life: first week as a 3rd grade teacher...

I survived!

I am enjoying everything about this job. The part I love the most is that I'm teaching in a new grade. It is VERY different from 1st and even 2nd grade. But, I am learning something new everyday and learning from my mistakes. 

I would love to post pictures, but taking a picture of the room isn't what I'm thinking when I walk in. My mind races to my to-do list, lesson plans, etc. 

Meanwhile, I still have my back to school sale going on in my etsy shop!

Enjoy and God Bless!

 

life: school has taken over...

I've been very busy. It's crazy!

But I am so happy to have a job.

Too tired to really type, but lots coming next week!

Just two things:

1. I posted this Daily Lesson Planner in my TpT store.

2. Get in on the Back to School sale going on in my etsy store!

Enjoy and God Bless!

life: new job...

We moved to Maryland in the middle of June. I had applied for teaching jobs as early as March, since I  had already submitted my paperwork for my Maryland Certification. It took FOREVER to get my certification, but it finally came at the end of July. 

But, I still didn't have a job or had any interviews. In Maryland, the districts are divided by counties. So I applied for a job in my county and the surrounding counties. Still nothing. My father-in-law (a former principal), my mother-in-law (teacher/presenter extraordinaire), my parents (just plain ol' smart), AND my hubby (brilliant and raised by educators) all suggested that I stop by the nearby elementary schools to meet the principals and drop off my resume.

I went to the district website and looked up the schools in my neighborhood. There is only one elementary school. I got all pretty and drove over there. I asked to see the principal and WAHLA, there she was, nice as can be, and very impressed that I took the initiative to come by the school and drop off my resume (thanks Y'ALL)! She said they didn't have any positions at the time, but she would keep my resume just in case. 

I left and got in my car, and as I was leaving I noticed a school across the street. I drove over there and it was ANOTHER elementary school. Apparently the district is divided into smaller districts and this one wasn't "in" my neighborhood on the map. The principal wasn't there, but I left my resume anyway. This all happened two Mondays ago.

Last Monday I get a call. 

It's the principal from the first school.

A teacher had to leave because of a family emergency.

Can I come in for an interview?

Why yes, I can!

The interview was great. Probably the least nervous I've ever been. 

30 minutes after arriving I'm being asked to join the team as a 3rd grade teacher!

Yes PLEASE!

For the next few days afterwards I was at inservices and signing paperwork.

But today, I am at the school for my first day! The kiddos come in on August 19th so I need to get my room all ready!

I plan on posting before and after classroom pics as soon as I get my key!

I am a little nervous to be teaching 3rd grade (since I've only taught 1st and 2nd), but know that I learn fast and am very flexible.

God is great and is truly looking out for the hubby and I during our Air Force adventure. 

I miss my last school and colleagues so much! I learned so much from those two years and will forever be grateful for all they did for me!

Have a FANTASTIC day and God Bless!

Life: Now that the hubby is home...

As you know my sweet hubby surprised me by coming home two weeks early. He got me good. It's been a week and a half now and we have done SO much in that short time it's friggen amazing. I have yet to be bored. 

1. Right after he surprised me we went to see our sweet friends in The Little Mermaid. It was adorable and they were both so good! 

2. Hubby took me to buy a computer. Love that man!

3. I've been sick and still am. Ugh!

4. CSTs started last week and ended TODAY! Praise Jesus!

5. Hubby and I have been walking. A lot. Thankfully the walk is beautiful. 

6. Tried the margarita at Chipotle and it was yummy. I suggest you go out and get one. NOW!

7. This happened...

8. Then THIS happened.

I think we like it. Ha!

We've been quite busy. Jeepers. Sorry to overload you with pictures. More writing next time.

Don't forget that this weekend is the Carmel Etsy Mother's Day Sale. Read about it here!

AND you can get 15% off until May 10th in my etsy shop by using coupon code SPRING2013 at checkout!

God Bless!

Teaching: Weekly Lesson Planner that I Found!

I just love organization. I don't care what we're organizing, I'm there! My house at this moment doesn't reflect that skill, but I'm using the excuse that we're moving. 

When it comes to teaching I am SUPER organized. I must have everything in the right spot and in a cute binder/case/box/etc.

In a few weeks I am going to be out of the classroom all week long. Thankfully I'll have the same sub all week, but I wanted to make the plans better than what I have done before and where I wouldn't want to throw my computer against a wall after typing them out for hours.

I went searching on TeachersPayTeachers for a free weekly lesson planner. I stumbled upon THIS beauty and fell in love! I downloaded it, made it into 2 documents (one for each page), and then set them as backgrounds in PowerPoint. 

Now, you may be asking, "Why PowerPoint?" Well let me tell ya! I have used Word for all my document making needs since middle school and I have had such trouble, but dealt with it because I didn't know any better. Then one day I'm surfing the web and come across this tutorial for making a document using PowerPoint. I was forever changed! PowerPoint allows you to move text boxes, objects, etc around in the document without everything moving and getting messed up. 

Here is my final product. 

I used Kevin and Amanda's font Pea Natalie for the text. Just download the font and install it on your computer. If you have any questions on how to use PowerPoint for your document, how to install the font, or just want to chat please leave a comment or email me!

Oh, and don't forget to use coupon code SPRING2013 to get 15% off in my etsy shop until May 10th!

Enjoy & God Bless!

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TpT Store: Classroom Helper Signs

I'm having fun making things for my TpT Store!

Here is a packet of Classroom Helper Signs! Love them and can't wait to print them off for myself to use in the classroom! You can view and purchase them here!

Enjoy and God Bless!

Olympic Addict...

Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am addicted to the Olympics.

Ever since the opening ceremony I have been keeping up-to-date on all my favorite sports and athletes. I even started following them all on twitter so that I could see what they're up to over there in London. Right now I am loving "my girls"; the 5 gymnasts. And of course Ryan Lochte! If you have an iPhone you should download the "London 2012 Results" app. It is awesome and has all the info on your favorite athletes.

Enough about my addiction!

This past week has been crazy. I colored my hair for the first time EVER! I've always wanted to and finally decided that it was time (with a little nudging from my husband).



I also received these beautiful prints from Jones Design Company in the mail! I just love them so much, especially the cupcake one!



And just yesterday this sweet thing joined my iPhone case family. It is just adorable. You can find one here.



I started going into my classroom last week and yesterday. I pretty much have everything where I want it! So, for my teacher friends here's a funny!



God Bless and enjoy the rest of your summer. I know I will!