Super Sweet Kinders!

I officially started my subbing to cover for a co-workers maternity leave. Boy are those kinders sweet! It's in the K/1 class and the other part time teacher works in that room, so she has gone full time and I have taken the part time in that room. So I'm now part time 2/3 and part time sub k/1 BOY am I spoiled from only working part time this year! Thursday had me in bed by like 9 o'clock!
Friday I got tons of hugs and one sweet sweet boy held my hand to lead me from one part of the room to the other in the morning. Later on in the day I was reading with the Kinders and he was the last one finishing up before snack, so I asked him to come on over and finish reading the rest with me. Without hesitation he climbed right up in my lap and read with me. Heart melt.
I have gotten a lot of rest this weekend in preparation for next week. I hope it pays off.
As for now, I am FINALLY off to see The AVENGERS! Husband and I have been wanting to go since it opened, something always came up, but not today, we're going!!! eek!

Only 7 more Mondays!

So Spring Break was wonderful and a much needed break, but now we've been back almost a whole week already and I feel like I need another break! HA!

This is one of the places we found on our adventure driving around the Island of Ibiza, we never found the cliffs we were looking for but we did find some pretty magical places on "accident" so I have no complaints on how I spent my break. Just want it back!

8 More weeks of school left, but ONLY 7 more MONDAYS! I hate Mondays, I always have, but I blame working in a district with a 4 day week for the increased hatred. They got me spoiled, a 3 day weekend every weekend. Unless we had an inservice, but those weren't too often and I could wear comfies to those!

So here we are only 7 Mondays left, hard to believe its almost over but also seems like it is time already. 

Art Fun this quarter

As many of you know I teach Art and PE at my small school in addition to my work in the 2nd and 3rd grade class. We switch specials every quarter, so my time with the kiddos is honestly very limited, with art it is extremely challenging to get a project done in a month. However, here are some of the things we have been working on...

In K/1 we talked about Salvador Dali and his bird-legged-elephants we discussed the difference between realistic and imaginary. We then got to work on our own imaginary animals, often combining characteristics of two or more animals into one creature.

We spent a class session drawing our animals on "giant" pieces of paper and were able to discuss scale and composition.

And then we were able to get started with painting our master pieces.

In 2/3 we have a bunch of different projects going. Above, one is working on painting a portrait, similar to Picasso but not too extreme, and another is working on optical illusion coloring. The optical illusions proved to be far more of a challenging project than I had imagined. We only worked with two colors and focused on positive and negative space and shapes, coloring alternate sections, alternate colors. Some are turning out better than others...

Another optical illusion project, and the works of a cursive name monster. With the monsters students had to write their name in cursive and trace around to make it fatter and then cut out and create a monster with their name. For the monsters we talked about colors that compliment one another... some got it.

A wonderful example of the optical illusion piece, a student really taking their time and concentrating. Also a great example of a name monster.

Another portrait painting (we did these without drawing in pencil first and this is making some students very nervous) and another optical illusion.

The 4/5/6 grade class is working on realistic portraits and we've been hard at work on those for some time. Unfortunately, I don't yet have any pictures of their work... Hopefully I'll remember this week. 

I also would like to take some pictures of finished work that I already have on display. 

As a recap: here are my personal favorites from our Henri Matisse inspired works that the whole school did a variation of.

K/1 colored the reverse side of 2 pages of shapes in order to make their families

 2/3 made construction paper collage backgrounds and then painted a single sheet of paper to then cut out shapes to form a picture. They had to make their pictures with just that one sheet of paper. 

4/5/6 had the option to paint the background and then cut out construction paper shapes as below

 or they could do the same technic as we did with 2/3.

Why?

Why is it so hard to keep this thing updated?!
Tons of things happen but I just NEVER post about them... going to make a serious effort starting TODAY!
I am also have hopes to expand a bit more into the personal life and some of our adventures here in the UK.
Stay tuned friends and family... stay tuned.

Hilarious Realization

So last night I was watching Modern Family, and it hit me, and boy did it hit me hard.
There is a student at school, constantly cracking me up, mature for his age, jokester, hilarious mannerisms, etc. and while I was watching the show last night I glanced up from my crochet project and it hit me:
This student is CAM from Modern Family!

