I’m back…

Hi y’all!

Well..we moved in to our new place and I’m in love.  There’s so much space!  There are tons of dogs that live here and Ben seems so happy! We are extremely happy!
However, Mr. Roboto has been out of town all last week…and he’s out of town for this week…So I’ve been doing most of the unpacking, organizing and cleaning.  Which, I really don’t mind because it also means I get to make things look the way I want them to look…you know, the right way!

I know the stress of moving was making me a little wonky…but I think I was a little overwhelmed/depressed.  Packing all of my craft materials meant I couldn’t create anything for a while. It surprised me how often I just wanted to make something…anything.  Now, my first week in my new place, I’ve gone a little creating crazy.  It makes me so happy to make new things for our home and my classroom.  You can see a couple pics of my work below. I’ve linked up with 4th grade Frolics for Monday Made It!

This is my Ung mirror from Ikea…I love this mirror..I bought it when we lived in Austin and it made the trip to Newport safe without a break.  It made the trip from Newport to Massachusetts without a break…Then, while in my new place, I sat it down to find a place to hang it, stepped away and BAM! It broke! Now there’s a large crack down the middle.  I was devastated! I refused to give it up…I didn’t want to let it go..So I thought I’d try to salvage it with a little cork board from Michael’s.  They sell cork board in a roll and you can cut it and adhere it to whatever you want!  So, for about $12 I refurnished the mirror into this…

Here it is with a little note attached.

I love it! I can’t wait until it’s filled up with all my To-Do notes.  I have a lot of To-Do notes..a lot..ugh

I also made a little sign for the bathroom.  Michael’s (it’s my second home)  has some wooden frames for sale for cheap.  I picked up two..painted them and added a printable from one of my favorite songs…

Love it!

While I took a little break away from blogging, I took an opportunity to read up on blog posts…I read the infamous post regarding TpT and “cuteness”.  I’ve read the rebuttals. I completely understand why people would disagree with the statements made about TpT…

But, all the drama made me reevaluate what I do as a blogger…I’m guilty of promoting my work and not my ideas.  I know it’s important to share what I create with others…but I’m not a billboard, and neither is my blog.   I’m making a commitment to write posts of substance…with things to share..not just advertise.

There are so many important and influential ideas that we have to share with one another…

SO! In the spirit of sharing, here are a few things I will use in my classroom this year.

With some inspiration from Marisa at First Grade Glitter and Giggles, I made a “Teacher, can I…” management system.  I can not tell you how crazy I get when I’m asked 23 different times, “Can I use makers?” after explicitly saying’ “No markers.”  I go insane! So this system will be a great visual reminder and cue for my students… I can truly say my expectations ONCE and then point to the wall, if someone needs a little extra “clarity”. Here’s what the system looks like…laid out on my carpet.

I’ll post this on my dry erase wall and simply and a check or X in the appropriate places. I’m really excited to see the way this works in my classroom this year.  But, I truly think it will be a great help!  Here are a few more pics.  Click on any of them to get yourself a copy for free.

I have been reading Jan Richardson’s book, The Next Step in Guided Reading.  It has been a fantastic read! I feel really inspired about my small groups this upcoming year.  When working with pre-emergent readers (specifically students who can not identify letters of the alphabet), she suggests using a tracing alphabet.  She says that students should not use a pencil or dry erase marker while tracing, but simply use their finger.  She also suggest that each letter should contain a few pictures to so students can make a connection between the letter and letter sound. I made a set of tracing alphabet cards, that’ll use with my small groups this year.  Click the pics to get your copy.

I’ll leave you with a little shopping tip…cause you know how much I love to get my shop on.
Yesterday, Mr. Roboto and I headed on a shopping trip to Michael’s (I’m obsessed), Staples and Target.  When we got to Staples we both went a little crazy.
Here’s a list of what I bought at Staples:
2 packs of White Out with 2 bottles in each pack
4 pencil cases
2 sets of mechanical pencils with 5 pencils in each
1 pack of mechanical pencils with 2 pencils in each (these are a little fancier)
1 pack of ultra fine Sharpies with 12 Sharpies
10 2-pocket prong folders
AND I used my 15% off card…
for a grand total of $8.52!
WHAAA…Here’s a pic.

I’m on my way there today to grab some more goodies!

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11 Comments

  1. Just A Primary Girl
    July 29, 2013 / 2:39 pm

    Oh outkast! Love the bathroom signs!

  2. Unknown
    July 29, 2013 / 3:06 pm

    Your blog is adorable and I love the name. I am your newest follower and can't wait to read more post. If you get a chance I would love for you to come over and check out my blog. Thanks for sharing.

    Jamie
    teachingtidbit.blogspot.com

  3. Amy Owen
    July 29, 2013 / 3:15 pm

    Love the blog name! I too read the TPT/cutesy blog and decided to bite my tongue and not add my two cents to the party (too much drama). I was also a Michaels addict…then Hobby Lobby came to town! Oh, && I'm your newest follower! 🙂

    Amy
    Sweet Tea & Mosquitoes

  4. Unknown
    July 29, 2013 / 7:16 pm

    Thank you so much for the alphabet tracing cards. I love that they have more than one picture on them. I am going to put them on rings for my students who need them and possibly send them home for homework.
    Michelle
    mrsscotese.blogspot.com

  5. Barton's Buzz
    July 29, 2013 / 10:22 pm

    The Teacher Can I i such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
    -Lisa
    Grade 4 Buzz

  6. Anonymous
    July 30, 2013 / 1:03 am

    Thank you for the alphabet tracing cards. Did you happen to see that the small clipboards are on sale for $1.00. I got a few of those as well as many of your items. Love the Staples back to school sales!
    deccles@joink.com

  7. Unknown
    July 30, 2013 / 1:42 am

    I also teach kindergarten and am reading The Next Step in Guided Reading. Thank you so much for the alphabet tracing cards! I love that they have multiple pictures. That will also help my ESL kiddos. Thanks for sharing!
    Tonya

  8. The Tutu Teacher
    July 30, 2013 / 2:35 am

    Aww! Y'all, I'm so glad I could help! I will post more on Jan Richardson's book later this summer so keep a look out. I'm working on initial consonant sound work now…Also…if any one is doing Fundations, I have an alphabet chart and alphabet cards (for word wall or small group practice) for you. Just email me.
    Vera

  9. Deirdre
    July 31, 2013 / 3:16 am

    Hey There!
    I am putting together a summer giveaway and would love for you to be a part of it. Email me at deirdre.eldredge[at]gmail.com for the info!
    ps…I love your Staples finds!
    Deirdre
    A Burst of First

  10. Unknown
    August 1, 2013 / 4:55 am

    Hi there! Newest reader:) Love what you've done here. Thanks for sharing!

  11. Anna Lynn
    August 1, 2013 / 7:18 am

    Thanks so much for the directions freebie! I think I will put magnets on everything and simply put each picture under the "yes" or "no" sign…love it!