Showing posts with label Linky parties. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Linky parties. Show all posts

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Scattered Thoughts and Clipart Crazy Linky


Oh my gosh – I totally forgot to post about the exciting email our students {via yours truly} received this week!! 

A long time ago, in a month far, far past…. we sent letters to men and women in Afghanistan for Veteran’s Day.  All of our second grade students completed this during our writing “switch” – have I mentioned that I love my team!?!  Anywho, we received a response on Thursday.  It was from a serviceman whose mother teaches in our school. 

Our kids were so excited to get responses to their questions, and I was so honored that he emailed me.  I scooted from room to room reading his email to all of the kids – each time I read it I had tears in my eyes, thinking about all this young man is giving up to serve our country.  Needless to say, it was an exciting moment, and a project we will do again next year!!


On another note, while I was stalkingblog hopping this morning I ran across an awesome post on TeachableMoments.  It was about the great paradigm shift in education.  It is a long video, but well worth the watch.



Finally, I’m linking up with Primary Polka Dots who is having a therapeutic Clipart Crazies linky. 



I am obsessed with clipart; yes, there should be a twelve step program for me.  Oldest Realistic, is an amazing artist and {insert whiny voice here} I have tried to convince him to make some clipart from his amazing & wonderful mama and my great followers.  But, it has taken the back burner since he is busy at school.  Hmph!  So until he and mama are on the same page, here are some of my favorites!




If you are clipart crazy, please head over to Lindsay’s blog so I can see who your favorite clipartists are!

Until next time…

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A day late & a dollar short! Five for Friday


Yes, it has been that kind of week – I’m already behind the 8 ball and it’s only the first full week back!! Yikes, I hope this is not how the rest of the month is going to be! Ugh!!

Anywho, I have a bajillion reasons for being behind this week, but number one is that everyone wants to have a meeting.  Guess I am the “cool” teacher – ha! No, just the one with tons of meetings!! So, I scheduled like 5 meetings this week and have neglected my poor little blog.  I had to move things around my plate to make it work, and unfortunately blogging got knocked off in the process.

So, I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for her Five for Friday {even if it is a little late}.  It’s really easy, and I hope you decide to tag along – all you have to do is share 5 random things about your day/week.


1.  We focused on Martin Luther King, Jr. this week and my kids LOVED it!! Monday we read My Brother, Martin {one of my favorite MLK books}.  We are learning about MLK and leadership in social studies between now and the 22nd when we change gears and switch to science.


2. We had too much testing this week!!  I know, assessments are necessary; but, seriously, we took two pre-tests this week and it seemed to take the wind out of my baby’s sails!  I hate that for them – they get so frustrated {even though I’ve told them they won’t know what is on the test} and in turn, it makes their teacher sad.  I know that crying, whining and complaining is not going to make testing go away, but I just needed to vent.


3.   In literacy we have been working on our Cinderella unit.  My kids are amazed by all of the Cinderella stories that we have read.  Even my “tough” boys love Cinderella – yes, the girl version!  They couldn’t believe it when I introduced them to Joe Cinders.  Don’t you just love when your kids find something as exciting as you do?!



4.  Unfortunately, due to all of the other activities we are doing, we will not be celebrating 100 Day.  It is really hard for me to say no to, but I know they have done 100 Day for two years and it probably won’t even bother my students {no other 2nd grade teacher is doing 100 Day} but it is hard because it is one thing I absolutely LOVE.  Ugh – I don’t even like to write about it. {Can you hear me crying now?}

5.  I actually had an “extra” day off this week – no, it really doesn’t mean time off, it means I allocated more time to prepping sub plans.  No, I didn’t do anything fun {still crying!} but I got some answers to some medical issues.  I hope {have my fingers and toes crossed} that I go in on Monday morning to a great note…but alas, I am not getting my hopes up.



Here’s hoping that I get on top of things this week and I can actually blog next week – yes, my fingers and toes are still crossed!!

Happy Saturday evening friends!!


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It's a Wrap - Good-bye 2012!

Happy New Year’s Eve!  I am so excited to say that we are not doing anything special tonight.  Whew – we had a wonderful whirlwind trip and I am glad to be staying home with Mr. Realistic, Realistic Sons and Realistic Girlfriend.

I quickly whipped up lesson plans this morning after arriving home late last night so snuggling in with some homemade goodies (thanks to the girlfriend – remember, I don’t cook or bake) and a glass of wine for the Mr. and I sounds like a perfect night!

