It's been awhile...

It's almost been a month since my last post!! But lots has happened since then...

1. I got married!!!

On July 6, I tied the knot with my wonderful new husband Evan. It was such a perfect day. Everything was so wonderful and I am sad that it's all over. We were blessed with great family and friends surrounding us that day as well as beautiful weather.

2. Honeymooning in Paris!!!

Evan and I spent a week in Paris on our honeymoon. It was truly a special, romantic, whirlwind honeymoon. I now understand why a lot of couples go to resorts where they can lay around all day and rest. But we had a blast! Especially since it was France's Fête Nationale aka Bastille Days and this happened:

Amazing yes?

3. Back to Phoenix.

Boo on this one but I have SEI class next week and Evan has frogs to care for so it was kind of unavoidable.

4. Back to School...Soon.

School starts up on August 7 and I have a week of trainings and meetings and such beforehand. I'm excited to work in my room but not so much for hours of endless meetings. 

5. And I am now no longer a first year teacher! Woooo! Second year teacher over here! So in order to celebrate, I'm linking up with Latoya for her Let's Get Acquainted Linky Party!

So fresh from the mind of an old-new teacher, here we go!

Buy, beg, borrow and steal: Obviously, being a new teacher probably means that you don't have a lot of teacher things and supplies. But just because you don't have it, you don't necessarily have to buy it. Borrow it from someone who isn't using it/looking to give it a new home. Beg for things, "steal" ideas and make them yourselves. It's hard to look on Pinterest and see beautiful, perfectly matched classrooms with themes and coordinating library baskets. But that's ok. If I had been obsessed with matching things and making everything perfect, I probably wouldn't have had a paycheck for a month. My classroom definitely wasn't the cutest one on the block but it did its job.

Always remember why you chose teaching: So there were definitely many, many times where I would sit at my rainbow table, head in hands, asking out loud (to no one at all) what was I doing? Why did I pick this profession? It's too hard, annoying, difficult, time consuming, etc, etc. Then I would remember that I am a teacher because I want to help kids learn so they can go to college and be successful. And sometimes that would get me through the tough times (and when that didn't work, a martini or ice cream was a pretty good second option!). You can't forget why you are a teacher or else you'll get sucked into Doomsville USA.

Never stay too late: You've heard of some teachers being the first to arrive and the last to leave, but that's just not a feasible option. We're human. We need down time, time spent with family and friends and pets, time to rest, time to shop, time for you. And if you are always staying at school until 6:00 or 7:00, spend 30 minutes driving home, and then you have to make dinner and probably do more things for school, only to fall asleep at 9:00. I stayed at school late for the first few months or so of school, but once I got a better handle on things, I made it my goal to leave at 5:00. And then 4:30. And then 4:00. And I was much happier leaving at 4:00 than leaving at 6:00.

Find some great teacher friends: It's so important to develop a good support system at school. It's so much harder when you don't click with anyone. You have no one to cry to or talk to or snag ideas from. It can be hard to put yourself out there, but be friendly, polite, and kind to everyone! 

Make copies a week in advance: I used to make copies every morning. And every morning, there would be a line at the copiers. Especially since our copiers are very old and often one or both of them are broken. So I started making all my copies on Friday afternoon. Is it fun to be staying later on Fridays making copies? Nope.

But it makes the whole next week go so much smoother. Everything is all done and ready to go. 

Be true to yourself: Last year, I found myself and my opinions of things being easily swayed by other teachers. I felt that since they had so much more experience, education, years, etc. that they much have been right since I had just started off. But I finally realized that my education and my experiences were valid, worthwhile, and had truth to them. I remembered what I learned and what I felt was best for my kids and began to do things the way I felt would be best beneficial for my kids. I am still always open to new ideas and am willing to try new things, but I can also recognize when something just isn't me. 

Overall, your first year is hard. I can't even tell you how many people told me it'll get better next year. So here's hoping!

Next School Year...

So I have officially survived my first year of teaching!! And I didn't jump out of a window or drive off the Grand Canyon! 

