Old Shelf Has New Life

Before I started teaching I came upon this AWESOME deal on this shelf at a yard sale. It was $5. Holy Cow I snatched it up and took it home.

I lived with it like that for 2 years... and I grew bored with it.

So I decided to paint it teal. (Teal Zeal, to be exact.)

But that wasn't enough.

So, I added quotes to each side. I LOVE it! I can't wait to take it back to my room.

Before you think I am crazy for putting quotes on a shelf that will be filled with books, let me explain how this shelf is used.

I go to the library (public and school) and check out Non-Fiction books on the topics we are currently covering in Science and Social Studies (and I'll admit that if I see a super cute fiction book I know they'd love, I'll get that, too.) and the books stay on this shelf when they are not being read.

My kids have book baskets where they store the books they are reading. However, because these books are checked out to me I do not allow them to store them in the book baskets. They keep them on this shelf. If they aren't finished they just put a sticky note with their name on it and the other kids know that that child has "first dibs" on the book the next time we read. 

So, when we don't have books on the shelf we will have super cute quotes! I am so excited!

Mrs. _____'s Heroes

This year I have decided we will be Mrs. _____________'s Heroes.

I found a quote online by Maya Angelou and cut it out using my Cricut. I plan to laminate it and put it in the hallway outside of my room. Too cute!

Updates

Wow! I have not done a very good job at keeping up with this blog. (I do keep up with a blog- but it's the one my dogs have me type for them ;) and I fail miserably at keeping up with this one.)

Since I last posted I received a contract to stay in my current district (YES!) and at my current school (double YES!) and in my current grade (YES!!!). I am THRILLED! I did have to move classrooms due to some other changes at our school but I was totally ok with that.

I have been working this summer to get some ideas for next year. I have found a TON of stuff on Pinterest. I think a lot of it has come from other teacher bloggers. I don't know how y'all do it! Really, I don't.

I will say that I have a lot on my plate and that I have cut myself some slack on not being the best teacher blogger ever. I work on school stuff (obviously), take care of my 2 dogs, clean (sometimes. LOL!), work on home remodeling (this DIY stuff is really my passion), volunteer for an animal rescue group, and am now heading up Relay for Life at my school. I have a lot to do (not that other people don't). I understand that you make time for what is important. Blogging just isn't that important to me, but I am so thankful that it is important for others because I really enjoy reading other blogs and using the information provided by other teachers.

This year I am planning to try to share more of what I do in my room as I go. I'm not making any promises because I never promise something I know I darn well may not be able to keep... but I will try my best!

I hope everyone has a fabulous summer!

Happy Dance!

Well, I don't know about the programs and processes in other states, but here in SC we have a process that all teachers go through called SAFE-T using the ADEPT Standards for teaching. It is an evaluation process and SAFE-T is what you go through your first two years of teaching. Being a second year teacher, I have gone through SAFE-T this year and completed it. I passed with flying colors and am very proud of myself.

It really hit home yesterday when my principal walked into my classroom with my contract in her hand. That's right. I said contract. Now, the awesome thing about this contract is that at the top it says "continuing". Very exciting!!

Also, let me remind you that last year instead of being handed a contract to come back for another year I was handed a letter laying me off. My job (and all other induction teachers in the district's jobs) was cut due to budget cuts. I cried. I managed to make it out of the office and meeting, but I cried and cried. My heart was broken and I felt very helpless and hopeless. I had looked for a job for over a year before finding that one and I was being let go after only one year due to no fault of my own... silly budget.

Yesterday, though... yesterday was awesome. My principal walked in and handed me that contract. She said that it was my contract for next year and thanked me for all I do. I didn't cry. But, I wanted to. I wanted to cry tears of joy. I have worked so hard this year and I am so excited for next year.

I have found a school I love. I get to go to work everyday with awesome teachers and an awesome team. I get to spend my day with children I love and adore. Life cannot get any better!

I saw a quote that prompted this post. It said, "Lord, teach me to laugh again, but please don't let me forget I cried." (Unfortunately, I do not know the author of this awesome quote.) I am laughing again. I am smiling. I am breathing and not feeling like the ground might fall out from under me at any second. I assure you that being jobless is a horrible thing. It is hard. It makes you question your self worth. It makes you angry. It makes you sad. It makes you frustrated. However, at the end of it all, I have come out on top. Just as my Grandmama always says, "It'll all come out in the wash." And, you know what? It did.

Scoot! Game (Free)

If you haven't had your students play "Scoot!" you are missing out! I found it online somewhere and my kids LOVE it! We play it for review all the time. It is great because it involves movement and we all know how great it is for kids to be up and moving!

What you do it you give each kid a blank Scoot! sheet. Each box has a number that corresponds to a question somewhere in the room. The kids go to the question with that number and answer the question. You should make it a timed event. Once the time is up say, "3.2.1. Scoot!" and the kids scoot to the next question.

The one I have attached is multiplication Scoot! but I do have others and will post those later.

Again, let me know if you cannot access it and I will add your email to my google docs.

Poetry Powerpoint Free

This is a power point I used with my students earlier this year. You are welcome to it!

You can go HERE to get it.

Please let me know if you cannot access it and I will add you to my google docs if you will leave your email address in the comments.

Free Reading Log

I created a reading log today to share. It's nothing fancy, but it's free for the taking.

You can go here to get it. If you aren't able to access it, please leave your email in the comments and I will be happy to add you to my google docs.

I also created a reading response log to share. Again, it's nothing fancy but I feel like we need to all work together! I certainly get things from other teacher's blogs and love it when I find stuff for free!

You can go here to get it.

Have a great weekend!