Chalkboard Chatter: Testing Season, Teaching Joy, Crockpot Comfort, and a Springtime Getaway

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Well hello everyone and welcome back to Chalkboard Chatter. I am your host, Candice Nicholson, and today we are talking about a few things that come up every spring in the classroom. You may hear teachers mention the M-Step and the Common Core State Standards, and sometimes parents wonder what exactly those are.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So uh, let’s start with the M-Step. M-Step stands for the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress. It is the statewide assessment used in Michigan to measure how well students are learning the academic standards in subjects like English language arts and mathematics. Students in several grade levels take the test each year. The goal is really to see how students are progressing and where schools can continue improving instruction.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now the test itself is not about memorizing random facts. Instead it measures how students apply what they have learned. For example, in reading they may analyze a passage or explain an idea using evidence. In math they might solve multi step problems or explain their reasoning.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

That leads us to the Common Core State Standards, often called CCSS. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level in English language arts and mathematics. Michigan adopted these standards to help ensure students develop strong skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So um, the standards guide what we teach, and the M-Step helps measure how students are doing with those skills.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

As teachers, we use this information to strengthen our instruction and help students grow. At the end of the day, it is all about supporting learning and helping students build the skills they need for the future.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And speaking of learning, that actually leads me right into what I have been seeing in my own classroom lately.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Well, um, being an educator really has been such a fun and rewarding journey. I know teaching can be challenging, but there are moments in the classroom that remind you exactly why you chose this path.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Lately I have been especially excited watching my 4th and 5th graders really grasp new skills. You know, there is something wonderful about seeing that moment when something finally clicks.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

In language arts we have been diving into literary and figurative language. Students are learning about similes, metaphors, personification, and all those tools that authors use to make writing come alive. At first some students look at it like, wait, what does this mean? But then suddenly they start recognizing it in stories and even using it in their own writing.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And um, it is so exciting to watch their creativity grow. They start describing things in ways that are imaginative and expressive. You can literally see their confidence building.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now over in math we have been focusing on strengthening those math facts. And let me tell you, students are commanding those facts with ease. Once those basics become automatic, it opens the door for them to tackle bigger problems and more complex concepts.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

What I love most right now is how hungry students are to learn. They ask questions, they want to explore ideas, and they genuinely want to understand the material. When students are curious like that, the classroom becomes such a vibrant place.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

You can feel the energy. You can feel the excitement.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And honestly, those moments make all the lesson planning and grading completely worth it.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now uh, after a busy week of teaching and learning, sometimes the best thing to do is slow things down a little at home. And that brings me to something that has still been working overtime in my kitchen.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Well, the crockpot is still crocking over here at my house. Even though we are starting to see signs that spring might be on the way, I am still enjoying some warm comfort food.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I was looking at the forecast this weekend and saw temperatures getting up to about seventy two degrees. That definitely feels like spring is getting closer. But uh, I am not ready to retire the crockpot just yet.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

One of the dishes I made recently is a really simple and delicious crockpot collard greens recipe. It is one of those meals that fills the house with the most amazing aroma.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Here is what goes into it.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

You start with two large bunches of fresh collard greens, or two sixteen ounce bags if they are already cut. Then add one smoked ham hock. You could also use a smoked turkey leg or wing, or even bacon if that is what you have.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Next comes one small diced onion and three cloves of minced garlic. For the liquid, add about three to four cups of chicken broth.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Then you season it with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of sugar to balance the bitterness, half a teaspoon of black pepper, half a teaspoon of salt, and about half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And finally, one tablespoon of butter.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

You put everything in the crockpot and let it cook low and slow for several hours. The greens become tender, flavorful, and absolutely comforting.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

It is one of those dishes that feels like home.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now um, speaking of relaxing weekends and good food, let me tell you about a little getaway Vern and I took recently.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So um, Vern and I recently celebrated our Valentine’s Day wedding anniversary, and we decided to spend the weekend in Grand Rapids. It was such a nice little getaway.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Grand Rapids is actually a very special place for me because it is where I attended college during my freshman year at Aquinas College. So going back there always brings back a lot of memories.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

One of the first things we did was take a walk through Ah-Nab-Awen Park. It sits right along the Grand River and it is just a beautiful place to stroll and enjoy the scenery. Even though it was still a little chilly, the air had that hint of spring.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

After that we spent some time exploring downtown Grand Rapids. There are so many great little shops and places to visit.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

One stop we really enjoyed was Martha’s Vineyard store. If you have ever been there, you know they have amazing specialty foods. We picked up some charcuterie items and a few desserts to enjoy back at the hotel room. It turned into a cozy little evening snack spread.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And of course we took some time to walk around Aquinas College. That was really meaningful for me. Seeing the campus again and remembering those early college days brought back a lot of great memories.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now I will be honest. No trip is complete without a little shopping. So yes, we definitely made time for that too.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

It was just a wonderful weekend together, relaxing and reconnecting.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And now that we are back home, there is another thing I am really looking forward to.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Well, one of the things that always makes my heart happy is when my boys come home.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

My three sons all attend Michigan State University, and right now they are on break. So I am very excited because that means the house is about to get a little louder and a lot more lively.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

There is just something special about having your kids back home, even if it is just for a short visit. I always look forward to hearing about what they have been doing on campus, what classes they are enjoying, and of course what new experiences they have had.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

College life keeps them busy, so when they come home it feels like a little reset for everyone.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

You know, we will probably spend time catching up over meals, maybe watching a movie together, and just enjoying being in the same space again. Those simple moments really mean a lot.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

As a mom, it is always amazing to see them growing into young men while still knowing that home is a place they can come back to.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So um, that is what I am looking forward to in the days ahead.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Thank you so much for spending this time with me here on Chalkboard Chatter. I always appreciate being able to share a little bit about education, life, family, and everything in between.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

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Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Until next time, take care everyone.