Greetings! I have been rolling an idea around in my mind ever since my TpT Vegas experience in July, and the recurring conference theme of COME TOGETHER, GO FURTHER has convinced me that I need to make it happen.  So here goes! Today's post launches what I hope will eventually be a monthly linky party designed for those in my TpT and blogger "tribes" to share their favorite resources....and the resources of their friends. It is my wish that it will provide teachers will valuable units, lesson ideas, literature links, and musical moments that will improve and enrich their students' learning experience.  Ideally it will also create a feedback frenzy that expresses appreciation for the blood, sweat, and tears that my fellow teacherpreneurs pour into their resources.  It is my hope that it will promote collaboration, community, and positive vibes! Most of you know that the "hippie chick" in me is all about "feeling groovy" ...
Yep. It's true! I've changed my classroom theme again. My colleagues will just smile and shake their heads. Last year's students will visit and exclaim....."Our room looks different!" My pocketbook will take a bit of a hit in the next few weeks while I shop 'til I drop. But my Hippie Chick heart will be happy as I prepare to welcome my students to the "Magical Mystery Tour" that is second grade. Change is good my friends, and I am feeling groovy about it.  Pete the Cat and his rockin' school shoes would approve too! Now, you are probably wondering.....but what about all of the Wild West materials you used last year? No worries!  They will be recycled and re-used later on in the school year when we explore maps and tall tales!  Until then, think tie-dye!  Think flower power!  Think....  PEACE, LOVE, and LEARNING!   My inspiration for my decor makeover came from a variety of sources, but...
Good Morning Friends! It is a quiet evening here in my home, and I am back to share something a little different with you! While I was in Vegas, I had an enlightening and encouraging conversation with Cara from Cara's Creative Playground about my passion for music.  She insisted that I needed to start including audio clips or videos in my posts, and I told her that I didn't think that I had the courage or the technical "know how" to do that. I have wrestled with her idea since returning from my trip, and finally decided to take a leap of faith and record one of my favorite children's tunes for you. Thanks in advance for your kindness with the sound quality of my "song."  It has been a long time since I performed for anyone except my students....and they are are forgiving audience! I hope you enjoy Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina's House At Pooh Corner .  I used to sing it to both of my children at bedtime, and read all of the stor...
Whoa! I know! Two blog posts in one day! Who knew I had it in me? This one has been rolling around my brain since before my trip to Vegas, and this morning when I found this set of photos I decided that the "story" needed to be written... So here goes.... THE REASONS WHY MY BLOG AND TpT STORE WERE BORN.... Almost six years ago, I began walking "the road less traveled" as a divorced mother of two almost-adult children.  My nest was empty and my school-life was stressful.  I needed a happy place to escape to during the evening--a time to share, create, and network.  Both my blog and TpT store have provided both for me since November 2013.  I have always been a writer and a lover of books.  I aspire to own a bookshop like the one Meg Ryan loves in You've Got Mail .  Louisa May Alcott was one of my favorite authors growing up, and her spunky Jo was one of my most admired protagonists. Mo...