I like this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson because it pretty much echoes the advice that my mother gave to the high-school aged me. At a time when Mom's advice is unwarranted and automatically wrong, because obviously a 16 year old has way more knowledge and world experience than Mom, I actually heard her advice and have remembered it through the years. She told me that if you are with someone because they fill a void that you have, then you will never be able to be truly  happy. You need to be happy with yourself first, before someone else can make you happy. Her advice was to find someone that motivates you and makes you a better person in some way, and I think about that advice often when I look at my fiance. He has made me a more outgoing, confident, and motivated version of  myself, and I am grateful that I feel strong enough to be myself when I am with him!

Speaking of my fiance, this quote was created by him at the ripe young age of 15, back when we were "just friends" and a little more quirky than we are now. My best friend Kasi and I  would often be called "weird" or "goofy" because for one, Kasi dressed how Kasi wanted to dress, and did not care if others thought her patterns clashed or her hair was too crazy, and as for myself, I used sarcasm as a shield. I was full of dumb jokes and not-so-witty banter. Cory embraced this "weirdness" and would constantly tell us that we were are own version of normal. He would ask "what is normal anyway?" It was a comforting notion, and it made a lot of sense. I think about how true this notion still is as I wonder why so many of us feel judged for who we are and what we like. No one should feel unusual, because ..."You are your own normal"    so be you!

Everyone has something that they just dread doing. Something that they know will make them better, but that does not sound particularly enjoyable. This quote hits me hard when I think about how I would feel if I lost the ability to do something that I take for granted. I would never want to look back on my life with regret. This quote is like another version of "you never know what you have until it is gone", but it is more personal because, no I do not want to get up and go run, yes I know it would make me a healthier person, but it sounds so boring and painful, but ....what if I couldn't run? What if I did not even HAVE the option....think about that.

The days before Winter Break come with a variety of feelings and attitudes that can be witnessed throughout the school building. As a teacher in the weeks before winter break you may feel excited, overwhelmed from the holiday stress, or even annoyed at the silly behaviors that you witness from those sweet little munchkins you call students. (Come on people - they are PUMPED UP! It's CHRISTMAS!) I completely understand how the chaos can get to people, believe me, but I have decided to cope with the "Holiday Hooplah" by embracing the crazy in the best of ways!

Long story short, our school counselor, Tracy, is a pro at spreading cheer throughout the school.(And not just during the holiday season!) After we returned from that taste of holiday freedom that I like to call Thanksgiving break, Tracy came to me and asked for help recording a Musicly in our ugly holiday sweaters. (We had our annual staff holiday party later that day, hence the sweaters...) She had come up with the idea to make a video each day of December leading up until Christmas day. Each video would be about 15 seconds long and would center around a popular Christmas song. Talk about spreading the Christmas cheer!
​I cannot tell you how much of a blast these last couple weeks have been. We have gotten my first graders involved in the brainstorming and they have been so excited to see what their "crazy" teacher and counselor come up with next. I figured I could keep spreading the cheer with everyone in the social media world as well - so if you are feeling a bit "Bah-Humbug" sit back and [hopefully] crack a smile or two!

Ok... new school year + new school + busy teacher = zero blogging. BUT I decided to check in to share my first fav of the year! We are teaching these new baby firsties how to develop strategies for themselves to help them become more independent. One of those strategies is to sound out words on their own instead of asking for help...and there is a variety of ways they can do that! We made it fun (of course) by tying it to the analogy of blowing a bubble of gum. I began the lesson with 4 balloons blown up and one balloon that was not blown up. I put together my strategy poster as I talked to the kids about the strategies and I explained to them how we stretch out the word by saying it slowly...just like if you were blowing a bubble. Then I gave the kids a word, and had them say it as I blew up my empty balloon. They did a really good job of stretching out the word slowly as I inflated the balloon and stopping the word when I stopped. I tied off the balloon and then said "LISTEN!" and popped the balloon. I explained that we need to listen for the sounds in the word after we stretch it out, then write down the sounds we here. I explained that that is not the ONLY strategy we use though. I had a balloon attached to the word wall and ran over and popped it and said "We can look at the word wall for help spelling words!" Then I had two other balloons (one taped to the white board, one on a random poster) around the room. I ran and popped those and said "We can look around the room for help!" then I went back to the front of the room and popped the last balloon right over the kids heads (sitting at the carpet) and said "You can also use words that are in your brain that you already know!". Of course I elaborated on each of these points - but this was a fun way to help the kids remember the strategies, or at least the lesson, and connect it in a way that makes it interesting to them. (Otherwise it would be a blah,blah,blah fest!) Anyhooo.....this worked for me, so let it work for you too! If I was a really cool teacher I would have given them all gum to chew as they practiced writing down words.....but I don't think we are quite there yet ;).

