April 2016 Currently

Oh dear...it has been a while since I've been on here...Thank goodness I got an e-mail reminding me about Farley's Currently this month at Oh' Boy 4th Grade!

 

I am sure that everyone is feeling the same way...wanting some extra time for themselves, but needing as many days as possible in your classroom to get everything done!

 

Oh well...enjoy the next part of your school year! I'm sure it will go by just as fast as the past seven months...

 

Take care,

 

Tammy

A New Year...and January Currently!

Happy New Year, everyone! 2015 has been interesting, but I am definitely looking forward to 2016! Who doesn't love a fresh start, a new beginning, more work, no breaks for awhile, kids that haven't been in a routine for two weeks...well, you get the idea...

Anyway, it's that time again...to join up with Farley's Currently at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 



I don't think that I need to explain much of this...but that one little word, HOPE, has been my word for a long time...for surviving the things that we have gone through, and the hope of better things to come...for the loss of people missing from our lives, and the hope that they will find their way home...for the desire to spend as much time as possible with our wonderful family, and the hope that they continue to be healthy and happy as the new year begins!

I HOPE that 2016 brings you peace and joy, and a great second half of your school year!

Take care,

Tammy

July Currently...and Happy Summer Break!

Wow! It's July 1st...already...where did the time go? I'm sure it was only a few days ago that I was doing the June Currently!

The last few weeks of school are usually pretty busy, chaotic, fun...and this year was no exception. However, throw in the retirement of our amazing Kindergarten teacher who had been teaching at our school for over 30 years (with a community bbq, our annual final day Celebration of Excellence, and our local teacher's union get-together), along with our guidance counsellor moving to a new school for next year, two EA's being laid off, and somehow, things were just that much more crazy! (Did I mention that I'm social fund person, so in charge of getting all gifts, etc.? lol)

The sad part is that, on my first day of summer break, I am feeling a little lost...not knowing what I should do to start planning for the new school year...oh well, give me a few days and maybe I will get into the summer groove!

Today I am linking up with Farley's Currently, over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

Well, I think that most of these are pretty self-explanatory. The only thing that I would have to clarify would be the "Needing" section. If you include all the things that I talked about at the beginning of this blog, as well as report cards, a field trip the second last day with kids, and our staff wind-up, it went way beyond busy. You would think that would be enough...but no...we also just got the word yesterday morning (our last day) that our principal has accepted a new position in our division for September. She has only been at our school for two years, and at the time, I had also applied for the position (I was just finishing the Administrative Internship in our division)...so I have mixed feelings over this. I then received an e-mail from our Superintendent, along with several other candidates to see if there was interest in taking on the position in September. Because it is so late in the year now, they are looking at it being an interim position (until the end of December) so that they can advertise it in the fall. I could still apply for the permanent position as well...it was just a lot to think about...In the end, and after about 10 seconds of pondering, I immediately said yes, I was interested...lol...I didn't even discuss it with hubby! Now I just have to wait for another week or two to see who else responded and what the next step will be.

 



The other issue was what should I do in my classroom then? As I was trying to clean up, I just couldn't focus...was I cleaning up so that I was ready to teach there in September, or was I organizing so that someone else could come into the space and teach for a term? Should I be taking things out and storing them at home? Or do I just leave it as is?

So...how do I shut off my brain for the next while until this is all finalized? Hubby always says I need a 12 step program to get out of "school-mode" in the summer anyway...I suppose this forces me to sit back and do nothing...although I was getting a little antsy last night, thinking about typing up my finalized (possible) timetable...and class lists...and...oh my!

Well, I hope that your summer break is off to a better start than mine...Take some time for yourself! Relax, read a book (not a school one...but something that interests you, is fun, makes you smile, etc.), go see a movie on a weeknight, sleep in, visit with friends...whatever it takes to let yourself be that person you are when you aren't a teacher!

Take care,
Tammy

June Currently...is it That Time Already?

