So long 2012

This is more of a personal entry..

Recently I've been doing a lot of reflecting upon this year. It's been a rather eventful one, and I'm pleased to say that 2012 has been one of the best years to date---even though some of the worst things have happened. 

So...lets start from the beginning..

Grad School: This year I began my special education masters through Grand Canyon University, and so far so good! I have maintained a solid 4.0 gpa and I'm really accomplishing my goals! I've never been great in school, and graduated from Mansfield with a 2.7 gpa...so as you can see, this a very big improvement. 

Surgery: In February/March I had my gallbladder removed. Not a very serious surgery, but one i had to be put out for nonetheless. It went well, no complications, but it really helped effect my eating habits...which leads me to..

Exercise: I have always made resolutions to lose weight..but last year I didnt. Last year, i made the resolution to just be happier with myself. In February, my good friend Riat talked me into going to the gym. I began the Couch to 5K program, and I really started noticing that my affect was really improving. I loved the feeling after i finished working out, and I was proud to say I turned into a runner. Summer and early fall, I started falling behind with going to the gym, but I'm happy to say I'm back into it have been going
consistently for the past 5 weeks. I'm also pleased to say that I've lost 32 lbs in the last year :) 

Diet: The gallbladder surgery really helped me with my eating habits. I'm finding that my appetite has really changed since surgery, and I get full much quicker. I also give credit to being active--and having my metabolism speed up. 
With the help of my boyfriend, I'm also trying a lot of new foods, which are often healthier options. Although I still love the occasional burger and fries, I'm cutting out a lot of fast foods, and drinking much less regular sodas. Baby-steps are proving to be a lot more effective than anticipated!

                                                         Feb 2012                         Dec 2012

Job: Last year, i was an instructional assistant, and pretty unhappy about it. I applied and got rejected from about 4 jobs I interviewed. I was in a pretty vulnerable state. Then..Mosby Woods called, and now I am (obviously) a special education teacher, and I LOVE it. I'm finding that i'm actually a natural at it, and I'm having so much fun doing it! I'm in a very good situation, at a very supportive school which is extremely close to where I live (4 min drive?? Can't beat it!). 

Loss of Family Members: This year, both of my grandmothers passed away within a 3 month span. It was tough..but at the same time very uplifting. Our family grew closer, and I got a ton of support from everyone around me. I stayed positive and grew a lot from the experience, which is something that probably wouldn't have happened a few years ago. 

Loss of friends: In between the loss of my grandmothers, I also lost a very close friend from a heart condition. It def threw me for a loop, but it was another moment when I was able to lean on friends and really treasure the moments I had with them, just as Ronnel would have wanted. 

Growing friendships:  This year, one of my closest friends got married. The events that lead up to that day, and the day of the wedding were probably some of the biggest highlights of the year. I was surrounded by girls whom I've known for a million years, and I love! They are responsible for showing me how to stay in good spirits, and that no matter how much I slack in the communication department, they still love me no matter what. I'm so lucky to have them in my life and this year really showed me that! 
I was so happy to be apart of Allison's wedding, and can't wait for them to be apart of mine! 

I've also grown a lot closer to a good friend of mine: Riat. I can honestly say he has turned into one of my best friends. He has motivated me to be happier and healthier, and has continued to give me advice which has really motivated my outlook on life. 

Traveling: This year I got to travel to two new and exciting places: Costa Rica and Las Vegas! The trips were amazing, as well as the company. I sure do love traveling :)

Big Purchases: This year, I also moved out of my house, and bought my very first car. Pretty big milestones that have only made me happier :) 

Family: I'm happy to say that since I've moved out, I've gotten a lot closer to my immediate family! I think that without me being there to annoy them, we are all very happy to talk freely to each other about our lives and the people in it. 

Love: And of course, I have grown deeper in love with my boyfriend-Chris. Our future is looking very bright, and I'm so happy I get to spend our 3rd New Years together! Our relationship is incredibly strong and I'm just so happy with him. We've learned to grow and adapt to each other, and we've found that we are very happy together! We still are excited to see each other every day, and are willing to do anything to make each other happy! 


So all-in-all...not a bad year. I think it's mainly because I'm just in such a good place emotionally, that I'm growing a lot from all these experiences! I'm one very happy girl, and I'm excited to see what the new year has in store! 

