Catch-Up & I’ve Been Tagged!

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It’s been a few days since my last post…I was so excited to spend this past weekend just relaxing and catching up on some units and laminating. Yeah, that’s definitely not my ideal weekend, but it was desperately needed! Then, late Friday night a stomach bug/virus hit big time. Ugh, I haven’t felt so sick in a long time. I’m not back to myself 100% yet, but I am feeling better thankfully. Needless to say very little unit planning and laminating was accomplished, but before the bug hit, I did get around to printing and laminating these money posters from my President’s Day Unit. You can also get them here separately.



I was hoping to have a mini Valentine’s Day Unit that I am working on posted over the weekend, but it’s going to take another day or so but definitely be on the lookout for it. Until then, Kara from Treadwell’s Math Adventures tagged me in a “Bloggy Tag.” Thank you, Kara!

The rules are as follows:
1. Post the rules
2. Post 12 fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create 12 new questions for the people you tagged.
4. Tag 12 people and link them in your post.
5. Let them know that they have been tagged.

12 Fun Facts About Myself:

1. I have a minor in Sociology. I chose Sociology because I found it to be the most interesting out of the list of options I had. The most interesting Sociology class I took was on how popular culture affects society. I’m a pop culture lover!

2. I love to travel! Stick me on a plane and I’ll go anywhere! Some places on my must-visit list are Japan, Russia, and China.

3. Technology is my strong suit. I incorporate it as much as I can into my classroom. I’m also the “go-to” person whenever there is a technology issue at school. đŸ™‚

4. I’m a car nut. I love a nice, clean car. I can’t stand to have anyone eating in my car. It literally makes me nervous.

5. I’m fascinated by current news and history. The Boston Globe’s Big Picture Site posts pictures from around the world and is very interesting.

6. The Wii is one of my favorite things! I love Wii Fit, Wii Sports, the EA Active Series, the Just Dance Series, Country Wii Dance, and anything and everything Mario!

7. Lime Green is my favorite color.

8. Math is my favorite subject to teach! It was also my favorite subject as a student.

9. I enjoy doing crafts. I don’t get around to doing many anymore but every now and then I’ll get in the mood and complete a project.

10. My favorite candy is Sour Patch Kids, especially the red and green ones!

11. I love to pull out board games from my childhood (Kerplunk, Guess Who, Pay Day, Thin Ice, etc.) every now and then to play for nostalgia’s sake.

12. I love to watch documentaries!

Now onto the 12 questions from Kara!

1. If you’re a “pinner”, what’s your favorite item you’ve pinned? Oh my, I’m a Pinterest addict! I don’t think I can choose one favorite pin. Pinterest has truly changed my teaching. There are so many fabulous ideas. My most helpful pins have probably been with Guided Reading/Comprehension.
2. Who is your favorite children’s author or book in general? Robert Munsch hands down! As for a “grown-up” book, I’m currently reading Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. It’s a fascinating take on what makes high-achievers different.
3. What is your favorite dessert? I’m a sweet-lover, which is not so great. I love chocolate, candy, ice cream, and chips!
4. What is your most memorable school moment? As a student, it would be when my second grade teacher gave me my own spelling list. I did well in school and never forgot how she differentiated for me when most teachers didn’t. As a teacher, I love the little moments. Two years ago I had such a wonderful, special class. They were just one of those rare groups that comes along every now and then. They’ll always hold a sweet spot with me. Last year one of my sweetest moments was when I had the sweetest, most adorable little boy who was learning English in my class. He didn’t know how to tie his shoes, so I often helped him. One day I told him how sweet he was and asked if is his mom told him that all the time, and he so sweetly and innocently responded, “Yes, but in Spanish.” đŸ™‚
5. Any advice you would give to a new blogger (like myself)? I’m still kind of new to the blogging scene, but my best advice (from what I have learned) is to get a layout designed for you, participate in blog link-ups, interact with fellow bloggers and leave and respond comments, post to Pinterest and other social networks, design well-thought out lessons, and post often.
6. What’s your favorite TV show? My favorite current shows are The Middle, Last Man Standing, and Rock Center. Oldies that I love are Home Improvement, Everybody Loves Raymond, Full House, Roseanne, and The Nanny.
7. How did you learn the tricks of blogging? I’m pretty good with technology, but anything I’ve ‘accomplished’ blogging has been from trial and error. I see what works for others and I try to incorporate some of that with my own spin. Really it just depends on good content, a good layout, and putting yourself out there.
8. What is your favorite math game? As a kid I loved Number Munchers (does anyone remember this game?) and Math Around the World.
9. What is your guilty pleasure? Watching TV while browsing the Internet and eating something that isn’t good for me (candy or desserts). Ha.
10. What is your favorite band/song right now? I’m loving the Joyful Noise Soundtrack right now!
11. Do you sew? Would you recommend buying a sewing machine? I’ve never learned how to sew, but I would love to. Sewing is a skill I wish I knew.
12. Favorite place to buy teacher things? Target’s Dollar Spot, our local Parent-Teacher Store, and Teachers Pay Teachers (I’m a sucker for the amazing lessons teachers come up with!)

My Questions:
  1. What is your favorite subject and/or unit to teach?
  2. Of all the places you have ever visited, which is your most favorite and why?
  3. Name your favorite color!
  4. What is something you wish you could teach/do differently with your class?
  5. What was your favorite grade as a student, and why?
  6. What is one site, besides Pinterest or Blogger (Yes, I said that!) that you find interesting and visit often?
  7. What is your favorite book that you read with your class?
  8. Name a special skill or talent you wish you had.
  9. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
  10. What is your favorite perfume?
  11. What is a weakness that you have as a teacher?
  12. What is a strength that you have as a teacher?
TAG… You’re It!
  1. Jennifer at First Grade Blue Skies
  2. Kristy at Cozart’s Class
  3. Michelle at Teach 123
  4. Kristin from Reading. Writing. Thinking. Sharing.
  5. Mrs. Wheeler from Mrs. Wheeler’s First Grade
  6. Mrs. McKown from Little Literacy Learners
  7. Jessica from Glitzy in 1st Grade
  8. Miss Toffee from Miss Toffee’s Class
  9. Ms. Durning from Second Grade is Splendid
  10. Jenaya from The Lesson Plan Diva
  11. Kris from Teaching… with Love
  12. Andrea from Cheers to School