For an extension activity I had the kiddos draw their faces. Then I gave them each a bubble cut out from pink construction paper and had them write their favorite strategy on the bubble. I had them put this into their writing portfolio to remind them while they are writing that I do not have to be their walking dictionary!

For the download check out my TPT  here: 


http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Strategy-Poster-Bubblegum-spelling-1437953 

We are having a guest speaker tomorrow in our classroom for CAREER DAY! My kiddos are excited to welcome a member of our community into our classroom to speak to us, and we wanted to thank them by showing how their example will help us grow into what we want to be! Just an idea to share :)

       So, being a first year teacher, the only experience I have had with holidays in school came from my student teaching experience. I have always heard that Valentines Day and the day after Halloween can be the two WORST days for teaching. Well due to my school's schedule, our Valentine party fell on the day BEFORE valentine.s. Meaning the kids stuffed themselves FULL of processed junk, sugar, and red dye 40, all to come back the next day for the actual holiday. So not only do I have Valentines Day with them...but I have the effect of the day after Halloween; sugar - crazed seven and eight year olds in my classroom. I just knew when I walked into morning meeting that the day was over (at 7:30 in the morning!). My only saving grace was that in my anticipation of this, I planned a day full of heart themed, on your feet, move around, activities. There was no way I was going to be able to keep these kids in their seats, so I did not even fight it!

       One of my smoothest lessons came during math - telling time. This "find your valentine" game was super cute and the kids were so  excited to search the room looking for their valentines. The idea was that each kid decorated an anonymous "Valentine card" that had a certain time on it. The time on the card that they decorated was the time they drew on their paper watches that they put on. Then I collected all of the cards and redistributed them randomly, and the students had to find the person who was wearing the "watch" that matched the time on the card they received. It went really well, and did not force these hyper little ones to sit still - SO I thought I would share my hope that even on the craziest day of the year, learning was STILL taking place in room 20. 

Probably one of the worst feelings is being sick and having to work! How awful is it when you wake up feeling terrible, and still have to deal with the stress of getting everything ready so your kiddos can still have a productive day of school! Plus, it is hard to relax and focus on getting well when you are not sure what is happening in your classroom. (A piece of you is always in school mode!) Well hopefully these sub plans can help put your mind at ease. Print them out and put them together NOW while you feel just dandy - and you will be thankful on that day when you feel like staying in bed. These plans are idiot proof - really. There are hour by hour instructions on what to do, and the activities are engaging and promote creative thinking! Check it out and see what you think!

Here is a preview - 

It.Has.Been.Forever. since I last posted! (I guess that's what happens when you become a real teacher... life is busy.) This Christmas vacation was a much needed break but I found myself STILL using my creative mind-almost like I couldn't just NOT make something. I of course made all of my Christmas presents for my loved ones, then I continued to be crafty after the holidays and was pretty impressed with what I came up with! My bestie let me use her cricut and conveniently left it at my house so I think I may have gotten a little carried away....but I just thought I would share in case someone wants to replicate!

I have been working on my classroom and decided to FINALLY post some pictures. I have had fun incorporating Dr. Seuss into my theme as I get everything ready for the year.

