I started the summer with the goal of hitting 200 products on TpT. I was somewhere in the 170s, so this was a bit of a lofty goal.
Next year, I sold my prep (for the entire year), so I'm spending part of my summer trying to get ahead and retain my sanity for next year. It's worth it to me to spend a few hours a week to sit and organize information in a calm, quiet environment. (Well, as quiet as it can be with three pets at home!) We're {doing something new} in terms of our plans and I'm rather excited about it!
A large part of that means reading novels and creating questions for my small groups (because I certainly don't have a lot of time during the school year to keep up with that! It typically takes me about a month to read a novel during the school year. During the summer, I try to crank out one a week.) I like reading so this doesn't really feel like a lot of work.
With the additions of a few new products, like my {Steal Away Home Bundle}, {Al Capone} teacher guide and {chronological order sort} for the third book, {Al Capone does my homework} bundle, {Al Capone Shines My Shoes} bundle, Al Capone Shines My Shoes {chronological order sort}, {Al Capone Does My Shirts} bundle, {Mega Al Capone} bundle of all three novels, and {Snicker of Magic} bundle, I definitely met my goal!
Up next? Wonder and hoping the Battle of the Books books have arrived so I can get a jump start on next year!
Showing posts with label Al Capone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Al Capone. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2016
Monday, June 27, 2016
End of June
The end of June meant I sort of slacked on my "Joyous June" posts. Sorry.
Let's recap what's been consuming my time:
Reading...
Al Capone Does My Homework, the third (and final?) in the Al Capone series.
Not loving it, but read the other two and feel an obligation to finish the series.
Plus, I have a snuggly helper! Wait, helpers...
Watching...
Shark Week.
Without shame. It's my favorite time of the year!
Crafting...
This baby shower wreath for my (future) SIL and future niece or nephew. The shower is this coming Saturday (July 2nd) and she's scheduled for her C-section on the fifth.
Even with coupons, this was an expensive project (both financially and with my time). I'd never tackled a wreath with multiple layers and I think it turned out alright. The instructions I found on Pinterest weren't super helpful, so I winged it. I did the entire base layer of burlap
first, then weaved in the yellow polka dotted burlap. From there, I added the black chevron burlap. I then added the gray ribbon and smaller yellow chevron ribbon. I glued on the chalk board, but also added crafting wire and tape to make it more secure.
Materials:
1 wire wreath frame
60 ft of burlap
15 feet of decorative burlap (polka dotted and chevron)
2 spools of gray ribbon
3 spools of yellow chevron ribbon (one to frame the chalk board, two for weaving in the wreath)
1 chalk board
bee accents (4 buttons, 2 wooden designs)
Chalk board markers
The chalk board took about an hour because the letters require multiple coats to be so vibrant. I started with framing the board with chevron ribbon and then adding the letters. I then used tacky glue to secure the wooden bees.
I've made burlap wreaths before, but this one still took four and a half hours. Luckily Netflix was there to accompany my crafting binge. I didn't want to stop midway through to put all the materials away so I pulled a late night crafting party.
Working on...
I just finished another bundle for {Ava and Pip}, have a Snicker of Magic one in the works, pinning beginning of the year classroom ideas, and being reflective on my teaching craft and careers. I've also been working on filing, shredding, and house cleaning because that's a necessary evil. I've also set up future sales on TpT for the 4th of July, Percy Jackson's birthday, and more! Stay tuned for more details.
Living...
Well, trying to live with yet another sinus infection. My nostrils tingle all the time, it hurts to breathe, and nose sprays only provide temporary relief. After much hoop jumping with insurance, I've got an appointment at the end of this month to hopefully get the clearance I need to proceed with surgery.
I also had some of my bridesmaids over to work on bridal shower crafting, but more on that later!
We took passport pictures. Only one of us was excited about it...and the other was B.
Oh, and we attended Amber's wedding.
We also attended one of our flower girl's fourth birthday party.
I go back to work for a planning day tomorrow, then have no plans until the weekend. I feel guilty for not working, especially when many of my cowokers are subbing at year round schools, but I'm finding things to fill my time. Summers definitely confirm that being a stay at home mom would not be the job for me. I know some women do this and are wonderful at it, but I'm getting stir crazy after only a few days at home.
Let's recap what's been consuming my time:
Reading...
Al Capone Does My Homework, the third (and final?) in the Al Capone series.
Not loving it, but read the other two and feel an obligation to finish the series.
Plus, I have a snuggly helper! Wait, helpers...
Watching...
Shark Week.
Without shame. It's my favorite time of the year!
Crafting...
This baby shower wreath for my (future) SIL and future niece or nephew. The shower is this coming Saturday (July 2nd) and she's scheduled for her C-section on the fifth.
Even with coupons, this was an expensive project (both financially and with my time). I'd never tackled a wreath with multiple layers and I think it turned out alright. The instructions I found on Pinterest weren't super helpful, so I winged it. I did the entire base layer of burlap
first, then weaved in the yellow polka dotted burlap. From there, I added the black chevron burlap. I then added the gray ribbon and smaller yellow chevron ribbon. I glued on the chalk board, but also added crafting wire and tape to make it more secure.
