The Final Countdown

I feel horrible for not blogging more lately! Every year I forget how much can happen between the end of March through the end of May. This afternoon I was able to see more light at the end of the tunnel when I switched our calendar.

What happened to this school year?! I feel like there's still so much to teach and do with my minis with only five weeks left. 

There's been lots going on I've been intending to blog about, but time seems to have just got away from me.I'll share a couple of exciting things that's been happening in and out the classroom.

Earlier this month students displayed some amazing work with our landmarks project. Seeing those landmarks always gives me the travel bug to visit new and familiar places. 

Peek-a-boo!

Yellowstone National Park

One of my favorites every year; the Golden Gate Bridge.

Meet Sasha our new guinea pig! A student of mine last year ended up being allergic to Sasha, so she joined our class a few weeks ago. She's oh so sweet and cuddly. Sasha must love science and math; this is when she is most vocal.

To celebreate National Poetry Month, we've been in a poetry creating frame of mind. I've been impressed with the quality of writing and attention to detail the minis have shown lately.To create these spring acrostic poems, we integrated a little technology with Read Write Think.

 

I don't post many personal things, but last week I reached a milestone. I celebrated my two year anniversary with Crossfit!

Crossfit has been one of the most challenging and rewarding things I've done for myself. I won't even lie to y'all some days I just want to quit and go home to sit and eat. Two years ago I would've never imagined the positive changes I'd make. 

Hopefully I'll get a chance to blog more next week!

My Truth Monday...On Wednesday

I promise I know the days of the week! I've been so behind on blogging and feel horrible about it! I've enjoyed reading the responses for this week's edition of My Truth Monday, but had a challenge finding time to share.  Without further delay here's a quick blurb about a current celebrity crush.

The Biggest Loser is one of my favorite reality shows. I started watching just a few seasons ago, but I get inspired by the stories of contestants.

Seriously, look at that face! If Dolvett was my trainer, I'd be in the gym 24/7! 

My Truth Monday

I love a good blog linking party! Denise over at Sunny Days in Second Grade has started My Truth Monday.

To kick things off, the first topic is about fitness. I was excited to find this topic after yesterday's post which included a personal fitness goal of mine. Fitness is something I would've never imagined would become an important part of my life.

I've made a huge change in eighteen months that seemed impossible when I started. I feel healthier, more confident, and sleep better. I went from daily donut runs before school to participating in 5ks and charity workouts. As of last week I've lost a total of 65 pounds. I try not to weigh too much so I don't become fixed on a certain number on the scale. Ladies we all know how challenging this can be. I eat better, but also indulge in a treat every now and then. (Mmm cupcakes) 

Guest Teacher Prep

Happy Sunday teacher friends! October has proven to be a busy and jammed packed month. Last week, I was out twice going to professional development. Thankfully I knew who my guest teachers would be each time, so I had a bit of stress lifted off my shoulders.
 Before I get into how I get ready for a guest teacher, I have to take a quick moment to share a personal goal I achieved Saturday morning. I participated in my first Crossfit WOD for charity! I wasn't the fastest, but I beat the goal I set for myself.

I was nervous, but I finished! I was glad to have my judge be a gym buddy I've worked with before.

Trust me when I say if I can do Crossfit, then anyone can do it. Moving on preparing for a guest teacher...

Having some sort of organization system in place is going to be the first step. I highly recommend using a  binder to keep lesson plans and other important information in. There are tons of great ideas to explore on Pinterest. 

Schoolgirl Style has a great collection of editable binder covers.

I like this Where to Find page inside, so my guest teacher for the day knows where to locate all the ins and outs of the classroom quickly.

I've tried every way I know of to fix this image, but it's not working! Grrr!

I like having everything in the caddy within easy reach along with whatever else is needed for that day. I have a folder for each subject for Monday through Friday. If you have a first time sub be sure to have pens, notepads, etc. somewhere within easy reach as well. 

I try to leave a quick note of encouragement on the board for my minis when I'm gone.