I survived the first TWO months..

I survived. Yep. Whoa, was it a whirlwind.  I welcomed 22 kids, on the 19th of August. Having no idea of their personalities, that has all changed. We are all comfortable now and our different personalities are shining through. 

If your child is in third grade or hasn't reached it yet, let me just prepare you..Math is Challenging. Rounding is currently all we think about. I try to find ways to make it fun. They thought writing on their desk was just the craziest thing ever. It wipes off without a problem

 (we use socks as erasers...easy, washable, and cheap)

(Side Note: I don't let my kids say things are hard, they tend to give up easily. We say things are challenging but we work hard to solve those things)

I have said before that I love teaching with anchor charts. I really feel like it helps my kids grasp what they are learning when they see it. I leave the anchor charts on my walls and take them down occasionally. I will switch them out, depending on what skill we are looking at. 

These are all Reading but I also use them in Math.

We are implementing the Common Core standards this year for English Language Arts (we started the Math last year) and I have LOVED it. I love unpacking the standard and not following a certain curriculum. I believe it has made me enjoy teaching even more. I love getting to read my favorite books to teach the skill. (PS: I love Kevin Henks, Patricia Polocco, and Janelle Cannon. They are all GREAT authors that I have used so far.)

If you are an educator let me recommend Teachers Pay Teachers. 

It is an awesome website. I get 90% of all my printable from this site.

 I also always get the free downloads. 

Life lately (meaning these past two months) that does not involve school involves weddings. I have two sweet friends, one is getting married in October and the other in November, that I have helped host showers for this past month. 

Adam and I are enjoying life, as always. School is busy for my sweet husband. Adam is in his final year at USA (I think). We are both thrilled that football is back on TV. I don't think I could love fall any more. There is just something about a Saturday in the fall. It doesn't get any better. 

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!

Welcome To 3rd Grade

I promised myself last year that I would be better at posting things throughout my school year. I wanted to share some classroom setup pictures. I made some changes from last year. The OCD self in me is pretty pumped about it.  Welcome to Mrs. Tait's room!

These pictures were taken BEFORE my 22 kiddos arrived! My walls are no longer empty! 

Wrapping Up Summer

I wrote this post WAY OVER a month ago but recently got a new camera (ok, it was for my birthday, but I am saying recently because time has slipped away from me) and have been waiting to get a USB cord so I could upload pictures. Of course, I totally forgot to post this, so it has just been hanging out in my draft section.. I can't believe summer has almost come to an end. I am trying to stretch it out as long as possible. My classroom is 99% ready so I have spent these last few days soaking up everything. I start back to school Tuesday and the kiddos come back on the 19th. I can't wait to share pictures of my classroom with you.  I always knew I wanted to be a teacher but if I ever doubted it then this summer made up for that. SUMMER IS AMAZING. It is totally worth being with kids every day for 9 months. I have enjoyed every ounce of my break. At first I had no desire to start school but as it gets closer I find myself longing for a schedule and getting organized.  I wish I could say that I spent my summer days doing amazing things but I truly didn't. I just enjoyed being at home everyday and not having something to do or somewhere to be. We were able to have a beach trip this year. Our friends, the Tims, invited us down to stay with them a few days for July 4th. The weather was nasty (it has rained everyday in Mobile the month of July) but it was so nice to be at the beach. I agree with whoever says, a rainy day at the beach is better than a sunny day at home. 

We were on the boat, for most of our trip, so I didn't get to take many pictures! I am still new at the whole "picture taking thing" so bare with me:)

I was also able to help Adam with KidsWay Kamp. This is a camp, that our children's ministry created, for kids who are kindergarten-third grade. We had a fantastic weekend learning about the super heroes of the Bible.

The summer also contains my birthday! I was treated so well. I have the best husband and family in the world. 

My mom treated Adam and I to dinner at Big Daddy's Grill. If you are ever in the Fairhope area then you MUST try this restaurant. It is a classic. 

Ms. Shannon always makes sure I have my favorite Pollman's snacks, on my birthday!

 I lover her for that. 

I loved every minute of my break!