I sharing a few linky parties today (after being away – there are a ton I want to share, but here are a few highlights).


Jenn at The Teachers Cauldron is having a New Year’s Resolution Linky – maybe this will help me stay focused this year.  The task is to share one personal and one blog resolution.  This is easy – make sure to head over to her blog to share yours.

My personal resolution is to take better care of myself this year – physically and emotionally.  Yes, that means I’ll be at the gym, but it also means I am going to spend some time this year doing some self-reflecting.

My blog resolution this year is to host my own linky parties!  I tried my first in December and I can’t wait to host another!


Michelle at Making it as a Middle School Teacheris also hosting a linky…13 things that you’re looking forward to or taking part in during 2013. 

Here is my list of 13…


and finally...


I am joining Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies First 12 in the Last of 12 linky party.  What a great way to reflect on the year – especially, after making all these resolutions and commitments!  My firsts didn't occur until I started my blog in September, but wow - what a ride!

9/16/12 - I've Taken the Blog Plunge
9/16/12 (Part 2) - Monthly Featured Author Post
9/17/12 - Whole Brain Teaching Rule 6
9/18/12 - Nifty Thrifty Cart
9/19/12 - Talking Chain Success
9/22/12 - Busy Saturday
9/23/12 - Thematic Paper
9/29/12 - A Little of This and a Little of That
9/30/12 - Snapshot Sunday
10/7/12 - Just Let Me Rant!
10/13/12 - My Week in Pictures, a Fantastic Field trip, and a Cinderella Conclusion
10/13/12 (Part 2) - You've Been Boo'd Party

Make sure you link up with Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies blog and show me what you were doing last year!

Happy New Year all!  I hope that you have a wonderful evening!!

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Tell Me Something Good

I’m linking up with Rowdy in First and sharing the good things that have happened this week. I thought we could all use a little positive right now. So, here goes…

Something good from school: My kids did a fantastic job making their parent gifts this week!! I am so happy with the way they turned out, and I know that parents will love them. Just need to add the tag “Have a sweet holiday. Love, your little cupcake.” have them sign the back of the tag, decorate their “wrapping paper” (lunch sack) and we’re done! They have done an amazing job on their North Pole maps and their Diary of a… projects. They can’t wait to take them home and read to their families on Christmas Eve. My kiddos have really warmed my heart this week!!


Something good at home: I am so happy to have Oldest Realistic home from school. It is so nice to know that he is tucked in his bed, and on the phone with Realistic Girlfriend at night. I scheme is still out on the horizon and I can’t wait to share it with you all soon, but I can’t write about it yet…drats! I will give you a hint… the Mitten! :)

Gifts purchased in the past: For my sons – x-box video games, and gift cards to American Eagle, Old Navy (yes, Oldest Realistic has listened to his girlfriend and is trying to live on a college budget – yessss!!) For my husband… well, that is part of the scheme so I can’t reveal yet. For my dad – well, let’s be honest – wine is a great gift (and one I prefer he shares).

How fun! Make sure to head over to Rowdy in First to link up!! I can’t wait to see the great things you’ve got going on right now!!

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12 in '12

Today I’m joining A Teeny Tiny Teacher & Miss Kindergarten for their second annual linky party - 12 in ’12. What a great idea – genius ladies!!


12. Favorite movie you watched

The Hunger Games.


I actually didn’t see too many movies this year…I know, odd; but I spent the majority of the year with my nose in a book. However, I look a break from reading The Hunger Games series to watch the movie – ah-maz-ing!!! Loved it!!Of course, I have a long list of other movies I can’t wait to see. I’m hoping to catch up during winter break!!

11. Favorite TV Series

2 Broke Girls.


The funniest series on TV this year! It is raunchy and funny – a great combination!! Mr. Realistic and I love to watch each week!

10. Favorite Restaurant

I’m a cheap date – my favorite – by far is Chick-fil-a.


My thighs and butt hate it, but my taste buds love it!Same thing every time – an eight count nugget with lots of sauce & a cookies and cream milkshake. Don’t forget the whipped cream and cherry!!

9. Favorite new thing you tried

This is kinda’ a combo pack for me – I rekindled my TpT relationship, started Pinterest, and then began blogging.Each came with its own rush!!

The more followers I had, the more I blogged.


