How Would You Like a Freebie?

It's A New Year...FREEBIE

I am not sure when you return to school, but we are back at it on Monday. The students return on Tuesday. Here is a writing freebie that is super easy to implement into any lesson plans...plus all you have to do it print it out for each student. 

It includes a graphic organizer for the students think put their thoughts on paper, and then there is a writing paper where they use their ideas from the organizer to writing an organized journal entry. I have had this freebie in my TpT store for a year, but I just updated it to also include a template for the students to use in their interactive notebooks. You could really use this freebie as two separate writing entries for your first week back...with no stress or prep on your part. 

I would love to know when you are heading back to work. Leave a comment below and where you are from so we can see what everyone is doing. Happy Teaching this Year!!!

Happy New Year! and Currently

Happy, Happy 2015, Everyone! It seems like 2014 was a blur, but I am excited to see what all the new year has in store. 

Listening: Oh, yeah, we are a football house. The games have been playing and the family has been cheering and booing. I always find it humorous when my hubby finds it necessary to yell at the tv screen. I am sure no one knows what I'm talking about, right? (wink)

Loving: I love all of the time I have been able to spend with my daughter over the break. We wish my hubby could join us on our lazy days, but since he is not a teacher, off to work he goes. But we enjoy him when he is off. 

Thinking: I am a sucker for new books. I am really into reading finance books right now- nerdy, I know. I just received a new release (Live Well Spending Less by Ruth Soukup) the other day. I am dying to read it, but I will not let myself pick it up until I finish some of my projects around the house (see "needing"). 

Wanting: I know, I know...But I have enjoyed this time off so much that I would really like some more. 

Needing: I need to finish cleaning out the closets that I started earlier in the week. I think I can, I think I can...

Yes: Yes, to more family time in 2015. Sometimes I let life, job, life, job get in the way of the time I want to spend with my little family. I will resolve to make more time for the family. We are going to do some fun family things this year that I have planned that require little to no money, and I will share them with you along the way. 

Maybe: I am working on my Education Doctorate in Leadership. I have two semesters left and then my dissertation. I have been diligently working on my Lit Review all along, so I am hoping that after summer semester, I can wrap up my dissertation and graduate in December. This is a big maybe because there are a lot of things that have to happen along the way, but I am going to remain optimistic. 

I wish...I wish I could find a little more time to write the book I have been longing to write. I love to write, and it has always been a dream of mine to publish a novel. Maybe after I finish my dissertation, I will have some freedom to write the novel. Here's to wishing! 

I hope each and everyone of you have a fabulous 2015! 

2014 Secondary Teachers' Holiday Recipe Book

Let me begin by saying I am truly sorry I have been missing lately! My doctoral studies got the best of me this semester. I am back now, and I am so excited! 

You do not want to miss this year's 2014 Secondary Teachers' Holiday Recipe Book! It is full of yummy dishes and treats to make your holiday season delicious. It is FREE on Teachers Pay Teachers. Thank you to Mrs. S for compiling the book for us. It looks fabulous. 

Here is my contribution this year. 

It is the recipe for easy cookies my granny taught me how to make when I was four years old. They are super easy and taste wonderful. You can choose your favorite toppings. I, myself, love M&M candies on them. I will never forget the memories with my granny...priceless! 

July Currently

I am joining Farley's Currently Party! I am so happy to be back! I have been MIA lately...too many papers to write and too many articles to read. But I am happy to be back to share with you what I have been doing. 

Listening: My daughter is watching Pirate Fairy for the thousandth time. She loves it just about as much as she loves the Frozen movie and soundtrack. I am confident that I know every single word to all of those songs. :) 

Loving: I am loving spending time with my daughter. She turned six in June (post about party coming soon), and that just makes me happy and sad at the same time. I am happy because she is starting to become her own personality, but I am sad because I no longer have a "baby." 

Thinking: That pile of dissertations and research articles in my office just keeps growing. I need to get in there and get busy. This is my last time going back to school, and my husband is so thrilled that after I earn this degree, there are no more educational degrees to earn for me. He has been super supportive and has been very tolerant of my "love for learning" over the years; however, I know he will be so happy when it is all completed. 

Wanting: I want a pedicure. I started back running (slow and steady), and I just want one. 

Needing: My closet is out of control. I need to get in there and organize it asap! No other explanations needed. 

Fourth of July Plans: My sister and her husband always host the 4th of July party. It will be a fun time with family and friends...along with a lot of swimming, sliding (big inflatable slide intended for the kids, but the adults take over), and food. I hope everyone has a fun, safe holiday!

Georgia Bloggers Blog Hop

Who is ready for a blog hop that is as sweet as your Granny's tea? I know I love to get teaching ideas and resources from others, so come on and join us! You'll be glad you did!

Right Down the Middle with Andrea is from southwest Georgia. I was born and raised in Grady County, home of the Syrupmakers (Yes, that is the high school's mascot...very unique!). I grew up on sweet tea, home-cooking, and football. On Friday nights, it is like the town shuts down completely...if you need to find someone, you have to head to the stadium. There you will find the whole town cheering on the team. 

Grady County is home to many wonderful events and people. Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo. Mickey Thomas (lead singer for Jefferson Starship) "Built This City on Rock-n-Roll." Teresa Edwards, Olympic Basketball player and medalist, grew up shooting hoops right here in Cairo. We have has numerous athletes, businessmen, writers, and artists leave their legacies on our town. 

Some of the events we host each year are unique to our area. The last Saturday in January, the Whigham Community Club hosts the Rattlesnake Round-up. Mule Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in November, and is hosted by the Calvary Lions Club. Thousands of people come from all over the United States to watch them grind cane to make cane syrup. There is also a Mule Parade where all the mules strut their stuff down the narrow streets for the spectators. 

Now on the the fun stuff...

Grab yourself this freebie from my TpT store!

Enter for your chance to win some awesome resources from some peachy Georgia bloggers. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't stop here! Keep going so you can be introduced to some bloggers, resources, and freebies!

   

An InLinkz 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!

Welcome, February!

It is February, so that means is it time to team up with Farley for the monthly Currently! I just L.O.V.E. these!

As I was working on this, I had just gotten home from sitting in doctoral classes for two days. I was glad to be home, and I was glad to sit in front of the crackling fire and watch television with my little family! And the hubby had supper cooked, too! 

While I was gone, I guess my little one decided to wear many wardrobes...the mountain of laundry is going to erupt at any moment! I want a little bit of sunshine. It has just been too cold for too long here in Georgia. It is not normally like this, so I don't know how to act. I like sunshine! In addition to the laundry that has to be washed, dried, folded, and put up, I also need to work on some RTI folders that I have been pushing to the side this week. I might as well just go ahead and tackle them (getting ready for the Super Bowl). 

Two Truths and a Fib: Can anyone guess which is my fib? 

1. I am addicted to Diet Coke. There, I said it. 

2. I am a southern gal, but I despise collard greens. I don't like the smell of them, nor do I like the taste. 

3. I am the first-born child. I have a sister who is five years younger than I am, and she is also a teacher. 

Since it is February, I uploaded a new mini-unit that is a supplement for Black History Month. If you are interested, you can give it a look. 

Black History Month Mini-Unit