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. 

Touchy Subject? Comparing Student Data- Help parents understand!

Get your parents out of their bubble! Let them see how their child is comparing to the class. For most parents this is the first question they have at conferences. I am excited that my parents, and the parents of my team members, will know this ALL YEAR LONG. It is a true eyeopener for some parents and students themselves. 

This can be used at any grade level! Not just first grade. It is EDITABLE for that purpose. 

This EDITABLE data tracking sheet is a great tool for homework folders, data binders/notebooks, conferences, report cards/midterms, and goal setting. It tracks your major assessments and compares the students to their class average and end of year targets.

It is also a wonderful sheet to have in the homework folders or binder for parent involvement and motivation. 

APPLE PACK- Perfect for fall!

This 72 page mini unit has every thing you need for a unit on apples. It has all subjects integrated within it! Reading, Math, Science, and Writing! I hope you enjoy this unit and rate it! 

Just in time for Fall!

***$2.50 for 24 hrs*** $3.75 after that!

This would make a great sub tub!!!!

Included:

Fact and Opinion

Foldable Book "The Story of an Apple"

Foldable Book Sight Word Decodable Reader "The Story of an Apple"

Student created books (Basic needs and Life Cycle)

Cause and Effect

My Apple Log (Observation Log)

Vocabulary (Science)

Sight Words

Apple Tree Map

Writing Templates and Thinking Maps

Writing Rubrics

Math (Hundreds chart, addition & subtraction, and graphing)

Life Cycle Sorts (Flower, Trees, and Apple)

Reading Response Sheets

Compare and Contrast

Life Cycle Cut and Paste

Apple Parts Cut and Paste

Thinking Maps

Reading Street Aligned First Grade Literacy Centers and Printables: Unit 2 Week 2

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

Themed Data Notebooks

Which will you use in your class?

Here are the additions to my data books! 

We now have more than just the SPACE theme!

I would love to make them for 2nd-5th grade! Just let me know what you'f like in addition to all the current forms of data already found in the packs. Leave your thoughts on the blog or facebook post! Also any other mascots for your school, I'd be happy to oblige. 

             

      

     

Click the picture of the data notebook you'd like to have!

MATH FREEBIES!

JUST POSTED! Check out these AWESOME FREE Fact Family Task Cards! Each set has a cute theme to it! These would be great for whole group, small group, or individual practice!

Posting over the next few days! 

Keep checking back ALL WEEK LONG for FREEBIES!

Become a follower and you'll never miss out on FREEBIES!

Back to School Grump

     Okay... so the time is closing in rapidly. Year-round schools go back to school TOMORROW in my county! Can you believe that? I go back in exactly 4 weeks! Most of us go back in a month or less.

     So, make sure you BEWARE of that "Back to School Grump" feeling. I know we all have truly enjoyed our summer vacation and we are JUST NOW feeling relaxed and getting into a routine. So, BEWARE! I am determined this summer to shake that grump feeling and truly enjoy these last few weeks. 

     I always dread the new year, because of what comes with it. The routine and procedure teaching, discipline (I feel like a drill sergeant), and the kids getting back into the swing of things when it comes to independence.  However, once in the trenches I get out of the funk and feel truly blessed. I LOVE MY JOB!  

   When I say "dread", what I mean is I long for more time off. I enjoy being a "stay at home mom" and I hate the idea of putting my babies back into daycare (I'm sure many of you can relate). On the other hand, once back into the swing of things myself I truly enjoy building future leaders and excellent readers! 

    I hope that this year will start off right and we all can enjoy the first few days of school. All the decorating, planning, professional development, organizing, and of course camaraderie with your team and colleagues. When you're feeling the "grump" starting to set in, make sure to remember why we do this job; it's not for the millions of dollars we make, or the summers off. It's for the future of our children, ALL OF OUR CHILDREN. Good luck and God bless you this upcoming school year!

Comment: When do you go back and are you excited or dreading it?