The more people repined my pins the bigger the smile on my face!I am always so amazed that people purchase the materials I make. For the first time I am earning an actual paper check (yes, I’ve joined the $500 & over club).



Seriously, TpT has helped pay some doctors bills this year. Oldest Realistic is also known as the bionic man thanks to the metal plate and rods in his hand.


So, if you've purchased anything from me, thank you!!

8. Favorite gift you received

My husband always amazes me! He got me a Kindle Fire just out of the blue this year. It wasn’t my birthday, it wasn’t our anniversary, it wasn’t Valentine’s day, it wasn’t Christmas, it was just a Tuesday.


I am looking forward to getting my iPhone later this month though!!

7. Favorite thing you pinned

Oh my gosh – I have so many pins that I love!! I am making an executive decision to “categorize” my favorite pins.

I have not “done” all of the great things I’ve pinned, but I want to make sure I have them in case one day I have a creative surge! My favorite crafty pin is


I so want to make this for our family reunion this summer!

There is nothing like a beautiful storm. My favorite weather pin is


And inspiration is…


Humor…ah, this one was tough! But, because I live with boys…


6. Favorite blog post

Definitely my Nutcracker post – seriously…I love the Nutcracker!!!

5. Favorite accomplishment

I am so proud of the fact that I started paying attention to my health and fitness this year! I am now a Zumba junkie and so proud of it!! I haven’t lost a ton of weight (5 pounds) but I am proud of the fact that I have started eating better and taking better care of myself.

I have never worked out – and I mean never – unless you consider reading a sport, which I would!

4. Favorite picture
My babies first weekend away at school!!

 

3. Favorite memory

As crazy as this sounds, dropping my son off at college. We had a great good-bye weekend and it hasn’t been as tough as I thought it would be. I mean, I miss him a TON, but I know that he is moving on to the next stage of his life and I am so proud of him!!

2. Goal for 2013

Wow – I have so many goals for 2013. I am going to continue my healthy lifestyle so it is not a new goal, but a continuation.

Next year I really, really, really want to spend the whole month of July with my parents in Michigan. I miss home…


1. One little word (ala Farley)

My word for 2013 is grateful. I am hoping for big things in 2013 – great things!! We’ll just have to wait and see what is in store but for now I am just going to be grateful for the things that I have.

I am grateful to have a great job with amazing coworkers. I have incredible friends. I have an inspirational and wonderful family and so many things to be grateful for!!Sometimes it is really hard to look at the glass as half full, but that is my goal for 2013.

And that's my 12 in 12.

Make sure you head over to A Teeny Tiny Teacher and link up your top 12 of 2012. I can’t wait to see what you have to say!!




Detail: 12 in '12

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Test Prep & a Little Jingle (or two)

So, sadly, I have spent the last 3 hours prepping my lesson plans for next week…yes, I know, it is Saturday and I should be out doing something fun, or at least something for myself or my family…getting groceries – we’re down to the bare bones & I just finished the dang coffee creamer.  It doesn’t help that I’ve had 34 cups this morning!

But I wanted to share with you some amazing resources that I found…no, I didn’t actually have to reinvent the wheel!! If you follow my blog, you know that I am not a fan of detest standardized testing; however I know that it is not going away.  So, reluctantly, I decided to prep my kids for it.  I know, I know, only a few short days ago I said I wouldn’t….but looking at my kiddo’s I know that they need it. We’ve only been back in school one week and they need to practice those comprehension and fluency skills…not to mention, they need to be taught how to use a bubble sheet.

So, yes, that is what I’ve spent the last 3 hours doing.  Not creating amazing, fun, engaging lessons, but creating “study” materials for the CASE21 assessment.  However, this gave me some time to browse websites I’ve bookmarked or “pinterested” over the past year (it is a lot of sorting!!) and found some great practice reading passages and a {woot-woot} great site to create and print bubble sheets!!
I am sure many of you already know about this website, but I was so excited to find it {again} this morning that I wanted to tell you about it… in case you didn’t know.

Havefunteaching.comhas amazing reading passages for reading comprehension through 8thgrade!! Yes, you read that right middle school teachers – 8thgrade!!  Now, I am not a fan of worksheets – blech – but this site has some great test prep materials!!

And {an added bonus} I found a great site for bubble sheets.  I am very particular about how my bubble sheets look… it must be the middle school teacher in me!  Anywho – here is a great resource – it’s called Catpin Productions Bubble Test Form Generator.  I love that you can customize your answer sheets.

