Viva Las Vegas - The Experience of a Lifetime

What a wonderful, exciting, life-changing experience! The Teachers Pay Teachers team did not disappoint! I met so many new people, finally got to put an actual face with a name, and learned so much. I am so thankful I was able to go this year (I missed it last year and was so bummed!). 

When I think about what I enjoyed the most, hands down it was the people...the TpT team, the teacher-authors, the bloggers...simply put, the people. I was given the opportunity to help lead a networking session on Thursday. It was awesome! It was exceeded my expectations! The other leaders were great to work with, and I enjoyed meeting and greeting everyone who came (that I could get around to...there were more who came than I truly expected). "The Others", as the secondary sellers have been called, rocked it out! I think everyone left knowing more people to collaborate with and knowing what our goals are now. 

The Fabulous Secondary Networking Leaders

Wednesday was filled with Meet and Greets. I was able to sneak in two of them. Kayse Morris and Literary Sherri hosted the Cool Kids Meet and Greet. It was a wonderful time to get to know some new people before the conference started. I even took the hubby so he could meet some of the people he hears me constantly (and I mean constantly) talk about everyday. 

Literary Sherri, Kayse Morris, and me at the Cool Kids Meet and Greet

After dinner and socializing at the Cool Kids Meet and Greet, we headed to the Blogger Meet-up. WOW! There were approximately 1,100 people there! All in one room! It was crazy but awesome! I enjoyed meeting tons of people. The bloggers who put it on worked super hard. Over $55,000 of prizes were awarded. Yes, that's right...over $55,000. 

There were two people who I desperately (seriously, though) wanted to meet while I was there. One was Amy. She is our new Director of Seller Happiness, and the title could not be more perfect! She is the one who graciously answers all of our questions, always with kindness. She just lights up the room when she walks in and makes you want to smile. I got to first meet Amy at the Cool Kids Meet and Greet. Then I was able to talk with her a little here and there on the other days. She is fabulous! 

Amy, the Director of Seller Happiness

The other person I wanted to meet was probably on most people's list, too. Deanna Jump. She is one of the one's whose name launched TpT into a new era. And she is so nice. I cannot tell you how many photos were taken with her over the course of the week, but she did so without any reservation. Thank you, Deanna!

Deanna Jump and me

As the conference was winding down for me, it occurred to me that people are the most important thing. I hope to take the new bonds forged and continue this journey with some of the most wonderful, inspiring people I know. So for me, the best part of the conference was the people. 

Please head over the Viva Las Vegas Linky to read all about everyone else's experiences. Thank you to the Elementary Entourage for hosting this linky! 

Rock Your First Year Teaching!

How fun is this linky! I am linking up with Teaching with Crayons and Curls and My Mommy Reads for this rockin' linky party! Now, if you are a first year teacher, head on over and grab some cool tips to help you rock your first year teaching. If you are a veteran, what are your waiting for...your input is needed. Link up!

Three things you should do during your first year teaching:

1. Form relationships: This is vital to your sanity! Look around yourself and get to know your colleagues. They are all from different walks of life, and everyone has something to offer. Sometimes, they turn out to be some of the best friends you will ever meet. Don't be afraid to reach out- form those relationships early. 

2. Plan ahead and plan a ton: As a first year teacher, it is easy to get overwhelmed quickly. By planning ahead, you are putting yourself if the driver's seat for success. My philosophy has always been to plan a ton- more than you think you will get to in that lesson because sometimes, you need it. It is better to have too much to keep those little minds thinking than not enough. 

3. Ask for advice: Do not be scared to ask for help. Period. 

Two things you shouldn't do your first year teaching: 

1. Listen to negativity: It is going to crawl into your world, but swat it away quickly! Do not let the negativity of others bring you down. It will be in the halls, in the lounge, and even when you are at the grocery store. Think positively and keep doing your thing! 

2. Give up: No way, no how! Never give up. Really, your first three years of teaching will be difficult, like climbing that mountain you can never complete, but you need to stay the course. You have minds to grow and lives to impact. 

One piece of advice as you embark on your first year teaching: 

1. Believe in yourself...you're a rock star!You've go this! You chose to go to school to become a teacher. There was something inside you that made you want to embark on this journey in the first place. Let your teaching light shine for all to see! 

