Currently December!

Here is my Currently December!

Thanks Farley from at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for hosting the monthly Currently. I really look forward to doing this blog each month, but the last few months I haven’t been able to do it. But now I am committed and ready for a good year!

Listening to Adele

I love her! She has such a great voice. I, of course, bought her album (which was cheap). Maybe the price of albums have dropped over the last few years, which will tell you, it has been awhile since I have bought one.

Loving the Holiday Season

As you know, I have been remodeling my house for a few years now. So this is the first season in a few years that I am decorating for Christmas. I also made Holiday cards with my students today. We are doing a Holiday card exchange with 29 other classrooms around the country. This is my 4^th year doing it. If you are ever interested, look up Projects by Jen. She does several projects each year with teachers.

Thinking About Twelve Work Days 

I can’t believe in 12 working days, I will be on winter break! My students and I have a lot to do in these last few days before break, but I am confident we will get it done. We are a bunch of movers and shakers!

Wanting to Stay Motivated

I was given a free treadmill from a friend a work. I have been using it about 3 days a week so far. I want to continue and hopefully increase to 4 days a week. Sometimes it is hard to stay motivated, especially when it is in the garage. You know, out of sight, out of mind.

Needing to Buy Table and Chairs

I spent 3 days over Thanksgiving break organizing and cleaning my craft room. Now it looks great! I just need to get a table and chairs in there so my friend and I can sew. We have a class starting in January.

Real or Fake

My tree is fake. I like to put so much on it that a real tree would not be able to hold everything. I didn’t decorate it as much this year because it is the first time my 2 year-old boxer has been around the tree. I didn’t put my favorite ornaments up just in case I come home one day and find the tree dragged to the front door.

Happy Holidays and thanks for stopping by!

Currently October!

ere is my Currently October! It has been awhile since I had a chance to blog.

Thanks Farley from at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for hosting the monthly Currently.

Listening to Homeland

I am working on the computer while watching (more or less listening to) Homeland. I finally got season 4 and now I am binging. My husband worked today and since I was home alone, I had the time.

Loving My New Class

I started with a new group of 5^th graders five weeks ago. I am fortunate to work in a nice, little school where the kids for the most part are good. But this year I have an exceptional group this year. They are bright, respectful, and hard working. I am really looking forward to have a great year!  

Thinking About Staying Motivated

The last few months I have been eating really healthy. I only eat fruits, vegetables, protein (meats), some oils and nuts. I don’t eat dairy, soy, sugar, and processed food. Although it is a very restricted, I find it easier to follow than trying to limit my food intake of unhealthy foods. I am mostly doing it to feel better – which I do. But the weight loss is nice too. I have lost 33 pounds. So now I need to stay motivated.

Wanting to Blog More

When I returned to school in August, I found myself really busy. I have just not had the time to blog, not even the monthly Currently. But all that is going to change - I am back again.

Needing More Time

I always need more time in everyday things. But what I really want more time for is being with my daughter. She is a senior in High School and she is applying for colleges right now. I am realizing I am on borrowed time and in a year she will be embarking on a new stage of her life.

Boo-tiful

The most boo-tiful thing to me right now is seeing my daughter grow up. She just had senior pictures and they turned out gorgeous – if I should say so myself! It is so great to see her flourish into a young woman. I just can’t believe I have an 18 year old daughter.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great school year!

Currently August

Here is my Currently August!

Thanks Farley from at Oh BoyFourth Grade for hosting the monthly Currently.

Listening to the Movie Daylight

I am here working on the computer while my husband watches the movie Daylight on Netflix. I am watching with one eye as I work. I have to multitask because I get anxious just sitting and watching TV.

Loving Laptop Lap Desk

I bought this lap desk about a month ago and I love it! I can’t believe I didn’t buy one sooner. It was only $20 on Amazon. It is very light and absorbs the heat from the computer. I use to use a magazine under my computer to keep it from burning my lap.

Thinking About My New Desk

I bought a new desk from Ashley Furniture for my office. I am a little frustrated. Not only have they delivered it twice and both times the pieces were damaged, they also showed up an hour to two hours before my delivery window. I am hoping for “three times is a charm”. I am just really excited to finish my office and get started working in there.

