cardelean

Welcome to my profile page. As a Hubpages Greeter I am a part of a volunteer team to greet new Hubbers! I love to get to know the writers here on Hubpages and am always excited to see the new talent first hand.

I was honored with being voted as Hubpages best teacher and most likely to become a Hubpages employee in Hubpages first ever Hubbie Awards in celebration of their 5th anniversary in August of 2011.

My earliest experience that I remember as a writer was in kindergarten. Our school had a young author's contest and each grade level was to choose one winner. I wrote a story about a witch and a little girl and ended up winning the contest for kindergarten. As I advanced in school, I continued to develop my writing. I wrote a sort of spin off of Alice in Wonderland called Allison in Wanderland and it won for sixth grade.

Writing has always been a passion of mine but as a mother of two young children, Grace 5 and Alex 3 and 1/2, and a full time elementary school teacher, life keeps me pretty busy.

I have taught second through fifth grades but my favorites are third and fourth. I have a love of children's literature in which I treasure sharing both with my own children and my students. I have several children's books in the works and hope that one day I will have them published.

I have many interests that when time allows, I try to pursue. I enjoy gardening during our Michigan summers, love spending time with my family, enjoy scrapbooking, reading, and writing. I also love traveling, especially throughout my great state of Michigan. You will find that these are many of the topics that I enjoy writing about here on Hubpages!

As a new hubber I was awarded a hubnugget award for my hub, A Lesson for the Teacher. Thank you to all those that voted. If you are not yet a member of Hubpages but would like to join this fantastic community of writers, don't waste any more time! You can join here. You can also find me on Google +.

In the Spotlight

3 Homemade Playdough Recipes: Basic, Edible, and Jell-O

Learning doesn't have to be boring. By making your own playdough, kids can learn math, vocabulary, incorporate their five senses, and build cooperation skills. Included are recipes and a video.

In the Spotlight

Cooking With Kids: Easy, Cheesy Vegetable Bread Recipe

Have you ever had monkey bread? This recipe is very similar to it only it is much healthier! Still using the same concept, this bread uses cheese and vegetables. It is another great way to encourage your children to eat their veggies while allowing them to help you cook!

In the Spotlight

Rocketship Chicken Roll Ups and Other Space Party Foods

Having an outer space party? Here are some food ideas that are out of this world! From a rocketship chicken wrap to flying saucer cookies, your guests are sure to have both their imaginations and stomachs satisfied!

In the Spotlight

Best Children's Books to Teach Place Value and Base Ten

If your students are having difficulty understanding place value, these books are sure to help. Along with titles of books that address place value are some ideas on how to use them in your classroom.

In the Spotlight

How to Decorate a Writer's Notebook or Journal: Craft for Kids

If you're looking to help inspire a young writer, how about having them create and decorate a writer's notebook? These notebook decoration ideas are sure to inspire great stories.

In the Spotlight

Card Games for Math: Teaching Basic Math Skills

Playing card games are a great way to help children better understand basic math skills. Here are some great math card games for every level of learning!

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  14
  Preschool Lesson Plans

  Preschool Songs for Kids-Children's Songs About Thanksgiving

  12 years ago

  Looking for some cute preschool songs to share with your young children? Here are some songs that are sure to delight them and help them to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.

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  15
  wehavekids.com

  Best Children's Books to Teach Probability in Math

  16 months ago

  Stumped by the probability section in math class? Here's a list of books and activities that are sure to help strengthen your children's understanding of probability.

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  29
  Travel Tours

  Manufacturing Tours in Michigan: Factory Visits for Kids

  8 months ago

  Looking for fun and educational mini-trips for you and your kids? A factory tour is a great option! Find out which of these tours in Michigan are kid-friendly and free or low-cost. They are perfect for field trips as well.

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  15
  wehavekids.com

  Preschool Songs and Activities for Building Friendships

  14 months ago

  Here are some friendship songs for kids along with other tips and activities to help them build social ties with their peers.

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  76
  wehavekids.com

  3 Homemade Playdough Recipes: Basic, Edible, and Jell-O

  16 months ago

  Learning doesn't have to be boring. By making your own playdough, kids can learn math, vocabulary, incorporate their five senses, and build cooperation skills. Included are recipes and a video.

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  22
  wehavekids.com

  Best Children’s Books and Activities for Teaching Fractions

  16 months ago

  Teaching fractions doesn't have to be hard. Using children's picture books about fractions is a great way to launch a unit, build on an idea, or conclude a lesson. Here is a list of books about fractions, along with activities to get you started.

