June 30, 2018
Welcome your new students with this fun treat idea!
Hi everyone!
I wanted to jump on here and share a little something I've done in previous years to get kids excited for the upcoming school year. At my old school we hosted our Open House the Friday before the first day of school and it was a chance for students to come visit the classroom, meet their new teacher, and become familiar with their desk so there's less anxiety on the first day of school.
Along with a little classroom scavenger hunt that helps us teachers collect and organize school materials, I place a little treat on each desk as a thank you for 'Popping In'. Every year it's such a hit with the kids and the parents appreciate that extra fun detail before the first day of school. After the first year I did this I was always known as the teacher who gave out candy, haha!
This takes very little prep and you can even order *100 Blow Pops on Amazon for only $17 dollars! Once you receive your pops, just print these designs on cardstock weighted paper and tape to your lollipops! Easy peasy! You can even hold onto these pops and use them for birthdays or other celebrations in your room.
*affiliate link
I've given my previous pop labels a little bit of update featuring new fonts and some clip art. I really hope you enjoy this update and now you can get this resource for only $1 as they're a part of my $1 Deals over at my TpT shop!
I'd love to know, what fun little treats do you provide for your kiddos at the beginning of the year? How do you make them feel welcome?
June 28, 2018
What Marriage Has Taught Me | 4 Year Anniversary
What a ride it's been these last four years!
I can't believe we are celebrating our four year wedding anniversary already! For sure has this been my longest relationship and sharing my life with my husband for a total of five years has brought on it's fair share of joys, excitement, sadness, and challenges. But, what remains constant through it all is our love and dedication for one another.
So, in celebration of doing life with this guy I thought it would be fun to share the 10 lessons I've learned in gif form because why not...
10. Our love changes and that's okay
The butterflies and anxiousness when he calls no longer happen for me, but our love is deeper. I may not have that sense of hot passion for him the same way I did when we first started dating, but being partners and being there for one another through those mountains and valleys is what bonds us.
I think it's so important for all of us married couples to be honest about what we're representing about our relationships, especially on social media - marriage isn't hard, it's the hard circumstances that make marriage challenging. It's okay to not have it all together all the time, but know that your love grows deeper and more connected through those challenging moments.
And just recognizing that over time a marriage changes and that's okay too.
9. Money will always stress us out
It doesn't matter if we are in abundance or having to stick to a firm budget, being open and communicating about financial business is so important to us as husband and wife. However, no matter how good our communication is, money will always be a source of anxiety and stress. But, we've just learned to be mindful of our spending, budget our finances together, and rely on each other to assure ourselves we're doing good.
8. My way isn't always the best way
I know, "whaaat?"
...and husbands everywhere...
via GIPHY
Especially since having a child I've been humbled on more than one occasion by my husband and his approach to doing certain things. It may not be the way I would do it, but I've learned over the years to respect that in this partnership there can sometimes be more than one way to approach or solve something....and there's plenty of times his way was better.
There. I said it.
...and husbands everywhere...
Especially since having a child I've been humbled on more than one occasion by my husband and his approach to doing certain things. It may not be the way I would do it, but I've learned over the years to respect that in this partnership there can sometimes be more than one way to approach or solve something....and there's plenty of times his way was better.
There. I said it.
7. Embrace the babysitter
It took me a little while longer than I expected to get this part down (and honestly I'm still working on it). Having Greyson with us all the time is great, I love him, but there are times where it's nice to go to a movie that isn't animated or grab drinks somewhere downtown with just my husband and not feel like we're on an episode of the Amazing Race. Everyone says how important adult time is when you're new parents and it's so true!
Find yourself a trustworthy babysitter and use them as much as possible!
6. A sense of responsibility should never end
I have learned over the years that being married gives me a sense of responsibility for myself; to strive to be better not just for me, but for my family as a whole. Marriage hasn't changed how we experience life in terms of the day-to-day things, but I feel that being a wife gives me a new sense of identity and one that I want to be proud of. I'm not perfect nor do I handle everything perfectly, but always working to be the best version of my self over time is a respect I'm happy to give.
5. Fights and mastering the art of forgiveness
Disagreements, especially over children, are almost destined to happen. My husband and I have had our fair share of spats but we always recover because our time together has taught us a lot. Communication, yes, is certainly key, but also knowing what the other person needs during a fight is just as important. Sometimes I want to be left alone and others I want to kiss, make-up, and forgive. Knowing what I need in the moment and telling my husband (and vice versa, of course) makes such the difference because it takes the guessing out of the equation.
Then, once the fight is over and some kind of resolution has been found...forgive and keep it moving.
