Common Core, Daily 5, Investigations, and more! Oh, My!

Hi friends!

I hope all of you are doing well.  I have been CRAZY busy trying to implement all of the changes that my county has put in place this school year.  We are new to common core this year (and I have been super busy working on standards for my TpT store) and on top of that the school system changed ALL of our curriculum as well.  Soooo.....we are doing EVERYTHING from scratch.  My stress level has been off the charts and I will be surprised if I don't end up with wrinkles or gray hair by December.

Even though it has been insane challenging, I am really enjoying some of the stuff that is going on.  I really love doing the Daily 5 and I see great potential for when it is actually up and running all the way.  We have Read to Self and Work on Writing up and running and Read to Someone will be launched tomorrow.  My kids have been able to sustain 30 minutes of Read to Self followed by another 30 minutes of Work on Writing.  Let's just say that I'm SHOCKED!  My kids love to write!!  They have been begging to have more time to read and write.  Never in all my years have I had so many willing readers and writers.  I'm literally amazed.

Math Investigations is going well.  It is unlike any math program I've ever done.  Some days I really like it and other days I wonder what benefit the kids are getting, but all I can do is give it time.  I do find however that since I have been telling the kids to explain their own thinking and reminding them that there are many different paths to the correct solution they have been active and willing participants in all that we do.

So, you would think that will all the craziness that is going on (don't get me started on my usually-drama-free-now-drama-filled personal life) that I wouldn't have time for anything else...well...you're wrong.  I've started another blog solely dedicated to my own teacher style.  As crazy as that seems I'm really loving it.  It is giving me a reason to actually get out of bed early and take some time and pride in my appearance.  So if you ever wonder how I look every day (based on my pinterest inspired fashion) feel free to check me out One Day at a Time.  :)

Best wishes to all of you!  Hope you are having a great school year!!