Summer Life

A teacher friend once told me that if we go to school during the summer then they would make us start working more. I laughed, but I understand what she is saying.
This summer I have gone to school a couple of times to drop stuff off, I've made some cute stools for my classroom (see that post here), bought a lot of fun new pens (isn't paperwork and note taking so much more fun when you have some good pens), and started this blog.
I went to one training and during those 3 days was very focused on what needs to change for next year, but then I came home. As much as I want to think about school, I can't, I don't really want too. Last year was a rough year. I had one of those memorable groups. They really wore me out. So I decided that this summer really needs to be a break. One of the IB Learner Profiles is being Balanced. I struggle so much with that, as does every teacher I am sure. So no school thoughts until August. Except for the occasional free download that pops up on my facebook or bloglovin' feeds.
So hopefully come August I will be ready to jump back in, freshen up my classroom and get those plans ready for a new group of first grade friends, but until then I plan to enjoy my pajamas until as late as I can, stay up reading that book, or go to the zoo with my kids on a Monday afternoon.

Because I am a teacher, and I earned my summer vacation!

Teacher Planner!

At the end of the school year, my brain always starts thinking about next year! I loved all the cute teacher planners that were out there, but none had quite everything I wanted.... So I made my own!

I made one planner but decided the background was a bit too dark so I decided to redo it. I found melstampz here and I love her digital papers! The fonts are by Kimberly Gershwin. I love everything she does! 

I printed most of it at home because I didn't have a lot of printing credit at school. I tried to keep color to a minimum on some pages because I know it can add up, but I took it to Staples and had it bound for under $5! I was excited about that!

Here are some pictures of what it looks like! (sorry for the bad picture quality... this was my Iphone! ;) )

The cover! It has a clear cover and a black back.

There are tabs for Important Information, Student Checklists, Meeting Notes, Calendar, Lesson Plans and To Do Lists!

Lots of student checklist pages so I don't have papers all over the place!

I made some little tabs to keep up with the different sections. You can print those out on cardstock and glue them on! 

I included lesson plan pages with the days of the week on top or on the side. I like to put my small group plans right after my weekly plans so that is how I copied it. I have my tabs specific to what I like to do but left them blank so you could have more freedom!

Of course a plan book wouldn't be complete without to do lists! I am obsessed! 

Would you like to download a copy? You can find your free version here!! 

  

If you download and love it, will you PLEASE show me a little love by leaving a comment or following this blog (see on the side) and my teacher pay teacher store?

Thanks a bunch! Happy Planning!

*UPDATE*

Three new planners are available in my TPT store! Click on the picture to check them out!

Tribal Themed

Bright Colors with lots of arrows and aztec fun!

Love all things Nautical? This planner is perfect!

 This planner is the perfect pop of color to brighten up your planning!

getting started

I seriously work with the best team of girls in the world! We just got back from a mini vacation by the beach. It is so much fun to laugh, relax and hang out together! Even though we have really just worked together for a year, we had THAT group of kids that really brought us close together! Its taking me a couple of days to get back in the flow of life. I wanted to start writing more, but I am still on summer time too!

I am starting this blog as a way to share what I am learning about the inquiry process in the classroom. I teach at an International Baccalaureate school. It is a great program and I have learned so much through it. But it has definitely been a process. Sometimes it seems like too much work, but when it does connect, my kids learn so much and I love seeing it all come together.

I will be starting my seventh year this fall, all in first grade. I have two boys and a husband at home. When I am in the middle of the craziness of life they help keep me sane!

Over the last several years I have created some stuff to use in the classroom, as I start putting some stuff on teachers pay teachers (go here to check out my store) I thought I would try and post some more information about how I use it here. I do develop some things to help with our units of inquiry so will be sure to write about those as well!

in-qui-ry

in·qui·ry

 noun \in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē, ˈin-ˌ; ˈin-kwə-rē, ˈiŋ-; ˈin-ˌkwir-ē\

: a request for information

: an official effort to collect and examine information about something

: the act of asking questions in order to gather or collect information

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquiry