Behavior systems and Class Dojo

So happy it's the weekend.  It's been a long and busy week.   I've been in the process of revamping my behavior systems in my classroom.  I have a few high maintenance students this year and I'm trying to meet their needs.  I've revamped how I use Class Dojo with the students.  Every 20 points they earn they are able to earn a reward.  It could be lunch with the teacher, a prize or tickets to our PBIS story.  I also use a sticker chart, they can earn up to two stickers each time.  Once they fill it up they earn a prize from a prize box.

What do you do in your classroom?  I'd be interested in how your using Class Dojo in the classroom.

A new month, a new Currently

We just finished up with our first quarter.  This year is just flying by!!   I'm on Fall Break now and very excited to have some time to myself, and get back on track with my workouts.  Fall Break also means that the weather is finally starting to cool down in AZ and all the fun stuff begins again.   I'm also looking forward to time to read and catch up with my life.

The start of a new month also means linking up with Farley for a new Currently.

Listening-My new nextflix marathon is Breaking Bad.  Everyone I know has been addicted to it so now it's my turn.

Loving-Finally it's Fall Break.  School has been very busy and very stressful and I'm looking forward to some time off.  I'm looking forward to time to recharge, regroup and get ready for next quarter.
Also, enjoying time with my family and friends.

Thinking-This week I'm playing catch up with my life and so I want to take full advantage of my time off.  I'm busy with doctor's appointments and running errands, but top priority is working out on a regular basis.

Needing-So far, so good.  I've been exercising almost every day.  Now the challenge will be to maintain that discipline when I return to school next week.

Trick or Treat-Sorry no treats from me, but Happy Halloween!!

Come and join the fun!!

September Currently

It's so hard to believe that it's already September and we've already finished up the first week of school.  It's gone by so fast.  I've been busy with scheduling and revamping how I'm organizing my resource groups, and how I'm working with them.  It's so nice to have a three day weekend and enjoy having some time to relax and reflect on the past month.  A new month means a new currently so I'm linking up with Farley for September currently.

Listening-I've been on a House of Cards Marathon.  The Underwoods are so bad, but the show is so good.  It's addictive.

Loving-I'm loving my three day weekend.  It's a much needed break, and a chance to relax and reflect.

Thinking-I'm going to be busy when I return.  I've been revamping what and how I teach with my resource students and I'm excited about what's to come.

Wanting-I've been falling behind in my workouts since I returned to school.  I've been doing better than last year, but need to work out on a more regular basis.

Needing- A weekend, hopefully a get-away to the ocean, more specifically San Clemente.

Three Trips- So many places I'd love to visit and see.  I've always wanted to visit Australia and New Zealand.  It seems like such a gorgeous beautiful country with lots to do.  Not listed is just about any city in France, I've been to Paris but I'd love to travel around the countryside, especially the French Riviera.  Holland looks beautiful as well and I can't wait to visit.   Last, but not least Wyoming looks beautiful and I look forward to exploring the state.

So join in with the party and link up with Farley and tell us what your doing currently.

Weekend reflections

I just finished with the second week of school.  It's been a very busy week of planning and organizing as well as teaching.  I've been working on tweaking my schedule and getting organized and learning about a new reading curriculum, as well as getting more involved in PBIS and working more on school wide rules and expectations as well as spending more time with students going over rules and expectations.  I'm excited about the year to come.   I will have my work cut out for me with my students, but I feel like I have a lot of resources and support to help me out this year.  I'm also working at becoming more consistent and efficient about my work outs and making sure I'm being more consistent about working out and eating healthier foods.  I always seem to fall apart when school starts to fully get into session, and I'm working on strategies to make sure that doesn't happen.  Last week, it was hard to stay consistent because it was a busy week with meetings and fun stuff (Paul McCartney concert).  So I need to get back on track and continue with regular workouts.     Here's to a good week and an even better year!!    So come link up with Chalk One Up for the Teacher    

Another Sunday Social!

