Happy New Year! I haven’t done a Farley’s Currently in a while….don’t know why….they’re so much fun!
Most of these are self explanatory, but I’ll share on my Christmas memory. So my parents can have all their children (grandchildren, really) together at the same time, my brother and our families spend Christmas or Thanksgiving with them and then the opposite holiday with our in laws. This year we spent Thanksgiving with my family, but asked the hubby if we could have Christmas at our house. He agreed and it was AMAZING! Plus, that way my parents didn’t have to spend Christmas with other people…. 🙂
It’s Currently time! Farley at Oh Boy, 4th Grade‘s linky party is the greatest way to kick off a new month.
The fam and I had a great time at the beach this weekend so I’m appreciative that we have today off. I literally almost fell off the piano bench at church because I was so tired….lol.
The kids are doing some AWESOME things with the iPads! Of course, you never know what will happen until you get them, so we’ve got like iPads with 25 Spongebob pics…..lol, but we’re getting there. But it’s only Week 2 and they know how to get documents off Edmodo, work on them, and upload them back to Edmodo….so I’m very happy!
I haven’t done that much with iMovie in the past, but I decided to create a movie trailer for my parents on Open House night, and it was AWESOME! Check it out here:
Farley’s right! As teachers we are so used to taking care of others and neglecting ourselves. I started back running this summer, but since then……NOTHING! My goal is to walk/jog 30 miles this month. And I’m eliminating soda from my diet….specifically Coke Zero. And in order to get those 30 miles in, I need to leave school by 4 at least twice a week. Wish me luck!
I can’t believe it’s August already! And that means it’s Currently Time!
After a very rough year two years ago, our team of teachers decided to implement a 6th grade Transition Camp to help our rising students get acclimated to middle school life. For those that came directly from our feeder school, they were going from 1 teacher all day long to 6 teachers. They couldn’t keep up with anything…..and I don’t even want to mention how difficult it is to teach 11 year olds about lockers when the locks are on the lockers. They can’t even take them home and practice! We spend the days of the transition camp discussing the ins and outs of our school, they get to practice with their lockers without the stress of a tardy bell, and the meet their teachers and do a practice run of their schedule. The kids had an absolutely fabulous time! All of them said they felt so much better about coming to middle school because of these days.
I think that everything else probably speaks for itself, but I want to highlight my B2S items.
1. A good pencil sharpener is like the hottest thing on the block for a teacher! I’ve been eyeing the quietest classroom pencil sharpener for a while, and think that I will go ahead and purchase it. I buy at least two electric pencil sharpeners a year, last year I was fortunate enough to win one at the Office Depot Teacher Appreciation Day! And despite the fact that I purchase them, by the end of the year, we’re down to the $1 hand held sharpeners I buy at the beginning of the year!
2. I love shoes…..I love cute shoes…..cute shoes do not love me! For one, I have flat feet. Secondly, there is no cushion between the floor of my classroom and the hard dirt it’s packed upon. Which means that at the end of the day my lower back is aching, my right knee is throbbing, and the bottom of my feet hurt. How can the bottom of your feet hurt??? So I need to keep it real with myself and buy myself some comfortable shoes…..but they have to be kinda cute…..any ideas?
3. Last year I started using the Interactive Student Notebook in my classroom. For someone just starting out, I think they went very well, but I’m ready to take it to the next level. This year I’m using I’m Lovin’ Lit’s ISN Resources to assist with that.
If you’re the remotest bit interested, I suggest you head over to Erin’s TpT store and take a look.
Well, I hope that all of you enjoy the remainder of your summer break!
I can’t believe that July is on the horizon….seriously snipping at our heels…..and Farley has decided to put up her July Currently a weeee bit earlier! I couldn’t believe it when I refreshed my Bloglovn’ page and saw those Currently’s pop up! And for Farley’s awesome linky party…if you snooze…you lose! Here is my Currently!
I have so many things that I need to do! I’m presenting at the UTC (Upstate Technology Conference) July 9th and I know what I’m doing, but I don’t KNOW what I’m doing…..you know what I mean? My presentation is titled “Integrating Technology in the ELA Classroom” so of course I have so many things to share – but I only have an hour….
I’m also presenting at my sorority’s Leadership Conference. My presentation is titled “Exercises for Everyone” and I know what I’m doing, but I don’t KNOW what I’m doing….you know what I mean? (I’m sure you can see where this is going)
So anyway, I probably should be doing a whole bunch of things besides blog stalking, facebooking, and instagramming….but….*shrugging* I’ve been a procrastinator for 37 years, why stop now?
I started back running a few weeks ago. Using the C25K (Couch to 5K) program is a great way to start…..I should know – it’s the same program I used four years ago! Oh, I could kick myself right now! Anyway, I really want to go for a run, but hubby is at work so it’s just me and DD.
As for the tips….
Teaching Tip – Always do what’s in the best interest of the children and you’ll never go wrong.
Bloggin Tip – Showcase the hard work that you and your kiddos put in! Your ideas, lessons, tips, and hints, will go a long way into inspiring someone else….trust me….
