Here's what not to do in Naples so you can avoid dead pigeons falling from the sky and thieving children. Plus, the only two good experiences I had in Naples!
At the beginning of last school year, I was excited to be teaching a new grade at a new school in a new district. I had made a big change, and it was just what I needed. To add to all of the "new", I was starting the year with 30 students. Thirty is definitely on the big size as it is, but we all know that new kids trickle in over the course of most school years...and last year was no different! By the time the school year was over, I was sharing my classroom with 34 awesome 5th graders. We all learned a lot, grew a lot, and had a pretty good time while doing it! It was definitely a learning process for me, and hopefully I can share some of what I learned to make your year better for you! 1. You've Got to Embrace It Here's the thing, your class size is your class size whether you like it or not, so you've got to embrace it. It's going to be crazy. It may get chaotic. It's going to be crowded. But your attitude will be a major determining factor in the kind of year you and your students have. Now, I'm not saying that my teammates and I didn't take time to vent about the added challenge we were facing; we're only human! But throughout the year, I'd joke "I'm mentally preparing for how I'm going to respond when [my principal] comes to tell me that I'm getting my 33rd/34th/35th student." You may have to "fake it till you make it" but having the most positive attitude you can will go a long way. 2. Room Arrangement While I'd wrapped my brain around having a big bunch of kids, I was having a harder time figuring out how all those desks were going to work in my smallish classroom. That might have been the part that was the most stressful for me. Luckily, my students were OK with all the experimenting I did while trying to figure out the best room configuration for us. I want to share with you guys some of things that worked for me. Push groups of desks together. I started the year with 8 teams of 4 since my district is a big believer in Kagan cooperative learning. That meant that there were teams and desks wall-to-wall. Then I decided to push the teams together so desks were in groups of 8-9. This made a HUGE difference. Kids were still in their teams of 4-5, but we gained a LOT of floor space which made it easier to move around. Find a way to give kids space to spread out. One thing I noticed as the year went on was that we were so packed in there that kids didn't have a lot of personal space and I could see levels of grumpiness increasing because of that. I let them work at my small group table, in a quiet spot on the floor, etc. You have to get a little creative, but your students will thank you if they have a place to momentarily "escape". Get rid of your desk. It's surprising how much extra space this will give you. Use your small group table as your "headquarters". Give flexible seating a shot. When I got my 34th student, I knew that I could either fit 34 desks into my classroom or keep my sanity. I couldn't do both. I'd used flexible seating at my old school, but was trying to not rock the boat too much at my new school. I reached out to my principal and told her I'd like to try some flexible seating. I know not everybody is ready to jump into flexible seating, but here are a few things you could try. Sweet talk you custodian like I did and see if any tables are available. They take up a lot less room than desks. Take the legs of a table and have a low table. It doesn't technically give you more space, but the room will feel more open. You can get rid of a handful of desks and provide some floor seating options like pillows, stadium chairs, or rocker seats. These all can get tucked away nicely at the end of the day. Move to community supplies and if you don't have cubbies, etc., provide bins (they can be cheap!) for your kids to keep their personal supplies in. 3. Have your students help! One thing that every teacher deals with is having about a million things at a time running through their head. Having a large class can make that even worse. There are just SO MANY moving pieces. And teachers (including me) often have a hard time delegating responsibilities. At one point, it really hit me - "There are 34 people in this room who are not me. How can they help me more?" I know that I am lucky in that I teach 5th graders who are pretty capable of having different responsibilities in the classroom, but I think that students at any age can do a lot more in the classroom than they may be doing. And I found that having students help with the little things honestly freed up some much needed space in my brain as well as making the classroom run more smoothly. Plus, kids of all ages LOVE having jobs to do! Here are some of the little "tasks" I had students help me out with: Changing the date on the board Being in charge of taking our library cards to/from the library Putting homework in student mailboxes Grabbing my walkie-talkie at recess time Turning on and/or connecting the projector when we were going to use it (I've got kind of a clunky set up) Taking tardy passes down to the office on the way to lunch or recess (without me asking!) 