It's hard to believe we've been in school two weeks already.  Our school is delving further into PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System) which I think will be great for our students.  All the teachers are on board, reviewing rules and expectations.  We have a common language so that the kids are hearing the same thing from all of us.  It's been a busy week for me as I'm getting used to the routine and went to see Paul McCartney last week (who was amazing by the way)!  I slipped this last week from my workout routine, but I plan on delving back into again next week.  My goal this year is to maintain a balance and take better care of myself throughout the year.  Anyway, this Sunday I'm linking up with Neely and Ashley  for their Sunday Social.

 


So Happy Sunday Social Day!!!
This Weeks Questions:
1. One item you wish you could splurge on right now: Either an I Pad or a MacBook Pro Air.


2. If you had an entire weekend of no plans what would you do? Sleep a lot, go to breakfast, watch shows and movies on Netflix,  go to yoga, read read read, go to my favorite coffee shops and drink a lot of coffee.

3. Next place you are visiting outside of your current city? Nothing planned yet, but hopefully a trip to San Clemente, or somewhere with a beach and water in the near future.

4. Are you a neat freak or a clutterbug?  I lean more to being a neat freak, but I'm a little bit of a clutterbug (more so than I wish).

5. Favorite Summer purchase? Cute dresses and/or maxi dresses

 

Next Weeks Questions:

1. What are you most looking forward to about Fall?
2. What is your favorite sports team?
3. If you could go back to college is there one thing you would change?
4. What was your favorite class you ever took? HS or College
5. Reach into your purse what is the first thing you grab? 

Sunday Social

I enjoyed my last weekend of freedom and I'm looking forward to our students returning on Tuesday.  We have one last day of meetings and time to work in our classrooms tomorrow.  Today I'm linking up with Ashley and Neely for their Sunday Social.
 

This Weeks Questions:
Answer these questions but tell us why
1. Gum or mints?   I like both, but right now I'm enjoying gum more.

2. Tea or Coffee?   I love both, but probably coffee more.  I love going to coffee shops and hanging out there writing, working and/or people watching.  I love tea as well, especially on a chilly evening.

3. Fruits or Veggies?  I love both, but always struggle incorporating them into my diet.

4. TV or Movies?  I love both and it depends on where I'm watching them.  At home I tend more towards tv shows because my attention span is short and I don't have time to commit to more than an hour.  I do love going out to see movies.

5. Candles or Diffusers?   Candles especially Yankee or Gold Canyon

 

 

 Next Weeks Questions:
1. One Show you would love to see on netflix that isn’t there
2. One song you wish they would play more on the radio
3. Your favorite song to sing loudly to in the car
4. What Movie/TV show do you quote the most?
5. One silly thing you do daily

Come link up with them and make some new friends! Sunday Social is a great way to find new blogs! Encourage your friends to come get Social too!!

It's Currently August

Can't believe it's August already and time to return to school.  It was a good summer, but boy did it ever fly by.  I'm excited for the start of a new school year.  Being a resource teacher, I usually start the year knowing most of my new kiddos that I will be working with.  They'll come and go throughout the year, as new ones transfer in and new kids are tested and qualify for special education.  I'm proud of myself for taking care of myself and continuing to work out and exercise throughout the summer.  The big challenge is to continue that trend and keep making fitness and health a priority for me so that I can have some balance in my life and not be such a workaholic.  Teachers returned to school on Wednesday and it was nice because our training was cancelled and that meant I had the entire day to work on my classroom.  So nice!!  We have our back to school meeting on Monday and then time to work on our classrooms in the afternoon.  Then kids return on Tuesday.  I'm excited about seeing my students!!

A new month means a new currently, so that being said I'm linking up with Farley this month for the monthly currently.

Listening- I love Pandora and the artist Zaz, who is along the lines of Edith Piaf and find the music very calming and relaxing

Loving-The start of a new school year.  It always feels like a fresh slate.  I'm relaxed and energized and excited about the prospects of a new school year. 