It's June, and no...I'm not stressing out at all...just because there is just over three weeks of school left, with reports cards to write, one field trip to take, Tabloid Day to organize, the retirement/moving on of a few staff members, and two fun T.U.S.C. meetings to enjoy.

T.U.S.C. is one of my favourite parts of our school day...it stands for Totally Unbelievable Speaker's Club. Once a cycle, our class holds a formal meeting, where every student has a specific role during the meeting. These include a Chairperson, Secretary, World News, School News, Jokes and Riddles, and much more! The focus is not so much on the content of their presentations, although I love hearing about all the things that they want to share, but on the speaking, presenting and listening skills that I get to observe. I also love the fact that I get to sit back, take notes and enjoy, while the students run the meeting. I learn so much about my students during this time, as well as the many parents, grandparents, friends, etc. that come in as Invited Guests. We've even had a baby elk come for a visit!

Feel free to check out our class weebly to see our TUSC Handbook, to learn more about the many roles that the students complete. Click on the caption below the picture:

TUSC Program

 

By this time of the year, everyone has had the chance to try each role once. For the last two meetings, I give the students the opportunity to choose which jobs they would like to do...some jobs, like the Chairperson, can only be done by one person, but yes, other jobs might have several people, such as Demonstration.

 

Well, with the beginning of a new month, I also enjoy linking up with Farley's Currently, over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

Here we go!

 

I don't think there is much to explain here...

 

That's it for me...if you are like me, and down to the last few weeks of teaching, good luck and enjoy! If you are fortunate enough to already be finished your school year, it's ok...I'm not bitter...lol

 

Happy June!

 

Hugs,

Tammy



May Currently and Portfolio Night

Well, as most of you can probably relate...this school year is flying by way too fast! can't believe that it is already May, with only weeks to go before the school year is over. Although I have enjoyed this year, it has definitely had it's ups and downs. And of course, as we stress out over everything that still needs to be done, there is also the stress of all the planning that has already begun for next year...we've already had meetings over school plans (for next year, and possibly up to the next four years...)...and then there is the panic over what the timetabling will look like for next year (just wondering what I will be teaching - grades, subjects, etc.). That is the joy of teaching in a small school!

Portfolio Night!
One of my favourite days at school was this week...it was our Portfolio Night! I love it! Our entire school participates, Kindergarten to Grade 8. Every classroom/teacher has its own interpretation of what this looks like, but it is amazing to see all of the families that come in to share the day (in my room, some students brought in Mom, Dad, or both, siblings and even some grandparents...even with some families that are divorced, both parents came together to share).

My students had a "program" that they could follow to share with their families:
*First, they used the SmartBoard to "check in".
*Then, they could share our portfolios. They aren't anything fancy, but based on the 4 Pillars that we base our classroom on (Respect, Academic, Teamwork, Leadership). They have lots of pictures and write-ups from activities throughout the year, samples of school work, and reflections of what we have done.
*Students could teach a new Math game out of our Math With Someone binders.
*We had a few Science activities to demonstrate some of the concepts we have been working on in our Light unit (the bending pencil and the changing directions arrow).
*The French teacher had the students share their French work folder and their reflections sheet from this year.
*Computers had our classroom weebly up so that parents could see what we have been doing, if they haven't been able to check it out at home.
*Students shared our QR Code Book Reports that were on display in the hallway. We used our school iPads so that everyone could read the reports. They were very simple to do, but the kids were excited to share them!

A sample of what our QR Code Book Reports looked like

There was also a Scholastic Book Fair set up in the gym, a free yoga class in the Music room, and many displays set up all around the school.

The best part of the day was that the students were the ones running the show...I was just there to answer the odd question, make sure that the technology was working and take pictures of each group. But...I am glad it is done...lol...it is a lot of work to prepare for the evening, even though I was good and had been updating the portfolios all year long.

And Now...May Currently!

Once again, it is time to join up with Farley's Currently at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

Here is mine!

