Sunday, June 30, 2013

Classroom Jobs Round 2

There wasn't ever really a "round 1" per say, but I did post on classroom jobs back in August 2012 and I consider this to be an update on that post.

Last year I made new job signs to use with my students. These signs incorporate PECs images by Pyramid Educational Consultants. You can read the original post by {clicking here}.

 

This was such an effective way to do jobs in my classroom this year. I absolutely loved it! The students knew what all of the job pictures were, all I had to do was point to a card and that student would automatically know their job and say, "I'm the ____________!" I loved it. It was great language practice for them too. For the students who are still increasing their language, they would raise their hand and then we would model the sentence for them either one word at a time, or full sentence, depending on their skill level. It's awesome how you can honestly differentiate every little thing in the classroom.

I couldn't share these job posters with you last year because of copyright with the images. BUT now, I have revamped the posters with new images and you can have them too! (Well, maybe not have, but purchase--the first 5 of you to comment can have them for free though! Just make sure you leave me your e-mail or I'll have to pick the next person!) 



I made smaller name tag cards that I used velcro to attach inside the boxes.  Included in this pack are small rectangles you can use to add your students names to. I also added additional jobs. I know we all use different jobs in our classrooms as they all function differently.

Here are the jobs included:

Snack Helper
Line Caboose
Song Helper
Paper Passer
Light Keeper
Trash Collector
Line Leader
Schedule Helper
Calender Helper
Folder Checker
Door Holder
Table Wiper

I won't use all 12 choices in my classroom, but I know some teachers like having a lot of jobs. If not, at least you have some choices to make. I will definitely be adding the caboose and schedule helper to my jobs for next year.

Do you use any of these in your classroom?

{click here to purchase on TpT}                          {click here to purchase on TN}
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Saturday, June 29, 2013

July Currently

Farley at Oh Boy Fourth Grade has posted the July Currently a day early two days early (clearly I'm a teacher on summer vacation and don't know what day it is). I follow her blog page on facebook and was shocked to see how many people took advantage of her heads up and got their currently ready before the post went live. By the time I made it to her live post (basically right away), 22 people had already linked up! I should try that the next time!

I love these linky parties. I find so many new blogs through them. If you are new to blogging, this is definitely a party you want to join! 


Listening: I always have the TV on in the background, but I'm trying to force myself to write a paper so it's off. Clearly, there isn't a lot of paper writing happening at the moment...

Loving: My new blog look! I had to reset my HTML/CSS stuff because it was giving me a hard time. I took that as a reason to need a new look. I love how cleaned up everything is. I just want to stare at the pretty design. Okay, maybe that's a bit much, but still, I'm happy, happy, happy!

Thinking: I should really stop getting on facebook and pinterest and finish this work. I have 2 papers and a presentation due on Tuesday! 

Wanting: I would really love to have a nice DSLR camera, maybe a Cannon one. I ooo and ahh over all of the pretty pictures people use on their blog. I'd love to have a nice camera to use for my pictures too. It would also be an added plus for taking pictures with friends and family too of course!

Needing: I really need a new organization system for my blog design clients. Every time I close my waiting list I usually develop a new system before re-opening it. It's all a learning process for me to become better organized and stay on top of the designs. Hopefully not having to take a grad class for 6 months will help too! 

Tips, Trick, or Hints: I love this idea by the way! I think the biggest thing for me with my blog is not to force it. I want to enjoy my blog, I don't want to turn it into a chore. Sometimes I have something to post about every day, sometimes once a week, or maybe not for 2 weeks. Post when you have something, don't force it and feel like you need to post every day. That helps me still enjoy doing it! 

Now that I've finished my post I'll probably be lucky to be in the top 50 for the link up! Ha! Be sure to head over as fast as you can to get the blank template and join in!
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Friday, June 28, 2013

Five for Friday Linky

I was so excited when I did Five for Friday. Then......I forgot. I think I only linked up once or twice! I am NOT forgetting this week. Just to make sure of that, I started this post on Monday & I wrote it down in my planner for Friday.

I think maybe starting to plan out my blog posts ahead of time is good thing. I keep writing when I want to do what posts in my planner. Seriously though, like I need ONE MORE THING to keep track of in my planner. I digress.

Back to the topic...Five for Friday!