Now it’s time to have some fun!!!! Jessica over at Fantastically Average is having a Falalalala Friday Link Up.  I love the idea – there are some great Christmas songs that we forget about since we really only listen to them for a little while every year…however I think I may change that tradition – double check with me in July… yes, our family reunion may have to be Christmas or winter themed!



Anyway – back to the link up {can you tell the coffee is really kicking in now!?} 

Rudolphis my favorite “oldie” Christmas song… I love some Dean Martin!!!



And, no one can pass up a little Grinch-y music…. thank you Thurl Ravenscoft!!




And, of course, no Christmas would be complete without Mariah or Michael’s All I Want for Christmas…







So, happy Saturday friends! Make sure you check out some great websites… or better yet, some great tunes!!

~Realistic

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Back When I Was In...


Just a quick and fun post tonight! I’ve had a crazy busy day and still have a to-do list about 2 feet long that I’d like to get done tonight.  I am linking up with Second Grade Sparkle for “Back when I was in…”

How crazy fun is that!?! So, here is me back in the day… actually my first trip to Disney!!!



And here is me (kinda) now…



Yep - still have the same color (now out of a bottle) hair & squint in the sun!

Please join in on the fun – I can’t wait to see what the rest of you looked like!!

The rules are simple:
1.  Post a picture (or two) from when you were in the grade you teach
2.  Post a picture of you now
3.  Visit with others & post comments

Happy early Friday friends!! Have a fantastic day tomorrow!!

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Tremendous Tuesday

I am linking up with Sweet Tea Classroom and her TpT Best Sellers and Cyber Monday (and Tuesday) Sale.  I know, I know, you probably already know about the TpT sale…who doesn’t, right!?

Sweet Tea Classroom

My best seller is The Giver novel study. This was one of my favorite books to teach in the classroom.  If you haven't read The Giver, it is a MUST read!!  Please read it yourself before reading it with your class - I recommend this with all books, but especially books that can be sensitive in the classroom. This is not a book that I have the opportunity to read with my students now, but when I taught 7th grade it was my favorite novel to teach!!





Right now many sellers (including myself) are focusing on their seasonal products; but there are some other great products out there as well!! Here are some great featured products that you might want to explore for your classroom:


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Cyber Monday & My Favorite Things


I am so excited – next Monday and Tuesday is the Cyber Monday and Tuesday TpT Sale!! That is up to 28% off most stores!!

Here is how it works – most stores are already offering 20% off.  If you enter promo code CMT12 you receive an additional 10% off.  That makes it –  forgive me because I’m not a math major, but I do know that 20+10 is 30 – 28% off the regular price.

Here is the real break down because, like I said, I'm no math major – I needed remediation! You get 20% off the price, so if you have a product for $3.00 – you are paying $2.40.  And then you take 10% off the $2.40 – you are now paying $2.16.

Shut the front door! Like my Dad always says, “that’s almost free!”  This Daddy’s girl can’t pass up anything that is “almost” free – you can double check with Mr. Realistic or VISA for verification!


I’m also linking up with The Hands on Teacher in First.  Did you really think I would pass up a party this close to the holidays – not a chance!! 


One of my favorite things to do in our class this time of the year is Holidays & Traditions around the World.  Now, I can’t remember where our grade-level gathered ALL of our materials – we have a metric TON – but I that some of what we use came from Christina Bainbridge’s Christmas Around the World (yes, I’m a HUGE fan!!) and her adorable Christmas Around the World Scrapbook freebie on TpT!! One of my all time favorites! We switch classes for writing so we implement this in during our writing time!! Yayyy!! It means I get to do more fun stuff with my kiddo’s in addition to the other projects we do this time of year.


This probably goes without saying because I think everyone loves The Grinch!


The Nutcracker– it’s a long story and I won’t retell it – but if you’re curious, check out my Nutcracker post!


Reindeer!!  I love the book Olive, the Other Reindeer!!





Gingerbread







Okay – seriously?! I could go on forever & I know you don’t have that much time!! I’ve covered a ton of school favorites & I won’t even get into my personal favorites list, no one has time for that!


Enjoy your Turkey Day tomorrow all!  I know I will be snuggled up sitting next to my boys and enjoying some family time!!

Love, peace & chicken turkey grease! ~Realistic
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