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Friday, March 6, 2015
March Currently!
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Here we go!
Listening...To Netflix! This week has been so. stinking. long. After making dinner and taking my crazy pup for a walk, I deserved some guilty pleasure television while I grade. (Notice I am also enjoying writing my blog post while I procrastinate my grading.) Have you ever watched "Chopped"? Netflix has a great compilation of the show's greatest episodes. I got rid of cable about 6 months ago, (HELLLOOOOO $$$$$$$) and really only miss my Food Network and HGTV shows. I love a good cooking competition! They make it look so easy!
(And yes, I watched a few episodes of my usual F.R.I.E.N.D.S, too. Don't worry.)
Loving...My Roomie! I have had some awesome roommates. I own my home, and have had a few different family members and friends stay with me. My current awesome room-dog, my cousin, turned the big 2-5 today. (I know...just a baby!) She is one awesome chick. She is a night-shift nurse at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and I don't know how she does it. She is amazing! (She also watches my guilty t.v. and has been known to test out GoNoodle brain breaks with me.)
Thinking...About next weekend! I can't wait to travel to Indiana for our blogger meet-up! It's gonna be a big freakin' deal! (Because who wouldn't want to hang out with teachers all weekend?? We are cool.)
Wanting: A cookie. After neglecting myself for my job over the past few years, I needed a change. I have made some drastic changes to my health within the last year, and am pretty stinking proud of myself. Now, I am slowly working my way towards a Whole30. If you are not sure what I am talking about, you can check it out here. But first, finish reading. And follow me. And comment. And be my friend. Anyone finish their first Whole30? Any tips? Testing treats do not help.
Needing: I don't think this needs much explanation. My poor kiddos (and myself) are WAY off of our schedule. We like our schedule. And testing is boring. I am excited to start our algebra unit and second half of our solar system unit next week! Time to switch it up!
Spring Break Plans: I have been half way through painting some shelves in my downstairs den for quite some time now...hopefully I will have the gumption to finish those up! I am planning to take a little trip to see my brother and visit some family friends- the best way to re-fuel for the rest of the school year!
What about you? When is your break? We have three weeks left until our sanity week!
Who else will be at our blogger meet-up in French Lick, Indiana?
Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
My Teacher Hero
In elementary school, I had a wonderful APT teacher who allowed us to be creative in her classroom. Actually, she DEMANDED creativity.
When you walked into my teacher’s classroom, she had sections set up for every area of your brain to exercise: math/computers, science, and language arts/creative supplies were all readily available. Her class, to this day, had one of the best classroom economy arrangements of all time. We were paid for our work, wrote deposit slips, and entered our deposits into the way-rad early 1990’s Apple computers using a floppy disk. A REAL, LIVE, COMPUTER! It was almost as awesome as playing Oregon Trail! At the end of the quarter, we would have auctions, sales, and a classroom store where we could spend all of our loot.
We made early pioneer hard tack, touched a sheep’s brain (GROSS!), and were challenged with logic math puzzles. (I still have a soft spot for using these puzzles in my classroom, and you can often find them in my math practice packs.) We devoured Jr. Great Books, Ray Bradbury pieces, and other short stories. (One of which, Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” still haunts me today. Ok, maybe that isn’t such a good thing…)
My teacher’s favorite color was pink, and she WORE. PINK. Pink clothes. Pink shoes. Metallic pink lipstick. She marched to the beat of her own drummer, and I admired that. She was very much comfortable with who she was as a teacher, and had an obvious passion for nature and finding zest in life.
As a kid who was outgoing but sensitive, I enjoyed that outlet of creativity. My teacher’s classroom was a safe haven for me, but allowed me to be pushed to step out of my comfort zone of learning.
I am thankful for that teacher. I am thankful for the many educators, educational assistants, and other loving adults that helped me to grow as a learner, and now continue to help me grow as an educator.
Today, I continue to be amazed with the hundreds of heroes I get to work with each day. In the past year, I have been even more inspired by connecting with teachers from around the world through technology and TeachersPayTeachers. You all amaze me with your dedication and love for your students. You are all my heroes.
Who inspired you? Who continues to inspire you? Let me know in the comments below!