4. Delegate I know we're not all lucky enough to have parent or other volunteers, but if you do, USE THEM! It took me a while to get into the swing of the best ways to use volunteers, but I found that using them to both work with students and help me out with tasks was the best combination. I've always had parents who can't come in to help because of work, but say they could help at home. In the past, I never used them much, but once I realized that I could send laminating home to be cut or booklets to be stapled, those parents became a great resource. Even if students were playing a math game or something like that and were fine working on their own, I'd ask a parent volunteer to take them into the hallway or another common area to work just to free up a little space in the classroom. Let go of the perfectionism and have volunteers hang up bulletin boards or classroom displays. If it's not perfect, I promise you're the only one who will notice. Get in the habit of asking yourself, "Could somebody else do this?" and if the answer is yes, and you have someone that can do it, let them. That frees up more time for you to do the things only you can do like planning and grading. 5. Don't grade it all! It's hard to ignore the fact that you've got a big class when you have a giant stack of papers to grade sitting in front of you. Thirty plus math tests, essays, reading assessments, etc. is a LOT. One of my good friends is also a 5th grade teacher in my district and she only had 19 kids. I spent way to much time lamenting the fact that I had 15 more math tests to grade than she did! Grading those summative assessments is unavoidable, but really think about what else you need to grade. Do you need to take the time to look over 30+ homework assignments, or could you review them with the whole class? Do you need to grade every piece of classwork or can you quickly scan through it to use as a formative assessment? Can you give a short exit ticket at the end of class and not have to review entire pages of math to see if your students got the concept? This is one area where you can really save yourself some time and sanity. 6. Make time for every student One thing I found was that when you have so many kids in your class, it can be really easy to unintentionally let some kids slip through the cracks during the day. So I made a point to be at my door in the morning to greet everyone (while I let the students take on some of those beginning of the day tasks I mentioned above). All of my students have numbers, and those numbers are on popsicle sticks to make sure everyone is getting called on during the day, but I'd also write a few kids' names on sticky notes and stick them on my cart or my projector. That may make me sound like some kind of absent-minded professor, but if you've had a big class you know that it's easier than it should be for kids to "hide" when there are a lot of classmates around. I also did"lunch with the teacher" for small groups at the beginning of the year just for a chance to get to get to know all of my students a little in a smaller setting. Then it was a popular reward/incentive for the rest of the year - I think we all enjoyed spending time together with a little less chaos. Whatever system or structure you use, make sure you are intentional about making every student feel like they are seen and heard - even if you have to leave sticky notes for yourself! :) 7. Routines & Procedures I know that I'm not telling you anything new when I say it's important to have routines and procedures set up to make things run smoothly in your classroom. We all know that. But with 34 students in the room, I found that I had to run the ship a little tighter than usual. Normally turning your homework in when you come in in the morning is a simple process, but have you ever watched 3 dozen kids try to turn their homework in at once? Gets a little crazy. I added a second homework turn in location, and then gave a student the job of collecting both piles. (See Tip #3!) We ended up having to form two lines when lining up after lunch or recess because it's hard to get an orderly line when you have students waaaaaaay back at the end of the line. Each classroom is (obviously) different and those are just examples of two things I put into place last year to help me manage all my students and keep my sanity! I encourage you to think about ways you could put a routine into place where maybe things have been a little free flowing? What's making you the craziest? Can you change a procedure or make a "rule" to help out with that? It'll help you keep control of the chaos and your students will appreciate the structure, too! If there are some behaviors popping up in your students that you'd like to get a handle on before they get too out of control, click here or on the picture below to check out how I use Individual Behavior Goals in my classroom. Do you have a big class this year? Leave a comment to tell us how many students you have and any tips or tricks I haven't mentioned!
Use this Iceland packing list for a full guide on what to wear while traveling around Iceland. Don't forget these items when you're packing!
