A Comparison

All this week, I've been sharing school-related things.  On Monday, I shared the Top 5 hits from 1988--the year I started Kindergarten.  Tuesday was my classroom set-up for the 2014-2015 school year.  Wednesday was my book review of The Chronicles of Narnia, and yesterday, I shared some tips that parents should know about teachers.  Today, as I'm mere days away from returning to my 6th grade classroom, I thought that I would share some of the differences and similarities between being a first grade teacher and a sixth grade teacher.

Note: ALL of the following pictures are from Pins I've pinned to my "The Life of a Teacher Board" on Pinterest.  You can find the links to their original homes there.  

Some things are true of teaching both 1st and 6th grades:

Yes, this happens to me, and yes, it happened in both first and sixth grade.  And yes, I usually immediately regret this decision.  Therefore, I almost always pick partners FOR my students, thereby crushing their hopes and dreams.... ;0)

Here are some things that are true of teaching first graders:

Celebrating the 100th Day of School is a BIG deal in first grade!  It was always a day of fun activities.  In sixth grade, I acknowledge the 100th day of school, but the day continues as usual.  I do, however, start my end of school countdown on this day!

That would be "hand sanitizer" in case you don't know.

I loved doing cute and fun science lessons with my first graders.  I thought this one about the butterfly life cycle would have been really cute!  I am not (and do not want to be) the sixth grade science teacher.

This was one of my first grade pet peeves.  I would often tell students that I would call on students who were sitting in their seats quietly with their hands raised.  In contrast, sixth graders would prefer that I stay as far away from them as possible.  ;)

I do miss teaching first grade sometimes.  I miss how excited they are at Christmastime.  My last year in first grade, I had an Elf on the Shelf, and I had so much fun placing him in the classroom for the kids to find when they arrived.  I miss that I could use the simplest gifts as rewards, and they thought they were absolute treasures.  I miss that they loved me unconditionally!  But I don't miss runny noses, the reading curriculum, or how I had to go-go-go to be "on" for these little ones.

I like that sixth graders are independent.  They don't need me every single second of the day.  I like that they can work independently with mostly guidance from me.  I like that we can carry on great conversations and that they understand my sarcasm.  I do wish they cared a little more about their grades, and that I didn't worry they may call me nasty names behind my back when they're unhappy with me.  But overall, I am truly happy to be preparing these students to head off to junior high.

What I've Pinned Lately

Pinterest can be so addicting! 

I thought it would be fun to share some things I've pinned lately!  And feel free to follow me on Pinterest to keep up with what I'm pinning!

This would be so fun to have!
1) I love chalk boards!
2) Maybe I would actually make dinner.
3) Better yet, maybe I would actually meal plan if I could write it on a chalk board.....

I don't like the numbers that are currently on our house. Half the time, I don't even know they're there! I'd really like to do something that people might actually notice.

I swear, I'm going to make these for my students for Valentine's Day this year.

As you can see, I have two style personalities. The one that barely puts on "real" clothes and the fashionista.

What have you been pinning lately?

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail...

Easter is quickly approaching.  In the spirit of the holiday, I thought I'd share a post from last Easter that was on my Word Press blog. 

These treats would be great for teachers to share with their students, or for any of the kiddos in your family (like I did).  :)

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I found this idea on Pinterest, and it was just too cute to pass up. It'smy variation, of course!

My family has some great kids: my cousin, Dawson, and my cousins' kids and stepkids, AJ, Zoe, Vivien, Ryan, and Bridget. I love getting gifts for them, and while don't go crazy at Easter, I like to do something. So I'm hoping this quick and easy treat brings a smile to their faces because it sure makes me smile!

Peeps S'Mores Treat Bags

Here are the "ingredients" you need: (I had enough so that each kiddo can make 2 s'mores.)

• Graham Crackers
• Hershey's snack size candy bars
• Ziploc sandwich bags (or brand with a seal)
• Easter napkins
• Peeps

I used Microsoft Word to create a card that gives directions for making Peeps S'Mores.

 

I used Comic Sans MS font, and I made two with pink font (for the girls) and three with blue (for the boys). I found the picture on Google images by searching for Peeps bunny, and then I cropped the picture.

To assemble the bags:

1. Place the Easter-themed napkin in the sandwich bag and fold the top so it will be under the seal.
2. Break 2 graham crackers in half and place in the center of the bag.
3. Put two snack-size Hershey bars on one side.
4. Place 2 Peeps on the other side.
5. Tape the instruction "card" to the napkin.
6. Seal the bag.

Happy Easter!