I don't think that I have to explain any of these, other than the last one...lol...our daughter lives about an hour away. She and her husband are having a house built on their existing acreage, so they can move their family (1 baby, 2 dogs and 2 cats) out of their mobile home. Our son is also building his own house across town from us (at least he will still be close by...lol). However, he and his dad (hubby) are building it themselves, so it has been a slower project, and takes much of our spare time.

Well, that's it for me! Have a great weekend and a wonderful May!

Take care,

Tammy

February Currently!

Oh dear...Each month, Farley's Currently arrives, and I think about how neglectful I have become of this blog. I think that it is time to reassess what I am doing and decide how I am going to continue in the blog world. No, I'm not thinking of quitting, but I realize that it's time to think about what I want to make out of this space, and what I want to get out of it...

Anyway,  I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

 

I'm sure that I'm not the only one with this pageant title...maybe it's because I am a control freak...or I don't like to look needy...or maybe I procrastinate asking and then HAVE to do it myself...sigh...I'm sure that there could be a few other reasons as well!  lol

 

 

Well, enjoy this short month, full of too many activities - 100 Day, Valentine's Day, I Love to Read month, and whatever else they can fit into it!

 

Take care,

 

Tammy

Happy New Year! and January 2015 Currently

Wow! It's a new year...and I'm not sure if I'm ready to say goodbye to the old one...

2014 was pretty special for our family...I'm not sure how 2015 will top it!

In March, we welcomed the arrival of our first grandchild, the most beautiful little girl, Zoe Elizabeth!

In July, our daughter got married to a wonderful guy. The wedding was so much fun, with family and friends, lots of love and laughter, and so much happiness! The pictures from that day, of my daughter, her new hubby and baby Zoe, just melt my heart!

In November, I finally had surgery to have my chemo port removed! After two years of surgeries and treatments, I am taking this to mean that this journey has ended, and it's time to begin a different one! Although it is not something that I would want for anyone else, I certainly have apreciated what it has brought to my life...the people that I have met (both fellow patients and medical staff), the knowledge I have gained, and the support and encouragement I have felt through all of this...it has definitely shown me how blessed I have been!

So...there really isn't more I could want in life!

Although it's a day late, I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

I don't think any of this needs to be explained...well,maybe except for my wish...my little brother (he was always pretty special to me...my mom and I were actually pregnant at the same time, so my brother is the same age as my daughter! The two of them grew up together...) went missing 5 ½ years ago. It has been hard on our family, especially at the holidays. However, it also makes us extremely grateful for all that we do have. We appreciate those that are around us, tell them that we love them a lot more, and treasure each smile, tear and hug. So...I keep on wishing...

Well, I hope that your 2014 was also amazing, and that 2015 will simply bring more "amazing-ness" for you and yours! Enjoy the next stretch of your school year!

Happy New Year!

Take care,
Tammy

September Currently

Hi everyone! It is hard to believe that it is "Back to School" time already!

I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade. I am looking forward to checking out everyone else's blogs to see their pictures of their newly set-up classrooms. Maybe I will try to get some pictures of my own up as well!

 

Well, I don't think there is much to explain with today's thoughts, so I will just wish those who are just starting back to school this week, like me, a great start to the school year! As for those who have been back at it already, I hope that your year is doing well! (P.S. - My 'Pete the Cat' bulletin board stuff arrived a few weeks ago...I am so excited for my kiddies to see it!)

 

Take care,

 

Tammy

August Currently

Happy August, everyone!

I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade. I look forward to reading about everyone else's summer and all the work they have been doing to get ready for the next year!

It has been a wonderful summer, and I am having lots of fun!
*I have gotten lots of baby snuggle time with my new granddaughter. She is four months old now! *Also, my daughter just got married two weeks ago, and the wedding was absolutely perfect...it was so "her"! :)
*I have also been spending lots of time working on school planning...thank goodness for Pinterest, TeachersPayTeachers, some wonderful teacher blogs, and my daughter (a fellow teacher), etc. to help with the process of working through some new curriculum. I still think that I deserve shares in cardstock, printer ink and laminating sheets! Hopefully, I will get some time to share some of my new (and maybe some old) ideas as the new school year begins.
*And finally, this summer represents the end of my journey with cancer (I hope). I am coming up to my last treatment, and then surgery to remove my chemo port! I have even had time and energy to drive my old bug convertible around this summer!

