So summer is almost over, at least for me it is. The teachers have to report on Wednesday this week and the work in my room shall begin! I was excited to see today after church that yes, my room was shampooed and cleaned this week! YEAH! That means I have free reign in my room now. I can't wait. I am looking forward to getting in there now. I finally am getting the itch to go back... finally (only taking 3 days before I start to get it)! I am hoping that it is such a fun year this year. I really enjoyed last year and now I get double the fun!
Even though the back to school itch is back, I still am feeling a little stressed because I am working on my colloquy. There is a lot more writing to this one and I hope that I am able to pull it off. (I think it is also my 'got to get A's and nothing else' nature pulling through and not helping me stay relaxed.) I have a little more to go, but almost there!
I can also tell that summer is almost over because it is Armada Fair time! This year I have 3 quilts and about 60 pictures in the fair. I will probably have a big post later this week about the fair. I can't wait to go to the fair tomorrow! It opens tomorrow and I can't go until about 4:30! AHHH! If it is really bugging me, I may sneak out there early, but it is a drive from my house and I don't want to waste the gas. (I am worse than my almost 4 year old! He keeps begging to go out to the fair. I guess if he has to wait, I should also set the example.) :) Here is hoping to some ribbons! My goal is to one year get a rosette. I have many ribbons from years past, but never a rosette. I am trying to win one, but it has to be something specatular to get one and I don't know if I am there yet. I think a nice hand sewn appliqued quilt may be the key... we shall see. I am not up to making that yet. :) (Lots of time involved which you don't quite have as a teacher and mother to young ones.)
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Scavenger Hunt Bags
So I have seen this on Pinterest a while back and thought these would be really good for my students who finish early. I decided to make one for every letter of the alphabet, which is proving harder than I thought with some letters. I would like to have at least 5-6 items per bag, with not too many in the bag since the kids are suppose to find things. My "Ss" bag has the most items in it. These have cost some money to make, but I think that it will be beneficial to the students, especially with beginning sounds and identifying things that begin with certain letters.
The bags are not finished. I have put the ribbon on where the zipper is, but I still have to put the letters on the bag to identify which letter bag it is. I also have to print out the pictures with the items on it. On the back of that picture, I am going to have the different items listed for my students who are higher and can read. Then I am going to put them on a ring and going to have a special spot in the room for these to be hanging. :) here are some pictures for a sneek peek at what I have collected so far. These are the bags that are all set and ribbon glued on them.
The bags are not finished. I have put the ribbon on where the zipper is, but I still have to put the letters on the bag to identify which letter bag it is. I also have to print out the pictures with the items on it. On the back of that picture, I am going to have the different items listed for my students who are higher and can read. Then I am going to put them on a ring and going to have a special spot in the room for these to be hanging. :) here are some pictures for a sneek peek at what I have collected so far. These are the bags that are all set and ribbon glued on them.
These are the items that are in my Bb bag.
The Cc bag
The Pp bag.
The Ff bag
The Ee bag
The Hh bag
The Mm bag (don't know why this picture is turned this way, it was normal)
The Ss bag
These are the little plastic beads that I put in. Thanks to my dad who got them from his work. You can get them from Joann's too or get Bean Bag filler.
I used see through binder pencil bags. These I got at Meijer and seem really durable. For the consonants, I am using blue, black, and purple. The vowels are all going to be in pink bags... to show the kids that there is a difference. I hot glued ribbon right on to the zipper, making sure I went over the zipper all the way so that the bag doesn't come apart. I wanted to make sure I couldn't get into the bag again- also so I don't have these plastic pieces EVERY WHERE in my room! (Don't think that Mr. Jerry would like that too much at the end of the day!)
Once I get one finished, I will post a picture of that as well. I have the letters at school, in a cupboard, packed away, so it will be hard to find them right now. Have to start cleaning out and setting up the room first to find them. I will have my aides help me in final assembly of these.