So today I couldn't wait to share this with the other teachers, who got just about as good of a chuckle out of it as I did. I've now found my blogging name for this kiddo when he provides me with more blog worthy stories :)

Happy Weekend Friends!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

School is back in session!
While I'm not as excited as that above exclamation mark, I did have the most wonderful winter break.
School got out on 16 December and believe me, it was welcomed. I had the most enjoyable relaxing week. We started it off with Aaron's work Christmas party on the 17th, it was fun, there was a scavenger hunt and I SOMEHOW was nominated as our tables representative, there were 17 tables in all, and I came in 2nd, which to be honest I'm still a bit bitter about, the last item on the hunt was a Blue Tooth Ear Device.... REALLY!?!?! Who has those any more? Especially when all these people work in the techy side of the Air Force. Ohwell.... I can let it go now.
Maybe
Anyways, I cheered up when Not only Santa showed, but Mrs. Claus and an elf came too! It's a yearly competition/fundraiser, people vote by buying tickets and the people with the top 3 votes get to dress up like this trio. Definitely brought good laughs and smiles.

The hubs and I even got cleaned up for the party, but unfortunately there isn't a good picture of both of us, so this one with our friend flexin in the background will have to do. 

Aaron and I couldn't wait for Christmas to come, so we caved and opened early. Like any teacher I was uber excited to get some books, NEW CRICUT Cartridges, and then spoiled with new camera lenses, a camera bag, and a Mac Mini!

YAY Cricut Cartridges (Plus I got the DINO one) I <3 Dinos

Opening Aftermath, plus had to use my new 18mm lens

Someone was exhausted from the festivities

Then I was honored enough to have my dear dear friend Maria join me for a few days before Christmas, followed by a few days after Christmas. She is currently doing an au pair gig in Spain and took a few days off to come visit, it was great to have her here. We enjoyed some time in our PJs,  I took her on her first ever IKEA (aka Heaven) experience, where she somehow didn't buy a single thing, I of course, found a bag full of items I HAD TO HAVE. We went to London, which PS Please go see that city at night, it is even more gorgeous. And hardly any one is out. I still have yet to make it on the London Eye, at this point it's getting to be hilarious that I miss it every time, we either run out of time, or there are a million and 12 people in line and I'm far too impatient to wait that out. 

Maria and I enjoying the rainy/windy evening in London, riding the UnderGround

The London Eye at Night, beautifully lit 

Buckingham Palace, hardly anyone around, unlike the last time Hubs and I went, the Queen was out on holiday, the palace was open for tours, PLUS Kate's dress was on display, we couldn't get anywhere near this place. 

We were invited to a Christmas Eve dinner with all of our friends, had a blast, lots of food, and Kinect Just Dance 3, some major competitions got going there. But here is Baby Claus to bring a smile to your face.

We went to Dublin, Ireland with another couple to bring in the New Year, we had a FANTASTIC time and left with stories we'll never forget, got a good taste of the Irish, dined like Royalty and had a very accommodating, and comfortable hotel. While I took nearly 1000 photos I'll leave you with one of my favorites. 

Oh and it's great to see all those super cute kiddo faces back at school this week, although I could do without the indoor recesses, we've had 2 this week, and personally, that is 2 too many. They are our first of the school year though, which I would say is a good record for Rainy Ol' England!

Hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of 2012!

Last Week's Polar Express

Finally uploading pics! :)
Here are some pics from the Polar Express our amazing PTO set up!

Enjoying hot cocoa and cookies in our PJ's while the Conductor reads to us.

(notice the lights on the train!)

Our PTO knows how to have fun, the snowmen are sliding down the hill!
PLUS who doesn't love going to work in their Pajamas?

10 days til Mismas!

We have a little Kinder at school who fights a battle with speech. Today during lunch we were discussing the up coming break and the holidays at the table, and very very excitedly my little friend says "AND THEN IT"S MISMAS!" Took me a quick ponder to figure out he meant Christmas, but I certainly share his enthusiasm!

OH AND I GOT MY ERIN CONDREN Life Planner, I AM in love! I got one for the hubs too and he LOVES it!
Seriously the PERFECT planner. check out her site here, I have no idea how I ever lived without this thing.