If you only have two days to spend in Belgium, keep reading my Belgium itinerary to help you decide what to see in Belgium when you don’t have much time.…
I love a good romantic staycation! You get to feel like you’ve traveled far away without the hassle of a long flight. If you plan it right, you never have to drive and you can have everything all in one place. I treat it like an all inclusive resort, because although you pay for each thing, it often comes out to much cheaper than those resorts! There are a couple of ingredients that I have found to make a romantic staycation perfect which I’ve shared below. Now just a disclaimer. Girls you can read this. But even more so, I recommend you don’t. Send this to your significant other and let them surprise you with one of the most romantic weekends right in your own city. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on Feb 9, 2020 at 4:35pm PST How to Have the Perfect Romantic Staycation: The Hotel The hotel is one of the key ingredients to planning the perfect staycation. You want to book a hotel that has everything you need to not have to leave. For our most recent staycation in Dallas, we booked a couple of nights at the Hall Arts Hotel for quite a few reasons. The main attraction for us was the bathtub. We had booked a suite of the Hall Arts Hotel, because of the incredible bath with big glass windows overlooking the city, perfect great conversation over a glass of wine and a great view. Look for a place that has something unique and one a kind and will be memorable. I also think it’s so important to look at the amenities and what extra the hotel provides. Splurging on a great hotel becomes worth it since you’ll be saving on money from the attractions you might visit. And maybe even splurge on a suite or something else special! Some things that I especially look for are a specialty restaurant for romantic dinners, a noteworthy (preferably rooftop) pool to relax the day away, and a car/shuttle service (just in case you decide to go out at least you don’t have to drive), and sometimes even a spa for a wonderful couple’s massage. Look at your local boutique hotels and see what places are really going to provide something special. We loved the Hall Arts Hotel because they had live music at night, an art gallery to walk around and see all the different artwork, complimentary wine at check-in, and an impressive gym (for a fun sweat date!). What to Bring for a Romantic Staycation Another wonderful thing that makes romantic staycations so well… romantic, is that instead of focusing on all the things to do and see, you can focus on each other! It’s the perfect chance to connect and build a strong relationship together. So I like to include a couple of things to make a romantic staycation extra romantic. If you want to surprise your significant other, I found these rose petals that I used to really set the mood. Distract them downstairs and set out a heart made from roses! I also love to bring things like couple’s games. Since you’re focusing on each other, it’s a great chance to get to know each other more and spend some quality bonding time. To me a bath is huge to the perfect romantic staycation and so I love to also have the perfect bath. Epsom salts, bubbles, scrubs, nice lotion, and face masks all come together for extra romance. And last but not least, a little lingerie. A romantic staycation is the perfect opportunity to pick out some new lingerie. You can even use the opportunity of a nice hotel room and do your own DIY boudoir shoot. Romantic Staycation Packing List These are things I like to bring on my romantic staycations, but feel free to create your own list! My Perfect Romantic Staycation Day With a whole day ahead where do you even begin. You make your romantic staycation how you want whether that means lying in bed all day or whatever you consider fun, but here’s a great little staycation itinerary if you need some help. Ingredients for the Perfect Romantic Staycation The possibilities for the perfect romantic staycation are endless! The only thing that matters is that you get to “travel” and yet still spend that quality time focusing on each other!
Have dreams of Hawaii without crowds? Try the Big Island. Our Big Island 5 day itinerary helps you plan the perfect 5 days on the Big Island.