I am really excited about these and hope that the kids enjoy them. :)
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Post Card Exchange
So excited that I may be participating in a Post Card Exchange this year. It is through Miss Whiddens blog. She needs a few more states, so check it out! :) I do hope that I get Michigan, because this will be such a wonderful thing to do with my kiddos to teach them about writing letters and also the United States. I can totally see this being a great resource for them and get them excited about learning to write letters. If you are interested, check the blog out and see if you are able to do it. :) It would be nice to get all 50 states!
misswhiddenssweetseconds.blogspot.com/
misswhiddenssweetseconds.blogspot.com/
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Dollar Deals!
I totally found some really cool finds today at Target in their Dollar Spot. Some great things that I will be using this year in my classroom, many for centers.
It was fun shopping today. As always though, spent more of my own money, but the kiddos are worth it. :)
These are going to be used at centers. I found the really cute containers, erasers, and the ice cube tray holders all for $1! I like the ice cube tray holders because they have three rows instead of the traditional two. Plus the silicon at the bottom can pop out the erasers. Here I have the stars and the frogs shown. This will be used to show and create patterns.
I was SUPER excited about these stickers. I will be using these with Chica Chica Boom Boom when we make our own trees at the beginning of this year. I didn't do this last year, but I would like to incorporate it into the first week of school this year.
I liked these little certificates because in March, I have the kids eat Green Eggs and Ham with their prayer partners. I thought this would be a cute certificate to go along with it. Can't wait... just hope I remember where I put them in March! :)
It was fun shopping today. As always though, spent more of my own money, but the kiddos are worth it. :)
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Vacation
Does a teacher ever stop thinking of their classrooms and things that they can use in their classroom? I know wherever I am at, I always am thinking of how I can use something in someway in my classroom.
When we were on vacation these past few days, I kept getting things for my new bulletin board idea that I want to do in my classroom. It is mainly an "About Me" bulleting board where things can be brought in and displayed on the board. Of course, I got a patch and pin at Sleeping Bear Dunes. I also was thinking of how I could incorporate our little sailing adventure into my class too.
We had SO much fun on the trip. I can't remember a time of being more relaxed or just at peace with everything. We really enjoyed our times together as a family and not having to punch a clock to be somewhere at a certain time. Yes, our skin is a little more sunkissed now (or lobsterized) and we all have sand in our hair, but I wouldn't change it for the world. It was a great trip. We spent all day on the beach on Tuesday and played in the sand, built sand castles, 'walked the plank' (or the boat dock), 'dug for treasure', and laid out on the cabana. It was wonderful! God gave us great weather to enjoy our time with eachother and a beautiful place to do it in. I love Traverse City. I had really been there mostly when I was little in the winter (awesome Cross-Country Ski places around). To be there now in the summer after many years was great. I cannot wait to go back... we did make it home in 4 hours and 15 minutes... not too far to make a weekend trip.... hint hint honey! ;p
I also realized when we were there that I would love to live there. It is just big enough to not be a small town, yet not huge either. There isn't the congestion that there is here at home. The places around there are so beautiful.... maybe one day we could do a summer house. Ahh dreams... it would be great, but more than likely not a reality... at least not for a few years. I have to become a called worker of the church (so that I can get called there) and I also have to convince my loving husband that the winters are not that bad up there, it isn't that cold, and that the snow piles on the side of the roads that are higher than your car are nothing to be worried about. :) Until then... pictures will help keep that memory and dream alive...
My little guy and I on the top of the Dune Climb with Glenn Lake in the background.
Our family with Sleeping Bear Dune and Lake Michigan in the background.
A Michigan sunset with my little man.
Building sand castles with Daddy.
'Walking the Plank' as it was called... more like walking out to the end of the dock.
Look at that adorable Captain... he did a wonderful job steering the boat.
My little Captain and I.
A family that sails together has lots of fun together!
When we were on vacation these past few days, I kept getting things for my new bulletin board idea that I want to do in my classroom. It is mainly an "About Me" bulleting board where things can be brought in and displayed on the board. Of course, I got a patch and pin at Sleeping Bear Dunes. I also was thinking of how I could incorporate our little sailing adventure into my class too.
