On the website Teacherspayteachers a teacher can put in an idea or a request for something that they are looking for. This morning I checked the website and somebody requested a timeline that they can print and then post on their classroom wall to show the evolution of life on Earth.  All I could think was "what a great idea" and I wanted one too...so I got to work. Sure, it took me several hours but I'm excited to hang it on the big empty space in my new classroom. Yeah, teachers really know how to relax over our seasonal unemployment, right? I'll be sure to post pictures when it's up but there is some asbestos abatement going on now so that won't be for a while.  Here is what the file looks like: and here is where you can buy it: Evolutionary Timeline of Life on Earth For a limited time I have marked it down and given you a $3 discount for being my loyal blog reader. Enjoy those la

Do you use interactive notebooks in your classes? I've used my summer to create new interactive notebook pages called "Brain Breaks" of concepts that my students have struggled with in the past.  I cannot wait to use these with my classes this year! Here are some examples: Because you are one of my loyal blog followers I'm giving you a $5 discount...for a limited time only. You can buy them here:  24 Interactive Notebook Pages for only $10.00 You can see the rest of my products here: My TeachersPayTeachers Store Do you use interactive notebooks in your classes? If so...post them on Teachers Pay Teachers and I will most likely buy yours too!

     I am moving into a new classroom. I have been in my current room for a good chunk of time (11 wonderful years) and I love the light and storage it has. When I think back it blows me away that I moved into this room before my two sons were born. I have changed from a newish teacher into a mom in this room. I am welcoming the change as a new rebirth in a way. I've loved the current room but I am looking forward to a new change.       Eleven years ago Pinterest didn't exist and over the years I have found inspiration in other teacher's classrooms and eventually from blogs and slowly changed my classroom into everything I wanted it to be. A place for me and my students to find comfort and fun and I wanted a room that embodies that.       Moving into a new room allows me to rethink my decorating scheme and what I want the room to project to my students. My new room is an older room, and it has some serious strengths (amazing long bookcases and office area) and some wea

Teachers! I need your attention... If you haven't seen Plickers then you need to go to www.plickers.com right now! (OK, after you read this blog post) What is a Plicker? A free and easy way to evaluate what your students know like you would with a "clicker" but with a card that you print out and the students can keep in their binders. No more handing out clickers, recollecting clickers, dead batteries etc. When you go to the Plickers website you can set up your classes and print out Plicker cards for each student.  Each card has a black box with a pattern on it, the student's number in your class, and the letters A, B, C, and D.  When going over multiple choice questions you can ask the students to hold up the card to represent their answer. The students rotate the card and the letter that they hold up at the top of their card is what they are choosing as their answer. You scan the cards with the plicker app on your smart phone or