My NEW PRODUCT on TPT!

I'm so excited to have made a chalkboard (black and white) homework banner for my classroom! I decided I wanted a change...something completely different! Something, shockingly, NOT IN COLOR!

I'm hoping this is helpful for you too! I can't wait until I get back from Spring Break so my students can see the new design on the bulletin board.

I'm feeling inspired! :)

Click here to get this product on TPT!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chalkboard-Homework-Banner-2452206

Follow me on INSTAGRAM!

Happy to ANNOUNCE:

https://www.instagram.com/passionforteaching/

I now have a teacher Instagram account! I'm going to try my best to finally post those pictures of all the things I'm doing in my classroom! I want to share but it's so hard to find the time. I honestly have no idea how so many amazing teachers can write on blogs daily, create new items on TPT so frequently, keep pinning new ideas, and post pictures on Instagram showing all of the cool things they are doing. TEACHERS ABSOLUTELY AMAZE ME! #teachersfollowteachers

I'm proud to be a teacher. There is so much hard work involved in the day to day routine. There are times I've had enough and I'm stressed out to the max. But there are also times, like while on a nice break, where I get inspired again. I can't believe how many resources, encouragement, creative ideas, etc. teachers are sharing these days. I've always thought of myself as an overachiever but I am NO WHERE NEAR as far along as some of the bloggers or TPT'ers I stumbled upon today. I'm doing this more for me but want to be able to help or inspire other teachers too!

I'd love to reach so many people and constantly be writing on here (and my MANY other social media sites) about what I'm doing with my students and in my classroom, then posting pictures. It's truly incredible! I don't know why there aren't more hours in a day. If there were, I'd probably have time to do all the "extra teachery" things I aspire to do in the back of my mind. I may be just starting out here but I'd love to start sharing what I'm doing in my classroom. I pride myself on my organizational skills and how efficient my routines are. I'm constantly creating new things and using them with my class and other classes. For now, all of my resources will have to be released when I find the time (which is on my to-do list). Hopefully if I can make this my hobby when I get home, I'll feel more enthusiastic every day going to work instead of so-so or burnt out.

*It is that time of year when things are starting to settle down a bit though because we're about to start the last quarter. At least that's how I'm now feeling. Yay for breaks! :)



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YOUTUBE

Keep Calm, Spring Break is ALMOST here!

It's that time of year again!

All of the teachers I've talked to have told me how tough this year has been. I can definitely agree. I've been pushed to my limits but I'm still going. It's supposed to be hard...it wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't. Hard work pays off in more ways then one. For me, I can't wait until I have a week off to rest and rejuvenate. I hope that this year I can think of some new organizational ideas for my classroom (which I do all the time), de-stress a bit (which I need to do desperately), and realize that everything I've been doing with my students is paying off (even if it's hard to tell sometimes)! Hopefully if I get inspired I will add some new items or freebies to my TPT store to share with you. 

For now, I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I can make it through all of the busy teacher duties/responsibilities. I want to keep up my energy even if I've been battling the flu or parent conferences. There is a reason I keep going to work every day... it's for the kids! I dedicate my life to helping my students succeed and teaching them lessons, including values, so they can survive in the "real world". I need to remember that this job is not easy and even when it gets crazy, I've got this and I can't ever give up because I've got people counting on me to be there for them. 

Life only happens once! 

Tracking Student Data

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Why should students track their progress?

This school year I made student data binders for the first time! On the binder spine, I labeled them with numbers (i.e. Student #1, #2, #3 etc.) that way I don't have to change the names EVERY YEAR thereafter. I also created a Table of Contents page that helps the students stay organized under each divider tab. For each tab, I have created a student tracking sheet. This allows students to write their test score and then create a bar graph for each assessment/assignment. I made one of these tracking sheets for each subject that I teach. It is a "work in progress" because I have it labeled with "Test 1" (the name of the test) not the Standards/Learning Goals per quarter.

