Why "Conundrum"?

The name of this blog might be confusing to some people.  When I was brainstorming names for this blog, I knew I wanted something cute, catchy and fun.  I had the "Cook's Classroom" part, but I needed another "C" word to finish it out.  I went to the dictionary - the old fashioned paper version!  I love having access to an online dictionary, but sometimes you just need to look it up in  a book!While searching the "C" pages, I came across the word conundrum and stopped.  It sounded fun and interesting, but I always thought a conundrum was some sort of a problem.  It had a negative connotation for me. Why would I want to name my blog something about problems?  I read the definition: a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words - What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper.This was it!  I love puns! I love words!  Conundrum was perfect. So, there you have it.  That's why I named the blog Cook's Classroom Conundrum.  I love corny puns, and I love to share them with my kids. Do you have any favorite puns?  Cat puns are always funny : "My cat tripped and fell - What a CATastrophe!" Sometimes you just have to be there!In my classroom we read, write and have fun - especially with words!

Here We Go!

Welcome to my Blog!  I am a 5th grade educator of some amazing kids - past, present and future. I love teaching and came to this profession later in life than most - my own kids are well into their 20s.  You can do the math - that makes me a “digital immigrant” not a “digital native", so that makes this blogging journey a little scary for me.

 I’ve always admired people who can write and who are confident that they have something valuable to share. I never felt like I belonged in that category. It took me years to not be a “creeper” on facebook and finally get beyond "likes" and post a picture of my family!  So I have come to this task reluctantly and a little bit scared because this is way out of my comfort zone!

I have been inspired to write this blog first and foremost because my current learners have jumped on this blogging adventure with such excitement and confidence. They aren’t one bit apprehensive about people other than me reading their blogs and are sure that they have something valuable to share about their learning.  After reading over their first blog drafts, I have to agree. They will tell you that I always tell them to get out of their comfort zones and take a risk.  I think it’s time for this teacher to do the same!

This all started because I wanted a new way to run our Book Clubs.  I wanted to try something different that would be a valuable and engaging learning experience for my kids.  My first email was to our campus Digital Learning Coach.  She emailed me back almost immediately and had something to help me get started.  Alli P  is amazing, and I couldn’t do my job if it weren’t for her guidance, ideas and cheerleading! You can follow her on twitter @dlcoachalli.

Our new Book Clubs have started.  Please click the link below to read the blogs of some talented learners who are excited about reading!

Team Champion Reading Blogs