I am grateful that I still have a bit of time before I am back to work. I love this time of year, planning and creating and getting ready for that first day of school...but I am also glad to have some time just for me, whether it is just watching some really bad daytime T.V. or reading a fabulous book or having an afternoon nap...it's all good!

Take care, and enjoy your last few days/weeks before you go back to work. And, if you are already back to school, I hope that you have had a great start!

Tammy

June Currently

Hi, everyone. I can't believe that June is already here! So much has happened since I have last posted...and there is so much more on the go right now...not to mention that I have so much to do before the end of the month...YIKES!

I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade. I love reading about everyone else's experiences, especially this time of year...so here goes...

 

I am sure that most of these things are pretty self-explanatory...but...

 



One of the most amazing things that has happened these past few months was the arrival of our granddaughter at the end of March. Of course, she is the prettiest, smartest little girl ever (just like her mommy!). I was worried that we wouldn't get to see her much, as she lives 60 miles away from us...but I have been lucky to see her at least once a week since she was born. My secretary at school has been giving me a hard time about not using my personal days (I have only had time for my own medical appointments the past year and a half)...so, I decided to take tomorrow off and spend it with my daughter and granddaughter...Yay!!!

Somehow, it seems like we went from the winter that would never end...right to summer! It is warm and sunny now, perfect for getting my other "baby" out on the road! Last summer, I was in the middle of Chemo treatments, and spent most of my time recovering on the couch. I felt so guilty that I didn't have the strength to take her out, so I will definitely make it up to her this year! I still have treatments until August, but these aren't nearly as hard on me as last year's chemo, or the radiation in the fall. I'm not sure if they tire me out at this time, or if it is working full-time through it all that is doing it. Either way, life is good right now!

Here is my other "baby"!

 



I am looking forward to a busy, and joyful summer...but first, I need to get through June (report cards, field trips and Tabloid Day, oh my!). I hope that all of you already on holidays are able to rest and rejuvenate...As for those of you still working for a little while longer, like me, good luck and have fun!

Take care,

Tammy

February Currently

Happy February, everyone! Well, I survived January, but am hoping that February will be warmer (I`m sure many of you can relate to way too many days of indoor recesses).

I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

 

I think everything is pretty self-explanatory..so I`ll move right on to my 2 truths and a fib...I DO love Winnie the Pooh, and all of the characters from the One Hundred Acre Woods. It's strange, as this wasn't a childhood crush...lol...it didn't even happen until long after my kids came along...there's just something about those cuddly creatures! I am definitely a book addict...one of my colleagues and myself apparently have a bet going on that whoever dies with the most books will win (and get the box that will be arriving in the mail right afterwards from Chapters or Amazon...lol). So...yep, you guessed it...I am definitely not a skier...I like watching it, but I would prefer to do so from inside the ski chalet while sipping hot chocolate! Did I mention that I don't like cold? lol

Happy New Year! (and January Currently)

Why is it that the older we get, the faster time flies? Not only have we sped through the holiday season, but a new year has begun! And don't forget, it's also a new month, so once again, I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade!

