EDExpo 2015, Here We Go!!

These last few weeks have just been so busy and exhilarating! Many fun things happened like being one of three finalists for Teacher of the Year. I didn't win, but I had steep competition. Our phenomenal art teacher deservingly took the prize!

This weekend, a new opportunity presents itself. I've been invited to EDExpo 2015. It is taking place here in my hometown of Atlanta. In just a few days superintendents, curriculum coordinators, and retailers of educational brick & mortars, and online stores will converge for the premier showcase of educational supplies, materials, furnishings, and products. I'm most looking forward to seeing what different games and activities I can find that will add to my classroom instruction. Anyone who knows me knows I'm always on the lookout for an activity to get my kids jazzed up! 

There are other bloggers that have been invited, so I'm thrilled to see familiar faces and to meet new teacher/bloggers from all over the country. Extending my happy blogger circle a goal of mine this year, so what an amazing opportunity! Be on the lookout next week when I post a full entry about the experience, including what goodies I was able to collect and my initial thoughts on how to use them in the class. I'll also be re-establishing my Twitter account (!!!!). Be sure to follow me @TeachToolz. Help me revive my love for Twitter! I will be using #EDexpo2015, as will other attendees. Come and check it out! I can't wait!!

Currently November

As some of you know, I began blogging in January. At that time, I thought that blogging was just for posting what I was currently doing in the classroom. I've learned that it opens up a world full of inspiration, spirited, happy, ambitious teachers that I'm thrilled to meet through blogs and social network. I've also learned about SLANT boxes, shared Pinterest boards, and Blog Hopping. Truthfully, I'm not so sure how to do it all the time, but I'm anxious to learn, so thanks to Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for letting us teachers share with each other!

So, for the month of November, I'm sharing my currently.  Before I do so, November is my ultimate favorite month. It's the month of my mine and my husbands birthdays. Jeff proposed to me in November. Leaves turn beautiful colors at the beginning of this month here in Atlanta. Thanksgiving usually marks the time that I come up for air and stop having "couch breakdowns" that my husband knows too well. This year, we're traveling to Bermuda for my husband's rugby tournament. I love that part the most! With all that said, it's a good month to try something new.

LISTENING...

NFL and football in general are the best background noises. Surprisingly, I did get to squeeze in my DVR'd shows and a movie, but I usually just listen to my TV. Must be all thanks to the end of daylight savings time.

LOVING... 

For that reason, I loved the end of daylight savings time. I'm sick as a dog with sinus issues, so I didn't really sleep in, but it was good to get out of bed and be productive. I just made sure I had warm jammies and blankets along with hot soup and hot tea.

THINKING...

We have all kinds of freeze advisories in our city. I've already said that Atlanta is as far north as I'll ever live, but our winters are getting to be too much for me. On top of being sick, my morning duty is carpool.... 30 minutes of frozen tundra hell is all that keeps running through my head. My Wisconsin-raised husband needs to share his Long Johns with me tomorrow.

WANTING...

I've been craving the worst food. Right now, I'm wanting Taco Bell in the worst way. Earlier today, my craving was Krispy Kreme donuts. I think I'm fatigued by the two days of chicken and rice soup. The only thing stopping me from getting in the car is the cold and the fact that I scorched my mouth earlier on hot tea.

NEEDING...

Honestly, I should hop into bed soon. Waking up is going to stink. I'll need extra time to pack on the layers of clothes and clear my congested head. Beautiful!

READING...

Think and Grow Rich because I use to be so much better with my finances. I'm a bit ashamed that I'm not putting anything here that is suitable for my students or related to school at all.  My interests are all across the board, and I freely share that with my students. I hope they all discover their own interests in reading topics of their choice.

Well, I sure hope I did that all correctly. Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Be Inspired - Keepers of the Flame

I am a sucker for inspirational pieces written with teachers in mind. As a teacher myself, I love to view how others see us, but I share them because I don't think I reach greatness as a teacher without first surrounding myself with inspired teachers. So if this reaches whatever teacher community I'm a part of, including my co-workers, blog readers, random visitors... I'm happy to pass it on. I found this gem, and I'm so touched by it. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope that from time to time, we're all reminded of the power we hold. Remember how important you are to the students, remember how and why you were called into this profession. It's good practice for all of us.

Written by Paul A. Reynolds • Art by Peter H. Reynolds... beautiful!