creative classroom tools: May 2014

The Week at a Glance: Getting Organized!

Thursday, May 29, 2014

In my ongoing efforts to be more efficient and effective, I've created a tool to help me stay organized! Here's my new "week at a glance!"

I wanted to put all my appointments and "to do" lists in one place. I've been using it this week at school and home and, so far, I'm loving it! You can download a copy here for free.

download for free here!

If you're like me and you prefer to personalize your planners, I've also uploaded an editable version. To add your own text, just insert a text box where you want the words to appear and type away! (I used "happy monkey," a free Google font, in case you want to keep the formatting the same.)

Let me know what you think!

My Top Ten for Summer!

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

I can't resist a good TOP 10 list! A number of teachers have joined up with Deanna Jump to share their TOP 10 for summer 2014. Inspired by their great ideas, I've linked up to share my bucket list for summer 2014 as well!

NUMBER 1 and NUMBER 2: (without a doubt!) is to spend more time with my amazing girls, Cailtin (4) and Molly (21 months)!

The pictures above sum up their respective personalities PERFECTLY! Ha!

NUMBER 3: Learn how to stand up paddle board! We live 2 miles from the beach and even closer to the Intracoastal Waterway; this is a MUST! My husband and I may even try to make this into a weekly date!

NUMBER 4: Work on the house! My house is in a terrible state by the end of the school year!

I want to clean and organize and then dive into some projects I've had my eye on! (see below!)

(Chalkboard wall in the play room) (Rain Gutter Book Shelves!)

NUMBER 5: We are headed to Denver in July for my cousin's wedding. I grew up camping and hiking in California and I can't wait to get my girls out west. My goal is to find some mellow day hikes with beautiful scenery that everyone can enjoy.

NUMBER 6: Spend some quality time on my blog. I'd like to share some of my most favorite teaching tools and activities. Math Quest, developed by Interact, is the first on my list to share! An update on GENIUS HOUR and The AIG Academies are next!

NUMBER 7: Get organized for 2014-15 school year! Do you ever find yourself planning for the next year before the current one even ends? Me too! I already have so many organizational and instructional ideas that I want to implement in the new year!

NUMBER 8: Get back into a regular weekly yoga practice! If I can touch my toes (without groaning) by the end of summer, I will feel like this goal is a success!

NUMBER 9: Learn how to style my naturally curly, yet typically straightened, hair. This has been a long term and so far unsuccessful endeavor . . . ugh. If you have any tips, tricks, or products you would recommend, please leave a suggestion in the comments! I will love you forever!