Happy Teaching!

Friday Hooray! Five for Friday

Today, I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching to bring you the Five for Friday link-up.

We went to a birthday party on Sunday afternoon. While most of the other children were playing, mine decided she wanted to ride a horse. So she did just that. On our way home, she discusses the need for us to have our own horses and how she wants to start taking riding lessons. It was so cute!

We are using this month to see how much money we can save. We are tracking all of our expenses to see where everything goes and where we can reduce spending. Our daughter has been in on some of the conversations with us about the budget because we want her to know the importance of being financially secure. This is a picture of a my latest budget project...her our daughter. (I am not finished with it yet, but I will post a picture when it is completed.) These are her money jars...saving, spending, giving...one for each. She has a plethora of piggy banks in her room, but I want her to divide the money and use for specific purposes. I will keep you updated on this little project. 

I worked with a group of second graders this week on creating a lapbook about Martin Luther King, Jr. We had such a great time! In fact, I am working on two more lapbooks just for them to do per request. To get a better look at the resource click here.

This has been my reading material this week at night...not exactly Nicholas Sparks, but they had to be read by Saturday. So, I got through it. The positive of having class this Saturday is I get to see these two beautiful ladies. Working on this EdD degree has been tough, but we have all formed a tight bond and support one another every little step. I am so thankful for these ladies (and our lunch group guys) for the laughs and friendship. 

I was so excited this week when I got to dance with my little tappers again. I look forward to teaching tap each week. This was the first time since my surgery in December that I was able to dance with them. They told me to be very careful...they are so sweet! 

Happy Friday Everyone! Don't forget to check out what everyone else has been up to!

Hump Day Highlight Linky

Hump Day Highlight Link-up

I am linking up with Mrs. Stanford's Class Hump Day Highlight. These will occur each Wednesday to give you a glimpse into what everyone is working on and using. This is going to be so much fun!

Today, I am going to share with you a resource I am working on with my daughter. We are discussing nouns, and this Winter Nouns Activity provides a cute center activity to use for sorting common nouns and proper nouns. 

It comes complete with two posters: common nouns (definition, example) and proper nouns (definition, example). Other components included are 24 nouns, "Common Noun" column, "Proper Noun" column, recording sheet, and answer key. 

This is the perfect center activity for independent work or to use in collaborative pairs. The students are engaged and having fun, all while mastering common and proper nouns. 

For the Winter Nouns Activity CLICK HERE.

To see what others are doing, click here to be redirected to the link-up. 

Spring into a Giveaway!

With the onset of spring this past Thursday (yes, it is spring-like weather in South Georgia), Created by Mr. Hughes wanted to do a Spring Fling Giveaway. The winner will receive $5 per store listed, a clip art set, and a poetry unit that is perfect for the month of April. But hurry...the giveaway only runs from Saturday until Monday. You will not want to miss it!

In addition to the giveaway, he is also hosting a linky to find fabulous free and paid resources for Spring! It is a win-win. Simply peruse the resources that are linked, and then make sure you enter the giveaway! Also, make sure you visit the TpT pages of those who are donating to this giveaway. Their stores are loaded with resources for every subject area. What a spring-tastic idea! 

My TpT store will be discounted 10% off everything Saturday through Monday. Enjoy!

Happy Spring, Everyone!

December Currently

It's December! Wow! It is hard to believe, but it is here. When we came home from church today, we ate lunch and then turned on the television. What did we find? Christmas movies playing all day long. I am a sucker for some Christmas movies. There is actually one coming on tonight that looks like a tear-jerker. I do not know why I let myself watch them because tomorrow morning I will have swollen eyes and look a mess. But, you can bet I will watch them anyway! 

I have L-O-V-E-D- all of the extra time I got to spend with my little girl this week. She is growing up so fast- too fast for my liking. We made ornaments to go on the tree, we read books, we went to see the new movie Frozen (so cute!), and we bakes goodies. We had lots of fun!

This week ends my first semester of my doctoral program. It has been a lot of reading, reading, and more reading. Research, research, and more research. But it is winding down, and I have a final this week I really need to study for. The problem is, I don't know where to begin. We have covered so much material that I honestly don't know what to study. 