An InLinkz Link-up
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Nacho Math and a 28% Sale on TPT!
I don't know what it is about getting a good deal, but IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS! I know I will be stocking up on some great resources for this busy holiday season! I have also linked up with my buddies over at Blog Hoppin' and the amazing 3 A.M. Teacher so that you can browse the best of the best at Teachers Pay Teachers!
If you are looking for a couple of fun new anchor activities for your classroom, you should check out my new Nacho Stand Math Activities! Who doesn't love nachos?! I can't wait to use these in my classroom.
Another one of my recent favorites is my Holiday Dinner Party Pack! I used some of these challenging and engaging activities before Thanksgiving, and am saving the recipe pages for challenge work before Winter Break begins! I hope your students love them as much as mine did!
My store will be 20% for Cyber Monday and Tuesday!! Enjoy!!
-Lauren
Friday, November 23, 2012
Black Friday and a Nomination...
It's BLACK FRIDAY, PEOPLE! AHHHH!!!!! I have to say, I have been perfectly content sitting in my jammies on my comfy couch with my warm coffee this morning...
Last year, I had the oh-so-intelligent idea of going to Kohls for their Black Friday deals at midnight. For the first time. By myself. Without a snack. I am sure you can see where this story is heading. Our Kohls is part of a shopping mall, and the line to get in stretched the full length of the mall. There were three cop cars poised to handle crazed shoppers. SERIOUSLY?! For some reason, I stayed. I ended up getting my deals, but I will never go again without a buddy and my own shopping bag! I fancy online shopping these days during the more insane times of year. There is no use getting into a fist fight over the last princess castle for my cousin. I'll let daytime television be in charge of that stuff! I have enough drama going in the hallways of my 5th grade building. :)
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for all that has been given to me and the wonderful resources that I find on such fabulous teaching blogs! Sometimes, though, it is hard to get started with a post. It seems like I am writing to no one- empty cyberspace! I always become little girl-excited when I see a comment on my posts. :) I was so pleased when Heather stopped by from The Wild Rumpus to nominate me for a new blogger award! Thanks, Heather!!
According to Heather, the Liebster Blog Award is given to up-and-coming bloggers (less than 200 followers), by established bloggers, in order to recognize them, let them know they are appreciated, and to spread the word about new blogs. How nice!
The rules of the nomination are:
-You must post 11 random things about yourself.
-Answer the questions that the nominators set for you.
-Create 11 questions for the people you nominate.
-Choose 11 blogs you love (with less than 200 followers) and link them in your post.
-No tag back, (but please leave me a comment on this post with the URL to your Liebster Post so that I can learn more about you!)
FUN!!!!!
11 Random Facts About Lauren:
1. I did NOT eat paste as a child, and do not plan to do so in the future.
2. I watch FRIENDS episodes while I grade. It is the only show I know so well that I can actually get work accomplished while I watch. And yes, I still laugh out loud sometimes.
3. I am a homebody, and love having people to my house. :)
4. Movies for kids are so much better than movies for adults.
5. I am the eldest child in my family.
6. I consider banana bread a fruit and carrot cake a veggie. (I DO love the real stuff, too!)
7. I like to cook on the weekends.
8. I have a Cat named Caroline Catfish, after one of my favorite children's books. She is queen and rules the house.
9. I try very hard not to be, but I am messy. Very messy.
10. I am not afraid to act silly to make a lesson great!
11. I have taught third, fourth and fifth grade. I loved all of them!
Questions From Heather At The Wild Rumpus:
What is your best teaching memory? I love feeling successful as a teacher, and that comes by seeing my students succeed. I think my favorite was the first time I hosted an "Author's Tea." This was my very first year of teaching, and my students were so excited to show their families and reading buddies their 'published' work. I was so proud of them.
What is your worst teaching memory? I have dealt with some very difficult behavior from students very early in my career. These are tough for me to remember because, although I worked with these students in the best way I knew how, I felt very inexperienced. These situations sparked my curiosity for a variety of behavior management techniques in my classroom.
What made you decide to start a blog? After joining Teacher Pay Teachers and seeing the amazing blogs of my colleagues, I wanted to get in on the action! I love seeing and reading about all of the wonderful ideas and resources, as well as sharing mine!