Holiday season

Happy Holidays!
Firstly: I am so sorry it has been so long since I've posted. A new years resolution is definitely going to be to blog more often. However, the blog may start to take more of personal feel to them, due to the majority of the audience being friends and family. 
Secondly: Apparently people actually read this thing! Please let me know who's out there :) Please feel free to comment on this thing. It wants some attention baby!  

So now...what has been going on!

Things have been wonderful at work! I am finding that I have such a great relationship with my kids, and they really do listen to me (some of the time at least). I've really realized how lucky I am to be in the situation I am in. I have 4 great kids on my caseload, as well as really  happy and satisfied parents, and I have been able to leave work on time or early because I have been staying on top of my game during the day (I only have 4 students...once again). I'm really very lucky to be where I'm at.
I've also been maintaining my 4.0 GPA at grad school. I think this 1 class at a time thing is much more my style of learning, but I'm officially half-way done! 
I'm just overall feeling a new sense of confidence in myself. I'm seeing myself really achieve in what I'm doing now...and I'm just feeling good about where my life is going!

So this is probably the final blog entry of the year, and I'm a freak for Christmas, this is dedicated to 
the Holidays! 

So, some of my students don't actually celebrate Christmas, but do recognize the traditions of it. So, I was able to do a little bit of the "Frosty", "Rudolph" and "Santa". The see it, they understand the story and why it is fun, but they don't connect it with religion---once again, the joys of only having 3 kids the majority of the days. 

So most of our reading activities have been having to do with snowman, and Rudolph. We focused on two different versions of the Rudolph book and talked about it being the same or different. Then of course we did multiple picture walks and read-alouds. It was fun because they already knew the story so it was more focused on the comprehension...which is the hardest thing some days..

But..a great book for picture walks is...The Snowman--by Raymond Briggs

Seriously, the book is great! We really focused on it for about 2-3 weeks (only going through it about 1-2 times a week), but there are so many little mini-stories within a larger picture, that the kids can really see the fun and humor of what's happening. Plus the art is amazing!

Then of course, this week we watched the movie! Why not, right?!? 

To keep in the reindeer theme, we talked about how Rudolph's nose made him special, and the different parts of us that are special. Today, as a final-hurrah to reindeer's, we created ornaments (or giant bracelets) of the kids as special reindeer. And it turned out really cute! 

I took a black and white picture of the kids, and they were able to dot their noses with glitter glue, and paste their own, stenciled out (teacher-cut) reindeer horns! Then we pasted it on a black background, added a blue bottom so i could add a name and date/make it a snow globe (kinda..), and we pasted a very quickly improvised poem by yours truly:

Rudolph was special because of his red nose,

I am special too, as my picture shows.

I have _______, and I'm in ____ grade,

I hope you have a happy holiday! 

And we filled in what we we said was special about ourselves. It really was a fun activity.

And then of course we just had to finish it all up with watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer...what else are you supposed to do on a Friday before winter break? 

It's been great! 
Until next time :)

Did I mention I am the new owner of a 2013 ford fiesta SE? 

 And I've finally decided on the name of it! It is going to be........

 "FRANKIE" the FIESTA!!!

It's probably the coolest car I have ever thought of owning, and I got a lot of great things for a great price! The color is Blue Candy, and the pic def doesnt do it justice. It's more of green blue...depending on how you're looking at it. But it really is awesome! 

Also...I'm sure nobody actually cares as much as I do about the name, but this was a big decision! I hadn't named a car since my old bug "Daisy" (rip), and I wasn't sure if I even wanted to name this one. I also couldn't decide if it was a boy or a girl car...it was a VERY hard decision!  But...I'm so happy happy with  my decision on this thing! It's so much fun to drive!

I just LOVE October

I realize that I may have been in fact neglecting this blog. But as well all know, October is the BEST month of the year, and I've been trying to live it up. So here is what I've been doing this month (both in the classroom and not):

1. Classroom paint bags: 

Here is an example of something I wanted to do via pinterest, but took FOREVER to do it. Literally all it is is bags (ALWAYS double bag folks) filled with bight color paint, and possibly other, squishy  materials. They are great to trace letters with, as a sensory device, and my kids have decided that they love them most as a pillow! 
My only mistake was putting too much in, but the amount I put in is a good amount to feel the texture. I poured in about an 1-1/2 inch of paint within gallon bags (filling the bottom, I don't know the exact amount I used). But my kids LOVE them, and call them their "color bags". 