We had SO much fun on the trip. I can't remember a time of being more relaxed or just at peace with everything. We really enjoyed our times together as a family and not having to punch a clock to be somewhere at a certain time. Yes, our skin is a little more sunkissed now (or lobsterized) and we all have sand in our hair, but I wouldn't change it for the world. It was a great trip. We spent all day on the beach on Tuesday and played in the sand, built sand castles, 'walked the plank' (or the boat dock), 'dug for treasure', and laid out on the cabana. It was wonderful! God gave us great weather to enjoy our time with eachother and a beautiful place to do it in. I love Traverse City. I had really been there mostly when I was little in the winter (awesome Cross-Country Ski places around). To be there now in the summer after many years was great. I cannot wait to go back... we did make it home in 4 hours and 15 minutes... not too far to make a weekend trip.... hint hint honey! ;p
I also realized when we were there that I would love to live there. It is just big enough to not be a small town, yet not huge either. There isn't the congestion that there is here at home. The places around there are so beautiful.... maybe one day we could do a summer house. Ahh dreams... it would be great, but more than likely not a reality... at least not for a few years. I have to become a called worker of the church (so that I can get called there) and I also have to convince my loving husband that the winters are not that bad up there, it isn't that cold, and that the snow piles on the side of the roads that are higher than your car are nothing to be worried about. :) Until then... pictures will help keep that memory and dream alive...
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Summer
The summer has been great so far this year. I have gone on several little vacations, with the bigger one coming up next week. (I cannot wait!) It has also been a busy one with my sister coming in with her little guy from Phoenix for a month. They are about half way through their trip here.
Today, I had the pleasure of being on the otherside of the interview chair. It was an interesting experience asking the questions instead of answering them. I found myself answering the questions myself in my head of what I would have answered! We have so many good candidates for our aide positions that are available. I will be praying hard for the Lord to lead me to the right fit for me and my students next year.
I have also started my colloquy program. For those that don't know what the colloquy is, it is a series of classes that I have to take through Concordia University in order to remain at my school. I have to become certified on religion in short. The classes are only 25 days long. There are about 15 hours of videos to watch and then small paragraphs to write. Then at the end, I have to write a one page paper for my portfolio. I decided to do the portfolio track because I don't want to write the big paper at the end of the paper route. The portfolio breaks up that paper into each class. I find that easier. So far, doing good. Luckily we can move at our own pace with it. Since I know I will be busy next week, I have been working on it non-stop the last 9 days. I am about 60% done with the class so far and it is only the 10th. :)
Along with hanging out with Landon, starting my colloquy, and then interviewing, I still am working in my room a little bit. Thankfully none of the construction is being done in my room. Today, I had some time inbetween the interviews to run down to my room and go through some of my file folders. I ended up just throwing them into an empty drawer at the end of the year and that bugged me because it was so disorganized. So I emptied them out today and worked on it. I got most of it done. now I just want to make tabs for what sections I have so that I know where one starts and one ends.
All in all... a great summer so far! I cannot wait for the new school year, but yet I want to enjoy my time with Landon so much this summer.
Today, I had the pleasure of being on the otherside of the interview chair. It was an interesting experience asking the questions instead of answering them. I found myself answering the questions myself in my head of what I would have answered! We have so many good candidates for our aide positions that are available. I will be praying hard for the Lord to lead me to the right fit for me and my students next year.
I have also started my colloquy program. For those that don't know what the colloquy is, it is a series of classes that I have to take through Concordia University in order to remain at my school. I have to become certified on religion in short. The classes are only 25 days long. There are about 15 hours of videos to watch and then small paragraphs to write. Then at the end, I have to write a one page paper for my portfolio. I decided to do the portfolio track because I don't want to write the big paper at the end of the paper route. The portfolio breaks up that paper into each class. I find that easier. So far, doing good. Luckily we can move at our own pace with it. Since I know I will be busy next week, I have been working on it non-stop the last 9 days. I am about 60% done with the class so far and it is only the 10th. :)
Along with hanging out with Landon, starting my colloquy, and then interviewing, I still am working in my room a little bit. Thankfully none of the construction is being done in my room. Today, I had some time inbetween the interviews to run down to my room and go through some of my file folders. I ended up just throwing them into an empty drawer at the end of the year and that bugged me because it was so disorganized. So I emptied them out today and worked on it. I got most of it done. now I just want to make tabs for what sections I have so that I know where one starts and one ends.