What's your favorite season and why? I love fall. I love the way the air smells and the temperature is perfect. If it weren't for allergies, I would take it all year 'round!!
Do you have a teaching idol? Who and why? I'm not sure I could pick just one. I have been in so many different teaching situations that have exposed me to examples of fantastic teaching. I learn something new every day! I love learning from veteran teachers, and pull energy from the newbies!
Do you have any hobbies, and, if so, what's your favorite? When I have time, I like to do crafty things like scrapbook and make jewelry. Lately, my creative outlet has been my teaching resources for TPT!
Coffee or Tea? BOTH!!!
Dessert: chocolate or other? I like fruity dessert! Cobbler is yummy!
Snack: sweet or salty (Can you tell I haven't eaten yet this morning?!) Salty!
What were you prior to becoming a teacher? I was a college student and waitress/babysitter/office assistant! A part-time princess!
If you hadn't become a teacher, what would you have been? I could see myself being a sign-language interpreter (my minor) or another creative outlet.
11 Questions For My Nominees:
1. You have a PLAN-FREE Saturday. What will you do?
2. If you could only shop at ONE store for the next ten years, what would it be?
3. Favorite school supply in/on your teacher desk?
4. 3 p.m. slump! What do you reach for?
5. What is your favorite holiday?
6. What is your favorite subject to teach, and why?
7. What helped you most when you were a new teacher?
8. What is one favorite classroom management tool that you use?
9. Where is your favorite place to vacation?
10. Favorite kid quote?
11. What is the number one thing about teaching that they should have taught us in college?
AND THE NOMINEES ARE....(Drum roll, please.)
1. Fumbling Through Fifth
2. Teaching in an Organized Mess
3. Tales from a 4th (and 5th) Grade Teacher
4. Miss A's Class Ideas
5. The Diary of a Not So Wimpy Teacher
6. Tales of This Fourth Grade Teacher
7. Math-n-spire
8. Mrs. McDonald's 4th Grade
9. From Behind the Lavender Door
10. Fabulously Fifth
11. Keepin' Afloat in 5th Grade
I am looking forward to your links and comments!
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!!
Lauren
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for all that has been given to me and the wonderful resources that I find on such fabulous teaching blogs! Sometimes, though, it is hard to get started with a post. It seems like I am writing to no one- empty cyberspace! I always become little girl-excited when I see a comment on my posts. :) I was so pleased when Heather stopped by from The Wild Rumpus to nominate me for a new blogger award! Thanks, Heather!!
According to Heather, the Liebster Blog Award is given to up-and-coming bloggers (less than 200 followers), by established bloggers, in order to recognize them, let them know they are appreciated, and to spread the word about new blogs. How nice!
The rules of the nomination are:
-You must post 11 random things about yourself.
-Answer the questions that the nominators set for you.
-Create 11 questions for the people you nominate.
-Choose 11 blogs you love (with less than 200 followers) and link them in your post.
-No tag back, (but please leave me a comment on this post with the URL to your Liebster Post so that I can learn more about you!)
FUN!!!!!
11 Random Facts About Lauren:
1. I did NOT eat paste as a child, and do not plan to do so in the future.
2. I watch FRIENDS episodes while I grade. It is the only show I know so well that I can actually get work accomplished while I watch. And yes, I still laugh out loud sometimes.
3. I am a homebody, and love having people to my house. :)
4. Movies for kids are so much better than movies for adults.
5. I am the eldest child in my family.
6. I consider banana bread a fruit and carrot cake a veggie. (I DO love the real stuff, too!)
7. I like to cook on the weekends.
8. I have a Cat named Caroline Catfish, after one of my favorite children's books. She is queen and rules the house.
9. I try very hard not to be, but I am messy. Very messy.
10. I am not afraid to act silly to make a lesson great!
11. I have taught third, fourth and fifth grade. I loved all of them!
Questions From Heather At The Wild Rumpus:
What is your best teaching memory? I love feeling successful as a teacher, and that comes by seeing my students succeed. I think my favorite was the first time I hosted an "Author's Tea." This was my very first year of teaching, and my students were so excited to show their families and reading buddies their 'published' work. I was so proud of them.