Happy ALMOST winter break to you all!

You found WHAT in the trash can?

So today was an eventful Monday.
Was supposed to sub all day so that Carol could attend a Webinar. This said webinar was due to begin at 8 this morning. Then delayed to 11:30, so Carol and I adjust and readjust our day. Then after lunch as I was thinking through the afternoon in my head we walk back into the classroom and Carol is there! They couldn't get it to work, I don't know if it was on our schools end or the other end, but mind you I just subbed last week or the week before for an afternoon, which was devoted to making sure things ran well for the webinar. Ironic, no?
Anyway I end up leaving a bit after 1:00 when it's clear the webinar won't be happening today. Run some errands, hang out with the pups briefly, a little clean up, then it's back to school for a meeting.
At this meeting I hear
"So, was it "Eric" who peed?"
My mind is just ????????
Turns out one of the kids, Kinder or First or someone from our bunch, 2nd and 3rd, had peed in the trashcan in the bathroom! I have no idea what the situation was here. Did he just make it to the bathroom with no time to make it to a toilet? Seriously who pees in a trash can???
I am baffled by this, I guess it happened this morning, and by the end of the day everyone was still clueless as to who had done it. Mind you there are only 40 some students in our school...

On a happier note, only 4 more days until break! YAY!

Coasting to Christmas

Things are just coasting along, there's always that time after Thanksgiving and before winter break.... it's bleh time in my eyes. Thanksgiving is a tease, lets you see how great Winter Break will be but then makes you suffer through 3 more weeks of school.
I've been super busy crocheting, gifts for my family, a project for a friend whose baby is due in February, as well as a few true orders! What's that, people who want to pay for my crafts?!?! EXCITING! It's seriously fun, but keeping me busy.

Today was the National Geography GEOBEE!!!! It was fun to go and watch the older kids. We didn't hold a preliminary round as we have just 10 students in 4th, 5th, and 6th, and that's how many are needed to participate in the final round. So we jumped ahead and just held the final round this morning. The kids did a good job, and it was exciting for the 2nd and 3rd grade to watch (HOLY COW were they a good audience, sat still and quiet for an hour with NO REMINDERS!!!) they also got to see how much "fear" there is involved with answering in front of a panel with audience members. I was shocked to hear that the majority of the questions were based on the States, I was thinking it would contain more global geography.

CHOO-CHOO, tomorrow is the POLAR EXPRESS :) There is a cardboard box train set up in the library and there will be pajamas worn to school, stories read, and hot chocolate to drink.

We are also gearing up for our first test with the new math program in 2nd grade, I am anxious to see how that goes next week. This program really makes the kiddos think, and the ones who were breazing through the previous program are finding a challenge with Everyday Math, I LOVE IT!

Thanksgiving made me lazy

The hubs and I had a great Thanksgiving weekend together (yes we both had the same time off!) it was a truly great weekend. We showered and then got back into our pajamas on Thanksgiving, we had a pj day complete with movies and pizza and ice cream, yum! We had offers to go to a few different peoples' houses to celebrate with them but we really just wanted to stay home and be lazy. We cooked up a huge Thanksgiving last year, and decided to just be slugs this year. No regrets.
Then the remaining 3 days we did a lot of sleeping in, a dinner with some friends, some meandering in the neighboring towns and tons of online shopping! We even got our Christmas tree and decorations up, although we couldn't find any eggnog to help with the festivities.
So after that glorious 4 day weekend I had to wake up and be chipper yesterday morning. Yikes! Plus we didn't stock up on Monsters (my coffee replacement until its truly cold outside), so it was a dragging morning. Once I got to school though I didn't feel all that tired, and the time went by quickly. Don't worry I still came home and took a snooze :) during the snoozing though I got all our laundry done and put away, so not a complete waste of an afternoon.
This brings us up to today. Still no Monsters to start the day off right, plus I was to sub in the afternoon, making it a full day of work! Boy have I gotten spoiled only working part time, hehe.
We are working on visualizing in Reading and I have an exert from a story to read to them and have them sketch tomorrow.
Math went pretty well today also, measuring using rulers and tape measures, they have been having a blast with this new math program. Tons of hands on activities and group work, which is really good because I have one in particular who really struggles in this area. I was attentive to her group today as I was certain problems would rise. And sure enough they did. But little did this one know that I had been watching the whole issue unfold, yay for being able to pay attention to a group when they think you are busy with another group! Any who I tried to let the group work it, the biggest issue today was agreeing on the length of the table in inches using a tape measure, I allowed all parties to explain the issue, and then our struggling friend told me we were all measuring it wrong and the answer was 33" yet was unable to explain why she thought so when asked. Turning into an argument, I suggested the group split and work as individuals if they couldn't work together, thus sending our struggler into a rant how it's always her fault, no one listens, yada yada yada. So I told her she needed to take a cube (their behavior system, start with 5 each day, each one they loose is leveled consequence), she proceeded to whine and complain pulling the "my mom is going to ground me" card. I was a bad bad teacher and ignored all the whining, being sure to help other groups/individuals, and praise the good work I saw.
Whoops sorry about the long story, just needed a bit of venting time.

