Look What I Bought...

Howdy everybody! If you know me, you know that I love a sale! Teachers Pay Teachers is such an awesome place for all things resource and I can't wait to share with you some of the goodies that I bought to make life in fourth grade a little more AMAZING!

I kinda sorta have an addiction to task cards. Like seriously. There are SO many things that can be done with them and with the right companion activity can be a great way to differentiate for all learners. Mary of Teaching with a Mountain View  has great resources that I can't get enough of!!

 Ok...I have a slight confession. I bought several more...LOL!

I also purchased a math STAAR review for my kiddos that covers all the skills that will be tested on the spring test (STAAR is the Texas standardized test for our kiddos).  Another store that I absolutely love is The Science Penguin! If you haven't checked out her awesome science resources, they are definite must haves!

Of course, no sale would be complete without a little clipart! It's like icing on the cake for sure! Creative Clips by Krista Wallden and graphics by Ashley of The School Supply Addict are perfect to satisfy my clipart addiction!

So...what did you buy? I am just dying to see all the awesome resources that you were able to scoop up during the sale and of course,start filling that wish list again! 

 Come link up with us at Blog Hoppin' but make sure to follow the rules and show lots of love! 

It's a Super Sunday Surprise!

Happy Super Sunday! I am joining my sweet friends at Blog Hoppin' and throwing a sale! 

Make sure to check back tomorrow for another special surprise! You won't want to miss it! 

New Year's Resolution- Professional Goals

I am linking up with Amy of The Resourceful Room 

for day 4 of the New Year's Resolution Linky at Blog Hoppin'! 

At the begin of this year, my principal asked us to think of a word that would inspire us for the year. One that we could use to remind us of what our goal for our students would be as we plan for them, create our classroom environments and develop relationships with each of them. 

Mine was simple. 

EMPOWER

I want my students to feel that in everything they do in life, especially in learning. Learning can be as deep or as superficial as we allow it to be and I wanted my students to SEEK LEARNING independent of me, the classroom and our school. I want to plant the seed of curiosity just enough that they, on their own, want to learn more about what they have learned and develop an environment of more questions than answers. 

One of the things that I have incorporated is using technology has often as possible. My students have full access of all the computers in my room (during anytime of the day that is not direct instruction). I model using Google to find answers to questions about just about anything and how to turn those answers into more questions. I encourage them to share any new information with the class during our lessons and love the discussions that they have from their independently found information.

My kids blog. Oh yes, and they love it! We use kidblog.org and the students blog about both given prompts and anything that might interest them. I was surprised by how much they wanted to do this (after all it is writing...lol) and some of the posts are just to funny to read. I am also really happy that we started this because I have two students that will be leaving me in the spring and this will be a great way to keep in touch with their classmates!! My goal with this is to make sure to comment more often and encourage it as part of their homework. We will be setting some new expectations now that we have played with it for a little while and this will be done as a class next week so that there is investment and ownership of what we are doing with the blogs (mostly revisit rules about grammar and punctuation, expectations for assignments vs. free writes and commenting etiquette.)   

Another focus will be the use of  The Genius Hour as a way to tap into what interests my students. I ran across this idea one day last semester as I was searching for ways to challenge and enrich my students classroom experience. This instantly peeked my interest and when I saw my super sweet friend Jennifer of Runde's Room (I just adore her!!) was doing it with her class, I became super...SUPER excited! My kiddos have already been introduced to this concept and are just dying to get started. I think that this is going to be amazing and a great way to balance out testing stress and anxiety for the kiddos (and for me too)! I will definitely be posting about this and am considering creating a blogging series about it too...YES!

Well, I am off to research laptops! My beloved laptop has seen her last days and unfortunately after replacing the screen, there just wasn't any saving her. Wish me luck! Big purchases make me so nervous!

Make sure to stop by Blog Hoppin' and share some love!

New Year's Resolutions with Blog Hoppin- Fitness

Another fabulous day of planning for 2014 and this one I think may be the one that I am the most excited about...fitness! Ok, seriously don't laugh! I am really excited about this one because I am coming in with a plan and believe that this is going to be the year that I finally get this weight and fitness issue under control! 

