Monday, August 25, 2014

A new look...

I have been waiting all summer for this new look!  Ahh, I am pretty good with code, but honestly, I didn't want to spend the time designing.  So this look makes me oh so happy!  Part of having this little blog re-done is actually using it!  Imagine that!  I sit here on Sunday night procrastinating lesson planning (already, I know) and looking forward to a day of PD;)

  Since I have been in my classroom this past week, it is about 95% complete!  I don't put too much on the walls, as I wait for the kiddos to fill those up.  But what I could fill up, I did.  Here are a few things that I did as I was working, you can see more pictures on my IG feed.

One HUGE task that I wanted to tackle this year, was my library.  I have so many books and they are pretty organized, but honestly, last year, I realized I needed a better system.  So I sorted them, two days people!  And then I labeled like crazy!
I bought a set by Molly Maloy.  I loved that they were editable!  They did the trick.  I can't just label a basket, I need to label the books if I want them to be returned back to their proper home.  I need to take photos to show what they look like now:)

This year, I decided to dedicate a writing area.  It was hard being I have so many desks in my class, but I made it work.  Here it is in progress.  And what I ended up doing with it.
Love it!  I know I will change things up, but it is perfect for the start of the year!
And my center tubs.  Had them in different colors last year, but I am loving these so much better (they "go" with my class).  I have had the rainbow cart on the right for over 10 years, and honestly, it's not my favorite.  The drawers go off track easily and since the back has open spots, dust gets in there so easily.  But I think it will be perfect for my math centers this year.
  And do you see those tubs on the top left?  Those my friends, are tidy tubs.  I saw it on IG and knew I needed it in my classroom life!  Eaach table gets one when we are doing our cutting and pasting and then all trash goes in there, then one person is in charge of throwing out the trash.  This will prevent the kiddos from getting up after each piece they cut.  I can't wait to use it!
I changed up my focus board.  I have class rules there, as well as spots for my standards, essential questions, etc.  I can't wait to use them.  Looks so much better.  I did put it in my TPT store if you want to see.  And everything on the right, is what I've had up, but a bit more organized.  I am loving the black!

And folks, that is all!  I have to get to bed!  I need to get up before the freaking birds, so pray for me, LOL!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Monday, August 11, 2014

Meet the Teacher..

I couldn't help but link up with this linky after I saw it!  So 2 posts in one day people!  A miracle I tell ya! So here I am linking up with Stephanie over at Falling into First!
I hope to meet some new teachers in this linky!  But first, here's a little about me.
I am a 30-somthing(cough-cough) teacher that has been teaching going on 15 years.  Yikes!  My first 5 years I taught second, and thought no other grade could be better, until I moved to first.  I LOOOOOVE firsties.  Nothing like laying down the basics to get those kiddos up a soaring for  second grade.  I taught a combo of 1st/2nd graders this past year and WOW, one of the best classes I've had in a long time.  I have to admit, I am ready to have a class full of only firsties this year.

I am a mama to this cutie pie.  This is an old pic - because she just turned 10 and boy has her face changed!  Okay, here is a better one - taken before school got - how do I know?  I have make-up on, LOL!
See what I mean?  She's my pretty girl:)
And these two...my two other kids that still get me up at 5:30 every morning.

Meet Jax and Princess.  Oh these two.  I have a 10 year old that sleeps in, but these cats don't seem to understand it is summer(well for another week)!!
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...
*Coffee *Make-Up *Photography(used to take family pics on the side) *coffee *shopping *crafting(of any kind) *Scrapbooking(used to work for many scrapbook companies) *reading, but lately I am obsessed with listening to books while I work *coffee *girl time with my favorite girl *beach time *Disneyland I know there are more......

 IF YOU WEREN'T A TEACHER, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?
Definitely something crafty.  Making things, photographing them, sewing...all up my alley!

THREE LITTLE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU.
*Creative*Reliable*Dedicated

FINISH THE SENTENCE, "________,  SAID NO TEACHER EVER!!"
I really love doing report cards, said no teacher ever!  Ha!  Isn't that the truth!

Q: IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY AND YOU CAN INVITE ANYONE {DEAD OR ALIVE} TO THE PARTY. WHO ARE YOU INVITING?
Hmmmm...famous?  JT(hello:), Oprah(can you say gifts for everyone?), Ellen(we need a dance leader), Farmer Chris from the Bachelor (eye candy), LOL! I love this list.

Q: IF SOMEONE WROTE A BOOK ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?
How to do 5,432 things at one time!

Q:YOU GET TO PICK ONE SUPERPOWER. WHAT IS IT?
The ability to freeze time, so I can sleep in, finish work, take a potty break at work, oh the list goes on...

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR SAYING?
It is what it is

Q: IF YOU HAD TO SING ONE SONG ON AMERICAN IDOL, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 
I wouldn't, LOL!  I can't sing.  Ask any of my former students:)

Q: ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT OWL?
Both!  But if I had to choose, it would be Night owl.  I get most my work done late at night.