Woooo!!!

But is it sad that I am already thinking about next year?? I can't help it. I mean, this year went really well overall, but there are some things I definitely want to change for next year. Lucky for me, Kim at Finding Joy in 6th Grade is having the perfect linky party - What Will You Do Differently?

I was definitely too sweet with my kids at the beginning of the year. Luckily, I had an amazing class so it wasn't too detrimental, but I might not be as lucky next time. So I need to toughen up right away and let them know that there are consequences to sad choices.

I still can't get over how much paper accumulates over the course of a day. So. Much. Paper. All. The. Time. Before school ended, I tried to get my filing cabinet somewhat organized and I have gotten a ton of plastic paper trays to help combat the paper monster. I also need to recycle things that I don't need right away too instead of stacking it up somewhere in case I "might" need it later.

Fluency is a big deal in Arizona. In fact, a new law was recently passed that if a 3rd grade student is falling far below for fluency/RCBM, that student will automatically be retained. Just like that. Parents and teachers have no control over it. So it's really important that my students make their fluency goals so they have an easier time reaching fluency goals in the later grades. Fluency at my school is a struggle for kids. Only 8 of my 21 students achieved their fluency goals and I had the most growth in first grade!! Not too hot at all.

So right away, fluency is going to be a huge focus of mine. I've got some ideas mulling in my head so hopefully it will help out my kiddos!

I was a lot better with math journals in the beginning of the year, but as the year continued on, we did them less and less until never using them. Next year, I want to do them (ideally) daily, but at least a few times per week. I've got some great resources from TPT that I am planning on putting to use.

What will you do differently next year?!

Bad Case of the Mondays

Bad case of the Mondays today. Yikes, it was not a happy day. So. Much. Chatter. It was endless. I need to get some Pete the Cat mantra in my brain- It's all gooood. But since that's not on the agenda, in order to prevent a grumpy rant, I'm linking up with Latoya at Flying in First Grade. Because who doesn't love a linky party?!

TOPIC - Skittles Game

Here is the code:

Red- Favorite Ice Cream Flavor

Orange- Favorite Memory from College

Yellow- Favorite Sports Team

Green- Favorite Fast Food Place

Purple- Wild Card(Tell anything about yourself)

Red: My favorite ice cream flavor tends to vary quite frequently. But I am a Ben and Jerry's snob so any of their flavors are awesome! Especially Milk and Cookies and Cherry Garcia. So yum!

Orange: I loved getting to know such wonderful people in college. My School of Ed cohort was very close, I had awesome roommates and friends, great girls in Bible Study. I didn't think I would miss it as much as I do...

Yellow: A bit tough since I don't really follow sports teams all that much. In fact, I usually want the underdogs to win and/or the team that everyone else is rooting against. Plus I will always love the Badgers!!

Green: I love Culvers! It originated in Wisconsin (go figure) and it is the best. It's slower than McDonalds but quicker than a sit down place. The butterburgers are soooo good. The bread is buttered and grilled with the hamburger part is so delicious! They also have really good chicken tenders. And the ice cream...omg. It's really think custard that they make right there. And there is a new flavor every day. Now I want Culver's. 

Purple: Wildcard. Hmmm...what do I want to tell? I have 29 days of school left and 82 days until I tie the knot. This year certainly has flown by!

Let's Get Reacquainted!

Where has the time gone?! Seriously. 
1. 8 weeks left of school. Whattt?
2. Entering the double digit countdown until Evan and I get married.
3. It's April. Tomorrow.

This year has been a weird one. It's gone by so fast yet so slow at the same time. It's been really difficult being so far away from Wisconsin and I am still struggling with it every day. One of the other first grade teachers (she's a brand new teacher just like me) moved here from Texas so she's experiencing similar feelings of hardships. It's nice to have someone to talk about it since she's going through the same things I am. Yet I can't believe that my first year of teaching will be over in 8 weeks. My first set of babies are almost ready for second grade! And then I'll start over with some new babies! Ahhhh!

