July already! Well...July currently

Hello everyone! Today is July 1st and I think you know what that means. Time for another currently! I still love these things.

Listening-->I just finished an episode of Big Brother. Did you watch it? Is it too early to backdoor? Did Audrey really need to get to everyone in the middle of the night?!

Loveing--> So I mentioned some time last year about my weight loss and fitness journey. I've been on the struggle bus people. I was doing SOOO well but recently I've gained a little weight. I'm hoping some was muscle but I'm betting most of it was not. I didn't gain a ton but I am taking it very badly. I've been great with my kickboxing workouts but I'd be lying if I didn't say I haven't reincorporated some sweets. I mean...c'mon free goodies were everywhere at school in May. EVERYWHERE!

So I'm recently back on the My Fitness Pal and trying to make good choices. That said I still have some sweet tooth cravings. Enter Quest Bars! They're my favorite protein bar (and I've tried quite a few)

My favorite flavor!

I also have to remember that even though I've had a bit of a backslide I'm no where near where I began.

I haven't had the nerve to share a before/after on fb. On the left is a few years ago NYE I think and on the right is the other day after I went jogging. 

Thinking--> I absolutely love having time to myself and to reenergize during the summer. I love it. I know that we all do professional development, Pin a ton of ideas, blog/read blogs, IG or IG stalk, attend meet-ups, take classes and do so much during the summer that most people never consider. But I'd be lying if I didn't throw in as much relaxation and fun as possible. Right?! Saturday I'm hanging with some friends that I haven't seen a while and we'll be doing some day...well...day imbibing, lol. (yeah I get that that is weird after my above comment but I'll be mindful) And then Saturday night I want to go and photograph some fireworks. I've been trying to get better w/ my Nikon skills. I practiced the other night.

Wanting--> Froyo! My true vice. And it's not that froyo is that bad....but I love to load it with melted peanut butter. Just thinking about it made me gain a pound, lol. 

a google image from my favorite local place. Yum

Needing--> A shower! I didn't go to my regular workout class today. I decided to go for a run. (okay I'm slow and can't go too far so maybe a jog) and then I went on a bike ride. I haven't showered yet and needless to say I am not April fresh.

All Star--> I joke around and I talk a lot but I'm actually a pretty good listener. I remember what is said and when wanted I try to offer thoughtful advice. I can also keep a secret. I'm often a sounding board for friends/family. 

Okay. Your turn! Go link up. 

Currently March

I haven't done one of these in ages! Not because I am tired of them but because I've been so stinkin' busy I always forget. :( I used to be on top of it.

Listening--> Criminal Minds--Netflix recommended it and there are like 8 seasons for me to binge watch! (currently season 3)

Loving-->2hr delay call--I'm VERY thankful to have this phone call the night before and not at 5:30am when I struggle to go back to sleep. We got a bunch of snow last night so I'm hoping for a safe trip....just 2hrs later.

Thinking-->I'm hungry!! (I have a candy-baresque protein bar calling my name...I hear it now telling me to type quicker!)

Wanting-->What I'd really love is to sit down with a jar of almost butter (or any nut butter really) and a spoon. This has proven unhelpful to my weight loss endeavors though....a healthy fat is still a fat and needs to be in moderation....or whatever

Needing-->Haha, willpower to not eat the aforementioned almond butter (it was ON SALE & I had a coupon...I **had** to buy it)

Spring Break Plans-->Sigh....I know I do not want to be home and bored. I am looking at plane tickets to Florida. I hate not having a plan.

Speaking of snow....have you checked out my Snow Day inspired freebies?

click here

click here

December Currently

I have not done one of these in forever! I missed them but I have just forgotten at the beginning of each month and then I didn't remember until it was far too late.