I think that most of these things are pretty self-explanatory...but I do have to tell about my special memory this year! Two weeks before Christmas, hubby offered to take me into the city to do some of my running around (this should have been Clue #1, as hubby hates Christmas time running around with too many people everywhere...lol), and maybe dinner and a movie. As we were driving around, he casually said that maybe we wouldn't have enough time for a movie, so we could just do some shopping (Clue #2, hubby does not like to shop). He then proceeded to take me to a nearby shopping mall, directing me to a jewelry store to buy me a new wedding band! I should explain that my original wedding/engagement rings had to be cut off before I had my lumpectomy surgery in February...I had only been given 8 days notice of this surgery...not nearly enough time to lose 20 pounds and be able to get the rings off by myself...lol...Anyway, hubby took me to the same store he bought my original rings from almost 30 years ago (I didn't know this, as I wasn't there for the first purchase). He actually picked out what he thought I might like, and other than me choosing the white gold instead of gold, it was a shared decision! This was a pretty amazing, and touching way to end a long and difficult 2013! I'm a lucky girl!

I hope that your 2014 is off to a great start! I know that I will honour the challenges I have faced in 2013 by appreciating the adventures that this new year will bring! Hugs!

Take care,

Tammy

December Currently!

Wow...I can't believe that I let October and November fly by without doing at least my minimum Currently link!

Well, let's see...what is new? I finished my radiation treatments in October. I had 20 treatments, every weekday. I was lucky...the radiation department worked late, so I was able to do most of them after school. I would teach for the day, then leave just at home time (my wonderful co-teacher would dismiss the kids) and drive into the city for my treatment. Things went pretty smoothly, all things considered!

I also survived report card and Parent-Teacher time! This was our first time using the new provincial report card, so it was a learning experience, but I think that it went fine. Probably the most difficult thing was the amount of comment writing there was, especially for EVERY subject. I'm sure that it will get easier each time.

And now, it is Christmas Concert time...Did I mention that I work in a small school? And besides teaching Grade 3/4, I am also the Music teacher? And I'm slightly crazy? lol...Oh well, everyone helps out, and it is so much fun when it all starts to fit together. Our school does a concert that includes everyone, from Kindergarten to Grade 8. The Kindergartens do a really cute welcome, the Grades 5 to 8 Band will perform a few songs, and then K to Grade 8 perform a Christmas musical. This year we are doing a cute production called "Surfin' Santa"! The Grade 7 and 8 students are the actors, and the rest of the kids are the chorus, with each class having their own moment up on stage, with some choreography for one of the songs. The art teacher does a great job with his students designing the backdrop, and decorating the gym as well. So...I`m sure that things will be fine.

Anyway, once again I am linking up with Farley`s Currently linky at Oh`Boy 4th Grade:

 



I think most of these are pretty easy to follow...I am definitely looking forward to the Christmas break, to just relax and spend some time with my super, wonderful hubby (did I forget to mention that he has been busy drilling holes in 24 glass blocks for me so that my kiddies can paint some cool presents for their parents?) and the rest of my family!

Well, I will leave you with one quick activity that I have been working on to use with one of my Math classes in the next few weeks. I experimented with making up some QR codes, each one linking up with a simple Math problem. The kiddies are going to be in partners, and use one of the iPads to scan the pictures of the codes that I have printed out. They can then solve the problem, then go onto the next code. I have never tried this before, so hopefully it goes well.

(this is the QR code on the front page of their booklet)

 

Anyway, if I don't "see" you before the holidays begin, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate!

 

 

Take care,

 

Tammy

September Currently! Let the Fun Begin!

Well, September flew in before I was even ready...but I'm sure I'll be fine...

On my good days, I spent time in my classroom, trying to organize it for the new school year. And, on those not-so-good days, I rested on the couch and did a bit of planning. Hopefully during the next few days or weeks, I can get some pictures up of my classroom!

Thank goodness for Farley and  her Currently linky over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade or I would never get to updating this blog these days! All I can hope is that once all the cancer treatments are done I will be able to make more time for all my little projects.

Listening - With the last few weeks of heat, I am extremely grateful for our air conditioning!

Loving - Since my diagnosis with breast cancer, I have been so fortunate that my family has taken over all the little (and many big) things that I have had to let go of...from cleaning to laundry to cooking...and so much more. Then there is the driving to appointments, chemo treatments and wherever else I have to go. I LOVE them to pieces!

