Happy Fall!

Happy fall everyone! I hope this year has been running smoothly and you have gotten back in the swing of things since that nice long break of summer!

I know it sure is hard to come back from that. I enjoyed the time with my kids and the time to create and get a little ahead in the home department. As a teacher, school stuff tends to overwhelm home responsibilities, like laundry. I would so rather lesson plan that do laundry.

However, being that it is post Thanksgiving and we are quickly approaching the Christmas season I wanted to wish all a very happy season! I love this time of year. I always decorate my classroom and we partake in Holidays Around the World. The kids are always fascinated by all the different countries and customs. Especially the dress and food.

The good news? It's almost December... we're halfway there! Remember to stay focused and enjoy the remaining time with your class. I know in first grade December to January is when that magic light bulb turns on and we really start to grow and gain tremendous amounts of knowledge! So, good luck and may God bless the rest of your year!

Sincerely,
B. Lisson @1stgradelillypad

Teachers are the Best

This last year was very difficult for me. It was one of those years that makes you question your motives for becoming a teacher. We've all had them! I made it through and so will you. As teachers we are pushed to the brink each year and we battle the feelings of inadequacy each week. I mean seriously, thinking logically how is it possible to serve 18-26 students' every single need, every single day? Well, to be honest it takes the kind of individual that deals well in high-stress environments and it truly is an art form. Keeping a class full of judgmental kids engaged is truly a feat worth pursuing. We all have our bag of tricks- games, tone variations, dancing, singing and of course scouring TPT for the cutest and most engaging activities. But, one must wonder, why? Why do we subject ourselves to this constant stressful crazy profession?

That one is easy... if not us, who? These kids need us. Most of them will never tell you that you are the best and most consistent person in their lives. That said, teaching is not for the light hearted. It is a constant internal battle. We push ourselves to the brink in order to promote success in our class and within our school. We are one for all. My best piece of advice is to become close with your team. Share ideas, plans, activities and most of all the occasional chat or dinner. This will make you a team that is, all for one!

Good luck in the coming year and when things get hard, remember that you are needed.

New Additions Kindergarten Friends!

NEW ADDITIONS KINDERGARTEN FRIENDS!

Stop by the shop for the new additions that align with the Kindergarten Reading Street Series!

CLICK HERE!

CLICK HERE to see all of them!

New Gator Edition!

Reading Street 1st Grade Centers Unit 2 Week 3

Here is the literacy packet for Unit 2 Week 3! You've waited for it and here it is! I hope you all enjoy this pack!

Kindergarten Reading Street

CLICK HERE!

CLICK HERE!

 Check out these great units for the Kindergarten Reading Street Series!

Finding Balance

     

     Finding balance seems like an impossible task in our profession. However, we still strive for it. The key is... to be okay with "your best". We tell our kids every day, "just try your best" or "you best is good enough". Our fault is that we give ourselves unrealistic goals and feel guilty if they are not attained. You're an AMAZING teacher, be thankful for however many years you have been impacting the future leaders of the world. There are not many things in our circle of influence, but something we can control is our opinion of ourselves. 
     I was one of those "young bloods" that came into this profession thinking- I got this! I have everything figured out! Yes, ridiculous I know. As many of you know, or are getting to know... this profession is never "figured out". It is always evolving, always changing in some way and you either have to adapt or fall flat on your face. 
     Change is hard and it takes getting used to. I am now in my sixth year teaching and I've had a REVELATION! I need to be okay with "my best". That doesn't mean I excuse poor planning, or general incompetence.  It means- I will try my best to serve my students to the best of my ability and that I will try my BEST to get all of the lesson planning, incentives, initiatives, and data tracking done in a timely manner. Not to mention committees, evaluations, paperwork, research, and the various other tasks bestowed upon us. If for some reason I feel like a failure for missing a meeting, not sending an email, or forgetting the blackline to a craft- I will STOP, BREATHE, and ACKNOWLEDGE I am doing my BEST and I NEED TO BE OKAY WITH THAT!

Remember, most of your stress comes from YOU. 

     This is the VERY first year I have said "NO" to a few things, and guess what? The earth did not end, mountains didn't tremble, and the sea did not split. No one lost respect for me or was angry with me. But... the reward was and is that I am becoming a less passive person (inside) and that I am less swamped and/or stressed. So, be brazen and say "No" once in a while. Try it... I dare you!

     I hope this reached a few of you. I know that it is hard to say no, and its hard to accept that it (life) is what it is and nothing more. Especially if you crave control in your world (your classroom). Stressing yourself out is not the answer and will only make you miserable in more ways than one.