Sunday 6 January 19

Hi, friends!  Long time no blog!  I had high hopes for this blog during winter break but unfortunately I got some sort of stomach bug and it lasted the whole second week or break.  We have been back in school for 2 weeks now and I feel like it's been a whirl-wind!  The first week back was great, but then by week 2, my energy was depleted because my kids were off the chain!  This was despite my best efforts to reinforce all classroom management procedures and expectations.  I think part of it was the weird weather...I am in Ohio and last week it was between 50-65 degrees every day.  We were outside for recess and the kids were just WILD.  Hoping this coming week will be a bit calmer.  Needless to say, I am looking forward to having the day off tomorrow.  Here's my most recent "Sunday 6" post; it contains random things from the past 3 weeks, both personal and professional.  Enjoy! 

During winter break, I found this adorable little sign for my office.  I got it from Target, in the dollar section.  I think it was $3.00.  Isn't it cute???

 A new quarter means a new opportunity to re-enter the "Homework Club!"  If you aren't familiar, I'll briefly explain how I do this.  I have a cutout (school buses) with magnet squares on the backs of them and student names on the fronts.  I put all buses on the front of my desk at the start of a new quarter.  As long as kids return their homework, on time, with their name on it, they keep their bus up.  If they forget or don't do their homework, I remove their bus.  At the end of the quarter, anyone whose bus is still up gets a certificate (free download HERE) and gets to eat in the classroom with me (and I bring a dessert treat!).  It's a great motivator. 

My teammates and I always arrive to school early around our birthdays to celebrate with coffee and donuts.  This year, we went to a coffee shop instead, which was much nicer than rushing to open a gift and scarf down a donut as the kids are arriving!  My team got me some of my favorite things: carrots and peanut butter (don't knock it until you try it!), a Cyclebar headband and mug, a certificate for them to come to Cyclebar with me, a journal for keeping lists, a gift card to a local gourmet grocery shop, and breakfast bars (not pictured).  I loved it all!  So thoughtful.  

We have been working hard during Literacy Centers!  I align my centers to the Wilson Fundations Phonics program.  I've been using that program in my district for 3 years now.  It's so, so good!  I love having centers that align, because it gives my kids the opportunity to practice what I've taught them.  If you also use Wilson Fundations, be sure to check these centers out!  They are super FUN!!  *PS does that "plank" card drive anyone else's OCD crazy?! 

Mr. Wheeler and I went out to celebrate my birthday (late because I was sick) to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants.  Check out that corn.  So. Freaking. Good. 

If you've followed me for any length of time, you know that I LOVE working out!  It seems as though I'm always in gym clothes, sweating, with a messy bun.  I recently discovered Fre Skincare, a skincare company for women who workout.  I have been using them for about a month and I LOVE it!  My skin feels and looks great.  Plus, Fre plants an Aragon tree in Morocco for every kit sold.  I started with a kit that contains face wash, serum, and lotion with SPF.  If you want to check out Fre, click HERE to get a discount!  

Have a great week!
xo
Megan