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.

SUPER SALE!

I'm having a huge sale! Not only am I participating in the sitewide sale on Dec 1-2, my entire store will also be on sale starting Thanksgiving Day!

I'm ALSO doing a special promotion for my followers Nov. 27-30! If you purchase any two items from my store, I'll email you a third item (of equal or lesser value) for FREE! All you need to do is send me an email (sumipa77@gmail.com) with your TpT user name and your choice of item!

Don't forget to leave feedback on all your purchases so you can use your TpT credits on your next purchase. 

My wish list is full of great things that will make my life as a teacher easier in the coming months. Here are some goodies (click the pics) to keep your students engaged and excited about learning:

Black Friday Wishlist Linky

I am ashamed to admit that my TpT wish list has gone to multiple pages. I have narrowed it down to just a "few" must haves that I want right now. I've been busy refining my wish list and making sure I've left feedback on all my purchases so I can use those TpT credits to cut costs.

 I just have to have the iPad Essentials Movie Making by Reagan Tunstall and would also love some of her other iPad sets. It would be super awesome to also have all of Angie Olsen's interactive notebooks, so I'll need to pick up her Money Unit and Fractions Unit. Speaking of interactive notebooks, I really want this Science Interactive Notebook Bundle by Chalk One Up for the Teacher. Everything else on my list is clip art! I'm in love with everything from Krista Wallden, but I've had my eye on her Zoo Animals set and have always wanted to try one of her memberships, so the Winter VIP membership is on my wish list. I would also love the Melonheadz Tablet Kidlettes and this Fraction Super Pack by The Enlightened Elephant.

These are some of the most wishlisted and/or best sellers in my store:

Flip Flap Book Project

Monster Math Place Value Activities

Easy Cheesy 3 Digit Addition (with regrouping) Task Cards

Double and Triple Digit Addition Activities Bundle

100th Day of School Pack

Candy Contractions with QR Codes

My entire store will be on sale on Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Happy Shopping!

Five for Friday: Thanks and 2 FREEBIES

I'm linking up with Doodlebugs for FFF this week and feeling so thankful!

 I am super thankful for my supportive husband, talented daughters, and loving/crazy family. My husband lets me get away with just about anything and allows me to be my true self. I also couldn't be more proud of my talented daughters, who are growing up to be such amazing young women. I am also blessed to have wonderful parents, siblings, and grandmothers! My life is full of amazing people!

 I am extremely thankful for my job. I would be a liar if I told you that each day teaching is sunshine and rainbows, but I do love my job. I am almost always excited to start each day knowing I have some great lessons planned and getting to make such a huge impact. My students are amazing, sweet, and funny. They make me want to wring their necks and give them hugs at the same time! They also make me laugh and give me hope. I also have two awesome principals who are supportive, fun and care about kids.

 I'm thankful for all the opportunities I have because I get to live in this great country. I'm thankful for all those who helped paved the way for my freedom.

 These are things I could live without, but would rather not have to: coffee and technology. My favorite part of the day is sipping on my first cup of coffee and gearing up for the day. I also love that second cup to keep me running half way through the morning!  Technology has opened up the world to us. You have a question? Google it! Want to know how to fix something? YouTube videos! Want to connect with people from around the world?  Blogs, email, Skype, FaceTime, Facebook, and Instagram right at your fingertips.

Finally, I'm thankful for Teachers Pay Teachers! It may sound silly, but when I "discovered" TpT a few years ago, it drastically changed how I teach. My lessons improved, my classroom management improved, and my organization improved. I also found the educational blog world to be a vast collection of tried and true resources made by teachers! Now, I'm selling my products on TpT and helping make things a little easier on the budget for my family. I feel so blessed that I can pay for a new soccer uniform or cleats for my girls without having to stress about the money. The best part is that I get to use my creativity to help my family. What is better than that? Well, to show my thanks, I have two freebies for my elementary friends:

for my 2-3 grade friends

for my 3-5 grade friends