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Hey there,
I’m Ashley
Welcome to One Sharp Bunch! I’m Ashley, a passionate Kindergarten teacher dedicated to creating an enriching and playful learning experience for our littlest learners.
Since beginning my teaching career in 2004, I’ve become a connoisseur of teacher pens and markers, as well as a master actress, turning ordinary moments and objects into extraordinary teaching experiences and tools.
To me, the best learning involves integrated activities and, of course, a cute craft with a purpose.
I believe the words “fun, play, and creativity” can sit right alongside the words “developmentally appropriate, engaging, and rigorous.”
Learning is meant to be fun and messy!
Education & Experience
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Psychology, with minors in Mathematics and English. Upon graduation, I immediately began teaching Kindergarten in my hometown. Just a few short years later, I moved districts and went back to college for my Master of Arts in Administrative Science. I am also trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, as well as Responsive Classroom.
My journey as a Kindergarten teacher began in 2004… and yes, that’s a whole lot of years in the land of Kinder (both half and full day), but I can honestly say that it is the grade that has my whole heart and soul. Although our days are filled with hustle and bustle, I thoroughly enjoy the excitement and wonder that each new day brings during these early primary years. My ultimate goal as a teacher is to create a welcoming and captivating learning environment that makes my students love school and want to return the next day for more!
Despite having thought I wanted to teach middle school algebra or geometry, all of my nearly 20 years of teaching experience have been in Kindergarten. I, honestly, wouldn’t have it any other way, and I am so thankful that the universe put me on this path. Watching our youngest learners evolve as readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, and citizens has truly been a rewarding experience!
About Me
While teaching holds a big piece of my heart, my family will always be my number one why! I live in the Midwest with my incredibly supportive husband and our delightfully energetic son, Jackson. From time to time, you may catch a glimpse of my little guy on Instagram testing out crafts and activities… an act which certainly earns him the title of “Teacher’s Kid.” It is such an incredible blessing to be his mama and to have had the chance to be home with him during his toddler years.
Once a year, I don my party planning hat for my son’s birthday. From themed decorations to party favors and games, I absolutely love a good DIY party! If I wasn’t a teacher, I would 100% be a party planner. Classroom party day has always been my favorite… crazy, I know!
As a family, we love to travel, especially to Disney World. I will never get over the Disney magic. It’s just the best! If you don’t see us at Disney or a hockey or baseball game, you’ll surely find us at the beach… Siesta Key Beach to be exact!
One Sharp Bunch
During my time in the classroom, I was consistently searching for supplemental materials that would engage and excite my little learners. Just like you, I wanted to provide the most educational value, while yielding the biggest results. Since the provided curriculum wasn’t meeting the needs of a thematic, play-based learning environment, I decided to develop my own educational lessons, activities, and centers to use with my students.
After sharing these with fellow coworkers, I was encouraged to create a blog and Teachers Pay Teachers store. With the help of my teammates, the name One Sharp Bunch was coined and the ability for me to expand the impact beyond our immediate circle began!
One Sharp Bunch has certainly grown over the years. What began as a space for me to share the creative activities we were completing in the classroom, quickly became so much more. Not only has it provided me with an avenue for sharing our daily learning, it has also provided me with an opportunity for collaborating with and supporting other early childhood educators. One Sharp Bunch is now a well-loved early childhood education website, providing curriculum and lesson ideas to thousands of preschool, kindergarten, and 1st grade classrooms around the world (something I never would have dreamed in my wildest dreams)!
My Goal
My goal at One Sharp Bunch is to provide an encouraging platform where we can celebrate the joys, and even the challenges, of teaching together. I hope to save you valuable time and energy by simplifying the teaching process with practical tips, resources, and support that you can implement in the classroom right away. I’m here to help you turn every lesson into a magical, learning-filled experience.
So, whether we’re knee-deep in glitter or orchestrating a symphony of giggles during story time, let’s keep our little learners SHARP together!
