Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Peek at my Week-Dr. MLK, Jr.

Click below to check out other lesson plans for this week!
http://www.mrswillskindergarten.com/2015/01/polar-bear-week-source-looks-like.html
 
Now that I'm *somewhat* back in the swing of things... I figured I should get back to posting my plans!
Click below to head to my GoogleDrive to download a copy.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_8jWcDxxuDGQUppWmR1cDFTQ2M/view?usp=sharing
 
This week we are using my Dr. MLK, Jr. Unit that can be found here:
 
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Differentiated-and-CCSS-aligned-1068776
 
I'll be back later this week to update you on our progress with our biographies!
I shared this link on my Facebook page last week, but The History Channel has a fabulous page all about MLK, Jr. that I will be using throughout the week. Just click here.
 
I also wanted to let you know of a few updates to two of my products in my shop!
If you've purchased these in the past; or if you'd like to check them out now-click below!
 
My Snowmen Studies unit received an update with a Reader's Notebook that my kids loved.
(I'll share this in more detail this week!)
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Snowmen-Unit-based-on-the-Snowmen-at-Night-series-by-Caralyn-Buehner-1047244

Also... my "How-to Build a Snowman" writing pack received a COMPLETE overhaul. There were pages added, and EVERY page received an update!
If you've purchased this in the past, be sure to download the updates for free by clicking below!
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-to-Build-a-Snowman-1016984

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/How-to-Build-a-Snowman-1016984


And... we're off!! :)






Saturday, January 17, 2015

Liebster Award!

This is a special post....
and not just because I finally posted for the first time in a month! Haha!
OOPS.
Kathleen from Kidpeople Classroom and Lydia from Glamour & Glue Sticks nominated my little blog for a Liebster Award!

 

 
You may find yourself asking, “What the heck is the Liebster Award?”  It's pretty awesome, actually.   When a person is nominated for the Liebster Award, first they answer a few questions about themselves.  Afterwards, they nominate 11  additional bloggers with fewer than 200 followers for the award. It helps new bloggers become acquainted with the blogging world. 
THANKS Kathleen and Lydia!
http://www.kidpeopleclassroom.com/
 
http://glamourandgluesticks.blogspot.com/
 
To accept the nomination I must:
1. Link back to the blog that nominated me
2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers
3. Answer the questions posted for me by my nominators
 4. Create 5-11 questions for your nominees
 5. Contact your nominees and let them know you nominated them
Here come my answers to a mixture of questions from Katheleen and Lydia:

1. Why and how long ago did you start blogging?
I began blogging about 1 1/2 years ago. Education blogs have been on my reading list for about 5 years. They are a wonderful way to connect globally with other teachers to share ideas, inspiration, resources, tips, and tricks. With my love of teaching and passion for reading blogs, it just seemed like a natural progression to start my own little blog.

2. What one word sums up the heart of your blog an why?
This is a toughie...REAL. I've never hid my shortcomings, strengths, frustrations, celebrations, LIFE from my blog. We all know what our life as teachers consist of-no fluff needed!
 
3. Is there something your learned late in your blog journey you wish you knew before?
A few things, actually! But I suppose the fact that it's ok that I don't post everyday. It's ok that when I do post, it's not perfect (like this one, with the funky margins I decided not to spend more time trying to "fix"!). Life goes on. The past few months I've really had to step back and realize that my priorities that were instilled in me at a young age needed to resurface. God first, family second, career third. Have I let myself feel pressured, inadequate, guilty, even that I haven't been posting consistently? You bet! That's how I am. I have extremely high expectations for myself and have had a hard time letting my blog go over the past few months. But something had to give, and this was it. And you know what, that's ok! My little blog is still here, waiting for me like an old friend. :)

4. What is your favorite hobby, other than blogging?
Crafting- of any kind! We purchased and moved into our first home at the end of October and I have enjoyed submersing myself into the land of DIY and crafting. It's my second life- my "maybe, someday, when things slow down..." dream.

5. How many hours per week do you dedicate to your blog?
Recently, 0! Typically- a ton!! It seems to take hours just for one post. I like to add tons of pictures and details, which take time. Not to mention editing... cropping... etc.

6. What category of blog posts do you enjoy the most?
Anything education or DIY.

7. Where does your blog inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from my family, my students, and fellow bloggers.
 
 
8. Which holiday is your favorite and why?
Although I love fall and Halloween, I have to say Christmas! The magic of the season, the time spent with family, the celebration of our Savior.

9. Is there any post you've been planning to do but have been postponing?
Um...I have about 10 drafts!! They include posts about sight words, fluency, Guided Reading, the list goes on! I need to take Michael's advice from The Thinker Builder and get out of my own way and just post!

10. What is your favorite aspect of blogging?
The connection with other teachers, the constant inspiration, the way blogging pushes me to be more reflective and accountable for my teaching.

11. Which recipe, project, or idea on my blog would you most likely try yourself?
Kathleen always has insightful ways to build your classroom community and environment. Lydia is excellent with sharing all aspects of herself in her Five for Friday posts!
 
Ok, so now it's my turn to nominate fellow bloggers! My nominees are...
 
Tanya from Teaching Music