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A Whole New World...

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Anyone that knows me knows that I grew up LOVING classic Disney. My two favorite classics were Lion King and Aladdin! It was important to share my love for these classics with my students before they leave 2nd grade. I decided to start reading the new novelization of Aladdin that was released for the live action version. It was a hefty undertaking for 2nd graders, weighing in at a whopping 295 pages. They clung to every word, fascinated by the storytelling of this classic. Th ey constantly asked questions and begged for the next chapter! The more I read the story to them, the more I wished that they could all see the live action remake. I wanted them to experience the “magic” that I experienced the first time I saw the cartoon version. So a week ago, I decided it was worth a shot and I spoke to a few parents about an idea.  ?  Less than a day later, the theater had reserved the room for all of my classroom families so that we could all attend after school for the opening weekend! We we
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I Know The Meaning of This...

Sometimes, we are guilty of not giving children enough credit. We look at them as younger and less experienced and therefore we do not always take time to pause and REALLY listen to what they have to say. Although I try to be very careful not to let this happen in my classroom, occasionally it does. I could miss out on a great opportunity because it's the fourth time they have raised their hand during my mini-lesson or maybe three people have already gone to the restroom during my small group teaching. I begin to think that I cannot possibly have another interruption during my instruction. Unfortunately, it happens at times and we miss out on great opportunities! Thankfully, yesterday, I had one of the precious opportunities to REALLY hear what a student needed to say and it was exactly what I needed to hear that day. As I was reading The Giving Tree aloud, one of my students raised his hand and said in a quiet, yet confident voice, "Mr. Vaughn, I know the meaning of this stor
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The Place Where Burnout Meets Your Calling

I’m midway through Spring Break and finally feeling like I can start to form a few ideas that I’ve been wanting to express for quite some time now. The purpose of this blog has always been to promote positivity among educators, families and students. Today that will not change. Although I’ve contemplated many ways that I could express what I’ve been feeling over this past year, I believe that the most beneficial expression of my ideas would be that of honesty and sincerity. Thanks for taking your time to read my thoughts. (Please be aware that when I speak of the “educational system”, I’m speaking of the national system. Not my current workplace, which I love dearly.) Did you know that in SC, at least 30% of educators leave the teaching field within the first five years of employment? The number continues to rise each year. I’m now in my fifth year of teaching and I have a few comments to make about our current state of education and the big picture that I think we are missing. I’m ver
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End of Year Reflection

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As the school year draws to an end, I find myself reflecting on the past 171 school days. I'm reminded of the many ways my students have shaped my year.  I can't help but smile when I think of all the humorous comments they have made and the conversations we have held together. It always amazes me how much they grow physically, academically and socially during the course of one school year. Watching them become successful in these areas brings the highest sense of satisfaction as an educator. While I am so thankful that they have grown in these areas, I believe that the area of growth that I enjoy witnessing the most is that they have become a family. From Day 1, I always explain to my students that they are going to spend so much time together throughout the year that they are practically brothers and sisters. I explain that they should show respect to each person in the room and they should find ways to show that they care for each other every day. It warms my heart to see th
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Well Aren't You Honest?

I appreciate honesty. As a matter of fact, honesty is one of the biggest requirements for my classroom community. My students know that I expect the truth from them and they should expect the truth from me. It’s a two-way street. I guess they know that I like honesty a little too much. That might be the reason for the following exchange I had with a student in my fourth year of teaching. Student: Can I be a teacher when I grow up? Me: Of course! You just need to go to college after you graduate high school. Student: Can I teach here or will I have to find a new school? Me: I’m sure there will be a spot for you when you graduate. Student: Well, when you pass away, I’m going to take over your classroom. Me: Really? Student: Yeah, but I’m taking all the Mickey stuff down! Just like that, she had already plotted to take over my classroom when I died and to dig a little deeper... Mickey Mouse had to go! I laugh whenever I think of this exchange between the two of us. She was just being “
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When It Clicks

"Where do wolf live?" One of my favorite recess conversations a few years ago was with one of my students that spoke English as a second language. This child had a smile that would melt your heart and a personality to match. I had enjoyed watching him learn and grow. It was not the easiest process for him. Reading and writing, in particular, had been a struggle for him throughout the year. I worked tirelessly to help him make progress in these areas. This child worked HARD to learn new material. He always put a lot of effort into his work and practiced at home every night. His parents were devoted to helping him each day at home. With all of this extra help, he still struggled with reading and writing. I’m sure that as an educator, you’ve had those moments where you just feel like it’s not sinking in. No matter how hard you teach or how hard you plan, there are some students that just do not fully grasp the new information. I was having one of those weeks where I was just f
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WSAV News in the Classroom

My students had an exciting experience today. Our classroom was featured on WSAV3 at 6:00. The article and video can be found here: WSAV News Report
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