Thank would be CRAZY!  I am linking up with Mrs. Wills Kindergarten for the Fitness Resolution and Step into Second Grade with Mrs. Lemons for downtime resolutions!



So, I need to be a little creative and multitask:)  My oldest son, Justin, takes tae kwon do at our local YMCA 3 times a week.  What do I do then you ask?  Watch him, grade papers, and play on my iphone (of course) all while paying for a family membership!

So, my 2013 New Year's Resolution for Fitness is to GO workout while Justin is in class since that was the intent 2 years ago when we joined!!  That will be 3 days a week minimum in the gym. 

Which brings me to my New Year's Resolution for Downtime.  I want to take more pictures in the classroom and at home with the boys.  We wait to photograph the best projects, lessons, parties ... instead of appreciating the little things.  I want live in the moment and appreciate all moments- the big and the small.

BUT, I can't just leave them on my camera or computer.  I miss scrapbooking but don't have tons of downtime so I started using Project Life 5 years ago, but in 2012 only got to April. My kids have even said they miss seeing the pictures of things we have done (since the pictures are still on the computer).

What is Project Life?  Project Life is guiltless form of storing/displaying pictures and recording a memory or two about the pictures.  You can visit Becky Higgins' website to find out more.  There are links at the top to explore her blog, her products, freebies and recipes.  P.S.-Her Taco Soup recipe is to die for!!

I would love to hear what you think about this.  I will be sharing more in the months to come:)

Finally, I have posted a new product on Teachers Pay Teachers.  I have grouped together 4 activities for practicing spelling patterns while decoding words in fun games.  It is called Reading and Spelling Patterns (er/ir/ur, -le, long o and digraph qu, wh).  I know they are in a  random order, but they come in that order in our Harcourt Reading Series.  I am thinking I might list them separately too.  Thoughts?



I am giving away a copy to the first 3 people who leave a comment with an email address!
Wishing you and your families a happy, healthy and blessed 2013! 

I am so excited that we are entering the year 2013 as 13 is my favorite and very lucky number!  I know that was totally off topic, but I just had to share:)

So now I am linking up with Amanda at One Extra Degree with Counting Our Blessings and Looking Ahead-Professional Growth Linky.


Professional Development Goals:

Classroom:

1.  Reading Groups- I want to challenge each group to their fullest.  We use Storytown by Harcourt and I use a ton of activities to supplement. I have incorporated several of the Daily 5 strategies.   However, I want to use pull  focus groups for comprehension strategies. I have read CAFE (the Sisters) and am feeling I need to jump in with both feet.

2.  Math Groups-  Go Math! is our adopted series.  I am struggling to fit in math groups and/or centers.  I have an hour for math instruction and the I do, we do, you do lessons take up most of that time.  I am going to take another look at that and see what I can do.

Professional Reading:

I am currently rereading Reading with Meaning- Teaching Comprehension in the Primary Grades by Debbie Miller.  It is a great book with many comprehension strategies.

And while at Amazon, look what I found!  Reading with Meaning in the Primary Grades 2nd edition is available January 1, 2013.

I also ordered The Book Whisperer because I have heard so many fabulous things about it.

I {Heart} Organization!  Yes, I do:)  I am one of THOSE people.  My construction paper is in the order of Roy G. Biv.  I should own stock in Rubbermaid.  Every bin has a label.  On and on it goes.

So when I saw today's linky, I know I had to chime in and search everyone else's posts about organization! So I linked up with Second Grade Shenanigans with Counting Our Blessings and Looking Ahead with Organization.

 

I even did a post back in August titled For the Love of...Page Protectors!  I love anything that helps me organize.  And even when I think I am organized, I am still looking for a better way!  I think I need a 10 step program.  Hi, my name is Tammy and I have an organization addiction.

BUT, I fall off the wagon  (so to speak) because I have another problem!  I am a "PILER"  I am not sure if that is even a word.  WHY don't I follow through with my organization systems?  I love being organized!  But am embarrassed by my piles, so I get bins and label the piles!  Do you see my problem??

So, this year my resolution is to stop the piles!  Thoughts?  Suggestions?  I think I need a plan.

Technology is a scary beast in my mind!  That is why it is amazing that I jumped into the land of blogging in May and TpT in August!  I have grown by leaps and bounds, but there is still so much more to learn in both these arenas.  I have not only surprised myself, but my husband as well:)


So I am linking up with Kathleen at Growing Kinders with my technology resolution.  The scary technology beast still needs to be conquered and 2013 is the year.  I do not have a Smart Board, and I am OK with that...for now:)  However, I do have clickers (am I dating myself?).  I WILL get them installed and I VOW to USE them by February!  Does anyone else have clickers?  Suggestions for activities are welcome!

We do use our 4 computers and listening center daily.  Razz-Kids is our new favorite website  and I am so thankful to our principal for purchasing this for us:)  The kids are totally addicted to it!!

So head on over and link up and check back tomorrow with Second Grade Shenanigans for the Organization Resolution Linky.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!  I had an absolutely wonderful time spending it with family yesterday.  Unfortunately, late in the afternoon I came down with a horrible cold and have been feeling horrible since then.  Hoping tomorrow is better:)

In my December Currently, I mentioned my random act of kindness.  Well, I sent out a list to my family members to join me and the response was amazing!  We had a gift card, a calendar and a gift bag for each girl (14 total), along with a huge basket of goodies for the house.  My hope and prayer is that these girls know there are people who care about them and more importantly, Jesus was born on Christmas to give us the gift of second (and yes third) chance!

Speaking of gifts, I have just added my January Class Journal Covers to my TpT store for you for FREE!  It is my gift to you for following along and supporting me as I embark on this blogging/TpT adventure.  I hope you can use them in your writing centers or as class book covers.


I linked up with Teaching Blog Addict for Freebie Friday.  Head on over and check it out:)


Off to drink some orange juice, take my NyQuil and go to bed!