Currently - November

I am joining Farley in her Currently Party.  It's a fun way to read what other teachers are doing personally and professionally.  

Listening...

to Ellen DeGeneres on TV - the woman is hilarious! 

Loving...

getting to love on Patch (Patrick) He will be 3 months old this Thursday.  I have so enjoyed this time being with him; loving on him, laughing with him, snuggling with him, watching him grow

Thinking...

I should really get this house clean.  Everywhere I look there is laundry to fold/put away, mail to organize, something to trip over. 

Wanting...

to get my training underway.  I am ready to begin my certification in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I look forward to training other teachers and administrators in my school district.

Needing...

to mentally prepare to go back to school.   I have not returned to school this school year yet.  Patch was born in early August and I have been blessed to have 14 weeks home with him before I go back to work.  I know it will not be my favorite thing to leave him, but I am so thankful to have had this time with my sweet boy.  

Reading...

She Reads Truth.  This is a digital bible study.  It is a community of women that reads scripture together.  The studies are great.  They encourage and challenge me all at the same time. 

Look into it! 

Enjoy November!

July Currently

It is crazy that today is July 1st! Any other summer, this would mean that I had about a month and a half left of summertime bliss before the craziness and excitement of *Back-to-School* greatness.... however, this is a different summer. 

For my husband and I, the fact that today is July 1st means that our first child, a sweet boy, is expected to arrive in one month!  In November of last year, Aug. 2nd seemed to far away! 

Regardless, we are thrilled, nervous, and overjoyed all at the same time.  

I'm linking up with Farley, in her Currently Party, though "Currently" our lives are preparing for a whole new kind of craziness and excitement... 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, by husband works from home.  Though he started this a while back, this is the first summer that he has been home with me.  I have been enjoying these days.  Although he is studying and preparing for his upcoming sermon (he's a pastor), I enjoy having him home and the occasional tea break he has with me.  Because he is home, I have not had the TV on as much... which is a great thing.  Therefore, as I listen to him type, I am also listening to the birds sing their summertime songs.

Being 4 weeks (or less) away from delivering, this little boy is doing some squirming as he is running out of room.  :) Though the days to come may be filled with exhaustion and business, I take joy in the squirming that he does.  It's something that he and I share, together. 

There is so much to do within the short amount of time that I have left.  I'm going to need to write a serious TO DO list and make a plan... pronto. 

I can't help it, I love the beach.  There is nothing better than a chair, sand, water, book, and Gatorade, you know... the yellow kind :)  This year, we won't be making a beach trip, but next year will come and this family of 3, will be going to the beach and it will be oh-so exciting! 

I must finish maternity plans for my sub.  I have to admit, I am having a hard time with the "be anxious for nothing" scripture right now.  Knowing that I will not be at school for the first 6 weeks makes me super nervous, but it will be ok.  It has to, right?

My parents and nephew will be camping the week.  My sister, husband, and I will be going to spend the day with them on the 4th.  This means there will be lots of laughing going on... which makes my heart with excitement, already! :) 

Happy 4th, Friends!

Interactive Notebooks {Entry 1}

*Making it Their Own*

Last year, I used Interactive Notebooks within my classroom, for the first time.  Though there is much to gain from using INBs, I didn't feel as though my students were receiving all that the notebooks offered.  This has much to do with the way the INBs were introduced, organized, and maintained under my guidance.  

As I prepare for a new school year, there are several things I want to do differently as I plan to use Interactive Notebooks... just in a much more intentional way.

I will introduce the purpose and functionality of INBs to students.  Instead of focusing on that information alone, I want students to immediately gain a connection with their INB.  By making the notebook their own, students will invest time, pride, and creativity into their notebook, truly making the notebook an individualized textbook for themselves.  

The way students can put their own stamp of style and creativity on their notebook is by designing the cover to reflect them as an individual.  My example is below.  I chose scrapbook paper, and marked where the holes were on the notebook.  I simply hole-punched them out to make the paper fit nicely on the notebook cover.  I then, did my decorating.  I used a Sharpie to draw pictures of items that represent me, things that I enjoy.  Once I was finished with the front page, I used Mod Podge Matte to glue the paper down to the front cover of the notebook.  I folded the extra paper over to the back of the cover and Mod Podged it down.  Once the paper was down neatly, I Mod Podged the over the paper.  This covers and protects the paper on the cover, as well as provides a little more durability to the notebook.  

Note: Sometimes, the paper may bubble up, but as it dries, the paper will straighten back out. 

I followed the same process for the back of the notebook.  This time, I wrote the sections of the INB (which I will get to in "Interactive Notebook {Entry 2}).  

