My 5 W's of Toddler School

People often ask me how I come up with all the fun activities I do with my son and how I find the time to incorporate these activities into our daily schedule. The answer? It kind of happened on accident!

Don't get me wrong, being able to be home with my son has been such an amazing experience that not everyone gets to have and I feel so lucky. But man can it be tedious! I was bored. One can only read the same book or play the same peek-a-boo game so many times before you start to go a little crazy! I found myself fantasizing about being back in the classroom and getting to plan all the fun activities I used to do when I was teaching and then it hit me:

Why not plan these same kinds of activities for Cohen!?

If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed that Cohen has a car in his hand in every. single. photo. He is a tad obsessed. So I started out with a little car unit to follow his interests. I swear, nothing else exists when cars do! 

I immediately jumped on Pinterest and I instantly felt my creative teacher juices flowing! I got so much positive feedback from my other mom friends and from Cohen that I knew I needed to start this new adventure! 

So what are the 5 W's of Toddler School?

Who: Well that's obvious! But you can't have the 5 W's without it :)

What: I see some posts out there about toddler school with the perfect weekly plan complete with coordinated themed snacks every day, the picture perfect toddler in every photo cooperating with every activity (and not trying to eat the playdough or take everything out of the sensory table and putting it on the floor..) and I'm not going to lie it can be very intimidating! 

Let me just tell you, that's not how we roll! Some days are a hot mess. Some days all he wants to do is destroy everything in his path. It happens. So I try to focus on 1-2 small activities a day depending on interest. Our themes sometimes last a few days and sometimes they last a few weeks. But that's parenthood. We just roll with it! It's all about having fun and introducing learning opportunities!

When: Finding time can be the most difficult thing for parents. Between jobs, chores, children's schedules and just needing a minute to shower it can be tricky. But I have found that many of these activities take less that 30 minutes because let's be honest, what toddler can focus for longer than that anyways?

We are down to a single nap each day so I try to incorporate 1 activity in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. And it really does help the days go by! 

As for planning, my husband has Fridays off and I like to use some of this time to plan! I use this time to go to a coffee shop, drink some hot chocolate, stalk Pinterest and have some much needed me time! I actually look forward to this every week and it takes less than an hour! You can get my planner below by clicking on the image!

Where: Most activities take place in our home. I created a little area for all of our themed stuff and it is really easy to rotate out. We have a little DIY sensory table (more info on that below), a book display and we put any art projects on the wall as we go!

Here's a little peek with our penguin stuff!

I have also found a lot of resources out of the house for little field trips! I like to try and get out of the house at least once a day just to keep everyone from going stir crazy. Outings aren't always fun and theme related. Errands have to get run sometime! But a few times a week I like to take Cohen somewhere to run around and I try to coordinate it to the theme!

Below are some of the kinds of places we like to visit in our city! But you can easily google toddler friendly attractions and see what your city has to offer!

Some ideas:

zoo

children's museums (we have a science specific one here and it is amazing)

nature walks/parks

children's theaters

local festivals/events
toddler playgrounds (we have a lot of indoor ones here)
car shows (from our car theme)

Why: I mentioned before that boredom was a large motivator for us starting toddler school but another big reason is language development. Cohen has always been very smart and alert and he loves to engage and interact with his surroundings. He developed very early in many ways but he has shown zero interest in talking. I mean, he babbles non stop. Literally, NON STOP. But he will say a word for a week (mastering it and it's use) and then never say it again. I really wanted to do something to encourage him to use his words and hopefully spark his desire to talk! 

Fingers crossed!

How: To start out, Fridays we go to the library to pick out new books for our new theme! We usually grab 6-10 books. I like to try and find ones with a repetitive pattern because Cohen seems to like those the best. Cohen loves the library SO much that it can be difficult to choose books with him there. So I usually try to request books to be put on hold a week ahead of time so that they are ready for me when I get there and I can spend the time with Cohen reading books/playing!

There are 2 things that I couldn't do without:

Book Display: We got our amazing book display on Amazon for $12! The price has since gone up but it is still totally worth it! This bad boy is made from a thick cardboard and has withstood my son being in it! So that's a pretty solid endorsement! 

Sensory Table: Awhile back I stumbled upon this DIY PVC sensory table on Pinterest and knew I just had to make it. You can find that post here! It was so easy to make! And if you ask the people at the hardware store they will cut the PVC down for you so that all you have to do is assemble when you get home! We love our sensory table! It has been so much fun for us!

As you can see we reinforced ours with duct tape for durability (and so my son couldn't take it apart). It was cute watching him take it apart and try to put it back together until he decided to do it one day while it was full of water and now we have warped floors...So duct tape.

And that's all folks!

You now have my beginners guide to start doing toddler school yourself! It really is a lot of fun and I promise it's not as much work as you think it is. If you are still feeling hesitant, I would love to share resources and help out in any way I can! Cohen has loved all the fun activities and I look forward to having a plan everyday. It has gotten us out of our boredom rut! 


Happy Toddler Schooling! 

Embracing Change!

Wowza! 