Latoya from Flying into First Grade has posted another linky that is one of my favorites since it lets us learn more about other teachers. And since I am so nosy, it's just perfect!! 

Although there are some tough questions this time around...

Favorite Place to Shop

I have two:

Store #1 - Kohl's.

Can't go wrong with Kohl's. And here's why:

1. Big selection.

Need some shoes? Kohl's has some! 

Need a new shower curtain? Kohl's has some!

Need a new bread maker? Kohl's has some!

Need any form of clothing? Kohl's has some.

Basically, Kohl's has about 95% of what I need/want. Minus groceries.

2. Cute clothes. I used to not like Kohl's as much when I was younger and in middle school. But now, there are so many designer collections at Kohl's that are great as the Kohl's brands have really stepped it up in terms of style.

3. Sales/Coupons. I love a good sale and I hate to pay full price for anything. At Kohl's, pretty sure 99% of the store is on sale plus they hand out coupons like there's no tomorrow. My dad always jokes about the time that the store will have to pay him at checkout since we save so much money.

#2 - Old Navy

This year in particular I have really started to love Old Navy. Now they tend to be a bit pricier than I prefer, but they sometimes have amazing sales! Plus they also sometimes give out those spend $25, get $10 off. I actually have one of those to spend this week! Plus I love their dresses. 

Favorite TV Show
Yikes. I watch a lot of TV - honestly, it's one of the few things that actually helps me unwind. Especially the drama-filled shows since the characters' lives are usually far more complicated than mine. 

#1 - Body of Proof.

I'll be honest. When this show first came out, I didn't give it the time of day. Why you may ask? Because Dana Delany had just left Desperate Housewives as Catherine, the crazy woman obsessed with Mike Delfino, who was obviously meant to be with Susan. I didn't watch it until I was home with my parents one evening. They watched it so I watched it too and ended up loving it. It's kind of like Bones or CSI but with more drama.

#2 Speaking of Bones...

Evan tried to get me into Bones about a year ago on Netflix, but I hated it and kept falling asleep during it. But once I was actually able to stay awake during it, I ended up really liking it. Now that Bones and Booth are together, it's a bit less tension-y, but I am a few episodes behind so I'll have to see where tension comes next.

#3 - Degrassi

Now many of you might not know this show because 1. it's filmed in Canada and 2. it's meant for teens. But I love it. I've been watching it since I was in middle school and still love it now as much as I did then. It takes place at a high school called Degrassi and follows the lives of high schoolers dealing with high school problems, both big (like pregnancy, suicide, eating disorders( and small (like relationship drama and fights between friends). I think I will continue to watch it until the day it is canceled for good. 

Honorable Mentions - 

1. Glee. It would have been my top three, but my love of Glee is based on what songs they sing. If they sing songs that I don't like/know, then I don't like it.

2. House Hunters. I love House Hunters except when the people are whiny and/or annoying. Like when people moving abroad complain that the homes don't have/look like the ones in America. Newsflash - if you want an American home, then stay in America!

3. New Girl - I want to be Jess. The end. 

Favorite Sweet Treat
I love sweet things, but I feel that I am kind of picky about what sweet things I actually love. For example, cake. I love a good cake. But my favorite cake is sheet cake from the grocery store. Something about the moistness of the cake and sugary-ness of the frosting. But it has to be white or yellow. The only good chocolate cake is the kind that is super chocolately like this one...

The Great Wall of Chocolate from PF Changs.

Favorite Food
Another tough one...
It honestly changes. I love pizza because there is so much variety. You can have a normal one with pepperoni. Or you could have a BBQ chicken one. Or a garlic chicken one. Or one with pesto. Or a macaroni and cheese one (For real!). If you are ever in the Madison, Wisconsin area, you must go to Ian's Pizza. They have such unique and delicious pizza flavors here such as my fav, Mac and Cheese. They also have other ones such as Chicken Alfredo, Buffalo Chicken, Steak and Fries, Gyro, and Spinach Artichoke - just to name a few!!