1. Top Knot Party!


I don't know why I called this a party. Thank you to the little blogger that is Fancy Ashley who made me feel like my top knot was not just acceptable in the home, but in public too. It's perfect for super hot summer school days. Sorry if you disagree on it's "acceptable-ness"

2. Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter


These are little packets of deliciousness, let me tell you. Love Nutella? Eating Clean? These are for you! NO preservatives or chemical additives/flavorings. I'm sure these taste great on apples, bananas, even toast. I'm yet to eat one not straight from the packet... great afternoon pick me up :D

3. Clean Eating Chicken Bowl


I posted this on my personal instagram and my creating and teaching one and had people ask for the recipe. Well, there isn't really a recipe. It's clean eating, so it's everything you see in the picture! Chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, and avocado. Chipotle ain't got nothin on me.

4. About Time Protein Powder


Sorry all I ever talk about is food now. I'm pretty excited for this. With clean eating, protein powder is out of the question, HOWEVER, I came across this this week and it's 100% natural protein powder with only 4 ingredients. Hardcore clean eaters might still say so, but it's the better of the choices. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm looking forward to it! I love that the website lets you order single serving trial packs of their flavors. I of course have a love affair with Birthday Cake flavor anything, so I'm most excited about that one.
5. New Bathing Suit


Pretty sure it's impossible to go into Target and only walk out with exactly the only things you went in for. Their swimwear was buy 1 piece, get another 50% off. I love to mix and match and thought this orange and turquoise was a fun combo!

Have you linked up for Five for Friday? If not, what are you waiting for! (Besides maybe for the day to be more than half over!)

P.S. if my blog starts to look a little wonky over the next few days I'm sorry. The design bug has bit me again. (go figure) and I've been having problems editing my CSS so I'm planning on completing wiping out all html adjustments I've made. This scares me, but I'm prepared for it. (i think)
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Try it FREE Tuesday- 12 Month Calendar Headers

Have you all heard about Miss Kindergarten's fun summer idea for Try it Free Tuesday?


Each Tuesday she will be featuring 1-2 items from various bloggers that you can download for free, but ONLY for that 1 Tuesday! You don't want to miss any of this!

Well, today, I have been featured! I couldn't pass this up when she asked if I would be interested in contributing. What a fun way to check out some new TpT items!

For today only (TUES 6/25/13) you can download my 12 Month Calendar Headers for free.


If you want the link to download them, click {here} to go and visit Hadar.

If you want to read my original post about these headers, click {here}.

And OF COURSE I have to tell you about the calendar cards that I have to match the headers!


They are for sale in my TpT store. Click {here} to go and see them!

I'd love to hear feedback from you if you decide to try my calendar headers this Tuesday! :)
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Monday, June 24, 2013

{Flash Sale} TODAY ONLY

FLASH SALE! Summer school starts today and despite how early I had to wake up, I'm pretty energized this morning! I decided to make my entire TpT store %15 off for today only! Grab those wishlist items TODAY! :)
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Thursday, June 20, 2013

Blog Lovin' & July 4th Activities

 If you haven't come across this issue yet, then I'm gonna be bold and say you are probably blogging under a rock. But Google Friend Connect, what we all typically click to "follow" a blog is about to be kaput. But do not fear! There is a solution! You can create an account with blog lovin and import all of the blogs you currently follow to that. SO, if you are already following my blog and you do this step, then you're all done! If you have your own blog, you'll want to claim it through blog lovin.

The Brown Bag Teacher has posted an excellent and easy to follow tutorial for how to import the blogs you follow to blog lovin. I'm going to direct you to her tutorial, versus re-creating the wheel!

The Teacher Wife

I have to put this code on my blog, in order to "claim it" for blog lovin.

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3121444/?claim=u9ax4rtkjpt">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
 
Are you teaching summer school? Still in session for the school year? Teaching year round? This unit is for you! I had a strike of creativity the other night at midnight, yes, midnight of all times, and I just HAD to create. Create something on my to do list? NO that would make too much sense! I was thinking red, white, and blue and started cranking this out.




I am teaching summer school myself and I think I'm most looking forward to using the flag craft included in this unit.



If you want to see more or purchase this unit, click one of the links below. The preview document includes descriptions for each activity.

