69 days ago, I said good-bye to my students and colleagues and began the most anticipated (and needed) time in a teacher's life - SUMMER VACATION! It has been a wonderful summer filled with rest, naps, relaxing, more naps, a road trip, visiting with family, chillin' in the pool, shopping, going out to lunch, and even more naps. Most of all - I haven't heard the sound of an alarm clock going off earlier than any person should ever have to get out of bed. However, all of this is about to change.  Tomorrow is our first day back to work. Teachers in my district report to work Aug. 1.  Students begin on Aug. 8.

Over the summer, my position changed.  At the end of the year, I was scheduled to be the CT resource teacher for grades K, 1, and 3.  Exactly what I had done last year and wanted to continue.  Then, I attended a Train the Trainer training for implementing CCSS and our new reading series.  Every day I sat in class and felt sorry for myself because the education pendulum was finally swinging back to what I consider "Real" teaching - you know, thematic teaching with data-driven instruction rather than a prescribed number of pages required to prepare students for a series-specific test. I called my principal and she had just received an additional second grade unit, which she said I could take.  I was sooooo excited that I would have my own class and be able to implement all of the wonderful things coming up this year. My one regret was that I would miss working with my low babies. 

I spent a little over a week prepared to teach second grade when I learned that our K-1 Intensive Academics teacher had to move out of state.  I thought long and hard about whether or not I could (or wanted) to take on this challenge.  I decided to talk to my principal and leave the decision to her.  To make a long story short (or at least shorter), I am now teaching the K-1 IA class this year.  I love how everything worked out.  I get the best of both worlds.  First, I will have my own class and classroom again.  Plus, I get to keep working with my age and population I love.

I have spent hours searching the internet this summer for ideas and have found some amazing things.  I know that I am going to implement WBT.  From everything I have learned, it sounds like just what my students will need.  I want to start using Daily 5, although I still not quite sure how that is going to work.

My classroom is almost set up and ready for Open House this Saturday.  I have not been this excited about back to school in several years and can't wait to share how it goes.

Now, on to the give away.  I have been a very neglectful blogger this summer.  I started working on my master's, which consumed a lot more time than I anticipated.  Anyway, as I was writing this post, I decided that the first 5 people who respond to this post with their email address and the product they would like out of my store will receive it free.  Pick any product. I'll email it to you either tonight or first thing in the morning. (Unless it takes longer for 5 people to respond - LOL). Just go window shopping in my TPT store, pick out what you want and then leave the item name and your email below. 

I hope everyone enjoys their last few days of summer (or their early back to school start).

Happy Blogging!