The Home Stretch

Guys!  We are in the home stretch!  SOOOOOO close!  Fridays are the best but seriously this one is so good cause it is the LAST one!  You ALL have MORE than earned a summer to relax and recharge!  

AND this blog post has very little to do with teaching...sorry if you were wanting more tips for your classroom.  I have summer on the brain! 

Just for fun watch this video on the Types of Teachers on Summer Break.  I am pretty sure I am the Vacation Loving Teacher/Side Hustle one! 

Which one are you?  

So, based on your teacher type, I am sure you have some plans ready for enjoying your summer months.  I of course do and I felt like sharing with you might inspire you to try something new!  

Mine are below:

1. COOK and learn new recipes that are healthy and have FLAVOR! Check out the Chipotle Salad in the link below!  I will be working my way through this list! 

2. Yoga, once a week or twice plus Pilates. (Strength training with Lily...hoping I can keep up!) I joined our local YMCA and I love the class options.  Be sure to check out your YMCA!  They typically do a discount for teachers!

3. Vacationing like crazy & company!  We have company coming this weekend.  I am sooooo excited.  I head to a HUGE Plexus event in June in Cleveland, OH and in July we have a short beach trip planned with the family and a few friends.  Glen and I will be heading to Nemacolin in PA with Glen's company!  We are also planning a trip with just the four of us this summer but it is a surprise so I can share just yet!  

4. I will also be working to keep my yard in check.  I hate yard work so this is a stretch.  We just added a little herb garden so I will be starting there. I have a few planters too.  I wish I was better at this so I will be doing some learning big time! This blog has been pretty helpful! 

5. And last, I will be upping my TikTok game!  You know I love me some T & T! Lily and Ian said that they are going to help me get famous. (It should be a hilarious journey so tune in!) 

Next week is going to go fast.  Enjoy your last few days with your kiddos.  Don't sweat the small stuff and start planning some things just for you this summer!  U deserve it!

Summer Reading Ideas for KIDS!

We made it!  Another week down and we are soooo close to summer break.  I know many of you are putting special things together for you kiddos and I wanted to share some summer reading lists with you. 

We all know one of the key components to avoiding the Summer Slump is to READ, READ & READ!  Our kiddos have come soooo far this school year & I know you all want them to keep that learning train moving in the right direction. 

I used to love to send a book list home every summer for my kiddos.  I challenged them to read all summer and bring me back a list of their books.  I always had a fun treat and a bookmark waiting for them.  (See the smelly bookmarks below!)

Don't forget about SUMMER Reading at the MOORESVILLE Public Library!  I am pretty sure the theme is a SURPRISE!  

Head over to the Library on June 4th from 9:00-12:00 pm for their BIG kick off! 

Also, be sure to let you families know about NC Digital Library!  Families will need a library card to log into their account.  Tons of great reads for kiddos all summer long! 

I found a FANTASTIC site with booklists for all ages!  Check it out below! The site is called Brightly.  I like that on the left you can click the print button and it will print the list for you but the site also offers links to where the books can be purchased too if parents want that.  

Or this one is great too! 

LOVE Brightly's Book BINGO too!  Perfect for printing out and sending home!

Check out this list of chapter books for grades 1-3!  Lots of oldie but goodies and some new ones too! 

Great list of FUNNY chapter books for kids! 

Who doesn't LOVE a scratch and sniff bookmark????? I just have to share these again! These would be so fun for students that bring you their bingo boards back in the FALL!!!!!  

A summer reading log would also be a great way for students to stay on track!  Love these ideas over at My Frugal Adventures!  Several FREEBIES too! 

If you have any other ideas for summer reading, drop them in the comments below!!!!

Can't wait to see what you all come up with! 

Podcasts for Teachers

Hi All!  Happy End of the WEEK!  Thank you for all the hard work this week.  EOY testing is going well!!! Pumped about the scores coming in.  So exciting to see all the growth that our students have made this school year. (You all have done an amazing job!) 

I know we have a ton of things going on with testing, moving rooms/packing, preparing end of the year activities, field trips and soooooo much more.  I wanted to drop a few of my favorite podcasts at you to help keep us up beat.  

Most of you know that I drive quite a ways to get to PVES every day and podcasts SAVE me!  I ran across a collection that is geared JUST for educators! So, whether you are driving in a car, having a working lunch or taking a walk, the list below will give you tons to tune into!  

I did run across this interesting fact too: Aural content has been proven to stimulate the brain more than visual/audiovisual content does. Because of how much exposure we have to visual media these days, our brains can switch off at the sight of it.

15 of the Absolute BEST Podcasts for Teachers!

One of my favorites it The Creative Classroom. It is filled with podcast about growth mindset, project based learning and so much more.  If you are looking to up your creativity...this in one to give a listen to! 

If you are looking for a better work life balance, I love The Teacher Space! 

This is a really good one! 

AND The Shake it up Leaning SHOW is filled with technology tips!

Also, I LOVE this one for students!  

Science discoveries!!!!

Sometimes having a bit going on in the back ground while you are working is just want you need!  It is powerful to surround yourself with like minded people so find a podcast that fits your personality and vision on eduction!  You won't regret it.