Wrapping up 2012...

Wow, it's so hard to believe that 2012 is almost over! This has been a tough year professionally and personally, but it definitely had its good points and it's still a year that I am so thankful to have experienced!

In 2012... Professionally... we started the school year with both a new assistant principal and a new principal. Having completely new administration is a challenge for them and for the teachers as everyone gets used to one another, but I think everyone's doing really well! We also made the switch to the Common Core Standards, so that's been a big adjustment for everyone. On the upside, my Kindergarten Team is the strongest it's been in a really long time, and that's been such a wonderful highlight to the year!

Personally... we've had a tough year as we continue to go through our adoption journey. My husband and I are pursuing adoption to start our family, and we're closing in on 2 years of being a waiting couple with our agency. So, it's been tough to go through another year of not being parents, but we're strong and we're hanging in there! :) We've had a great year with our families, though, and enjoyed an awesome summer beach trip in July!

This year was also the year I started my store on Teachers Pay Teachers! I opened my shop in June and I am still in awe of the support I've found and I'm humbled every time a teacher spends his or her hard-earned money on my products to use in the classroom! Creating products for my TpT store has made me a better teacher and it's helped me get a grasp on those Common Core Standards!

For 2013...
Professionally... I plan to continue to learn and develop a deeper understanding of the Common Core Standards and how to best implement them in my classroom. I also plan to continue my goal of being more organized in the classroom... so far, so good!

Personally... I am hoping and praying that 2013 will be the year that my husband and I will match with an expectant mom considering adoption and bring home our baby! Starting our family has been our biggest goal for the last 8 years and we are so ready to reach that goal!

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2013!

Countdown to Christmas Break Sale!

We only have school for 3 days this week, but there's a TON going on in those 3 days! After that, we're on break! I know some teacher friends who have already started their breaks. But, for those who still have time left in December, I'm taking 10% off all Christmas items in my TpT shop! Grab something to use with your kiddos before break, or save it for next year!

And for the biggest savings, check out my December Bundle!

Hope your last few days are full of fun before you're off for a well-deserved rest!

Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary

This week has been SO busy!

We have been going non-stop in our classroom this week! We've been working on shapes and learning about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas! The kids have made some super cute crafts, but I just haven't had a chance to take any pictures!

 One of the most surprising parts of the week was when one of my little active boys was having a really hard time settling down to finish his Roll-a-Shape activity. I decided to sit him down at a table by himself and away from distractions. I sat Barney across from him and told him that Barney was going to watch him finish his math activity and that he was really excited to watch him work on his shapes. I was shocked that it worked! It was so cute that I had to grab a picture!

Tomorrow is Polar Express Day and I'm so excited! We're going to spend the morning working on activities from my Polar Express unit and spend the afternoon watching the movie and drinking hot chocolate!

Holiday break is just 4 days away for us!