Mrs. Mama Hen
Welcome to A Hen and her Homework! My name is Michelle Klein and I have been in education for 16 years. I started as a special education paraprofessional, and then a long term substitute. For the last 12 years I have taught mostly first grade, but I do have experience teaching two years in second grade. I have a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and a master’s degree in elementary education. I have experience working with students with learning disabilities, those who struggle with behavior, anxiety or mental health, students with autism and a whole bunch in between. I truly love what I do! I am also a boy mom to three rambunctious, little boys. J is six years old and in kindergarten. M is four years old and in preschool. B is nine months old. After having my third baby in June 2023, I took an extended maternity leave to focus more on being a mom. It has been such a gift to focus on one full time job for a bit instead of two. This time has also given me the time to start up my own Teachers Pay Teachers store (Klein’s Creations) and blog to help other parents/teachers.
What’s the story behind A Hen and her Homework?
In addition to being an educator, mother and wife, I am also an avid animal lover! Having so many animals keeps life especially busy and entertaining. Many of our family and friends have enjoyed following along with the Klein Farm and I thought it would be fun to include them here too. My husband came up with the name “A Hen and her Homework” after brainstorming with me one night. He deserves a ton of credit for also tolerating my love for animals! Having a lot of animals has been an amazing learning experience for my children as well. It has taught them responsibility and how to take care of something smaller than yourself. Additionally, they have learned different animal facts and love spending time outdoors.
Meet Our Animals
Welcome to the Klein Farm
Oscar
12 year old – Zuchon
Oscar is our glorified coach potato. We adopted him after my grandma passed away seven years ago. He is the sweetest dog with our children and tolerates so much. Oscar also loves daily walks and car rides with Mommy.
Callie
3 year old Border Collie
Three years ago we rescued Callie from a farmer who was going to shoot her. The poor thing was full of worms and had never been inside a house. Three years later she is THRIVING! She goes to work with my husband daily and loves playing with my kiddos. On the weekends, she loves being chased by our rooster. Yes. You read that correctly.
The Guinea Pigs
The boys
Roger is our three year old guinea pig. He recently lost his buddy, Jefferson. Our newest additions are brothers: Mushu and Harrison Michael. We adopted them from the MSPCA and they are 5 months old.
The Hens
2 years old – The Ladies
We have five hens that we named after our departed grandmothers. From left to right: Anna, Gerty, Jeanie, Beluah, and Catherine. The ladies each lay an egg a day and love foraging around our yard.
The Rooster
2 years old – The king of the roost
John is our rooster who takes very good care of our flock. He regularly protects them against predators. In his “spare” time he enjoys chasing Callie around the yard and following Mommy around the yard looking for treats. He can be really tough, but he’s a puppy dog with me.
The Parakeets
Avocado and Bluey – 4 months old and 8 months old
Avy and Bluey are our parakeets. They bring us so much joy with their silly antics. Both girls love playing with all their toys and listening to music during the day. They especially love Van Morrison and Elton John.