1. Listening-->Okay so not very Christmasy BUT I'm Netflix hooked.
2. Loving-->I put up my tree on Friday at home and my classroom tree on Saturday. I love driving around and seeing houses decorated and ready for the season. (Now that it's actually past Thanksgiving that is)
3. Thinking-->Cyber Monday! So I will say all the cyber deals I took advantage of were for me...so again maybe not the spirit but I got protein bars and workout stuff.
4. Wanting-->$$$ I wish I had enough money to spoil my loved ones. However, I do truly believe that it's the thought behind the present.
5. Needing-->Okay, I'm in Indiana. I CANNOT deal with cold and sunset at 5pm. I just can't. I'm ready for my jammies and bedtime by seven!
6. Giving--> Here is a link to my Santa Letter Writing freebie packet. I'm using it this week to teach the 5 parts of a friendly letter and to being writing our letters to Santa.

---
Each December I teach the kiddos how to write a friendly letter. I really make it a big deal because we are going to send these to someone special. SANTA. I swear saying that word to first graders is like yelling "Look, Justin Beiber!" in a crowded mall, lol.

I have them remember the five parts by incorporating touch. 
Heading--Point to our our head
Greeting--Point to our mouth
Body--Point to our bellies
Closing--Snap our legs together like a soldier
Signature--Stick a foot out like you're pointing with your toe

After a few repetitions they start to pick it up.

You'll see in my Santa template page that it's not all about "I want". I encourage them to tell Santa about themselves, whether they've been naughty or nice, and to ask questions. Then, after that they can ask for three (or so) things that they'd like to have.

During morning meeting (calendar time) we add a question to Santa to our chart paper so they get an idea of what to write in their letter. (And it sneaks in teaching/reviewing asking sentences!)

The neatest thing is that once all the letters are 'mailed' I really bring them to the fifth grade teachers. The fifth grade teachers hype up the fifth graders and the fifth graders pretend to be elves and they write my kiddos back. So, about a week passes and I get a beautifully ornate envelope back from...SANTA!! The principal brings it in my classroom like it's urgent business. I read every letter to the firsties. (The fifth graders explain that Santa was busy so an elf wrote them back. They think of the cutest elf names)

Click here to get your freebie

June Currently

It's not that I didn't know yesterday was the 1st. It's not that I was super busy. I just kinda forgot it was 'Currently Day' but don't worry blogging buddies, I remembered today. I actually posted a really cute student writing prompt last night.

Brought to you by Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade here is my June Currently.

Listening--> Last night I took some time to organize visit my iTunes library. I have such a weird eclectic taste in music. I just finally made a playlist called "Catch All" that is full of 90s, hip hop, Alternative, oldies, soundtrack faves, and misc. music that I love. When I was filling out my currently there was a Hank Williams Jr. song playing---then it switched to Neon Trees, lol.

Loving-->Today is the first official day of my summer break. I slept in, went on a nice walk and the weather was great for it. I took a nice shower and I'm waiting on the washer to finish while I blog. Pretty chill and that's what I wanted from today.

Thinking-->Haha, I kinda already covered that. I'm usually so good at remember each first that I get to do a Currently.

Wanting-->Each summer I have this thing with not wanting to be too busy/stressed because it ruins my break and makes if fly by but I also don't want to be bored....blech. So I'd like to maintain a balance for the next how many ever weeks before I get back into full-on teacher mode.

Needing-->Just for today--I'm content.

Summer Bucket List--> 
1. As some of you may remember I'm a weight loss journey. It's a lifelong journey not a short-term trip. I need to maintain active. I'd really like a regimented program. Suggestions for a beginner? (I'm willing/wanting to build endurance but stamina is pretty low)

2. I have some books on my Nook that I'm dying to dive into. I don't know about you but I have to be in a certain reading mode and I go through reading phases where I'll read several books in a row and then not read for a while. My awesome coworker wrote a book and it was recently published. I started his book but haven't finished it and it's the first one I'll dive into. If you'd like to read more about it click here. He's a fifth grade teacher, a great guy, and one of the best teachers I've ever worked with.

3. I wanna go somewhere! It can be a road trip or a plane ride but I don't want to be 'home' all summer!

I should also say I'd like to blog and create more. I had a lot of personal stuff going on last year and I slacked off when it came to this wonderful community. I haven't blog 'stalked' in so long!

Finally May

Ah. May is among us my friends. We're out of school at the end of the month and that might be just in time. We've got some spring-itis going on. I wish the weather would catch on though.

