My top 5 "take aways” from ITeach1st

Yes I've already blogged about my awesome time in Vegas but I didn't really get into the nitty gritty info about my favorite sessions and strategies. This was partially because I didn't want to share information from sessions without permission (I don't know the specific rules on that!). However I still think I can share a little more without over sharing! So here goes

5. "When emotions are high, problem solving skills are low"

This statement was shared during an intervention session. Mrs.  Whyte was saying this to explain that when a child is emotionally riled up they are not going tondo their best at solving a problem. You should make an effort to discuss the behavior later when both of you have calmed down!

The Smartie Zone

4. Sandwiching strategy

Mrs. Samulski shared some great information in her "At risk & Struggling students" session. One that really stuck with me was her strategy of mixing only 30% unknown material with 70% of known material. This ensures that the students aren't overwhelmed with too much new info.

Strategic Intervention Solutions

3. Visualize goals and obstacles!

Rebecca Solomon had some great strategies to offer in her session "Best Ever Research Based Practices in Action". One of the things she mentioned is that although we may help students set goals we often don't help them visualize the obstacles the may encounter. Helping them to plan for obstacles may help them increase their chances of succes!

2. Its all ”research”

When working with students during science explorations refer to it as research with your students. Help them to realize the importance of their observations and how valuable it is to be able to record them clearly. Ms. Ecenbarger offered some very practical tips to increase the non fiction writing in primary grades.

Lynne's log

1. Miss DeCarbo is amazing!

True story! Lol she's so nice and had really useful tips on her sessions. I saw her back to back! Some little changes that could make a big difference include creating a secret handshake with your class or letting them vote on a class mascot. Her blog has even more helpful information!

Miss DeCarbo at Sugar and Spice

Well I could make a PowerPoint presentation of all the things I learned last week but hopefully this summary will suffice :)

I Teach 1st Conference

Oh my goodness! I cannot believe I was just in Vegas surrounded by all my favorite edu-celebrities! It was an amazing experience.

Not only had I never been to Vegas, I'd also never been to any SDE professional development. It was extremely beneficial. I can't wait to share what I've learned with my team and use it in the classroom. Attending the conference has really renergized me and has me motivated to keep improving. I was constantly surrounded by other awesome teachers who really love what they do. 

This year we had a small team with one teacher from K, 1st and 2nd as well as our assistant principal. We are hoping to bring more colleagues next year. Some schools brought entire teams! A few teachers also told me they got assistance through programs such as Donors Choose. That's something to consider. 

Overall it was a blast! I absolutely recommend the conference to anyone considering it! Hoping to return next year :) 

Currently July!

I can't believe it's already July! Time is really flying. Luckily I was able to relax a little in June (besides grad school!). This month seems like its going to be a bit busier for sure. So linking up with Farley do this month's currently..

Listening

I tend to wake up early with my boyfriend as he gets ready for work. TV choices are kinda slim this early so we usually watch a few episodes of 70's show :)

Loving

I am loving that I still have this full month of summer to be a little lazy. Now of course I have Vegas and some county PDs to attend I'm technically I'm still free! Lol which means naps whenever I want!

Thinking

I have mentioned often how I'm in grad school and I just want to say no one warned me about the length of these classes! 3 and 4 hour classes take some getting used to man!

Wanting

I wouldn't mind grabbing a few more cute dresses our outfits before Vegas. I've been all over blogs looking at what other teachers are bringing.

Needing

Since I haven't shopped yet I'm using that as an excuse to hold off on packing. Really I'm just not sure what all I want to bring  yet and I don't want to overpack..but I probably still will :)

All ⭐

I am always straightening up and organizing things around my house and classroom. I wouldn't do it as a job or anything but I am pretty decent at keeping things in order. ( I blame that on being an army brat lol)

Well that's all for now folks! Going to grab some breakfast. Have a great week :)

Well hello new blog!

I am super excited to share my new blog design!! Eek! I'm in love! I had been procrastinating about getting a design and with the upcoming SDE conference I felt motivated.

Major shout out to

 For designing my beautiful blog

(And business cards and tpt banner!)

And putting up with my never ending questions :)

Now for those of you who are debating a blog design I thought I'd offer up my two cents! Plus the TPT seller challenge from this week encouraged us to blog about non product topics so here's a little list to consider.

