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Five for Friday – October 9

Uncategorized October 9, 2015
This sure felt like one loooonnnggg week.  But, it’s Friday and I’m linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday.  Link up here…
 
 
Unfortunately I don’t have any pictures from the weekend, but this past weekend Andy and I took a last minute trip to AZ. Again we were gone less than 48 hours almost lol.  He was going down for work and I came along for the ride. I was able to see a friend or two in Phoenix and then hang out and stay with my family down in Tucson. It was so nice to see my family and friends!  I definitely miss AZ and am excited to go back out in December!

I know with all of the bad flooding in the south I should not complain.  But, we had a very rainy day…and it was on a Monday…which made for a very long Monday.  In Vegas when it rains, we tend to get downpours. We were stuck in the lunchroom which is a different building on campus for an extra 30 minutes due to that downpour.  The kids were quite crazy because we don’t see rain too often.  And, I’m grateful for that!

My kids are rocking and rolling on math stations. I was so excited to add some new games from our envision program this week. They definitely make the kids think and I love games as a way to practice math.  I’ll post more on my math stations soon.

We’re getting ready to introduce vocabulary station.  I like to introduce the station tasks one at a time and ideally have the kids practice whole group. This way everyone is exposed to it and I can monitor the activity. This week, we took our reading vocabulary words and wrote a story with a partner.  They did an awesome job and even came up with the idea of underlining their words before I told them too!

We had our first field trip yesterday. We wen to Channel 8. The kids loved it! I loved it! I always think it’s fascinating to learn about other careers and the news station has a ton of neat jobs.  The tour guide was fantastic and even let the kids play around with the green screen area that they use for weather! It was an awesome field trip!
 
Have a great weekend!
  

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Five for Friday – October 2

Uncategorized October 2, 2015
Two posts in two days is a miracle! But, I can’t pass up another Five for Friday with Doodle Bugs Teaching.  Link up here.
 
 
 

 
The Band-Aid activity – What a great activity and one I wish I used every year! I have many students who need different things in my class. For example, two students have a separate behavior plan from the Clip Chart and earn rewards at the end of the day. Of course for second graders, this gets the question of – why does he get to do that? In addition, to many other differentiation things going on and kids looking questioningly at each other why they are doing something different than their neighbor. So, I took the Band-Aid lesson about fairness and differentiation from many different blogs and combined it to what I thought would work for my class. I was hoping for a powerful conversation and had a good conversation. Not powerful, but not bad. The kids were more amused by the Band-Aid then questioning why they all got them in the same spot when that wasn’t where their injury was.  We’ll keep at it.  Maybe next years group will understand it better.
 
 
I am so excited with how Writing Workshop has been going. Last year I didn’t use it at first and missed it.  I tried implementing it mid-way through the year, which worked but this year I started at the beginning. As I was walking around today and conferring with students I was so proud of how far they’ve already come and so excited to see that they were already writing a ton and excited about writing!  So glad I decided to use this model to teach writing again!
 
 
Our school is huge in to holidays. We also have amazing room moms who help us decorate our rooms and plan our parties (love having them).  This year it was even better because I had a team of 5 moms from my class decorating my room.  It was done and amazing looking in an hour.  I appreciate all of their hard work and the kids loved the cool decorations!
 
 
 
 
We’re in the middle of our next Project Based Learning project.  I still need to blog about our first one.  Our second project is focused on maps. At the end, the students are going to create their own island and bury treasure on it.  They then have to create directions to help people find the treasure. The kids are super excited about it and I’ll have more info on this soon too – along with the TPT pack I’m using for the Treasure Map part.
 
 
Last weekend, Andy and I went to Chicago for a whirlwind of a trip. We were there less than 48 hours, but I got to go to my first Cubs game at Wrigley Field.  Wrigley Field is a place like no other. I’ve been to many different types of sporting events, but the atmosphere around Wrigley Field before and after the game was amazing! We had a great weekend and even though the Cubs lost, Andy got to see them celebrate clinching the Wild Card spot.  He’s a huge fan so that was awesome for him to be there and be a part of it! What a great weekend!
 
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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October Currently

Uncategorized October 2, 2015

I’m linking up with Farley for October Currently.  Be sure to link up with her here..

This is my first post back since probably her last Currently.  That first month of school has been crazy, but I’m hopeful to get back into a blogging rhythm.

 
Listening: Random mix on iTunes while I’m catching up on blogging and life.  A very random variety from Whip Nae Nae to Billy Currington lol.
 
Loving: Fall is maybe coming. In Vegas it feels like Fall is never arriving. But today, it finally was under 100 – like 99, but I’ll take it. And, there was a slight breeze which was a bonus.  I’m hopeful it’ll maybe be like 85 by Thanksgiving 🙂
 
Thinking: I’m trying to be healthier. I’ve been cutting back on Diet Coke, drinking more water, been better about eating and not snacking, and am trying to get to the gym.  The one thing that’s difficult is how tired I am at the end of the day. I find it hard to get to the gym.  Any suggestions?
 
