Getting Lost - and the Growth Mindset

How do you get lost in your own hometown? Let me say - it is possible. I did this. Just yesterday. Yep. Plumb lost! I went out on a new mountain bike trail and saw a "single track" to the left and decided to take it.

It split into multiple single tracks and before I knew it, I had worked my way into a pickle. The single track disappeared and I found myself with my bike on the side of a mountain trying to figure out where to go.

Isn't life like this? Decisions all around. We are on one path, and all of a sudden find ourselves on another. And...sometimes...we find that the path isn't clear --or that it's down-right gone. How do you handle those difficult times in life? In class, we teach about the growth mindset. We realize that challenges can be good. In fact, some challenges - like my ride - are beautiful if you just look around and focus on the good.

Perseverance.  Determination.  You can do this. 

Every mistake you make is progress.

There is a difference between not knowing, and not knowing yet. (Sheila Tobias)

Sometimes learning isn't easy. Embrace the struggle and grow. Remember to talk to your child about having a growth mindset.

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Monday Made it! - July 18

Welcome to Another Monday Made It!

Thanks once again to Tara from 4th Grade Frolics for hosting Monday Made It! We share a love of God, teaching, and making things!

I saw so many posts for creating a Close Reading Toolbox. Thanks to Create Share Teach, she offers a FREEBIE of her adorable toolbox. All I had to do was print them out and assemble the kits! You can get her freebie HERE.  I found the plastic boxes on sale at Michael's for 40% off so they were a little over $1.00 each. I decided to use ModgePodge to get the pictures to stay on the boxes.

I decided to make 10 for groups of 3 students. Inside are bookmarks with close reading tips, pencils, highlighters, and sticky notes. I need to go to Dollar Tree to get magnifiers. 

Do your students sign a social contract? As I sat watching Dual Survival one night, I felt like doodling so I decided to draw a social contract tree. I used Tombow markers and paper. I looked up a font I liked on DaFont so that I could try to copy it with my pen! I will have students place their thumbprint to "sign" the contract. Then I hope to frame it!

I'm sorry I don't have a ton of pictures of this one! I invested in a Silhouette Mint Stamp Maker! I got a great deal on it during Amazon Prime Day on the 12th. I wanted to use it to make stamps for school - plus my daughter just got engaged on the 12th - her birthday! I figure it will come in handy! Her fiancee set up a beautiful breakfast table for her...

Pretty, right?! He's a keeper. :)

And, she blessed me by asking me to be her matron of honor. Such a surprise!

For her birthday and upcoming wedding, I bought her the Erin Condren wedding planner. So pretty!! 

The Rose Gold pattern is BEAUTIFUL and I almost wish I got it for my teacher planner - but I do love mine...

Did you know that on Erin Condren you can type in a "style" and everything that coordinates will show up? I typed in "Rose Gold" and found some beautiful coordinates for Lauren's wedding planner. This beautiful tray has inserts so you can change them out for the season! I love this one that matches:

Or these clip boards! 

Wow! Love!! Click any pictures for my referral link. Once you sign up you get an extra $10 off with your first purchase. 

Oh - back to the Mint!  I designed my first stamp using their software. It was really, really easy! I'm not too thrilled with the choice of colors I put on the stamp so when those colors wear out (after about 50 uses!) I will put on new colors. I also smeared the sample (sad face) but you get an idea!

My Made It #4 didn't really make it! I fully intended to work on my classroom this week and get all my boards up. That just didn't happen. I am working at a new school this year and wanted to move everything out of my attic and extra bedroom to the classroom. I won't bore you with all the details, but it comes down to being told I am in 2 different rooms. So until I know for sure, I won't be putting anything up. I did take pictures of the one that I hope I am in!

Pretty view, isn't it! Both rooms are on the 3rd floor.

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Yes! Class Dojo!

I am excited to try out a new app this year with my classroom:

This is a classroom behavioral management system that is easy to use and provides positive reinforcement to students. I can record behaviors and accomplishments right in class with just a click - no extra typing needed. Class Dojo can also send weekly reports to parents and staff. I do use a clip chart, but this will be a way that I can record the information.

Have you tried Class Dojo? Any other class management apps you enjoy?

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Tuesday work!

I started off the day by killing myself on my bike ride. I decided to go with some friends for a time trial. Whew! I am exhausted! 

So what did I do? I came home and made espresso chocolate chip shortbread cookies, then worked on school stuff. I ended up printing out and laminating the clip chart and place value chart I created yesterday (see below post and you can have a free copy!).

I couldn't get the clip chart picture all in one piece...so here is the top portion of it! The rest of it looks the same so you get the picture!

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Free Behavior Form!

A few years ago I created this form and am sharing it with you for free! It is a way to reflect on behavior/actions. I hope you enjoy it! Please click this link to download.

Download HERE!

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