Bio
My name is Carolyn Haines and I am a teacher, an avid reader, a technophile, a photographer, a chirographer, and a board game lover.
In thinking about what to tell you about me, all I had to do was look at my desk. On my desk, in no particular order, are:
a cup of Mr. Sketch markers
a fountain pen and a bottle of ink
my iPad with a YouTube video cued up
a globe
a cup of dice and a deck of cards
copies of White Fang, The Wild Robot Escapes, Hatchet, and Words Their Way and a big pile of teacher books
a vintage twin lens reflex camera that I affectionately call "Carl."
the detritus of a QR code math game
my beloved bullet journal
Teacher
I teach third grade at my neighborhood public school. It took me longer than most to realize this is where I belong. I get a daily dose of childhood happiness and a front row seat to more “ah-ha” moments than I could imagine. While I love teaching all subjects, reading and science are my favorites.
I began my career teaching adults. But my heart lies with children. I love the joy and curiosity that kids bring to the classroom. Everything is a possible when you’re 8 years old.
Reader
Books. Oh, books. I love books. When my kids ask me to buy them a book I can't possibly say no. Books are magical transporters to other worlds. Books help us grow and learn. Books help us explore and identify with others. Books help us escape at the end of a long week. A few of my favorite books include Memoirs of a Geisha, Cryptonomicon, The Circus Ship, Airframe, Cuckoo's Calling, Ender's Game, and Ada Twist, Scientist.
Photographer
A photograph has amazing power. It can transport you to another place and time. It can show you things in an entirely new way. It helps you to empathize with others and transform your world. When you view a photograph, you see through another's eyes. When you view my photographs, you know who I am.
Board Gamer
You don't really know someone until you've played a game with them. I love all kinds of games, but most especially board games and card games. Some of my favorites are Ticket to Ride, Sequence, Sushi-Go! and Clue.