Head on over to Farley’s and link up to this month’s Currently. And don’t forget the rule of three…visit and comment on the 2 blogs before you and the 1 after. I guarantee you’ll learn something new. I always do.
This has been one of my best school years ever! I’ve worked with an A – MA – ZING group of kids and been offered some FABULOUS opportunities! I work with the hardest group of women anywhere and an AWESOME staff! Blessed…..just blessed I tell you! Normally, we’re out of school by now, but we are 2 half days away from saying “Have a great summer!” to these babies with one more day to closing out the school year for us adults. But with it being June, it’s also time for a new Currently linky party! 🙂
Like I said earlier, time has flown by so quickly, I can’t believe it’s June already! But like one of my blogging sheroes, Kim over in Finding Joy in 6thh, said, my mind is already racing ahead to the start of the next school year.
DD’s last day of school was last Tuesday (she goes to school in a different school district), and she’s been with Nana and Papa ever since……being spoiled rotten! Going to pick up that sweetie later today to get ready for summer camp. Since she’s gone it’s been remarkably silent. You’d be amazed at how many “Mama can I…..?” I hear on the weekend….well, maybe not…..
I am so excited about the new opportunities that have come my way! 🙂 First I was stoked about being a part of an e-learning committee, which then morphed into being a part of a 1:1 mobile device project, which then morphed into being an instructor in the graduate course…..unbelievable! It’s amazing where we’re headed technology wise…..five years ago nothing like this was even on the edge of my mind….
After the last conference I attended, I decided that I was going to start stretching professionally outside my school district. My proposal was accepted and I’ll be presenting at the Upstate Technology Conference in July. I also found out that our district tech coordinator wants us to present at the State Technology Conference in October! Whoop!
About a month ago, my mom asked me if I wanted to attend our sorority conference in Canada this year. Of course! I hadn’t even mentioned it, because I didn’t think it was an option. That has morphed into me presenting at the conference….wow!
Although the school year is ending, things will keep rolling right along for me! Graduate course, 2 Common Core workshops, Leadership, and the Tech Conference….plus…..planning for our 6th grade transition camp (for rising 6th graders) and next year…..Whowza!
My fridge is empty and I know the hubs is hungry….cause I’m hungry….but I don’t wanna get outta this bed….ugggghhhh!
My vacation must faves? Tech gear (iPhone, iPad, computer) is a must (my brain never shuts off!), family and friends (we have the best time together!), and fitness gear (bought a fit bit to keep me on track). I’ve got a lot planned this summer….and I’m going to enjoy every single bit of it!
Click on Farley’s pic above to find the post and link up. Make sure you follow her rule of three, comment on the two before and one after yours!
Yes, it’s 12:51 and I have no business being up! Yes, I’m on Spring Break, but I still need to be asleep. But I had wunnerful, wunnerful day with my family today yesterday, and after a great meal, I took a loooong nap.
So now I’m awake and I’m hungry but DH fell asleep on the couch watching basketball and I don’t want to wake him – because he does have to go to work tomorrow!
I was thinking that maybe I could sneak down and grab something out of the fridge to snack on – but then I thought to myself, “Well, Let’s see what Farley‘s up to?” And low and behold her currently for April was already up and running. So here goes…..
You should link up too….Don’t forget the rule of 3…comment on the 2 links in front of you and the one after you…it’s so rude if you don’t…:-)
It’s always exciting to join up with Farley at Oh’ Boy 4th Grade….. for her Currently linky party!
Baby Girl got sick on Thursday and has passed it on down to me! But why isn’t it the same? She was coughing and wheezing. I, on the other hand, am coughing, sneezing, running AND stuffy nose (how does that work?), and aching. I have been in and out of the bed all day (more in than out), and at least got dinner cooked for my family, but that is it! Gonna need some help getting the rest of my stuff together for next week…..sigh
Oh yeah! My team has been selected to participate in the iPad deployment initiative and we are beyond excited! Still trying to wrap my head around it….and Common Core…..and other opportunities that are to come. Gonna stop now, getting overwhelmed…..
My house is a mess! My plan was to work on two rooms this weekend, but that didn’t happen. Anyone have a fairy godmother they can lend me?
This month, Farley asked us to use the first letter in our first name to complete the bottom item (which I have to admit I did not do, initially, because I didn’t read completely).
I like Chocolate….a lot. But, it doesn’t love me quite as much….My willpower used to be better, so if someone can find that pesky thing and send it back to me I would greatly appreciate it!
I loooove Chick-fil-A! Did you notice how my top two include food? That missing willpower again…My friend and I carpool together and we have been there at least twice a week in the past three weeks. Hey! Can someone tell me why the Chick-fil-A craving comes strongest on Sunday when it’s not open???
And…….I absolutely hate…..detest….abhor…CONFUSION! But as a middle school teacher, I see it a lot! But, I absolutely love…..adore…..am smitten with middle school children! You take the good with that bad, right?
Alrighty! Want to link up? Go visit Farley’s blog and follow the linkz instructions. And don’t forget the rule of 3….Comment on the two posts before yours and the one after!