Wanting to Start Work in My Classroom

I have a whole month before I have to report back to work, but I want to start getting the room organized. I also have a bunch of stuff for the classroom in my house that I want to drop off. I like to get my room set up before I have to officially start so I can spend the first few teacher days planning instead of putting my room together.

Needing to go to Walmart

I really need to go to Walmart. Apparently, there are school supplies on sale today. I still need to get colored pencils and glue for my kiddos.

B2S RAK

I want to create a Back to School packet for my team members. I think it would be fun to give them a coffee mug, with teacher necessities like a pen, pencil, highlighter, and stickies. Then put some chocolate and mints with it. I have three great team members that are great collaborators and good friends!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great school year!

TpT in Vegas!

Vegas was a blast! I had a great time meeting new people and hearing what others were doing! I attended last year’s conference, but I was only about 3 months into my journey. Now after a complete year, I was able to learn new things and see some things I have been doing right!

 

My friend Candy and I made a road trip, since we live in San Diego. We stayed at the Treasure Island and squeezed in a walk on the strip to the M & M’s store.  We had a great time!

Of Course, I learned many things on the trip. I loved Teacher to Teacherpreneur by Erin Cobb. She was a great presenter with good info and boy was she funny!  I also enjoyed Chris Kesler. He had some good ideas and apps to share. Tabitha Carro had a presentation on apps for helping you manage TpT – she had a lot of useful information too!

What can I say – all the sessions were great! From the two panels – Blogging and Advanced Marketing, to 3am Teacher’s art demo and Advanced Pinterest, I learned something valuable from each one. If anything, I came away motivated for another fun year with TpT.

I am so glad I attended. I also got to hang out with my teacher partner and her sister – the team behind Thank a Teacher. I love to do things with fun friends.

Well, until next year Vegas! I am already looking forward to it!

Currently July

Here is my Currently July!

Thanks Farley from at Oh BoyFourth Grade for hosting the monthly Currently

Listening to the Rain Outside

I can hear raindrops from outside. Boy do we need it here in San Diego. Sad to say, it isn’t much rain, but we will take what we can get.

Loving My New Bags from Thirty-One

On our last day of school, one of my team partners hosted a Thirty-One party. I had never heard of them before, but they sure have some cute things. I of course had to buy some. They just arrived yesterday and I am already using one of the bags today.

Thinking If I Should Buy Another Computer

My computer I have now is a little of a year old. It is a Levono and it works well. However, I have always had Macs and I miss having one. I use to make movies and I don’t get to do that anymore. Anyway, I have been thinking about it.

Wanting the TpT Conference to be Here Already

I am looking forward to the TpT Conference. I had a lot of fun last year. I learned a lot then and I hope to learn more this year. Just one more week!

Needing to Unpack from Florida Trip

I just got back from Florida yesterday. I went to go visit my grandparents and my aunt. My grandparents are in their nineties. It has been a few years since I have been there. My daughter and I spent a week there. I had a great time, but it sure was humid.

All Star Organizer

I would say that organization is one of my best qualities. I have a little OCD running in my veins. I love it when everything is in its right place. That is why I am so excited about my new bags – helps with organization!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful summer!

Currently June!

Here is my Currently June!

Thanks Farley from at Oh Boy Fourth Grade

 for hosting the monthly Currently. I am a little late this month, but I finally got it done.

Listening to Wheel of Fortune in the Background

I am actually in my study and can hear the television in the bedroom. I have spent the last few weekends organizing my office. It was a disaster, but now it is on its way to being organized. I created a beautiful nook with book shelf in the closet to create a reading area. It is my favorite part.

Loving One More Day Left of School

Man, is 5^th grade busy at the end of the year! Awards assemblies, plays, parties, promotion, etc. I am almost there! Monday is our last day (don’t ask me why the calendar department sets it up like that). We have practiced and we are all ready for promotion! Although I have to work Tuesday to pack up, it doesn’t really feel like work if the kids aren’t there – you know what I mean?

Thinking the TpT Conference in Vegas

I am starting to get excited! I went last year and it was a blast! I can’t wait – you meet so many people and the classes are inspirational. I am really looking forward to it!

