Sunday Funday and New Product... Finally!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Finding-Context-Clues-2775128

Good Evening!

I know I took a bit of a break from my blog. Honestly, there have been several changes the past year, but life is good, work is good, and I'm back!

This year, I have returned to my school for my second year in the district and am super pumped about recycling my units; however, I'm determined to put a fresh spin on everything. Early in the year, I like to review some skills the students should have already been taught. Context clues is a very important skill they will use throughout the year in 7th grade English, so I like to perfect their usage early in hopes they will use it on a daily basis.

This worksheet really helped them slow down and focus on the words in text. I think this really beats those vocabulary lists we were given back in the day, where all we had to do was read the word, memorize the definition, and take a test. This worksheet allows for them to ACTIVELY research and understand difficult language in some texts. The activity is very hands on, and I let them work with partners as they researched the definitions. I introduced them to the www.dictionary.com app and allowed them to use their devices. They loved it, and based on my data, it really helped them learn the strange new words!

I hope everyone has an awesome week!

Sincerely Yours,

Katie

Spring Cleaning & Free Download

Long time, no see guys! Teaching and coaching have completely taken over my life. But now that Soccer season is almost over, I can now focus just a little more attention on my dear blog.

Here is a confession: Teachers have a lot of STUFF!

I have accumulated more things for my classroom and home than I really need. Thankfully, though, I'm not one of those people that can't purge through her belonging because of reasons like, "Well, I might need that one day." My motto is: If you don't think you need it.... you probably don't need it. Simple.

And so, every April, I like to clean out my closet and small items. I admit, I'm not an expert at selling on EBay or Craigslist, but I try. After all, even if you see something for ten bucks, that's more money in the bank than you had previously.

Give it a try! Look through your many racks of clothes and donate or sell things that you really don't need. It's actually a very freeing experience. Plus, you will make room for more things, well, you really don't need again!

Keeping a log of what I am selling or giving away help me keep track of my things and it helps me see my profit in the end. I am currently saving for a house in the near future, so every cent counts!



Feel free to share with your friends!

Most Sincerely,

 

Katie

 

Thrown Together Meals

Teachers are known for, well, using what they already have, and I have learned that the same concept applies to our kitchens. There are weekends where I just don't want to leave home! And so, I try my best to use what is already in my kitchen. I like to call these "Thrown Together" meals, because I literally take what is in the pantry and throw it all together. Here is what was thrown together this past weekend....

What you will NEED:



 
 
 



 

 

Step 1: Brown left over chicken. Once cooked, add your choice of sauce or seasoning.
Step 2: Layer chicken across the BOTTOM of a casserole dish. My favorite dishes are Le Creuset in   Plum.
Step 3: Layer in CORN, BLACK BEANS, TOMATOES (cut), and AVOCADO (sliced)
Step 4: Sprinkle with any cheese of your choosing.
Step 5: Bake in oven at 350 degrees (F) for about 15 minutes
Step 6: Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream!

Please let me know how it turned out for y'all!

Most Sincerely,

 

Katie

Classroom Arts and Crafts

I love snow days, not just because they are a nice break from a teacher's crazy schedule, but because I get so much done! I think we all have little projects we want to complete, but it's so hard to find the time. That's why we have snow days.

Last week, as it sleeted outside, I finally completed a classroom DIY project I had planned for weeks. I found two small canvases in my closet a few months ago, and wondered if they could be used for anything. I am always trying to find inexpensive (or free) resources and decorations for my classroom. I looked at the blank canvases, saw a large Sharpie pen, and suddenly thought... Why not write my favorite quotes?

If you have curly and cute handwriting, this is the craft project for you! It's a simple procedure, you just need patience and a steady hand. The prints are now displayed behind my computer at work so that I have a little inspiration every morning. Here are the steps I took:

1. Place blank canvas on newspaper for table protection. Paint white (acrylic) so that the canvas surface becomes smooth. I preferred three coats.

2. Trace a faint pencil mark of the quote you have chosen, if you are uncomfortable writing free-hand.

3. Use a large Sharpie Pen to create your bold quote print.

4. Add a little graphic underneath the wording.

5. If your school permits, use a hot glue gun and post to your wall.

Voila!

Sincerely Yours,

 

Katie

Snow Day and TpT Update

Happy Snow Day!

School is cancelled today, so I took this opportunity to FINALLY post a unit plan to TpT that I spent a total of TWO semesters perfecting in grad school. I'm very proud of it, and I hope some fellow teachers use it in their ELA classrooms. It focuses on the Essential Question: How does government affect our daily lives? It includes 14 individual lessons, 2 PowerPoint presentations (slides), an essay with a peer and self evaluation, Jeopardy Review Game, and a final Photography Project.

This is my first BIG unit to post to TpT, so please leave a review or comment below!

Truly Yours,

Katie