teacher life

  • Amazon Idea Lists for the Classroom

    Using Amazon Idea Lists for the Classroom

    It’s safe to say that online shopping is one of my favorite past times – I’m sure that says A LOT about me! There’s a tool that I’ve been using recently to help organize my wish lists and favorite purchases and it can be used in so many different ways. I’ve got to share what I’ve been doing with Amazon Idea Lists for the classroom. An idea list is an excellent place to keep all of those items that you’re thinking about, looking for, or really loving. These lists are easy to share with others so that you can collaborate. This makes planning classroom or school events something that can…

  • joy list

    Leaning into what brings me joy

    I got a little vulnerable with you on Monday – this time of year is tough. The pressure to jump back into a routine after the holidays, when I’m not really ready for that, causes some friction. Add the dreary weather and joy can be a little hard for me to come by. I’m working through it by leaning into the things that I know bring me joy – a “Joy List” if you will! Whenever I’m feeling a little down – whether it’s because I’m burnt out at work, clouds and cold are impacting my mood, or I’m just in need of a pick me up – I like…

  • finding my purpose

    Finding the Joy

    This is the time of the year that’s the most difficult for me – the happiness of the holiday season is over and I feel like I’ve been thrown back into work without actually getting the rest and relaxation that I’d been so looking forward to. It’s burnout at it’s finest. Plus the weather is gray and dreary, which never helps. This is the month when I have to be truly intentional about finding my purpose in the work that I do so that I can enjoy it. The real question is, how do I do that??? There’s not an exact science to it – I’ve tried a variety of…

  • favorite amazon purchases

    My favorite things – 2022 Edition

    I can’t say goodbye to 2022 without sharing my favorite Amazon purchases! I love to review these because they say so much about the things that were on my mind throughout the year. It’s like a little time capsule right there in my order history. Here are the items that I’d definitely recommend: Printable vinyl sticker paper – I taught myself how to make stickers with my Cricut, and I’ve gone through so much of this printable vinyl! It’s really easy to use and prints really well. Instant Frother – I’ve really been trying to kick the Starbucks habit (or at least reign it in a little), and this has…

  • holiday favorites

    About Me: Christmas Version

    Hi, I’m Erin and I love, love, love Christmas. I haven’t done an introduction in a VERY long time, so I thought it might be fun to do one with a Christmas spin! Here are some of my holiday favorites – along with some quirky preferences and products that I can’t do Christmas without! If you were a Christmas movie character, who would you be? I’m a hopeless romantic, so I’d pick any lead female from a Hallmark movie. What is your favorite Christmas song? I literally cannot pick just one. I love Christmas music of all types – but my heart holds a special place for Mariah Carey and…

  • classroom donations

    Ask for donations – and actually get them!

    Let me paint a picture – You have this great activity planned and you can’t wait for the children to get really creative with it, so you make a list of materials that you need and hand it out to all of the parents with a deadline for their classroom donations. That deadline comes and you’ve received 1 or two items off your list. Now you have a choice, do you cross the activity off your list or find another way to secure the materials you need – even if it means buying them yourself? Raise your hand if this has happened to you – is your hand raised? Mine…

  • enjoying the holidays

    Finding Joy in the Holiday Busy-ness

    I don’t know about you, but I’ve reached that point in the holiday season where it’s hard to see past the busy. My to-do lists are taking over, so I’m really trying to pull back and remember what I love most about the Christmas season so that I can be intentional about adding a little more of that. It’s hard to make sure that you’re enjoying the holidays when you’re trying to do ALL THE THINGS. Speaking of all the things, I saw this as I was scrolling my Instagram feed the other day and it really stuck with me: That’s pretty profound – the idea of just stopping something…

  • reselling kids clothes with kidizen

    Looking for a Side Hustle? Try Reselling Kids Clothes with Kidizen

    Hear me out – I know this time of year is already crazy, but it also happens to be the one time of year where we could all use a little extra money, especially when we’re in a traditionally underpaid field. One way that I’ve been able to do this is by reselling kids clothes with Kidizen. Kidizen is an app similar to poshmark or Mercari, but it’s focused on items for kids and moms. This focus makes the platform feel like a community. Traditional side hustles tend to require some kind of investment, but if you already have kids then you probably have the materials you need for this…

  • What I’m Working On

    I thought I’d pop in and share what I’ve been up to lately, these more personal posts are some of my favorites! Here’s what has been keeping me busy: Making felt food for my little one – so far I’ve finished 4 donuts Editing and formatting a leadership training for work Searching for cute and easy 4th of July play activities – last night I dyed pasta red, white and blue Preparing for a HOT weekend, it’s supposed to be 110 degrees here on Saturday, so I’ve stocked up on popsicles and water toys Designing a massive bulletin board Catching up on Southern Charm whenever possible Trying to stay off…

  • Friday Freebie – Ultimate packing list

    Happy Friday! I am currently on vacation, so I thought I’d share something a little different this Friday.  Those of you who have followed Preschool Ponderings for some time are well aware that I have a passion for all things organization. It should come as no surprise that I am known as the master of the packing list, but I may have found a freebie that challenges even my own list – this packing list freebie is from I Should Be Mopping the Floor.  If you don’t have a love for packing like I do, then this list is going to be your best friend! Go download yours and have…