Five for Friday! {November 7, 2014}

 I finally uploaded my photos from Yosemite, a little getaway I took a few weeks ago. It was my first visit, and it was a great weekend with perfect weather and one especially challenging hike. But it was worth it for views like these. (Not to mention, it made a great small moment story to write with my students!)

We started several new word sorts this week during Word Study. I'm happy with how engaged the students are, and so far, they seem to like changing it up each time with a different sort. Although I do want to settle into a routine with how long we spend sorting/studying our words, so far I'm having a hard time balancing the time they need (a lot!) with the amount of time we can actually spend (not that much). I'm hoping they start to move a bit more quickly in the (very) near future. But I'm trying to be patient. We'll see how much longer that lasts. ;)

On a related note, this week we went back to some recent pieces of writing to look for strong words or phrases that help the reader "picture" the story. Some students focused on verbs, while others focused on adjectives. Then they highlighted the words they felt were the strongest. This was a great visual to help them (and me!) see if their writing was descriptive and specific. If they couldn't find anything to highlight, they knew exactly what their writing was lacking. I was thrilled to see pieces of writing like this one:

On a personal note, I've finally started taking French classes. There are seven of us in class, and it feels good to be a student again. I'm enjoying the feeling of not needing to know much of anything. No one expects anything from me (yet), and I'm thrilled when I can string together a sentence or say something in an accent that sounds even slightly decent. Learning another language after Spanish is definitely easier, and I'm trying to take the risks in class that I want my students to take in their learning. :) It is humbling though.

Finally, I couldn't resist ending this post without a tribute to my pastry of the week. Seriously, I have an addiction to this bakery. What's your favorite food for breakfast? I try to alternate between heathy smoothies and goodies like this one.

Happy weekend!

Currently... November!

October was an extremely busy month. Four days of parent-teacher conferences, one week of vacation, travel, Halloween, and LOTS of things going on at school. So, I'm happy that November is finally here. It's time for another Currently from Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade!

Listening: These days I MUST have some noise in the background. Does this happen as a result of teaching? I didn't used to be this way, but now I always have podcasts, radio, or tv on in the background, even if I'm not really listening. But I do love this podcast from NPR. It's one I actually listen to. ;)

Loving: I've been waiting for weeks to feel the chilly, crisp feel of Fall. It has been unseasonably warm in San Francisco. I'm ready to start wearing my jackets, boots, and sweaters. Thanks to Stitch Fix, I have some really great pieces that I'm eager to wear. 

Thinking: This is the first weekend since the school year started that I haven't worked for at least part of my weekend. I feel like I'm FINALLY in a routine with my students, and am able to plan and prep at school rather than needing extra time at home. It's so much work to change schools!

Wanting: I am seriously craving these blueberry pancakes. Simple but delicious.

Needing: So far, I have no plans for Thanksgiving. But since I'm back in the US, I think we'll start a new tradition... Maybe spending the weekend in Napa Valley?

Reading: I first "met" Lena Dunham in her unusual, witty, and sometimes awkward series "Girls". I watched the most recent season in less than one week, so I was thrilled to learn about her new book Not That Kind of Girl! As I read it, I keep thinking about how rare it is for someone to bare their flaws and share who they are without trying to impress or fit into a mold. Dunham shares her mistakes, challenges, and triumphs in such a personal way... and one that's full of humor.

Be sure to check out Farley's page for more Currently!

Five for Friday! {October 25, 2014}

Woohoo! I'm FINALLY linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five For Friday! I am in complete awe of teachers who are diligent enough to do this every week.

Since I've had the week off, I've been able to enjoy plenty of leisurely breakfasts... some of which consisted of tasty little treats like this red fruit tart. Since school began, I rarely finish my coffee before rushing off to pick up my students.

Since I've been introducing plenty of new word sorts to my kiddos, I decided to make something I could post and use in the classroom throughout the year. I'm really happy with how engaged this group is during Word Study. And now that I've taught several different word sorts, they've become (almost) independent as I work with small groups. This is what I've created for my classroom... It will be on sale in my TpT store through the weekend. :)

I hate to say it, but I think I've enjoyed my last day at the beach until next year. The weather has been glorious: all sunshine, no fog... but it looks like it will start cooling off this weekend.

