It's Five for Friday

I've never been a big breakfast eater, but I'm trying to eat a little something to start my day. I add these yummy Cinnamon Oat Clusters to my greek yogurt.

I got a nice card from my principal this week, as I'm off work still recuperating from surgery.

 

For spelling homework or word work in class I have a collection of worksheets students complete.

I wanted to add a new variety so I made up a few new ones: place value spelling, secret code, and coin value spelling. 

As you can see my computer partner is Harley. As I work on my TPT products or browse Pinterest he finds a spot under the table. Too bad I can't teach him to edit my work.

I've always, always worn contacts, but when I'm at home I've finally resorted to wearing a pair of glasses when needed. I have not ventured into wearing them when I'm at work though. Some people look great in glasses, but I'm still not used to them on myself.

Share your Five for Friday over at Doodle Bugs Linky.

Find more great ideas on my Pinterest page or TPT store

Penmanship Tricks of the Trade

It's a new year which gives students time to focus on their goals and areas for growth. Some students really struggle with penmanship. Here's a tip that might help.

Tape a quality writing sample on a student's desktop so it's always in view at right at their fingertips!
In the sample above appropriate spacing and formation of letters which serves as a wonderful daily reinforcement for students that success can be achieved.

What are your handy penmanship tips?

Find more great ideas on my Pinterest page or TPT store

I recently started a Facebook Group for teachers to share ideas, questions, and inspiration. 

Come Join the group!

January Pinterest Picks

I'm joining Inspired Owl's and Pawsitively Teachings Pinterest Linky

This fun winter snow globe project is great for January

Click picture to view original Pinterest source

Snowflakes,  symmetrical snowflakes! are my next pick.

Click picture to view original Pinterest source

It's a snowflake snowman. A"door"able!

Click picture to view original Pinterest source

Take a peek at all my Pinterest finds and Happy Pinning!

Favorite Things

I shared that my one little word focus is RELAX so my favorite things are related to that.

 My water fountain helps me relax when I'm  grading papers, lesson planning, or working on my TPT store products.  The constant sound of running water is soothing.

I CANNOT live without my sleep mask. I sleep with it on nightly and it helps me get to sleep quicker and block out light. Even the teeniest of light from my alarm clock or TV can interrupt my sleep. But this mask does the trick. When I go on vacation or on airplanes this is a must have.

I try to take a few minutes several times a week to used guided relaxation from Calm.com. This site has wonderful, quieting nature sounds and music to relax to.

What are some of your favorite things? Go link up over at Teaching Trio.

Find more great ideas on my Pinterest page or TPT store

Ring in 2015

I'm linking up with Erica's Edventures new year resolution sharing.

Here are some of my 2015 goals

I hope to find more of a balance between work and my life. I've always given above and beyond in my classroom-so much so that it INVADES my deserved downtime. So my goal is to let go of not doing as much outside of my contract hours and realize that what I do accomplish is enough.

My goals related to health are in process right now. I am recovering from recent surgery and will be off work for a few weeks. I plan to get back into my walking routine with my dog (who also is recovering from his own surgery) once I'm up to it.

While on winter break I've enjoyed reading several books. I WILL continue this during the regular school year and not just for breaks!  I just wrapped up the book Big Little Lies this evening and started another one titled Defending Jacob. I love a good book and need to carve out more time to read regularly.

I also hope to focus on One Little Word during 2015.

My word of choice is RELAX.

My goal is to relax MORE at home, but also to remember to relax at school too!

Find more great ideas on my Pinterest page or TPT store