SOME EXCITING NEWS + FIVE FOR FRIDAY

Let me start off by saying that I have some news.  Back at the end of December I posted that I had two goals for 2015 that revolved around BIG decisions. Well, I can finally tell you about a secret that I have been keeping for a few months that connects to one of these goals.  I am over the moon with this news and it has been SO hard to keep my loud mouth shut. However, before I do, I am going to STOP YOU RIGHT THERE.  Get that thought out of your head.  I just realized that this sounds just like a pregnancy post . . . BLARG!  Well, it’s not.  I don’t have two little lines or a pink smiley face to show you (although my husband wishes this were the case).  Push the image of a little nugget growing in my belly out of your head . . . I’ll let you know if you can put this one back in your noggin.  

Now that this innocent misconception is all cleared up, I want to say that my news is just as exciting in my book.  Think of something that rhymes with “dew pool” or “poo fool.”  You got it?? (Good heavens . . . I am on a role in the writing department today.)

With that amazing intro I managed to weave, I won’t hold you hostage any longer.  I am moving to a NEW SCHOOL and back to full time.  Although I will miss the sweet little campus where I got my start and all of my amazing coworkers, I am thrilled to be opening a new chapter in my educational book! Not only will I be teaching just 3 short minutes from my house (no more commute for this gal), but I also will be working for one of my favorite high school teachers — my Spanish I teacher is the super at my new campus.  But that’s not the only cool connection, my mom taught him in 6th grade and both of us (my mom and I) had his mother for biology our Junior year.  Yep . . . I live in one of those little towns. He has helped build an amazing district that is welcoming, rigorous, supportive, and positive.  Can you tell I am thrilled??  I will stop gushing now. Anyway, that is my big news and my #1 for Five For Friday. It feels so good to “let the antelope out of the bag.”  (A little mascot humor for you on this Saturday morn.)

ONE – MY NEW CHAPTER
I promise to show you pictures of the process . . . moving, setting up a new classroom, finding new resources, etc.  My summer is going to be filled with school and I am so exited about it 🙂

My garage is already beginning to look like an educational wasteland. I have SO much stuff to move. I am trying to bring a box or two home every week 🙂

TWO – YEAR PLANNER
Speaking of a new school, I have the best resource for those teachers looking to get a jump on next year.  Since I will be merging ideas, themes, and such with my new grade level team, I wanted something to keep the process streamlined and tidy.  Well, I found the PERFECT product for this need.  Traci from Dragonflies in First has created the most amazing EDITABLE year planner. It’s easy to use and it looks great (I’m a fool for pretty and organized).  I was able to knock out most of my current outline in a day so that I can share it with my stellar teammates.  We will be able to change and add to it without some huge painful process.  This has proven to be the best purchase I have made on TPT this year. Check it out HERE.   

THREE – FIELD TRIP
I am just getting around to blogging this week as we had a field trip that knocked me on my butt.  There’s nothing like teacher tired after a field trip, but this particular outing upped the ante a bit.  This week’s excursion involved kids wading in running water.  Let’s just say I was on edge the entire time . . . you never know what may happen with our “spirited” crew this year. However, my worry was for nothing as no one was pushed in or floated down the river. The kids really enjoyed the environmental camp (the docents were AMAZING) and it fit perfectly with our pond theme.  

See why I was sweating the WHOLE TIME??? My amazing teaching partner was there to help (on her day off too). I owe you BIG TIME, Court 🙂

FOUR – MAY MATH
This time of year is so much fun in the math department. So fun that I know I have uttered this before in more than one blog post . . . hehehehehe.  What can I say?  I just can’t help myself when kiddos have been exposed to all the standards and you can really take it to the next level in centers.  

True Equation Game

Associative Property Game

10 More/10 Less Game

If you are interested in a packet of CCSS aligned math stations/games for May (13 ditties in all), pop on over to my shop.  It’s one of my featured products this month and it’s on sale for just $5 through the weekend.  

FIVE – EOY VIDEO
I am doing a little fist pump . . . it’s finished.  I managed to knock out our end of the year video last weekend.  I want to add one more event that is taking place this week, but other than those 2-3 photos, it’s in da bag!  My music line up is pretty fun this year.  I added a few new ones to the mix that I think the kids and parents will really love. 

1. We Belong Together – Randy Newman (My favorite into song.  I tend to always use this one.)
2. Everything is Awesome – Lego Movie (I clipped this song to just include the first 42 seconds. The kids are going to flip out and the team part is perfect for a bunch of our fall photos.)
3. Count on Me – Bruno Mars (It’s new to the mix this year, but it’s message is on target.)
4. Three Little Birds – Bob Marley (This one ends up in the show every other year it seems. It makes me smile.)
5. Rainbow Connection – Weezer (I found this one last year.  This song is so amazing. It gives a sweet little alternative twist on one of my favorite songs of all time.)
6. Never Grow Up – Alyssa Golden (I used this one last year too. Her acoustic guitar version is the best one out there.)