A Helpful Tip

This is a great tip for any woman. Grab yourself an empty tic-tac container and stick those bobby pins right in. It is so easy to carry around in your bag.

Classroom Ideas

I spotted this cute idea in a first grade classroom. Each metal tray is stacked with letters on each tray. Vowels are in red and consonants are in blue. You can use this as a center or whole group activities. The possibilities with these trays are really endless. Your students will be actively engaged which should lead to less misbehaving in the classroom.

Sunday Funday

Today was another productive Sunday full of meal making with Rachael in her home. Prepping your meals ahead of time has so many benefits:
1. It is actually cheaper.
2. Helps you make healthier choices.
3. Saves you time during the week.
....Have I convinced you yet? Should I keep going?
4. Give you a day full of bonding if you cook with others.

Rachael got right to work on Weight Watcher's Vegetable Soup.
Then on to
- Crock Pot Turkey Chili
- Lemon Chicken with Broccoli
- Weight Watcher's Easy Fried Rice
- Baked Kale Chips

I cooked:
- Spaghetti Pie
I made three batches (1 to eat tonight and 2 to freeze). I swapped out the ground beef for ground turkey and skipped the green peppers. Each pie came out to under $5.

AN AFTER DINNER UPDATE: Making these was the best decision of 2013. Delicious.

- Banana Bread (it was necessary to add chocolate chips to this)

When I returned home I ate half of a spaghetti pie and then I prepared my dinner for tomorrow night.

This is "Salmon in a Bag" - Tin foil, lemon, salmon, butter, pepper – Wrap it up tightly and bake for 25 minutes at 300 °. I found it on pinterest and I am sure tomorrow night's meal will be fabulous (I'll be adding rice and veggies for the sides).


Being productive on a Sunday is always a good feeling.

Keeping Students Accountable

This can be a challenge for teachers especially when students don't already have the skills. Having a library log is one way to keep your students accountable. Most teachers have a library in their classroom. In most of the classrooms I see, the students have free reign over the class library. The books are not always taken care of and the students do not always put them back.

Having a library log nearby will help keep your students accountable. They will realize they have to be responsible for the books they take out of the class library. Students can simply sign books in and out as they please, but there will be record of it.

More Free Teacher Resouces

More!!!

www.ClassDojo.com

Class Dojo is a behavior management software. It is free and you do not need to download anything to your computer.

With Class Dojo you can award participation, homework, hard work, and team work with just a click! You can just as easily take away points with a click.

It is a wonderful way for students to see how they are doing and where they need to improve. 

This program can also randomly pick students to gain points. This is a great incentive for homework passes!

Online Teacher Resources: Study Jams

[Study Jams]

Study Jams is brought to you be Scholastic. They have entertaining and interactive lessons in Math and Science. And the best part is that it's FREE FREE FREE. You don't need to sign up, log in, or receive countless emails every day.

Math Topics:

 Science Topics:

These are a few of my favorite things...

I know I do not write a beauty blog but the "beauty" of writing any blog is being able to share.That being said, I wanted to share you my favorite beauty products. I have very sensitive skin so I am always looking for products that will not be too harsh on my skin but still do the job!

A Teaching Portfolio

What is a teaching portfolio?
A teaching portfolio is a collection highlighting your work and qualifications.

Why create one?
A teaching portfolio will allow you to present yourself and your work in a professional way. You will look super prepared and organized in any interview.

What are the ways to create a portfolio?
1. Traditional binder with dividers.
This is how I chose to create mine. Details will be at the end of the post. This can really show your creativity depending on how you design your portfolio.

2. Upload one onto a flash drive. I like the idea of downloading them onto CD's that you can leave with your interviewers. You will most likely not want to hand out flash drives and leave them with every person who interviews you. 

3. www.Eportfolio.org
I have not tried this venue yet but it looks very interesting. You upload all of you documents onto this site and you can have other people view your portfolio from the website. This seems like a neat idea and will show your technical abilities.

4. www.Portfoliogen.com/
This website is specifically directed towards teachers and creating their portfolio

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Now here is the cover of my portfolio and the table of contents:

                                                                               

It is hard to see but I have it divided out:
- Resume
- Certification, Praxis Score Report, Clearances
- Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendations, Certificates
- Evaluations
- Instruction and Assessment


I also made sure to include student work. This is a picture of the class I student taught with their adjective picture frames.

It is a time consuming process to create your portfolio but worth it. It will no doubt leave a lasting impression on those who interview you.