New Space!

After two years of working in a wonderful school it was an extremely hard decision to relocate. I chose to leave wonderful people and an incredible school behind in order to get more time with my little kiddos. My previous commute was almost 45 minutes long...twice a day and that starts to add up. Then you add in the fact that my previous school was an extended day program and the time spent away from home was more than I felt like I could give. With more that a few tears I said goodbye to one group of friends and headed towards my new teaching adventure.

I am thrilled to report that after only a few hours I feel like my new school will also be a good fit. Extra bonus...my new commute is 10 minutes! SCORE one for Mom!

With a new school comes a new space...

oh the possibilities!

See those two darlings? Those are two of the three most important reasons I made this move. Man I am lucky to have them!

Does anyone else struggle with deciding where everything should go? What would be the best use of my space? I can't wait to share the end product with you. Stay tuned.

Close Reading 4th Grade Video

I am always looking for positive examples of a close reading. I am not an expert by any means but I feel this one fits the bill. This video is about 12 minutes long. It is worth the watch.

Here are a few things I like about this lesson/teacher...

1. I like how she states her objective and how her students will complete the objective.

2. I like how she models her thinking when she becomes stuck on the word "stabilizing".

3. I like her use of vocabulary. Notice she doesn't use simple words but uses real "grown-up" words like: consensus, annotate, sequential order, etc.

4. I like how she is constantly asking her students to find in the text the evidence that supports their thinking.

5. I like how she doesn't agree or disagree aloud with her students. She makes her students talk it out and come to a consensus. 

6. I like all the chances student have to share their thinking, whether one on one, in a table or even with a partner.

What do you do that you really love when you are doing a close read?
What did you like about this teacher?

Currently...

Listening: It is extremely weird to hear both Leap Frog and motorcycle game playing in the background at the same time. I can't mind too much - I love having the kids close by. 

Loving: I have been busy at my new classroom and here at home trying to accomplish as many things as I can before Baby #3 decides to join our little family. 

Thinking: Like I stated above there is constantly things to do...hey just being a mom means there is always plenty to do. I am feeling a bit guilty for not getting up and putting a load in or at least folding the one currently in the dryer...guess I know what I will be doing as soon as I finish here.

Wanting: I am hoping I can convince my sweet hubby to make cookies. However, it is Father's Day so I may wait just to be nice.

Needing: I am always thirsty these days!

3 Vacay Essentials: There never seems like I will have enough time to get anything done. Yet while I feel stressed and want more time I am more than happy just to hold my kids and do nothing productive. Finally I would love some new shorts and even a t-shirt or two but is it really worth it for 4-5 more weeks of pregnancy? 

Happy 34 weeks to Baby #3!

I am new to linking up...and probably did something wrong...but I wanted to give credit where credit is due! Thanks Farley for the cute Currently!