Sneak Peak Preview of what is going on in my classroom!  This is my baseball inspired clock and probably the only truly masculine item in my room. The boys will love it!

 My navy blue and red classroom schedule is up and ready for all to see and follow on a daily basis.

I previously spoke about the glare making it impossible to see the white board.  Too many windows is a blessing and a curse lol! I chose to create two focus walls! Educational and functional! We are off to the Eagles Preseason game tonight then off to Sea Isle NJ for some family time!

 Today was day one back in my classroom.  I'm not very fond of the green everything going on in my classroom. This will need to change!

 I have a lot of work to do to get ready for a new grade and a new year. Luckily, I will have the same class I had in 3rd grade. Yayyyyyy!

 Stay tuned for new pics as I make color changes and start hanging decor to make my classroom inviting and fun!

There are so many products I would love to drop into my cart at Teacher Pay Teacher. I scrutinize over products I really need for my classroom from the ones I really want for my own entertainment.  For all the teachers out there hesitating and debating, like me, to purchase items for your classroom, DON'T!! You won't regret it! Here is why.

First, the BEST YEAR EVER SALE is going on right now, August 1st and 2nd.  Most products are a bargain at 20%-30% off.  Second, the longer you wait, the less time you will have to copy, laminate, hang, or file your new treasures. Finally, why reinvent the wheel? There are so many creative and talented sellers on TPT. These artist quickly create amazing products and all we have to do is click download and print!

Over the years, I have purchased many products that make my life as a teacher a lot more enjoyable and less stressful. Do yourself a favor and check out the amazing products at TPT!

I'm so excited about a new game in my TPT store.  If you have ever played Rack-O when you were younger like I did, you will see similarities in my Sort-O game.  The whole concept revolves around sequencing from least to greatest.  Students get ten cards that they sort into their rack in order received from back to front.  After all ten cards are in your rack you pick and discard cards till your rack is in order from least (in the front) to greatest (in the back of your rack). The first player to accomplish this yells "Sort-O" and wins that round.

I easily created racks from Dollar Store pool noodles after being inspired by The Activity Mom on Pinterest.

 I bought pool noodles that were already beveled. This saved me from having to complete the first step of making one side of the noodle flat so it doesn't roll around. I cut the noodle into 13" pieces.

 I then made 10 slices almost half way through the noodle.

Finally, I have the perfect card holders for my classroom! Check out my 4 versions of Sort-O in my TPT store.  Off to my next project for my new classroom!

My mentor and friend Angie from Fun in 5th Grade

Are my floors clean and waxed yet? Every year I painfully wait to get into my classroom and let my creative juices flow. This year I will be two doors down from my wonderful old room 202.  The excitement I get from changing grades is overwhelming and at times stressful, but I love creating new products for my classroom. Angie use to teach down the hall from me, but is now focusing all of her efforts into her amazing TPT store. She will be missed, but luckily I will get to see her when we meet to talk about all things TPT. She is guiding me through my new adventure and answering all of my crazy questions.  Meanwhile, I'm totally inspired by Pinterest and actually losing sleep as I click through beginning of year ideas. 

Let me tell you how this crazy obsession of creating products for my room started.

I previously told you that I love decorating and being creative in my classroom and that I am also changing from 3rd grade to 4th this fall. Well this mean I have to rewrite all my plans and create all new tricks to keep my students engaged and happy. So bring on the 4th grade products and new room decor.

One of the first things I created were new SCOOT games to go along with the 4th grade curriculum. I love these SCOOT games and so do the kids. Anything to get them out of their seats, in a not too crazy way, that is also educational is a win win for all.

How many of you use SCOOT? Tell me your thoughts on this review method or any favorite games you have that work for you.

Later!

How crazy is this blog thing? Writing is my least favorite subject to teach, but I'm going to try and embrace my daily thoughts and place them on this very confusing blog thing.

I've been teaching for 16 years. My classroom is located in an inner city school district in South Central Pennsylvania. My resume includes several grade levels.

I hesitantly started my teaching career in 8th grade and instantly put aside my desire to teach cute little kids in elementary. I had to go where there was an opening.  I fell in love with my feisty, rebellious, creative, and intelligent students. I also quickly learned that their lives were very different than mine. The homes where they resided were not safe and it seemed like they moved around the neighborhood every few months.  These kiddos had many more challenges than I would ever face in my lifetime.  Thankfully, they also had a will to do their best no matter the situation.  

Three years past and I took maternity leave which turned into two maternity leaves back to back.  As soon as I was able to return to teaching, I wiped the drool off of my shirt and went out the door. 

Due to new restrictions, I was no longer able to teach in 8th grade with my elementary certificate, so I happily filled in an opening in 6th grade math.  I love everything math! I enjoy structure and step by step problems. I enjoy multi step problems that take a while to solve. This was my oasis.  I loved being creative which isn't always welcome by other middle school teachers. They would snicker enviously at the student created math posters on my walls and the cute projects hanging from the ceiling. 

Several years in 6th grade math and my comfortable position would come to a scheming halt. We found out our 6th grade building was being shut down. They told my comrades and me that they would place us in other schools. I can't explain how sad it was to once again leave a great group of educates for some unknown future. 

Long story short, I was sprinkled into a third grade position in an amazing school with more new amazing teachers. It was a fresh start and a new beginning for my creative juices. Designing and decorating became my passion. I wanted every inch to be inviting but neat.  My tastes are clean and bright. My themes are usually more color based than animal or superhero.  I love teaching the younger children.  Every so often, someone will ask which grade I preferred teaching. I reply that they all have their pros and cons, but one major commonality is the desire to learn even when out side the classroom and school walls exists many life challenges. 

I hope you will follow me as I once again change grades. I will loop with my third graders to fourth. Hold on tight and get ready for another adventure in planning and decorating.