A Smooth and Joyful Week in the Classroom and at Home

By: LaQuana Thornton

This Week Felt Like a Breath of Fresh Air

This week was one of the easiest and most enjoyable weeks I have had in a while. As a mom, it felt amazing to finally have a routine that worked perfectly. I was able to get all of my kids fed, bathed, and in bed on time every single night. That alone felt like a big win.

I also had a special moment outside of school. I took a day off from teaching to watch my best friend graduate from Southern Regional Technical College. I felt so proud of her and grateful that I was able to be there on her big day. On top of that, I completed several assignments for school. If every week could go this smoothly, I think all of us teachers and moms would be a lot more relaxed.

We are officially one week away from Thanksgiving break, and I am counting down the days. My family and I are going on a mini vacation, and I am so excited to relax, reset, and enjoy time together.

Long Vowel Learning in My Classroom

In my classroom, we continued building on our Science of Reading skills. This week we focused on long u words, and then we spent time reviewing all the long vowel sounds during our MyView lessons. The review helped my students make connections between patterns they have been learning over the last few weeks.

We also revisited our digraphs and practiced how the magic e works. These reviews are so important because they help students strengthen the foundational skills they need for reading. I love seeing their confidence grow as they begin to recognize patterns, blend sounds, and read words with ease.

A Creative and Engaging Read Aloud

One of my favorite moments this week was our read aloud of The Purple Crayon. My students were so engaged. After listening to the story, they were able to answer questions and explain the moral. They also identified the problem and the solution in the story, which showed great comprehension growth.

After the discussion, the students created their own artwork using their favorite color, just like the main character. They also made their own creepy crayon, and they were so proud to show off their creations. Seeing their creativity shine and their imaginations come alive made the activity even more meaningful.

Ending the Week with Gratitude

This week reminded me that even during busy seasons, there are moments that feel peaceful and full of joy. My classroom felt productive and fun, and my personal life felt balanced and calm. Weeks like this give me the energy I need to keep going and keep growing as a mom, teacher, and student.

I am looking forward to next week and even more excited for Thanksgiving break. A little rest and a mini vacation are exactly what we need.