Stuck on a Belgium layover at Brussels Airport (BRU)? Great! No, I’m just kidding ;-)… usually layovers suck. It’s mostly wasting precious time and drinking overpriced coffee in one of the airport cafés while waiting on your next flight. However, Brussels is actually a perfect layover destination to get out of the airport and explore in between flights. As I am determined to promote my –often overlooked- but beautiful country, here is our perfect way to spend your layover in Brussels. What to do on a layover in Brussels How to get to the city center? First of all, exploring
I love a good romantic staycation! You get to feel like you’ve traveled far away without the hassle of a long flight. If you plan it right, you never have to drive and you can have everything all in one place. I treat it like an all inclusive resort, because although you pay for each thing, it often comes out to much cheaper than those resorts! There are a couple of ingredients that I have found to make a romantic staycation perfect which I’ve shared below. Now just a disclaimer. Girls you can read this. But even more so, I recommend you don’t. Send this to your significant other and let them surprise you with one of the most romantic weekends right in your own city. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas Blogger – Travel (@mycurlyadventures_) on Feb 9, 2020 at 4:35pm PST How to Have the Perfect Romantic Staycation: The Hotel The hotel is one of the key ingredients to planning the perfect staycation. You want to book a hotel that has everything you need to not have to leave. For our most recent staycation in Dallas, we booked a couple of nights at the Hall Arts Hotel for quite a few reasons. The main attraction for us was the bathtub. We had booked a suite of the Hall Arts Hotel, because of the incredible bath with big glass windows overlooking the city, perfect great conversation over a glass of wine and a great view. Look for a place that has something unique and one a kind and will be memorable. I also think it’s so important to look at the amenities and what extra the hotel provides. Splurging on a great hotel becomes worth it since you’ll be saving on money from the attractions you might visit. And maybe even splurge on a suite or something else special! Some things that I especially look for are a specialty restaurant for romantic dinners, a noteworthy (preferably rooftop) pool to relax the day away, and a car/shuttle service (just in case you decide to go out at least you don’t have to drive), and sometimes even a spa for a wonderful couple’s massage. Look at your local boutique hotels and see what places are really going to provide something special. We loved the Hall Arts Hotel because they had live music at night, an art gallery to walk around and see all the different artwork, complimentary wine at check-in, and an impressive gym (for a fun sweat date!). What to Bring for a Romantic Staycation Another wonderful thing that makes romantic staycations so well… romantic, is that instead of focusing on all the things to do and see, you can focus on each other! It’s the perfect chance to connect and build a strong relationship together. So I like to include a couple of things to make a romantic staycation extra romantic. If you want to surprise your significant other, I found these rose petals that I used to really set the mood. Distract them downstairs and set out a heart made from roses! I also love to bring things like couple’s games. Since you’re focusing on each other, it’s a great chance to get to know each other more and spend some quality bonding time. To me a bath is huge to the perfect romantic staycation and so I love to also have the perfect bath. Epsom salts, bubbles, scrubs, nice lotion, and face masks all come together for extra romance. And last but not least, a little lingerie. A romantic staycation is the perfect opportunity to pick out some new lingerie. You can even use the opportunity of a nice hotel room and do your own DIY boudoir shoot. Romantic Staycation Packing List These are things I like to bring on my romantic staycations, but feel free to create your own list! My Perfect Romantic Staycation Day With a whole day ahead where do you even begin. You make your romantic staycation how you want whether that means lying in bed all day or whatever you consider fun, but here’s a great little staycation itinerary if you need some help. Ingredients for the Perfect Romantic Staycation The possibilities for the perfect romantic staycation are endless! The only thing that matters is that you get to “travel” and yet still spend that quality time focusing on each other!
The Tarmac XE 4-Wheel 26" Luggage boasts effortless mobility with ultra-light, ultra-durable features to tackle all travel environments. Constructed with weather-resistant and 100% recycled fabrics and heavy-duty multi-directional wheels, you can roll it through even the harshest conditions. Built eco-conscious and specially organized, this bag is a must-have for your next big adventure.
The Big Island is a great place to vacation for anybody. Click here to see a list of the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii!
Being separate from mainland Australia, Tasmania is often forgotten about. But there are so many hidden gems in Tasmania that make it worth seeing!
The Wakame Velvet Pillowcases come in a two piece pillowcase set all snug in a reusable velvet carry bag. The 100% cotton velvet is super soft, thick and fluffy as a marshmallow. The colour is a deep green and reflects with the light. Gorgeous quality and made to last. Made Overseas. Designed in Australia. *Please note that we are unable to gift wrap this item. Material: 100% cotton velvet Dimensions: Standard Pillowcase size (50cm x 73cm) x 2 Save
Visiting a big city like Madrid and managing to experience everything you want to during your stay is no easy task. When we visit large cities we like to do an assortment of things, check out some popular attractions, do things that are lesser-known to tourists, and have a local experience which usually includes food. Sticking to these 3 areas helps us narrow down the list of things to see and do in the places we visit. We have four days to explore Madrid before heading to southern Spain. It will definitely be a challenge to experience everything we want in
Looking for the ultimate must-see places & bucket list experiences in Europe? You've come to the right place! The Old Continent might be small when compared to its neighbours, but it’s home to a huge
Yup, there’s a natural waterslide nestled in the depths of Waipio Valley, and many people consider this glorious gem to be one of the Big Island’s best kept secrets.