Click {here} to go to TpT
Click {here} to go to TN
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Monday, June 17, 2013

Top 10 Classroom Decor Pins

It's summer. And if you're anything like me, that means you're thinking about decorating your classroom for next year. It's seriously my favorite thing about the new year and each year I feel like I like my classroom a little bit more.
I'm envious of some of the amazing pictures of classrooms I see out there. I want perfect organization, flow, and consistency in decor. Since I don't have an endless wallet I know that might take some time. Slowly, but surely.
My first year teaching I didn't have a theme, I was just so excited to have my own classroom! My second year I did an ocean theme, it was fun, but maybe a little too busy. I decided to tone down and simplify for my new group of students. I went with sun/clouds/rainbows. I really liked it and I am planning on sticking with that again for next year, but with some changes/updates!
Tonight I'm linking up with Just Reed for her Ten Pin Linky Party. The theme for this Ten Pin is classroom decor! Here are 10 items from my pin board that I am *hoping* to do to my classroom for next year. Accomplishing all 10 is a stretch, but hey, a girl can dream right?




1. Hanging Curtains. I just saw this one today and I have curtains in my classroom already, but I use tension rods, and shesh. They can be a pain! I really like this idea! It's one of those things that you see and go, really? I couldn't think of that one myself?
{click the picture for the pinterest link}


2. Break Area. I really want to make a new/designated break area in the classroom for next year. I have students who need some sensory breaks and this will be perfect! This one is from Sasha at The Autism Helper. I can only hope mine will be as amazing!
{click the picture for the pinterest link}


3. Re-vamped desk area. This is a perfect example of a clean and polished desk area. I would love to re-do my desk area this year. I love the classrooms where teachers have given up their desks. If I didn't have a desktop computer, I'd probably consider that!
{click the picture for the pinterest link} 


4. Window Bunting. I have some sheer curtains on my windows, but I would either like to make new curtains, or add a bunting with the existing curtains. I also have a window into the hallway that I would like to do something with. A bunting would be fun on those!
{click the picture for the pinterest link}


5. Make a Rainbow. How fun is this rainbow decor! It looks like it would fit perfectly into a classroom designed by School Girl Style. I love it and might just have to find a place to do something similiar in my room!
{click the picture for the pinterest link}


6. Storage Bins. I have storage space above my cabinets where I have my theme items labeled in copy paper boxes. Throughout this school year I plan to transition from copy paper boxes to plastic bins. Plastic bins will hold up longer and be a better defense against the mice we get.
{click the picture for the pinterest link}


7. Lighting. I want better lighting. I've read and read about adding additional lighting to your classroom via lamps so it's not all florescent. I bought one desk lamp last year and rarely turn it on. I MUST incorporate more lighting this year! I just love this lamp from The Land of Nod
{click the picture for pinterest link}


8. Wood Working Area. I love this! We have a wood working area with our high scope curriculum, but I usually just put mine out for 2 weeks at a time within the block area. If I find the space, I love this DIY wood working area!
{click the picture for the pinterest link}


9. Drawer Organization. I could seriously use this! Perfect for organizing bulletin board letters, accents, etc. Right now I have a large shallow draw set. It's perfect for posters and everything, but it all just winds up stacked on top of each other. Some small compartments for some of those drawers would be great!
{click the picture for the pinterest link}


10. Shelves! I love this idea for inexpensive make your own shelves. You can adjust the width yourself with the number of cinder blocks, obviously not too high because you don't want them to fall. I have a few shelves that are really choppy, outdated, and just icky. I would love to replace them with something else!
{click the picture for the link}


Shew, that's quite the list. I'll have to update you at the beginning of the school year with what ACTUALLY gets accomplished. I already have a few ideas in store for blog posts so I KNOW some of it will happen.

Be sure to head over and check out the posts of everyone who has linked up! I saw some really great ideas. Do you have a few things in mind for your classroom that you absolutely MUST do this summer??

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Friday, June 14, 2013

End of the Year Idea with a {FREE} download!

I know this might sound surprising, but the end of the school year really snuck up on me! I knew it was coming, but before I knew it it was actually here.

We stuck to our routine the last few days as much as possible. Consistency and routine are what my children thrive off of, so we worked to keep it somewhat similiar. We did enjoy some bubble blowing and chasing and bike riding too. 

