Busy Bee! School updates and a booka booka cutie

Autumn is finally making it's way into the Nation's capitol! I am so ready for big, cozy sweaters and hot cocoa. September has proven to be a very busy month at my school. Things have been mixed up and we are just trying to get a hold of what is going on. My Honors students are just now starting their novels (Fences by August Wilson). I spent about 3 hours today creating reading schedules for them. October is such a great/bad month. I love Homecoming week and Halloween but we have about 4 days that we miss this month. Plus English teachers have the Paced Interim Testing (PIAs) meaning we miss another 2 days of teaching. All in all I am pretty excited about moving onto Unit 2! We read The Bluest Eye and I am curious to see how the students interact with the text. I also can't wait until I try my Literature Circles! I also have to miss majority of Thursday because I am attending the Student Government Leadership Conference, since I am the 9th grade sponsor. I am also in charge of the Pep Rally and I could really use some ideas about what games/events to have at the rally. Please let me know in the comments below!!

In other news, the bf and I might be getting a Boston Terrier puppy this coming weekend!! Look at this little booka booka:

I can't even contain my excitement!! If we get her, I will definitely be posting a bazillion pictures of her next weekend. I cannot wait!!!

I will be updating when Farley posts the next Currently and after my Leadership Conference!

Currently...September!

Yay! It is getting soooo much closer to Autumn, my favorite time of year :).

squeeeeee!!!!

 

 

Anyhoo, it is that time for Farley's Currently. Ch-ch-check it out below :)

Saturday Snapshots!

Hi All! These past two weeks have been I-N-S-A-N-E. Pre-service week was godawful. The district had all elementary school teachers in our building from Tuesday to Thursday. This wouldn't been a huge deal if they weren't using our classrooms!!! Every time we were given time to go work in our rooms, we had to work in the teachers lounge. It was just horrible. I refused to go in over the weekend, I needed that time to spend with my boyfriend and just to relax before the craziness of the first week. I stayed late on Friday night and a few nights this past week to get those few last things done.

The first week was pretty good! I was more nervous about meeting my 12th grade class then my 9th graders. They are so much older and so much closer to my own age :-p. I turned out well though and I am really excited to dive into some of my favorite books with them.

I wanted to link up, a day late, with MIss Nelson's "Saturday Snapshots" party. I really like this idea and I hope that this can be a linky that I use every Saturday. Check out my snaps below!

Did some pilates, took a shower and then looked in the mirrow...HOLY CROW IS THAT A CYST?! I am pretty sure that is either a bug bite (ew) or a huge pimple (double ew). I even had to call my mom to ask her, that's how freaked out I was. I have never had a pimple that big in my entire life, if that is what it is.

I created some mailbox labels for my boxes. Last year I had little ones and I really wanted them to stand out and be cute. Even our older kids need some cuteness sometimes. I especially love the little monsters :-p. Does anyone else find that making labels for stuff is really therapeutic?!

Classroom labels for myself, my roomie and a friend's room. Going to laminate these on Tuesday and hang them up in our windows.

Please go link up so I can see your pictures!! Please let me know how you like the labels down below :)

Quick Update!

Sorry about not having an update in the past two weeks or so. I had a wedding last weekend in Albany, New York and then pre-service this past week. I will give you more of an update tomorrow with classroom pictures and a "slight" rant about the ridiculousness that was pre-service week at Wilson!

Teacher Week: Organization for Instruction

I didn't post yesterday's post because I don't go back to the classroom until the 19th! Next week I will add a "Classroom Digs" post.

Today's blog post is about organization for instruction. Last year I had to float to FOUR different classrooms. It was hell on Earth, not going to lie. I had to be super organized with all my papers because if I wasn't I was going to leave someone in one of those classrooms, never to see them again.

One of the best places to shop for all of your organizational needs is The Container Store. I am a wee bit obsessed with them. It doesn't help that the nearest CS to my high school is right next door.

This expanding file is awesome for carrying papers to and fro work. I can make tabs for "To Grade", "To Enter" (into our Edline) and "To Hand Back". 