What are the best Galapagos cruises to explore one of the most iconic wildlife destinations on earth? During my time as a Galapagos travel consultant, I have worked with about a dozen Galapagos cruise operators, big and small, pricey and budget. While many travellers tend to focus on the cost, look and comfort of the yacht or catamaran, the cruise itinerary and type of vessel is just as important. This comprehensive Galapagos cruise guide will shed some light on the best cruises for every budget, trip length and itinerary.
I spent a month based in Medellin Colombia in August and absolutely fell in love with it. I was lucky enough to be in town when the biggest festival of the year Feria de Las
Utrecht is a gorgeous city in the Netherlands filled with historic sights and great culture. Here are the best free things to do in Utrecht!
Heading to Lisbon and wondering what to do? I have narrowed down my list to 8 things you absolutely cannot miss! The best non-cliche, off-the-beaten-path things to see, do, eat, and drink.
Istanbul is one of my favorite cities - I have visited three times. It is literally where East meets West and is a fantastic city to visit if you're curious
One of the best ways to see the major tourist sites in London is with a Big Bus tour of London. Here's where it will take you & what you'l be able to see!
Machu Picchu can be beautiful, but it can be just as ugly. Here are quite a few reasons not to visit the modern world wonder.
Corfu is one of the best Greek islands. And surprisingly one's Corfu travel budget does not have to be big. Figure out your daily budget in Corfu!
This post might contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you buy through my site. I appreciate your support of my site. There is no shortage of neighborhoods in Atlanta, Georgia. While they are not as ethnically diverse as many major world cities such
With its bustling streets, world-renowned sights and a foodie scene that can rival most countries, New York City is a place that is as diverse as it is - 15 Best Free Things To Do In New York City - Travel, Travel Advice - Manhattan, New York, New York City, USA - Travel, Food and Home Inspiration Blog with door-to-door Travel Planner! - Travel Advice, Travel Inspiration, Home Inspiration, Food Inspiration, Recipes, Photography
A local's guide to the best things to do in Sioux City, Iowa, including favorite restaurants, where to hike and where to shop.
Add a unique touch to your home décor with this alternative minimalist movie poster for Pee Wee's Big Adventure. This captivating poster captures the essence of the iconic film in a sleek and modern design, making it a perfect addition to any movie lover's collection. Showcase your love for this cult classic with this one-of-a-kind art piece that is sure to spark conversation and nostalgia. This poster is a must-have for any fan of Tim Burton's imaginative storytelling and Paul Reubens' unforgettable performance. Recommended printing sizes Small: 12x16 in. Medium: 18x24 in. Large: 21x28 in.
Vietnam is a big country with loads to do but what if you only have 1 week? This 7 day Vietnam itinerary makes the most of your time and money!
When it's time to toilet train your little one, this toddler-sized lifelike training toilet from Randy & Travis Machinery will make him or her feel like a big kid. A realistic design of an adult toilet, this special potty will make your child feel proud to have a toilet all their own.Potty time will be your child's favourite time of the day, as you encourage him or her to master toilet training. It even makes a flushing sound, just like the grownups' toilet!An easy-to-clean removable bowl and a flip-up lid make clean-up a breeze, while a handy built-in wipes dispenser provides convenience. Turn potty training time into an adventure for your toddler. Order this training toilet today.Features and specifications:Colour: WhiteFeatures: Flush soundBuilt-in wipe compartment (wipes not included)Clip on splash guard for boysRequires 2 x AAA batteries for use (included)Note: COM (change of mind) Return Policy: The product must be unopened and in brand new condition, with the return to be organised by the customer. Once received and verified to be in the condition specified, refund is only of the item value minus 15% restocking fee (not including initial shipping). An additional return charge, which is same cost as that of initial shipping, will be deducted from the refund on returns due to delivery failure caused by customer error. For the health and safety of our staff and other customers, we are unable to accept returns of personal use items.
When we have visitors in town, we always plan a trip to Moab.
