Kicking Into High Gear

I hate to say it, but summer is coming to an end for me :(  While we have had several volleyball tournaments the last two weeks, next week we begin tryouts!  Summer has gone by crazy fast! So I have already begun putting some of the new ideas I've had for my classroom into action!  I got a lot of my ideas from Pinterest.  Most of them are directed at elementary aged kids, however, I have found it very easy to translate them into high school activities.  Even if it is just a warm up!  Here are a few of the things I'm getting ready to put into action!

http://whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com

First, I found this "Mystery Motivator" on Pinterest!  What a great idea!  A little Wheel of Fortune game that can last all period!  Of course in my class I could have 'popular sovereignty' or 'rule of law' as the mystery!

Then I saw this picture!  They are using it to teach younger children what synonyms are, but I've been trying to think of a way I can use it in my classroom.  My students LOVE, I mean seriously LOVE McDonalds, and I think that this would just hit home with them!

 

I'm all about using what you already have!  What a great idea for creating ready to use stations!  You put everything your students will need in a container and its all ready to go.  I've used folders and paper clips in the past, but I always seem to lose stuff!  What a creative way to cost effectively create stations!

If I had to pick a weakness in the classroom, it would definitely be keeping up with who is in the bathroom, media center, front office, etc.  Now don't get me wrong, I do know who I'm letting out of the room, it's the remembering who is out and when.  

So when I saw this on Pinterest, I knew I was going to have to make one!  Not only will they need a pass out of my room, but they will sign the board.  For example, if someone goes to the bathroom and I make groups before they are back, I can remember who is out and make sure I include them as well! 

I recently found these cute bins while wondering around the Container Store.  I had been looking for something just like these!  I've decided to get two in each color, except white.  One for each class period to turn in work.  One for each class periods composition note books.  One for make-up work.  And lastly, one for extension activities.

Teachers! You can sign up with the Container Store's teacher program and get 10% off your first purchase!

I'm really excited about this coming year! I have a lot of new activities up my sleeve and I can't wait to see how they turn out!  I will keep you posted :)  Please let me know if you have any unique ideas.  Or if you found something cool on Pinterest too!  I am always willing to try new things!

gratefulness

If I haven't mentioned it already this week.... I'M GETTING MARRIED SATURDAY!!!!!

 I could not be more excited!! I got all packed for my honeymoon tonight and now I'm just waiting to say, "I Do!"

I saw this on Pinterest and thought how true it is of how David and I want to live the rest of our lives.

And seriously, we can't wait for the weekend to start! It's going to be so fun!

be encouraged

This week is the worst for fiance.  Everyone knows that the first year of law school is the worst, and being in the midst of finals is not fun.  BUT that doesn't mean that I can't do everything I can to make it better and put a smile on his face :)

Today, I made him a bag of encouraging things.  Most of which were Pinterest inspired.  The only purchases I had to make for this bag of encouragement were the 3 cookies I picked up at Subway for a $1 and 7Up at the gas station.  I added a tag that said, "You are a SMART cookie!" to the cookie bag and a list (pictured below), 7Up-lifting ways to have a great finals week!  I found the 7Up idea on Pinterest and adapted it to fit.  Then I found as many cutely designed Bible verses and quotes and put them in a bag.  I wrote David and note telling him to only pull out one at a time, as needed to power through the week!

I took pictures of everything in case any of you are looking for a way to brighten someone's day!  Also, please comment if you have ever made something similar!  Or leave a comment if you want a copy of the 7Up-lifting ways list!  I'm always looking for new ideas!

Hope you have a marvelous Monday!

high five for friday :)

Today I will be linking up with Lauren who blogs at From My Grey Desk! Basically, you post your five favorite things that have happened to you recently or you've seen!

First let's start with my favorite buy of the week! I absolutely LOVE spending time at Hobby Lobby. I mean, I could honestly just look at things for hours on end! Well, I have good news for all of you who love Hobby Lobby as well. They have a new section! Near the cards, you can find the Dayspring area. They have inspirational note cards, books, journals, AND mugs!! Which is why I couldn't resist this awesome buy! Introducing, my new favorite mug!

Secondly, I started the week of just right in a chat session with my BFF's! I mean it was just perfect and put me in a GREAT mood!! They don't know I took this picture (my face froze a lot). So if Maggie or Layla read this... SURPRISE! Love y'all!

One morning a week, I get to play volleyball with two girls from my team! In the off season, coaches can only work with players two at a time. It was really been fun. The girls totally make getting to work at 6:45 worth it. This picture is from the hallway my classroom is on at 6:45 this morning. It was so peaceful.

I always look forward to The Vampire Diaries and it never fails to surprise me!

And obviously the best part of the week was this commercial. Only the best Super Bowl commercial out there :)