as she guided me into the room. "Of course, I do not mind at all." I said happily. I was introduced to the student teacher, and we all settled into our chairs.  "I am so glad you could make it tonight. I wanted to talk with you about putting your son on some medication for his ADHD," the...

Happiness is one of those things we all strive for, seek when we have lost it, and take it for granted when we have it.  In my philosophy class in college we had a heated debate regarding the word happy. It was interesting to hear the different view points about this five letter word. I truly believe that happiness is a choice (and I still have an 8 page philosophical essay to back up why I feel that way). Granted sometimes it is a difficult choice to make when life has thrown you a curve ball. Yet, if you choose a smile, and give it all to God, you can find the glory in each and every day. Sometimes, you have to DECIDE to be happy. The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon  is something I read after taking the 4th grade teaching position at a tiny school district in Eldon, Iowa .   Cardinal Community School District is a dynamic district, always seeking ways to ensure positive vibes are being cast out to our students, families,  community, co-workers and the world in which we...

The long winter months can settle into your bones, and seep into your skin. The biting winds, blowing snow, ice covered playground can bring a chill to more than just your nose. It can make you feel less than cheerful. The warmth that usually works its way into your heart may be harder to find when all you want to do is curl up in your cozy bed, with a book and a hot beverage. However, no matter what you feel like you still have a job to do. Unlike other professions, you cannot hide away in your office or cubicle. Instead you are surrounded all day by small or large students begging for your positive attention. They do not care if you are in a slump, or feeling the winter cold blues. They want you to be present, not just there. So, I have a few suggestions to help you keep warm in your classroom when Old Man Winter has curled your toes in agony. Bracelets Sisters reminding us to be kind even if we are faced with the cold. 1. SMILE! Yes that is right. Smile, when you feel bad, dow...