Seven New Year's Resolutions for a Teacher

October Pinterest Picks

It's almost unbelievable, October is already here.  The first quarter is almost done.  

Time really does seem to be in a hurry.  

I'm thrilled to be participating once again in the monthly Pinterest Picks Linky Party.  

Here are my picks for October.

October Garland

Looks so easy to make and would make a darling decoration for the classroom ~ 

(Click here to see original pin.)

October Journal Prompts

(Click here to see original pin.)

October Reading

Flip Flop Girl is one of my favorite stories by Katherine Paterson.  It is a great story to read in October because it is set in the fall with pumpkins, leaves and mystery.  It also includes lovely themes, such as friendship and forgiveness.

(Click here to see original pin.)

Wishing everyone a lovely October!

An InLinkz Link-up

September Pinterest Picks

Happy September!

Just finished the third week of school.  It always goes by quickly.  We had Open House this past week.  Open House always gets me a little flustered.  Parents are going to meet me for the first time. It's important  for me to communicate what is necessary, yet help parents feel at ease and trusting towards me.  I think it went well.  Now, all beginning transitions are done

and all systems are go.  

Today I'm joining the monthly Pinterest PIck 3 Linky Party to spark our creativity and inspiration for September.  

Who doesn't love a little Pandora?  

Here's a site I found on Pinterest with a list of great stations to play during independent work.  I've tried out a few of them and my students give a thumbs up!

(Click here to see original pin.)

One of my daily, tedious chores in the classroom is re-organizing books after my kids have explored which ones they will read next.  I found this pin on Pinterest that may keep the books from falling all over the place.  A must try!

(Click here to see original pin.)

Zip Pouch Organizers!  Love it!

Another must try!

To see more lovely pins, join the party below!

Have a lovely, productive and happy school year!

An InLinkz Link-up

Back To School Pinterest Picks

Ready or not, August is here!

School doors will be opening, students will be coming, papers will be flying everywhere.

As my principal says, the sounds of school in session will fill the hallways!

As we get ready for our new school year, here are some fabulous Pinterest finds for Back To School.

DIY EMOJI MAGNETS

(Click here to see original pin.)

In the secondary classroom there are many changes that may occur the first 2 weeks of school.  Class changes, schedule changes, program changes, you name it  . . .  I've learned.  During those first two weeks I focus more on getting to know my students and for my students to get to know me.   In my small groups, I plan activities that we can work on together and communicate with each other.  We learn a lot from each other.  And, when students come and go, I don't have to begin again too many times.  These Emoji magnets would be awesome to work on during our beginning small group gatherings.  

. . . so would these DIY BOOKMARKS ~

(Click here to see original pin.)

. . . and these DIY Composition Book Makeovers.

(Click here to see original pin.)

Every year I give each student in my class a composition book.  This year I may have them design their covers during our small group sessions. The only obstacle would be the students that don't particularly enjoy decorating.  I may have them plan in advance and bring in their own clip art and logos, or give them and out if they prefer not to.  That's ok, too.

Check out my Pinterest Boards.

Wishing you all a pleasant Back To School week.

An Unplanned Summer

I hope you are enjoying your time off, doing things you love, and finding time to rest in between doctor's appointments and house "do" lists.  

A few years ago I read a book called, "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson.  I can't even remember when I read it, but the message of the book resurged inside me this summer.  In a nutshell, it taught me this, when opportunity knocks, open the door and walk through.  Seems like a very simple concept, but for me, walking through an unknown threshold is as easy as jumping off a cliff.  

On the last day of school, a dear friend mentioned to me she was looking for someone to accompany her on a road trip to Waco, Texas.  She'd be transporting her two dogs to her daughter who studies at Baylor University.  Did somebody say, "ROAD TRIP?"  O.K. As thrilling as this sounds, I've never left on a vacation without planning and re-planning. She'd be leaving Monday morning, and it was Friday evening.  

For the first time ever, my classroom was not ready for summer on the last day of school.  I had a lovely group of kids this year, but they required constant supervision.  I couldn't take any time to do my work, every minute was for them!  So, initially I told me friend, "Sounds exciting, but I can't!  I'm not ready to begin my summer." 

To make a long story short,
ready or not,
and after declining,
. . . I had a fabulous time!

We stopped in New Orleans over night to break the trip in two days to not exhaust ourselves, or the dogs.  The next morning we took a little detour to downtown Bourbon Street and had beignets at Cafe DuMonde.  Delish!

 Home of:  Fixer Upper!  Dr. Pepper!  Baylor University! Tex~ Mex!

The Silos

Inside the Magnolia Store ~ my friend, Johanna and her daughter, Jenna ~

Outside the Magnolia House

Being that I was already in Waco, why not take advantage and hop on a plane to see family in Pasadena? ( ". . . what about my classroom!?!")

I found these cute little libraries on different streets located in residential areas.  People donate books, and also find books they would like to read.  Awesome idea to promote literacy!

I also visited "The Last Bookstore" in Los Angeles.  If you're ever in that area, it's a must see.  I guess you can say it's a bookstore, mall and museum all mixed into one.  I especially loved their secret vaults where they keep vintage books.  Needless to say, my luggage was almost unbearable to carry.  

Here are some of my vintage finds ~

 

I eventually did get my classroom ready for the annual floor shine.  Big hugs to my school secretary who was very kind and encouraged me to go and have a great time!  

Absolutely loved my unplanned vacation.  

The adventure actually didn't stop here, 

however, we'll leave Part 2 for another time.