Author Visit!

The wonderful author Lucy Coats came to visit our school today!
She is a brilliant woman full of life and passion for her work. It was great to hear her read aloud "King Ocean's Flute" a story she wrote for the younger kids. There really is nothing better than listening to a story being read by the one who created it, with all the right voices and emotions, just as it was before it was ever written down.
She did a session with K-2 and then another session with 3-6 so our class was split, I was able to go to the K-2 edition, but unfortunetly missed the 3-6 session, which from what I heard from the kids at recess was focused more on her book "Atticus The Storyteller's 100 Greek Myths" which would have been wonderful to hear but I was able to purchase a copy of the book and get her to sign it for me! YAY!

Here is her site if any of you are interested in checking her work out. Lucy Coats

Everyday Math!

Today I began teaching the new math curriculum the school purchased. It is the same program that was used in my student teaching classroom in 2009, which in years isn't that long ago, but it certainly feels like AGES! While I was familiar with the ideas of teaching Everyday Math, and all that goes with it, I hadn't gotten my hands on all the materials provided. I love it and the kids, although only one day in, have taken to it well. Some have used it in first grade, others are getting their first taste of it.
I like the routines and format the program uses.
This week marks the start of teaching PE for the quarter. How sad is it that I am looking forward to "comfy" clothes I can move in to wear to school?!

Sad news:
The African Snail the class had as a pet didn't make it through the weekend. He was a very cool guy the kids miss him and I know my co-teacher does too. He had been around for years, I want to say he was 6 years old? He was really starting to grow on me, I hope he enjoys his snail heaven.


The hubster and I went to our first UK Hockey Match last night! We had a team we LOVED in the states, the Idaho Steelheads. And we were happy to find the Skydome when we went to IKEA for the first time, and they have a hockey team! So last night we went to check it out, The Coventry Blaze. Its a much smaller arena than we are used to but it was a very good time. I think we'll continue to check them out.

My boyfriends back!

Okay, okay, so my husband is back! He got to come home early from his deployment, 5 months early in fact!!!!
I got to pick him up Saturday from the airport! I was getting along just fine and all while he was gone, but once I got word he would be coming back, and SOON, I started to realize just how much I had missed him!
Straight after picking him up we went to IKEA, a larger bed was in order. He had been sleeping in a king size bed while deployed, and I had become accustomed to stretching out in our double at home. It was known that we would not be able to live much longer with such a small bed. We thought we had a bed picked out from previous IKEA trips, but when we got there we changed our minds. It was a quick and easy change as we both agreed on a new frame and found a mattress almost straight away.

This is the one! They delivered it on Tuesday, and BOY IS IT HEAVEN!!!!! How did we ever share a double before!?
Needless to say I am one happy girl!

As far as school goes:
-First quarter is over, generally all went well
-Art projects are finished and displayed, I hope to add some pictures for you to see, they did a great job.
-PE starts this quarter, I'm kind of dreading it
-Parent/Teacher conferences were Wednesday and Thursday this week, everyone showed. Most parents were really receptive to things we had to say.
-Carol and I have started working out together at least twice a week, generally walking the perimeter road at a fast pace, it is about a 3 mile walk. (My dogs are loving it too!)

And I have a friend who has started a blog about her time being an au pair in Spain, so my goal is to keep up posting with her, a little friendly competition never hurt.

