September 22, 2011

Small Wins and a Recipe

I've had some great small wins this week and getting my babies trained and ready to go! I love breaking through with the "hard kids" and getting them to really trust me. I've had a couple of precious heart-to-hearts with some of my girls to let them know I'm on their side and we're a team. The results have been great. I highly recommend a "secret sign" to remind them to get back on track so their name isn't being said constantly...

Our Promethean Smart Board has had most of the kinks worked out so the kiddos and I are loving exploring it's capabilities. That is helping for engagement and motivation as well. Promethean Boards are the next generation Smart Board so they are a little different. Any advice? This is my first time with this technology!

Lots of little aha moments too which lets me know that in the midst of reviewing for our state tests (in Oct) and dealing with behavior/character training they are still growing and learning. Yay! Here's to more and more of that as our learning environment becomes increasingly effective!

Lastly...I took out some of my stress on baking last night. I made the most delicious and surprisingly healthy Fall Cake! Seriously only 5 ingredients!

Mix 1 box of cake mix (any flavor but I used spice) with 1 15 oz can of pumpkin- beat for 2 minutes and pour into a greased 11 x 7 pan. Bake at 350 for 30 or so minutes.

While it cools mix 1 cup powdered sugar (although this was a bit much so next time I'll reduce it) with 2 T apple cider and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Drizzle over cake and serve. No eggs, oil, milk, or butter needed. I even ate it for breakfast this am and it made my morning ;-) The original recipe is here: courtesy of Babbling Abby, one of my fav blogs.

Happy first day of Fall,

September 19, 2011

Retreat

It's been a little quiet on the blog front because things have been a little, err loud, on the school and health front. Last week was pretty insane. My kiddos (whom I love) had behavior challenges, admin changed our schedule/literacy plan (and as the lit coordinator for my grade level it freaked me out a little-it's a lot of responsibility!), and my body was on strike. Needless to say I was at the end of my rope at the end of the week. Perfect timing for a women's retreat with my faith community. I was so blessed to get some advice from veteran Urban Teachers, Let go and let God, and get some great prayer and worship time in. I came home so rested and peaceful!

I didn't do ANY school while there, other than praying about my role this year. I am so thankful that God gave me some insights into the potential reasons for these challenges and I have a renewed energy to help teach, model, and practice appropriate citizenship and learning behavior this coming week. We will get there, it's only week 3! I am again so thankful for my job, my co-workers, and the special little lives that are entrusted to me this year.  Have a wonderful week y'all. Remember to breathe, remember who's in control :-)

September 8, 2011

25 Blessings

Can't wait to catch up this weekend and share about my first week teaching my 5ths! For now, in honor of my 25th b-day today, I'm going to share 25 different blessings in my life!

25. Many great teachers who have inspired me to teach others
24. My years of dance
23. Being a UM Alum- Wolverine!
22. My apartment- love my introvert time
21. A reliable car for my commute
20. Diet Coke
19. Facebook birthday love
18. The teacher blogging community
17. The adoption blogging community
16. Foam Rollers and Heating Pads
15. My life journey- especially the past 4 years
14. My JOB!
13. Summers off to refuel
12. The ability to teach with the arts, each and every day
11. Faith, Hope, and Love
10. My kittens, Margaret and Samuel
9. My SCS
8. Music
7. My high school youth group ladies
6. Word of Life- my wonderful faith community
5. Amazing co-workers and admin at my school
4. My fabulous new students
3. My wonderful friends
2. My family who lives nice and close
1. My God who makes all things possible with grace and strength

Lots of love. To all the teachers out there- hope your first week (or more) is going well!