2. Read Well:
This is a popular reading program for elementary schools, and honestly I'm not sold on it. I'm having a lot of internal struggles with whether I should continue this program for my 2nd grade, reading (but not comprehending, or writing) program. Also, I have not been sufficiently trained in this program, so I'm not too sure of what I'm not doing correctly. I've been doing some research on other reading programs that are primarily helpful in special education, but would it really be worth it? I don't know...

3. Trying to enjoy the fall:

This autumn has been incredibly kind to us in Virginia...the perfect day-time temperature (usually around 75), and a colder night. So, this year I'm really trying to enjoy it with the people I love. So, we went to the MD Ren Faire and a (fun, but childish) trip to the pumpkin patch. It was such a fun time, and Chris has been such a good sport about it.

4. Finishing up my ESOL class:
Oh, did I mention I'm in grad school? Havent been thinking too much about it recently...but I've been doing all my work, on time, and completed (just havent exactly been present). But this class is wrapping up (I get a raise after it!) and I have a pretty solid A still, but this final essay is what my grade is lying on, so it HAS to be good (and I've kind of been putting it off). 

5. Buying a new car:

I'm so pumped to finally be able to buy a new car! This is the big purchase I've been promising myself, and I really shouldn't keep putting it off (it's a big purchase!). But hopefully this next month, i will be the proud owner of a new, 2013 Ford Fiesta!

6. Planning a very special person's birthday:

Chris is turning 30 this year, and I'm trying to make it super special for him. So we're having a big get together with everyone he knows and loves and we're going to just have him enjoy himself. 

7. Saving up to see family:
Going to Vegas for Thanksgiving, and Iowa for Christmas...


Oi, it's going to be an expensive month, but man i just LOVE October! Aside from Chris and I both getting a little sick, it's been pretty good for us. 

Next month comes parent teacher conferences, classes, and report cards. Not as fun..but at least it will be short!

Flipping File Folders

It's been a few but life has been busy. Finally was able to get a more complete and consistent schedule for my kiddos, including centers, read-aloud's and assessments. It's been very hectic, but things are going really well! My kiddos are great, and they really work hard for my approval. 

I've really been working hard to develop myself as an authority figure. I think something that has really helped is for the first two weeks of school I was mainly a very "sweet" teacher. I barely ever changed my voice from high-pitched and happy. However, now when I give my "stern" voice, it kind of surprises the kids. Helps the kids be able to stop, and judge their decisions upon my tone of voice. 

Now, as I've been playing on pinterest, I've seen lots of concepts on file folders for each subject. For those who don't know the concept, this will usually look like this:

Classified Mom

They may be used as a game, incentive system, tracing activities, etc. However, I wanted to make a file folder for my kids that was personalized for them, and were great representations of their hard work. 
So...I created my own version of...

Flippin' File Folders!!
For Language Arts, Math, and Behavior goals. 

What's on the front:  Student's trace-able name, blank handwriting lines, a blank behavior chart, and expectation images. 

Everyday, my students walk into class and grab their file folder and a (VERY IMPORTANT) overhead projecter fine-tip markers. 
           - this is important because these markers are NOT dry erase. They are   
             used for overhead glass..so its not easily wiped away without water. 
             They are also very fine and feels similar to a pencil. 

They sit down, facing our morning meeting, and trace their name, and write it independently. 

What's inside (left): Word of the day blank blank lines (one for teacher writing, one for student writing), pocket of sight words, blank line
What's inside (right): Alphabet chart, pocket for number flashcards, blue circle-empty red box- green circle, blank line, number line. 

During my morning meeting, we go over a word of the day, or an important vocab word. Inside, I would have already written the word with a FELT TIP MARKER (comes off with a finger wipe). They will trace my word, and copy the word under the lines. 

During language arts- when we go over sight words, the students will have their flashcards in a little pocket attached to the folder.  (If you want to get really snazzy, laminate different pockets depending on different lists, and velcro a spot for it in the folder. All the kids have to do is find their color and attach the pocket everyday, make it a little more personal). 

During math- we are soon going to be adding and subtracting numbers. The circles are for manipulative placement, and the box is for the + or - symbol. And of course, number writing is another goal that is worked on with the blank line. 

 What's on the back:  A stop sign, and a happy symbol. I'm not completely sold on this, i did it more as a cop out. I wanted a visual symbol of stopping a behavior without using my voice. I also love visual representations of facial expressions, however my kids do not really struggle with that. 