 

These open top holders are perfect as my classroom tubs. This is where students hand back things and where they can find their graded work. I keep this in the back of the classroom. I number the students during the first week of school so that they know which folder they are. 

This handy totes goes with me everywhere when I am in the school. I keep a smaller file holder on my cart that has all of the days important documents.

What do you all think? I am always looking for great organizational tips so please share some of yours below in the comments! :)

 

Teacher Week 2013: Let's Talk About Me Monday!

I am linking up with Blog Hoppin' this week for Teacher Week 2013! I am super excited for school to start (Pre-service week at least) next Monday. I feel super prepared and ready for this upcoming school year. Plus I get to finally teach 12th grade, along with 9th grade. Anyways, on to the linky:

So today the topic is "Let's Talk About Me". I usually am not a fan of talking about myself other than school related things, but I will give this a shot. We need to list 10 things about ourselves, preferably something that you don't know already?

1. I am a die-hard Chicago Bears fan. Good or bad, I stick by my boys!

2. I never kept a journal until this year. It helps me unload my thoughts before I go to bed so that I don't keep going over and over the thoughts. Stress/Anxiety reliever ftw!

3. Another stress and anxiety reliever, and totally not healthy, is my hookah. I feel like the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland whenever I smoke it. Doesn't help my asthma but at least it keeps me from throwing myself off the balcony every now and then.

4. My favorite book in the entirely world is Wuthering Heights. It hurts my soul when people say that they hate that book :(.

5. I am obsessed with autumn and pumpkins. I want to get married in October so I can have pumpkins everywhere.

6. I am also obsessed with corgis. I love their short little bodies and big personalities. I cannot wait until I get one! And those floppy earsssssssssss <3.

7. This year I am not only teaching English but also History after school. I am literally going to be teaching for 12 hours. Thank the lord for extra pay!

8. I bought a grill just so that I could have bratwurst during football season this year.

9. I missed highly effective rating by 10 points this past year. It was my 2nd year of teaching.

10. I am getting back into baking finally! I made my first batch of marble mint chocolate chip cupcakes this weekend!

So what are you waiting for?! Go link up! :)

Currently August :(

It's that time again. A Currently for August :( It feels like yesterday that I was closing up my classroom! Where has the summer gone?! This year is going to be awesome. I have my first 12th grade English class and I am so ready to rock it. I am not a fan of 9th grade curriculum and kids, immaturity is a major pet peeve of mine. I can't wait to show everyone that 12th grade is where I belong!

Make sure to check out Farley's amazing blog for all of the currently's!

Listening: Maury...I can't get enough of this show during the summer. Before my grandfather passed away, we used to watch this show together. We are kinda weird :-p

Loving: That my grade level teams are FINALLY getting together to plan the first two units! I have been worried about not having enough time to plan.

Thinking: That I have been so focused on my 9th graders that I haven't paid any attention to 12th grade. I am meeting with 12th grade team tomorrow so that is helpful for this goal!

Wanting: This summer break was way too short :(.

Needing: I am so upset that I can't get into my classroom because of summer school and the other teacher I share with has the keys!

Back To School Must-Haves: 1) Teacher Planner: I have to stay organized since I have 3 preps. I need to make sure that I know everything that my students are doing for each unit.
2) Post-it notes: The first few days of class we do a lot of anchor charts and class rules with post-it notes. I also like to create parking lots so that students can ask questions.
3) Positive Attitude!: I know I am sad that the vacation is over, but I love to start off with a happy-go-lucky attitude to get the kids excited about English.

What are you waiting for?! Go link up with Farley so I can check out your August Currently's! 

Linky Party - Advice for New Teachers!

Long time, no see! It has been a crazy few weeks in the household. AP Literature training, moving apartments, then onto to two vacations just days after moving. We still haven't even broken down all of the boxes in the apartment! So sorry for not updating in a while. My sincerest apologies :(. I am linking up with Latoya Reed today for her "Let's Get Acquainted" linky party. Today I am giving advice to first year teachers. It seems like yesterday that I was a first year teacher at Spingarn in DC. I learned a lot from that year and I use that advice everyday at my new school.

BUY...extra school supplies. Especially if you work in a low-SES school/district. Many times, my students come to school with only the shirt on their backs. I always make sure that I have extra pencils and notebooks for the students.

