Outfit 9.6.12

Even though it's the third day of school it's the first day I got to meet one of my new classes.  I decided to break out the classic black skirt.  I'm predicting this is going to get worn at least once a week this school year.  It's so comfy, has pockets, and looks put together.

I'm Wearing:

Necklace - H&M

Earrings - Charlotte Russe

T-Shirt - Kohl's

Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft

Sandals - Target

Since the outfit is a bit plain by itself I thought some bright jewelry would jazz it up a bit.  I think the jewelry also makes this outfit look "summery" but it still feels like summer here.  It's been super humid and sticky the past few days.  I keep seeing pictures of cardigans, tall boots, and pumpkin spice lattes.  I'm ready for fall, if only the temperature would agree.

First Day of School Outfit

As I mentioned in my previous post I'm now going into my fifth year of teaching.  There are a few things I've learned about first day of school outfits in the past few years:

1. What you wear does give students their first impressions of you, but so do many other things.  Don't assume students will think you're stern or low-key because of your clothing.
2. Students can tell when you're uncomfortable, so don't wear anything you have to keep adjusting or is tight, etc.
3. You're going to stand/walk way more than you anticipate (all those first day assemblies and escorting your class back and forth to the auditorium) so comfy shoes are key.
4. It's probably going to be warm/humid (my school doesn't have AC) and you're going to be a little nervous/antsy/running around so don't wear anything that will show how sweaty you are (I made this mistake my first year).

With those things in mind, I picked out this outfit for my first day.

I'm Wearing:

Blouse - New York & Company

Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft

Sandals - Target

It met all my requirements for a first day outfit, and I managed not to splatter anything on myself at lunch.  My first day activities went well and my students seem as eager to learn as overwhelmed freshmen can possibly be on their first day of high school.

Students and teachers - how much thought/effort do you put into your first day outfit? 

My Classroom!

Today is the first day the students return, so I decided to share a little bit about my classroom this year.

I'm beginning my fifth year of teaching.  Supposedly the fifth year is the "burn out" year.  I definitely do not feel burnt out.  If anything I feel even more excited about my job and the direction my teaching is going in.  However, my classroom was looking a bit burnt out.  I really hadn't updated anything in it since I moved my room two years ago.  Going into this year I really put a lot of effort into making my classroom both aesthetically pleasing and useful to the students.

This bulletin board is at the front of the room.  It has all the important vocabulary and unit questions for the topic we are currently studying.  Although I keep an assignment calendar on my class wiki and the students have a handout with all the due dates on it, I thought it won't hurt to put a calendar with due dates up front also.  Now they have multiple reminders and no excuses for not turning in their work on time!

My "general school info" bulletin board.

Last but not least, my layered curriculum bulletin board.  I'm especially excited about this one.  Since the layered curriculum approach allows students many assignment options I always have a ton of resources for every unit.  Usually I kind of plop them on the front table and they end becoming really disorderly.  Then students are constantly asking me where to find things.  It takes time away from them getting work done, and time away from me assisting them with more important matters.

I was trying to think of the best way to distribute information for their choice activities while keeping it orderly and allowing them to easily check out all the options available.  The folders on the bulletin board solved the problem.  Now all the materials can be easily and readily available.  No one needs to interrupt me checking in with students to ask where to find something.

In addition to looking forward to my new classes and classroom set-up, I'm looking forward to this being my last semester of graduate school, and being advisor the senior class.  I can't believe they're seniors and graduating this year.  Time flies when you're having fun.

Teachers and students - what are you looking forward to most this school year?

Outfit 8.24.12

I realize this is a bit belated, but I didn't get it off my camera until the other day.  Here's what I wore for "date night" (aka - going approximately two miles to have a beer and then going immediately home to watch netflix).

I'm Wearing:

Shirt - Ann Taylor Loft

Dress - Target

Sandals - Target

Bag - Steve Madden via TJMaxx

In my 27 years I've learned I can't do the following things without opening my mouth:

• apply eye make-up
• make stink faces
• jump

Whatever, nobody's perfect.

Weekend Highlights I

On Saturday we had some friends over to enjoy my last real "free" weekend before my professional development and back to school routine begins.  It was a pretty low key get together.  I made these amazing vegan chocolate cupcakes with mocha frosting from this cookbook.  I highly recommend going to get this book if only for this cupcake frosting recipe.  It took all my will power to dump the leftover frosting and not shovel spoonfuls of it in my mouth.

On Sunday Andy and I decided to go geocaching at a park near us.  We brought Thor with us, so we didn't really get to do much geocaching, but it was still a nice day out.

We're working with Thor on not freaking out when he sees other dogs.  I think we're slowly making progress.  We saw lots of dogs in the park, and he did kind of freak out, but he didn't bark.  Success!

Technically school doesn't start until next Tuesday, but we have two days of professional development and a lot of family plans for this upcoming weekend, so this really felt like my last summer weekend.  It was a good one, so no complaints here.

Sunlight Shawl

A few months ago my grandmother gave me all the yarn she'd been hoarding since her arthritis made it too difficult for her to knit.  While I was excited to be on the receiving end (especially since she gave me some seriously amazing material), I felt bad for her that she could no longer enjoy one of her favorite hobbies.  I wanted to make a little something for her to show my appreciation for her generosity.

I knew I wanted to use this beautiful variegated fingering wool, but I wasn't quite sure what to make.  After some ravelry searching I found this pattern and knew it was perfect.

I love how simple this pattern is, and it shows off the yarn.  Although I made this in fingering weight with small needles it could be done with any weight yarn/needle size.  In retrospect I probably should have blocked it to get the picot edging to lay flat.  I guess I'll just have to do that when I make one for myself.

Back to School Shopping

There are many great reasons to be a teacher, but definitely in the top five is an excuse every year to do back to school shopping.  Of course I purchase things for my classroom and students, but I can't neglect myself.  How can I adequately teach the children if I am not appropriately dressed?  I have to be a positive role model right?

I've been really trying hard to build a wardrobe of quality items I love and will have for a long time instead of cheap impulsive buys that I just like.  I tried to keep this in mind when shopping for new shoes.  Although these were a clearance bargain (75% off), and not what I went shopping for in particular, they're classic and comfy so I know I won't have any buyer's remorse.

I went shopping with the intention of purchasing a pair of neutral colored medium height heels.  I found these.

Wedges are a teacher's best friend.  I feel so much more prepared to go back to school now.  Maybe tomorrow I'll shop for some stuff for my bulletin board . . .