Wanting Some Down-Time

I am looking forward to sleeping in, futzing around the house, and not knowing what I am doing for the day. Maybe I will read some, go to the store (if I feel like it), or just run around in my pajamas.

Needing to Clean-up My Classroom

Although Tuesday I am being paid to clean-up my room, I really need to spend some time in their and purge some stuff. With Common Core here, I have a lot of older stuff (although good) I don’t see myself using it anymore. Like most teachers, I hold on to so much that I don’t use. I need to clean it out. Definitely need to do some cleaning out this summer.

Summer Lovin – Planning for Next Year

I can’t help it! I am already looking forward to the fall. I already have ideas running through my head. Typical teacher – never really stopping and taking a break!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful summer!

Currently May!

Here is my Currently May!

Thanks Farley from at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for hosting the monthly Currently.

Listening to my dogs snoring

Lucky and Nachos are sleeping right now. And both snore! Nachos, my Chihuahua, sleeps on the bed and has a nasal snore. Whereas, Lucky, my Boxer, blows air though his mouth and I can hear his lips fluttering from the air. These two are such characters!

Loving a night home alone

My husband is off with a friend watching “The Fight”. My daughter left a few hours ago to go to her dad’s house. Me – all alone (with the dogs). I rarely get to hang at home alone. I watched a movie and have poking around on the computer. It has been really nice!

Thinking about all the things 5^th graders have to do in the next 6 weeks

I sent an email earlier to my parents about all the things we have to do from testing, Colonial Day, the play, 5^th grade party, and promotion. I feel like Monday morning I will jump into the deep end of the pool and start swimming. I know we can do it, but we will be busy.

Wanting for my new planner

I few days ago I ordered next year’s planner! I can’t wait. Erin Condren makes them. I have bought one every year for the past four years. They cost a bit, but I really enjoy using them!

Needing to do some house cleaning

What can I say- just something we all have to do. So guess how I am spending my Sunday. That’s right – cleaning!

Summer yes, hope, dream

Looking forward to the TpT Conference in July! I went last year and I had a great time. I hope to have plenty of relax time this summer, like many of you do. Finally, my dream is one day make it to Ireland for vacation. My aunt and I talked about going, but we haven’t done it yet. Someday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Currently April!

Here is my Currently April! Better late, than never!

Thanks Farley from at Oh BoyFourth Grade for hosting the monthly Currently.

Listening to kids laughing and giggling and playing

My husband’s cousin and her family is visiting from Albuquerque. She has 5 children of her own. We also have my sister-in-laws over with their kids too. Needless to say – we have a very full house! So happy they were able to come and visit!

Loving Spring Break

Although I spent the first half of it getting my house in order and cleaning, it has been nice to have the mental break from work. I don’t know about any of you, but March was an overwhelmingly busy month for me at school: three benchmarks, Reading Portfolio was due, students created their own hardback book of a folktale they wrote, yearbook due, talent show. And those were only the big stuff. Anyway, now the rest of the vacation is hanging with family. No real rest, but all good!

Thinking about Common Core Testing

Right before break, we had a training on the SBAC, the new standardized testing for Common Core. There are so many types of questions students have to navigate – it started to stress me out. I want to prepare my students but this is the first we have seen any of what is expected of them. Since it is on computer too, we have to ensure our students can manipulate the computer properly. The experts say knowing how to use the computer correctly vs. not can affect students score by 20%. I know we will make it through, but I still worry for my kiddos.

Wanting more time for myself

I have just been so busy for the last month. I want to sit down and read a book or watch a movie. I have been working so hard at work and then doing house projects. I haven’t even been working on any TpT products either. I am looking forward to a calmer month ahead!

Needing to bake a ham for Easter

I have made many turkeys in my day, but I have never made a ham. I am not worried, but I will have to figure it out soon. We have a smoked ham that we got from our neighbor whose daughter is in 4H, so it should be delicious!

Egg plain your name

My store and blog name is Applejacks Teacher.

Apples signify teachers and jacks is the part of my last name Jackson. Applejacks is also a cereal, but I don’t really eat cereal – isn’t that ironic!

Thanks for stopping by!

Currently March!

Currently March!