Favorite Restaurant
Seriously, all these topics are super hard for me. I love different restaurants for certain foods. Like I love Jimmy John's for their tuna subs, a local place about a block from my apartment called Gallo Blanco for their breakfast foods, another local place called Mary Coyle's for their ice cream and 50s style food, Culver's for their ability to remind me of home, Melting Pot for a special occassion, and Applebee's for their buffalo wings. Which makes it difficult whenever Evan and I want to go out for food since I am usually little to no help since I never know what I want.

Your turn! Go link up! Hope you all had a wonderful Easter. Already got a bit of Sunday Night Blues but we have off on Friday. It's our "Mid-Quarter Break" aka the quarter just started and district got the day wrong since in the past, we've had Good Friday off. Oh well, I won't argue with a day off :)

Let's Get Acquainted!

This is the first time I am linking up with Latonya at Flying into First Grade. 
I just love learning about other teachers and learning about their lives.
But that just could be that I am nosy. 

It is about nouns. My favorite person, place, thing, and animal.

Favorite Person: My wonderful fiancé Evan. 

He brings out the best in me. I can be a bit high strung, a bit emotional, a bit irrational, a bit impractical, and a bit a impatient. But he really grounds me and brings back to Earth on so many occasions. He can always make me laugh and we have such wonderful times together. And we are almost approaching double digit days until our wedding day. Yikesssss.

Place: It's a tie!
For nostalgic reasons, I have to pick Milwaukee. Moving away has made me realize that home is where your heart is and my heart is in Milwaukee. 

But my favorite city in the entire world is Paris. It just never gets old, and if I spoke French, I would love to live there for a bit.

Thing: Hmmm, tough one. I like a lot of things, but I'm not sure what my favorite thing would be. So I'll just list a few of my favorite things: Tivo (because I always fall asleep during my shows), good food, cozy homes, and my thrift store Fossil purse.

On the day I went thrifting with my sissy Melissa, I told her that I was hoping to find a brown cross body bag from Fossil. I had been looking at them for awhile but they are kind of pricey so I was hoping to find one at a thrift store. She looked at me like I was crazy, but low and behold, there it was! Pretty ironic, yes? 

Animal: I love my sweet dog Marlee. She can be annoying at times - like when she eats random things. To date, she has eaten Legos, socks, a towel, twist ties, paint chips, housing insulation, paper, and I'm sure other things that I don't even want to know. But just look at how adorable she is!!

Your turn! Go link up!

Teaching Tips

I'm linking up with Miss Kindergarten for her linky on teaching tips (even I'm brand new to this wonderful profession). I am in love with this linky though since let's be honest - I need all the tips and tricks I can get. 


But I have one to share that is super helpful, especially for people like me aka absent minded people.

During student teaching, I can't tell you how many times I would go skipping off to the copier to make copies only to lose my original, give it to a kid, or (worse) cut it up along with the copies for the kids. It would be super annoying since I'd have to go to all the trouble of reprinting it, or even more annoying - remaking it if I had forgotten to save it on the computer. 

Enter... my wonderful CT, who one day, told me that yellow highlighter doesn't  show up to the copier; therefore, it won't be on the copied pages. She showed me that she marks all her original copies with a yellow diagonal line across it to insure that it's never accidentally given to a student, cut, written on, etc. 

So now I ALWAYS mark my originals the same way.

Your turn! Go link up!

PS I decided my blog needed a makeover and am loving the way it looks now! Thanks The Cutest Blog on the Block for the background!!

I've got plenty to be thankful for...

Can you believe it's almost Thanksgiving?! I surely cannot. It's bittersweet for me though since this will be the first Thanksgiving that I won't be home for. It'll be hard, but it just didn't seem worth going home for such a short time. So, hopefully Evan and I will be able to have our own mini-Thanksgiving festivities. I know I'm definitely making my favorite stuffing - sausage and celery! So yum! But it still won't be the same.

But I found a great linky from Stories by Storie about the ten things you are thankful for. So here are mine:

Have a great weekend; I'm definitely pumped to have off on Monday!

