Welcome to Growing Wiser!

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Hi, I'm Lindsay!

I’m willing to bet if you’ve found your way here you’re an educator – just like me!

I’m currently a 5th grade ELA teacher who finds myself constantly navigating how to avoid the dreaded ‘juvenile’ aspect of early elementary without treating my students like full blown high schoolers. You know…navigating those awkward middle years

I spent years teaching in the less conventional field of martial arts before shifting to traditional education. After the big switch, I spent some time creating curriculum for enrichment programs ranging from summer camps to digital lessons and activities. 

Finally, I found myself where I really love to be: the classroom! I have experience with 5th, 6th, and 8th grade. I adore navigating the weird middle years with students…and I especially love sharing my love of reading and writing!

When I was expecting my first child, hunched meticulously over maternity plans, I realized that I could share my approach not just with my long term sub – but with other teachers all over! Instead of nesting, I found myself nurturing the idea that became Growing Wiser – now, I’m excited to get to share my approach with you! 

About the Site

Growing Wiser is all about balancing rigor with engagement. Do I love fun, creative activities? Definitely…but I have to be convinced they are purposeful as well! Nothing drives me crazier than seeing a room full of students spend days on a creative project that looks wonderful hanging in the hallway only to leave the kids completely unable to tell you anything tangible about the topic. 

My goal is always to start from the learning target and work backwards from there. I like to think: 1. What do the students need to learn? 2. What makes sense as a way for them to learn it? and 3. How do I make that engaging? 

It’s a lot to balance. I don’t always have the answers – but I’m figuring it out, and I’m excited for you to come along on the journey with me as I do! 

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