If the answer is no, that’s fine! It took me for-ev-errrr to find one that may look like me. In fact if I send a new iteration to my husband I might have to make sure my Bitmoji looks single...whatever that means. However, my son called it “mommy” so I think that’s good enough.

Here is a a fun tutorial I found on creating a Bitmoji! Also, it helps to ask friends to look and see how it matches up!

Find more details here: https://www.bitmoji.com/

In the world of social media, decorating your classroom can be daunting.  If you're struggling to get started, take a deep breath and remember it does not have to be done all in one day.  It is okay to start small!  Here are my simple tips to decorating your classroom.  Since teaching is an ART no two classrooms will be the same--if you're really excited about something or advice doesn't work for you, that is perfect! 

• Pick a color scheme...possibly two or three colors or a pallet that compliments each other.  My pallet is black and white (polka dots) + neon colors. I do not plan on creating a theme each year because I don't have the restraint to not take it too far each year.  I've read some teachers share that they incorporate themes that compliment their color pallets.
• If you're in a new grade or new to teaching, you can decorate as you go in order to make it more purposeful!  In fact a fully decorated classroom can be intimidating to students.  There is nothing wrong with student created decor! It helps make the room theirs!
• Be mindful of visual clutter.
• Just because it is cute does not mean it is curriculum (this is not anti-cute and anti-fun, just make sure everything isn't just cute).
• Cloth is my favorite for bulletin boards because it lasts forever! When my budget is tight I get $1 plastic table cloths.
• Ask the teacher next door, sometimes teachers set out what they don't want anymore in the work room or sometimes there are community supplies!
• If your budget is super tight just display student work! You can’t argue with that.

Below I’ll share some of my personal favorites. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small amount on qualifying purchases. 

Display what you're learning with anchor charts using easel pads and markers.  Educational, personalized and affordable!

Episode 2 of Teacher. Mom. Life. features a challenge to create a strong teacher community, thoughts on unapologetic parenting, and some tips for your teacher Instagram

. Teacher. Mom. Life. is all about finding balance in your roles as a teacher and educator. https://teachermomlife.weebly.com

Background music: "Fae" by Meydän (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Meydan/) is licensed under CC BY 4.0/artist (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hi friends!  

​I have a pretty full Facebook group/community called Cricut for Teachers!  Where other teachers share ideas and inspiration for using their Cricut machines to in the classroom.  Feel free to join if you're a beginner, expert, Silhouette User or even if you're just thinking about joining.  Everyone is welcome!

Thinking about purchasing a Circut Machine for your classroom or personal use? 

Get started can be the hardest step. I have owned three machines over the past ten years and they are all high quality machines. I have owned the Expression, Air 2 and then I was gifted the Maker or I would have kept my Air 2 for YEARS.  I used it for my small business, classroom, and made signs and items to sell. It is a well loved machine that I still use. 

I thought I would make a post to answer some questions that seem to come up the most.  Let me know if you think of anything I didn't cover! 

Cricut has a software called Design Space (DS) that you can use for free.  They have a paid membership option (that usually you get a free 30 day trial of when you get started) that gives you access to their fonts and images).   

At this time you do have to have internet access to use DS and use your Cricut.

This depends on what you want to use your Cricut for!  I'll share a few options below. ​As an Amazon Associate I earn a small amount if you use the link to purchase.

 
Explore Air 2
This is the machine I personally use. It can cut paper, cardstock, leather, vinyl and heat transfer vinyl (HTV). I don't recommend the Air 1 because it does not have wireless capabilities unless you purchase an adapter. Admittedly I am on a budget and I haven't be frustrated with this decision once!
​

The Maker

The Maker has the functionalities of the Air 2 plus sewing projects, leather crafts, and balsa wood  models. Personally I don't do any crafting that needs the extras YET, but you just might!   If you can afford it, it is highly recommended.

Step 1: Take it out of the box!  Sure, it can be intimidating at first because there are so many possibilities, but you're not going to figure it out without step 1.  In fact, Cricut does a great job of having test projects set up for you to do right away! 

Personally I keep my machine at home, so this idea came from our awesome group.  If you plan to take your machine between home and school this carrying case came highly recommended. 

Personally, I am a big goal setter.  I have a list of long term goals in my notes in my phone, I set goals each August and New Year, and I often set a few in-between.  

My big goals for the upcoming school year are:

1. No purchasing new clothes until 2020 unless it is an emergency (such as needing to replace a staple or a special event).
2. No coloring my hair until Summer Break.
3. I will produce and put out one podcast a month.
4. I will put out five items for my TPT store each week and make enough income to pay for my Netflix Subscription (ongoing).
5. All of my students will reach benchmark on our reading assessment by EOY.
6. 90% of my students will write 2-3 sentences by the end of the school year and 100% will write at least one sentence by EOY.
7. I will have at least one brand rep opportunity through my Instagram by December. (I actually met this goal a week after writing it, so I've upped it to 3, push goal 5).
8. My research goal is to study and implement Responsive Classroom.
   
9. My dream goal is to attend Get Your Teach On.

Since I think this important, I have created a teacher goal setting freebie on my TPT store.

​Just like we want our students to know their goals and what they’re working towards, we need to do the same. Do not feel obligated to fill each line and each section—only write goals that are meaningful to you.
 
Print this sheet and use it to set your goals for the upcoming school year.  If you share on social media, please tag me! I’d love to see how you use this resource!

Hello Friends!

​Here is my list of potential first day/week read alouds.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


​

If you're feeling extra basic:
HA-I usually fall in this category. No judgement here!

If you want to shake it up a bit...

Of if you want a total classic...

Classroom Alphabet Signs come in neon colors and black and white.


Print your signs out on cardstock.
You can print in color or print the black and white set on Colored Astrobrights if you’re feeling crazy or want them to match your classroom theme!


Hang them in your classroom and enjoy.


*Plus a bonus desktop alphabet strip to tape to each student's desk.*


If you have questions or concerns reach out! I am happy to help!

Last year I posted my I Can Statements on my whiteboard and it took up so much room!

So this summer my goal has been to create a new process.  I have looked at examples on blogs, pinterest, instragram, and more to create my own Standards Signs for a word wall.  I am all about simple in the classroom and doing anything I can to use black ink so I can print it at school! HA!

Uses:
Print your signs out on cardstock. Colored Astrobrights if you’re feeling crazy or want them to match your classroom theme!


Then laminate these sheets on colored paper of your choosing. (PS. Amazon Basics has amazing, affordable laminating sheets!)


Use them to write your daily/weekly objectives.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I saw many teachers I follow on Instagram and other platforms posting their #observeme goals and I knew this was something I wanted to get behind. Find more details here: https://robertkaplinsky.com/observeme/

Create your goals for the school year.

Post this on your door so your teaching tribe can help you reach your goal.
​

One of my goals for the 2019-2020 year is to start using morning bins.  I haven't worked out the details yet, but I will share those as I go along! 

I have created labels and desk cards for each student to track their progress through the bins.