This is the plan:

1. My gifts are my motivation. 

This Christmas and for my birthday I asked for anything that  would keep me motivated. I appreciate everything that my family has given to me and I want to make sure to show that appreciation by putting their sweet presents to good use! The only thing I need is a couple of tops and I am ready to go...I am pretty sure that means I get to go shopping....win-win! Woohoo!

2. Get back to my running routine with Couch to 5K.

If you are trying to get build up to becoming a runner then this is the app for you. I love this app and was really good about it until the craziness of  December hit and throw my schedule off. But no more! This girl will be out there days of the week for sure! More if I can swing it! 

3. Plan for Diet 

Right now, I'll be honest. It's make it until I get back to work. Monday will be the day that I can finally get a handle of all the holiday and birthday eating! I am the first to admit that I have done just about every diet out there but the one thing I have noticed through it all is a) my body does not like bad carbs even though they taste oh so good and b)I need to eat smaller meals/ snacks rather than big meals. I have done Atkins and was very successful with that and I have also done Weight Watchers lost weight, but I don't stick to it and that is the BIG PROBLEM. 

So with what I do know, I am now looking into the Paleo Diet. A very sweet friend of mine, Rachelle, had amazing success with it and the more I read about it, the more it sounds like me! I am still doing a little more research and making sure that it's something that I can sustain but with all the support I get from my Facebook groups, friends and family...it's looking like a great choice!

4. Drink more water....GULP!

Seriously,  I am more of a coffee and diet coke kinda girl but I also know that when I do drink water....it does kinda sorta do all the things that people always rave about. My way around this, while I get use to it, is to flavor that H2O! I have been on Pinterest and already have several yummy looking choices and that makes me a happy girl! All I need now is a GIGANTIC water bottle (and I am sure that it would help if it were really cute)...which is on my list with my tops for running...sweet!!

Now, it's your turn! 

Take a look at awesome post by my dear friend Kelley over at Blog Hoppin and join in the fun! 

New Year's Resolution with Blog Hoppin'- Crafting and Creating

I am linking up with my lovely blogging friend Cindy over at Blog Hoppin' to share my resolutions on crafting and creating! I'll be honest. I am not crafty. I really want to be but once I get started my OCD kicks in and I can't ever seem to get it right. I tweak, adjust, add and subtract and in the end...it's not quite what I envisioned in my head. But....I am going to start small and remember that it doesn't have to be perfect....it more about the process and the purpose. So with that in mind, this is going to be my first project:

I saw this by Tara of Fourth Grade Frolics (she also has a super cute Made It series if you haven't check out her blog). I have the letters to do my daughter's name and would love to make these for my classroom. The best part is that I can paint all the edges to cover all my little mistakes. Woohoo! 

As for creating, this is where my students and you come in. I always create for Teachers pay Teachers with my students in mind. My resources are always something that I use with my students and in my classroom and I share them on TpT with the hopes that it will help another teacher out as well. I am setting a small goal for myself to create one new product a month. Just one but if more  happen than  awesome! I also want to focus more on my freebies so with all this creating, I am going to be a busy bee!

What are you planning to craft or create? I'd love to find out so make sure to link up at Blog Hoppin' and leave me a comment! 

Make sure you check back tomorrow! I'll be sharing my fitness goals and they are HUGE!! 

New Year's Resolution with Blog Hoppin': Fun and Family

Happy 2014! It hard to believe that 2013 is wrapped up and in the past and we start today with a fresh new outlook. I love this time of year because it forces us to think about our lives and how we want to view the world and the actions we want to take to make each year a memorable year.

This year is one that will bring about a lot of change. My beautiful daughter is in fifth grade and I know that this spring will simply fly by and before I know it she will be in middle school. Middle school...how did that happen so quickly! Where has the time gone? 

So one of my resolutions for this year is to spend time with her. Not just doing homework or taking her to dance, but really spend time with her. I would love to spend time taking her to dinner or painting or anything that her heart desires. It had to happen because if these last ten years have flown by the. I know I will blink and I will be sending her off to college....sniff, sniff! 

I say this every year and every year I fall in the trap....I say that I want to spend less time thinking about school, more time with family. I am sure that you have been there too. It is definitely a conscious effort to make it happen but I am beyond determined to put my family first and rest assured that everything else will get done. 