Thinking-About the new school year and all that needs to be done.  I have a long to do list, that's continually being checked off and having more added to it.

Wanting-I'm energized by the start of a new school year, but I'd love a little more time to get everything in order.

Needing-I was so good this summer about staying healthy and exercising despite the crazy Phoenix heat.  I need to continue with this trend and staying healthy even though the school year is in session and it's harder to find the time and motivation to exercise even though I know I'll feel better for it.

1st Day-Teachers have already returned (July 30th) and students return on Tuesday (August 5th)



Anyway, come link up and tell us what your doing currently.

 

Time for another Currently

I've been busy enjoying my summer.  I was able to stick to my goals in June and get on a regular workout schedule.  I joined a gym and started going to zumba and working out with weights.  I've been continuing with yoga and eating healthy foods.  Now the challenge is to continue with it when I get back to school.

Anyway, summer is moving quickly and it's time for another Currently.  I'm linking up again with Farley for her currently.

Listening-It's windy and cold here in MN.  It's pretty hot in Phoenix, so while some sunshine and warmth would be nice.  I'm grateful.

Loving- I'm loving having freedom this summer.  It's so nice to have long, leisurely days to relax and enjoy and have time to catch up on my life and plan for next year.

Thinking- I've been thinking and planning on how to improve my self and have a better school year next year.  I want to be more organized and balanced in my approach to the year.  Fitness and health always falls by the wayside during the school year and I need to make changes to make sure that doesn't happen.

Wanting-  I'd really love to get a new computer and a new printer.  I've been mostly using my work computer for my daily use.  I need one that's faster and more efficient.  Any recommendations?

Needing- I've been doing a good job staying on top of working out and eating healthier I need to make sure I stay on top of things next year.

4th plans- My brother and his family are in town, and my aunt, uncle and cousins are also coming up for the 4th.  Hoping for nicer weather and looking forward to hanging out with family this weekend.

June Currently

Enjoyed my first week of summer vacation.  I spent the first week planning with the other resource teacher at a local Starbuck's.  I have one more summer class and then I can focus on enjoying the rest of my freedom.

It's hard to believe it's already June and time for the next Currently.  It's time to link up with Farley once more.

Listening- I started watching Breaking Bad on Netflix.  It has a cult following, and I've wanted to find out what all the hoopla is about.  So far I'm really enjoying it.

Loving-Finally summer vacation has begun.  I've enjoyed my first week of freedom.  Even though I've been busy planning, I'm enjoying having time to myself.

Thinking-I'm working on my summer plans.  I'll be going to be spending some time in MN, and hopefully some weekend getaways.  I'm also planning on getting organized at home, and getting in shape.  I've joined a gym so that's the first step in getting in shape.

Wanting-One of my goals is to get better organized at home.  I need to organize and sort through my paperwork, and clothes.

Needing-I need to make a to-do list so that I can take better advantage of my time and my summer vacation.

Summer Bucket List-
1) Get in shape
- work out on a regular basis
- eat healthier foods
2) Have fun
- more swing dancing
- meet up with friends for lunch, movies and music
- plan some weekend get-aways
3) Read
- looking forward to some more time to read
- any suggestions on good books to read-professional or fun stuff

What are you doing currently.  Come link up with Farley and join the fun linky part.

Summer plans

I've been enjoying my first weekend of summer vacation.  Now I'm linking up with Deanna to write about the 10 things I want to do this summer.

1) Spend time at our cottage in Minnesota- We have a cottage that I've been going to since I was a child.  It's been in our family for more than 100 years.  I love going out there and spending time.  Our neighbors have also had the cottages in their families for 100 years.  So there is loads of history there.

2) Work out on a regular basis- I just joined a gym, so I'm so excited about working out there and taking classes.  I also would like to do some hiking.  Here in AZ if we want to hike in the summer, we need to get up early in the morning, or leave town to hike.

