We still exist… promise

It's been awhile… a long while.

I don't know about you but this year has been one of the longest years for me.

Between grad school, lesson plans, and working on adopting a baby.  It's been a mad rush since January.

This past week, it became official that my grade level is changing.
One teacher is going to teach gifted.  (Yeah for her!)
One teacher is going to another grade level. (Yeah for her!)
We will need to get a new teacher… likely someone who is brand new.

And… 5th grade classrooms are moving to another hallway.
Anyone who has read this blog over the years knows that I have moved classrooms 6 times in the past 8 years.

So, now I am up to lucky number 7!!!

The funniest part is that 5th grade is moving to the hallway I started in when I started teaching at my current school.  I was almost slated to move back to my 1st room.  But it wasn't meant to be.

I guess you really can't go home again.

Look for some of my tips on moving.  (If you read my old posts, you will find out, that I don't use any boxes.)

Happy spring!

EmilyK

Currently…March

Currently… we have been slacking.
We promise it's for a good reason.

Life… it happens.

Link up with Farley if you would like to share what you are currently up to!

I LOVE my dog.  He is a strange eater.  He won't eat while the humans are eating or walking around.  Only when we are still.  So sweet.

My hubby and I have been researching adoption.  I went through 10 months of treatments for endometriosis and fertility treatments.  My hubby was right there with me.  He is an amazing person who adds comedic relief when needed and a brings me back to reality when I need it.

After MONTHS of research, we have chosen our agency.  We are going to us American Adoptions.
We plan to start our home study next week.
Now that you have seen my boys (above), it's time to get my girl.
It has taken a long time to get here.  There is almost a secret sisterhood of women out there who have gone through infertility.  If you find yourself unexpectedly in that club feel free to email me.

The idea of working on my large grad school assignment is not motivating me.
The assignment will be done and turned in on Friday by 8am.  The slacker in my is rallying as we speak.

Along with grad school I need to write sub plans for two absences this week.
Tomorrow I am participating in a webinar hosted by Aimee Buckner!!!!!

I am SOOOOO excited.  I think Aimee is a teacher's teacher.  She writes for the classroom teacher.  I could go on and on and on.

For Valentine's Day my hubby and I went to two different events.  "Scheherazade" performed by the symphony.
Then, last Friday we went to the symphony performing with the film:

It was AMAZING.  The music was beautiful.  The film was great.  (One of my all time favorites.)
I wore red shoes!!!

This is my birthday month!  My bday is during Spring Break this year.  (WOOHOO!)

Hope you have a month full of sun and warm winds!

EmilyK

Theme: Be Yourself

This is the final week of our theme link party.
I hope you have some new titles to use in your classroom.

This week's theme: Be Yourself
This theme was a favorite of my class!

Emily's Art by Peter Catalanotto

No I didn't just pick this because it has my name in the title!

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Who says you always need a man to rescue you?

Bob by Tracey Campbell Pearson

Stand Straight Ella Kate

My students loved this book!  There was a fury of kids who agreed who they would pass it to next because they all so interested in this true story about a woman from Missouri.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Every kid knows Ferdinand but they haven't looked at it through the lens of theme.

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Many of my 5th graders read this book in 4th grade to talk about character traits.  It is great to reread it thinking about theme.

Gregory the Terrible Eater

I loved this book was a kid.  It is also one that connects to the health curriculum.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

My class read this book during our launching unit, so it was great to pull it out again for theme.

Noah Webster and His Words by Jeri Chase Ferris

Oliver Button Is a Sissy by Tomie dePaola

Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges

The Sign Painter by Allen Say

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

Stephanie's Ponytail by Robert Munsch

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

Too Shy for Show and Tell by Beth Bracken

Thanks for joining our weekly post about theme!

What books do you read to teach the theme be yourself?

EmilyK

Theme: Death/Aging

With the year coming to an end, we know this theme is a little somber, but it is an important theme for upper grade kids.

This week's theme: Death/Aging

A Dog Like Jack by Anne DiSalvo-Ryan

Can you say Marley?

Everett Anderson's Goodbye by Lucille Clifton

Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

This is another one of those "I found it on the shelf" books.  I love it!

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

It's not just living things that age!

The Two of Them by Aliki

The Old Woman Who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant

My students really liked this book.  They understood that she was lonely and they liked that she got a dog in the end.

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

This book might seem like a short book, but the illustrations and the theme are very beautiful.

Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola

This book reminds me of a former 2nd grade student, Nicholas.  When he arrived to our school, he had recently moved in the his Nana and Papa.  I  never cease to be amazed by what students have to overcome in life.  He loved this book.  

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

What titles do you use to teach aging?

EmilyK

13 in '13

Linking up with

This year, I am loving the sweater dress.  It's so easy to get dressed in the morning and comfortable!

 I was so looking forward to this movie:

It didn't disappoint.  I LOVE F. Scott Fitzgerald!  This movie was as close to the book as I have seen over the years.  Leo is my generations Robert Redford, I suppose.

Not only is the lead actor, Stephen Amell, unbelievably attractive, I actually like the flashbacks to the past.  

It's not so much my favorite as my MOST frequented restaurant, especially over summer break.

Doing a load of laundry when the basket is full. (i.e. doing a load about every day)
It sounds boring, but it's super practical.
I used to have marathon laundry sessions on the weekend.
Why waste my Saturday or Sunday doing laundry?

Fiestaware!!!

These are all things I got this year.  A mini pitcher, a heart shaped bowl, and the new lapis dish set.

I pin so much stuff, just one pin makes for a tough decision.

This year, I have been obsessed with trying food items I have pinned.

This Cowboy Lasagna was a big hit with my hubby.

If you want to follow my food pins click here.

My post about using thinking maps to teach math concepts has to be one of my faves!

Click image to go to the post.

I am conducting research for my graduate program using thinking maps to help kids with autism learn complex math topics.

Surviving infertility treatments.
In the spring, I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis.
Then 3 months of "menopause like" injections. (Hot flashes and mood changes would be putting it mildly.)
Then 2 months of fertility injection treatments.
With no success.
A hormonal and emotional roller coaster, and I am off the ride.
On to the next journey with the most wonderful and supportive husband.

This pic is my recent fave.  My wonderful dog wearing a sweater because I wanted him to!

Going to Charleston with my hubby has to be my top memory of the year.

Plus the food was amazing!  I must recommend The Glass Onion.

 To be more prepared for what is to come.
In my career and in my personal life.
To make my list and check it twice!

Patience
This is something I lack most of the time, but I will need it in my classroom and in my life in 2014!

EmilyK