One holiday tradition that I look forward to each year is riding to look at all of the Christmas lights around town. I love them! I have vivid memories of doing this every year as a child, and we have continued that with our little family. Avery Claire is getting to the age where she loves them, too! 

Thank you for Farley for hosting these fun monthly Currently linky parties! 

Monday and Tuesday are going to be big, big days over on Teachers Pay Teachers! I am throwing a 20% off sale in my entire store, plus if you use the promo code "CYBER", you will receive up to 28% off your purchase. That is a deal! 

An Educator's Life hosted a Cyber Monday Preview and Freebie Linky this weekend. Head over there to take a look at some fabulous resources to add to your cart for the TpT sale! 

July Currently

Once again, I am joining Farley's Oh' Boy 4th Grade's Currently Linky. I love reading everyone's Currently! It is a new addiction! :)

Listening: I am listening to my wonderful husband mowing the lawn. The outside of the house is his baby. In fact, one day I even asked him if I could help him out by mowing, and he quickly looked at me, smiled, and said, "No." I appreciate him for keeping our lawn looking great!

Loving: I am loving that today is overcast and the clouds have smothered the scorching hot temperatures we have been feeling lately. 

Thinking: I really need to get the room ready for my new office. I have been using the sunroom for my creating, blogging, and planning, but I have over-grown the space. My husband said it was time to upgrade to a bigger space, so now I just need to get the other room ready. Oh boy! That is going to be a lot of work, but I promise to post pics of the progress. 

Wanting: Each summer, I promise myself that I am going to find new recipes to cook. I like good, quick, healthy recipes. So, if you know of any, please help me out. 

Needing: I need to get motivated! I have a to-do list a mile long, and I have managed to accomplish Z.E.R.O. Tomorrow is a new day, right!

Tips, Tricks, or Hints: This tip if for creating new products. I also think of my students and their engagement level when creating new products. If your students will be successful doing it and love it at the same time, then go with it!

I wish I may, I wish I might...

Lately, I have been doing a lot of "wishing" on Teachers Pay Teachers. My list keeps growing and growing. When I saw Classroom Confections Wish List Linky, I knew I just had to join in on the fun. I have linked the  most wishlisted item in my store to the linky. Go and check out all of the great products that others are wanting, too!

My friend over at The Peanut Gallery is hosting a One-Year Anniversary Giveaway. You do not want to miss the opportunity to win this prize pack! Head on over to the giveaway and enter to win. 

Teacher Toolbox Trio

I hope everyone's Saturday is off to a wonderful start. My day so far has consisted of eating, shopping, and now blogging. I think that is a pretty good day. :) 

I am joining Eberopolis and the Teacher Toolbox Trio Linky today. 

Here are the rules of the trio:
1. Share a product that you've made that you couldn't live without.
2. Share a product that you've purchased that you love.
3. Share something from your wish list that you're hoping to get for next year.

# 1 Something that I have made that I couldn't live without. This is a toss-up. I have two items that I have made that are a vital part of my classroom curriculum. I just cannot imagine class without them! The Write with Me Journal is a take-home journal the students use as an interactive writing tool with a parent or guardian. It reinforces writing in a fun, engaging way. The ELA Task Card Bundle is comprised of 12 task card sets that I use all year long. The students love them! The task card sets are aligned to the Common Core Standards. 

Write with Me Journal

ELA Task Card Bundle

#2 For this one, something that I have purchased and used that I absolutely L.O.V.E. would be clip art. I have many clip art artists that I use, but two of my all-time favorites are Glitter Meets Glue Designs and Graphics from the Pond. Both of these stores have clip art for anything you can think of. And if you happen to want something they don't have, then simply ask them, and they will design it for you. 

#3 One item on my wishlist is...Blair Turner's cute Teacher Binder. It  is so adorable, and I cannot wait to purchase it. She has several other designs in her store, but this is my favorite one! (I apologize for the blurry pic of it.) 

Teacher Binder Chalkboard Theme

I hope you will check out the linky. I am sure you will find some fabulous resources to use in your classroom!

Happy Saturday!