Welcome to the new school year. The beginning of the year is always an exciting time! It is hard to believe that we have already been in school for 16 days.
Here is a little bit of background information about myself. Besides being a teacher, I am also a single mom of four sons, ages 10, 13, 16 and 19. They keep me very busy when I’m not at school. I completed my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: English as a Second Language in 2009. I am very passionate about the importance of oral language development for ALL students. Strong listening and speaking skills are the foundation for success, not only in school, but in life.
The first weeks of school are all about bonding, learning the classroom routines and settling in to the learning environment. We have been focused on developing the classroom community which helps the children feel safe and comfortable. Our class motto is “It’s all about the learning!” One of the first things I try to instill in the children is that mistakes are a part of learning. I do not want them to try to be perfect. “If you were perfect, you would already be in college.College doesn’t have center time.” I strive to make learning a process for my students that recognizes their best efforts and encourages them to stretch and take risks, without fear of making mistakes. I often point out mistakes that I make so they understand that I am not perfect either and that I am still learning too!
My goal is to post updates to this blog weekly. Sometimes life gets in the way so I promise to do my best. 
I look forward to Back To School Night tomorrow.
Ms. Diana Whitaker