I posted about this the other day and I sent it home with my kiddos today. I really hope the parents take a good look at it. I even printed it on bright bold paper to catch their eyes, lol. (Still open to suggestions)

click here to get your freebie checklist

Okay, now time for my favorite linky

Listening-->Mad Men
The new season started a few weeks ago and I've been busy and just DVRing them. Tonight I'm catching up. I missed this show.

Loving-->End of year countdown! May is soooo soooo busy. I have assessments, programs, field trip, life, etc (not that you all don't lol) but I feel so bogged down. I need sunshine and a break.

Thinking-->Despite my calendar switching to May the weather hasn't caught up. We've had some lovely days here in Indiana...just not this week. Brrr. This wind better come back in July as a nice breeze.

Wanting-->I wanna ride my bike!! C'mon sunshine.

Needing-->I need to play some music and have some movie magic happen. You know like a little cleaning montage where I jam out and in 4 minutes my home is clean and lemony fresh. That'd be nice.

Surprise!--> I found Mr. First Grade through instagram. His morning work packets got me through our awful winter when I was too busy, lazy, side-tracked, etc. to get my creative juices flowing. Check out his Morning Work ideas and his blog

Also, I wanna do this on Instagram!

I kinda sorta just saw it today so I missed #1 already but I will try my darndest to get as many days as I can. Are  you on IG? Follow me @YouMightBeAFirstGrader (I know....I know....could I have had a longer name, lol)


Link up with Farley to join in on the Currently fun!

Currently February

I can't believe I dropped the ball on Five for Friday!!! We celebrated our 100th Day and I took soooo many pics. I'll post them later in the week. I did put on IG that I'd share the link to my labels for the 100th day so here that is:

click here

Listening--> I've been watching quite a bit of Netflix lately so my DVR was getting backed up. I'm watching the finale of Top Chef right now. Ewh, spam! Yeah, I know the Superbowl is on....and I'm even from Indiana...but I just can't get into it. (oh, I guess it's not the finale-finale...just a big elimination)

Loving--> Okay, so last month I posted about my surgery. Well a few weeks ago I entered into a new stage of foods where I can have solid foods that are not pureed. I missed chewing people. You just don't understand. Today I had part of a turkey burger (leftover from yesterday's lunch w/ a friend and I still have some left!) and a turkey smoked sausage link. Not sure what's for dinner.

Thinking-->So almost since I've woken up I've had a chip on my shoulder. I'm not 100% why either. I was even talking on the phone and my friend pointed out I sounded a bit upset. I totally didn't mean to but I've been like this pretty much all day. Is that weird? Do you have fussy days? Luckily I'm not at work but I don't like being cranky all day. I thought working out would help and it kinda did but now I'm back to hovering on cranky. Maybe an early bedtime will help.

Wanting-->Okay so on January's Currently I also complained about the weather. I missed like a week of school for that snowsaster. This week I keep hearing mixed things about inches of snow or ice in my area. I try not to pay attention until it gets closer but I haven't had a full week of school since we returned (late) from winter break.  #IndianaProblems

Needing-->I need to get my butt in gear.
1. Laundry is mostly done but definitely not put away.
2. I need to work out more and actually push myself not just stay in my comfort zone
3. Make lesson plans
4. Type up new Journey's packet
5. Do dishes
So it's almost 7pm on a Sunday night so I'm not sure what all I'll get done but I need to get on it. I did accomplish some things today and I feel good about that.

2 Truths and a Fib:
1. I have never seen It's a Wonderful Life TRUE
2. I once won a bubble blowing contest TRUE (I was in 5th grade and still love to blow big bubbles!)

3. I am surprisingly good at skating INCREDIBLY FALSE
I did totally have fun on the carpeted part of the skating rink as a child though.

I love doing the monthly Currently hosted by Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade. If you want to read more or link up check her out!

A Currently Catch-Up

Hello blogland. I've been gone pretty much a month so before I share my currently I thought I'd tell you why. It hasn't been something that's been easy to talk about but I am more and more.