Thinking - I have a lot of things to organize...not only am I teaching with a partner this year, but I also just found out that I will be starting my radiation treatment this month, which involves being away from my classroom every afternoon for a month. Throw this on top of all the follow-up appointments, my Herceptin treatments (every 3 weeks through my chemo port), and maybe even a few teacher-related inservices...and I will be so tired of making sub plans by the time this year is over!

Wanting - Well, I finished my last chemo treatment less than 2 weeks ago...and now I just have to wait for the hair to grow back! I've gotten used to being bald over the past few minutes...wearing scarves for much of May and June, and hats through the summer to avoid the sun. My kiddies at school have already known all about my battle with cancer, as I have worked throughout it, so I will probably stick to the bald look when school begins this week. However, one of the wonderful things that happened this summer is that my daughter got engaged!!! and I would really love to have hair when I go to her wedding next summer!

Needing - nothing more to add to this...  :)

Love Yourself Spot - I am trying to take better care of myself, especially after these past several months...I just need to rebuild my energy levels so that I can do it!

Well, that's it for my September Currently! I hope that your new school year is off to a great start, whether you have been back to work for weeks, or just heading back tomorrow, like me!

Take care,

Tammy

July Currently! (Thank goodness for summer!)

I know that I am not the only one wondering where this past school year went...although I have to admit that after the year I had, I am not that upset that it is done. Don't get me wrong - I loved my class, and the colleagues I worked with. However, between my cancer diagnosis and the beginning of my treatment, the passing of my dad this spring, and the loss of several people at school (through retirements, transfers and cutbacks), it has been one of the most emotional years I have gone through in a long time!

It's a good thing that Farley gives me that push to at least blog once a month, through her Currently linky over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 



I think most of these are pretty self-explanatory...but just in case you wanted to know about the car girl part of me, here's a picture of my "baby"!

 

Isn't she pretty?  :)  Unfortunately, I'm not sure how much time I will get to drive her around this summer with the top down...With my treatments, I am more susceptible to the sun. Oh well, maybe I will pull her out on cloudy days, and let the wind blow through my hair scarf  past my bald head...lol



As far as the rest of this summer is concerned, I still need to do some clean up in my classroom to find some space for another teacher to be able to co-teach in my room. I also have to figure out exactly what this co-teaching thing is going to look like. I will also be spending the next week at a conference, which will allow me to finish much of my Level 1: School Administrator's Certificate. Hopefully I can get most of these things done in the next 10 days or so, before the next chemo treatment (this will be a new chemo drug I'll be starting so I am hoping that I will make it through these final three treatments over the summer...). My goal will also include a huge stack of books to read through!

Anyway, I hope that your summer break is off to a great start, and that you are able to enjoy many of the things that there just doesn't seem to be time for during the rest of the school year!

Take care,

Tammy

June Currently...Wow!

Well, I'm not sure where May went...I guess that is a result of all of the health things I have been dealing with this year. As I mentioned in my April Currently, I was going to meet the oncologist to set up my radiation treatments, etc. I was partly right...I did meet her...lol...however, we didn't discus radiation (that will be later). Instead, she had a plan for me for another surgery, to implant a port in my chest so that I could begin chemo after that. Things seem to move very quickly in the cancer world, as I have since had the surgery, and already completed two rounds of chemo! I am happy to say that things haven't been too bad yet - I have been able to continue working so far...but I will be ready for the summer break to complete the treatments, and hopefully have some time to recuperate before the next school year begins!

Anyway, here is my June Currently...Thanks as always to Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade, for this great linky!

 

I am hoping that June will involve sun and blue sky, compared to May ending with clouds and rain. It is amazing how much that little yellow ball in the sky can change your mood so easily! I hope that your June is off to a great start, and if you are already on vacation, have a wonderful summer! For those of you like me, that still have a month of work to get through, I hope your June goes by smoothly, and your vacation is here before you know it!

 

 

Take care,



Tammy

February Currently...and a long day.