3) Plan for the next school year- Our school district is giving us money to plan for next year, and become more familiar with common core.  I also plan on spending time getting ready for the next school year.

4) Take a trip to the ocean- My favorite nearby ocean is San Clemente, CA and I love going there.  It's a beautiful place, great beach and food.  We've found a place along the ocean where we love spending time.

5) Read a lot- So excited to be able to spend time reading this summer!!

6) Spend more time with family and friends- My brother and his family will be up in MN this summer and I look forward to spending time with them.  I'll also be able to spend time hanging out with friends this summer here in AZ.

7) Have fun-I just want to enjoy the summer-meet friends for lunch, coffee, go to concerts, swing dancing and just enjoying life.

8) Eat healthier foods-I need to get back on track and eat healthier foods-more fruits and vegetables.

9) Pick up at home and get organized-I'm calling it Operation Declutter!  I want to spend time picking up, organizing my records, and make some trips to Goodwill giving away things and getting my closets and house ready for the next year.

10) Buy a new computer-I've been postponing this one.  I really need to look into getting a new computer this summer, while I have some time to learn more about it and get organized.

Schools out for Summer!!

This song played as I was leaving school for the last day.  Our school finished up on Friday.  The last week was pretty busy, but mostly with fun things like our school talent show, water day for the kids, Junior Achievement and all the awards ceremonies.   It's so nice to be finished with school and now I have the summer stretching before me with plenty of opportunities to rest, recharge and plan for the next year.  I'll also have time to focus on taking my self and work on getting organized, as well as a healthier life style.  I took the first step toward that by joining a gym this weekend.  Now I have to stay on track with my goals.

Happy Memorial Day everyone!!

it's May already!!

How did that happen?  April flew by and now it's May and we're almost at the end of the school year.  Only 13 more school days left until the end.  I'm hoping to get better at blogging this summer.  I've been so bad these last few months.  It's been a really hard year, and I'm ready for a long break.  I am not looking forward to the AZ heat however.  Anyway, I'm linking up with Farley's Currently.

Listening-I'm listening to A Person Of Interest.  It's been so good this year and this night is no exception!

Loving-So happy that there are only 13 days left of the school year.  I'm SO excited!!

Thinking-About summer vacation of course!!  So ready to get some much needed rest and relaxation.  Plus, my annual trip to our summer cottage in MN.

Wanting-Some more time to read.  I'm going to get a stack of books to read for this summer.  I'm really looking forward to it!

Needing-I'm really needing to get back in shape.  I've lost the weight, now I need to get toned.  I want to get back into yoga on a regular basis, and maybe a join a gym.  Eating healthy this summer is also on the agenda.

Surprise-I'm really enjoying A Special Sparkle-the newish special ed collaborative blog.  It's a great place to get tips about special education.

It;s currently April!!

It looks like I'm late to the party.  It's been a busy, challenging few months-having eye surgery (cataracts) in addition to the normal challenges of teaching.  So that's kept me a little busy.  This is probably the latest I've joined in with  Farley's  Currently link-up.  But, but, as they say better late then never.  Right?  Anyway, here's my Currently.

Listening-I'm listening to face the nation and the birds chirping on this lazy Arizona morning.

Loving-This lazy Sunday morning.  I love lazy Sunday mornings where I can go to yoga in the park nearby, meet Dad for coffee and then spending the day being lazy and prepping for the week ahead.  It's relaxing and helps me focus for the coming week.

Thinking-Back to a regular routine this week.  Last week was standardized testing.  While it was a little boring, it was also a little more relaxed than the crazy, hectic schedule that's normal during a typical school week.

Wanting-I'm on the home stretch now with ieps.  I have 5 ieps I need to finish within the next week.  We're supposed to try and have everything finished by May 1st, so it'll be a busy week of trying to finish up ieps.  It'll be a great feeling when they're all finished and turned in though.