Our sixth grade team of teachers is a real team! We love our jobs – we love our children and we’d do just about anything to help them become successful. We work together so well – I AM BLESSED! I know that our situation is the exception – not the norm – and for that I am truly grateful.
A few months ago, I had a half day meeting at the district office. Since it is so difficult to get substitutes to agree to come in for 1/2 day, we decided to split our 110 children into three groups. So these groups were anywhere between 35 and 37 kids….in one classroom…..for 90 minutes! But it worked! And we’ve realized (after having to do it once last week and twice this week) that we’ve got some really great kids too! Our new schedule took away only two changes for the students – but it really made a big deal with their “excitedability”. (Yes, I know that’s not a real word!)
Our SS partner was our sick for two days last week. We thought it would be only for one day and I was planned for that because students were finishing up a quiz. But day two…..kinda threw me for a loop. I thought about it all night, Friday morning, well actually about 15 minutes before the kiddos got there….and Eureka! it came to me. We were finishing up Euphemisms so I created a mini project for them….Euphemism posters. Students used PowerPoint to create a poster on a one Euphemism. See an example below:
I am especially proud of this kid for many reasons….:-)
But the #1 reason there is a smile on my face is because of this: My last period class is a elective class to assist students with preparation for our standardized test. But since I had mine and my partners, I allowed students who hadn’t finished their project to finish. And I didn’t have to do a thing! I printed out multiple copies of the directions and students who had finished their projects helped those who hadn’t. I was so proud of these students!! Plus we used DropItToMe for the first time….and it was NO headache at all…. 🙂
Check them out here!
Euphemism Poster Creation on PhotoPeach
And now for my February Currently! Thanks to Farley at Oh’ Boy Fourth Grade for hosting this really neat monthly activity!
DD and I are visiting my parents today and they have no willpower! It’s been NickJr. ever since we stepped into the house. Sigh…..SpongeBob SquarePants has never been a favorite of mine….
My blog has been selected for inclusion in the list of the Top 25 Middle School Teacher Blogs of 2012. If you’re interested, click on the link here. It took me three years to even get the nerve up to start a personal blog….how excited am I that people are noticing my hard work.
I’ve talked about our 1:1 mobile device initiative in a previous post (I think?) but it’s now really becoming a reality. My team submitted a group proposal so that all of our students would get the iPads and my principal is pretty sure we’ll be approved. I also received an email complimenting me on our proposal and was even asked if I would be ok with my ideas being shared in our initiative. And the final hurrah was being asked to be one of the first teachers for our graduate school class. Now, it’s not as if I don’t have enough to do (my family thinks I do too much already), but this is a wonderful opportunity for me. I received my administration degree in 2010 and have been debating what I really want my educational course to be. Since being back in the classroom after budget cuts – I’m slowly coming to the realization that my niche is technology integration. I’ve even been contemplating getting an Ed.D in Instructional Technology. As always, I will put it into the hands of the Lord and allow him to direct my path. He has never (and will never) steer me wrong!
I want to talk about my “needing”, but I get anxious just thinking about it! I told my principal somebody better get me a prescription of Xanax. I love teaching reading and I love to write – but I absolutely hate….strongly dislike teaching writing to sixth graders. OMG….nuff said.
So anyway…I’m skipping down to my “Pet Peeves”….
#1 Lazy Kiddos – uggghhh….Middle School is hard……6th Grade is the hardest! Our kids go from having one teacher in 5th Grade to having SIX teachers in 6th Grade! Whew! And many elementary schools are fond of social promotion. I have at least one student every year who failed EVERY CLASS last year and was PROMOTED!!! What?????!!!!! So when they get to us and they have to pass aaaallllll classes it is a great shock. You should see some of those sweet little faces at the end of the year – DISBELIEF! It’s downright comical in a sad, sad, way….
#2 Tapping – More specifically tapping me on my arm/shoulder and repeatedly calling my name….Mrs. J….Mrs. J…..Mrs. J……..WHAT? Oh, I absolutely despite it…..
#3 Complainers – We are so blessed at my school and school district. Promethean Boards, ActivExpressions devices, laptops and soon (cross your fingers) iPads! But sometimes (like every day) I hear a complaint about something. “These computers are too slow” (Bring your own from home – oh! you don’t have one), “My device isn’t working right” (Ok, get out your whiteboard then), “$.050 for a pencil??” (Tell yo’ mama to go to the store and buy you some), and on and on and on. Just once I would love to hear “Mrs. J. we are so blessed!” Just once…..or maybe once a day…..
Alrighty now! If you’re going to link up remember to follow the rule of 3 – Comment on the two blog posts before yours and one after. Who knows the connections you’ll make?
I have been seeing the montly “Currently” post around blogs but I had no idea how to do it. So thanks to Oh’ Boy 4th Grade and The Teacher’s Cauldron, I finally figured it out. Since, I’ve just done my Vistaprint post (find it here), I won’t retype everything that I ordered. But know that it is the highlight of my week! So here’s my August “Currently”!