On graphing day, students will receive their graded tests back to see their scores. They will be able to file the assessment under the correct tab and then create a bar graph on their tracking sheet. At the end of each quarter, they will have a binder full of tests, quizzes, and other assessments used throughout the year per subject. That way they don't have to keep them in a disorganized pile of doom inside their desks or other sloppy filing system that takes up counter space! The binders seem to be working pretty well for my class so far. 

In my experience so far, the binders were great for student led conferences, parent conferences, IEP meetings, PLC meetings, and other data progression discussions. It's very simple to quickly grab the student binder I need since it has ALL the test scores for every subject! 

Pictures: I will be posting pictures of how I am using data binders and tracking sheets soon!

The Power of POSITIVE Thinking!

Sometimes we just need to stop and reflect

This year I have been thinking hard about my job. The stressful and the rewarding moments. The good days and bad. The positive and the negative. I think it is time to reflect and here are questions I've asked myself. Now,  ask yourself: What makes you want to go to work every day? Do you want to make a difference in your students' lives? How can you find the positive in a stressful day/week at work? My biggest challenge is finding the balance between work and my personal life. It is extremely important to realize you can't do it all, even if you're used to doing so much every day! Take time to step away. Think about your day and go over the details in your mind. How could you have improved? Is there something you would change or do differently? Guess what... We have Monday through Friday to "perfect" and self reflect. Teach your students that it is ok to make mistakes because that's how we learn! As teachers, it is important not to forget this concept! Strive to be there for your students 100% every day. Do everything in your power to be your absolute best. You can't be better than your best.  

Don't give up on yourself or your students! 

Even if they're not on their best behavior or you are tired/sick/upset, tomorrow is a new day! No matter what, you are shaping their minds. You are giving them life lessons. You are a role model and the person who spends every day helping them learn from their mistakes. We've all had good and bad days. So have your students.  Part of life is learning how to deal, move forward, and let it go. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone. We need our fellow colleagues/family/friends but our students need us. We need to remember we are all in need of guidance and attention. Stay positive because life is short! 

Mid Year, Made It!

It's not the beginning anymore but it's certainly not the end either. There is only one week left before winter break!!!! Here are four things that are on my mind:

1. That means after I survive this last week, with the ERD days, a field trip, McDonald's night, parent conferences, and let's not forget crazy children, I have 2 weeks off. Should I go through and organize my classroom before it's left untouched in it's current state?

2. Report cards are due right after the break...should I start them next week or wait until the break? Not that doing work on my personal break is fair either. I want to think smart but not overachieve. 

3. We still have things to cover in class that requires their full attention. Incentives need to be offered each day so they continue wanting to learn before they turn their brains off for 2 weeks!

4. I know I have "some" parents that are going to want their students to continue to practice their skills over the break. I need to start getting things together so I can make a winter break learning packet.

Phew! I'm sure there are more things that will pop into my mind before then... but for now, these are my top 4 thoughts and priorities.

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Break: A WEEK OFF!

Lately, I haven't been feeling like myself. And I'm not talking about being sick with germs. Normally I take my job very seriously and I always want to do my absolute BEST. I'm obsessed with work in a good way. It always seems that we (teachers) work so hard to feel caught up or just getting the work done. I love my students even if they can drive me nuts. I love being able to make a difference in their lives. But this year has had so many changes and challenges: to the actual job, the county, my team, new class, etc. Things are very overwhelming and I don't want to lose my love of teaching. I always say I would love my job if I could actually "do" my job. This break I, of course, could find things to complain about, things that need to be better/changed...but I am thankful for my friends and family. I have a job, even if it is stressful and intense. Even if I am starting to lose my positive thinking and strength, I have to always say things will get better! :) Remember to give thanks for what you have.  

Check out my Pinterest page and TPT store for inspiration if you are feeling this is a needed break from school but you have a tiny voice in your head that says come on, just peak around at ideas! I know you want to see what's out there! :)