Lately

Things are going pretty well.
I am enjoying teaching Art this quarter, but I am sad because the students are taking far longer to complete projects than I had originally thought. They are also rather noisy, but I am conflicted with the noise, is it my own personal thing, that drives me crazy that they are so noisy, or are they really being too loud and not getting as much work done as they could. I understand it is art, expressive, fun, not the usual work in the classroom, and I wholeheartedly want them to enjoy art. YIKES! Maybe I'll just start wearing ear plugs to the art room.
The Henri Matisse projects I started the kids with, which I had planned to take 2 weeks, are looking now to take 4 weeks. I have had the 2/3 grade class for 3 classes now and only 2 have finished, so now onto finding something for finishers to do next week while we wait for the rest to finish. I am thinking maybe free drawing or painting, I also have a book of EXTREME dot-to-dot which I might make some copies of. I love the book personally, so maybe the students would like it too. That's artsy right?
I finally get to have the K/1 class on Friday afternoon, I haven't gotten to work with them in art yet because of early dismissals and inservice days, but I am looking forward to it. For their Henri Matisse inspired art I plan on using shape templates that they will color and then cut out and glue onto to solid color backgrounds.
I can't wait to post pictures of finished products soon.
If any fellow art teachers have any recommendations at all, I am very open :)

Back at it

Started work at the new school this week!
Monday was mostly paperwork and getting things sorted.
Tuesday the students went on a Study Trip to Oxford, there wasn't room on the bus, so I took the beginning of the day to bring in a few items from my closet and teaching things. Some more paperwork and got a login.
Wednesday and Thursday morning, I was able to do some observing in the 4/5/6 classroom, as well as the 2/3 classroom.
Friday the students only had a half day, After they all left, teachers were required to stay for some computer based training. Woo that was challenging.
Finally got it all done, and that felt good.

Friday evening we had a cookout, kind of as a going away for Aaron. Everyone had a good time, was fun to host again.

Yesterday was a craft lock in at the community center, took the Cricut and did some classroom crafts, and watched others sew. I think sewing will be the next hobby, can make some curtains for the house and various other things.

Laundry and some organizing today. Maybe catch up on some Grey's Anatomy.

imPATIENTLY waiting for tomorrow morning!

I am very eager to start work in the morning, could it hurry up and get here already?!
I have my schedule for the week, I am not sure if this will be the usual schedule, or just to get things started.... Hopefully an answer for that tomorrow.
I hope to do a lot of observing this week, get to know the teachers, staff, and students. Learn about them, the teachers style.
Another AWESOME thing: I get to walk to work! It's so close! Walking to and from work, and one of my goals while Aaron is deployed is to take the dogs on a walk every single day. For most of you with dogs, this might be no big deal, but usually we just play with the pups and they are good to go. But with Aaron gone, their play companion, they honestly don't enjoy playing with me, I'm not rough enough or something; I want to get them walking. Plus it is good for me.
Not really much to say, just wanted to let you guys know I AM PUMPED for tomorrow. I hope I can sleep tonight and not the usual night before jitters of excitement. Ha, even if I don't get to sleep I can take a nap when I get home after lunch.

Anyone know any good shops in England that sell yarn? I am out, and can't seem to find anything good around the area.

Back at it!

A'HOY!
So I am all settled in England with the pups and the hubster. We just got done celebrating my birthday and then our first anniversary! It was WONDERFUL!
The Mr. is going on a 6 month deployment soon.
I got a part time all grades teaching position at the elementary school on base and start on MONDAY! EEK! I am pumped. It's a position to help where need be.
The school is very similar to my school last year, small, combined classes, close knit community. So now I have fuel for the fire of blogging! (I know, I've been bad, but REALLY with this job being part time, I cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye, that I will be more consistent, I HAVE TOO!)
I got a sweet Cricut Expression 2 Anniversary Edition for my birthday, it's still not here yet... (grr to boxes getting lost between the states and here!) but it will DEF get tons of use. My mom was a rock star and somehow got a Cricut personal, and sent it my way, I got it a few days ago and am in love, can't imagine how great the big guy will be. So I will try and post Cricut creations here upon occasion.ALL THE THINGS! CRICUT ALL THE THINGS! (all the things, is an internet meme, and accurately captures my actions at the moment) Meme
AND
I got a new, AWESOME, camera for our Anniversary, above is an example of its handywork. This was from Oxford, at the Christ Church Garden.
So hopefully more pictures too.
I know I am making a lot of promises here folks, but stick with me.