In other news, I've decided to buy myself flowers every week. I just love the way flowers and plants spruce up the apartment, and Trader Joe's had a dozen roses for $7.99, so how could I resist? (I'm pretending they're from a secret admirer.)

And finally, I'm making my first-ever trip to Yosemite this weekend! So, I borrowed this photo from Wikipedia until I can post pics of my own. Unfortunately, since we've been suffering through a drought in this part of the country, I won't see any waterfalls. BUT I'm really looking forward to getting out into nature and away from my computer.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Wordless Wednesday {A Moment of Reflection}

My school is on break this week, so my Wordless Wednesday isn't completely work related. Since I've had a few days to slow down and reflect on the last few months, I realize how far I've come (literally), but also how far I have to go until I feel "at home" again. I've been back in the US for three months after living and working in Europe for a significant period of time.  But moments like this, away from the daily routines of work, I find myself thinking about Europe.

What do I miss? Mostly, I miss the slower, simpler lifestyle. I miss outdoor cafés, an aperitivo after work, small neighborhoods bustling with people and life, walking through narrow, crooked alleyways on my way to the market, packing a back and hopping on a train to visit a new place on the weekend. I miss the friends I made there, now scattered throughout a variety countries. I miss learning another language, being uncomfortable, but becoming a stronger person for it. I miss the history and architecture, each building's charm and ancient details still (mostly) intact. I miss eating local foods--and lots of them--without talk of calories or consequences.

Now that I'm back in the US, I have a job at a school I love, and work with some extremely intelligent, kind, and supportive people. Many of my students have either lived abroad or have traveled quite a bit, so we have that in common. (I chose this school because of its international community.) I understand what they've experienced and where they're coming from, so it helps me build relationships with them and appreciate their varied perspectives.

Anyway, I'm sure everyone goes through this. Anyone who has moved understands these feelings of sadness and regret mixed with optimism and hope. I'm really lucky to be where I am today, but can't help but think about the many roads that led me here.

One of the cobblestone streets in my neighborhood in Rome

Our last night in Rome, walking home after dinner

Sunday Scoop: October 12, 2014

I'm linking up with Teaching Trio again for The Sunday Scoop! Here's my scoop:

Today is a day of sunshine and food! I'm off to brunch in a few minutes, and later today I will be attempting this recipe for Biscoff White Chocolate Blondies from Sally's Baking Addiction.

Don't these look AMAZING?!

Don't forget to click on the link below to join the Sunday Scoop.

Wordless Wednesday {Partner Work}

Sometimes, things just work. After weeks of instruction, practice, and more practice, your students finally GET IT. They work together, talk to each other, and and end up with better ideas as a result. Those moments are worth the wait.

Currently...October!

Listening...

I love listening to Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert while I do just about anything at home. It’s probably not the most efficient way to get things done, but it does put me in a good mood after a long day at work!

Loving...

My newest peanut butter & banana smoothie is such a great way to start the day. I blend 2 small bananas, 1 tbsp peanut butter, and 1 tbsp pure maple syrup with about ½ cup water or milk. I like to cut up the banana to freeze it overnight so the smoothie is very cold when I blend all of the ingredients. It is SO delicious! Actually, it tastes like ice cream!

Thinking...

In the very near future, I will be going to and from work in the dark. Bleh.

Wanting...

I really need to plan a trip. I have a week off this month, and nowhere to go! Not to mention, I haven’t finalized any of my winter holidays yet. Any ideas?

Needing...

I’m really trying to shake off this cold. I blame it on the 75 munchkins I teach every week! I’m hoping to feel better after some rest this weekend.

Here’s your treat!

Have you tried interactive notebooks yet? I admit, I’m late to the party, and I just started using them last year, but I LOVED the results! I created one for/with my students, and it’s on sale through the weekend in my TpT store. Click on the picture below to check it out.

Be sure to stop by Oh Boy Fourth Grade for more “Currently”!