ALWAYS...have a back up plan. Sometimes I think a lesson is going to be frickin amazing and it blows up in my face. The problem is that I have 2 other classes to teach the lesson to that day! Always make sure that you go back and reflect on what worked and what didn't. Also, don't have a meltdown if a lesson sucked. This is a learning process, don't let it get you down. We tell our students not give up, try, try again so practice what you preach!

NEVER...let the kids see you sweat. You are the expert in the room. Kids can sense weakness and can and will exploit it. Own your classroom.

FIND...a teacher mentor/friend. This is probably the most important thing to do in your first year of teaching. You need to find someone to talk/rant/cry/practice teaching with. They can help you!

MAKE...memories. Look for the positive in everything. Enjoy your first year because you will probably not experience anything like that again.

BE...flexible. Crap happens. I know someone people (ME) HATE when things don't go according to plan. I tend to get irate when things go south on me. But I just pop another prozac and go about my business. Don't sweat the small stuff. You are working with kids. They are so unpredictable and you never know what they are going to do. It is ok! Just roll with it.

I hope this was informative! Let me know down below in the comments :)

June Currently!

I love when the new currently's come out! They are a great way for my readers to learn a bit more about me outside of school stuff. Link up with Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade to join in the fun.

Go link up so I can see your answers! :)

Summer Bucket List Linky Party!!

Well school hasn't ended for me *just yet* but I am already looking forward to my two short months off. Thankfully, the way our schedule is set the last few days of school will be sans students so I can pack up and get all my grading done before our cruise luncheon on the 21st.

1. SLEEP!
 I feel as though this will be on a lot of teachers bucket list. My lack of sleep is starting to catch up with me and I find myself getting sleepy earlier and earlier.

2. GET SOME SUN!
 I am incredibly pale. I also am incredibly deficient in Vitamin D! I got a super cute black one piece from Forever 21 online that I just can't wait to rock by the pool this summer. I actually do look nice with a healthy tan. Now I just need to hit up Target for SPF 100 sunblock :-p

3. STICK TO A WORKOUT ROUTINE!
Ugh, I am embarrassed to say that I have not worked out in over a month. Terrible! So this summer, I am working on my schedule so that working out is the first thing I do in the morning. Hopefully then I will stick on this routine throughout the school year as well.

4. CREATE AN ENGLISH BINDER FOR MY KIDS!
One thing I noticed this year is that my students are NOT ORGANIZED. I want to not only teach them English but also teach them the importance of organization. One thing I did when I taught World History was have my students keep an interactive student notebook. I want to take that idea and create one for English. If anyone has any idea or tips, please comment below. I could use some help!

5. READ A NON-CURRICULUM BOOK!
I have only been reading the books that my students have been reading. I have three books that I have been trying to read this year, like Starboard Sea, and I have barely finished the first chapter. I plan on completing this book while tanning by the pool!

So there you go! Go link up with Miss Kindergarten and share your bucket list! :D

Must Have Monday!

Today I am linking up with Teaching with a Touch of Twang for "Must Have Mondays"! Go and check out her blog if you haven't done so already, it is super great :)

Anywho, my "must have" is my Kindle Fire HD:

I am so happy that my boyfriend bought me this for Christmas last year. I use it every.single.day. I am addicted to it. I can do everything on it that I do on my laptop. Only it doesn't take up so much room in my bag and the battery last so much longer. All I need to do is get a bluetooth keyboard to go with it and I am set. I love this!

On a side note, is anyone else just completely ready for school to be over? I am already thinking about next year and I am just so exhausted!

Go link up for "Must Have Mondays"!

Teacher Talk Tuesday

Oh my gosh I am in love with this idea! I love instagram. Link up and share with other teachers! My instagram name is edena87. You can link up your post so we can find everyone Here.

DC-CAS...Dun dun duuuuun!

It is that time of the year.

Standardized testing. I loathe standardized test. My kids are always ready to hurt someone by the end of the week. Unfortunately this year, the school has decided to take two weeks worth of testing and squeeze it into 3 days...3 daysssssssss. And then we have a 7 period day on Friday.