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE RESOURCE THAT YOU'VE CREATED IN YOUR TPT SHOP?
All of them, duh:)  Kidding.  There are a few favorites that I just coldn't live without...

I made these last year when I had my combo(so there is one for 2nd grade too).  I am going to use them again this year.  It is a pack of enrichment activities that kiddos can do when they finish their work.  It is super easy to put together(just print and go), and the kiddos love them!




Q: SHARE SOMETHING WE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU!
hmmm...let's see I danced from the age of 4 to 18.  I've been published in many scrapbook magazines.  Not a huge fan of chocolate.

Yay!!  I can't wait to see what other teacher bloggers are out there and I have not met!

Monday Made It!

Hello!  August is already just flying by - can you believe it?  School starts for me very soon and I know it has started for others already, which is CRAZY!  I am happy to write that I did some actual crafty things besides creating school things, LOL!  So I am happy to link up again with Tara over at 4th Grade Frolics!
 First, while I was at Michael's I found this...
I knew what I wanted to make a teacher bunting sign and got to work as soon as I got home.
First, I cut out the bottom.
Then with the back of my sponge brush, I made it all polka dot cute!
I used black to write my name and added a black border because it needed a bit more
punch".
I simply used some twine I had and hot glued each letter.  I can't wait to put it up in my room!  What do you think?
Now this, this has been in the making for three years, LOL!  I bought this side table at the goodwill 3 years ago.  And it took me that long to get my act together and paint it.  I used some heavy duty primer/paint spray paint.  And I love the way it turned out.  Looks profesh - right?  Just tell me it does, even if it doesn't!
I've made quite a few new teacher items, but I think my latest is my most fun.  I have seen out in teacher blogland many teachers using an interactive Word Wall and  I knew it was something that was right up my alley.  So...I put this together.
I had to make it Melonheadz cute.  It is already printed, laminated and cut ready to put in my room next week!  Click on the picture or here if you want to check it out!  It's on sale for $2 right now.

That's it!  I can't wait to see what you all have been up to...have a great one!

Friday, August 1, 2014

It's a Back-to-School Rally! Huge Giveaways!

Hello!  Happy August!  I am both excited and sad to see the summer go by so quickly!  I am excited to be a part of this giveaway!  These are some "undiscovered" teachers that are a part of TPT and have some amazing products.  Here, why don't I just let Hope explain it all.....GOOD LUCK!! Oh and my goodie is in Prize Pack #2!

My heart is beating at what feels like a kajillion miles per hour and I have butterflies in my tummy as I post this! So much preparation and hard work has gone into this giveaway and these products.
 I won't go on and on for too long- I promise, but I think it is important to tell you how this giveaway came to be. 

There are incredible TpT creators out there. There are the BIG ones who we all know, love, adore and go to again and again to fill our classrooms with love and learning. I am so thankful to have resources literally at my fingertips no matter where I am. 

I have spent a lot of the summer creating and collaborating with other teachers and have come to find some "hidden treasures" in stores with very few followers. So what better way to showcase these incredible teachers and all their work than with one of the most enormous giveaways we have ever seen? 

 Over 100 TpT sellers and Etsy creators have donated these products. There are 7 prize packs and each are grouped by grade level. You can enter to win them all! The more entry tasks you complete the better your chances of winning. Plus you can share this giveaway on your Blog, Facebook or Pinterest once a day for an additional 10 entries each day! So without further ado.....


Prize Pack #1 includes 18 products from TpT sellers, a handmade "welcome" banner for your classroom from M Paper Designs and a personalized teacher cup from Sugar Stitches Designs!
Click any of the pictures below and a link will take you to the listing for each product. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway






Prize Pack #2 includes 19 products from TpT sellers, a teacher planner  from The Nifty Planner, and a  personalized teacher sign from Blended Creations Inc.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



                                                          Product of your choice!



Prize Pack #3 includes 17 products from TpT sellers, a handmade classroom garland from MPaper Designs and a pencil door sign from Details in the Deisgn.
 Prize Pack #4 includes 18 products from TpT sellers, a handmade classroom garland from MPaper Designs, and a personalized pencil door sign from Bows and Bells Hangers.


 



Prize Pack #5 includes 15 products from TpT sellers a personalized sign from MACInspired Crafts plus a personalized teacher block sign from Blended Creations Inc!




Prize Pack #6 includes products from 16 TpT sellers a personalized door sign from Cara's Southern Designs, and a personalized teacher cup from Mommy's Latte Fund!



Prize Pack #7 includes 16 products from TpT sellers, a teacher planner of your choice from Little Drop Designs, a personalized door sign from MACInspired Creations plus a personalized teacher cup from Mommy's Latte Fund!