Happy Easter 2013

Happy Easter to all of my wonderful friends on here! I love and appreciate all of you! I am still recovering from my wisdom teeth extraction so I didn't do much of anything today, but I did reflect on my wonderful life (and appreciate my health!) and the true meaning of Easter.  I hope you all spent the day filled with happiness and surrounded by your loved ones!

 

I hope you all got to check out the spring sale that sellers were having on TPT and TN.. The end of the quarter for TPT is today, and I did not reach my goal, but I earned 1/3 of my OVERALL earnings since last year.  I am pretty excited about that and how much I am growing - it is all thanks to you wonderful people!

I wanted to share with you what I bought with the sale today - I am a lady on a budget (a very tight budget!) but I couldn't pass over Teaching With a Mountain View's task cards.  I bought her Graphing and Data task cards and her Geometry task cards! Both perfect test practice for my kiddos when we come back from Spring Break.  Both products under $2 with the sale!!

Click HERE to check out Mary's store and all of the wonderful products she has to offer!

 

In honor of Easter I did want to have a little giveaway... It will begin tonight at midnight [4/1] and go until midnight [4/5].  I know tomorrow is April Fools, but I promise you, this giveaway is real :] I will be having a HUGE giveaway soon, but here is a mini one to say Happy Easter!!

You can win a $5 gift card to Starbucks and my current Spring Time Common Core Math Centers!

Just enter below using the rafflecopter!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88e1c36/

 

Spring break = Wisdom teeth removal

Well, my 4 wisdom teeth are gone! They were extracted Thursday, my first day of spring break.  I am overwhelmed with joy [insert sarcasm here].  I must say that my oral surgeon and assistants were wonderful, as well as my supportive boyfriend and family.  My pain out of 10 was probably a 3 on Day 1, a 9 on Day 2 [that was rough], and a 5ish on Day 3 [today].  I am glad I did all 4 at once!

I was expecting it to go easy [which day one was] but holy cow, I am ready for the pain to be over with.  I have been just on my kindle and watching tv all day for the last 3 days... and trying to sleep but that is difficult for me to do.  It kind of reminds me of the pain I used to get when I would get my braces tightened [only a lot worse of course] but it is that same feeling.  Trust me when I say when I feel a little bit better over the week, I WILL be doing something fun! Appreciate your health every second you have it!! :)

I am joining in with my friends for a Spring Sale on TPT and TN... 20% off all of my products.  Please make sure you check it out!!
XOXO Have a wonderful night!

I just had to post what my wonderful friend Heather bought for me for Easter... she's a doll.

Hers is the one on the left, mine is the one on the right.  I am her sunshine :] It was such a sweet gift and it helped me feel better about my wisdom teeth experience.
Like these bracelets? I can't wait to show you where I got them.. there will be a whole post dedicated to a very talented jewelry creator - coming soon! :]

Tried It Tuesday and Spring Sale

My sweet, sweet bestie girl Holly from Fourth Grade Flipper is having her very first linky party!! It is called "Tried it Tuesday" and represents the wonderful graphic from The 3AM Teacher (another one of my very best girls!)

I contemplated over and over again what I would write about on here.  Then it dawned on me!  I have recently picked up a new "hobby" if you will, called smashbooking.  I know what you are thinking... what the heck is that?! :) A great book that was introduced by my student and her mother!

Smashbooking is like scrapbooking, but with less of the perfection of scrapbooking.  A smash book is a book that has beautiful cardstock pages already ready for you to glue and tape your precious memories onto.  Like a scrapbook, you can keep all of your precious memories enclosed into one book.  However, you do not need to make it "themed" and "neat" like a scrapbook.  You glue and tape whatever you want on each page, and you have all of your memories together.

This is what I keep in my smashbook(s):

-movie stub tickets

-small pictures

-cards

-quotes

-notes

But the choices are endless!

Check out this cute image from EarthyScrap : ) Love it !