What is your worst teaching memory? I have dealt with some very difficult behavior from students very early in my career. These are tough for me to remember because, although I worked with these students in the best way I knew how, I felt very inexperienced. These situations sparked my curiosity for a variety of behavior management techniques in my classroom.
What made you decide to start a blog? After joining Teacher Pay Teachers and seeing the amazing blogs of my colleagues, I wanted to get in on the action! I love seeing and reading about all of the wonderful ideas and resources, as well as sharing mine!
What's your favorite season and why? I love fall. I love the way the air smells and the temperature is perfect. If it weren't for allergies, I would take it all year 'round!!
Do you have a teaching idol? Who and why? I'm not sure I could pick just one. I have been in so many different teaching situations that have exposed me to examples of fantastic teaching. I learn something new every day! I love learning from veteran teachers, and pull energy from the newbies!
Do you have any hobbies, and, if so, what's your favorite? When I have time, I like to do crafty things like scrapbook and make jewelry. Lately, my creative outlet has been my teaching resources for TPT!
Coffee or Tea? BOTH!!!
Dessert: chocolate or other? I like fruity dessert! Cobbler is yummy!
Snack: sweet or salty (Can you tell I haven't eaten yet this morning?!) Salty!
What were you prior to becoming a teacher? I was a college student and waitress/babysitter/office assistant! A part-time princess!
If you hadn't become a teacher, what would you have been? I could see myself being a sign-language interpreter (my minor) or another creative outlet.
11 Questions For My Nominees:
1. You have a PLAN-FREE Saturday. What will you do?
2. If you could only shop at ONE store for the next ten years, what would it be?
3. Favorite school supply in/on your teacher desk?
4. 3 p.m. slump! What do you reach for?
5. What is your favorite holiday?
6. What is your favorite subject to teach, and why?
7. What helped you most when you were a new teacher?
8. What is one favorite classroom management tool that you use?
9. Where is your favorite place to vacation?
10. Favorite kid quote?
11. What is the number one thing about teaching that they should have taught us in college?
AND THE NOMINEES ARE....(Drum roll, please.)
1. Fumbling Through Fifth
2. Teaching in an Organized Mess
3. Tales from a 4th (and 5th) Grade Teacher
4. Miss A's Class Ideas
5. The Diary of a Not So Wimpy Teacher
6. Tales of This Fourth Grade Teacher
7. Math-n-spire
8. Mrs. McDonald's 4th Grade
9. From Behind the Lavender Door
10. Fabulously Fifth
11. Keepin' Afloat in 5th Grade
I am looking forward to your links and comments!
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!!
Lauren
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
My class has been reviewing place value and rounding this
week, in preparation for learning about decimals! We DEFINITELY needed some
practice! This FREEBIE is a practice sheet that my students completed while rounding
large numbers. The place value chart was so helpful! Enjoy!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Turkey Trot: Multi-Digit Subtraction
It's that time of year...our students need some SERIOUS movement activities! With the holiday break itch creeping up, I love any activity that offers a kinesthetic approach! This is tough when we are currently working on multi-digit subtraction and number sense...
I created this scoot-style activity called Turkey Trot Subtraction to offer my students a chance to practice their subtraction skills while getting to move around the classroom! During the activity, student use the included recording sheet to answer twelve multi-digit subtraction problems off of task cards hung around the room. I love finding random places in the room to put these- I even had one on the ceiling for them to find!
I have included the task cards in two sizes. The larger size is great for hanging around the room as the "scoot" activity, and the smaller size changes the activity to a great task card or center activity! My fifth graders worked really well with this activity- and was great to leave for my substitute plans during a BORING day of data professional development! I hope you find this to be a fun and useful activity in your classroom!
:)
Lauren
I created this scoot-style activity called Turkey Trot Subtraction to offer my students a chance to practice their subtraction skills while getting to move around the classroom! During the activity, student use the included recording sheet to answer twelve multi-digit subtraction problems off of task cards hung around the room. I love finding random places in the room to put these- I even had one on the ceiling for them to find!
:)
Lauren
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