Karen Smith
Karen was born in Ohio but spent most of her childhood in Florida. She attended the University of Florida, where she met her husband, and she got her Master’s in Elementary Education at the University of South Florida. She taught first grade in Tampa until her oldest son was born. Her plans to return to the classroom changed when her husband’s job brought them to Pennsylvania where they welcomed another son. The following years brought them to Raleigh and then St. Augustine. After spending two years substitute teaching in St. Johns County, Karen is now teaching VPK at a local preschool. She enjoys days on the water with her family, reading “chick lit” with a glass of wine, pretending to be Ina Garten in the kitchen, and cheering on her Gators. She embraces all things #boymom and has never met a doughnut/taco/pasta that she didn’t like.
Allowing Yourself to be Grateful In a Difficult Year
Well, this year has been a doozy. A global pandemic, economic crash, political and social unrest, climate disasters, and don't even get me started on Tiger King. It's safe to say, we've all had...
3 Constants That Will Always Be Good About Brick and Mortar Schools
If you're anything like me, you've spent many sleepless nights worrying about your decision to send your child back to Brick and Mortar school. While many people around the country wish they were in...
Christmas in July: A Fun Summer Tradition!
I love Summer! As a teacher, I am blessed to have this time off to spend with my kids. We try to have a mix of relaxing time around the house and planned-out activities....
Ending PreK Without Getting to Say Goodbye
As a PreK teacher (and mom of two young boys,) my May calendar is usually jam-packed with the end of year checklists, class parties, school carnivals, VPK graduation, student portfolios, and so much more!...
Raising Empathetic Kids in a World of Bullies
The world is full of bullies. There's the cyber kind. The political leader kind. The mom's group kind. And the old fashion middle school kid kind. But, I ain't having any of it. I'm...
School is Canceled! Ideas for Structuring Your Day With Young Kids
Like most of the country, our school district (and state) recently announced that schools will be closed for the coming weeks. For some people, this news comes as a relief. For others, this kind...
Dear Al Roker, Kindergarten Is Not Just Coloring and Graham Crackers
Recently I overheard a conversation on the Today Show debating whether or not it is appropriate to take kids out of school for family vacations. One of the hosts mentioned that he didn't think...
Why You (And Others) Should Care Less about the Sex of Your Child
This post is for the soon-to-be-mom who is somewhat disappointed upon learning the sex of her unborn baby. It's for the parent who has two or more kiddos that are the same sex. And,...
Dear Planner, You Complete Me
Confession: I am in love. It is the type of love that is passionate, fulfilling, and brings unimaginable contentment. It's the kind of relationship that I don't want to imagine my life without, for...
How to Give the Perfect Teacher Gift this Holiday Season
It's that busy time of year where we are all frazzled and are wracking our brains trying to come up with perfect gifts for everyone on our list. If you are anything like me,...