For an end of the year gift my para and I decided to make some buckets of fun! It's nice having a second person (not just to differentiate instruction) but for student gifts too! :) We simply come up with something, then split the cost. The students get a decent gift and it's not so painful on our wallets either.


Some dollar tree goodies (we are still working on a budget here), combined with some suggestions for making learning fun at home. I tried to incorporate things they could use the materials in the bucket for too.

The packet also includes a suggestions page for websites and apps to use at home too. I know a lot of my students have internet access and/or ipads/itouches at home. 



If you are interested in the Summer Fun Learning Ideas packet I put together, you can download it for free from my TpT store and TN store.


Click {here} to download on TpT
Click {here} to download on TN

With the file you download you will also get a copy of the labels I put on the buckets. I left the name space blank so you will have to hand write yours in. Can you guess what I used my bucket labels for??


Yes, that would be why some of them are on an angle. They were perfect for covering up the bucket stickers, versus spending a gazillion hours trying to pick off stickers!

I linked this idea up with Seusstastic Classroom Inspirations summer linky party! You have to check it out, each week there is a different theme for the linky. Definitely a party you'll get a lot of ideas from this summer!

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Monday, June 10, 2013

{Personal Post}- Clean Eating Update #2

I really enjoyed reading your comments on my first post about clean eating! It was nice that some of you are either clean eaters, or have tried it in the past, and my favorite was reading the comments about my how post has inspired you to either try clean eating, or jump start some healthy changes!

I also wanted to answer some of your questions too! So I'll jump right into that, then I want to give you some updates on how things are going now that I'm 2 weeks in to clean eating.

Q: Are you following a particular book or website?
A: No. I've done a lot of reading online by searching clean eating, or searching benefits of clean eating. The Gracious Pantry has been a really helpful website for me.

Q: Do you have a recipe for your granola?
A: Yes! It's actually from The Gracious Pantry too. Here's the link to the granola recipe. I used rolled oats to make mine, and added raisins to it after it was finished in the oven. Just check the ingredients on your raisins and make sure it's ONLY raisins! You can also add any type of nut you like, or take it out.

Clean Eating Granola
Picture from The Gracious Pantry




Q: Can you share the sources for your recipes?

A: Absolutely! I should have done that the first go around- duh! The pineapple chicken I mentioned in this post, is from The Gracious Pantry too--imagine that. Here's the link for that one. 

Clean Eating Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Verde
Picture from The Gracious Pantry

Please fee free to ask me questions whenever and I will answer them in my next clean eating post so that you are sure to see the responses!

Now, onto my update...things have been going really well! The cravings have definitely curbed and my boyfriend pointed out this amazing ice cream to me! Well, I say amazing because  I think it's delicious. He thinks it tastes like grass.


Now, depending on how strict you are being with your clean eating you might consider this to be a no no. But, for my take on clean eating, if I am absolutely craving a sweet that I just can't get away from, the ingredients list on this is not that offensive.
I mean, compare it to the ingredients list on the container of Eddy's my dad had in the freezer. Which one would you rather eat?


On my first post I mentioned my starting weight and my activity level. 
2 weeks in, my current weight is: 124.8
Now, remember, weight loss is not exactly my goal. Do I expect to lose a few pounds with this switch, yes. But if you want to lose more weight, there are clean eating diet options that you might want to look up.

I also ran my first 5k on the 8th too! My goal was to run the total 3.1 without stopping and I did it! Now I'm ready to bring on more 5k races!
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Sunday, June 02, 2013

Swallowed a Shell & June Currently

I love when I have the time to link up with Farley for the monthly linky parties! I was also planning on posting my Swallowed a Shell Activity Cards today, so they are in the same post! Better than 2 posts in one day in my book!

First up, June currently!


I'm excited and sad that my students only have 3 days left! I had no idea going into this school year what I was getting myself into. My first year working with a whole group with either autism, or other communication delays and wow. I couldn't imagine how huge my heart would be for these little guys. Absolutely love my students, they have taught me SO MUCH this school year! I will always remember this group!

I'll have 2 and a 1/2 weeks off from them before summer school. The perfect amount of time. We all need a break. And after 2 and a 1/2 I will be ready to see their little faces again!

