Wall-Pops!

When I read Growing Kinders' ideas and question about how we manage to post target learning goals in our classrooms, I knew I just had to share!  I LOVE Wall-Pops.  They are "removable wall decals".  I stick them right to my whiteboard.  They can be written on with dry erase markers, cleaned off with felt erasers or white board spray and paper towel, and can be repositioned without damaging the board.  Being approximately the size of a dinner plate, there is plenty of room to write a short learning objective.  And... most importantly, they look cute :)

I always write the objective/target with the kids as we begin each lesson.  My district has encouraged this strategy for the past few years and it is now listed as part of the lesson on our new evaluation tool.  Since I was HORRIBLE at remembering to do this, the brightly colored circles on the board provide a nice visual reminder.   I wish I had a picture of my classroom to share!  

 

  I am sure there are many other ways they can be used (maybe on a table as a space to practice skills during a small group?)  Hmmm... I'll have to think about that!!

C25K - Week 2

I survived week one!  Yay!!  I had my doubts.  I  still have doubts... but, I'm still going for it.  Today was the first day of Week 2 and the running/walking cycles increased in time.  I was nervous to start this week because I wasn't all that confident in doing more after struggling through Week 1.  I have to say, it's slow going.  I have never been a runner, so I have no idea why I am doing this.  It's a challenge?  It's something new?  Who knows, but for now...I'll take it.  This morning I was excited to see that I have lost 3.4 pounds.  It's a start :)

C25K

Okay, here's the deal.  It's summer.  That usually brings a ton of teacher projects, catch-ups on professional readings, and organizing (work, my house, etc.).  This summer has been different.  I think it's because last year was a "tough" year with a new principal, new mandates, Common Core, piloted math series. etc.  I have been doing work for my district this summer.  It hasn't consumed a ton of my time, but enough that I don't want to do any classroom "stuff". 

This week I turned introspective.  I decided that since I have put on alot of weight am fat, I need to DO something.  Now.  So, welcome C25K.  It is an app that supposedly gets you ready to run a 5K.  Two things about this: 1) I don't run. 2) See number 1.  I started the app's Day 1 on Tuesday and repeated Day 1 yesterday.  I think I need to be able to complete Day 1, before I move on to Day 2.  Right?  Today will be another Day 1.  Ugh.  This could take a while.

My goal?  The weight tracker on my phone (another app I should stay away from), says I am overweight and that my goal weight is 40 pounds away.  I don't know about that.  I'm going to live in the moment.  My goals?  Conquer Day 1 of C25K.  How much weight?  I'd like to fit back in my fat pants, however many pounds that is.

Wish me luck, I'm going to need it.

 

Alphabet Letter Exchange

For some reason it dawned on me today that I would love to participate in another Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom, Alphabet Letter Exchange.  (you know...the idea just hits you suddenly and you panic because... Well, what if you missed it??)  My class participated last year and they LOVED it.  We had a great time getting the letters, reading about other people's classrooms, and creating our own coconut tree.  Fortunately, Chrissy, from First Grade Found Me, is taking on the monumental task of organizing this again.  I just signed up and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be a part of this great activity!  If you are interested...just click the button and head on over to Chrissy's page :)

Fourth of July Mani

I have no idea where all the time has gone!!  I have no excuses.  It is what it is.  (I say that so much, I should have it tatooed on my body somewhere!).  Anywho... the manicures I am posting today are some of my favorites from the past month or so.  The first being...Fourth of July!

Zoya's Rehka and Snow White, and Revlon's Indigo Night.

Any resemblance to the Gift Card is purely coincidental!  

Zoya's Shelby and Arizona.

This next mani was done in honor of our end of the year performance.  We did a song called "Down By the Bay".  For those who don't know the song, it features watermelons! 

Zoya's Shelby, Raven, Snow White and Color Show's GoGo Green

These cute ladybugs were created by kindergarten request :)

Zoya's Rekha, Raven, and Snow White

A little explanation...the reason for all the Zoya Polishes?  I went a little crazy when they had their Earth Day sale.  I have been using them for all kinds of color combos.  Hopefully I will have more manis to share in the near future.  I have a Christening this weekend...hmmm...what to do??

Monday Mani... My first of Many :)

Okay, I lied. Again.  I got caught up in a Flat Stanley project last night and I forgot to post.  Is it bad to post a "Monday Mani" on Tuesday?  If so, I'm sorry... but it's going to happen anyway.

I am obsessed with nail polish.  I LOVE it!  I love the colors, the different types, what can be done with it....I could go on and on.  My kids at school love that I do my nails every week.  They have had their favorites over the course of this year and it always makes me smile when one of my little cherubs comes in sporting a manicure that I have done.  Sunday is nail day in my world.  Sometimes I make up my own designs, but I often get inspiration from pinterest or one of the many bloggers that I follow.  This week's manicure is very "Spring-y".  The warmer weather has been slow to arrive here and I am tired of all the dark colors of winter.  If you are interested...  Gumdrop and Lemonade are both ORLY colors.  All topped off with Seche Vite (of course).  

Oh, Well...

     When I started this blog, I had "big plans".  I was going to write - all the time.  Well, it's April and obviously, that hasn't happened.  This school year has been a biotch.  No lie - Can't wait for it to be over.  As I have *thought* about posting, it has caused me stress.  The name "Mixed Bag of Crazy" came from a grandiose idea that I would post frequently about MANY things.  I am more than a teacher, though that is the center of my world.  I want to express myself through this blog and put myself out there as a person who is more.  More than a teacher, more than a mom, more than that hamster on a wheel who runs constantly and doesn't get ahead.  So, I guess it will be baby steps. 
     If you are here for the teacher in me, I will try to do some of that as well.  (We have exciting things happening in kindergarten!)  However, bear with me...and hopefully enjoy the other parts of me that I have to share.  "School posts" will happen....but probably not until the end of June (when I can enjoy thinking about school again!).
     Stay tuned...I WILL be back tomorrow :)