Pair and Share

What a great week to work with kids! I have had the best week and it’s only Tuesday.  I love where I work and I am excited to get all the experience I can this year before my student teaching in fall of 2014.  My blog is still a work in progress, but I have enjoyed having fun with all my ideas.  I was reading through some other teacher fashion blogs and wondering how I would compete with such wonderful ladies.  Then I decided I wouldn’t, I would just make my own blog.  I decided I really don’t have to be the best writer, most fashionable, super creative, amazing model.  All I need to do is write what I love and maybe someone will read about it and agree with me. 

#1 I love teaching. It’s my passion in life.  #2 I love clothes. ‹especially getting clothes for a great deal.›  So I begin my blog journey with a pair and share. I paired with my best friend Janessa to put some outfits together from clothing I already had, with the exception of a few new essential pieces. 

First my blazer bliss.  I am in love with my new blazer from Forever 21.  I search high and low for one that fit me the way I wanted and found it for half the price of everywhere else.  A whopping $16! I have already combined the blazer look a million ways and decided it looks good with everything.  You can dress it up or dress it down.  Even though in the Utah heat it’s hard to keep on, except in the freezing classroom, it makes all my outfits go from being blah to professional.

I also added the oh so popular jean shirt to my clothing selection. I also found this at Forever 21 for $19.  I searched but could not find one for a lower price.  I love that jean shirts can be dressed down or up as well. It also can pair with just about anything. 

Saturday when helping my mom at a soccer tournament I went with a laid back look.  My dressy t-shirt (Express $10), Silver Jeans from two years ago, and flip-flops my mom got hand-made for me in Africa.  The top knot has become one of my most favorite looks. 

Monday I wore my blazer with another dressy Express shirt.  Opting for a bright yellow to start out the week in a cheery way.  Black slacks and a long dangly necklace and I was all good to go.  Also my hair was a having a great volume day, unusual for me.

Tuesday, my white chevron flowy tank top (Buckle 
several years ago when I worked there), the blazer, black slacks (Target $25), black beaded necklace (Premier Designs), and my new leopard print pointy flats (Target $16).  The shoes were new for me, I never thought I could do the animal print look, but I liked the added color, especially gold toned, to my neutral toned outfit.

Wednesday I wore my red maxi skirt (hand-me down), black tank top (hand-me down), Leopard print shoes (Target), beaded necklace (Premier Designs), and jean shirt (Forever 21). 








Thursday: Green shirt (Express $10), pinstriped pants, blazer, white bubble necklace (Target $10), and white watch (Payless $16).  I pulled my hair into a easy side bun.  I got a lot of compliments! What a great day!

My First Week of School

I have had a wonderful first week! How I have loved being in a school classroom setting. I feel like I am finally home. I work 46 48 hours a week between the charter school and my prekindergarten class but it has been great so far. The first day I had the kids play "A Minute to Win It!" We played "bean" there done that, cookie face, and noodle race. In the bean game I had them suck beans to a straw and see how many each team could get passed from plate to plate in a minute. In cookie face everyone got a cookie that they placed on their forehead and without touching the cookie with their hands they had to get it to their mouth. In teams they had to use a spaghetti noodle and carry a can through the can tab across the room and stack them. The kids had a blast and they got to know each other well as they cheered for each other and worked as a team. I wish I had pictures but it was my first day so I was hesitant to take them. I got all my ideas on Pinterest under Minute to Win It Games or if you look under my board called First Day you will find them.

I also made Point Jars for my class. On one jar I put points to lose and the other points earned. As soon as they get all the points moved over to the points earned jar the class gets a treat. The way they earn points is from their lining up skills. I pick a secret student daily and watch their behavior in line. No one knows who the student is, so they are all on their best behavior. When we go to different activities the Secret Student will earn the class points or they won't, I let the class know how many points they earned the class. We also earn points if teacher compliments them while we are moving through the school. So far the class has loved it and I haven't had any problems, of course we have only had two days. I play games with them when we line up too. I hand each child a card from a deck and they get in line correctly without talking using the symbol on the cards and the numbers. For example, I will write on the board the order diamond, heart, club, and spades, the class will line up 1-10 in that order. They are still getting the hang of it but they will get better at it throughout the year. When we arrive somewhere early I have them get in order by their birthday to help pass the time. I have also had them line up by their first names. Any other line-up suggestions I would love to hear.

On the fashion side of things, since I have lost 14 pounds this summer I had to go on work clothes shopping spree. I got some cute things to pair together throughout the year. On my first day of work I wore a simple top ($10 at  Old Navy) with a scarf ($6 from an Online sale) and a longer high-low skirt ($10 at Ross). I really liked my outfit and the skirt was really comfortable.

Day two is somewhat misleading; I didn't have time to get a photo of myself in the morning. The only difference is instead of my skirt I wore navy blue dress pants ($18 at Papaya). I wore this outfit for my friend’s reception and I think I am falling in love with the professional looking pencil skirt. I might one day need every color! I found this one on the clearance rack at Head over Heels for $15, a great deal! I love my shirt, I got four in different colors for layering outfits, $10 each at Express. The shoes I got during the spring. I love my pointy toed flats, they make me feel dressy (they were not easy to find). My favorite part might have to be the accessories! I love my necklace, I has my two favorite colors so it goes with about everything I own (you will see it quite a bit). I got it half off at Bohme $15. Oh and my watch!! I love it! I have been looking for a rose-gold watch for quite some time and with the price it couldn't have been more perfect! $15 at Cotton on. They also had silver and white watches. I might have to go back sometime soon. A watch is an essential piece as a teacher!

 

Time for a Blog

I have wanted to start a blog again.  I love sharing my teaching ideas and also my teaching fashions with others.  I love finding blogs with things to wear and different activities for your class.  So I am combining all things I love together so I can uplift and inspire others!

          I am a fourth grade teacher’s aide at Lakeview Academy in Saratoga Springs, Utah.  I also teach prekindergarten for KinderCare part time.  I am currently going to University of Phoenix for my Bachelors in Elementary Education I graduate in 2015.  This year will be a big journey this next year to become a better teacher.  I can’t wait to get this school year started tomorrow and learn from the best!