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WEEKLY REWIND — A LITTLE FIVE FOR FRIDAY ACTION

July 26, 2015 by teacherideafactory

Someone PLEASE hit the pause button.  I have been running around like a mad woman for the past two weeks and I still have TONS left to do.  I had my first back to school nightmare (I was late on the first day).  I also have started grinding my teeth at night and my jaw is on fire most days.  My gym membership sits idle and I can’t remember a thing unless I write it down. However, despite this stress and chaos, I absolutely feed off of it all.  Are you like this?  Please tell me I am not the only one who thrives on pressure. Sure, I had my first ugly cry of the late summer stretch (and it won’t be my last), but I am loving every minute of it ๐Ÿ™‚  It’s definitely back to school prep at its finest.  How are you holdin’ up my friends??

On that note, here’s a little look at my busy week.  It may have been hectic, but some serious progress has been made.  

ONE – THE NEW ROOM
It’s coming along . . . PTL.  It’s been a long road, but I can just touch the “light” with my fingertips. A few more ditties and I am done.  I am guessing about 5-6 more hours total.  Then, I can start on curriculum and planning. (My personal favorite!)  I will be hosting the big reveal early next week, but until then . . . here’s a little sneak peek.

I went for crayon pack colors in my new room.
It’s bright and happy for sure ๐Ÿ™‚

TWO – A NEW FRIEND
As I was working in my room yesterday, I looked out the window and saw the little fella below.  I blinked my eyes and looked again.  Then my brain slowly processed the situation and three thoughts went through my noggin.  Um . . . what is a baby fox doing on campus?  My classroom door is wide open.  Where is his mommy?  Let’s just say that I promptly shut the door and called maintenance. They trapped the little fella and his kid brother and dropped them off in the wilderness with their mother.  Crazy, huh??

THREE – MUSIC MANIA
I have been working my tail off on my computer when I am not at school.  I joined forces with my dad (Ron Brown’s Intelli-Tunes) to create a new series of packets dedicated to using music in the classroom.  Concept-based sets come with a collection of his professionally recorded MP3s and related ideas.  The movement-based sets come with those ready-made audio files and directions on the movements.  It has been such a treat getting to work with my pop on these new projects.  What can I say?  Teaching is just in me blood ๐Ÿ™‚  

   
The two packets above are more concept-based.  
They contain MP3s, lyrics, and ideas. 
(Yes, a 1st Grade calendar set is coming soon!)
When I taught Kinder for a year, 
I thought I was going to die that first month. 
(All you alls deserve a HUGE gold star!)
With this said, I had my dad write oodles of 
movement songs that year. We stole some of my favorites 
 off of a handful of his albums and packaged them. 
These are a LIFE SAVER in primary ๐Ÿ™‚

FOUR – EMBRACING THE CHAOS
So, with working like a mad woman at school and on the TPT front, the house has taken the brunt of it.  Whoops ๐Ÿ™  I am trying to keep up, but I’m failing miserably.  Most of the house is a-ok.  We won’t talk about the laundry room and my office . . . well . . . see for yourself.  **SIGH**  However, I figured I would show all you alls that I am not “keeping it together” across the board. I’m okay with that at the moment ๐Ÿ˜›

Just look at this mess . . . BLARG!
Please don’t judge ๐Ÿ™‚

FIVE –  FINDING BALANCE
I am actually going to the pool today. I need a time out. Friends are coming into town tonight as well.  I am going to unplug.  It’s gonna feel so strange, but it’s time. Finding balance this time of year is oh so hard.  My best friend coined it oh so well when we were struggling to find a day to hang out  . . . 

Now that’s what I call a friend.  
She so gets it . . . not many outside of the biz do ๐Ÿ™‚
#bestiesjustunderstand

I will see you again soon with a little freebie.  Stay tuned ๐Ÿ™‚

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: back to school, music

CLASSROOM PEN PALS – NOTES ON THE PAIR UP AND TIPS FOR THE YEAR
GETTING YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW – BEING PROACTIVE WITH YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL PREP

Comments

  1. alwayskindergarten says

    July 26, 2015 at 5:37 am

    You're not the only one! Hugs, friend! The room looks amazing.
    Andrea
    Always Kindergarten

  2. Jen R says

    July 26, 2015 at 10:57 am

    yes! I always "perform" better under pressure/stress! haha! I am so super excited about your music! and girlfriend… you want to see keeping it together!? haha…

  3. Courtney B says

    July 26, 2015 at 12:53 pm

    I feel the exact same way right now. I love your friend's quote. That is so true! Your song packs look amazing. I bought the back to school songs the other day. Can't wait to check out the others!

  4. Casey Crumbley says

    July 26, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    I including a little sneak peek on my Five for Friday also. I love all the colors in your room! Wow, a fox? You could've had a classroom pet. haha
    Casey
    CasedillaCrumbs

  5. Chrissy says

    July 26, 2015 at 4:00 pm

    I feel the same way with getting ready for school and the home front. Your room is coming along great! I'll have to check out your songs pack! What a great idea!

    Chrissy
    Little Gingergarten

  6. Flamingos and Butterflies says

    July 26, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    Your room is looking great! Can't wait until the reveal next week…thinking that is when I will get mine done as well. ๐Ÿ™‚

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Thank you for taking the time to visit my home away from home. My Name is Kelley Dolling and I just finished up a decade teaching in the primary classroom...

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