Elements of a Novel Freebie and Outfit of the Day

I just made this cute posted that has information about setting, plot, characters, point of view, and theme for novels and short stories.  It is aligned with CCSS.  Click here to visit my TPT store and download your  free copy today through Sunday.  Also, I'm having a 20% off sale there, so make sure to check out my other items. Teachers Pay Teachers is also having a Back to School Sale soon.  I'll be participating and will keep you posted for sure!

Outfit of the Day 

Wine top by J Crew

Nail polish by MAC

Necklace by J Crew

Jeans by Banana Republic

Lipstick by MAC (Twig with Spice liner)

Mascara by MAC

Eye shadow by MAC (Woodwinked)

Wedge Sandals by Antonio Melani

(pics from the internet)

Kagen Strategies and Another Cute Outfit

Hey ya'll!  I have to share with you something that I use in the classroom that has changed my life.  It's amazingly easy to use and the kiddos are engaged! I'm sharing my Pinterest Board with you today....take a moment to check it out. Dr. Spencer Kagen developed a "structural approach" to cooperative learning.  The software available for use on a Promethean Board is amazing and so easy to use!  Check out the Timer Tools, Answer Boards, Engagement Software, Win-Win Discipline,Brain-Based learning, RtI, and Multiple Intelligences links.  There is so much to this website....I can't even begin telling you all about it.  So...go check it out for yourself.  Just make sure you have some time to browse.  And then start writing your grants or saving your money because this is a worthwhile investment! Today, I used the Classbuilding software and the students loved it!  I LOVE using Kagen in my classroom. 

Visit Kagen Online  or my Kagen Pinterest Board

 And here's a picture of my outfit today (again, pics are from the internet)...
Jeans and sweater from Banana Republic (my sweater was actually beige with white stripes and had these adorable gold buttons on the shoulders, but I couldn't find a pic)
 Necklace is from Premier Designs Jewelry
Watch from Kenneth Cole
 Honey Love Lipstick from MAC
Espresso Matte Eye shadow from MAC
Melba Blush from MAC

Classroom Reveal and Back to School Outfit

I need to print labels for my class journals, but thought I'd take a moment to share these pics.  Wish I could remember where I got all of these cute posters.  I'll try to find out and post later. I also made the cute storage seats last year, I totally used the bins today for collecting supplies, but I'll take a pic once those are in order and share here as well.  They are super adorable and I love that I can hide so much stuff inside. Most of the pics of my First Day of 4th Grade outfit I found on the internet.  The jewelry is from Premier Jewelry, which I completely L-O-V-E! Hope to get back to my normal blogging routine...

Dress from Gap

Necklace from Premier Designs Jewelry

Purse from Louis Vuitton

Wedges from Banana Republic

 California Dreamin' Lipstick from MAC

Blogger Exchange

I participated in the Blogger Exchange hosted by Adventures of Ms. Smith and 

Covered in Glitter and Glue.  I had so much fun buying cute items for my partner, but even more fun opening my package when it came in the mail.  I definitely want to partner my kiddos up a few times throughout the year to do a "Classmate Exchange."  It feels so nice to think of others when shopping!  Emily from I Love My Classroom was my partner.  She sent me nail polishes (three different adorable colors), printed duct tape (a pink Moroccan style print), a cute writing journal, beauty products (three different scents that smelled good enough to eat- at least the cucumber does...I totally have it on right now), and metallic gel pens! Thanks, Emily!  I loved, loved, loved all my cute gifts!

I recently started painting with  Chalkboard Paint and I'm in love!!!  I'll post pics of some of those cute products when I post those classroom pics. I'm also going to add the cute duct tape from Emily, so check that out!  The pics posted above are from the internet...my IPAD from school wasn't charged when I went to take pics.  Hence, the reason I haven't posted pics of my classroom yet.   I left it to charge over the weekend.   I love technology (when it works in your favor)! So look for tomorrows post on that.

It's back to school for me the day after tomorrow.  I can't wait to start a new year with my amazing group of students!  Busy day tomorrow!!!  I'll continue posting about what we are doing in the classroom, so make sure to visit often! As always, I appreciate all of my followers so much and love that you are on this journey with me!  Let's make it a great year...

Inservice Meetings

I had an inservcie meeting today at my old stomping grounds.  It was so nice to catch up with friends.  I had a  few extra days setting up this year since I moved to a new classroom and changed grade levels. Since my room is ready, I plan on taking some pics after my meeting tomorrow to share with you. I still have a "to do" list a mile long, but at least I'm not worried about setting up!  I'm so excited to be starting another year and wish you all the best with back to school! 

 My classroom is ready, so this doesn't apply to me but I thought it was cute to share.  I totally know how it feels to sit through a meeting knowing that I have tons to do in my classroom. 

On a side note, our school theme this year is, "Road Trip."  I would love to hear any and all ideas about what I can do with this theme in my classroom.  Also, if any of you have cute lessons, please share the links to your store.  I'd love to "drive" on over and take a look at what you have.  

Back to School Freebie

I've been busily working on getting my classroom ready the past few days.  So my apologies for being MIA.  We have Meet the Teacher Day today, and I'm so excited to meet my new families and students.  Hopefully I get a chance to post some pics when I get home tonight. I wanted to share something I am using for "Fill My Bucket." It's free through Friday!  So here it is...

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Black-and-White-Number-Tags-814337

Kindness to Boost a Child's Spirit

I wanted to share this.  It's not Back to School related, but I'm hoping you can take a moment to write a note of encouragement or do something special for Lucas.  And please share this on your blog as well.  The more we share, the more we can support and love Lucas and his family. Here's his story...

"We {26 Acts of Kindness} were contacted by a reader named Cindi about her grandson Lucas. After verifying the accuracy of the request we are going to share it with all of you.

Lucas is just like every other seven year old boy, smart, energetic, and loving. However, he has one thing that most seven year old children do not...a heavy burden. Lucas is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. 

Having to bear that kind of burden is hard on everyone in his life, but it's exceptionally heavy for a seven year old. As I told his grandmother, there is a quote I really like:

"A jewel's just a piece of rock put under enormous heat and pressure."

This experience will undoubtedly allow the world to see Lucas for the jewel that he is. 

While he is going through this struggle his family has set up a way for you to mail him wishes for hope. This is not necessarily a request for donations, but just kind thoughts and love. "

You may mail cards and letters of support to:

Lucas

C/O Cindi Hunter

Po Box 477

Charleston, AR 72933

 Spread love, not hate