I did the same thing for my Social Studies INB.  I used the world map out of my old planning book and used it as on cover.  Before Mod Podging the paper down, I used a Sharpie to write my travel quotes on it.  I love how it turned out. 

Hopefully, I will remember to post student samples of their covers once school starts.  

Until then, stay tuned for Interactive Notebook {Entry 2}, which will focus on dividing the LA INB into different sections for different types of instruction. 

Currently March

Can't believe March is already here!  So much is happening this month! 

Let's start this month off right with Farley's Currently.

My husband is working on a Master's Degree in leadership.  His classes are 6 weeks long, then he moves on to the next one.  He is currently in his 7th class.  All of the courses he has taken up to this point have been great; enjoyable, even.  This one, however, is not so enjoyable with crazy, ridiculous expectations for full time working students..... anyhow, I keep saying, "5 more weeks"... "4 more weeks"... I'm thankful that this is not a full semester course... what a nightmare that would be!

I just got back from Charleston, SC.  Six other teachers and I went to a Leader in Me Symposium.  It was AH-mazing!  Not kidding. It was incredibly inspiring and we have returned with our heads spinning from all that we took in.  I am stoked about implementing some of these things in my classroom.  Are any of you a Leader in Me School?  I'd love to hear from you!

The last couple weeks have been crazy.  In fact, I think we have only had 1 uninterrupted week of school since Christmas! Now that I'm back from our conference, I am looking forward to having a full week of solid instruction.  This week, my students will be researching someone they consider to be a Worthy Leader.  We are writing persuasive essays and entering them into a contest for our local Rotary Club.  I'm looking forward to where their leadership research leads.

So... in January.. January 20th to be exact, I was in the dental chair and the nurse asks me if I drive a dark SUV.  When I gave her a thumbs up, because the Dr's hands were in my mouth, she informed me that I needed to go outside, because it had been hit...... really?

So that was over a month ago and the insurance company is just now beginning to process the claim.  So I wait... and drive my injured car around..... I'm ready to get this thing back to normal.

I have a love-hate relationship with blogging.  I love, love, love to write. I hate that I do not make more of an effort to blog.  I may actually be surprised to see how many people read it, if I were to update on a regular basis.  This is something I really want to recommit to. 

So my answer is: Jesus, family, education... what is my question?  Comment if you have a guess.

Have a great week, Friends. 

Serve students well.

Leader in Me Book Study

This time last year, I participated in a book study of The Leader in Me by Stephen R. Covey.  The book most certainly initiated some major discussion among the five of us participating.  This group of five were able to attend The Leader in Me Symposium.  It was such a great trip and the fact that it was in Myrtle Beach, SC added to our enjoyment.

We were able to visit three schools, which have all achieved The Leader in Me School status.  There was so much to see and at times, it was difficult to take it all in. 

We were ecstatic to return to our own school and get started!  We each returned to our respective roles.  I, as a 6th grade teacher, came back to share all that I learned with my teammates.  Thankfully, they were supportive and did what they could to join this leadership initiative.  Even within a few months, we began seeing changes within our students; their behavior, their academic performance, and their willingness to take on leadership for themselves. 

We were excited about what we were seeing!

Towards the end of the year, we learned that two of the five original book study friends were transferring to different schools. 

As we began a new school year, with several changes occurring within the school, Leader in Me and its efforts seemed to have gone onto the back burner. 

UNTIL NOW...

In an effort to regroup and to get more teachers within our school more familiar with The Leader in Me and the paradigm shift that it requires, a new book study has begun.

Today, was the first day of our book study.  I am serving as the facilitator, which I'm looking forward to.  I so enjoyed the time we had together with the other ten individuals.  Those that are participating offer thought-provoking comments and great discussion.  I am looking forward to where this book study leads.

Are you interested in facilitating or participating in The Leader in Me book study?

Click here for the Book Study Guide

I'll post the efforts being made as a result of this book study  Stay Tuned.

Currently December

I am back at it!

Though I have been "out of sight", blogging certainly hasn't been "out of mind".  I think of it all the time and think what great posts I could have, but it's the sitting-down-to-do-it part that I struggle with.

Anyhow... I'm getting there. 

And today, I'm back at it and sharing with you what I am doing currently.



I have been out of school for an entire week!  That's right! It has been great. I have spent 5 days with my Brandon, which has been so fantastic! We have celebrated Thanksgiving with our friends and family, we have shopped a little, crafted a little, cleaned a little, and I planned.... none. So... for now, knowing that school starts back tomorrow and I will have 3 classes of 12 year olds surrounding me all day... I am enjoying the silence, while it lasts. :)

I am so loving that Christmas Break is three weeks from now.  Not only did we have a week off for Thanksgiving, but in three weeks, we will get another two weeks off!  YIPPEEEEE..... who cares we will be going to school until June 12th (until June gets here)

I do not do well with Christmas shopping.  I always think I have much longer than I really do. I'm not sure why I do this considering every aspect of my life is centered around calendar, but anyhow... I do. 