Oh, I want to get a sewing machine, so if you have any recommendations as what I should get, please share!

Have a Great weekend!
I am looking forward to Monday! (although I am unsure if I can get used to a full 5 day work week, after having a 3 day weekend all last year.)

RMM10K May 13th

I colleague and I have been planning, for what seems like forever, a huge walking/running event in honor of an influential member of the community. Ray Meyers served on the school board and was very active in education throughout his life. Unfortunately he lost his battle to cancer this school year. We began planning our event prior to his loss, just to honor him and in conjunction with our Healthy Schools program in the elementary schools. We decided on a 10k because we had a beautiful path from one of the elementary schools to the JR/SR High School. Although slightly more than 6.2 miles we figured it out with a warm up walk option and bus transportation to the 10K and 5K starting lines. This event took up TONS of my time. I don't regret it at all, minus the delay it put on grading papers and inputting grades. That I mostly consider as a figuring out timing, and working on procrastination. (which if the blog posts don't tell you that, I don't know what would)
 All the planning and worrying and everything completely paid off though! Our event was a HUGE success!

My planning partner in the front followed by the SEA of orange at the 10k starting point

The support for Mrs. Meyers who wanted to complete the 10k for her husband Ray, the inspiration for the event. She did GREAT!

Winners from the 10K and 5K for most enthusiastic to most money raised and everything in between! Way to go kiddos!

After the run/walk we had lunch and a health fair. Here are some nice and healthy PIG lungs

and some not so healthy, smoked out lungs.

And even after the health fair the district held its annual "Field Day" although just an afternoon since the morning was serious work :)
Everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves, we even had some people who found our event online and joined us from out of state! An absolutely amazing turn out for a first year event. I think this will become and annual event for the district, and I plan on helping in anyway that I can from where ever I am.
ONE THING- SUNSCREEN!!!!!!!!!!!! and A LOT of it. I applied sunscreen when I got to school that day, at like 6:00 am and then forgot about it COMPLETELY until it was far too late and I was the most burnt I have ever been in my life and WILL NEVER EVER EVER be that burnt again. High altitude sun on a windy beautiful day on a 4 wheeler does not fair well for my fair Midwesterner skin. It was insane. I ended up blistering that night and boy was I in pain for the weekend.

Seattle Trip; See you later Husband

 So it might be a few months later...
The school year is now over- but lets just get caught up :)
For those of you who didn't know already my husband and I got orders, to the UK!
He needed to be there by mid April, which meant we would be seperated for some time while I finished up my first year teaching. Although I love my husband from the moon and back a gazillion times there was NO WAY I was going to leave my first year teaching. NO WAY!!!
So the time came for Aaron to leave. I did take a day off work so I could go to Seattle with him for the weekend to drove off our car for shipping and then to say good-bye as he flew out.
So we drop off the Hyundai at the SeaTac port- took a crazy long, expensive taxi back to our hotel. By the way we LOVE Hampton Inns. I think they magically became our hotel of choice. We decided to then rent a car and be tourists in town. Aaron had been to Seattle before but this was my first time. And I have no problem at ALL being all touristy! So we ended up buying some "tourist pack" with tickets to all the local attractions. We had a great time, didn't make it to all of the locations but definitely enjoyed ourselves and got our monies worth. It was a great mini-vacation and wonderful time together before our separation.

I might have a SLIGHT obsession with dinosaurs... We tried, and failed at a picture that looked like I was giving this beaut a nice pet.

Aaron and I at the Science Center, at a larger than CLARK sized table. So that is what it is like to sit in a chair and your feet don't touch the floor :)

The weekend was wonderful. It was tough to say good-bye to the Husband but I am thankful for the next chapter.
I flew back home and went into school to prep for a few hours. I swear this was the year of not enough time. Someone tell me that teaching gets, not easier, but smoother, less time consuming maybe... don't get me wrong I absolutely love it but yikes.