Needing-Some balance in my life.  I made a list of things I need to do to keep some balance in my life when I'm teaching.  I always have great intentions on breaks, but once school is in full spring it's really hard to stick to a good balance-eating healthy, exercising on a regular basis, getting plenty of sleep and having fun with friends.

Hours and Last Day- Our school hours are 7:45-3:45 (student hours 8:15-3:00) and our last May 23rd.  Only 29 student days until the end of the school year.  So hard to believe that's it's almost over with.

Come join the party, link up with Farley and tell us what your doing currently!!

Sunday Social

 I'm linking up with Neely and Ashley for their weekly Sunday Social.

Happy Sunday Social Day!!!
 

This Weeks Questions:

1. Top 3 things you cant go a day without doing: having a latte, talking with A and my parents, checking facebook and my email

2. 3 things that scare you the most: failure, not having enough money,  getting hurt or injured
3. 3 places you want to see before you kick the bucket:Rio De Janeiro,  Buenos Aires and Australia

4. 3 movies you will always love: Dirty Dancing, Top Gun and Fast Times at Ridgemont High

5. 3 favorite current songs: Beyond the Sea (I know it's not a current one), One Day by Matisyahu, Home by Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros

Next Weeks Questions:
What is your ideal way to relax
Where is your favorite place to be
Who do you consider your biggest role model
What does your life look like in 3 years?
If you could go back and change one decision what would it be?
What is your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?
Its Sunday so come get Social with us you know Sunday Social Also be sure to link up, spread the word and encourage others to come make some new bloggy friends!

It's Currently March!

Hard to believe it's already March and  I haven't blogged in a month.  It's been a busy month for meetings and paperwork and life gets in the way.  I always love joining Farley's party so here is my Currently.

 

Listening- I love Hawaii Five O, both the new one and the original.

Loving-Rainy days in Phoenix are few and far between and it's so nice to be able to enjoy it.  Unfortunately, it was short lived and we only had one rainy day.  It's amazing what you miss when you have very few of them to enjoy it.

Thinking-I always enjoy going to the NASCAR races and it's always so much more fun when friends that haven't been to the races come along for the ride.

Wanting-I'm really hoping to take a trip to the beaches of Orange County, more specifically San Clemente in the near future.

Needing-I'm really needing some time to breathe and catch up with life and work.  Luckily, spring break is next week

????- You put up a date and then make guesses about the date in the comments.  I forgot to write the whole date, but mine is 7/20/99.

Come and join the party!!  Come on over to Farley and tell us what your doing currently.

 

February Currently

January and the first month in 2014 just flew by.  So hard to believe it's already time for February.  It's also time for another Currently. 

Listening-I love the Monday evening line up of comedies.  I'm enjoying Two Broke Girls right now.

Loving-This time of year is so great in Arizona.  The weather is balmy compared to back east which is getting hit by storm after storm, and there is so much to do out here at this time of year.  It's almost time for spring training games, hiking and all sorts of outdoors fun.

Thinking-This is such a busy time of year for me.  Lots of ieps, in addition to teaching, planning and prepping kids for testing season.

Wanting-I'd love some extra time so I can catch up on all the stuff I need and want to do.

Needing-To get back to a regular routine of hiking and yoga.  It's so hard to keep on a good routine this time of year, and when the pressures on at school.

Two fibs and a lie- I did graduate from high school in London, England and work on a kibbutz in Israel.  l haven't rafted the Colorado River, although it's on my bucket list of things to do.

Join in with the fun and see what everyone else is doing Currently.

Sunday Social

 Back to School again and happily enjoying my first day weekend of the new year.  It's a great opportunity to take a breather, reflect and catch up on stuff I didn't have time to do on my Christmas vacation. 

I'm taking the opportunity joining in with the weekly Sunday Social with Neely and Ashley.

