February's Show & Tell

for February's 

Double Composition 

I've custom designed composition books before, but this one is different because it is two books in one.  I got the idea from my ELL's that come from the country of Cuba.  They told me their teachers attach their composition books together so that they can have all of their work in one place.  So, this is what I did.  I'm sure there might be a more scientific and better way, but this was my first attempt.

These are the supplies I used. 

(Packing tape was also used, but it's not in the picture.)

I leveled the books side by side and used a clothes pin to keep them together.

I then stapled the back cover of the first book and the front cover of the second book with a long stapler.

Then, I cut most of the unstapled part off.  

I used packing tape to cover the staples and keep the openings closed.

This is what it looks like with the two books attached.  One student told me that some teachers take out the paper from one book and attach it to the other book with just one spine.  I'll have to try that next time.  

I covered the two spines with bright green tape.

I used clear packing tape to attached a pocket to the back cover with the scraps I had left over when I attached the two books.  I used a big sticker to cover the bar code.

Using clear packing tape again, I attached a ribbon to the middle of the front and back cover.  This will help keep the book closed when it's not in use. I also attached another sticker to hide the seam.

With clear packing tape I also attached a pen holder to the side.  (One came out a little short.  To keep that from happening I should have attached it from the front to the back. I'll do a better job with the next one.) I got the idea from Pinterest.  Click here to see the pin.  

I'm going to give the composition book away as a gift to one lucky student.  

I love preparing a little corner in my room that feels like home and reminds me of the people I love all during the day. Each year my space changes a little.

I Wish . . .

____________________________________

____________________________________

I wish I could say this past week was amazing,
I planned creative lessons 

my kids were engaging
in content and reading, planning and writing,

growing and learning, exploring and thriving.

This is my passion, this is my goal,

this is my dream, I want them to grow.

But, some weeks are awkward,

In spite of the plans,

Unwelcome surprises,

Last minute demands.

One thing and another,

Charging with speed,

I drop everything,

and attend every need.

The good news is, next week is coming,

I'm hoping, expecting, believing and praying.

I'll teach, motivate, correct and mentor, 

Ignite, invite, inspire and capture

Their attention, their hearts, 

their drive and their minds,

And give it another real good try.

It will be amazing!

____________________________________

"Currently" in February

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February's Currently Linky Party

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Sometimes I just have the T.V. on in the background while I do odds and ends.  This time it happens to be the Gilmore Girls, I'm not really watching, 

just listening . . .

Chocolate covered almonds!

I treat myself to a few every day when I get home from work! 

I have so much to do this month.  Really, every month comes with a gazillion things to do.  If I've done it before, I'll get it all done again.  It's probably best not to even think about it, just do it!

I've asked for a digital pen for my Valentine's!  LOL!  Let's see if I get it . . .

I need a new hairstyle.  The problem is, which one?  I've tried new hairstyles before and I always end up growing it out.  My husband loves short hair styles.  I like them, too, but they demand frequent trips to the salon!  Another thing to do!  Oh my~

I recently heard about Bible Journaling and I was immediately swept away.  I love reading the Bible and I love journaling; it was a match made in heaven!  So, I immediately ordered my very first Bible Journal.  

Then, I got the idea that perhaps it would be fun to invite some girlfriends over who might be interested in joining the craze with me.  I took a "leap" of faith on this Leap Year, I asked some friends if they'd be interested.  And, I was pleasantly surprised to see that a few of them were ignited just as I was.  So, we shared some YouTube inspirations and have a scheduled date to meet together to create our very first Bible Journal entry together.  

So, so, so excited!  

February Pinterest Picks

Happy February, everyone.  

This year is already in full swing!

What better way to celebrate than to join this month's Pick 3 Linky Party.

Here are my top 3 picks:

Pom Pom Book Marks

I think these pom pom book marks are easy to make and they would make lovely, inexpensive student gifts for either the first day of school or the first day the student comes to your class.  In August I purchase tons of composition books.  I give each student a free composition on the first day of school or the first day they come to our class.  Placing a pom pom book mark would add a little lovely detail.  I think this might go on my summer to do list, for sure. 

Mini DIY Button Book

(Original Pin)

This has to be the cutest DIY tiny book ever.  It seems very elementary, but I have to adapt it to middle school somehow.  I started in elementary and I use many elementary methods with my kids.  And, I have to say, they love it.  Who doesn't love creating and color?  I think I could use these mini books to help kids review parts of speech, types of sentences, literary terms, narrative elements, acrostics, etc.  Nice fun projects for E.O.Y. activities.

Clothes Pin with Tacks

(Original Pin)

Would you like to join the party?  Click here to find out how.

Also, take a moment to find more favorite Pinterest Picks for February below!

An InLinkz Link-up