It has been a loooong time since I've blogged, created or even had a minute to myself for that matter! Many of you know that a year and a half ago I had my first child after years of struggling with infertility. It has been really difficult redefining myself in this new role. I wouldn't change it for the world, but it has definitely taken some adjusting! The hardest thing for me was giving up teaching. Yes, I know it's temporary. I know I can always go back. I know my son is only this little once. I know I won't regret being home with him. 

And I don't. Would you just look at that face!?

But it still felt like a big part of me was missing and I struggle with that every single day. Now that he is older and more capable I have found that many of my favorite teacher activities can be tailored to his level. I get to tap into my old teacher/creative self and Cohen gets to play AND learn.

 That's a win-win-win folks! 

I have gotten so many questions/compliments about all the fun activities I do with my son that I realized THAT is what I needed to be creating! SO I'm embracing my new role as stay at home mama and creating toddler friendly resources with these activities! 

**STAY TUNED!**

Adjusting to Life as a SAHM

My son is almost 1! I can't even believe it. Just saying that out loud gives me ✨all kinds of feels✨. 

This year has been quite the roller coaster (and not just adjusting to having a new baby). Between hospital stays, family drama and my husbands business struggling, it has been hard to know which way is up.

Personally I have been having a hard time finding myself in this new mom role. I haven't quite found the balance between my mom self, teacher self, wife self and my self self. It's a work in progress and I get a little closer every day!

One thing that has really emphasized this new identity crisis is the fact that I am a SAHM (at least for this school year). It has been a great experience to be here for my sons first year, but it has also been a struggle not contributing financially to the family. 

I don't know what the future holds as far as work goes. Ideally I would love to teach part time but those jobs are rare. So we will see! 

In the meantime....

Guess what!?

While I'm still figuring this all out I have found a way to contribute financially AND tap in to my teacher/creative side! I've launched an Etsy store for teacher clothing products! My husband already has the shirts, the vinyl and the press! It just made sense. 

And within 2 days I made my first sale!! 

💰💰💰

You should check out my store: Teacher Confessions 

So far I have these 4 designs up but more designs to come! Stay tuned 😁👏👍

How do you mamas balance work life/mom life?

What a Year! {Updates and a Photo Challenge}

I can't believe it has been over a year since my last post! It has been a roller coaster of a year, that's for sure! 

*** 

As many of you may know, the last couple of years have been especially difficult for my husband and I. Back in 2013 we were diagnosed with infertility. We went through several rounds of treatment, experienced multiple losses and struggled to stay positive. Last November we found out that we were having our miracle baby! 

After a rough few years, and a difficult pregnancy, this past July I gave birth to the most amazing and beautiful baby boy, Cohen. He was born 7/18 at 7:18pm. How cool is that!? He was definitely worth the wait!

           

He's now 8 months! (When did that happen!?) He is so silly and has SO much personality. Always laughing and smiling. We are so in love! 💙

In just a few short months this little guy has changed everything I thought I knew about myself and the world! 

I swore up and down that I would never be a stay at home mom. "It's just not me" I would say. I ignored the typical "everything will change once you hold him" and felt so strongly that I knew myself and that would never happen. Boy, was I wrong! I can't imagine being away from him all day long! 

I have been so lucky to have the school year off to be with this little guy and soak up as much of it as I can! Everyone at my school has been so wonderful and supportive. 

That being said, I miss teaching (and myself) SO much!! Being a mom has been an amazing experience but I do feel as though I got lost in all of it. Now that he's more independent I feel like I can start focusing on myself and my wants/needs again!

The 2 big pieces of my life prior to baby were teaching and exercise. I'm trying to get those back!

So in the spirit of reconnecting to the world and getting myself back, I am starting an Instagram photo challenge! It's my first time hosting something like this. I can't wait to see what happens! 😁

Those of you who know me, know I've been TERRIBLE about these in the past but I'm going to try my darnedest this time! 

Just grab the photo below and use the #confessionsphotochallenge! 

P.S. Can anyone tell me if the Google Friend Connect widget is working?!

Currently December AKA Insanity

DECEMBER!

Yes I have lost my mind. That's totally normal for December right!?

I am taking a break from the hustle and bustle that is December to link up with the hilariously talented Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for my favorite linky of all time! I don't know what I would do without this linky. It literally brightens up my day!

Listening: I am watching Oregon seek revenge on Arizona! Those of you who know me, know that I am a HUGE football fan. And this game is for all the marbles in all the universes. If, I mean when, we win we move on to the playoffs and then the championship! My husband and I have tickets to both of those games and I am so so so excited! GO DUCKS!

Loving: Every December I whip out the ol' Reindeer Cam for my kiddos. I have it set up so that it's on the screen when they first come in each morning. They absolutely love it! If you haven't checked it out you totally should. It is really cute and the kids get so excited! Santa even pops out every once in awhile to feed the reindeer and say hello!

Thinking: I've lost my mind. I mean, what else is new? I am at the stage of exhaustion where I become delirious and more crazy than usual. For the past hour I have been singing everything I say/do including this entire post. Narrated in song. You're welcome. My poor husband. But he knew what this was when he married me. 

Wanting: Peppermint. Anything and everything. Tis' the season!