About two weeks ago I had weight loss surgery. I opted to have a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (vsg)I did this for health reasons. It's been a long process that I've kinda been skirting around on here for months. I had my procedure about two weeks ago. I feel pretty good now, a little low on energy, but able to do more and more each day.

I'm slowly telling friends and one of my top questions is: What do you eat? When can you eat 'real' food?

What I eat is kinda weird, lol. Protein is the focus but think of what a baby, toddler, preschooler, etc eats. I start out liquid, then pureed, then slowly introduce new easy to digest foods.

I'm totally okay with questions btw but please leave any judgment, criticism, or scare stories to yourself. That's just not supportive or conducive to healing.

Oh and this totally meant no Christmastime goodies for me! :(

Listening-->I need background noise at pretty much all times. A fave is on amazon prime--The Hunger Games. I'd really like to go and see the second one again. Oh and I'm freezing so my heat keeps kicking on.

Loving--> I was very private (until now, haha) about my surgery decision. I should've been more open. Every one I have told has been so supportive and nice. I love them and am lucky to have them in my life.

Thinking--> I'm in Indiana...I don't usually watch the weather so I'm not sure if there's a national freeze going on but check this out:

I'm sorry....a high of negative 3?????? Who would like an exchange teacher? I'll come live with you and teach with you and grade for you!

Wanting--> a sandwich....no, I'm not hungry really but I just miss chewing and the simplicity of a turkey sandwich

Needing-->Due to surgery I missed the last 3 days before break. Great timing so I wouldn't have to miss much work but I was super sad to miss those 3 days with my kiddos. :( I need to go in and get ready to go back! Doesn't look like the weather is going to cooperate with those wishes. The roads are pretty bad right now.

Memory--> This year's holiday memory for me will be popsicles. I eat sugar free popsicles to stay hydrated and get some yummy flavor. I'm like a kid again, lol

I've been concentrated on my doctor stuff and not in the mindset of TpT and lately low on energy so I haven't created anything in a while. I'm slumming. One of my goals is to get back on track with this.


I do feel bad for being gone so long so you can get my January centers in my TpT store 20% off for a limited time!

click here to see the original post

also these February items will be included in the sale

click here

click here

click here

wanna link up with a currently?

Currently-Math & Reading Centers

Currently!!!

Listening-->A few years ago my brother told me I'd like the show Heroes. I didn't watch it then but recently saw it on Netflix & thought I'd give it a go. I'm hooked! I'm currently on the last season and I'm hoping it doesn't abruptly end because of cancellation.

Loving--> I worked really hard on math and reading centers and now I can kinda take it easy. I'm working on a little phonics thing but I'm so happy to have them already printed, laminated, and kid-tested.

Thinking-->D'oh. I did a copy & paste and forgot to change the words. I'm thinking I am happy I went on a walk to day. Nippy but I'm glad I did it.

Wanting--> So on my birthday (10/5) I got a manicure. I splurged a little and got a gel manicure. It is still on my nails 4weeks later. It's not perfect but if I wanted to I could stretch it out a bit longer. But the tips are showing a bit of wear and you can see where my nails have grown out now.

Needing--> So I guess a manicure isn't a *need*... I'd settle for a sticker happy person that loves to grade papers.

A yummy pin!--> I have a whole board dedicated to sweets and a other board dedicated to savory. Well tis the season for leftovers (I'm so not a fan of leftovers) so I found pin that might make them more bearable:
Bacon Cheddar Patty Cakes (made with leftover mashed potatoes)

source

Here is a link to my more savory pins:
Here is a link to my sweet pins:



Thank goodness I made these last year. I've been so busy with my Journeys packets, new reading series, and chatty class that I haven't really had time to develop a new seasonal unit. This is probably the first unit I made using .ppt and is one that I am most proud of. Looking back at my old units I've come a long way!!!


In this packet you'll get writing prompts, graphic organizers, and reading/phonics center activities.

• nonsense word game (multi-player)
• nonsense/real word sorting
• ABC order (with worksheet)
• Sorting naming words and action words (with worksheet)
• Contractions (with worksheet)
• 4 graphic organizers
• 3 different writing prompts (each with three leveled writing papers) 
• images of sample anchor charts with words to use for Pilgrim Venn Diagram

Yes, the secret ingredient is LOVE. lol

A freebie!!!