How to find paid work in wildlife conservation? For so many of us, this is the million dollar question! And if you've found this page, chances are you're interested in finding the secret to make your passion your profession and getting paid to work with wildlife. Speaking with countless ecologists about their journey through wildlife
Going camping? Here are 10 FUN Campfire Games to Play Around a Campfire that require no prep or supplies. Your family may want marshmallows though...
Learn what supplements and resources you need to prepare for My Father's World Adventures. You'll have a great time studying the U.S.!
Read about reindeer races cosy cobblestone streets and where to spot the Northern Lights in Culture Trip's guide to the most beautiful places in Sweden.
While Amsterdam is certainly a must-visit during your time in the Netherlands, there are other cool day trips in the Netherlands that should be included in your itinerary. The Netherlands is a beautiful country with a lot of must-see places, such modern or historic cities and various cool attractions. As I'm Dutch myself, born and
Introducing the Kalaya Tjukurpa Woven Cushion in Rust; where artistry meets comfort in a delightful embrace! Crafted from 100% cotton and woven in a mesmerizing jacquard style, this cushion is not just a home accessory; it's a masterpiece that tells a story. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Malpiya Davey's 'Kalaya Tjukurpa - Emu Dreaming.' This artwork, inspired by the vast landscapes near Kanypi on the APY Lands, brings to life the native tales of the kalaya (emu), the sacred creation that shaped the very essence of the land. Picture your space adorned with hues of purple and rust brown, intricately woven to capture the spirit of the land. The peach fringed edges add a touch of whimsy, making this cushion a standout piece that effortlessly blends art and comfort. Feel the warmth of the desert sun and the coolness of rock holes as you relax against this unique cushion. Malpiya's design vividly portrays the kalaya's journey, meandering in search of mai (food) and water. It's more than a cushion; it's a portal to the native stories that echo through time. Elevate your home decor with the Kalaya Tjukurpa Rust Woven Cushion - where every thread weaves a narrative, and every glance unveils a piece of the timeless Dreaming. Immerse yourself in art, embrace comfort, and let your living space become a canvas of culture and creativity. Kalaya Tjukurpa - Emu Dreaming © Malpiya Davey, Licensed by Copyright Agency. Established in 1948, Ernabella Arts is Australia’s oldest continuously running Indigenous Art Centre and one of the most artistically diverse in the country. Ernabella Arts and Kip&Co divide all profits from the collaboration equally, so 50% of profits will return to Ernabella Arts. Designed in Australia, Made Overseas. Material: 100% cotton (jacquard woven), fill made of 100% PET recycled fibres. Dimensions: 50cm x 50cm *Unable to Gift Wrap this item (it doesn't travel well) Save
Gorgeous fall foliage, stunning lake views and a cozy cabin: that's what to do in the fall at Big Cedar Lodge, our family's favorite vacation spot!
Details A durable pad for protecting your bike on the journey 600D Tarpaulin stands up to scratches and bumps Secure your handlebars with two hook-and-loop straps Pad adjusts and holds in place with two buckle straps Adjustable straps help it to fit nearly any frame Item #EVC002L
FULL RESTOCK COMING IN JUNE These are for the wild ones who live for adventure, for the ones that are so unique they need clothes just as rad as them. We have collaborated with a local business to provide you a epic knit, these are a one off piece that we don't plan on restocking. Get in fast as we have limited stock. Go check out Two little puffins for more epic tie dye pieces, did you know they offer custom too! Here's their website https://www.twolittlepuffins.com.au/ Sizing is very generous and these knits are meant to be a big fit. Please size down in smaller sizes if you want a true to size fit. Please note this knit colour is VERY hard colour to capture in natural night & is slightly the brown is darker then the photos on the model & the blue is much more vibrant. Every knit is different as they are individually hand dyed so they will have dye showing in different places & the colour will show differently. We do not off refunds if you do not like the positioning of the dye but can offer a swap at your expense if it is in stock. Want to see more recent photos that are updated daily? Head to our LIVE GALLERY (tap the hyperlink) to see photos and videos of our salty tribe. Care instructions We strongly recommend you hand wash. Do not tightly wring or pull Do not bleach Hang to maintain shape Differences in screen resolution may result in colours appearing lighter, darker, brighter, or duller. Please note due to shipping the knits become quite flat, a simple was will restore them.
