China, An Engagement, and a New Job - Oh My!!

It's been a wild and crazy month.

I spent Spring Break in China. So many things surprised me about China...I thought that maybe I would be rather tall there - NOT! I was in Shenzhen, and I was so surprised at the lush, green, tropical landscape...not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't that. I surprised myself in how much I enjoyed bartering - WAY FUN!! And driving in China...ummm, SCARY!! Enjoy the pics.

With Kaitlin at the Artists' Village 

Best hair appointment ever! a scalp, head, neck & back massage along with the hair wash and blow dry -- YESSSSS!

Any ideas why they have vending machines with Kleenex?

No toilet paper in public bathrooms 

Made a new friend. She was so adorable!

My son is getting married. I am so excited for these two. Love them both!

I got a new job! I am going to be a Clinical Faculty Associate (CFA) with my school district and Brigham Young University next year. It is a three year position, and I'm soooo excited. I will be instructing, mentoring, and evaluating interns, student teachers, and teacher candidates in the Education program at BYU. This is something that I have always wanted to do, and the opportunity arose and I went for it. It's going to be weird not getting a classroom ready this summer.

New Year's Resolutions

Yah, I'm late, I'm late...what else is new? I've never been one to make New Year's Resolutions, but I've heard it said, if you don't write it down, the chances of it happening are, well it ain't gonna happen. So, here goes...

I'm hooking up with Amy.

Technology

Resolution:  I will use the Ipad more in the classroom.

 When I have used the Ipad, the little darlin's get so excited and very much engaged in whatever we are doing. Any good tips at using 1 Ipad with 20 little darlin's?

Resolution:  I will take more pictures.

I decided at the beginning of the year, I was going to send the little darlin's home with an electronic portfolio instead of the old binder kind. I've been a little lax in the taking pictures department so far this year, I need to get my game on in that area.

Organization

Resolution:  I will organize my Guided Reading, including the table (my desk).

I have THE most organized house, but my classroom...well, let's just say, I need tons of help. I get all organized, and cleaned up, and then the paperwork comes and it's a never ending battle. This year, I've been much better than I've ever been, but not where I want to be. I've begun organizing my Guided Reading thanks to Rachelle @ What the Teacher Wants and Lindsey @ The Teacher Wife, they both have amazing guided reading packets available at TPT. So I will finish organizing my Guided Reading. I'm creating a binder, that has everything you need for Guided Reading (graphic organizers, lesson plans, organization, word work, etc.)

My desk :( it is sooo sad. Well, actually it's my guided reading table. I got rid of my desk a couple of years ago to make more room in the classroom. I think I need some more little storage bins, containers so that everything has it's place.

Resolution:  I will organize my personal life activities.

Just like I'm late to this link party, I am always late for knowing about fun activities to do in my personal life. I am NOTORIOUS for finding out about things to do the day after it happens. I plan on using Google Calendar (is that the best resource?) to help with this. I will also check at the beginning of the week and mark the events coming up.

Professional Growth

Resolution:  I will become a Common Core Guru.

Since making the switch to first grade, I have had to make many changes in my teaching. One of those changes has been implementing the Common Core. Though I'm much more familiar with the common core than I was in August, I feel there is still so much to learn. My team has had to get used to me being so core driven, and at times they've been hesitant to make the changes that are needed.

Downtime

Resolution:  I will leave school at school.

I tend to bring school home with me A LOT. I want to read more for fun, and try some of these DIY things I've posted on Pinterest. 

Resolution:  I will go on a date once a week with "Honey Bunny."

See Organization above.

Fitness

Resolution:  I will do strength training 2 times a week.

I have become addicted to strength training this year. I will continue to do it 2 days a week. I am also signing up for a Spinning and Zumba class, and that will be 3 times a week between the two of them. I CAN'T WAIT!! I love Spinning and Zumba!!

The Eagle Has Landed

My youngest had his Eagle Scout Board of Review tonight! YEAH!! It's finally done! For his project, he did a service project for an organization that provides social activities for adults with intellectual disabilities -- RAH (Recreation and Habilitation Services), which his older sister is a part of. Way to go Ty!! I'm so proud of you!!

Blog Identity Crisis?

OK, OK, so this is my 4th different blog template in a week. I guess you could say, I have had some blog identity crisis -- LOL! This background that I've settled on, was originally the one I wanted, but I was experiencing some technical difficulties. Luckily LeeLou Blogs got back with me, and Voila! problem solved. I'm sorry for any confusion this may cause any of you. Now all I have to figure out is how to create a button. But we'll wait on that for a later day.


I received some news...I'm going to first grade! I am soooo excited! Any of you firsties teachers out there, that can share some help I would appreciate tremendously. I've only taught second grade, so this will be a big change for me!

 

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am the wife of 25+ years to an awesome, wonderful man. I am a mom of 3 amazing children, and a 2nd grade teacher of 10 years. I have wanted to do a blog for a long time now. What better time to begin than Christmas break when I have a little bit of extra time and don't have to be in school.

This blog will focus on the learning that goes on in our second grade class, along with some family stuff as well. Hope you enjoy!