This is included in the packet but I wanted to share it with everyone (in the file I've typed up the words that go on the anchor charts)

the words to do this in your classroom are included when you download the preview

Click here to check it out in my TpT store! (feedback appreciated & feel free to pin)


I also had some math goodies!

click here

Here is what you'll get:

I'm also bundling this with my Reading/Writing November activities so if you get the bundle you'll save money.

Click here for the bundle

Wanna link up?

October baby!

I love these Currently linkys. I wanted to link up yesterday but I was so dang tired. :/

Wanna check out more links or link up with Farley? Click here

Listening--> We take a mid-morning snack break but the grass is very wet so we're doing it indoors. I hear kids digging through Legos, Connect 4 pieces falling to desks when the lever is released, talking in general, and kids making up rules to games. (I'm fighting the temptation to tell them how it really should be played.)

Loving-->October is my birthday month so I'm partial to it. I also like the beginning of fall. (Not the cold windy part but right now where I can still wear some capris. I also love the seasonal decorations and that we're finally into a routine and stuff with my firsties. Oh, and we even had a 2hr (fog) delay on the 1st.

Thinking-->I have  a lot of personal life type stuff happening now. I try to remember that this is only a moment in time and things will be different and that I have to get through it. Sometimes I'm just bogged down by it. (Hence my blogging absences)

Wanting--> We have reading DIBELS, TRCs, and math DIBELS. I'm so flippin' close to beigndone but it's taking FOREVER. Urgh.

Needing-->So, I've drastically cut back on my carb intake but I really just want to make a batch of gooey brownies, smother them in icing, and down them with a glass of milk. It won't happen but it definitely ran through my mind today.

Trick or Treat-->Treat! Below is freebie from last Halloween!


click here to download

September Currently w/ a Freebie

I am loving this linky. I love filling out my Currently page and reading others.

If you want to link up with Farley head on over

Here's your freebie!

click here to get your freebie

Activities include:

-Sorting Odd & Even numbers to 10
-Roll & Cover (addition to 12 or number identification to 12)
-Skip Counting (2s, 5s, 10s)
-Matching tens frames to numbers to 10
-Matching number words to numbers (to 20)
-Number pattern puzzles

August (B2s) Currently

Hello people! I'm linking up with Farley today to bring you a B2S August Currently. 

Listening--> Bones (daytime tv is not my fave so I won't miss it) It's a Christmas episode. Whenever I watch a Christmas episode during the non-Christmas season it momentarily puts me into the spirit...even if it's Bones and dead bodies and what not.

Loving-->Last summer Indiana had horribly high temps and now we're having a streak of under 80 temps. Today is the first day in over a week it's topped 80...it is cutting into my pool time though.

Thinking-->I've had a lot (a lot a lot a lot) going on in my head right now.

Wanting-->I kinda procrastinated and it just hit me the other day that I go back to school in less than 2 weeks. Oops. I need my stuff unpacked and setup stat!

Needing--> I just need a little carefree time w/ no worries. Unfortunately I don't think adults are granted such a luxury.

B2S must haves-->
1. I have a meet the teacher night the night before school starts so I need to have my stuff to parents printed out and organized.
suggestions:

click here

click here

click here

click here

2. Maybe I'm like a kid going back to school....maybe I'm a girl and like new clothes. Whatever. I just like to have a new outfit or 2 for that first week back. :D 

thinking of this dress with a white cardigan

3. I don't know about the upper grades but in first grade I can't leave a book or worksheet with directions on each desk and have the kiddos come in and get to work. I have to have something that is pretty easy to figure out and engaging. I usually do a coloring sheet because the kids file in at different times and some need more help finding their desk than others and some parents want to chitchat when dropping their kiddos off.  I have other coloring pages I've used but they're at school. 

click here

I've also seen teachers leave whiteboards on desks, and playdough to keep the younger kids engaged while the day starts. 

Head on over and link up! (I love this linky)