Sorry so long...

School is back in.  We have been going for three whole weeks and a couple of days.  I really like my new students and we have been working hard.  I don't know if it's my age or what, but it seems to really wear me out.  I was exhausted for the first two days.  It has gotten better, but it seems like it's harder to keep up with things than I remember.  Maybe it will get even easier as time goes on.  Maybe.

Not so gung ho...

A few weeks ago, I was so anxious to work in my classroom.  I wanted to think about school and plan and plan.  I even worked on setting up my room.  Most of the work was done a couple of weeks ago.  I then decided to just relax for the last couple of weeks so I'd feel rested.  The problem is now I just want to rest.  We have a parent information meeting on Wednesday for a couple of hours and Thursday all teachers are back FOR REAL.  I feel like doing nothing.  I don't know what is wrong with me.  My enthusiasm is not there.  I am not really dreading it, just not looking forward to it anymore.  I know I'll get over it, but right now, I just don't want to think about work.

Liebster Blog/Link Party

Wow, someone gave me an award a few days ago.  I'll admit I didn't know anyone was reading my blog, so I didn't know.  Thanks to Grade3 is the Place for Me.

This award goes to a blogger with less than 200 followers.

When you receive this award, you must nominate five other.

Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you and

make sure to leave a comment to your award recipients.

Let's show these people some love! Visit their blogs!

I am awarding:

Fifth Grade Fancy
4th & 5th Grade Happiness
Fantastic Fifth Grade
Adventures in Teaching
I love my classroom

Congrats!!

I'm linking up with 6th Grade All-Stars for a Preparing for School Party!

What grade do you teach? 5th

What is the greatest advice you received during your 1st year of teaching?  Pick your battles with children.  Decide what is most important for you.

Do you have a checklist that you follow when preparing your classroom (include the checklist)?  I don't have a written checklist.  I've been teaching a long time and I have a routine.  Near the end of summer, I think about it and make a list of what's left to prepare.

What are some must haves in your classroom that you cannot live without (ex. items, books, posters, management strategies)?  I definitely need extra supplies.  We have lot of children that don't bring them or use them and don't replenish.

What is something that all teachers should have in their classroom?  Tolerance...they are children and they all have stories.

Vistaprint is AWESOME!

I've ordered from Vistaprint a couple of times.  I got some free (pay for shipping only) labels.  Then, I ordered a mousepad, some sticky notes, and some notepads.  I loved them, but they seemed a little expensive to me.  I must say I love personalized items.  My name is Ericka, with a c and a k.  I was never able to go to the shelf and pick up items with my name spelled correctly on them.  Sooooooooo, I love to buy personalized items.  Today, I was reading on a blog called Think Wonder Teach (I love to read teacher blogs, which is why I started one).  Anyway, you can go there by clicking here: http://thinkwonderteach.blogspot.com/.  She mentioned that Groupon (had never dealed with them) was selling $80 credits to Vistaprint for only $20.00.  I didn't have to read that twice!  I went straight on over and signed up at Groupon (easy easy) and bought mine.  Then I went to Vistaprint to plan my order.  I was only going to plan because it said my coupon was good starting at 12AM on the 29th.  I couldn't wait once I got my items chosen, so I tried the code and it worked (even though it wasn't the time yet).  I purchased three notepads (personalized of course), four sticky note pads, two different notebooks designs, and a set of  behavior punch cards (made from a loyalty card).  All that was free due to the discount.  Well, technically it was $20+7.60 shipping=$27.69.  WOW!!!!  I am stoked.  I am going to try to insert the punch card I made. 

I am using a clip chart this year.  I am giving a punch to everyone who doesn't end up below "Ready to Learn" for any day during the week.  After five weeks, I will do an incentive for those with at least four punches.  I may change this plan later, but that's what I think for now.

Giveaway

Mrs. Allen's 5th Grade Files is having  a giveaway to celebrate 50 followers.  She's giving away a beautiful personalized sign.  I'm not talented in linking, but here's the address:  http://allensteachingfiles.blogspot.com/

Done with classroom for now

I'm back on vacation now.  I got my room set up enough in my visits over the last three weeks.  I don't plan to go back until the day before our fifth grade orientation.  Our grade is the first in the building, so we meet with parents before school goes back.  I feel like my room looks good enough.  I will go back one day early to make sure I'm happy with things and fix anything I need to before parents come.  Until then, I'm going to relax.  I'll be reading blogs and books that I have, but I won't be going back to school.

NEW BLOG!

I have been reading tons of blogs.  I have a long list of favorites in both general and teacher blogs.  I have been wanting to start my own blog.  Well, here it is!  I am a true beginner, so I have a lot to learn.   I am excited to be starting on this journey.  I hope to reflect on teaching here.  Maybe I can share a helpful idea or two.  I can hopefully get new ideas too.  It's never too late to learn.