Are you in need of instructional materials for your classroom? You’re in luck! Teachers Pay Teachers [TpT] is having a Cyber Monday (and Tuesday) Sale that you do not want to miss out on because you can save up to 28% by using the code: Cyber2016. Stock up your “wish list” cart today and purchase tomorrow with the sale!

First, you need to know what to buy! I joined up with Amanda Smith from Daisy Designs for a linky party with other amazing TpT authors. All you have to do is click here to see all of our products that other customers have wish listed and start stocking your own wish list cart!

Below is a preview of my “Top 3” wish listed items from my store:

Use this Continent Study unit to help your students understand some basic information about the 7 continents. Includes information about the people, land, music, clothing, and food in addition to guiding questions per continent. Optional project included! Click here to see more!

My store includes numerous coaching teacher resources. Instead of having to buy them individually, snag the 23 product bundle at an affordable price and have access to the updated file for life (without an increase in price!). Click here to see more!

This resource explains in detail an effective literacy block, including components such as Word Work, Read Aloud, Shared Reading, Guided Reading, Independent Reading, Vocabulary, Modeled Writing, Shared Writing, Guided Writing, and Independent Writing. Examples and resources included. Click here to see more!

Come join in on the TpT Wish List fun and stock that cart!

Interested in more from my store? Click here!

What’s on your TpT Wish List?

The post What’s on Your TpT Wishlist? appeared first on Always A Lesson.

I have joined in on a super fun and exciting blog hop called “Our Favorite Things” (#myfavoritethings2014)!

 Read below to find about my 5 favorite things (each favorite thing has a hyperlinked image if you are interested in purchasing that item yourself).

 Restaurant: 

I could eat Carrabbas every day of the week. My fiancé always wants to take me out to a super fancy restaurant for special occasions and of course I always choose Carrabbas. I love their freshly breaded mozzarella sticks, delicious caesar salad dressing, and tasty warm bread. (Is your mouth watering yet?)

  Store: 

Well, if you couldn’t tell by now I am a pretty simple person. Kohls has super affordable and trendy clothes. I enjoy always getting a discount from being a part of their rewards program. I am quite addicted and it is quite the sacrifice not to spend the gift card I am donating to this blog hop- haha!

 Beauty Item:

I have been hooked on Bare Minerals make-up for over a decade. I love how light it feels on my skin and how easy it is to apply. It can be a bit expensive, but I have figured out how to use the right amount to make it last and have the right amount of coverage. It has great reviews and dermatologists say its great for the skin. I don’t use any other foundation and recommend it to anyone who will listen!

 Holiday Season Activity:

Ever since childhood I have loved fires. I would beg my dad to light the fireplace and I would sit right up next to it until it burnt out. There is something fulfilling in sitting by a warm fire with twinkling Christmas lights on the tree and other decorations while listening to Christmas carols on the radio. It’s a treasured moment and I cannot wait to do it all again this year!

 Teaching-Related:

One of my favorite books is The Polar Express. I love having guest readers come into the classroom to read to the students. Hearing a different adult’s version of the story each year is exciting for me! One grandmother a few years ago dressed up and even brought the magic bell. She was so engaging we were sucked into the story. My kiddos love watching the movie in their pajamas the day before we let out for Christmas break. We pile on the carpet with our pillows and blankets, eat a pile of super unhealthy party snacks, and watch The Polar Express on the Smart Board. It’s a wonderful time together.

Stop by my Teachers Pay Teachers store for some great products. Each featured item is also 50% off!

But, the fun doesn’t stop there. I am also donating a gift card to Kohl’s for one lucky winner!

Make sure you stop by this blog hop (click here) and enter to win lots of awesome prizes from:

 Here’s a sneak peak of the prize packs 7 lucky winners can get their hands on:

The post Our Favorite Things Blog Hop appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Personal- I find myself the happiest when I have downtime for myself. I always enjoy coming home from a stressful day and having time to unwind in front of my favorite TV show. I also LOVE to spoil my dog. She loves long walks around the neighborhood. On a beautiful, sunny day there is nothing I’d rather do than take her for a walk!

Organization- I am a fairly organized person, but I do believe I have work to do to make my students just as organized. I also want my classroom to be student friendly where I do not need to be involved in every interaction. Last year was a big year for me with pushing ownership on to students. So having materials organized and clearly labeled will help students find the items without needing my help and increase the accountability of students returning the item to the correct place for the next student.

