In need of some "bloggy" help :)

Hello all,

I spend about 90 percent (or at least it feels like 90 %) of my "free" time creating stuff to use with my students. Since I have become a small part of this fantastic blogging community with all of its wonderful, sharing, inspiring teachers, I feel the need to share things too. One problem: I need someone to show/tell me how. Most of my stuff is PowerPoint, Promethean Board Flipcharts, or Word documents. I have no idea how to give others access to those things. I am fairly "techy" but I still have lots to learn (young grasshopper!).  I created a sheet to keep up with completed homework and it turned out pretty worthy. I would love to share it with anyone interested. If you have a kind heart and a few minutes to spare....I would welcome a tutorial on sharing. :)

Thanks so much!

Back in the Proverbial Saddle! :)

Hello all,
I am back and ready to get serious about my blog again! (About time...huh?) Number 1: I have realized that the most important thing in life is not to have a million followers...it is to share and learn from fellow bloggers and visitors and make the most out of it! Number 2: Good blogs...or really good blogs take time. That is something that is scarce and precious to me! I am going to do the best I can but with so many obligations....I may never compare to some of you that are simply AMAZING! I will learn from you and stop putting so much pressure on myself! (Who needs that???) Number 3: Blogging is an INCREDIBLE experience that I treasure and have made a pledge to myself to post at least once a week. It may not be much...but I need to touch base with the people who do follow me and that I follow. This is an amazing community!

Ok...enough rambling...I am getting crafty again! I bought a new (to me) podium on Craigslist today. I absolutely love it! It is exactly what I have been looking for! It is a great height...the shelves are awesome....and it is solid wood! Hard to find solid wood anymore! It has a few scratches but that's ok because I have a plan!!! My friend, the art teacher, gave me a box of old book jackets that someone gave her. (thoughtful, huh??!!) My plan is to cover the back and sides with these covers. I am known as the "Mod-Podge Queen" in certain circles and far be it for me to let my kingdom down!! LOL  Seriously, I have put a few of them on already and I am going to post what I have so far. It is still a work in progress and I will post as I work on it. I don't think I have taken a picture of the shelving (which I am not messing with) but its nice and I will show you that as well.

As Purchased:

Another View:

My Work so far....

It's kinda hard to tell...the lighting is off...but I am please so far! I love the idea of displaying book covers! If I get tired of any of these I can just Mod Podge another over the top of it! I would love to know your thoughts or suggestions!

"Preparing for School" Linky Party

Join me at 6th Grade All-Stars for this GREAT linky!

1. Post about this linky party on your blog
2. Follow my blog (5th Grade Tomfoolery)
3. Answer the following 5 questions (include documents if you have them):

- What grade do you teach?

- What is the greatest advice you received during your 1st year of teaching?

- Do you have a checklist that you follow when preparing your classroom (include the checklist)?

- What are some must haves in your classroom that you cannot live without (ex. items, books, posters, management strategies)?

- What is something that all teachers should have in their classroom?

Don't forget to add your link and put your answers in a comment!! :)

MY ANSWERS:

1. I teach 5th grade (this is my 3rd year, before that I taught 6th, 7th, and 8th - Literature)
2. I didn't receive too much advice....kinda felt like a fish out of water! That is one reason I love blogging sooooo much! It is such a sharing/caring opportunity!
3. I do have a checklist I follow....I add to it every year as I see things I can improve for the next. I will add it as soon as I convert it to PDF....check back with me later!
4. Must-haves....lots of extra supplies....soooo many kids come unprepared! I have had them show up with no pencil! What are they expecting???? Jumping Jacks all day????  Also, lots of coffee and anxiety meds! Most of all....a sense of humor and love in your heart! You may be the only hug they get!!!
5. The feeling that their classroom is a safe and secure environment! Make it so that they feel like they can be open, honest, and free to make mistakes and learn from them!

I can't wait to read everyone else's (more intelligent) answers :)

Currently

I'm linking up with Farley for her monthly currently linky party. Come check out the fun.