But...i wanted to use it as a sight word or number flash card pile collector for ones they got correct and incorrect. Still a work in progress, but we'll see

Special note on the folders:
The whole thing is laminated except for the pockets

I have a ring clip full of visual representations of break choices. When the teachers fills up their behavior chart (on the front) with dry-erased stars, they have a 3 min break represented by images on the ring clip. 

The file folder was a special project I've developed and I'm kind of excited about using it (consistently) beginning next week. 

Great Workbook Find!

While I was working at summer school this year (as an IA), I went to Walgreens to buy some personal school supplies. Just post-its, pens, and the like. As I was browsing down the aisle for some stickers, I found this great workbook full of colorful, clear, and bright exercises in math, and language arts. And it was HUGE! There was a such a range of exercises, i picked one up for the 1st grade class I was working with. We didn't end up using it and I've thought nothing of it...

This year though, I have found it is probably the best workbook I could have ever gotten. For 10 bucks! It's called: 

The SchoolZone Big Workbook Series 
http://www.schoolzone.com/

The first one I purchased was the Pre-K one (not pictured), but it is red. It especially makes me happy that each book is predominately a primary color. Makes it very easy to say "the blue book" or "the orange book". 
But as you can see, I budgeted out the $20 to to purchase the 2 further books. My kiddos' levels can all be summed up on the prek-1 grade level. I'm okay with spending $30 on 960 pages to fabulous material. 
And what COULD be really cool, is the books all come with an online code. I'm not quite sure what it access' us to, but if it's anything like the quality of the books...I'll be one happy customer! 

Here's an example of a page from the kindergarten book, and one that I'm very excited to use. Not only do these two pages help her with spelling the word "ring", it also helps improve her fine motor coordination, and handwriting! It's just fun, and perfect in the mornings/times when they haven't joined me yet. 

It really is awesome!

Teacher baggage!

Today was our back-to-school night. I must admit, I'm pretty proud of myself. I'm usually very nervous about communicating with the parents, but it actually went well. 2 of the 3 parents I met with tonight both said I was the "best", and other teachers heard them raving about me as they were walking away. Maybe I do have a knack for parent communication, I never actually had a problem with it before.

Here is a few of the things I was able to show the parents. 

This is a pic of the monster-glue-dot project we did. This was one of the first things we did together, and it was a great way for me to understand the level of cognitive functioning my kiddos had. This is actually hanging outside of my room now. 

This ones my "great work" wall. Now, there are a few more things on there, but you get it. But i just love the watermelon trimmings. I have a thing for that color combo...def a future teacher room theme for me :) 

I'm still learning how to do everything, like the new grading systems, math and reading programs, and more. But I'm learning, and working hard. 

Also began grad school classes again last week...if I can continue to devote my weekends to the homework, and my weekdays to work-work, then I think I'll keep having a good handle on the situation.

Finally, thanks to my wonderful mother, I recently got a new tote for lugging all my stuff to work. I keep bringing tons of binders, notebooks, and reading materials home (often, not reading it in the end), and ending up feeling kind of strained after a few trips. However, this new vera bradley bag is amazing! So many good side pockets, so I dont have to take my purse if I didn't want to. It's perfect. THANKS MOM!

One of these days, I'll remember to take pics of the actual cute things I've been creating. 

Personal experience Wednesday!

Things were good today. Exceptionally good! I feel as though my students absolutely adore me, and I them! They really listen to what I say, and I can almost always get them to follow directions (almost to a fault) because they want to do well. The problem is the actual processing of the information. They really are some good kiddos though! 

To get a little personal: 
During my math lesson, I was having trouble getting a student to complete a group activity. However, after some time...and with some positive reinforcement..she readily got up and began the activity. At that moment, in walked my principal with our cluster (small section of a county) superintendent! My principal got to see a fabulous smartboard math activity that really challenged, but entertained the kiddos! The timing couldn't have been more optimal, especially because the principal seems to have a bond with this particular student (similar to mine, however MUCH stronger!). 

Later, after an already amazing day,  I received this email: 

Emily, Thanks for the great visit today. Dr. was so impressed that your kids were already doing work and learning using the Smart board. You did a terrific job, and I really appreciate all of your eforts with our special kiddos. :) 
Thanks, 

What a wonderful thing to come home to! I feel so happy that I've found something I'm really good at. And I feel so relieved that my principal is still looking at me favorably! 

More to come tomorrow, I'm exhausted!