November Currently

I'm linking up with Farley for her November Currently.  I haven't done this in AGES.  I always see everyone's posts and plan what I'll write, but then I don't seem to make it to my computer.  :-(

But this month I did it!!!  Hooray!

Listening: My daughter has am impressive imagination and she is always making up stories and adventures for her and her little brother.  I just love that!

Loving: This year I'm teaching 3 classes of 4th grade reading and it's definitely my happy place!

Thinking: My family is going to Daytona for the Turkey Run (car show) this Thanksgiving.  The guys will be at the track all day and my sister and I will be chillin' with the kids at the beach.  I can't wait.

Wanting: We eat way too much junk around here and I'm the worst offender.  I really need to plan some simple but healthy meals to get us back on track.

Needing: I love everyone's riding boots, but I can't seem to find a pair to fit over my very large calves.  Boo!

Reading: Yesterday I ran in Target and People magazine was calling to me.  It was strange, because I never buy magazines at stores.  I do have a digital subscription to Better Homes and Gardens, but I'm a sporadic magazine reader at best.  I read it cover to cover and felt so indulgent!  Next on my reading list is Sophie Kinsella's newest shopaholic books.  I can't wait to dig in to that one!!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-CHANGES

I've spent the last week debating my future.  Boy, that sounds dramatic, doesn't it? My school's Curriculum Coordinator is leaving and I've always thought I would be great at that job.  I have been teaching for 15 years and have gathered many experiences and knowledge that would make this transition a logical next step.  BUT, (there's always a but) am I READY to leave the classroom?  I love what I do and I've already spent bank at TpT this summer on new resources I want to try out.  I think the biggest drawback is that the Curriculum Coordinator position won't be filled until after the school year starts.  I hate the thought of starting the year with a group of students and then turning them over to someone new.  Any thoughts?

Renee

February? Really?

HOW can it be February?  We celebrated our 100th Day last week.  It still scares me all that is left to teach before May.  My feelings might have something to do with the fact we missed 5 days in January and we were out again today.  I made the decision two weeks ago to cover my lesson plans with small post-it notes.  I'm tired of crossing out and drawing arrows all over my plans!  At least this way I just move the post-it's. :-)

We have some HUGE events coming up at school. Friday is Cupid's Cafe--our culminating activity for our Economics unit and one of my favorite days of the year!  My class gets to operate a restaurant out of our classroom and serve customers from other classes.  The kids love it!!

Next week is our Reading Around the World week and we have a visiting author, visiting illustrator, book character parade, and family reading night!  I'm hosting the Intermediate author's cafe.  Shew!

This week we are starting our Matter unit in science.  I picked up a couple of resources at the TpT sale yesterday that will really boost my unit.  I'm also teaching Economics and activities to reinforce point of view and theme.  

I'll leave you with a pic of my zebra finches. The one without orange cheeks is my new bird. This one is female-- my class named her Mango!  Ha!  

January Currently

I'm excited to link up for Farley's January Currently.  I've missed these!!!  Here is yet another reason I need to be more faithful in my blogging during school.  :-)

*Listening--I was thrilled when I opened Seasons 1-3 of Downton Abbey for Christmas.  My husband did well this year!  I've been watching episodes here and there when the kids go to bed.  It's been wonderful!  I can't wait for season 4 to begin.  I was late joining the craze, but since I have a crush on all things British I had to check it out.  Of course, I was hooked after the first episode!

*Loving--Even though my kids won't let me sleep "late" it has been oh-so-nice to keep my alarm turned off for two weeks.  Usually one or both will snuggle with me in the mornings before we head into the kitchen to make breakfast.  I have also enjoyed no makeup and comfy clothes.  Whatever will I do on Monday?!?  I'm afraid it will be quite a rude awakening.

*Thinking--My students keep Leadership Notebooks, but I'm afraid I'm not very good at helping them record their data and using it to set their own learning goals.

That's why I'm excited about one of my most recent TpT purchases, Miss Nannini's Student Data pack.   only purchased the 4th grade set.  I thought it might be better for me to ease in rather than diving in head first.  :-)  We are currently in the middle of our fractions units so we can start there.  I'm anxious to get started with it since there's still half a year left.








*Wanting--All we ever seem to get is a dusting of snow, and my children (as well as all of my students) are itching to throw snowballs and make snow angels.  It seems like we live in a protective bubble that keeps REAL snow away.  I bought sleds, snow pants, and snow boots a couple of years ago in hopes of snow, but all we managed was to outgrow the boots and pants! They are predicting an active winter, so maybe, just maybe…

*Needing--

 At home and at school.  I dearly need to purge but I find it awfully hard.  My thought is always that I'll need it as soon as I get rid of it!  LOL!  I've tried to tackle a cabinet or drawer each day over the break.  I know it's tot much, but it is at least a start.







*Tradition--My family always has cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning.  Growing up we ate after we opened gifts, but now that my sister and I have homes of our own, we meet for Christmas mid-morning and eat first.  It's a simple breakfast but I'm thankful for such a small but important tradition.  My mom passed away five years ago, but my dad kept it going.  He makes sure he has cinnamon rolls, milk, and juice for us.

I did visit my classroom yesterday.  Mostly I pulled materials to bring home for planning, but I did move my job board to a different bulletin board.  I am kicking off the new year with behavior beads, so I needed a place to display my students' accomplishments.

 I'm going go start off with the homework club beads and the reading goals beads.  Then I plan to add the 7 Habits and Bucket Filler beads.  I cannot wait to see my students' faces when I tell them about it!











I have much to do before Monday!