Currently in June



HGTV.... our TV at home literally goes days without being changed.  Some go for the sappy love movies, some go for action packed films, some go for reality, Brandon & I, however, go for the Home and Garden TV.  Now, that's quality! :)

Summer Break! The last day of school with students was on May 24th.  We had work days all last week, which ended on June 1st.  Therefore, this girl is on SUMMER BREAK and that's not even the best part! The most exciting thing about this summer is that .... wait for it..... it is 3.months.long.!!!

That's right.  This last school year, we began school in early August, but the State has mandated that no school can begin before August 25th.  Because we started early, we finished early (May 24) and because of the new mandate, we start late (Aug. 26).  This means that this year, and I'm certain this is the only year, teachers and students are out for 3.Solid.Months.  We are currently on day 2 of 87.  B-LISS!

Just like Farley, my room will be used during summer.  Ugh.  This is beyond annoying!  In fact, it is down right irritating.  Summer Day Camp uses a wing of our school each year, this year, they are on my wing.  I totally get that they will not be in need of my room for the next three years, but I'm not worried about then... I'm ill about now.  :) So... I have locked up, strapped down, and even busted out the zip-ties.  I have one more bookcase to cover with butcher paper and we are set.  That is on tomorrow's Absolutely To Do list.

I do have a couple books that I want to read this summer, but in the amazing case that I finish them, I'm looking for any suggestions that my friends would like to share.... so let me know.  What books are you planning on reading this summer? Any genre: teaching, fiction, nonfiction... I'm game.

We have lived in our apartment for 5.5 years and the time has come.... that spare bedroom MUST get cleaned out and organized - right after I cover my bookcase and read the books you suggest.  :)

My 3 Vacay Essentials are: Sunglasses. Books. Sweet Tea.  I mean, who could not have a super summer day with these three items?  I mean, really.  The three of these items are what transforms everyday into a Vacay Day!





Optimum Organization Linky Party

I am linking up with Ladybug's Teacher Files and Fun in Room 4B to share an organizational system I used this school year. 

I am constantly trying to come up with the best way to get classwork into the hands of absent students.  As it has been proven time and time again, I do not do well, by simply giving it to them the next day.  That means, you have to remember they were absent the day before.  It sounds so easy, but it isn't.  Therefore, I came up with this system. 

I teach two classes, each with a different homeroom teacher.  They are known as "Talley's Class" or "Breedlove's Class", based on their homeroom teacher.  SO.... if you are absent, your name is placed on the "Make Up Work" board.   (this is a student job, placing the absent names on the board) Then, the work that the student misses, due to an absent, is placed in the appropriate folder, depending on their homeroom teacher.  Once the absent student has received their missing work, they remove their name from the Make Up Work board. 

When the work is complete, the student places it in the turn in box by the folder.

For this year, it worked.  I am planning on making a few revisions to this system, but overall, it worked out well.

Next Year, I am Definitely going to....

I am linking up with Kim @ Finding Joy in 6th Grade, to begin thinking towards what I DEFINITELY want to do next school year.  Therefore, here it is. 

Next school year, I am DEFINITELY going to....

I am oh-so unorganized.  I don't mean to be, but I just am.  I have the crates, folders, tubs, bins, labels, and everything else I could possibly need in order to organize all my "stuff", but regardless to my great intentions, it just doesn't happen.  This is one major priority of the summer.  Organize myself and my "stuff".  A great place to start would be creating myself a teacher toolbox, like Kristen on Ladybug's Teacher Files, check it out.

Though the two subjects I teach are easily integrated, it is most definitely more difficult to do if that integration is not planned out.  My hope is to use social studies units to 'drive' my classroom, while the language arts tasks support the content and discussion.  In order to do this, I need detailed plans - ones that students will love learning, and I love teaching.

Along with the plans I want to build, one aspect will be students using interactive notebooks.  I have spent the last 8-9 months researching, learning, and processing how to use interactive notebooks within my classroom.  This tool will be used as a resource.  Essentially, it is a student-built textbook.  Interactive Notebooks allow students to make connections between the instruction and application.

One step in becoming a Leader in Me School is introducing and using Data Notebooks.  The purpose of Data Notebooks is that students set goals for themselves: personally and academically.  Students also track (graph) their own data.  This allows students to take ownership and leadership of their own data.  This encourages them to be leaders of their learning.

More on this later, but our school is in the process of developing a Leader System.  Ultimately, we hope to create men and women of character, as well as teach students to become leaders within their school, home, and community.

My Students have been on Pinterest

Among the many reasons why I love teaching 6th grade, is that the girls that I teach love pinterest just as much as I do and at the end of the year, I am the one that benefiting from their pinterest interest. :) Thus far, I have received two super cute pinterest-inspired gifts.  I didn't take pictures of the exact gift from my students, so instead, I am using the pinterst pictures.

Happy End-of-the-Year Teacher Gifts!





*New Look for Summer*

At the beginning of this school year, I began this blog.  I was certain I would keep it up, stay current, and have great posts. However, school started, and well, friends, shortly after, the blogging stopped. 

So to commemorate a renewed commitment to use this blog as a place to store classroom thoughts, projects, and happenings, as well as to celebrate the summer that is t-totally 2 days away.... For Love & Laughter has a brand new look thanks to my new friend Barbara Leyne at Ruby Slippers Designs.