1. Shop around!

There are tons of talented blog designers out there and a pretty wide price range. You should look at the features different creators offer and see which fits your needs. For example I knew I wanted business cards and the designer I chose offered those as an add on. Score!

2. Get an idea of what you like

Look at some of your favorite blogs and decide what you like about them. Some designers will even ask you to provide links to blogs that inspire you. Also think about what colors or pictures you'd like to be incorporated.

3. Be in touch

Blog designing will take a lot of correspondence between you and the designer. Make sure to check your email often to keep things moving along.

4. Remember they're people too!

Yes you're excited and the designer probably is too. But your blog is probably not the sole thing going on in their life. They may be working, trying to enjoy the summer, etc. Be courteous and considerate. 

5. Brag!

Not in a rude way or anything but if you're happy with the work they've provided why not give a shout out? Couldn't hurt right? My designer did not even mention asking me to blog about it but I wanted to let others know! Sharing is caring right? :)

Any tips you would add? Feel free to share!

Well its about time for my next aerial yoga class so I better go change. Later taters!

TPT Seller Challenge: Dare to Dream

So some awesome teachers are heading up a TPT Seller Challenge. If you haven't heard about it head to one of these four blogs:

 PeppyZestyTeacherista 

Third in Hollywood

Teach Create Motivate

Sparkling in Second

We began by posting our stats

And last week the challenge was to make-over or add spruce up a product in our store. I added cover pages to a few of mine. Head to my store below if you wanna check them out.

1st Grade Love

This week the challenge was to dream big about your TPT store. What goals would you like to accomplish with it? So here's mine..

I am already looking forward to meeting teachers at the Iteach1st conference but I just may go to the TPT conference one day too. I'd love to meet all the teachers that make the amazing products I see everyday. I'd also love to get tips and ideas from them. 

I'm addicted to Target. Really, I could go there every day (if my bank account would let me!). I don't know if I have the time to devote to make millions on TPT like some sellers do, but I'd be okay with just being able to take care of my extra shopping expenses :)

I really don't know what I'll do if/when I leave the classroom. Right now I am very happy where I am and I appreciate the experience I am gaining. However one of my daydreams about my future includes me and my hunny traveling during the summers while I present at amazing conferences. I'd love to share what I know (especially once I learn some more! ha).

So what about you? Do you have a TPT store? If so what are your dreams? Link up and share!

Sweet summertime!

I have found another fun linky to join in on! Hooray :)

Thank you Primarily Speaking!

She's asking us to share the reasons we love summer. I could think of a list a mile long but I'll narrow it down.

Blogging

I always want to blog more and have tons of ideas to share during the school year but sometimes I just feel swamped. It can be hard balancing work, grad school, and blogging so usually the latter gets dropped. In the summer I've got all the time in the world! I plan to get a little better at finding that balance this year.

Reading

I really enjoy reading when I have the time. During the year I may squeeze in a book or two. This summer I've already finished 2. Just bought number 3 today :)

Have you read it? The preview for the movie made me want to read it!

Yoga

I have been doing yoga for about a year now and I'm really loving it. Today I even tried aerial yoga which included a lot of hanging upside down. It was a fun new experience. Im already thinking about going back!

Stretching in the park

I could go on all day but I think a top 3 is pretty good. What about you? Why do you love summer? Link up and share.

Throwback Thursday

So earlier this week I linked up for the Tell All Tuesday Linky

and the topic was 2 truths and a lie. Here's a recap of mine...

1. Although both of my parents were military I have never left the country.

2. I'm color blind.

3. I used to be a Hooters girl.

...............and the lie is............

#2!

I'm not color blind but my boyfriend is. I think its so interesting and I'm always asking him questions about it ha I'm sure he's over that. So it's true I've never been out of the country although maybe my future honeymoon can change that :)

And yes surprisingly I was a Hooters girl. I worked there in college for a few years but Dad politely suggested I quit after graduation. And I lucked up on my current job 3 weeks later! It was actually a pretty fun place to be and I made some great friends. *side note: One of my professors suggested I quit when I started student teaching. Everyone has their opinions but overall I don't regret keeping the job. It paid bills! Lol*

So now you know a little more about me! And one of you won a freebie! I'll message ya!

Just a heads up I have two new products in my TPT store. And I have recently renamed it "1st Grade Love" in an effort to make all my social networking more uniform. Head on over to check them out.

Thanks for reading!