July Currently

Well hello July,  oh how I have been waiting for you!  I have a lot to look forward to this month so I am hoping that it goes by very slowly.  

Currently I'm listening to silence because my niece and nephew just left for the day.  As much fun as they are, it is so nice to be able to think whenever they leave.

I'm loving the books I am reading this summer.  I finished The Book Whisperer and am in the middle of Teach Like A Pirate.  My next book will be Drive.  I'm really trying to get inspired for the next school year!

I'm trying to think of some more activities I can do with my nephew during the summer.  He is six and easily gets bored.  He doesn't need to play on the computer all day so I'm looking into some fun ideas we can do together. Suggestions welcome!

It has been rainy and cloudy here a lot lately so I'm wanting more days of sun so I can get in the pool.

I'm needing to start packing for Belize so I don't get stressed out at the last minute.  Since it is a mission trip I have to pack specific things that I may have to go out and buy.  For example, we have to wear shorts that go down to our knees.  Many of my capris are thick denim and Belize is a hot place so I may have to go out and buy more more shorts.

My tip is to add photos to your blog posts.  Writing is great but to draw in a reader they want to see pictures of what you are talking about.  I know I am most likely to come back to a blog again when I've connected with someones pictures they posted.

Click on my currently picture to be taken to Oh' Boy 4th Grade where you can find other bloggers currentlys!

February Currently....

It is now the month of love and also time for another currently from Farley.  

I am listening to Ben Rector who is one of my favorite artists right now.  One of my favorite songs by him is "The Beat."

I am loving that both groups of my students have finished their literature circle novels.  I read "Because of Winn Dixie" with my standard group and "Stepping on the Cracks" with my advanced group.  This was the first time we completed a full novel in literature circles so it is a great feeling seeing them read all the way to the end.

Now I have to think about what novel to start next.  "Where the Red Fern" grows is a possibility, as is "On my Honor."  I'd love to hear what novel studies others have enjoyed reading with their sixth graders.

I'm really ready for this cold weather to go away.  We haven't had a very harsh Winter but I still am ready for the days of short sleeves and capris. The worst weather we had so far was on one of our teacher workdays which is really sad because I needed that day!  Our next teacher workday isn't till the end of this month and it will be filled with meetings.

My current pet peeve at school is students not turning in homework.  I rarely give homework that I don't give time in class to finish.  It amazes me that students STILL don't have it done.  I am going to have to come up with some sort of system for students who continue not to turn it in on time.  I had been doing silent/working lunch but that doesn't seem to phase them.

While is it the month of love, I thought I would also list 5 more things I am loving.
1)  Being single.  In the past I kept thinking that I had to have someone in order to be happy. Right now I am so content with myself that it is nice not having someone.
2)  Chocolate Chip Kettlecorn.  Yes, I LOVE it.  It is by Popcorn Indiana and it tastes wonderful.  I highly recommend it.
3) That I got my passport this week!  I will be going on a mission trip to Belize this Summer and I absolutely can't wait.
4) Teacher friends.  I am so thankful for all my teacher friends.  I have so many at work and some that I still stay in touch with from college. Love you girls!
5) Youversion.  Youversion is an awesome app on my iPhone I use that has daily bible reading plans.  It even gives me reminders to read it everyday.

January Currently

I know I'm a bit late on doing Farley's currently this month but it is still January so here it goes.

Currently I am very happy with how things are going for me at work.  I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of things and am being a better teacher for my students.  Being a first year teacher, along with a cheerleading coach has been very difficult.  However, I've done a lot of praying and reflecting and have finally found what works for me.

Right now, I'm thinking about what to do with this extra free time because cheerleading is almost over and I will finally have time for me!  I'm not going to know what to do with myself in a couple of weeks.  I look forward to getting into a workout routine and to hopefully finding a young adult bible study I can get involved in.

Today was an early release day due to the wintry mix we had.  It was pointless to try to teach anything today.  The kids were excited and we were interrupted by announcements of early dismissals every other minute.  We made it through the day though and now it is the weekend!  I think I'll be getting some grading and planning done while taking some time to myself before the playoff games start next week!

I hope everyone has a safe weekend during this Winter storm.

So Little Time

    Basketball season has started at my school which means I am coaching cheerleading.  For the next two months I will be attending 2 games every week, not getting home till 8 or 9 those days.  Other days I will be doing practices and reading tutoring.  It is sad that I haven't really had a chance to even get in the Christmas spirit yet.  Normally, the day after Thanksgiving I am ready for Christmas music, decorations and movies.  December has snuck up so quickly that I can hardly believe Christmas is just a few weeks away.  I will definitely be ready for that short break though.  I really question how teachers that coach and have families have any time at all.  I've only be a coach for a week now and feel overwhelmed.  I am hoping next year will be a lot easier once I have units already made up.

Since it is December I did want to take the time to participate in Farley's Currently.

For those, who like me, need to get a little more in the Christmas spirit, I'll leave you with the song I'm currently listening to.