So apparently Liebster is all about the number eleven. According to the rules of the Liebster Award, I am to answer 11 questions posted on Richi's website, choose 11 people to whom I will pass on this honor, and then write 11 of my own questions which the new recipients must in turn answer. I cannot “tag back” the other blog, but must leave a comment on her post with the URL of my Liebster post so everyone can learn more about this blog & see who I nominate. Awards are granted to up and coming bloggers with fewer than 200 followers who deserve some recognition and support to keep on blogging.
Richi's Questions for me:
1. Who is your favorite children's author?
Wow! Is there any more difficult question to ask of a first grade teacher? Currently I am obsessed with Kevin Henkes, but that is partly because we are in the final week of an Authors as Mentors unit featuring Mr. Henkes. My favorite author changes all the time, but he is one that I consistently fall back on. I hope to post some of my Kevin Henkes work to share with my followers soon!
2. Who is your favorite (personal, not children's) author?
Yet another tricky question! I love reading, and I especially love books that I learn from. A lot of teachers complain that they don't find time to read, but as a subway rider, I have about half an hour a day of commuting time which I can use to indulge in a good book. I'll typically choose historical fiction or multicultural literature so I can get a glimpse into a time or place I don't know a lot about. I usually don't choose based on the author, but a topic I'm curious about. When I'm tired and lazy, I always enjoy a Jodi Piccoult book, which is like a good Lifetime movie.
3. What is the name of your favorite cookbook?
I have a lot of cookbooks for baking (I love the illustrations!), but lately all of my dinner recipes have been coming from Pinterest! Before that I used the online versions of Everday Food magazine and Real Simple magazine.
4. What is your favorite comfort food?
I go through phases. A few years ago, I cooked a lot of rice and beans. Now I've switched to pasta. Any kind of pasta fills that comfort food craving, but my go to dish is penne with beet sauce.
5. What is your favorite food on your holiday table?
Right now I have Thanksgiving on my mind, so I'd have to go with sweet potatoes with cranberries!
6. Beach or Mountains?
Easy- the beach! My boyfriend and I love driving his jeep out to the barrier islands off of Long Island and camping out. I miss the summer!
7. If you could meet one famous (deceased) person, who would it be?
Mother Teresa would be interesting to meet.
8. What is your most favorite thematic unit to teach?
Last year I taught an amazing thematic unit on butterflies, but my school doesn't do a lot of thematic units, so it's hard to say. I hope to begin using thematic units in the future, so I can't wait to see this response on other blogs.
9. Do you live in a red state or a blue state or neither (I don't live in the US)?
Blue- GO OBAMA!
10. What food do you hate, as in "I will NOT eat it, Sam I Am!"
I hate codfish (bacalao), which is sad, because I usually love the foods it is served with.
11. Which of these chefs most closely represent your cooking (eating) philosophy: Paula Deen (southern and rich), Bobby Flay (grilled and spicy), Ina Garten (classic and comforting) or Rachel Ray (quick and easy):
Rachel Ray- I actually use a lot of recipes from her magazine, too.
My questions:
1. What is the best part of being a teacher?
2. If you could eliminate one aspect of your job, what would it be?
3. What extra support do you think you should receive from your staff developer (math coach, literacy coach, etc), but don't? If you don't have someone filling this role in your school, do you wish you did, and why?
4. What do you think is your greatest accomplishment so far in life?
5. What are the top three items on your holiday wish list?
6. What is your best time management tip for other teachers?
7. What song do you recommend classes sing for a winter concert?
8. What is the best book you've read this year (personal, not children's)?
9. What is your favorite children's book?
10. What is one goal you would like to accomplish in the next five years?
11. Does your school use any curriculum programs you are passionate about?