How the crap am I going to get the kids to do anything on Friday after the testing?! Do you guys have any suggestions?

Oh hello...I just was awarded a 24k scholarship...

YES YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY!!!!!!!!! OH MY FREAKING GOSH. I GOT 24 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL!

So at the end of February I stumbled upon a Congressional (eek!!!) Scholarship put out by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship in which they give either current undergrad students or current teachers a scholarship so that they can go back to school to earn a Masters so that they can promote civic education. I get to chose any University in the nation to go to. Obviously I have to apply in order to get in but having this scholarship helps!


I am just so excited, I can't stop bouncing around. I will update you next week when I go meet with George Washington University and American University!

April In the Making with Teaching in Flats!

Today I am linking up with Mrs. Kelly's Klass for "April In the Making"! If you haven't had the opportunity to check out her blog, please do. It has some awesome resources and is super cute.

 Just follow along with the directions and away you go!

1. Maxi Dresses! They are amazing and comfortable. I just bought one from Forever 21 for 15 bucks. You can't beat that at all. The best part is that it is FULL COVERAGE. I am sure that I have mentioned it before but God graced me, and only me in my family, with lovely large lady lumps. It is difficult for me to find items to wear without make it look trashy. So of course I was thrilled to find this maxi dress wasn't going to give me 14/15 year old students an eye full.

2. Things Fall Apart. We are currently reading this text and exploring whether or not Okonkwo is considered an honorable character. It is so ironic that we started reading the text and the author, Chinua Achebe, passed away about a week into our exploration. As sad it was, we got some great informational text about him!

3. CHEESE. I must have a calcium deficiency because I am craving cheese and olives  like nobodies business recently.

4.

 A twist on the old classic, baked ziti. Today I have Baked Lemon Ziti in the oven. Instead of a heavy red sauce, I made a rue and add loads of CHEESE! and lemon zest and juice. I will let you know how it tastes. You can find the recipe on food network HERE.

5. My goal is be to ready to run a 5k in June. I am currently running 10 minutes straight right now...but only at 4.5 mph :( I am sure I will be ready if I put my mind to it!!

Go ahead and link up! I can't wait to see your posts.

April Currently!

 I am so glad to link back up with Farley for an "April Currently"! I can't believe it is already April. Only about 9 more weeks of school up here in the District. April is going to be INSANE with our DC-CAS stuff. We will have only 9 instructional days (yay Professional Development day and Emancipation Day) until the big test. I am so nervous about my students doing well on it. I feel as though I haven't prepared them as well as I could have. I just have to keep reminding myself that I am like a new teacher all over again since I switched from Social Studies to English and this year is like a learning year for myself and my kiddos. Anyways, make sure you link up with Farley over at Oh Boy 4th Grade for this linky party. It is great fun every time. Check out mine below!

March Check-in and Buona Pasqua!

I know, I know. Where the heck have I been? I promised that I would update regularly. I just never realized how much work English is. Good Lord, we have been struggling under thousands of papers in the past two months. So much testing prep! I wonder why we don't start testing prep at the beginning of the year. Being completely honest, we all know that testing is now the "big thing" in education. I think my goal for next year is to be on the testing committee and start suggesting these things. We need to stop waiting until the last minute to "prep" our students and start this at the beginning of the year and work towards it. That's what we are SUPPOSED to be doing anyways. So incredibly frustrating.

Anyways, this week is Spring Break for my school district as well as the Cherry Blossom Festival. I will post some pictures of the festival next Friday when I go! Buona Pasqua to all of my readers that celebrate Easter!

January Currently

Hop on over to Farley's Blog to join in on the January Currently!

In other news, I can't believe that my winter break is already over :(. It seemed like yesterday I just had my final class before the break! Oh well, we have MLK day/Inauguration day on the 21st and then a half day on the 25th. I am overjoyed about the upcoming novel we are reading in class, The Odyssey. I know that my 13-14 year old boys are going to love all the war and bloodshed *insert rolling eyes*. I have a couple great ideas for Socratic Seminars this unit, I cannot wait to share them with you in the upcoming weeks. Anywho, onto the January Currently...