Hooking up with Farley again at Oh Boy Fourth Grade.

Listening to the movie Enchanted

Right now I am working on the computer and listening to the movie Enchanted. The funniest part is my husband is the one with the remote, so you guessed it, he is watching Enchanted. He is cracking up at the funny parts. I am busy doing my bills and writing my blog – I find watching TV somewhat boring, so I am usually doing something on my computer while I listen to it.

Loving that I got my tax stuff together

I spent half the day gathering all the paperwork I need for my Tuesday tax appointment. I always start with a pile of stuff I have collected, but I always have to dig through my office to get the rest. But I am glad to say, I found it all, so I am ready. Hopefully, a nice tax refund is in my future.

Thinking about grades

I have to complete grades for my students in the next few weeks. I only have a test and one writing assignment to grade before I start entering. I don’t know about you all, but I try to stay up on my grades so when it is time to enter them in the computer, I don’t have a bunch of things to grade too.

Wanting to make more TpT products

I have so many ideas for products I want to create for my students and TpT, but it is hard to do. Little by little is my motto. I am working on several products at a time, so I hope to have several released this month.

Needing a housekeeper

I find myself overwhelmed with my house. I have six bedrooms and four bathrooms. I am organizing my craft room and my office right now. I had a lot of boxes stored from when we moved out of the house and in the last month, I have emptied them all. Unfortunately, I have a lot of stuff to organize and put away. I really need a housekeeper to clean my bathrooms (even the one that is hardly used) and the floors once or twice a month. I can do the rest. Just with work, TpT, Spanish class, and three children and a husband – I could use a little help. Going to have to check the budget and see what I can be done.

Spring Break Plans - Relax and Organize

I plan on taking time to relax and get caught up on organizing my paperwork in my office. It will be nice to have a week off and then it will be push time. The last few months of the school year!

Thanks for stopping by!

Teachable Moments for March

March is almost upon us!

One of my favorite times of the year. We are coming out of winter and heading into spring.

One teachable moment I would like to share doesn’t have to do with March at all, but was a great memory from when I was teaching middle school.

I had a sixth grade class of second language learners and I taught English, math, and social studies to them. We had been studying idioms and their origins in English class and Greek Mythology during social studies. I had bought a fan book which had each of the Greek gods and goddesses. I told the students that I would copy each page but I was going to have to cover some of the pictures because the Greeks wore little clothes and had “too much skin” showing.

Then a week or so later, I was trying to encourage students to read more and I was sharing how if you find an author you like, read other books from that author. I happened to have just bought an adult novel that Judy Blume had published. I showed the kids the book and shared how I loved her books as a child and I was interested in how she was as an adult author. One of the students asked me to pass it around so they could look at it. I told them I didn’t want to do that because she had some bad words in the text. And that is when one of students said, “The book has too much skin, Ms. Jackson.” I laughed and said, “Yes, it does.” I loved how this idiom was born in the classroom! As a teacher, you relish in the times the students make connections with the lessons that you teach them. It was a great moment!

Until next time, hope all is well with you and your students.

Five for Friday

Happy Friday the 13^th!

 I always have good luck on Friday the 13^th. It is already starting off great because I have the day off. I love holidays!

I am linking up with Doodle Bug Teaching for Five for Friday.

First, I got my pictures back of my kiddos on the Star of India. We spend the night and pretended we were sailors for the night. What a great experience for my students.

Second, my students had a performance this week with the violin teacher. They did such a great job with only eight weeks of lesson (1 hour a week). Now we are on to the flute.

Third, my students have earned 100 – 100% on tests so far this year. So we celebrated their achievement by having a Hawaiian Party in February. Only in San Diego right? They moved all their desks and sat on beach towels. We had flower cupcakes and listened to Hawaiian music.

What a fun day!

Fourth, we finished the book Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred D. Taylor. My students loved this book. It has a lot of themes and historical references to racism. It stirred up quite the conversations. It is great to see my students tackle difficult material.

Fifth, my students spent the week doing Valentine's Day Math Activities. They are a great way to review standards that they need to master this year.

Hopefully, all of you will have a nice President’s Day break (my daughter gets a whole week off – lucky). Thanks for stopping by to check out my blog!