I really want to go to Dollywood, which is Dolly Parton's theme park in TN (about 2 hours away) and see the Christmas lights.  They are beautiful! You should go if you ever get the chance... not only at Christmas, but any season... it will be worth it. Take some time to enjoy the mountains.

How does my car get so messy so quickly? I don't get it.  One day, I will grow up and keep a clean car, but until then, I will continue to schedule cleanings. :/

My favorite tradition is meeting my dad for breakfast on Christmas Eve morning.  I have always loved this tradition.  This year, he and my mom are hosting breakfast at their house on Christmas Eve, which is equally exciting.  I am thankful for this precious tradition that I share with my sweet daddy.

Ms. Arty Pants Creation Station

I have been hearing about this painting place, which is located a couple towns over, Ms. Arty Pants Creation Station.  I saw an advertisement that they were hosting a Teacher Night!

I reserved 5 spots for myself, one of my teaching partners, and two teachers that are new to our school this year - what better way to get to know each other a little better, huh?

Though I would love to take credit of being one awesome artists, I'm not.  We submitted our pictures to Ms. Arty Pants herself, and she sketched the pictures.  We painted within the lines.  : )

We are soooo going back sometime soon!

Currently in August

I am lovin' these summer nights.  Lately, our evenings have been pretty quiet.  My husband has recently started his Masters Degree.  When he is doing his homework, I try to limit distractions.  I forget how loud those crickets are, when we actually turn off all other noise to hear them. 

My nail polish is super fun.  Four nails are a fun turquoise color, while the other is painted in silver glitter.  F*U*N.

I am wanting next Friday to get here because this girl and her man are going on vacation! I can.not.wait.  We are in so much need of R&R and I can think of no better place to receive this than in Destin, Florida.  EEEkkkk!

Though I am uber stoked about the beach, I am also beginning to feel a little anxious.  My classroom has been occupied with Summer Edventure Camp.  They do not move out of the rooms, until Aug. 9th, then the floors have to be stripped and waxed before I can get into it.  Because we will be on vacation, I will not be able to get into my room until August 19th, which is the day of our first workday!  & it isn't really a workday, I mean... a day to work in my classroom... it's a day of training.

Oh boy.  I'm hoping the sand and waves are a solution to my anxiety.

I know it sounds lame, but my block operates on clipboards.  A list of the students go on a clipboard with the group as they rotate classrooms.  That way, the teacher can always make any necessary notes.  Therefore, it is important to have a sturdy clipboard, those things go through the ringer by the end of the year... I found some super cute ones at TJ Maxx and for CHEAP... $5

The next thing I use each year is my Common Core Galore Checklist, by Natalie Kay.  I love this thing.  It helps me document what I am teaching and when.  It allows me to keep up with what I am teaching and what standards are left for me to cover.  Take a look!  She provides checklists for a variety of grades and content!!!

Last, but not least, my 3rd Back-2-School Must have is a pedicure. Can I get a witness?!?!





Lesson Plan Book

I love it when my husband recognizes my state of deep thought and asks what I am thinking about.  My answer, "What lesson plan book I'm going to use this year."  :)

So... here it is:

I teach two subjects to two classes: Language Art & Social Studies.  I didn't really want or need one of the traditional lesson plan book.  So I'm trying something new.

I went to Target and got a regular yearly/weekly planner book.  It has a fun cover, spiral, room to plan.  This one can be found at Target or online here. 

Did a little personalization...

I like this "plain-ole" planner because it has a month at a glance- which any other month than August, will allow me to jot down topics and units so I can see the month all at once.

I also have the weekly pages.  I did draw a line down the middle of the weekly pages.  This way, I have two different boxes to write down the plans for both of the subjects I teach.

I will write down the weekly vocabulary & To Do items in the boxes for Saturday & Sunday.

I think this is going to work well for what I need it for. 

Just in case you too are in need of  a lesson plan, that's different than the traditional 100 squares on one page lesson plan book.... try something simple.  

Currently - July

Laundry - it's a beautiful sound, when you have nothing clean.  :) I have been gone for the week - nuff said. 