Planning-  I need to do a better job of coming to planning having thought through the agenda items so when it comes time to discuss, I have something meaningful to share. I found myself needing some time to reflect and digest information during the meeting which then meant that we would have to have follow up meetings once we all had our bearings. So, encouraging myself and my teammates to review the agenda prior to the meeting will give us the necessary think time to have a productive planning session.

Professional- I absolutely love Educational Leadership magazine from ASCD! Each of the articles are so different than the others that it keeps me wanting to learn and grow. I find that my most meaningful professional development comes from this publication. I need to ensure I take time daily to fill up my teacher passion tank!

Students- As I mentioned before, last year I pushed my students to do all the cognitive heavy lifting in the classroom. I saw how much more they grew as students because of this effort. I plan to continue to push ownership on to students so that they are the ones thinking and growing, not just me!

Motto- *Dream Big* has been my motto as a teacher. I worked in a Title-One setting for five years and witnessed students overcoming stressful and cumbersome obstacles as young as age 5. Children are  capable of doing and being anything they wish as long as they can conceive it. If I do not push them to dream bigger, they cannot achieve bigger. Visualization and a passion makes dreams come true and I am their #1 supporter!

What are your goals for this school year?

Bloggers, come link up!

The post Back to School Goals Linky appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Thanks to Tammy over at Forever in First for her first linky party!

and to my wonderful kiddos…

Come link up for some fun!

The post My Teacher Always Says…Linky! appeared first on Always A Lesson.

The idea came to me when I was posting on my Facebook page: “You know it’s the end of the school year when students walk into your room and give you random treats.” I thought to myself that many of you out there probably can fill in that sentence with something of your own. Thus, this linky was born!

Grab the graphic and click on the crazy link below to link up (will open in new page-darn you wordpress!). If you don’t have your own blog, you can still participate! Fill in the rest of the sentence in the comments below!

<!– start InLinkz script –>

<img style=”border:0px”  src=”http://www.inlinkz.com/wpImg.php?id=280846″>

<!– end InLinkz script –>

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This year has been a tremendous learning curve for myself. I had quite the cluster of TD students. The beginning of the year proved difficult as they often questioned my assignments and teaching methods. Once I realized that they did not intend to hurt my feelings or question my teaching ability, rather understand the in’s and out’s before they step foot into the water, it shifted the way in which I related to them. I began to listen to their needs and ideas. I gave them materials they requested for additional learning on a topic. I allowed them to take over and run aspects of the classroom. Not only did they learn and grow, but I did as well. During this process, many of the other students began to act and think like this TD cluster. I began thinking to myself, “man, why did I not do this earlier?” Students will rise to the challenge, but you have to provide the opportunity.

We had had a blast meeting a couple of authors this year! We also had a program come in and do a in-house field trip on the continent of Africa! We have had a blast with these visitors, but I think the visits could have even more of an impact if ahead of time I planned out my units of study and plugged in which community member would enhance this particular topic. I then coul reach out with enough time to coordinate a visit. Bringing the community into the classroom is vital for students to see how all things work together; especially for their benefit.

I think it is really important to model what you want students to do, especially when it comes to what an assignment should look like once completed. Having students take ownership of this process not only invests them in the activity, but students listen better to each other! I think passing the baton of leadership over to students in the classroom is extremely beneficial. Again, I wish I had done this earlier.

I love our outdoor classroom! We received a grant and were able to place a unique living space in front of our school. It’s beautiful and quiet. Students love to mix up the learning environment and do something “special.” I want to ensure we put it to good use…consistently!

We were able to purchase a class set of  iPads this year! Unfortunately, we must share with the entire school. But, as long as I sign up ahead of time I can set aside a chunk of time each month to allow my students to tap into their tactile learning! They might be able to teach me a few things too! This is the wave of the future and many jobs my students will have or create will require these types of skills. It’s only right that I provide opportunities for them to hone their craft so that they can leave a larger imprint on society when they’re older!

What will you try differently in your classroom? Come link up!

The post Reflection: Changes for Next Year appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Thanks to Christi over at Ms. Fultz’s Corner for this informative linky party!

I have had the pleasure of working with an abundant amount of up-and-coming teachers from local universities as well as career-changing adults through my classroom teaching position as well as an instructor, coach, and selector at TEACH Charlotte. I learn a lot from them, so I feel the least I could do is reach back out and return the favor. Below are 5 pieces of advice to make teaching a success for you:

1) Plan Ahead– things always come up at the last second. Never allow yourself to put something off until tomorrow because something inevitably comes up tomorrow. (a great life principle as well!)  Ex. “I’ll make copies tomorrow morning.” Reality- the main copier is broken and the backup copier has a line around the corner…don’t laugh, it happens.

