Five for Friday...a day late 5.23

School's Out!

Here's a look at our last week and a half.

1. My math class started Course 2 Coding from Code.org. My district is implementing a coding/computer science scope and sequence for next year. I decided to give my kiddos a head start as the new implementation will start in elementary. They loved it, especially when they would finally beat/figure out a challenging level.

 2. We reviewed the how to use TumbleBooks so that students can continue to read over the summer. It is a great site if you haven't checked it out. 

 3. My math kiddos made "Fraction Flowers." They drew a fraction card and then had to write it as a decimal, percent, equivalent fraction, ratio, and an equivalent ratio. 

4. We had our 5th Grade Lock In. At midnight we held a talent show, and this sweetie busted out his break dance moves.

5. We played "4 Men On A Couch" as part of our last day of school. The kids ate it up! We played for almost 2 hours before even 1 student seemed to be done. It was amazing! I used to play with my cousins at family reunions.

How to play:

Students sit in a circle with one extra chair. The teams are formed just by sitting every other one (I used stickers so they could tell who was their team member) and you have 4 designated "couch" spots. Everyone's name goes into a bowl and then everyone draws for a new, secret name. The person to the left of the empty chair calls a name. Whoever drew that as their new name, moves to the empty chair. Play continues likewise. The point is to remember people's new name, and to get 4 people from your team into those designated spots.

*Bonus* 6. I had a 'high tea' with my friend and team member who is moving to Jackson, TN next week. As you can see, it was adorable! It was also super delicious! 

p.s. If you have any K-6 teaching contacts in that TN area, let me know and I'll pass it along! She's pretty amazing! :) 

Liebster Award

Wow! I really wasn't expecting to be nominated for the Liebster award but I'm really touched by Melanie at A Trendy Teacher for thinking of me! It's an award to honor newer bloggers (with less than 200 followers) who have great content.

Part of the Liebster Award is sharing more about yourself and introducing your followers to other great blogs. Here goes nothing. 

1. Why and how long ago did you start blogging?

I think I technically started blogging in Oct of 2013 but didn't really make a true effort to post until the following spring. 

2. What one word sums up your blog and why?

Simple

I am not one who creates my own products. I love to use what others have created and tweak them to fit my needs. I also try to keep a super simple classroom. If things are too crazy in there, it's hard to stay caught up, organized and well prepared so that I can spend more quality time with my family.  

3. Is there something you learned late in your blog journey wished you knew before?

I still feel pretty new to the scene, but participating in Linky Parties had really helped me blog more, reflect more, and connect more.

4. What is your favorite past time other than blogging?

Hm... It varies but besides spending time with my family, I really like to read, digital scrapbook with Heritage Makers, or do something physical outside when it's warm weather. 

5. How many hours a week do you dedicate to your blog?

I don't have a set amount. I use it as a break from the normal day to day things, but I'm trying to be more consistent with at least one-two posts a week. 

6. What category of blog posts do you most enjoy?

I really like the technology posts. It really helps me think about the way I'm using it in my classroom. Also, how I can help other teachers in my school use the iPads that we have since I am a part of our Tech Committee. There is soo much out there!

7. Which post have you written that you are most proud of?

I would have to say my post about using the app Explain Everything to create math videos for my class. Looking back at it made me realize that I really should do a follow up based on how things are going now. Check it out here.

This second post is also one I like because of the variety of things shared...classroom, product, recipe, and a personal touch. 

8. Is there a post that you have been planning to do, but have been postponing for a while now?

I didn't think so but when I was looking for the post I'm proud of, I saw that I was going to try a series called App of the Day. I have 4-5 started but never finished/posted. I'm not sure if I should still try that or just link up with someone who already has a technology linky going.

9. What is your favorite aspect of blogging?

I am amazed that the people that I have met! I find connections between myself and others that really make the world feel small. Ha Ha. It also reassures me that I am not the only one having struggles and to keep looking at the positive! Living in Alaska I'm not able to go to any "blogger meet ups," but I still find it fun to read what others are up to.

10. Which idea from a blog would you like to try yourself?

 There are too many to choose from! My most recent find are these Matchbox Summaries from Got To Teach. It would also be fairly simple to work into novel studies or book reports.

My Nominations:

Cate @ My Rainy Day Creations

Katie @ Following Polaris

Kim @ Quinnessential Lessons

Melissa @ Got To Teach

To those who have been nominated, here are the "official" rules for accepting:

1. In your post, link back to the blogger who nominated you as a thank you and "shout out". (Follow their blog if you haven't already!)

2. Answer the 10 questions (the ones I answered above).

3. Nominate 5-11 blogs of your choice that each have less than 200 followers. Provide them with 11 questions to answer or have them answer the questions above. 

4. Let your nominees know that they've been nominated. Then provide them with a link to your post so that they can accept. 

5. Send your nominator a link to your post so that s/she can learn more about you as well! 

Currently: May

Listening: I'm really feeling the need to nest so I lugged up my totes filled with the newborn clothes from my 2 year old. I've also decided that I need to find some new books/series to read/listen to. I'm really glad that our borough library has an online component. While it doesn't have all the books I want, it still has a lot to choose from! Check out the Instagram hashtag #wecantputbooksdown for some great suggestions on what to read/listen to.

Loving: If you'd read any of my past posts, you'll know that I feel like I had a semi-rough year this year. I am quite seriously on the count down (11 more student contact days) and am super relieved to have a short teaching week next week. We have MAP testing which replaces some actual lesson time, I have a district committee meeting on Thursday, and a school site based PD day on Friday. It makes me feel like I can rejuvenate for one more 5 day week!

Thinking: I truly depend on my hubby to ground to  me. These last couple weeks have been a struggle for me as he's been staying at school late to finish up projects and also going to a fire instructor course. This pregnancy has my emotions going haywire and he has been stressed. Next week will hopefully be a great, non stressful week in our home!

Wanting: In my impulse to nest, I want to replace a lot of things and buy all the cute, color-coordinated organization. I am trying very hard to restrain myself and keep in mind the things I would rather have that require saving and would help our family make memories. 

Needing: Yup, I'm showing now (6 months) and definitely don't fit in most of my clothes anymore. I have a hard time buying clothes that I won't wear for very long, but I want to be comfortable without looking frumpy.

Here's the requested Bump Pic in a new shirt I just got... 

I hadn't done my hair yet so it's fresh from the shower.

Summer: Nesting impulse again! Our downstairs room has became a mess when we tried to reorganize our garage and our storage under the stairs. We have some friends coming to visit so we need to get our extra room ready for them.

One additional thing I forgot to add to the photo….SUN!! We have 15+ hours of daylight now and I am loving it! It's a glorious time in AK when you have hours of sun to soak in!

Thanks to Farley for hosting and Fancy Free in 4th for sponsoring!