Wanting: I got hooked on Scandal over the summer and may or may not have watched 3 seasons in one week.  I’m a bit of  Netflix addict.  New episode is on in an hour and I can’t wait! Hope the husband is home in time to watch!
 
Needing: SLEEP. I’m sure I’m not the only one needing sleep. I finally feel like school has settled down this week. Back to School Night is done, Conferences are done, and we are finally in a pretty good routine (knock on wood). However, I’m still exhausted! Can’t wait to sleep in Saturday.
 
Boo-tiful: A recurring theme – fall weather. I can’t wait for pants and sweaters and not melting at recess!
 
Link up with Farley!
 
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Teacher Week – Wednesday – Classroom Tour

Uncategorized September 2, 2015
I’m linking up with the Blog Hoppin’ teachers for Teacher Week. Be sure to link up here!
 

So, since this is our 3rd week of school I’ve already posted a classroom tour. I didn’t want to miss out on the linky party so fun, so I’m linking up and this link below will take you to my class tour post from a few weeks ago!

Check out my classroom tour here!

 

 
Hope everyone is having a great week. We’re almost to the long weekend!
 
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September Currently

Uncategorized September 2, 2015
September 1st is here and we are in our 3rd week of school. I do feel like this group is getting the hang of our classroom routines quicker and it actually feels like we’ve been in school for longer than 3 weeks – which is a good thing in this case!  I’m linking up with Farley for September Currently. Link up with her here.
 
Listening: Gotta love the AC.  I live in Las Vegas and it has been hot, hot, hot! Recess the last week or two has been painful and I’m hopeful for cooler weather soon.
 
Loving: Yay for a 3 day weekend coming up.  The kids actually have a 4 day weekend. We have teacher inservice on Friday and then of course Labor Day on Monday. I’m looking forward to our first day off and some extra sleep in time!
 
Thinking: Normally by now I have literacy stations up and running. This year I started with math station the first week and the kids have those down. Now, I need to slowly start introducing the lit ones so we can get that going too!
 
 
Wanting: I’m sure all teachers go through this but getting back into a work routine takes me awhile at the beginning of the year. The first few weeks I’m so tired that it is hard to get into a good gym routine after work.  This year, my husband and I have been taking walks at night which has been really good and I’m trying to get that gym time thrown in their too.  I just am so tired after school and often take a nap – which is not a good part of my routine. So, I need to find a routine that works and fits in the working out!
 
Needing: More hours in the school day. I know some people might call me crazy, but I feel like between all our specials sometimes there isn’t enough time in a day. And, I’m not complaining about having specials – I love them and the kids love them too. Just some days I feel like I can’t squeeze it all in and could use a little more time with them.
 
3 Goals: 1 – Organized – I gotta keep things organized. Clutter drives me crazy and stresses me out so my goal is to keep it organized so it doesn’t get to that point.
2. Balance – this goes along with my wanting goal of routine. I need a healthy balance between work and play and taking care of me.
3. Calm – I tend to get a little stressed out during the work day with trying to get everything in – I need to remain calm and just get done what we can – there is always tomorrow.
 
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to link up!
 
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Teacher Week – Monday – 5 Fun Facts

Uncategorized August 31, 2015
I’m linking up with the teachers over at Blog Hoppin’ for Teacher Week.  Be sure to link up with them!
 
 
 
Here are 5 Fun Things About Me…

#1 – I just got married in June and we’ve almost been married for 3 months! Married life has been wonderful so far!

 
 

#2 – I love, love, love going to concerts! I even got to go the Kenny Chesney concert twice in one week.  Both shows were in Vegas and we paid for tickets one night and got free ones through a friend the second night! He puts on an amazing show! Other favorite concerts include: Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw, Lady Antebellum, and more….

#3 – Sports are a huge part of my life. My husband, Andy coaches a high school prep basketball team and between his team and my own favorites – ASU, Phoenix Suns, we have quite the sports lifestyle.

#4 – I’m a little Netflix obsessed! I started the show Scandal and like finished it in a week.  Andy and I loved House of Cards.  I also watched Friday Night Lights. I love being able to see whole seasons on there!
#5 – I love Staycations. Since we live in Las Vegas we are in a great spot for staycations. You can stay anywhere on the Strip and it feels like you traveled to a far, off place. The people watching is fantastic and you don’t even have to get on a plane (one of my least favorite things)!

Thanks for learning a little about me. Be sure to link up with the Blog Hoppin’ teachers!

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Birthdays in the Classroom

Uncategorized August 19, 2015
I’ve been at 3 different schools and they all handled birthdays a little differently. The school I’m currently at celebrates them the most that I have seen.  On a child’s birthday or half birthday, they are able to bring a treat to share with the class at the end of the day. We have a little party for them. 
 
At some point in the day, we do Koo Koo Kangaroo – Birthday Song on GoNoodle. This is quite a cute song and a fun way to celebrate in addition to the traditional “Happy Birthday” song we sing before we hand out treats.  I also let students during their little “party” pick out their favorite GoNoodle video for the whole class to do.
 