4. Have support groups
Support groups are so, so important and especially as a newlywed or new parent. There's so much that lies ahead of us and sometimes when we're in the thick of it it's hard to see around the curve to the other side. And this is where I found that having close friends, veteran parents or spouses, and moms groups are helpful in having a place to connect that isn't your spouse.
Don't get me wrong, I love my husband dearly, but there are times where it helps to connect and vent with someone that isn't the person you live with 100% of the time. There's something safe about talking it out with people who have been in similar situations and are alive to tell the tale.
3. Play the points game
One thing about #adulting and marriage (and see stress of finances above) is that you begin to care about things like APR and credit scores. Because of this we also picked up on how to play the points game.
What is that, you ask?
It's finding the perfect credit card that'll give you the best rewards, or points, for the dollars you spend anyways. We personally use our joint credit card as a debit card (i.e. for almost all of our purchases) and with that comes hundreds of points that we can save and use for travel. You can do this with multiple cards, but obviously you need to be extremely organized and keep your finances in check otherwise you'll be in over your head. But, when done right you can save thousands of dollars on the things you enjoy most.
2. Tag team with the kid
I love being a mom, but there's definitely times where I need help or a break. I love that my husband and I know when those moments are and tag team being with Greyson. I seriously think it's the best thing for us as a family!
1. Discussing faith and God's role in our marriage
This has been a big one, especially within the last couple of years. My husband and I were raised on two different planes when it comes to faith and somehow as adults we both had drifted. But, shortly before I met my husband I had gone through a major faith journey and found myself right again with God whereas my husband at one point considered himself agnostic. Over time and having an open mind, we began going to church service together and it's been a pretty remarkable experience to see how God has been working and influencing our steps.
Although my husband has begun to invite God more into his life and figuring his place with it all, I have noticed a difference in both of us and how we relate to each other and life's circumstances. Learning about God and his Word together has connected us in a much different way and our faith has deepened in the process. I'm excited to see where this all goes in the years to come, but I can say for sure that having open discussions on faith has rooted us in more than one way.
Cheers to us and to many years to come!
June 26, 2018
Teacher Tidbit Tuesday | Teaching History
Taking a little bit of a break from making a new product incorporating Eureka Math concepts (coming soon and I can't wait to share!) to join in with Life in 5th Grade, among other amazing teacher bloggers, for Teacher Tidbit Tuesday. Over the summer, and on each Tuesday, they host a blog topic to learn a little more about the teacher behind the blog! It's such a great way to meet others and learn more about the person!
And today is all about sharing a little about our teaching history.
So, join me as we venture back to 2011...
2011 is when I graduated with my Masters in elementary education from George Mason University in Virginia. When I was an undergraduate I knew on day one that I wanted to be a teacher and worked pretty hard to achieve that. So, when it came time I, along with a number of friends and people from my cohort, decided to go straight into grad school. At the time I thought it was the best option considering everyone (and now knowing as an adult years later) says that it's much harder going back to school then to just keep going and earn your degree.
So I did just that.
Towards the end of my graduate studies and internship, I found that a number of my friends were already getting job offers for the following school year. It made me feel nervous because I had zero offers and the school year was creeping up. Then, after applying to a dozen school districts near me, I got a phone call for an interview at a school right down the road from me.
I was thankful for the opportunity and received my first teaching position as an AM/PM kindergarten teacher. At first, I was hesitant about the position considering most of my field experience was with older grades and I was unsure about the half-day program. However, and like anything new, I hit the ground running and did my best to survive this new working culture. As anyone would say, their first year is treading water hoping to keep your head afloat. That year had many challenges, but I was thankful that I had co-workers and friends to help guide me through it.
As my first year teaching came to a close and I was preparing for my second year in kindergarten, my principal had an opening in second grade to which he assigned me. To survive my first year and then to switch grades can be matched with the feeling of starting your first year all over again. However, I was excited to join a new team and fell completely in love with second grade!
Total, I spent 2 years in second grade at my school before my husband (fiancé at the time) moved us from Virginia to California for a work opportunity. I enjoyed my three years at my school, but was eager to start somewhere new and broaden my teaching experience.
When we first arrived in California I wasn't anticipating the difficulty in trying to transfer my teaching license. California, I've learned, is very picky about what transfers and what doesn't - in addition to taking all my money! :)
But within that time from 2014 to now, I found an amazing Christian school to call home as an assistant teacher. Funny enough, I began in their preschool as an assistant considering no one was hiring in September (when we moved), but was grateful they made room for me. Since then I've moved up to first grade - had a baby and took time off - and resumed this past January in second grade. Now, beginning next year I will be taking over for my previous first grade lead teacher as she prepares to have her baby!