All in all... a great summer so far! I cannot wait for the new school year, but yet I want to enjoy my time with Landon so much this summer.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Shipshewana
It has been quite a while since I posted on here. It got crazy near the end of the year with all the final things going on with the end of Kindergarten. The kids did a fabulous job on their End of Year Celebration! I was SO proud of them. I promised myself that I wouldn't cry- but then I opened the door to where we were going, saw the parents and looked back at my kiddos and I lost it! I couldn't help it! They have grown SO much over this last year. I am really going to miss this class.
The week after school got out, we had our end of year teacher meetings. Then this last week (got home yesterday) I was in Shipshewana, IN. If you have never been to Shipshewana, I suggest that you go. On Tuesday and Wednesday every week, there is a HUGE flea market there. I got lots and lots of items for my classroom (including Happy Birthday pencils.. 100 for $10) for really cheap. I will have to try and take a picture of all of my stuff later and post it. Really excited about everything that I got there. Bring your money when you go; they have something for everyone. I was also super excited to find little toy dolls there that go with our doll houses at school! When I came into the room, I had the doll house, but no dolls! I picked up several dolls that I know will fit in there and some furniture too. When I brought it all out the first night, I was really surprised to see my son who is 3, start playing with them all. I knew then that the kids would like them a lot. I can't wait till the girls get to play with it this year. Otherwise this huge doll house would just be taking up more room on my shelves.
If you do happen to go to Shipshewana make sure you hit the flea market. It is only there Tuesdays and Wednesdays expect the major holidays over the summer. Also, I suggest eating, or at least getting, cinnomon rolls at The Bread Box. They are SO yummy! I got a bakers dozen to bring back... I will be freezing some. I have loved them since I was a little girl. I also suggest driving over to Middleburry, IN and staying and eating at the Essenhaus. When I was little, I use to stay there all the time. This year they were booked when we wanted to go (BIG quilt show going on) and we were only able to go and eat there. You should check it out. Great home made Amish food.
I will be going through some ideas and gathering others this summer for next year's classes. I cannot wait to meet my kids, but I am going to enjoy my summer! :) Lots of things to make this summer and do- a teacher's job is never done!
The week after school got out, we had our end of year teacher meetings. Then this last week (got home yesterday) I was in Shipshewana, IN. If you have never been to Shipshewana, I suggest that you go. On Tuesday and Wednesday every week, there is a HUGE flea market there. I got lots and lots of items for my classroom (including Happy Birthday pencils.. 100 for $10) for really cheap. I will have to try and take a picture of all of my stuff later and post it. Really excited about everything that I got there. Bring your money when you go; they have something for everyone. I was also super excited to find little toy dolls there that go with our doll houses at school! When I came into the room, I had the doll house, but no dolls! I picked up several dolls that I know will fit in there and some furniture too. When I brought it all out the first night, I was really surprised to see my son who is 3, start playing with them all. I knew then that the kids would like them a lot. I can't wait till the girls get to play with it this year. Otherwise this huge doll house would just be taking up more room on my shelves.
If you do happen to go to Shipshewana make sure you hit the flea market. It is only there Tuesdays and Wednesdays expect the major holidays over the summer. Also, I suggest eating, or at least getting, cinnomon rolls at The Bread Box. They are SO yummy! I got a bakers dozen to bring back... I will be freezing some. I have loved them since I was a little girl. I also suggest driving over to Middleburry, IN and staying and eating at the Essenhaus. When I was little, I use to stay there all the time. This year they were booked when we wanted to go (BIG quilt show going on) and we were only able to go and eat there. You should check it out. Great home made Amish food.
I will be going through some ideas and gathering others this summer for next year's classes. I cannot wait to meet my kids, but I am going to enjoy my summer! :) Lots of things to make this summer and do- a teacher's job is never done!
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