Image result for koo koo kangaroo birthday boogie
 
 
I also give out the homework passes as a bday gift. I shared this on a Monday Made-It a few weeks ago.

 
And, my newest thing is this little bday sign. I bought these frames at Michael’s last year and haven’t quite been able to figure out what to do with them. I decided to use one as a bday sign for the student’s desk.  It provides recognition of their special day and makes them stand out in a positive way. I tried it out yesterday and the student loved having it.
 
 
How does your school handle birthdays?? Do you celebrate in a big or small way?
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Five for Friday – August 14

Uncategorized August 14, 2015
Today is the big Meet the Teacher day at my school! This is my 9th Meet the Teacher and I am so excited to meet my new kiddos!  This week has been full of meetings, trainings, and back to school prep. Check out my week in Five for Friday below.  Make sure you link up with Doodle Bugs Teaching here.
 
Before all the back to school fun we also got in a night on the Strip. I love living in Las Vegas because there is always something to do. We only going down to the Strip like once a month, but it’s nice to have it there. We went to dinner at Cabo Wabo, checked out the new Bellagio Garden exhibit (one of my favorites), hung out at the piano bar at Harrah’s, and got in a lot of steps! Love having date nights like this!

This is what I walked into on Saturday. They use our rooms for summer camp so we pretty much have to clean up and put everything away so it stays safe.  I’m planning on a classroom reveal post this weekend and you’ll see how I turned this space around.

These are my steps for Saturday. Now, I have the advantage of like 2 hours of walking on the Strip after midnight Saturday morning, but the rest are from working in my classroom. Setting up is really quite a good workout!
We had a great training on our new math program this week. We’re using enVision 2.0.  Does anyone else use this? I love what I’m seeing so far, but would love and tips and advice from someone who has used the enVision program before. Please comment below if you have!
Andy and I were lucky enough to be able to go to the Team USA Scrimmage last night at Thomas and Mack.  It was cool seeing all these NBA players.  Dwight Howard even practiced at our school gym (where my husband coaches) a few days ago. It was cool seeing him up close – he’s huge!!!
 
Hope everyone has a great Friday! Good luck to everyone going back to school this upcoming week!
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Five for Friday – August 7

Uncategorized August 7, 2015
I’m so sad my last week of summer break is coming to an end, but I’m starting to get excited to meet my 19 new second graders next Friday at Meet the Teacher.
 
Here’s my Five for Friday – link up with Doodle Bug Teaching here…
 
 

Oh the lamination.  I have a love/hate relationship with my Scotch laminator. I love how pretty it makes things look.  But, I’m not a fan of cutting it out and how the little pieces of lamination end up all over my floor.  Oh well- it still makes everything look pretty so I use it. Since I got my class list last week, I started making all of my little things that had their names on it!

This has been a labor of love. I got the template and idea from Amanda Madden’s blog – Teaching Maddeness.  She has a great blog series on how to plan for your whole year. I highly recommend it to any teacher! I took her long range plan idea and made one for our 2nd grade. Oh boy was this a project! But, I’m so pleased with how it turned out and I know it’ll be so nice going into this year so organized and planned out!

Thank you Amanda for getting me started on this with your blog series!

I saw Southpaw on Sunday with Andy. I was hesitant that I would like it, but it was SO GOOD!  However, the fighting parts made me very nervous and I had to close my eyes, but the storyline was amazing! If you haven’t seen it, put it on your list!
 

I love a good, fresh manicure and pedicure. Had to show off the amazing job the nail tech did! Love the pink and silver!

 
Andy and I were lucky enough to squeeze in a little mini staycation before the back to school fun and his team arrives.  I start setting up in my classroom Saturday, so we were down to the wire, but got a little RnR in.  We had a little mini staycation at the M Resort.  Love their pool area! It is beautiful!
 
Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

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August Currently

Uncategorized August 2, 2015

Hard to believe today is August 1. Feels like just yesterday summer was beginning and it felt like I had the whole world in front of me. Now, the back to school craziness has begun!

I’m linking up with Farley for August Currently. Link up here…
 
 

 
Listening: Andy and I have 2 episodes left of Season 3 House of Cards.  Not sure what we’ll do when we’re finished – need Season 4 to come out soon!
 
Loving: I still have one more week of summer break before teachers are due back.  I plan to get going on classroom stuff, but still hit the pool up a few more times.
 
Thinking: This is my 9th year teaching and my second year at my current school. Since this is my second year at this school, I have some things I want to change from how I did it last year – order of teaching things, behavior things to implement, etc.
 
Wanting: I could use another month of sleeping in and pool days.
 
Needing: I could use another month to finish all of the projects I wanted to do. I’ve gotten some done, but that to do list still looks pretty long.
 
RAK: My teammate and I are going to Panera to plan on Monday. I plan to treat her to lunch as a little welcome back gift!
 
 
Be sure to link up with Farley!
 
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