Materials:
1 wire wreath frame
60 ft of burlap
15 feet of decorative burlap (polka dotted and chevron)
2 spools of gray ribbon
3 spools of yellow chevron ribbon (one to frame the chalk board, two for weaving in the wreath)
1 chalk board
bee accents (4 buttons, 2 wooden designs)
Chalk board markers
The chalk board took about an hour because the letters require multiple coats to be so vibrant. I started with framing the board with chevron ribbon and then adding the letters. I then used tacky glue to secure the wooden bees.
I've made burlap wreaths before, but this one still took four and a half hours. Luckily Netflix was there to accompany my crafting binge. I didn't want to stop midway through to put all the materials away so I pulled a late night crafting party.
Working on...
I just finished another bundle for {Ava and Pip}, have a Snicker of Magic one in the works, pinning beginning of the year classroom ideas, and being reflective on my teaching craft and careers. I've also been working on filing, shredding, and house cleaning because that's a necessary evil. I've also set up future sales on TpT for the 4th of July, Percy Jackson's birthday, and more! Stay tuned for more details.
Living...
Well, trying to live with yet another sinus infection. My nostrils tingle all the time, it hurts to breathe, and nose sprays only provide temporary relief. After much hoop jumping with insurance, I've got an appointment at the end of this month to hopefully get the clearance I need to proceed with surgery.
I also had some of my bridesmaids over to work on bridal shower crafting, but more on that later!
We took passport pictures. Only one of us was excited about it...and the other was B.
Oh, and we attended Amber's wedding.
We also attended one of our flower girl's fourth birthday party.
I go back to work for a planning day tomorrow, then have no plans until the weekend. I feel guilty for not working, especially when many of my cowokers are subbing at year round schools, but I'm finding things to fill my time. Summers definitely confirm that being a stay at home mom would not be the job for me. I know some women do this and are wonderful at it, but I'm getting stir crazy after only a few days at home.
Monday, September 7, 2015
September Goals
I don't know how it happened, but September is here! Here are my top ten goals for the month.
First and foremost, much of September should be spent catching up on blogging! I have so much to share about the first weeks of school, classroom culture, staff development day, wedding updates, exciting updates with Discovery Education, and the engagement shower! I haven't done any of the {Blogtember Challenges} which is disappointing.
Second, I hope to nail down a wedding date and venue this month. We've seen two and have a third appointment in a few hours. It will come down to logistics and finances, but I'm really, really, really leaning toward venue number two!
Third, I hope to finish the book I'm reading.
I'm a few chapters in, but with the start of the school year, most things got put on the back burner. I've got an ever growing pile of books to read, so it's time to make time for me! Seriously folks, it's {a problem}.
Fourth, I need to put the house back together. I did a major clean, with B's help of course, before the engagement shower. Part of this cleaning meant shoving things into the guest bedroom that we didn't want to deal with, so now I've got to resort the new mess I made. We've still got the tables set up and banners on the wall. I need to transition the house of engagement shower mode and back into how we normally live (because strangely, it's not with a ten foot dining room table.)
Fifth, I get to decorate for fall!
(Disclaimer: This is not my home.
This is way too many pumpkins, but you get the idea!)
Sixth, Waffles gets to go to obedience school. We have to pick a date that works for both of us and make those appointments.
Seventh, I need to finalize long term social studies plans. On paper, they are mapped out through winter break and work out just fine. I have most of the powerpoints made, I just need to do some revisions. Once they're done and shared with my grade level, they'll also be available on TpT, so check back soon!
Eighth, I need to finish thank you cards.
We weren't expecting anything at our engagement shower, but some lovely friends ignored this request and spoiled us.
Ninth, I need to get Waffles on her walking schedule. She did great on her walk last night, but ideally she'll be getting two walks a day. I know with the weather changing, she'll get more time outside. Since we're in the desert and she's already got a black coat, I'm overly cautious with having her get too overheated on walks.
Tenth, B and I need to adjust our budget. We'd wanted to purchase a second security door, but that's now on the back burner. Since our doors aren't standard sized, we need custom ones and they are close to two grand a piece. We are almost done paying off the first one (and the new dishwasher), but can't buy the second one like we'd planned. Instead, we're prioritizing with purchasing a water filtration system for the house instead since the water here isn't the best. Plus we've got to save for the wedding. I didn't realize that the full balance had to be paid before the big day, so it's a good thing it's still more than a year away! Both our families are helping (which is wonderful), but we are planning on a gorgeous day with 120 guests, so there is a bit of a price tag. Nothing drastic with the budget, just less eating out and more game nights at home. Hopefully our friends will understand!
What are your goals for the month?
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Just doin' my job...
One of my parents came to me today with a very pressing issue.
She had a doctor's appointment later that day and needed a book to read. Naturally, I came to mind as someone to recommend a new book.
This makes my heart so incredibly happy that I'm immediately thought of as a credible person to recommend books.