Home with Brando - As mentioned, I have been gone for a week.  Not really out of town, but not at home.  I have been coordinating a program called World Changers in my hometown.  "See what happen is"... youth groups from churches chose to attend a World Changers project (there are around 75 across the U.S.)  I had 200 6th-12th grade students and their adults that came to my hometown.  They stay at the Middle School, where they sleep on air mattresses and cots.  They work throughout the week on homes in our area, needing assistance i.e. roofing, painting, ramps, porches, etc.  It was a great week, but this girl is glad to be home before the next week begins.

Grad Assignments - This journey is coming to an end and I am pumped! All assignments are due by midnight tonight and July 24 is the last day!!!

Clean this House - Because I have been gone for World Changers for the last week and getting ready for World Changers the week before that... completing an internship the two weeks before that.....it is safe to say that this house.... needs cleanin'

Blog Tip - The Font Matters! Though we so love those super cute fonts, sometimes they can be difficult to read.  I'm thinking I may need to change mine...for easier reading

Happy July Friends!

"Kids Don't Learn from People they Don't Like"

As an assignment in my graduate class, I was asked to watch speakers on TED talk on Education.  The speakers were great, and I was truly encouraged, inspired, and challenged. 

I am a major advocate for student leadership within the classroom, which is a product of student relationships.  I laughed with Rita Pierson as she spoke, resonated with her address, and was challenged by her statements.  I wanted to share with my blog friends.

I would love your thoughts on this! :)

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. 

CuRrEnTlY... September

Favorite Things:
1) iPad - I feel like one of the smart kids.  :) My school has given me an iPad. I'm sure this piece of techno isn't anything new to any of you, but for me, my new toy  educational instrument is lots of fun. No really, I am thankful that my district has allowed me to have this tool. I have found it to be useful in several ways.
2) So hubs got me a guitar this time last year.  In January of this year, I began taking lessons.  Who cares that I can only play 3 songs... I'm loving it.
3) I've just been reminded of how great my friends really are.  I love the evening phone calls, the funny classroom stories they tell me, and all the other great convo we have. I'm just thankful for their encouragement. 

Stations?

I need help! 

Now that school is underway, I want to begin planning stations for my students to rotate through.  This is what I'm thinking:
I want to have 5 stations.  This will be one station for each group, a day.  By Friday, all the students would have visited each station.  I am planning on 30 - 45 minutes for each station. I have a rough draft of topics, which will help align with the new Common Core Standards
-social studies (global awareness)
-vocabulary
-teenbiz3000 (which is a new textbook based program online) (media fluency)
-current events (effective writing through journaling)
-SRAs (informational text)

These are just a few ideas.  I have 5 Ipads available to me, most of the time.  There are 4 student computers in my classroom. 

I'm interested in hearing from you.  What do you do for stations, centers, whatever you call them....
:)

Currently in August

Whew... summer is over and school begins in just t-t-two days! Honestly though, I don't really mind school starting.  It gives me routine and normalcy.
Check out what I've been doing "currently".

B2S Must Haves

*Electric Hole Punch* This year, my students will keep a notebook with all journals, vocabulary lists/definitions, and handouts.  I would not even think about doing this without a hole punch being available in my classroom.  Therefore, in my opinion, there is no other way  to go other than using an electric one.  We have one in the teacher workroom and it is pretty amazing! :)

*Stocked 1st Aid Drawer* Though we have a school nurse, most of the time, I still gave out my share of band-aids. This year, I decided that the students are very capable of cleaning their wounds without me.  So I have stocked the drawer beside the sink in our room with band-aids, neosporin, peroxide, and cotton balls.

*Leader in Me by Steven Covey* My principal introduced this book to me.  This book emphasises a culture of student empowerment through developing leaders with 21st century skills. 

In 2 Places at Once

This year, our schedule is going to be a little different.  Previously, we have had five - one hour, fifteen minute classes, beginning at 8:10am. 

This school year, we will use the 8:10 - 9am time as a remediate/enrichment time.  During this time, those of us that teach a county-wide reading program, LMB will teach our small groups, while an essential teacher (PE, music, computer, art, band) will facilitate my class of students. 

My team teacher and I were discussing that I will be in my classroom with my students every other week as she and I share a LMB group and teach a week at a time.  Our interest was coming up with a way to ensure that both classrooms received the same instruction regardless to the teacher that was in the room.   It isn't that we felt as though the essential arts teacher wouldn't be able to fill this role, but it is possible that the teacher may not feel as confortable teaching LA or Math on their own. 

Therefore, we will be using our Ipads (new to our school). We will turn on the active board and place the Ipad underneath the document camera.  Each classroom will have an Ipad and will Skype with one another. This way, the teacher in the other room will be able to be viewed on the activeboard and provide the same instruction to both classrooms. 

We are excited to give this a try. I'll let you know how it works!