Why smashbook?
It is very convenient and teachers like us always need more TIME.  Time is precious to us.  Smashbooking is a lot quicker than scrapbooking, and you don't need to "think" about what stickers to use and how you would like to arrange each page.  You are basically choosing which photos and cut outs you want, and gluing!

I bought two smashbooks from Michaels - one of them is for friends/family cards and memories, and the other is all about my special guy, Mike :]

Here are the brand that I bought that I absolutely love: [you can find it HERE at Michael's]



I came across this amazing blog... Craft Unleashed! Do you see that black and white rubberband holding the book together? Well, I definitely purchased those as well because I had A LOT of cards and things I glued... it holds it together and keeps everything in place!

I hope you (or someone you know) will be interested in smashbooking! It's tons of fun :] Make sure you check out Holly's blog and LINK UP! 

I will be joining my teacher friends in a SPRING SALE on Teachers Pay Teachers AND Teacher's Notebook from 3/28 to 3/31.  Please make sure you check it out!! ALL my products 20% off!!!

Isn't this button completely adorable created by Tonya's Treats for Teachers?  Please consider her very reasonably priced license of $5 for her fonts!! I am so happy I did :)

Willy Wonka, Linky, Dandelion Clocks, and Task Cards

Hello hello! I am feeling pretty good tonight even though I have lots of work I am going to complete, but I got a massage from a few find in East Greenbush, NY - It's called Revival Salon and Spa.  They were all so nice there!  My massage therapist was Kimber Coler, and she was such a sweetheart.  She made me feel so very comfortable and relaxed!

I wanted to share something with you that touched me about Kimber... she has epilepsy, and she has a service dog, Willy Wonka (Willy for short).  He was trained to stay with Kimber, and can even let Kimber know of signs of a seizure very early on.. one hour or two hours before it happens!  You are not allowed to pet Willy while he is on the job, because that's just it - he has a job to do.  When the vest comes off, Willy is free to play and do as he pleases.  It touched me so much!  You know how much I love animals and how I try to do my fundraising and everything, and it just goes to show you how genuine, loyal, and extremely intelligent dogs can be with the right training and care.  Don't worry Kimber does not have seizures all the time, but it is great that Willy is there! See below for an adorable picture of him :) Check out Revival Salon and Spa if you are in the area!!

 

I am linking up with Bunting, Books, and Banbridge with one of the cutest linky's I have seen.  How important it is to let our lovely friends know how much they are appreciated and how much we love them!! Check it out and link up!

I have MANY blogging buddies that are just so dear to my heart, that it was difficult to choose... I picked Sara Ventrella from Ms V's Busy Bees because she is such a caring, dear blogging buddy to me. I love her like a sister, and would do anything for her.  Make sure you check out her blog and become a follower.. she's a talented, darling lady!! XO 

 

My class and I created these cute dandelion clocks that we made with just some markers and white paint (and a q tip! I love q tip painting!!) You can tell which way the wind was blowing in each picture too.. so cute!

 

I have updated some products, but I also wanted to show you my latest... Fourth Grade Common Core Task Cards.. sweet and simple, yet engaging for your kiddos.  Perfect for a math center game or test prep review with your fourth graders... if your third graders need a challenge, or fifth graders need a review, then come and check it out! Thank you SO much for your support and following me... for reading through this entire post, be the first THREE to comment with your e-mail, and receive my task cards for FREE :] Thanks again lovelies!  Have a good rest of the week!

 

I leave you with a picture I created of my hamster, Pancake.. love him so much! I created this candy dish with my class during Valentine's Day, and I decidd to have Pancake check it out :P

 

My Lucky Seven

 

I am linking up with Melissa from Don't Let the Teacher Stay Up Late with 7 things that I am lucky and blessed to have.  Today was a wonderful day with my family and Mike with some yummy corned beef and cabbage! I wish you all a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!