So if I were to ask myself if I could ever predict that I would have had the life and career experiences I have so far, that would be a definite no. But, there's something special in the way life changes things up, forces one to grow and evolve, and even find the time to take rest when needed. I am thankful to each and every one of my schools because I've been afforded challenges, opportunities for growth both personally and as a teacher, and experiences in more than one grade level.
This year I earned my California teaching credential and am in the process of clearing it, which requires a couple of extra steps (i.e. state exams/coursework- boo!). So, if you have any advice or tips/tricks for taking online classes I'm all ears!
I'd love to connect with you further in the comments about your teaching experience! What grades have you taught? Have you ever moved or changed schools? Found yourself in a new state? Let me know!
And today is all about sharing a little about our teaching history.
So, join me as we venture back to 2011...
2011 is when I graduated with my Masters in elementary education from George Mason University in Virginia. When I was an undergraduate I knew on day one that I wanted to be a teacher and worked pretty hard to achieve that. So, when it came time I, along with a number of friends and people from my cohort, decided to go straight into grad school. At the time I thought it was the best option considering everyone (and now knowing as an adult years later) says that it's much harder going back to school then to just keep going and earn your degree.
So I did just that.
Towards the end of my graduate studies and internship, I found that a number of my friends were already getting job offers for the following school year. It made me feel nervous because I had zero offers and the school year was creeping up. Then, after applying to a dozen school districts near me, I got a phone call for an interview at a school right down the road from me.
I was thankful for the opportunity and received my first teaching position as an AM/PM kindergarten teacher. At first, I was hesitant about the position considering most of my field experience was with older grades and I was unsure about the half-day program. However, and like anything new, I hit the ground running and did my best to survive this new working culture. As anyone would say, their first year is treading water hoping to keep your head afloat. That year had many challenges, but I was thankful that I had co-workers and friends to help guide me through it.
As my first year teaching came to a close and I was preparing for my second year in kindergarten, my principal had an opening in second grade to which he assigned me. To survive my first year and then to switch grades can be matched with the feeling of starting your first year all over again. However, I was excited to join a new team and fell completely in love with second grade!
Total, I spent 2 years in second grade at my school before my husband (fiancé at the time) moved us from Virginia to California for a work opportunity. I enjoyed my three years at my school, but was eager to start somewhere new and broaden my teaching experience.
When we first arrived in California I wasn't anticipating the difficulty in trying to transfer my teaching license. California, I've learned, is very picky about what transfers and what doesn't - in addition to taking all my money! :)
But within that time from 2014 to now, I found an amazing Christian school to call home as an assistant teacher. Funny enough, I began in their preschool as an assistant considering no one was hiring in September (when we moved), but was grateful they made room for me. Since then I've moved up to first grade - had a baby and took time off - and resumed this past January in second grade. Now, beginning next year I will be taking over for my previous first grade lead teacher as she prepares to have her baby!
So if I were to ask myself if I could ever predict that I would have had the life and career experiences I have so far, that would be a definite no. But, there's something special in the way life changes things up, forces one to grow and evolve, and even find the time to take rest when needed. I am thankful to each and every one of my schools because I've been afforded challenges, opportunities for growth both personally and as a teacher, and experiences in more than one grade level.
This year I earned my California teaching credential and am in the process of clearing it, which requires a couple of extra steps (i.e. state exams/coursework- boo!). So, if you have any advice or tips/tricks for taking online classes I'm all ears!
I'd love to connect with you further in the comments about your teaching experience! What grades have you taught? Have you ever moved or changed schools? Found yourself in a new state? Let me know!
PSSST...
Don't forget about my little sale going on this week over at my TpT shop!
June 25, 2018
Routines That'll Save Your Mornings + Sale!
Whether it's the first day of school or just any 'ole day of the week, it's so important to have the right routines in place so that chaos is minimized and students are actually engaging with their learning. Morning routines are a great way to maximize that half hour or so - allowing you to get those last minute things prepared.
Today I thought it would be great to talk about some helpful morning routines and how easily you can incorporate a few of them into your daily schedule.
1. Engaging morning message
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| photo: Learning with Mrs. Langley |
By having a morning greeting, and it being the first things kids do when entering the classroom, it gives them a start off point to their day. From there they can ready their materials at their desk and begin their morning work.
