teacher stuff
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Managing Challenging Behaviors
I promised you some real solutions to the tough stuff that you have to deal with everyday, and the number one thing on that list is challenging behaviors. These are the kinds of things that can derail the entire class and make you feel like nothing you do will make a difference – I’ve been there. I’ve put together a resource that will help you understand, manage, and change these difficult preschool behaviors step by step. I’m also giving you a FREEBIE so you can try it out right away! Behaviors are so tough because we aren’t always able to understand exactly where there coming from, and even if we…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Friday Freebie – Teacher Resumes
Happy Friday! Many of my teacher friends have started to think about where they want to be next year (not me, I’m happy and staying put!). If you are also in the process of applying for new positions then I have a great resource for you. This Teacher Resume Word Bank has all kinds of great terms that are ideal for any teacher resume. It’s from Red Apple Resumes, so go download your copy and take a minute to check out their other amazing resources. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Fall Fashion for Teachers
I’m not a fashion blogger by any means, but I enjoy sharing these posts every now and then. Autumn is weird in Ohio, for example most of this week it was in the 80’s and then yesterday it was 65 degrees. It’s hard enough to dress professionally when I know that there is a good chance I’m going to leave work with a new marker or food coloring stain on my clothes, throw in crazy temperature fluctuations and I really just want to stay in my pajamas! There are a few things articles of clothing that I have been turning to regularly over the last few weeks – these are…
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What’s in my desk
When I got the job that I have right now and realized that I would have a desk for the first time in my working life I was excited to fill it up with stuff! I read tons of blog posts about great things to keep in your desk, some of which were helpful, and some of which were a little weird. Since I’ve been using many of these items regularly for the last year I thought I would share what I’ve love having at my fingertips. One of the first things that I did was to find an organizer that would fit really well in my desk drawer. I…
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My favorite teaching products
I’ve done a number of posts on products that I absolutely love and use everyday in the classroom (like this one, this one, and this one) but I love a lot of stuff, so here’s one that’s specifically geared towards back to school! (All links are affiliates) I’m never without a legal pad – meetings, professional development, planning, I always have one with me. A padfolio like this one is a great way to look professional without taking myself too seriously! Flair pens are my favorite because they make color coding easier and my notes so much more fun to review. I just restocked my collection with a new pack of…
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Friday Freebie – Post-It To Do Lists
Happy Friday! We’ve almost made it to another long weekend, just one more week – and since I know that next week will feel extra long, I’m especially excited to enjoy this weekend. Did that sentence make any sense? I usually try to make sure that my Friday Freebie goes with whatever topics I’ve written about all week, usually. This week’s freebie has nothing to do with playgrounds, so if you want to check out those posts be my guest, after you download this super cute freebie! The list-maker in me could not resist sharing this editable To Do List for Post-It notes from Brooke Brown. I think I’m in…