Something Good

So after going home sick today after lunch with a pounding headache and feeling like I was on the verge of throwing up all morning, this seems very appropriate: 

Something good at school:

I feel like my kiddos are finally becoming more independent at centers  - both reading and math. That's such a relief because there is nothing that annoys me more than being swarmed with children asking questions, asking me if they are doing x, x, and x right, telling me that they are done, asking for drinks, etc. So I'm glad that they are becoming more independent. Plus that means that maybe my hope of pulling small groups in a week is actually feasible...We shall see...

Something good at home:

Since Evan and I are both super busy now, we have decided to go on weekly dates. So starting last week, either Friday night or Saturday night is our date night. I'm really excited about it and it will be nice to spend some quality time with him instead of trying to talk to him in the early mornings when he is still sleepy or being bothered by him at night when I am sleepy. 

Your turn! Go link up with Jennifer at Rowdy in First Grade!

Rewards and Incentives Linky Party

I confess - I can't stand rewards Period. And especially not for behavior. Especially behavior that is expected. And I will fight tooth and nail to not give them out because I think it's so important for kids to be intrinsically motivated to do the right thing. So in my classroom, there isn't a prize box or stickers or pencils or anything. 
So you maybe be wondering how I manage behavior?? What I do have is my trusty clipchart. Now I'm sure everyone has seen the wonderful clip chart on Pinterest or uses one so no need to explain how it works. But honestly, right now, my kids get so pumped to get up to Role Model that that is a huge reward in itself. I always draw attention to kids who are role models, and then remind other students that if they're not sure what to do to look at our role models of the day. It works so well for me that there really isn't even a need to offer a prize for getting to the top. When just being up there seems to be getting old, I think I'll get some gems or google eyes for the students to stick on their clip when they reach role model. But hopefully I won't have to do that anytime soon :)

There is only one instance where I offer an incentive. And that is homework. At first, I was taking away Fun Friday for kids who didn't do their homework for the week. But I was thinking about it, and I decided to reward those who do bring their homework back every week. So the punch card was born! Whenever a student brings back homework, I punch his or her punch card. When the punch card is full, then they get to pick from a list of special activities like eating lunch with me in the classroom, taking off their shoes for the day, sitting by a friend, sitting at my desk, etc.

Just a little something to reward those who always do their homework! Plus, let's be honest. The LAST thing I want to do is deal with stocking a prize box. 


Your turn!! Go link up!

Destination: Summer Vacation

So tomorrow, I'm diving into my new classroom to try to get something accomplished. It's like the opposite of a hot mess in that it's totally empty except for the furniture pile.
But until then, I found an awesome linky by Krista that I just had to do! I'm so fortunate in that my parents adore traveling and have been taking my sister and I all over the world since 2nd grade.  So, I have developed a love of travel and if I could, I would travel all the time. I hate the aspect of getting there (airplanes really aren't my thing), but once I'm there, I am so happy. So here are my top three vacation spots!

1. International: Paris.
Paris is probably my favorite city of all time. The architecture, the lights, the food, the fashion, not to mention the historical sites. I love it all. Being in Paris makes me so happy, and if I spoke French, I would definitely move there. I have been to Paris twice, and each time, I never want to leave. It's truly a magical and wonderful city!

 

2. National: Disney World.

So my family is a huge Disney fan. It was the trip in which I went on my very first airplane ride. I was in second grade; my sister was in kinder, and we both had the time of our lives! 

First trip to Disney! We're sitting on Minnie's couch, which is sadly no longer there D:

Since then, I have been probably ten times. During high school and college, my family would go every year around Christmas time. Disney is completely right when they say that it is the most magical place on Earth. It's so true. Everything is better in Disney. One of my friends is working there for a semester and I am completely envious of her since she gets to live magic and make it happen!

3. Close to Home: Chicago.

I'm doing my old home since I just got to my new home, but Chicago is a city that has so much to do. There is something for everyone whether you love museums, musicals, animals, night life, shopping or food. Yet somehow, I've never seen this...at least I don't remember seeing it.

Buenos noches!