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  11
  wehavekids.com

  My Favorite Children's Books to Teach Multiplication and Division

  14 months ago

  Here is a list of picture books to help your children or students learn multiplication and division. There are even starter activities included!

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  90
  wehavekids.com

  Mini Display Boards for Science Experiments

  16 months ago

  Want a fun and easy way to teach children the scientific process? Use these mini display boards to show them just how fun this topic can be.

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  41
  Poems & Poetry

  Boys Will Be Boys: A Poem About Raising Boys

  12 years ago

  For all of the mothers in the world who are raising boys, this poem is for you. Remember that as you raise your boys, they will become the man that you help him to be.

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  28
  wehavekids.com

  How to Decorate a Writer's Notebook or Journal: Craft for Kids

  16 months ago

  If you're looking to help inspire a young writer, how about having them create and decorate a writer's notebook? These notebook decoration ideas are sure to inspire great stories.

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  40
  Christmas

  The Christmas Orange: A Family Holiday Tradition

  7 months ago

  Family traditions are a great way to spend the holiday season. Here is my family's tradition of the Christmas orange.

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  35
  wanderwisdom.com

  Family Friendly Vacations: A Guide to Sesame Place Theme Park

  10 months ago

  If you are planning a trip to Sesame Place in Pennsylvania, you will want to make the most of your time and money. Here are some things to think about as you embark on your adventure.

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  26
  Family Trips

  Coastlines of Michigan's Upper Peninsula

  12 years ago

  Michigan has hundreds of miles of coastlines. Its Great Lakes are a natural beauty and attraction in the state. Come and explore the beauty of the coastlines and all that it has to offer.

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  54
  wehavekids.com

  The Impact of the Beauty Industry on Young Girls

  14 months ago

  The beauty industry is a very influential part of our young girls' lives. How does this impact their self-esteem and self-worth, and how can we help?

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  32
  Popular & Elementary Math

  Best Children's Books to Teach Place Value and Base Ten

  12 years ago

  If your students are having difficulty understanding place value, these books are sure to help. Along with titles of books that address place value are some ideas on how to use them in your classroom.

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  52
  wehavekids.com

  Free Math and Reading Websites: Educational Online Games for Kids

  16 months ago

  What are some of the best educational games for kids online? Here is a list of learning websites in math, reading, science, and social studies for your learner. They are not only educational but fun!

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  24
  wehavekids.com

  Teaching Children About Diversity With the Book "The Sandwich Swap"

  16 months ago

  "The Sandwich Swap" by Kelly DiPucchio is a fantastic tale that promotes diversity and understanding among children. It is a great story for the classroom. I've also included some extension activities.

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  14
  wehavekids.com

  Fun Potluck Playdate Ideas and Menus for Kids

  14 months ago

  Potluck playdates are a simple way to bring families together, and they're easy on your budget. Check out these ideas for food and themes to get you started!

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  8
  Teaching Math

  Math Workshop Model: Teaching Elementary Mathematics

  12 years ago

  The math workshop model is an interactive method for teaching mathematics. The structure, ideas to get started, and how math workshop impacts students are included.

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  20
  wehavekids.com

  The Best Educational Cartoon TV Shows for Kids

  16 months ago

  From math to science to learning to read, many animated TV shows enhance a child's learning. Here is a list of fantastic shows that will keep your child learning the entire time.

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  40
  Weddings & Wedding Planning

  My Big Fat Romanian Wedding: Tips on Successfully Blending Cultures and Family Traditions at Weddings

  2 years ago

  If you are planning a multi-cultural wedding, things can get very tricky. Use these tips to make the most memorable wedding experience for all people involved.

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  7
  Outdoor Games

  Wooden Swing Set vs. Plastic Swing Set: Choosing the Best Outdoor Playset for Your Family

  12 years ago

  Making a decision about a swing set for your family can be a challenging task. One of the first questions that families think about is whether to make choose a plastic or wooden set. Here are some pros and cons to each.

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  11
  Science Fairs & Experiments

  Animal Habitat Project for Elementary Students

  12 years ago

  If you are looking for a great animal project for your students, look no further. This project is complete with a rubric!

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  15
  owlcation.com

  A Black History Month Project (With Outline and Rubric)

  14 months ago

  If you're looking for a great Black History project for your students, look no further. This project is complete with ideas and a rubric for grading.