Hope the summer sun is a delight to everyone as we enjoy our time off to recuperate! I have definitely been taking time off - even from blogging :/ (I apologize) but I was inspired when I found a message from Autumn and Ruth at Coast to Coast Kinder nominating me for the Liebster Award! YAY how exciting! (Thanks so much btw!) Here are the rules:

- Link back to the original nominator's website
- You must post 11 random things about yourself
- Answer the questions the nominator set for you
- Create 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate
- Nominate 5 - 11 blogs (with less than 200 followers) and link them in your post

SO... Here I go! 

1. I am a first year teacher and JUST STARTED setting up my classroom - eek! So much fun and so much work! 


2. I have a precious 2 and a half year old Lab/Border Collie mix pup named Sky.... also known as "Skybo". She is super spoiled and super hyper - like ALL the time - keeps me on my toes!


3. Speaking of staying on my toes... I LOVE to exercise. I feel wrong if I don't do some sort of physical activity every day - My FAVORITE is boxing and kickboxing at Title Boxing Club (See if there is one near you and take a class!!)


4. I am an insulin independent, Type 1 diabetic. I was diagnosed when I was 5 and have taken great care of myself!


5. I am very aware of what I eat and am cautious of what I put in my body. I enjoy eating healthy and feel better when I eat better!


6. To unwind I like to watch different TV series... my favorites are Desperate Housewives, True Blood, Game of Thrones, Pretty Little Liars, and Lost. Quite the variety! Any suggestions on good ones to watch?


7. I have an older brother, a younger sister and a younger brother.


8. I am interested in reading more but have no idea where to start or what to read. Anyone have must-read they suggest?


9. I am only 22 years old - So I definitely do NOT have all the answers! 


10. I graduated from Texas State University - Summa Cum Laude :)


11. I have wanted to teach since I was in KINDERGARTEN and am so excited my time is finally here- It is a little crazy though!
 
NOW - Coast to Coast Kinder has asked and I have answered:

1. How long have you been teaching? - 0 years ...  I am a newbie!
2. Do you have a classroom theme? - I am going for Dr. Seuss... Already have the door done .. pictures to come!
3. What is your favorite school related app? - Class DOJO! Great way to provide incentive to the kids. You can carry it around in your pocket and give/take away points from students as the day goes on. Classroom Management made easy, and parents can even get the app and stay involved in what's happening with their kid!
4. What is your favorite non school related app? - My Fitness Pal - It keeps me in check!
5. What is the best characteristic of your best friend? - She is CONFIDENT. So sure of herself and positive.
6. Beach or Mountains? Why? - Mountains. There is just something relaxing about them and the ocean scares me... so. much. water.
7. Do you wear jeans to work? - On Fridays! 
8. What was your best teaching moment? - I have only experienced student teaching ..  but I was responsible for teaching the rock cycle and wrote a book to bring the rock cycle down to a 1st grade level. I was thrilled to hear words like "Metamorphic" and "Igneous" being thrown around for WEEKS. The kids remembered it and LOVED it. "Captain Igneous" did the trick! 
9. Coffee or other morning drink? - I like the "Neuro" drinks. Coffee every once in a while... but the Neuro drinks come in different varieties to help you feel awake, alert and alive.
10. What is your favorite dinner? - Sushi! or Steak.
11. Reality TV good or junk? - I like to say its junk, but I have to admit that I get pretty hooked if I sit down and watch.


And ... I have nominated these AWESOME blogs:


http://firstgradewithatwist.blogspot.com/
http://elementaryelle.blogspot.com/
http://missjacobslittlelearners.blogspot.com.au/
http://whooosinsecond.blogspot.com/
http://www.talesfromaverybusyteacher.blogspot.com/

My Questions are:


1. How do you use literacy/math stations or centers in your classroom?
2. What is your favorite education App?
3. What is your favorite classroom management strategy?
4. If you could go back to your first year of teaching and tell yourself ANYTHING what would it be?
5. What do you need the most help with developing/creating for your classroom or students?
6. How do you create a balance between your teacher life and you personal life?
7. What is your favorite book to read for enjoyment?
8. Would you rather read on a kindle, or a real live book?
9. How do you incorporate technology into your lessons?
10. What organizational strategy are you most proud of in your classroom?
11. If you could change something about your school or classroom, what would it be?


Have fun and good luck!