 

1. My wonderful, beautiful family - I was adopted at 3 months old from South Korea and I have the best family a person could ask for.  I am beyond lucky to have my mom, my dad, my sister, and all of my immediate and outside family members... that also includes Mike's family because they treat me like family as well.  I am so very blessed!  Here's a picture of me on Easter when I was little :]

 

2. My supportive and caring boyfriend, Michael - We have been together a little over 3 years, and rarely have we had our ups and downs, but it's been basically like a beautiful ride through life.  I enjoy his company very much and he is my best friend.  I couldn't ask for anything more!

 

3. My pets - I have had so many pets throughout my life - dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, and fish - and I have loved each and every one of them.  Right now I have a pug Zoey who is 2 years old (at my parents house but I still feel she is mine) and a hamster Pancake who is about 1 years old.  Animals bring so much joy to my life!!

 

4. I am lucky to have the most amazing friends... they bring out the best in me, and my true friends are just everything I need.  I am most comfortable with my truest of friends (including my boyfriend of course) and it's great not to be judged.  Here is a picture of me and two of my very best friends, Jamie (right) and Valerie (left).

 

5. My students and children that I have taught over the years - I have had so many classes and groups that I have worked with, and they have given me so much happiness and laughs.  K-12, all ages and personalities, they make my heart sing.  I have my group of 3rd and 4th graders this year who are my heart.  Doing everything I can, 200% as a teacher, brings me the most satisfaction about making a difference into this world.  Here is a picture of me and my coworker, Heather (2nd grade teacher)

 

6. My health - I only have a few minor health issues (as everyone does) but in general, my health is great.  I can breathe freely without any pain and I have my own two legs to walk with.  I am very blessed for my health and being pain free (most days) :]

7. My talent of music - No one can ever take that away from me.  I learned to play the piano from the age of 7 through high school, and it has been a privilege to teach little children how to play as well. 

 

Link up and tell me what you feel lucky about.. it's really great to think about and reflect why we are truly lucky.  I look forward to reading your posts :)

 

Five for Friday [March 15th]

Hello again... blogging two times today! :] Feels good!  I of course have time to link up with Kasey from Doodle Bugs Teaching... she's so great, isn't she?! And what a wonderful linky to do on my most favorite day of the week [besides Saturday!]

1. I have been teaching my kiddos magnets all week.  They had so much fun with the kit I purchased from Lakeshore... I purchased a bunch of kits from Lakeshore to get the students ready for state testing.. they loved it!

2. I had parent teacher conferences this week... and they went really well.  It is always hard to schedule them in, but we had a half day today specifically for conferences. I love my class and they are doing great. I am happy that my parents know I am doing my very best for their children!

3. Finished a book called "Still Life with Elephant" by Judy Reene Singer.  I really enjoyed it because it is about a woman who goes through difficulties in her marriage and in life, and overcomes obstacles to find herself with the help of rescuing an elephant in Zimbabwe.  A great read [I love when I actually have time to read and get lost in a good book!]

4. Made my spring break plans.... getting my wisdom teeth out and babysitting the rest of the vacation full-time.  Hmm.. not really a vacation, huh?  Well, I am scared to death to get my wisdom teeth out because I am a baby.. I've had 11 baby teeth pulled in my life, and some of them were bad but not too too bad, but this just freaks me out for some reason.  They don't hurt me or bother me either. Oh well! At least I won't have to keep thinking about it and putting it off!  Wish me luck in 2 weeks!

 

5. My class did lots of St. Patrick's Day projects and fun... here's a picture of the amazing Sunny Days in Second Grade's wonderful freebie that my class completed.  They loved it her Lucky Family Project! Denise is the greatest. The first picture below shows Denise's examples of her board.  So cute! We also made Leprechaun dirt pudding!! Miss Mound is so great with Pinterest and keeping up with our yummy holiday snacks. The 2-4th graders loved it! Yum...!

 

 



I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

My Advice to YOU :)

I am linking up with Ms. Fultz's Corner (she's so wonderful, isn't she?!) with her "My Advice to You Linky."  I am very excited to link up, but also read the amazing advice from years and years of teaching experience (from fabulous bloggers!) I must tell you, that blogging and TPT have changed my life.  So grateful!

