Miss Denning's BD Classroom

Hello Everyone!  It has been a while since I have updated my blog and so far this has been a crazy year full of learning experiences, ups, and downs.  I am in my first year of teaching at Northeast Elementary School in Glenwood, Iowa.  I have nine wonderful kiddos on my roster and have really enjoyed getting to know them throughout the school year.  I currently serve 4 kindergarteners, 3 first graders, and 2 second graders.  They definitely keep me on my toes!  All of them are able to spend the majority of their day in their general education classrooms.  Some of them come to me for academics, social skills, or to check in throughout the day.  I also see them when they are sturggling with compliance and behavior in the classroom and need a place to cool off and get back on track.  I learn something new each day and hope that my students do too!

A New School Year

I received some exciting news this past week.  I am the new Special Education Teacher for Northeast Elementary in Glenwood, Iowa.  I am looking forward to getting the school year started and to getting to know my students.  As I have been preparing to step into the classroom and get things set up and organized, I have found myself feeling a bit overwhelmed, however, I am enjoying decorating my classroom and brainstorming ideas to share with my students.  As I have been looking over IEP's and assessments and trying to determine where to start and what to focus on with each student, I have been struck by the thought that first and foremost, I want to focus on all of the things they can do and all of the things they are good at.  I want to focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities.  I have developed several lessons that I feel will provide them with encouragement and a positive outlook and I am truly anxious to start the year and get these students motivated.  While I was researching ideas a for my lessons I found a great video that I am planning to share with my students.  I wanted to share it with you as well.....

Welcome!

Hello Everyone!
      My name is Kimberlee (Kim) Denning.  I am currently a substitute teacher for Council Bluffs, Lewis Central, Bellevue, Tri-Center, and Underwood Schools. I currently live in Neola, Iowa with my two cats, Sydney and Sophey. I was raised and grew up in the Neola area. I really enjoy spending what little spare time I have reading, scrapbooking, attending concerts and sporting events, and with family and friends.
     I graduated from Buena Vista University in 2009 with my degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in Special Education, Social Studies, and Reading. In January 2011, I decided to start working on my Master’s Degree.  It has been quite a processing trying to juggle work and school. I will be finished with my master's in May 2013.  I am also working part-time as a Case Manager for adults with developmental disabilities.  Between work, school, family, and friends, there is not a whole lot of time left over, but I love every minute of it!