Twenty-two years of teaching fifth-graders math has continually evolved my approach to teaching. I try to have a varied approach to teaching math. Sure, pencil and paper work-it-out is a large part of it. But, more and more, I have learned to stress other things. I really enjoy hearing their ideas on how to solve problems. I often find their way is better than mine. I then have one more way to teach it. I have humor in my teaching because I tend to see humor in most everything. I like silly and it comes through when I teach even if I am having a bad day. One thing is constant: the kids are still awesome! I learn to enjoy them more each day. The favorite thing I love to hear is "I thought this would be hard but it's easy!"