How did February get here so quickly? It's a new month, and time to link up with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade!

 

I think most of this is self-explanatory....I'm sure many of you feel the same way about time. Unfortunately, my concerns are not for the same reason...I just got a diagnosis for breast cancer yesterday. My form is non-invasive, Stage 0...but I have surgery in a week, and will have to be off for a bit of time after that. Hmm...what to prepare for a week or two? Then, there is the radiation treatment a few months after that. This just doesn't fit into my schedule right now!!! I think the nurse was patronizing me, too, when she was setting up my surgery date. When I tried to push it back to a "more favourable school day", she told me that she had a brother who was a teacher so she "kind of got it"...which meant that she totally DID NOT GET IT! But I have lots of support, and things will be fine, so - happy thoughts, everyone!

 

Anyway, it's hard to believe that the school year is officially half over already! This past week has been incredibly busy (not even counting my personal, health stuff).

 

We had a Community Relations afternoon, with activities being held all over the school. Kids signed up for their top choices, and got to try three different things. A few community members, and all of our teachers and support staff helped to offer things like: baking, bubble activities, making friendship bracelets, paper airplanes, Zumba dancing, a music jam session, wild animal crafts, yoga, innukshuk building, snowshoeing, playing chess & checkers, and making balloon animals. Some parents came in to follow their children around as well. It was so much fun, watching multi-age groups of kids (from Grade 1 to 8) try something new, or enjoy an old favourite!

 

We also had two Divisional Curriculum Focus Days. The first day was more school-directed, with some work on assessment methods and a look at the upcoming, new report card coming in September. The second day was teacher-directed, with available sessions for teachers to attend, as well as the opportunity to do our own thing in our school and classrooms. Some of us spent time brainstorming for upcoming themes and activities, as well as working on some units for our own classes. It was definitely a worthwhile day!

 

Well, I hope that everyone has a great, relaxing weekend! I'm looking forward to my daughter coming for a visit tomorrow (although hubby likes to complain that we can't let go of the teacher conversations, as she is a Grade 1 teacher...lol). That's OK...SHE more than kind of gets me!

 

Take care!

 

Tammy

January Currently...and So Long to 2012!

Well, it's a new year, a new month, and time to link up once again with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for the January Currently. It is hard to believe that the new year has already arrived! This school year has been flying by so quickly that I just hope that I can cover everything that I need to get done...lol



 

I don't know if it's just because I live in constant noise and chaos at school...lol...but the T.V. or radio always seems to be on, just to have the noise in the house.

I love when the Christmas break starts with Christmas right at the beginning, so that we have a week after New Year's before it's time to head back to work.

I have been spending lots of time over the holidays reading blogs, checking out Pinterest, and re-reading some of my own files to plan what I want to do with my kiddies for January.

My goal every year is to get the Christmas decorations down and packed away before I head back to school. I have a few days yet...but it would be awesome if the housecleaning fairy came along and decided to treat me and do it for me...sigh

The last day of school in December is always crazy. Our Christmas concert was the night before, so we had all the clean up to do with all the concert stuff. Plus, we always do a school assembly in the morning to end the year with a Christmas carol sing along, and our principal's reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Then, we have one of the most amazing traditions ever! Our PAC (Parent Advisory Council) organizes a complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings for our entire school (all the teachers, students, support staff, bus drivers, volunteers and upper admin.) at the hall down the road! It is such a wonderful way to end the year - and our parents have been doing this for the entire 14 years I have worked at this school (and many more before that). Then, it's time to head back to the school to relax with a movie and activities. We also end the day with our staff Christmas party, once the school day is finished.
*Now, this is a great day...lol...but by the time it ends, I can't even remember what my desk looks like, did I take down the Christmas bulletin boards, and how much junk is hanging out of my staff mailbox. So, I need to get my butt in gear, get to school for a day (or two), and put 2012 away so that I can start 2013 with a clean slate!

