Saturday, October 22, 2016
Music Resources for FALL!
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Celebrate America - Part 3
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Celebrate America - Part 2
Friday, July 1, 2016
Celebrate America!
Come back tomorrow for another sweet deal to celebrate America!
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Three Summer Goals
1. Family Time!
I am a family girl at heart. I love spending time with my husband and three kids. Whether it's all five of us snuggled up in the living room watching tv, or riding go-karts and eating sno-cones, my fave thing is doing life together. It's been a while since we've taken a family vacation, so I'm really excited about our week-long water trip. It's nothing fancy-in fact, our destination is only about 5 hours from home, but we'll be swimming in a natural swimming hole, riding tubes down a river, visiting one of the world's largest waterparks, and exploring other relaxing adventures. Making memories is top on my list for this summer :)2. Organization!
My house is a wreck. I've gone in and out of my closet for the last few months thinking, "I need to clean out and organize." With summer months upon me, now is the time. Not only will I be tackling my closet (and other areas), it's time to sort through all the kids clothes taking out what doesn't fit any longer, and making room for the new school clothes that will soon come into our home.
In addition, I've moved my whole classroom to my garage over the summer due to changing schools in the fall. My plan is to organize my files, throw away old stuff, gain some new ideas, and start lesson plans. My brand new school won't be open until the week before kids come, so I've got to buckle down and be prepared. Thank goodness for summer!
3. Shape Up!
Whew! This is a tough one that requires time and dedication. Often times we think of "shaping up" our bodies and this is definitely a serious area of concern. I'm trying to eat more healthy and workout at least 4 times a week. I hope to shop for school clothes in a smaller size when August comes. My physical appearance is not the only shaping up that's on my agenda, however.
My spiritual self is way out of shape too. With summer schedules open, the time has allowed me to focus more on my faith and belief in Jesus Christ and developing my relationship with him. Summertime shape-ups are in full swing!
I've set my summer goals. What are yours?
Thursday, April 7, 2016
First Year Flashback
1. What subject/age and where was I teaching?
I began teaching K-5 music in the hometown where I was raised - a small town south of Dallas, TX. Funny story...I actually replaced a high school friend's mother who had long taught music. Talking about BIG shoes to fill.
2. What was my first classroom like?
Actually, the room was awesome. It was odd shaped, but HUGE. I remember the students sat on benches that could be moved in and out, or rearranged - about 4 kids to a bench. They were a nightmare because the kids would wiggle, and the benches would fall over. Now, we would call that a "safety hazard." Hahaha.
3. Was I given supplies and materials?
I remember having a class set of music text books and some rhythm instruments, also a CD player. Nothing else really sticks out in my mind. The room was pretty sparse.
4. What do I remember about my first day?
Other than wondering "what on earth am I going to do with these children?", I don't remember much else. I think I lived in a fog from then on.
5. What was the hardest part of my first year?
Other than crying A LOT, the hardest part was jumping in and trying to figure out what I was doing without any help. Many new teachers have the luxury of working with a co-teacher or team. I was all alone on this journey.
6. What was the best part of my first year?
Truly, I think the best part was the end when I could finally look back and reflect on my survival and accomplishments. Sometimes it's hard to see the good when you're covered in stress during the year.
7. What did I discover during my first year that I didn't learn in college or student teaching?
Pretty much everything. I learned how to do fundraisers, monthly PTA programs, a large end-of-the-year school-wide program, how to plan, how to communicate with parents (BIGGIE), etc. College is great for prepping you with knowledge of your content. Student teaching is great for introducing you to school life, but there's nothing like figuring it out as you go. That's real life!
8. From where did I draw most of my lesson plan inspiration?
With limited internet resources back then, and few tricks in my bag, most of my first year lesson plans came from the text books. I pretty much followed it from start to finish. Now I hardly EVER open a text book.
9. What is one thing I know now that I wish I knew then? (except I have more than 1 thing:)
I wish I had known: - kids are forgiving and certainly won't remember if I make mistakes during my lessons
- programs eventually come together - no matter how bad it seems the week before
- parents want to hear the good things their children do - not just the bad
- colleagues are willing to be supportive and helpful if they are asked
- life would be so much easier if only I would delegate
Visit Pitch Publications for more 1st Year Flashbacks from other music educators.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Valentine's Love @ Home
My journey began at a local store where I found these super cute little pouches. Adding them to the shopping cart challenged me to look for sweet fillers that my kids and hubby would enjoy. Thinking in terms of smallest to largest, I picked up chocolate treats and some fun office/school supplies.
Finally, making a stop by the seasonal aisle, led me to the perfect big box hearts for my special people. Each design matches their individual personalities.
In my brainstorming process, giving a treat to the family for fourteen days in February wasn't quite enough to express my love and appreciation for each of them, so I sat down and began creating.
After some careful thought, I came up with this...
Love Letters was created so I could personalize daily encouragements for each of my family members (husband too:)
Now that my supplies were collected and created, the assembly and delivery were easy. Family members receive a treat and note of encouragement in their pouches each morning for 14 days, beginning on the 1st of Feb. The contents begin small and gradually get larger, eventually leading to the Valentine hearts that will be paired with gift cards for the children, and a date night for the husband :) Though the gifts are nice, I feel the encouragement and love given from the notes will leave a lasting impact on our family.
How do you celebrate during the season of LOVE?
Monday, January 18, 2016
Baby It's Cold Outside!
My classroom rhythm strips needed a major over-haul. With winter on hand, I decided to act now and create some cards that could be used today. Though posted individually in four levels, I've also bundled this pack for an easy print-and-go resource.
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