I know she's read Number the Stars, Tuck Everlasting, the Bad Beginning, and Who Could That Be At This Hour? with her daughter this year. So I recommended one of my new favorites:
I gave her a quick synopsis and she was sold! If you haven't checked out this book, I highly recommend it!
She had a doctor's appointment later that day and needed a book to read. Naturally, I came to mind as someone to recommend a new book.
This makes my heart so incredibly happy that I'm immediately thought of as a credible person to recommend books.
I know she's read Number the Stars, Tuck Everlasting, the Bad Beginning, and Who Could That Be At This Hour? with her daughter this year. So I recommended one of my new favorites:
I gave her a quick synopsis and she was sold! If you haven't checked out this book, I highly recommend it!
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Aww
I have a teacher facebook. I'm very careful of what I post and use this social media platform as a way to connect with my students and their families, both former and current. It's completely separate from my personal account. There's nothing I put on my page I wouldn't share with my principal or superintendent.
When I discovered there was a third in the Al Capone... series, I took to facebook to let my students know. Here was the almost immediate reaction:
Yes, my student responded almost immediately with giddy excitement. These moments make my job worthwhile. I won't have to tell the rest of the group, this student will do it for me and most likely today or tomorrow morning at recess.
These are my students.
When I discovered there was a third in the Al Capone... series, I took to facebook to let my students know. Here was the almost immediate reaction:
Yes, my student responded almost immediately with giddy excitement. These moments make my job worthwhile. I won't have to tell the rest of the group, this student will do it for me and most likely today or tomorrow morning at recess.
These are my students.
Book Review
I read this novel with one of my small groups for the first time this year:
As I previously stated, I was really impressed with how well my students handled the complexity of the characters. I really enjoyed the story and I'm glad my students did as well!
They are just finishing the first novel, so I read the second ahead of them so I'd be prepared for our discussions.
My teacher guide is available here on TpT and a bundle guide of both novels will be available soon!
I was pleased with the ending of both books, but then discovered this:
Ah yes, a third book! Time to write a grant proposal :)
Happy reading!
As I previously stated, I was really impressed with how well my students handled the complexity of the characters. I really enjoyed the story and I'm glad my students did as well!
They are just finishing the first novel, so I read the second ahead of them so I'd be prepared for our discussions.
My teacher guide is available here on TpT and a bundle guide of both novels will be available soon!
I was pleased with the ending of both books, but then discovered this:
Ah yes, a third book! Time to write a grant proposal :)
Happy reading!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Chronological Order Sorts!
I'm pleased to announce some new chronological order sorts are available on TpT! (I now have 120 posted products, all of which have been classroom tested with my own group of fifth graders.)
Since I just finished some new novels with my small groups, I decided to make them chronological order sorts as a quick check for their comprehension. By placing the events from the novels back into chronological order, they are examining how these events and chapters build upon one another. (CCSS RL 5.5).
I have created new sorts for the following novels:
Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero
Rick Riordan's The Red Pyramid
Gennifer Choldenko's Al Capone Does My Shirts
Lemony Snicket's Who Could That Be At This Hour?
Pam Pollack and Meg Beviso's Who Was Steve Jobs?
Suzanne Collin's Mockingjay
Tom Angleberger's The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
These products are available here and great for small groups!
Since I just finished some new novels with my small groups, I decided to make them chronological order sorts as a quick check for their comprehension. By placing the events from the novels back into chronological order, they are examining how these events and chapters build upon one another. (CCSS RL 5.5).
I have created new sorts for the following novels:
Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero
Rick Riordan's The Red Pyramid
Gennifer Choldenko's Al Capone Does My Shirts
Lemony Snicket's Who Could That Be At This Hour?
Pam Pollack and Meg Beviso's Who Was Steve Jobs?
Suzanne Collin's Mockingjay
Tom Angleberger's The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
These products are available here and great for small groups!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
New Novel Unit: Al Capone Does My Shirts
As I previously wrote about, the time has come when I have extra homework for my small groups. Granted, this homework is to read the novels with them, so that doesn't really feel like much work.
I just finished this Newbery honor:
I really enjoyed it. One of the main characters, Natalie, is a child with autism. This is never stated outright but clues are dropped throughout the novel. It will be an interesting discussion with my students to see if they can put the pieces together. I teach in an inclusion room and my students are fairly accepting of all people, so I'm excited to see the maturity in which they handle these discussions. (They're just starting the novel).
While reading, I took diligent notes on vocabulary words and comprehension questions. I turned these into a 27 page teacher's guide, which you can snag here on TpT. I've included everything I will use to do this novel with my own small group.
Happy reading!
I just finished this Newbery honor:
I really enjoyed it. One of the main characters, Natalie, is a child with autism. This is never stated outright but clues are dropped throughout the novel. It will be an interesting discussion with my students to see if they can put the pieces together. I teach in an inclusion room and my students are fairly accepting of all people, so I'm excited to see the maturity in which they handle these discussions. (They're just starting the novel).
While reading, I took diligent notes on vocabulary words and comprehension questions. I turned these into a 27 page teacher's guide, which you can snag here on TpT. I've included everything I will use to do this novel with my own small group.
Happy reading!
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