So, now it's your turn. Go check out the New Year's Resolution linky that we have going on at Blog Hoppin'! My sweet friend Rachel wrote an awesome post that you won't want to miss and we can't wait for you to share your resolutions for the new year! 

         

School Year Success with Kristen at Labybug's Teacher Files

This school year truly is flying by! We only have 24 days left and as I look back at the class that I received in August, I think that there are several things to celebrate!

First, this group has shown me a great deal about classroom management. I have been teaching for 11 years and I have a lot of tricks in my bag. But every once in a while, a class comes around and shows you that maybe...just maybe... you need a few more tricks! They have come such a long way and I think that this truly comes from beign consistant and being clear about my expectations. I used a very colorful chart this year, that allowed for opportunities to redeem themselves and their choices (which really worked for this groups of kiddos). If you would like to read more and grab a copy of my chart, click here. I also made sure that their was an accountablility piece that would allow them to reflect on their behavior. You can click here to read more about classroom management during stations click here.

Another great success that I have had this school year is my development of new and fresh ideas for my class. Not only have I found amazing new resources from my blogging friends, I have also challenged myself to create some new and exciting things (and am having a BLAST doing it!) The kiddos are loving it and I feel so filled when the lesson that I have worked so hard to make perfect creates great learning moments! To see a few of the things that I have made, check out my blog or go to my Teachers Pay Teachers Store. That has been an adventure all of its own :)

Every year, around this time, I like to think about what I would like to do differently (or maybe better) that the year before. This summer, I think I am going to reread my Daily Five book and work on way to incorporate the CAFE into my instruction next year....well, that's if I am teaching reading.... or first grade for that matter....hmm, maybe  better wait until a little further in May to make any plans ;)

Classroom Mangagement with Curls and a Smile

I saw this great linky party that Mrs. Randall was having and wanted to join in!

I have a great color chart that I use in my classroom! It has done wonders fro my students and their behavior in the classroom. No matter what you choose to do in your classroom, consistancy is the key. Once students know the expectations and that those expectations will not change, the kiddos will try to reach that expectation. Want to know more and snag a copy of my behavior/color chart?

Click here

Having some trouble with little ones staying engaged in their Daily 5 or Work stations?

Click here

Hope this is helpful and make sure to check in a little later for a ROYAL UPDATE...... :)

Meet Ms. Morgart

Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t a teacher?                                             
A:  I love anything that has to do with Broadway!! I would love to be on the stage...I also went to College witht the intent to become a doctor. I love to learn about the human body.

Q: What are your hobbies?                                                                                    
A:  Spending time with my family and friends, reading, photography, watching Glee (yes, I admit it, I am a total GLEEK) and blogging (my newest hobby!)                                            

Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?                     
A: I wanted to be a doctor and the President of the United States....yes... both...

Q: What are your guilty pleasures?                                                                  
 A: Speciality cupcakes, Starbucks, diet coke and Glee

Q: When you’re on vacation, where do you like to go?                                   
 A: Somewhere exciting!! A place where I know I will have fun AND learn new things! I love to travel and wish I could do it more often.
                                                          
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?                                                   
A:  Find strength in yourself . You are capable of great things if you are willing to try.

Q: What do you value most in others?                                                                   
A:  Honesty, compassion and kindness towards others.

Q: If you could choose one of your personality traits to pass down to your kids, what would it be?                                                                                                        
A: My calm determination.

Q: If you could have lunch with anyone in the world….living or dead…who would it be?                                                                                                               
A:  Barack Obama and his family....most definitely! A more realistic person maybe Debbie Diller so I could ask her lots of questions about things I can do for my classroom :)...and some of my very successful and wonderful blogging teacher friends to share school and blogging tips!!

Now tell us one random thing about yourself:

After many weeks of wondering what to name my blog, it finally hit me! One of the things that has always made me so unique is my wonderfully curly, curly hair! And the smile....well, that comes from the fact that I have the BEST family ever and from what I get to do everyday...TEACH! I have a million reasons to smile...so TAH DAH!! Curls and a Smile was born.....

I am a font freak...lol! I love to collect fonts and use them in everything that I can imagine! I also enjoy collecting pens and well, anything that can be purchased at an office supply store. I have become a total blog junkie and LOVE gathering ideas from so many talented teachers. My students love it and my team is enjoying all the new and fresh ideas that have come from my new found hobby :)