2) Dream Big, Work Small– I admire teachers who come in with gusto and ready to turn the classroom upside down to make a difference. Your passion and determination set you apart from many others. I applaud that. However, when you begin to translate that into action your load doubles and triples in weight. There is no race. Do not feel like you have to make 1,000 changes on day 1. Prioritize your list of actions. Start with #1 and when you have the hang of that, try #1 and #2. Again, continue that until you have the hang of it. Never add another action until you are ready. You do not want to be going up the creek without your paddle or take on more than you can chew (pick your phrase here!)

3) Do not recreate the wheel– Teachers have tons of ideas. Pick their brains first and see what you can borrow or steal. If after that you still cannot find what you are looking for, make it from scratch. Most times, we borrow and add to what we can instead of beginning at Start. That is a lot of wasted time and energy in starting over, especially since you have a lot to get done as a beginning teacher. Asking colleagues for ideas or help does not make you less of a teacher…you’re just smarter than the rest!

4) SMILE!!! You might be stressed out not knowing where your materials or your brain are located. But, if your kids see you freak out then they begin to reflect you. Try your best to keep your true feelings to yourself or share with a coworker. You want your kids to feel happy and safe. There is no need for them to be aware of the fact that you forgot your lesson plan or that you and your best friend just got in the biggest fight. Take a break if you need to cry or scream or just breathe. But never in front of the kiddos. They are innocent and we try to keep them that way as long as possible… no unnecessary burdens for them to carry. You are their role model and they look up to you. Be a shining star, not a  falling one.

5) Be okay with being okay– You are not going to come out of the gate as an Accomplished teacher. It takes time and lots and lots of mistakes. Your goal each day is to be better than the day before. After a while, you will reach that Teacher of the Year status. But you must climb the stairs one by one first. Do not beat yourself up because each day is a lesson learned and another badge of honor to wear. It will make you a better teacher the more you allow yourself to grow and take risks. No one is looking for perfection, just progress.

Best of luck to all of those amazing Teachers-to-Be out there! I support you and thank you for helping us create a better future one child at a time.

Bloggers- come link up and share your Top 5!

Teachers- comment below with your own advice. The more the merrier!

The post My Advice To You… appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Personal: Allow myself balance. I love what I do so it is easy to get caught up in hours of “teachery” stuff. I want to walk my dog daily so that gives me a good hour of reflective/me time. Catching up on DVR may not sound like the highest of goals, but that allows my body and brain to rest. (Rest? What’s that?!)

School: Continue to help my mentee and former student teacher become the best teachers they can be all the while challenging myself to try new things. No Risk. No Reward. Professionally I have been on the upswing and I want to continue my growth as a leader in the district.

Blogging: ah! I have dropped the ball a bit lately with blogging- not because I don’t care, but I am so busy!! Blogging is a great way for me to share what I am doing in the classroom, network with other great teachers, and create a running document of my accomplishments/thoughts/fears. Instead of one new post per week, I am going to try for 3… let’s go 3!

What are your resolutions for 2013? Dream Big and Rise to the Occasion!

The post New Year's Resolution Linky! appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Something Good at School:I am blessed with a wonderful student teacher this year. She is a graduate student and I think her maturity makes all the difference! She has done a great job watching the way I conduct my class and has fit seamlessly into the picture. When I am not in the room, things go on as if I were. And when I am there, I don’t even have to speak. She has it handled (and in the same way I would handle it!). It is amazing to watch her develop into a spectacular teacher. My year is going to be amazing because of her. Thank you Brooke!

Something Good at Home: I have maintained balance in every sense of the word. I cram in time for friends, family, and of course my puppy. I enjoy puppy play dates and football tailgates. I love spending time in my new church E-group and during weekly heart-to-heart walks with my neighbor Christy. Balance makes me happy and ensuring each facet of my life is being tuned into helps keep me sane!

What is your “Something Good?”

The post Tell Me Something Good! appeared first on Always A Lesson.

I am participating in the Bloggiesta 2012! Thanks “There’s a Book” and “It’s All About Books!”

COME JOIN US Sept 28th- Sept 30th!

Bloggers– This is a great way to network and learn a few tips or two!

Readers-This is a great way to blog stalk and find other authors out there that fit your forte!

The post Bloggiesta appeared first on Always A Lesson.