My one little word this year is family...I thought this was important because I want to make more time with my own family (even though my own kids are all grown up and doing their own things). Then, I want to remember my other "family" - the people I work with, and the kiddies I have in my classroom. Also, this year, we have created multi-age "families" with all of our students, Kindergarten to Grade 8, and have been planning activities that these groups can do together to build the sense of family within our school.  So far, we have built scarecrows, designed posters to 'Stomp Out Bullying' (with feet painting to walk across our creations), and led the singing of our favourite Christmas songs.

 





Before I sign off of here, I thought I would share a few of our Christmas art projects that we ended December with. These are my samples...the kiddies' versions were even cuter! I'm not sure where the ideas all came from...although, most likely, I saw them on a Pinterest post ages ago.

Thumbprint Reindeer              Fancy Paperclip Angel

 

Anyway, I hope that the new year is off to a great start for you! I wish you all the best for 2013!

 

Take care!

 

Tammy

December Currently (Oh my...is it December already??)

Well, here is my second time to join up with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade, with her monthly Currently...December is upon us and I'm sure most of you are feeling the same way as me...so much to do at school and home, and so little time to do it all!  Well, if I make myself get dressed this morning, perhaps I can get some of those little things accomplished today!  Wish me luck!



Well, it's December, which I LOVE!!! but with this wonderful month comes so much extra work. I seem to be working month to month this year, hoping to get through one set of stressors, then realizing that the next month has a whole new set! Oh well, that's why I love this job...it's never boring! lol  However, when you work in a very small school and wear so many hats (classroom teacher, music teacher, technology mentor...), it makes it difficult when those hats keep pulling you in totally opposite directions. I am super excited to be attending the TIES conference in Minneapolis in another week, to get lots of ideas about using technology at our school...but why does it have to be the week before our Christmas concert??? Hopefully, I will spend the next several days getting my kids ready before I leave, learning all the words to those songs. I'm sure it will all work out..........

Have I told you that I work with a great bunch of people? We have such a variety of teachers, from newbies with lots if enthusiasm and ideas, to some more veteran teachers (with lots of enthusiasm and ideas!). I truly enjoy going to work to spend time with everyone. So - I am on the hunt for a few more things to sneak into mailboxes (from Secret Santa) to let these people know they are thought of.

I am looking forward to December in my classroom. We are finishing up with our latest writing project, as well as our novels, so it will be fun to do some Christmas writing, pulling out all my Christmas picture books, and creating some awesome Christmas crafts! I am looking forward to posting about some of our December activities over the next few weeks.

I hope your December is off to a great start!

Take care!

Tammy

November Currently

Wow!  I have never joined up with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade, with her monthly Currently...but I thought maybe it would get me moving and add to my blog this week...

So..here goes!

Oh my! That was much harder than I thought! I seem to be fixated on time right now...or more accurately, a lack of time...lol...Well, I'm sure that will change after November is done...oh wait - after that, it's Christmas concert time...did I mention that I also am in charge of our music program, and planning all the concert stuff? That must mean that January will slow down then...or maybe February?...lol

I guess I can't complain too much about this past week...even with Halloween and a full moon, my kiddies were pretty good. We got our own version of a jack-o-lantern done, and the kids loved them...Unfortunately, I didn't remember to get pictures before they all went home...GRRR...however, I did find a picture I had taken from another year, to give you an idea...

 

These were jars that we covered with glue and pieces of orange tissue paper. For the next step, I found pictures of jack-o-lantern faces that I just photocopied so that my kiddies could design their own look. Then, we covered the entire outside with another coat of white glue to finish. The one improvement that we made this year was that we used green pipe cleaners to wrap around the mouth of the jars, then curled the left over end of the pipe cleaner to make part of it's vine!  When we turned on the battery-operated tealight candles inside each jack-o-lantern, and turned off the classroom lights, my kiddies were thrilled with how they turned out!

 

Well, I hope all of you survived your October, and that your November goes by as smoothly as possible!

 

Take care!

 

Tammy