Beach Sand: New Years

Showing posts with label New Years. Show all posts

Happy New Year!! It's here...2016 and the end of winter break! It's also time for the CURRENTLY linky with Farley.

So here's what's happening in my life right now!

I cherish the time off with my family. Since hubby is a teacher too, I've always felt so lucky that we can all be home together on breaks. As my kids get older, I am savoring these times together knowing that one day I won't have them all to myself. Time really does fly and they really do grow up so fast!

Speaking of time flying, I can't believe it's already January. There is SO much left to teach. At this time of year, I always start panicking, thinking about how I will get it all done. I need to hit the plan book today and prepare for the weeks ahead. I do find that 3rd graders come back from winter break a little more mature. I hope this is the case this year since we will hit the ground running on Monday!

POSITIVITY. This is my one little word. It has been my word this school year. With so much being placed on us in the classroom, there are many, many days I find myself feeling down and frustrated. There is so much we are expected to do and accomplish that it starts to feel impossible. I try to remind myself that I can only do what I can do in the time I'm given. I have a life outside of the classroom, too. Balancing school and family and keeping a positive attitude will be my key to "survival" for the remainder of this year. Are you feeling the same pressures? How do you keep balanced? It's helpful to hear what we all do to stay positive!

If you are looking for an activity for BTS on Monday, download my New Year Freebie!

I hope you all have had a peaceful relaxing winter break and let's look forward to a HAPPY healthy POSITIVE New Year!

Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

I'm joining the gals over at Teaching Trio for...

So here is the scoop on me for today...

I'm sure, like 99% of you getting ready to go back to school tomorrow, you have plans to finish (or start) tonight or maybe a little grading to wrap up. I didn't touch one thing for work over the break...well I did pin a few things and bought (and created) some TpT products, but other than that I just had fun, worked around the house, did some shopping, and hung out with family and friends. It was a nice time!

Here is one of the activities in my plans for this week. It's a fun little freebie I created about some New Year's traditions. It was pretty interesting learning about them and I think my kids will have fun with it, too. Go take a peek at it HERE at my TpT store.

Later on I will be preparing lunches for the family...one of my least favorite jobs EVER! Recently I've decided to make up sandwiches and salads for at least the first 3 days of the week. I pack my lunch for the week and keep it in my fridge at school and hubby does the same. The kids can pack their lunch each night since I've already made the sandwiches. It makes the job a TINY bit more bearable.

Yes...my daughter and I made a paper mache octopus today. The Week of the Ocean is coming up and doing a craft was one of the options. I'm enjoying this more than a science fair project. I'll post pictures when we're done. So far it's pretty cute.

I've been thinking about meals for the upcoming week. Our days get pretty busy with school and sports' practice in the evening. We are always on the go. I like to have the meals planned so I don't have to think too much. The rest of my house does not eat what I eat so it is getting tricky...does that happen to you?? One thing I did make for ME was Overnight Oatmeal. Check it out here on my Pinterest page. I hope it turns out yummy. Have you ever made these? Please share any good combinations or recipes you have made.

Downton season 5 TONIGHT...super excited. I LOVE that show. The gals on my team watch it too so it's fun to chat about on Mondays!

Call me crazy...it's ok...but I'm kind of looking forward to work tomorrow. I miss my kiddos! They are super sweet and cute. I also like the routine of the day. When we left for break I was feeling quite stressed out, but I think I have been able to reenergize myself. I'm going in with a positive outlook...now who knows how long it will last, but I'm going to try...hard!!!

Thanks for stopping today! Enjoy your week back!

Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

Happy New Year friends! Can you believe that 2015 is here? I can't! How will you be celebrating? We will be hanging out with our besties, enjoying good food, shooting off fireworks, and ringing in the new year together.

While I wait for midnight to arrive, I'm joining up with two linkys. First visit with CaseyJane at Primary Powers for her ONE WORD Resolution party. Here's mine:

I love thinking about just one word. Too many resolutions bog me down and I never follow through anyway, but I think this year will be different. Persevere means to keep going and work hard. Over the last several months, I have been focusing on my weight and overall health. I've lost 17 pounds since September and I'm very happy! My goal is to lose 25 total, so only a few more to go...I need to push through to get those last pounds off. It hasn't been difficult so far. You read that right. It HAS NOT been difficult. My mind was ready for the change. I think that's the only way to do it. You have to be ready mentally. I've been following Weight Watchers Simply Filling plan and I love it! I don't have to count the points, just eat the power foods. I've been able to make changes to some favorite recipes and my family doesn't know the difference, so that's a bonus!

Persevere is also the perfect word for my school life. I have to remember that between 8am and 2pm my students matter most. I have to let go of all the outside forces that can get in the way of teaching. My students come first. (You can all probably relate!) I need to work hard and push forward with teaching what I know is best for them and not let the other "junk" get me down.

What is your ONE WORD for 2015?

The second party I'm attending today has to do with a little shopping. Head on over to my TpT store for 20% off December 30th and January 1st. Visit Molly at Lucky to be in First to link up your store or to find other wonderful sellers! Stock up and get ready for 2015!