Needing: My to do list this weekend is terrifying. Like impossibly terrifying. On top of readying our house for my mother in law to move in, I also have a million errands to run, a hair appt, I have to bake 8 dozen cookies for my mom's annual cookie bake, finish report cards, create sub plans for next week while I'm out for a math training, etc. etc. etc. A clone would seriously help right now.

Giving: I wanted to take a moment to give a shout out to all of the amazing teachers I have met throughout this blogging experience. I have made some great online friends who I feel like I have known my entire life. You all inspire me so much and I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community. 

I especially want to give a shout out to a really good friend that I have made in the teaching community. Her name is Allison and you should totally follow her on Instagram (allison_dean). This beautiful lady has been such a huge support system for me while I have been undergoing infertility treatment and I don't know what I would do without her! 

Well, I should probably go to sleep before I get any crazier! But go link up your December currently. 

"Better late than never, but never late is better" or at least that's what Drake told me. 

Increasing Students Blending Fluency: Slinky Style!

Is it winter break yet!? 

Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but I am just feeling so scattered impatient blah. It has been a whirlwind lately with home and work and I feel like I'm just barely treading water in both areas. I just need to recharge.

This eCard about sums it up.

This year the reading scores in my classroom are very drastically polarized. I have kids already way above a 1st grade level at a DRA 24+ and then kids way below 1st grade reading level at a DRA level 1. No one in the middle. As you can imagine this makes differentiation difficult at times. 

I have been really struggling with my low reading group. I meet with them every day for about 20 minutes and we work on blending, blending and more blending. We've played games, we've done worksheets, we've done songs...you name it, I've probably tried it. It's just not clicking. 

A lot of my kids are doing the "/k/ /a/ /t/. Top." I'm sure you're familiar with this. They're not even close and it is so frustrating! The sounds are all there, but they are unable to successful put them together.  

So I decided to get a little creative. I went to the store (and by store I mean Amazon...) and bought some slinkies! My thought process was that they would be able to visualize the stretching out of the sounds better with a visual/tangible tool.

I downloaded these *FREE* large letter cards from Rulin' the Roost and gave it a go!

Oh. My. Gosh. I literally saw the light bulb go on for some of my students, both metaphorically and literally. They physically lit up once they realized they were finally getting it after struggling for so long! I was SO proud (minus that Seahawks jersey....).

This may be the best purchase I've ever made for my classroom. 

But now I have a question for you: 

How do you structure your guided reading? I really want to revamp my guided reading instruction over the break so I would love any and all insights!

Five For...Saturday?

This week has been cray cray! Like seriously, cray cray. Here's how my week went down.

Monday: Teacher workday

Tuesday: Veteran's Day --> No School

Wednesday: A normal school day

Thursday: "Snow" day --> No School 

Friday: A normal school day

Needless to say, my whole routine is all thrown off. 

BUT...

I've managed to get it together (a little bit) for my five for Friday. Or really Saturday. Don't worry, I'm going to take your through my week right now!

Monday: Teacher work day. Is it just me or are these the least productive days ever? For some reason I always struggle to get motivated on these days. I planned my week, organized my classroom, watched a lot of Top Model and then ran some errands for our upcoming PYP unit. Overall fairly successful.

I was also able to get in a run (the only one this week). And it was the longest run that I've had in a long time! Progress!

As you can see I'm a little behind this week on my miles. How are you doing?

  

Tuesday: Appointments, appointments and more appointments. Seriously, so many appointments. I had to take all 3 of my pets to the vet, my husband to the doctor, and then had an appointment for myself. Phew. Grateful for the time to get them all done!

Thank you Veteran's! You help keep my family healthy and safe in more ways than one this year!

Wednesday: We spent all day Wednesday learning about Veteran's day. Our current PYP unit is on celebrations and holidays around the world. Our planner focuses on winter holidays like Diwali, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, etc. I thought it was also important to talk about Veteran's day and why people celebrate it, especially since it results in a day off from school.

We made vocabulary flip books, acrostic poems, mystery pictures, and so much more. Integration at it's finest! 

Thursday: Oh snow day. We had some pretty chilly temperatures on Thursday with snow and freezing rain in the forecast.  I woke up at 5am to a text saying 2 hour delay and then a text at 7am saying school was canceled. And thank goodness because look at all the snow. We really dodged a bullet there.

I laughed way too hard at this. So true. But the unexpected day off was much appreciated!

Friday: One of my students brought me a present today, well a snack really. She decorated a paper bag and inside place this note along with an orange and a snickers. 

The note says:

Have a good snack!

Taste my snack and

1) Circle if it is good or bad. 

Yes     No 

2) If it is yummy or yucky circle it. 

Yum! or Yuck!

3) The heart means it's good and the triangle means it's bad.

(I don't know how to get the shapes on here)

And now we are in Eugene for my husbands birthday. I also set up a Price is Right game for him! It turned out so much better than I expected. And he loved it!

Well now I am off to log some more miles for my running challenge. Thank goodness our hotel has a gym!

Wanna link up your Five for Friday too!? Head on over to Doodle Bugs Teaching for all the deets!