Blog Hopping!

BOING!!  BOING!!

It's National Blog Hopping Day!!

In celebration, I am linking to a post that I did the other day.  I am sharing my Weekly Pacing Guide for this year.  It really helps me to stay on track.  Just click here.  (You can scroll down past my vacation pics to the pacing guide.)

I LOVE using it as a checklist.  I feel so accomplished as the weeks go by.

I hope you enjoy it and can adapt it to use for yourself! Enjoy!

Now, back to hopping!!!

Pinterest!

I have admitted addictions before, but Pinterest beats them ALL!

Such SPECTACULAR ideas from all over the world!  Since I'm a visual learner, this is PERFECT for me.

I LOVE all the ideas from others.

So...

Follow me here.  There's so much to share!!  If you need an invite, comment below and leave your email address and I will invite you. :)

I Apologize...

I apologize for my absence.

I have been trying my best to enjoy my summer.  The kiddos and I went to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!  We had a BLAST!  Loved the Comedy Barn and Titanic!!  Oh, go if you haven't!

Here is a pic of the outside of Titanic.

The kiddos in front of the iceberg!  Look out!

Great fun and making fabulous memories!

BUT...

July is now here and I feel that I MUST get a move on and begin preparing for a new school year!!  This is my FAVORITE time of year! A new theme... new kids... new EVERYTHING!
Raise your hand if you get almost delirious for a school supply sale!  (Both of mine are raised WAY UP high!)  Ahhh...the glory of it all.


Shh... don't tell. I have worked on a couple of things. I've already been to school and arranged my room.  Next is decorating. So, I'm psyched!  Since HORTON is my last name... I'm going to use owls and the forest for my theme!  On my door it will say, "Horton Hears A WHOOO???" with Horton's head on one side and an owl on the other!  I LOVE it!  Can't wait! 


Anyway, I also plan my year using a pacing guide.  I'm sure you do, too.  So here is a peek of mine.  Our year is broken into six weeks.  We use Open Court for Reading and Everyday Math for Math.  This limits some of the things that I am able to do, BUT it also gives me a great guide as to what I'm teaching throughout the year.  So, here is my guide.  I uploaded it to TpT site.  Just click here.  :)

First Six Weeks

Second Six Weeks

Third Six Weeks

Fourth Six Weeks

Fifth Six Weeks

Sixth Six Weeks

It is on LEGAL size paper.  I print it out and keep a copy at home and at school.  I check them off as I go.  My principal really liked them when she saw them on my desk.  I also give it to my team so that they can use them if they choose.

I hope you can use them.

Now back to Pinterest!  I'm soooooo addicted!!!  :)

Summer Top 3

It's SUMMERTIME!!!! There are times when it hits me that it's summer.  That moment came this morning as I was looking around the house.

Here are my TOP 3 Things that tell me it's definitely SUMMER VACATION!



#3-  There are no piles of paper on my desk waiting to be graded!!!  (This always makes me smile the most!!)



#2-  Toys are strewn ALL over the house where castles are being built, forts are created, Lego men are battling, my children are dressed up in matching theme appropriate costumes, and wars are being fought.  I also have NO feeling of wanting to clean them up until bedtime!

And...



#1-  There are more pajamas in the wash than regular clothes!! 


YAY, SUMMER!!!

What is YOUR Top 3?  I'd love to hear them!!

But for now, it's back to the mini-zoo!

Emerging and Looking for HELP!

I feel like a butterfly that has emerged from its chrysalis...

I am now on SUMMER VACATION!!! YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!

It has been a hectic few weeks.  State testing, field trips, game day, packing up my classroom, sorting through papers, turning in paperwork... well, you know how I feel.

So, it is time now to get ready for next year. Yes, I am one of those people that are already planning what comes next.  (I know you are too or you wouldn't be reading this.)  Even though I've been teaching for almost 15 years, I find each new year to be an adventure. New kids, new materials, new everything!  It's just exciting to me.

HELP:  I have a question.  I need to be able to lock my documents in the pdf format so that no one can copy the images that I'm adding.  Without buying Adobe Writer, how can I do that???  I've tried and looked at several things, but I know that bloggers have the best ideas and tips!

So, PLEASE, if you know a trick, I NEED IT!!! :)

Now, back to blogstalking... ;)

Sale...

I decided (way too late) to have a (small) SALE for Teacher Appreciation Week on my TpT store and my TN store.

It's a 5% sale, but hey, it's a sale. It is my first. I'm a little nervous!  The sale lasts from today, Sunday, May 6 through Thursday, May 10!

So, THANK YOU for loving your monkeys like only teachers do! Hop on over and visit for awhile.  Enjoy your day!

Remember, without us (teachers, that is) the other professions wouldn't exist. ;)

Love and hugs,