2. Morning work and brain boosters
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| photo: Mrs. Beattie's Classroom |
Every morning my kiddos have the opportunity to practice and review key concepts taught earlier in the week then catch up on any unfinished work. Morning work, or brain boosters, routines and expectations are laid out right from the beginning of the year so students know what to work on and choices they can make when they finish.
I always make sure that the necessary materials are available as to cut down on wasted time and the risk of students getting off task. The work I give my kids follows a similar framework all year so that they know how to complete an activity without me having to give directions a million times.
And don't think morning work always has to be worksheets!
- Other ideas I love for morning work are a Rise and Shine binder where each day students work on a set of concepts in language arts, math, or phonics.
- Try having hands-on activities that require cutting and pasting, coloring, use of play dough, or a variety of word work activities that keep those tactile learners engaged!
- Students can have a choice in their morning work with a 'menu' of activities they can complete.
- Or even have morning work stations like this awesome kinder teacher!
3. Morning Meeting
When I was completing my student teaching I was introduced to the Responsive Classroom method. I really enjoyed how inclusive it was and how it stressed the importance of classroom community all throughout the day. One aspect of this method that I've always included in my daily schedule has been morning meeting. I love the chance to meet with my kiddos to go over the objectives for the day, touch base with them about the goings-on in their lives, and do an activity together like calendar math or another skill practice.
Morning meeting can look and feel a number of ways, which is why it's so great to do! Here are a few ideas that caught my eye and that I want to somehow incorporate next year!
Sharing: This is possibly the most favored part of morning meeting as it's a time for students to share what's going on with them. It's also a time for other kiddos to ask questions or give compliments or comments about what they each shared.
Morning Message: Here is where the message from the morning routine comes back into play. It's a message written by you, the teacher, and focuses their attention on what they'll be learning and doing that day. I love including questions or review and using this time to go over student responses and how it ties into what they'll be learning.
Have you used Responsive Classroom before? What are your favorite or least favorite aspects?
In conclusion, don't waste your precious moments in the morning! From the time your kids walk through the door be sure you have engaging and interesting activities available for them while you're busy getting those last minute things done. And don't forget those early finishers, either! By sequencing the morning, I've found that my kids stay on task and always have something they can be working on - and the best part is, they want to!
Morning meeting can look and feel a number of ways, which is why it's so great to do! Here are a few ideas that caught my eye and that I want to somehow incorporate next year!
Responsive Classroom Meeting Routine
Greeting: Each morning students sit in a circle and greet each other in different ways. They practice communication skills like eye contact and simply, the art of greeting people - which can be intimidating for some. I love mixing it up between high fives, handshakes, or something the kids invent and saying hello or good morning in a different language.Sharing: This is possibly the most favored part of morning meeting as it's a time for students to share what's going on with them. It's also a time for other kiddos to ask questions or give compliments or comments about what they each shared.
- Bear Share: I love Reagan's idea of using bear counting manipulatives to help guide her students and keep them on track during their share. Read all about it here!
- 'Class Pet' or Flat Stanley: Use either of these ideas to allow students a time to share their adventures with the class pet (stuffed animal) or Flat Stanley.
- Discovery Journals: I loved using this research/writing activity for years now! It allows those kiddos who want a little more to practice early researching skills and practice writing an 'All About' piece on whatever topic they choose! See how it works here!
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| photo: Tunstall's Teaching Tidbits |
- Use themed prompts in terms of the days of the week (i.e. 'Thoughtful Thursday', 'Monday Make It', etc.)
- Incorporate your board for your messages instead of a paper or dry-erase easel!
So, no matter how you start your day make sure it engages your kiddos, boosts their brains for the day, and invites them into a welcoming and open community within the classroom! Ever since I began using Responsive Classroom foundations, I've seen a direct impact on positive interactions between students, orderly and efficient time spent in the AM, budding communication skills, and an overall sense of belonging.
Have you used Responsive Classroom before? What are your favorite or least favorite aspects?
For more information about the Responsive Classroom morning meeting approach, be sure to check out their many books and online resources! I would also love to help answer any questions you may have, so feel free to pop on over to the comments and let's talk!
In conclusion, don't waste your precious moments in the morning! From the time your kids walk through the door be sure you have engaging and interesting activities available for them while you're busy getting those last minute things done. And don't forget those early finishers, either! By sequencing the morning, I've found that my kids stay on task and always have something they can be working on - and the best part is, they want to!
But, I want to know from all of you veteran teachers! What are your favorite activities you use in the mornings and how do you keep your kids engaged for the whole period?
P.S. be sure to pop on over to my Teachers Pay Teachers shop to pick up essential guided reading resources for 20% off! This sale runs today through Thursday!
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