My name is Gretchen Schultek and I teach 3rd grade at an elementary school in Charlotte, North Carolina. I LOVE MY JOB!   I have taught 2nd and 5th as well, but my heart is in 3rd (and apparently my principals agree!) I have been teaching for 7 years (5 in a Title-One school and 2 in a suburban school). My teaching style is organized, structured, and efficient. (Parents have loved my “no nonsense” and “strict” style, although I would not use those harsh of terms, because their child craved those attributes and blossomed in that environment. My student teacher was kind enough to share her thoughts on my teaching style: enthusiastic, purposeful, modified, and genuine.) I must admit that I love having fun with my students in and outside the classroom. But, when it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty, I have extremely high expectations for behavior and engagement. I myself am very Type A, so controlling chaos comes out of necessity rather than choice. Over the years I have realized a routine and structure immensely benefit students academically so I no longer feel bad for my need to turn my classroom into a well-oiled machine! Most importantly, I care so very much for my student’s well being. I love getting to know them as people and future leaders. I value our bond more than any diploma, degree, or paycheck. I love you kiddos!!!

The post Open House Week! appeared first on Always A Lesson.

What are your goals?!

The post Goal Setting appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Thanks to Jeannie over at Kindergarten Lifestyle for this funny linky party!

My kiddos come next Monday and I am super excited! I have spent the last two weeks setting up my classroom and wrapping my head around this Common Core stuff! My student teacher has been a blessing and we are going to work so well together this year.

Walmart and Target have done a great job discounting school supply items and including some cutesy teacher stuff too! I feel like at the beginning of summer school stuff was already on the shelves (always a season ahead, right?!) My neighborhood has been bustling all summer long, but as school starts in surrounding areas the noise volume decreases. Soon the streets will be empty as students embark on another successful year. I hope you teachers had a wonderful and restful summer and are ready to give your very best this school year.

CHEERS TO SUCCESS!

The post Back To School appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Thank to Ashley at Fierce in First (click on pic for website) for this community building linky party!

1. Meeting my new students and hoping we all fit like family.

2. Hoping my student teacher is organized, determined, driven, and enthusiastic during this experience.

3. My new principal and assistant principal bring our school to the top while supporting the differences of us teachers.

What are you nervous about? Link up and share, or comment below!

The post First Day Jitters appeared first on Always A Lesson.

1. Pencil and Apple graphics make you stop dead in your tracks at the hopes of something cutesy for your classroom!

2. You discipline other adult’s children in public (most often strangers!)

3. You recycle EVERYTHING! Your family, friends, and neighbors have given up on going to the dumpster and just start dropping things off at your front porch. (hey, we’re resourceful!)

4. You read educational material on vacations…maybe even get some planning done!

5. You own a multitude of holiday earrings, socks, or clothing.

Go ahead…link up and share your funnies, or comment below!

The post You Might Be a Teacher If… appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Resolution #1:  I have a student teacher this year…woop woop! So, I want to ensure I give her the best of me and provide a variety of experiences and opportunities for her to define her teaching style and gain confidence in  the classroom.

Resolution #2: Create Smart Board slides for all Math and Literacy lessons. (I used to do this, but at my new school not everyone on the team had a SB so it was too hard to do on my own)

Resolution #3: Utilize the anchor charts I have created over the summer (inspired by Pinterest!) so that students can reference all sorts of information throughout the school day.

Resolution #4: Continue to get to know my students on a personal level. Success in life depends on your relationships with others, and this is one of the most important POSITIVE relationships to create.

Resolution #5: Continue to involve parents in their child’s education through open, honest, 2-way communication.

Go ahead…head on over and link up! I’d love to hear what you plan on resolving this school year!

The post New [School] Year Resolutions appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Thanks to Stephanie at Teaching in Room 6 (click pic above for website) for her super helpful linky!

1. Lesson Plans- remember they are a guide. Do not feel like you have to follow them to a “T.” In fact, if you’re constantly staring at them as you teach, you are losing the kids. If you skip something or miss something on accident, the kids don’t know. Just roll with it.

2. Find your Voice- enjoy each moment and be a risk taker. You will become a great teacher over time. Work on commanding the room and showing your personality. The rest will come!

3. Small Groups- this is the latest trend in education, but start slow. Try pulling one small group while the rest of the students do something silent at their desk. When you can handle that, have the students at their desk work together and practice managing two working groups. When you’re ready, slowly add more groups until you’re at a comfortable rhythm.

4. Model, Model, Model- kids do not know, unless you show them. If you are to have high expectations, demonstrate what that looks like. Then have the students practice so they know how it should feel. Spend the first few weeks of school constantly going over procedures and expectations so that the rest of the year can be spent teaching content.