This Weeks Questions:

1. Top 3 favorite kinds of food: 
pizza, spaghetti and chocolate  2. First 3 things you do in the morning: 
make oatmeal, tea, and check email and facebook
3. Last 3 things you do at night: 
set my cell phone alarm, get a glass of water, brush teeth and floss
4. 3 TV shows you NEVER miss: 
Good Wife, Person of Interest and NCIS  5. 3 places you want to visit: 
London (went to high school there), Paris, Amalfi Coast in Italy, and French Riviera (sorry I had to pick three)
6. 3 people you can always count on: 
My parents, brother, and boyfriend A 


 Next Weeks Questions: 1. How old were you when you started wearing makeup? 2. What are your top 3 favorite beauty products? 3. What is one makeup product you don’t leave home without? 4. What is your daily beauty routine? 5. What is your favorite hair/makeup product you’ve discovered in the last year? We hope you link up with us and get super Sunday Social! Meet new friends, leave some love on some new blogs and generally be social duh

Goals for the New Year

Well it's hard to believe that winter vacation is wrapping up.  It's been relaxing and loads of fun.  The first week was spent relaxing and reconnecting with friends.  The second week my brother's family came into town for a week of fun in the sun.  They used to live here and haven't been back as a family for seven years.  It was so fun for them to reconnect to their times here, and for my nieces to reconnect to their old hometown.  Now it's time for me to get back into the swing of things and get used to the idea of returning back to work again.  I've heard that with the winter storm schools in MN have been cancelled on Monday due to extreme cold weather.  I miss having snow days.  Those unexpected days off where you could just curl up indoors and enjoy the snow.  

Anyway, part of a new year routine for me is creating goals and resolutions for the coming year.  So I'm linking up with First Grade Nest for their goals linky.

Here are my goals for 2014

Creating fun, innovative and engaging lessons, that are infused with technology.

For blogging-Blog on a more regular basis, connect more frequently with other bloggers and learn how to create and sell products.

Spend more time reconnecting with friends, and having fun with friends-exercising, dancing, going to festivals and just enjoying time spent with friends and family.

Creating more balance in my life, by taking time to exercise on a regular basis and eat healthier-cut out processed foods, sugars and increase fruits and vegetables.

In the states I'd like to go to San Francisco or New York City.  In Europe I'd love to travel around France.

Eating kale and quinoa.  I'd love to get some good recipes for both so I can try them as well as some healthier foods.

I'd love to learn a new instrument-either the guitar and/or the violin. 

Negativity-I want to adopt and focus more on an attitude of gratitude this year.  I want more peace and joy in my life this year.

I want to work out more-yoga, hiking and running.  I'd also like to read more.

I have to things I want to accomplish.  The first is to finish the story I've been working on forever.  I'm about halfway through it and I'd love to finish it and get it ready for publishing.  The other one is to create and grow a business of blogging and creating new materials.

What are your goals for 2014?  Link up with

and let us know!

Fitness Resolutions

Time for Day 3 of Blog Hoppin's Fitness Resolutions.  This one I need to get really serious about in 2014.

1) Go to Yoga at least twice a week.

2) Hike more regularly-at least two times a month if not more.

3) Join a gym and work out at least twice a week.

4) Eat healthier-more fruits and vegetables.

5) Adopt an attitude of gratitude.

What are you goals?  Link up and let us know.

Family and Fun resolutions

Time to start making some resolutions and goals for the coming year.  So today I'm linking up with Blog Hoppin' for Day 1 (a day late) of their Family and Fun linky.

Here are some of my goals for family and fun this year.

1) Spend more time with family and friends this year. 

2) Get my butt back out on the dance floor and do more swing dancing this year and reconnect with my swing dance friends.

3) Turn off the tv and practice playing the piano and learn a new instrument.

4) Nurture my artistic side and do more painting and photography this year.

5) Just get out and hang out with friends-movies, festivals, concerts etc.  Nurture those friendships.

What are some of your goals/resolutions for the coming year?