Ladies and Gentleman... we officially have the first week down in the books!! And what an AMAZING week it was!! #BestFirstWeekEver!! My kiddos are just awesome. We learned a lot and laughed a lot! My own children also had a great week (aside from a quick bout of a stomach bug that kept one home for a day!). My oldest, Drew, started 1st grade. My middle, Quinn, started Kindergarten. And my toddler twins, Addy and Chase, began two-mornings-a-week preschool. Additionally, Mr. Musings from the Middle School (my husband Dennis), started a new school year, too! Phew!! My head is spinning! Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great weekend and recovering from this busy time of year. This post is mainly a pictorial of some of the goings on in my classroom this week. As we settle into our routine, I'll be back with more "meaty" posts (and hopefully some new videos, too!). One of my favorite activities from the week was this Growth Mindset lesson that I adapted from here. Basically, the kids had to create the image on top using just a piece of paper and scissors. It was NOT easy... but that's exactly the point! As the kids worked, I wrote down some of the comments I heard. Things like, "this is impossible," and "I give up!" After I let them struggle for a while, I brought them back together and discussed the activity with them. It was eye-opening to see their words. They all agreed that their attitude was too negative so of course they would never have been successful. Then we read the Growth Mindset posters hanging in our room and discussed what each one meant. I closed with this video from Khan Academy. It was a fun and powerful lesson. One of the BEST purchases I made from TpT for this school year is the Icebreakers that Rock bundle from Cult of Pedagogy. This product contains three PowerPoint activities that allow students to talk to each other in an easy, comfortable way. What is great about these is that you can use them as one, big activity, or you can break them up, showing just a few slides here and there, as "brain breaks" through out the day. That is how I used them. So, on the first day, I did a big "Find Someone Who" activity with them. This allowed all the kids to learn each other's names. Next, I assigned them all their lockers and we practiced opening the combination locks (super-stressful for these first time locker users)! After that, we did a few slides from Icebreakers that Rock. Then, we went over the syllabus. Next, a few more Icebreakers that Rock slides. After that, I handed out and went over all the paperwork that had to go home and be signed (oh, the paperwork!!!). Then, a few more slides right before lunch. And then a few more right after lunch. Next up, a tour of the building. Then a few more slides before trying our lockers again. Finally, another slide right before dismissal. It was the perfect break/filler/attention-getter/distraction to use throughout the day... actually, I used the slides throughout the whole week! Run to TpT and pick this product up today! Totally worth every penny. (Some of the slides can be done silently. I LOVED these slides!!) Of course, we had to number our notebooks to get ready for ELA next week. I always tell kids that this is the easiest, most difficult task that we do all year :) I really the love smell of a Mr. Sketch anchor poster in the morning! This year, I'm starting with Reading Nonfiction: Notice and Note Stances, Signposts, and Strategies. My thinking is that it will really help with getting started with Article of the Week. Here is one of several of the posters I'll be using to teach these strategies. I'm jumping on the #ObserveMe bandwagon! Read more about it here. I'll keep you updated on how this goes throughout the year! Okay... that is enough for now! The beach is calling my name... nothing beats September here at the Jersey Shore! Hope the back-to-school season is treating you well! I'd love to hear how your school year is going so far. Happy Teaching!!
The Anger Iceberg represents the idea that, although anger is displayed outwardly, other emotions may be hidden beneath the surface. These other feelings—such...
Marinara sauce is a base for many of my favorite foods, including pasta and pizza! There are low FODMAP marinara sauces out there, but many are either lacking the flavor you're hoping for, or they're a bit pricey. That's why I developed this delicious recipe for a completely low FODMAP, veggie-packe
History and Benefits of Neuro-Linguistic Programming Infographic Neuro-Linguistic Programming (also known as NLP) has two main components to the change or “programming” that it tries to bring about. First is the neuro or the brain component and the second is the language component, which not only involves speech but also involves the five senses, gut […]
12 interactive and fun games to teach self-control and build self-regulation skills for kids and teens. Strong skills for self-control are the foundation for success in and outside of the classroom.
Worry Group Art Activity: Help your students in worry group personify their worries by making a worry monster with watercolors and deep breathing!
WHAT DO I PUT IN MY COACHING PACKAGES? LIFE COACH TRAINING// Crafting coaching packages that sell is both an art and science. So, if you’re at the point in your online coaching business where you’re wondering how to create coaching packages and how to sell coaching then this is the video for you!
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Hello Everyone! I know! It has been a long time since my last post. I have had so much family stuff going on that I have been absolutely c...
After a long, hot, and buggy summer here in Nashville, we welcome the fall season with open arms!
Encourage confidence & determination in your elementary students with these growth mindset activities using the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds.
Handling rumors and gossip can be tricky. A lot of times, students don't know what to say and/or do when they are the target or when others involve them in rumors and gossip. This printable booklet helps students think critically and helps them prepare their response ahead of time. Written in third person, this booklet puts students in the position of being the person who helps the person dealing with rumors and gossip. This activity can be used in the classroom, small group, or in a one-on-one setting. Printable booklet contains six scenarios and 8 ways to respond to rumors and gossip. Critical thinking questions: Identify the problem. Identify the people involved. Inferring how the target feels. Applying strategies that teach the target what to say and do to stop the rumors and gossip. Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches: • Look for the red star near the top of any page within my store and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive customized email updates about this store. ☺
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This cheat sheet highlights the fundamental ideas presented in "The Body Keeps the Score" and captures the importance of understanding the interplay between trauma, the body, and the healing process.
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A fun and easy CBT-based strategy to use with elementary students is to become "thought detectives" together and examing their unhelpful thoughts!