5. Have Fun The first year is a whirlwind and you will want to remember your very first class. It’s okay to have butterflies, embrace them and work through it. Take lots of pics to remember those moments!

Go ahead, link up and share your ideas too!

The post Advice for New Teachers appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Thanks Janaye for this unique linky party! It is always a good thing to remember where you came from- no matter how good or bad, big or small. Please link up and share your story!

We all come to the classroom with a story.

Some are similar to others while some are very distinctive.

What’s YOUR teacher story? How did you get to the classroom?

Has it always been a lifelong dream or did you come after being in another profession?

My Story…

As a child I enjoyed school. I tried my best and behaved well (besides the excessive talking in class). I admired my teachers, especially the pretty ones. At home, I would dress up in my mom’s “cheaters” (thigh high pantie hoes) and  high heels to play “school” with my imaginary students. Sometimes I even coerced my mom and dad to be my students- my dad was the worst student EVER (such a flirt with my mom!)
In fourth grade is when the *moment* happened. I attended a private K-8 catholic school in Danville, California called St. Isidore School. My teacher, Miss Lofy, made learning fun. She was beautiful, fun, and an excellent teacher. I wanted to be just like her. From that year on, I dreamed about my chance as an adult to finally become a teacher.
At the age of 22, I landed my first teaching job at Pinewood Elementary in Charlotte, North Carolina teaching third grade. I remained in third grade for three years. At that time, a new principal had come into the building and saw my behavior management best suited for the wild and crazy fifth graders. Well, that did not go over well (for me),and I soon returned to my comfort zone a year later…yes, much coercing again. I taught second grade for a year and fell back in love with teaching. I forgot what it was like to not have a “test” hanging over my head at the end of the year. I had so much fun with my kids- raising butterflies and frogs, extending lessons because they were “hooked,” and soaking up each moment in a class full of bright eyed students with their whole future in front of them. Something about the second and third grade years….they are not babies, but are ready for you to allow them to stretch their wings and fly. They have not been turned off by school and live to earn a gold star! This is my home.
I now am teaching third grade at a new school, Berewick Elementary (Follow us on Twitter (@berewickelem) & on Facebook (Berewick Elementary School Official)!). After 5 years I was ready to try teaching a different population of students. I really enjoy the change in parental support and strong background knowledge students carry into the classroom. I am fortunate to have this journey. I am teaching third again this year (surprised, right?) and cannot wait for the blessings to unfold!
To all the future teachers out there… *DREAM BIG!* Whatever you wish for, it can be reality if you work hard and set your mind to it. I love nothing more than to watch my students grow, but even better to watch a teacher hone her craft and become the most inspiring individual in a child’s life. GO BE GREAT!!

So, what’s your story?

The post My Teaching Story appeared first on Always A Lesson.

1. I have lived in 8 states.

2. My dog Mia is the best Christmas gift I ever received. She is #1 in my life and makes those gray skies bright again. Love you Mi Amor!

3. My vision board includes writing and publishing my first book, as well as traveling the U.S. presenting to passionate educators. My motto is “Dream Big”, so why not?!

4. I have taught 3rd grade for 5 years, 2nd and 5th for one year each. Can you tell which was my favorite?

5. I have 5 nephews…yes, my last name will DEFINITELY be passed on! We are in desperate need of a girl. Any takers?? <crickets> *Guess Not*

Devin & twins Jackson and Lucas (my brother and sis in law)

Owen and the newest addition, Ian (my brother and sis in law)

6. I am trying to embrace my father’s motto of: Life is a Journey- enjoy it. I kind of .. just. like. to. get. there. NOW.

7. In college I played rugby (and was the team captain)… uh, don’t ask. haha

8. I love love loved my class this past year and will hold them so close to my heart forever. Thank you kiddos <3

9. I’m not too old to eat Macaroni and Cheese (by choice)

10. I love tropical paradise. *Enough Said* I will retire there….some day.

What about you?? Please link up and share!

The post Tell Me More…! (Please) appeared first on Always A Lesson.

A shout out to: Grade Three is the Place For Me!  for this awesome Linky Party. Go show your support of these fine new bloggers!

Here’s what you need to do for the blog hop:

1. what state you are in
*Carolina Girl*

3rd Grade

7 years- 5 in 3rd, 1 in 2nd, and 1 in 5th (3rd is obv my favorite!)

In April!

The post Newbie Blog Hop! appeared first on Always A Lesson.

Kindergarten Lifestyle

Confessions of a Teaching Junkie

The post Late on these Linky Parties! appeared first on Always A Lesson.