Check out my newest product and grab it while it's on sale. It's a perfect activity to start off the new year. Your students will think about reading resolutions, as well as personal goals for the new year. Make a cute 3D display or bulletin board for January.

Thanks for stopping by today. Be safe as you celebrate the new year and enjoy the rest of the winter break!

Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

As the new year approaches, the word resolution comes to mind. I NEVER keep any resolutions. EVER! Do you? I don't even like making them because I'm so bad at keeping them. Denise at Sunny Days is asking that we think about one little word for the new year for her My Truth Monday linky. I like it. One Little Word that will define 2014. OLW to live by in the new year. I think I can handle this!

Change. Thrive. Become. Mature. Grow. It fits into many facets of my life. Grow as a mother. I have a teenage boy and preteen daughter. Parenting takes on a whole new dimension now. Grow as a teacher. Continuing the journey of learning. Grow as a woman. I'll be entering a new age decade in 2015, so I have to make the best of my last year in this one. Grow as a family and grow as a friend. I don't ever want to be stagnant in any part of my life. Grow means life and living. Rising. Building. Stretching. Lovin' my OLW for 2014!

Join in and share your OLW!

Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

January is upon us and so is a new year! I can not believe that 2014 is here! 2014??!! Really??! I wish time would slow down. I am so very thankful for 2013 and all of the good things from the past year. I have my health, happiness, and lots of good friends and family around me! I am especially lucky to have 2 wonderful kids! My son is practicing very hard at water polo and doing so well. He is currently participating in the Olympic Development Program and he'll be part of the Southeast Zone team. He'll be traveling to Texas in March for a tournament. (Keeping my fingers crossed that he is selected to be part of the National team!!)
My daughter continues to dance her heart out. I am so happy that we were able to take a trip to NYC together. It was such a special experience. She is more motivated than ever to get herself to Broadway!
I'm looking forward to the new year, filled with new adventures!

Now on to some of my favorite reads for JANUARY!!

Grace Lin is such a wonderful author and illustrator. Bringing in the New Year is a perfect read for the Chinese New Year on January 31st.

I love her beautiful artwork!

The story tells of a family preparing for the special day.

Sam and the Lucky Money is about Sam who wants to buy something with the money he received for the Chinese New Year. He finds that most things are too expensive and he ends up using the money for something much more special.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr. are lovely picture book biographies. Each one is simple enough for our youngest learners to understand. The illustrations in both make these books MUST READS!

The Snow Globe Family is lots of fun and very retro! The book is about a family who lives inside a snow globe in the home of a family just like them. The only one that can see them is the baby, but she can't reach them on the shelf. The Snow Globe Family is waiting for someone to shake the globe so they can play in the snow. Love this little story and the old fashion illustrations.

The Night Before New Year's is patterned after the poem Twas' the Night Before Christmas. This book is best suited for our youngest readers and is perfect for helping kids understand the excitement of the night.

Squirrel's New Year's Resolution is about a squirrel (obviously) who is learning about the meaning of a resolution. She travels around the forest helping her friends make their resolutions while she tries to figure out her own.

Here is my new FAVORITE book by Jon Scieszka. Battle Bunny. Alex receives Birthday Bunny as gift, but decides he needs to turn it into something more exciting! With the help of his imagination and a pencil he turns the Birthday Bunny into Battle Bunny! The layered pictures and scribbled words make this story so much fun to read. I can not wait to share it with my class!

I hope you all enjoy ringing in the New Year. I wish you much happiness and peace in the coming year!!

Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

Amy over at Step into 2nd Grade is hosting the next part of this linky...Downtime...HAHA!! I don't even know what that is anymore!

Let's see...if I have downtime in 2013 I would like to get back to reading for pleasure. That is one thing I love, but don't do so much anymore. It takes me forever to get through a book. I would also like to get back to crochet. I took up this hobby last year and I really enjoy it. I'm in the middle of this blanket and would love to finish it by NEXT winter!!

I would also like to make a few hats for my new baby nephew, Sebastian. Here is one that is a must have! The pattern and the yarn are here and ready to go! Just need to make the time.

A new yarn shop opened nearby and it's the perfect place to hang out and relax! I would love to get over there. My daughter enjoys crochet, too, so it's a nice hobby to do together.

Blogging and TpT have taken up most of my downtime lately. I obsess over both and I love working on them, but I would also like to break away from time to time. I hope that I can make that happen though my obsessions have a way of taking over!

Now for the last day of this linky which is Fitness...don't expect a post! I'm not going to make a resolution to eat right or exercise! I've been there and done that!!

Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

It's that time of year....New Year's Resolutions! I don't like them! I'm not so good at them! (Is that a bad thing to confess?) I am a procrastinator which makes it difficult to stay on task with promises made to myself. I manage to get things done though. I am extremely organized which I think helps with my off task behavior. I'm a good multi-tasker, too. I just can't seem to stick to things like diets and exercise or anything else that requires too much routine and structure! With that disclaimer, I will not make any organizational or fitness resolutions....I won't stick to the fitness ones, so I'm not even going to say I will. Why pretend right?? Since I'm pretty organized already I don't think I need to resolve to make any changes there! I did think about some Professional resolutions and Technology resolutions that I would like to accomplish this year! I linked up with some great ladies here at these blogs to share!

First of all...Professional Growth. I have to say that I'm pretty proud of myself when it comes to professional development. Over the last 23 years, I have tried to stay current on educational research and best practices. I'm not one to repeat the same lessons year after year. (That would actually bore me to tears!) I like to keep things fresh and exciting. I find it sad when I see colleagues copying the same old worksheets, reading the same old books to the kids, and teaching with the same old methods and expecting the same results. Teaching is a profession that is ever changing and growing and staying current is vital to being a good teacher! If you are not already a member of professional organizations, you should join! NCTE and IRA are wonderful groups to follow. Their conferences are outstanding. If you ever get a chance to attend please do so! I also belong to the Florida Reading Association which holds a conference each year in Orlando.

Now my main focus for the upcoming year is on Common Core. CCSS is just starting in my county and I would like to become an "expert" on it. K-2 teachers are trained and implementing it this year and it's expected that grade 3-5 teachers be fully implemented by 2014. I'm not one to wait until something like this is here before I start learning about it. This past summer I was lucky enough to train with a teacher who is an expert in CCSS. She gave me a sneak peek into what I should expect and she's become my "go to" gal! As part of my own professional development, I want to read and "study" two books that were recommended to me. One is Pathway to Common Core by Lucy Calkins (one of my teaching heros!) and Text Complexity by Douglas Fisher.

I have also started to become familiar with the Standards in 3rd grade and I'm using those to guide my teaching this year. I think I'm off to a good start when it comes to CCSS and I want to continue on this path, so that I am prepared for the "big day"! No surprises for me!

Technology is another part of this linky and another goal that I have for the upcoming year. At the end of January, my BFF and I are heading to Orlando to attend the Florida Educational Technology Conference. I attended this one a few years back. I'm sure there have been tons of advances in using technology in the classroom since and I hope to walk away with lots of new ideas. Currently in my classroom, I have and use a Promethean board and a document camera. I have access to a laptop cart and the computer lab. One of my tech goals this year is to write a grant to get iPads in my classroom. (If you know of grant opportunities for this please let me know!) Though I LOVE technology, I have to confess that I have not utilized it with the kiddos as much as I know I should. Project based learning is a wonderful way to use technology and I plan on getting back into it when I return from winter break.

I know that these two goals are attainable for me! I love this profession and I want to be the best I can be at it! What are you goals for 2013? There are some wonderful Linkys going on to share your Resolutions! Link up with Amanda at One Extra Degree to share your professional plans and Kathleen at Growing Kinders to showcase your techno goals! You can also head on over to see Amanda at Teaching Maddness and Diane at Teaching with Moxie to link up and share! If we all encourage each other then maybe this year more resolutions can be reached!

❤Happy New Year!!❤

Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

I came across this linky party, hosted by Christina at Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge, and was a little intimidated at first. After all, I've only been blogging since October, did I have enough to consider as my brightest and best in 2012?

I gave it some thought and did come up with a few ideas. Here we go:

The BRIGHTEST part of this year was just getting up the nerve to start Beach Sand and Lesson Plans! It has been a great way to connect with teachers everywhere, from different grade levels, with so many creative ideas! It's unbelievable how much is out there to learn! The collaboration across the web just boggles my mind. I didn't think I had it in me to blog and I was a little afraid that no one would care about what I had to share, but I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised.

My BEST posts include Top 12 in '12 and 12 on the 12th. It was fun to write these lists, one is my favorites from the past year and one is 12 random pictures from that day. I just love the Linky Parties! There are some that are quite challenging. Being a new blogger, the linkys have been a springboard to posting ideas and a wonderful stepping stone into the bloggy world. I guess that is why I think they are BEST!

A part of my blog that I think is the BEST is the tab titled Good Reads. Keeping up with the latest research in education is vital to being a good teacher, so I included SOME of the professional reads that guide my teaching. I have an obsession for children's books, too! I have started a list of books I use in my classroom. There are at least a thousand more to add!

I have made some BESTIE bloggy friends and am ~~stalking~~ following their wonderful blogs daily. It's just too many to list here, so I started a PINTEREST BOARD to showcase my favorites. You can also take a peek at Blogs I Follow or check out my tab, Blogs I Love to meet some of my new friends.

Another BRIGHT spot in this year was "opening" my TpT store. It's exciting to know that teachers appreciate my products and find them useful for their students! I have also purchased many products from my colleagues. I don't think I'll ever buy teacher resources anyplace else again. TpT has opened a door for teachers to showcase their strengths, talents, and creativity. I'm proud and pleased to be a part of it!

Now it's your turn! Link up and join this end of year reflection into YOUR best and brightest!