For my 3 vacay essentials, I thought of what 3 things I must have on a beach day, pool day, or boat day. I LOVE my towel clips. They keep your towel up over the chair. They are perfect! I love having my kindle to read and a hat to keep the sun off my face!

Don't forget the rule of 3 when you link up!

Now, next up, my activity cards!

I made these activity cards to go with There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell. I have made these for almost all of the books. My students love them! If you've never checked them out before you must, they are a huge hit!


Now, if you've purchased them from me before you know what they are all about! You can download There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat for free to get idea.

Click {here} to purchase on TpT
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Saturday, June 01, 2013

{Personal Post}- Clean Eating Adventures #1

Obviously, as the title of the post hinted at, this is not teaching related. But I figured it's summer time, and every now and then we might actually like to enjoy reading something OTHER than school-related posts.

Clean eating. Yep, that's the adventure. I debated whether or not I wanted to blog about this or not. I considered the pros and the cons, and ultimately decided that I would share about it. Not that I would expect this from any of my blog followers, but please do not leave any negative comments in regards to this topic. This is my decision to make and I'm not asking you to agree with it. Everyone is entitled their own opinion and I respect that. I just ask that you respect my decision and take the negativity elsewhere.

Now, on the flip side, I am more than open to any advice or constructive feedback you can give me! Clean eating is a little overwhelming at first, especially with trying to figure out what to eat, what not to eat and where to begin. So advice is appreciated and encouraged. For example, is coffee a yay or a nay on this diet?! I just haven't been able to clear that one up!

What? What is clean eating? My interpretation of clean eating is following a diet that is made up of foods that are not processed. You want foods as close to their original state as possible. No additives to foods, no preservatives, and if you can't pronounce something in the ingredients, chances are it's not clean. Same can be said for the amount of ingredients. For the most part, anything higher than 3-4 ingredients isn't clean either.

Why? Why clean eating? I had heard of clean eating many times before, but always wrote it off as something for the die-hard diet fans or fitness fanatics, but that's not the case at all! I work with a teacher who started the clean eating diet and she looks great! My goal for a clean eating lifestyle is not to lose weight, don't get me wrong, I don't think you'll ever meet many women who would be against dropping a pound or two, but my biggest focus is to reap the benefits of feeling better and having more energy. 

I decided that by sharing my clean eating adventures on my blog, it would give me some accountability. Someone to report my progress and results to, which would in turn force me to stick to the clean eating as much as possible. My goal is to be about 90% clean. Knowing that not every single little thing is going to be clean. I am certainly going to try my best, but I won't beat myself up over something little. Also, to prove the benefits of it to you, should you consider doing it yourself, I figured I'd need to share some starting points with you.

Starting Weight: I weighed myself first thing in the morning on my start day. 126.6 lbs (again, let me reiterate, my focus is on better energy levels) 

Starting Activity Level: I teach special education pre-school. I stay pretty active and on my feet, up and down off the floor, I'd say from 8am-2pm. I try to make it to the gym 4-5 times/week, but when things get busy, I allow myself to skip rather than make time for the workout.Throughout this process I want to also work on making better time for the gym.

So far I've been doing this for 5 days. I've found some pretty yummy meals. I'm really enjoying my breakfast:


It's PLAIN greek yogurt, with homemade clean granola, 1 banana, and some honey. You have to check your greek yogurt ingredients. Some are alright for a clean diet, and others aren't. And always take the plain route.

I've been making all kinds of spinach salads for lunch. Chicken, shrimp, pineapple, mango, strawberries, guacamole. Keep mixing it up so it doesn't get boring. One of the things I haven't gone clean on yet is the salad dressing. This raspberry one was just bought so I figured when it was gone, I'd go to a clean dressing.


Dinners have consisted of pineapple chicken made in the crock pot with a clean recipe. Ground turkey, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes- i LOVE sweet potatoes. 5 minutes in the microwave with some coconut spread and it's delicious!



I'm hoping to find some new recipes each week so things don't get boring.

Days 4 and 5, the cravings started to hit hard, especially in the evenings. Cravings for sweets, cereal, all the things I can't have. But I stuck with it and haven't even cheated with 1 bite!

Have you ever thought about clean eating? Do you do clean eating now?
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