I have been teaching for about 3, 3 1/2 years now, but that also comes with about 9 years experience in the classroom (and I am only 27!)  I started as a teacher aide when I was in high school, so I feel I have had so many great memories with students ages 4 through 18! I am no expert of course, but here is some advice that maybe will connect with others so they can take that with them --

 

1. Lesson plan, but be flexible enough to change an activity at any given point!

         This is a definite for me since I will rarely stick to a lesson plan.  If something isn't going the way you had planned, THATS OK :] Don't beat yourself up about it, just alter it and as you develop experience, you can find ways to change it on the spot.  While you are building that flexibility, have other activities ready.. just in case!

 

2. Change up your activities! Your students deserve it!

        As an early teacher, I have definitely learned that to make your students enjoy learning and engage in any subject, you don't always need to give worksheet after worksheet.  I am a Grade 3/4 teacher, and I could easily give them a worksheet for everything, I am sure... but I don't!  Math centers are one of their favorite parts where they can demonstrate to me what they know and the skills they learned, without writing it all on paper (unless it is with a fun dry erase marker and laminated activity sheet!)

 

3. Always check out TPT and TN!! There are tons of activities!

        I cannot emphasize enough how absolutely wonderful and amazing Teachers Pay Teachers and Teacher's Notebook is.  I get activities from them all the time because guess what, they are created by teachers just like us! Do you know how many freebies and great priced items there are?? It will save you a lot of time and money.  I go on these sites daily and there is always something new... you would be crazy NOT to check it out ;] It's been so helpful and rewarding.

 

4. Organization is key!

         One of my biggest pieces of advice is to try and stay organized wherever you can.  I know it is difficult when there are kiddies running around, papers all over to be corrected, but do your best to keep them in a pile, label with post its, and if you have a free minute, get those papers corrected - it WILL make a difference later on when you are at home and can relax.  I find that labels, bins, and folders help me out a lot. 

Please let me know if you need anything... I know what it is like being a first year teacher, and I want to help you in any way I can.  It is my favorite part of blogging and doing all of this... helping YOU and my kids :]

 

Please link up with Ms. Fultz, she's wonderful!! Check out the other amazing advice from other great teachers... thanks for reading!

Let's Get Acquainted Linky Party

I am linking up with Latoya over at Flying into First Grade :) So excited to link up with her very first Linky Party!! And such a great idea because we get to learn a little bit about one another.. Make sure you check it out!

 

So, my initials are: LSB

 

L is for my LOVE of taking care of myself... I do not often treat myself, buy things for myself, or even give myself the relaxation that I need, but when I do, it is my favorite thing in the whole world.  It probably happens once every month that I actually take the time to breath deep and relax.. isn't that sad?! But I have compiled a group of pictures that are all things that help me to take care of myself and that I love!

 

S is for SEON which is my middle name.. it has been americanized, but it stands for something wonderful, my mom assures me :) (Sunshine, or something happy.)  It makes me ME because that was my first name when I was adopted from South Korea at just 3 months old.  I feel so special and I am sure have gone through some obstacles with it, but I cannot tell you how lucky I feel to have the best family, friends, and boyfriend in the world.. especially my family. How amazing and unbelievable for them to take me as their own XOXO Every day no matter what my struggles, I feel very, very lucky! Here is a picture of me as a baby :)



 

B is for BUBBLES which I always love to blow! I love Orbit bubble gum and blowing gigantic bubbles.. I can't help it! It also helps me with my diet when I just pop in a piece of gum and chew it's yummy goodness! (Below is a picture of me blowing a bubble... and my friend Pickle in the background!)

 

Well, my post was probably more serious than most, but I like to share things with you all.. I hope you like reading!! I promise I am very silly a lot of the time too (ask anyone who is in my life)! But definitely think about linking up with Mrs. Reed... I'd love to learn more about you!

I have updated many of my products... I am very happy about them.  Please check out some of them below by clicking on the pictures!