Ginger Snaps

I.Am.Obssessed.With.Pinterest.

Can we just talk for a second about how amazingly awesome and inspiring Pinterest is!? LOVE IT. And I don't mean love it like you love your cool zebra striped pencil. I mean, like I LOVE it!

I have been taking soooo many fabulous ideas from Pinterest since I started (about two weeks ago). I know, that's an insanely short amount of time to fall in love, but if you know about Pinterest already, then you totally understand and don't think it's creepy or weird.

So, I may have stolen some cool ideas from other Pinterest posts to use in my room. Here are three things I have stolen (from Pinterest that is) and adapted to my classroom this week:

This really fun Scientists tree map (Thanks Abby at the Inspired Apple):

This anchor chart about how to make good book choices! I can't remember who I first saw do it, but I have seen several versions of this!

This awesome activity to teach relative location! Thank you to Jenn at Finally in First for this fabu idea! After I read "Me on the Map," by Joan Sweeny, we used Google Earth to zoom in to where we live! As we zoomed in, we added more information to our little visual flip book rings.

In conclusion, if you aren't on Pinterest, get your butt over there and check it out! You will be amazed at how the creative juices you may not have known you had inside you will start flowing!!

Teacher Week 2011

Tell us a little something about you...

Let's see...I grew up in Greenville, South Carolina and I would never move away, unless it was to a Caribbean Island somewhere! I have a sister and two brothers. My mom is my hero. I also have a pet fish named Indigo. He was purchased as a reward for my class last year and he got to come home with me for the summer. =) He is a permanent resident now!

How long have you been teaching?

This will be my fifth year teaching. I taught fifth grade for 2 years and have been teaching 3rd for the last two years. I am currently still teaching third grade and I absolutely love it! They're still sweet and cute and they crack me up constantly, however, they can still function mainly on their own without too much crying and shoe tying. (God bless you primary people.)

You might not know...

That I am obsessed with anything about tornadoes! Since I was a child, I have had dreams about tornadoes consistently. I have always enjoyed watching shows that feature their awesome power. My mom and I always talked about one day going on a tornado chase with professional storm chasers!

What are you looking most forward to this school year?

I am most looking forward to our new literacy program - Reading Workshop and what it could mean for our students. Of course, I always look forward to the new school year. New kids, new challenges, new experiences, and new learning for me as a teacher.

What do you need to improve?

I need to improve my desks organization. I have a hard time keeping handouts organized and they usually just find a random place on my desk and then when I need it 5 minutes later, I can't find it. I also need to be better about grading papers on time! I know, it's awful to say, but sadly, true.

What teaching supplies can you *not* live without?

1. Velcro dots - I use them for EVERYTHING!

2. Duct tape - They even have cool colors and prints now!