One Word Resolution Linky

I'm linking up with gals at The Primary Powers for a super easy resolution linky. Well, it should be easy, right? You get ONE word, just ONE. So many things went running through my mind that it was swirling with ideas. I have so many things I want to do! I began to feel overwhelmed and then it hit me!

Clearly, I need this. I have some big changes coming my way and I feel that the best way to deal with my control issue is to let go of some things. Lots of things, actually. I'm super busy (and I like it) but I would love to do a better job at fewer things. I'd also like to simplify my home by getting rid of all the tons of "stuff" that is filling up my closets, drawers, cabinets and attic. I feel a closet purge coming on!!!

Goals for 2015 Linky

I'm linking up with Mrs. D's Corner for a fun 2015 Goals linky. I haven't had a minute to really think about it until now and I love this graphic for getting you thinking.

Personal: I've been putting pigs to shame with my unhealthy eating lately. It really doesn't help that my sister-in-law baked FOUR kinds of deliciously sinful cookies this week. I haven't really been working out either but enough with the excuses...I've gotta start or I won't be able to play 5 minutes of soccer.
Professional: I really want to use my 14 iPad minis in new ways and I have an entire Pinterest board of idea, I just need to start with one new app or lesson a week. If you have any great apps for 2nd graders, comment below.
Planning: I have been fairly good at keeping up with my planning/prepping for school and not having to bring work home. I would like to keep the momentum up through the rest of the school year.
Organization: I have a TpT binder that I've started in this crazy journey of being a seller. It just isn't that organized and I really want to make my record keeping more efficient.
Students: I already do some differentiating  but I need to step it up a bit, especially for my high achievers.
Motto: I sent this picture to my daughter when she was having a rough time this fall.

I love it so much that I've made it my lock screen on my iPhone. Rise above the drama. Rise above the crowd. Rise about the things that bring me down. It can mean so many things.

Five for Friday: Elfcapades and I Love New Mexico

Even though Doodlebugs is taking a Five for Friday break, here's my elf-tastic week:

 Our classroom elf (Rosie) is up to shenanigans, as usual. She's quite naughty but doesn't like it when the kids are. This week, she went around the school after hours and took a bunch of Elfie Selfies!

She also played with the iPad:

She was sick and tired of messy student desks so she gave awards to the kids with clean desks and then took some snacks to eat:

One of our students wrote a note to Rosie:

 In math, we're elf crazy too! We're doing my Addition Elves as practice in math stations this week. It features 12 double digit addition task cards with QR codes so students can check their answers. It's only $2!

 In social studies we're studying our state and making game boards to demonstrate our knowledge. Students need to write at least 20 questions about New Mexico, design a game board with a NM theme, write directions and make player pieces. Here are two of my fast finishers that have already started designing their game boards:

We are known as the Land of Enchantment

The roadrunner is our state bird.

Students are loving it and even their parents are telling me that they're learning information from their kids that they didn't even know. Many states have an official state tree or bird, but did you know that we have a state cookie? How about a state dinosaur? We even have a state question....seriously. The first person to comment below with our state question AND can explain it will win a copy of my Addition Elves task cards! Don't forget your email! 

 Last weekend, I met with some great NM bloggers and we had a blast sharing ideas and resources. Before we knew it, several hours had slipped by. Let's just say we are up to something...stay tuned.

We did an art project to go along with one of my favorite New Mexico holiday picture books written by NM native Rudolfo Anaya and illustrated by NM native Edward Gonzales. It is called the Farolitos of Christmas.

If you've ever been to New Mexico during Christmas, you'll see these simple lanterns all over the place. Most of the farolitos or luminarias are electric these days, but the traditional ones are made with a brown paper sack, sand and a votive candle. They take hours to prepare, but nothing can replicate that golden glow.

We made a construction paper scene from the book. Here are two examples of what the students made (I love that they are so different):

I hope you all have a great weekend! Now, for a relaxing weekend of shopping, wrapping, and cleaning (NOT!)...

December Currently-better late than never

Ok, so I completely forgot about the Currently this month. I think it was my shopping frenzy that caused my brain to malfunction. I'm just glad my credit card didn't malfunction! I found so many great deals both on TpT and for my family online and I didn't even have to get out of my PJs! At school this week, my main goal was to get everything planned/prepped for the rest of the month. Meanwhile, I neglected my poor blog.

I'm linking up with Farley for December Currently, which is as adorable as always.

Listening: Well, it was quiet until the my teenage daughters got up. Their HS football team won the state championships last night so they were out kinda late. I was out cold at 9:00 after an exhausting week.

Loving: Two little weeks stand between me and PJs all day, sipping coffee until noon, wrapping presents, baking and celebrating with my family. Our elf on the shelf has been (kinda) helping keep the kids in line engaged in learning and I'm really hoping I make it through the next 10 days of school with a smile on my face.

Thinking: I'm super excited about meeting up with some New Mexico bloggers! I can't wait! Stay tuned for a full report!

Wanting: Obviously, there is never enough, especially when I think that this is my daughter's last year at home...sniff sniff.

Needing: I was at the craft store last night getting goodies for my buddies and went a little crazy with the glitter. The cashier just gave me a look so I asked him if he went home covered with glitter everyday. He said that glitter is the herpes of the holidays! I know what he means now because I am sure I have a speck of glitter in my eye that I can't get out. Even my dog has glitter on him now.

Giving: I often strive to give people things they truly want/need for the holidays, but sometimes it is difficult to buy things for certain people (AKA my hubby). I also want to make/get gifts for my grade level team and colleagues that they can really use. I don't want to spoil it for them in case they're reading this (Courtney!) but I'm really hoping this year will be the year that my gifts are useful.

Have a great weekend everyone! I know I will! Click the button below to take you back to the rest of the Currently link ups.