Sometimes with my job I wish I could get a glimpse into the future to really see how my students will turn out.

Today was just one of those days with my job, where my heart just sank because I just want the best for them and want to teach them the simple importances of life. It's just hard because I want them to succeed and be respectful. It's just hard because I know I might be the only one in their life showing and teaching them those characteristics..it doesn't set in as quick.

Oh, poor Picky-Picky

I have been reading Ramona Forever to my class for read aloud. Today I read the chapter where Ramona and Beezus find their cat, Picky-Picky, who has passed away. I couldn't help but tear up since I know what it feels like to loose a pet. I even knew that the part was coming up because I've read the story before, but it just hit me today. A few other students in my class were a little teary. Two girls got me a kleenex, one for my eyes they said and one for my nose. Then we had to pause and talk about all of our pets and ones that we still have and the ones we don't have anymore. I just love those moments of teaching, were we connect and that they see that I have real feelings, and can relate to them. Even if it's me just being sappy about a children's book.

For the rest of the day, I found several random notes on my desk from several of my students saying,
'I'm sorry you've lost your dog when you were young, I lost a dog too'
'I think your are great Mrs. Allen,'
'I know how you feel, I lost my dog last year and it was really sad,'
'I think you are the best teacher ever, I really mean that, you are'
'I am glad you have Ellie, I like the name Ellie'
' I like that you read, You're the best!'

Now, if that can't make your day, I don't know what will.

Hello November!

I am amazed that it is already November! I sure can't wait until it really feels like Novemeber outside- it's been way to hot! Life has been quite busy and I can't believe how bad I have been with posting here. I need to make sure to be better with it, just like I'm trying to be with working out. I'm doing good though with that! I've been doing yoga, weights, riding my bike or a cardio work-out a couple of times a week! Chris and I are trying to be in better shape by Christmas and motivate each other to be on top of it! Ellie even seems to want to do yoga with me, since she always goes a lays on my mat. It's pretty funny.

We love Ellie so much and she loves us too. She always wants to be where we are. For example, when we go to sort the laundry, you'll find her there too!

I am also excited that my garden is coming along, I have a few seedlings coming up and I also have some herbs planted in some pots on our back porch. I will be planting lettuce and some other things this week as well. It's always fun to see what all comes up in the spring! I have planted some of the same things, but some new flowers this time too.

Yay!

I have rosemary, sage, parsley, thyme, and basil! Sure is fun to add to your cooking!

Lastly, Ellie would like to say hi and wish you a great week! I do too!

My Classroom

Here we go again! I am so happy to be in my third year of teaching and teaching 3rd grade for the second year now. I feel so much more organized and know what to expect! In the picture above is me showing off the beginning process of setting up my classroom. This has been the third year in a row that I've had to move my classroom, I'm hoping I won't have to anymore now!

Here is my awesome classroom tree that my brother Jeff painted for me! I’ve always wanted it painted on the wall, but didn’t get around to it until now. I had a paper trunk in the past, but this just looks a million times better and more realistic! It’s nice to have such an artistic family. This tree changes with the seasons. Soon it will be having fall leaves by the end of this month. It's a lot of fun and I like to give it a personalized touch with my students help! Each apple on this tree has one of my student's name on it, I have 21 little apples in my class. 8 of them I had when I taught 1st grade, so that's a lot of fun! It's really cool to see how they have grown academically and that I get to help with that again!





This is a picture of my workshop board that I change every week to go with the story we are reading, math we are working on, and many other activities for my students to do independently during reading group time. I am all about reinforcing things and giving them as much exposure to it so they can master the skill. You can also see the homey touch I like to add to
my classroom. I have a classroom job that is a gardner, they are the ones responsible and who oversee the plants and make sure they are watered weekly. I want my classroom to be as welcoming and enjoyable place as possible for my students to learn and comfortable.


Lastly, I will end with another view of my classroom. This is my classroom library area and my desk. I have tons of books on other bookshelves just ready to be read by my students. I have to pillows on the floor under the tree that you can't see, that my students ask everyday to go sit down there and read. I had to start making a list of who's next to sit down there. Can't beat a class that loves to read! I think it is going to be a great year! I already feel like we have connected with each other and that the respect is there. They know what is expected of them and know what the consequences are if they break those expectations. I feel that I keep learning new things and know what I show implement and do to makes my students have the best learning environment possible. I want to make sure that I teach them the best I can academically, yet make sure that they learn life skills and relationship skills that will better them for the rest of their lives. I am excited to watch them grow! It is the greatest to be giving tons of hugs, notes that say 'you're the greatest teacher ever', and that they are so happy to be in my class. It's pretty nice to have kids say they are sad to go, that they want to stay at school. It is nice to be in a profession that is so rewarding. Believe me, you will be hearing plenty more!

Hello..I'm alive.

I have really been bad about writing here. I have decided that I need to try to make it a weekly goal to write here at least once. So, I plan to update this blog this weekend with pictures of my new classroom, stories of the beginning weeks of school, and other life happenings!

So.. stay tuned..I will be posting soon and more often!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ellie Bea!

Ellie had her 2nd birthday yesterday, June 18th! I can't believe how time goes by so fast! She had a nice day..we gave her little surprises throughout the day. Her first one was a fun toy her cousin Molly has, it's a log that you hide three little squirrels in it and she has to get them out. She wasn't sure of it at first, but then got the hang of it. She loves it when the squirrels have their tails hanging out to get them. Then, she got a bouncy Kong bone that I put the special dog peanut butter on it..she licked it clean! She still is licking at it when it doesn't have anything on it any more. Then she got a little bit of vanilla ice cream and a walk around the block when it was cooler outside to end the day! We love her tons! She's so much fun!

Happy Father's Day!

Chris and I had a nice evening with my parents and my brother for Father's Day at their house. My mom cooked a yummy dinner of BBQ steak, potato salad, and cucumbers and tomatoes. I'm very grateful to have my dad and to have had such a nice time with him and my family!