Did you hear?

Mailboxes are TOTALLY "in" right now?! :)

But they really are.  I purchased one this summer to put in my kinder classroom after reading THIS post by Cara Carroll.  It inspired me to use this little white mailbox as a teaching tool.

I use my classroom mailbox for the Postcard Exchange I hosted back in August.  {props to those of you who were able to ACTUALLY get your postcards out before the holidays, if you are a procrastinator like me there's still plenty of time.  Mine will be going out in the next two weeks!}

I have also debated teaching my kinder babies how to write letters.  Since there are so many standards that need to be taught and mastered before this one {since it's NOT a kinder standard}... but they so enjoy getting and giving letters {even if you can't read them!} :)

The past two years when I taught first grade before heading back to 'k' I used THIS amazing resource from Erica Boher:

It's the perfect tool to introduce students to letter writing.  

Now look at this:

click image to head to giveaway

Reagan Tunstall {of course you know who she is...LOVE her} and Kelley {my new obsession} have teamed up for the perfect little giveaway!

Here's what you could win:

 Tunstall's Teaching Tidbits

 Teacher Idea Factory

What a great addition BOTH of these little babies will be!  I mean, the work is already done for you! :)  I love when that happens!!

Writing has been such a "tough" subject for me to teach but this year is a whole new ballgame and my kinder babies are doing AMAZING and I know it's thanks to all the fabulous bloggers out there who have taught me how to teach writing better and have provided me with so many outstanding resources!

Love, Love, LOVE!

Wait...it's safe!

It has been 19 days since tragedy struck Sandy Hook Elementary and the surrounding communities.  I know many of you are planning on mailing student-made snowflakes to help in supporting those sweet, young survivors as they return to school this new year.  Mine will be participating as well.

Some of you might want to donate money but are a little weary of doing so since there is complete SCUM out there scamming people to make a profit! {did you hear about that awful woman who did that...pretended to be an Aunt of one of the victims?...SCUM} - rant over - 

Well I have found a perfectly safe and secure place to do just that.  Donate.  What you can.  If you feel the desire to. Here's how.

click HERE

VeryJane.com is a great website that has daily deals on all things MUST HAVE!  I first heard about this little online store sent from Heaven from Abby and immediately fell.in.love.  I purchase something off their site at least once a week.  It's ridiculous.  But SUCH good deals!

ANYWHO.... they are holding a Sandy Hook Fundraiser where you can donate $20.  That's it.  You can add more "quantity" if you want to donate more.  They even have a fun little gift that you can receive as well, if you wish.

You will have to 'register' in order to donate, however, you can always immediately 'deactivate' your account. You probably won't want to though!  :)

Just wanted to share!  

Currently. New Year's Edition.

First, Happy New Years from my little family to yours.  We were horrible procrastinators this year and did NOT get out our annual Holiday Cards so I whipped this little baby up to send out to friends and family via email/FB. Don't you just love FB for things like that?! :)

I hope you all had a safe and wonderful New Year's Eve last night. Mine was "calm" but lots of fun!  

Ok.  Lets get to it!

Explanations {because you want them}

Listening...as previously stated, I had a relatively "calm" night with friends but there was champagne involved.

Loving...I've hopped on the Cameo board and could NOT be more happy! 

Does anyone else have off until the 7th?  I hated that we worked until the 21st of Dec. but am OH.SO.GLAD to not go back tomorrow like my poor mother! Sorry Mom!

Thinking...really no explanation needed here.  

Wanting...with this years linky parties, I'm pretty sure I have quite a few people who will hold me to those resolutions.  What did I sign myself up for?! 

Needing...if you didn't read THIS post, then read it or just make an educated guess.  It's depressing.  All my goodies...GONE. :(

OLW... Drive.  

This year my resolution is to have a little more DRIVE to get things done.  A drive to accomplish all the goals I have set for myself.  The drive to get things done.  The drive to make a difference in my own life. 

Basically to keep my BUTT in gear...no being lazy or thinking it's "too hard" or will take "too much time!"  

Ok.  Now it's your turn {if you haven't already beat me to the party}.  

Head on over to Farley's and link up!  Don't forget the rule of 3!

***************

Last chance! 

Thanks Holly for the adorable graphic!

Happy 2013!