slim down saturday (on sunday...again)

Welp.  This week began well.  I played soccer on Sunday night and did Insanity on Tuesday.  Then I woke up on Wednesday morning with a cold that has lasted through today.  Needless to say, I have not worked out since Tuesday.  

But two days is better than no days right?!  

I still have a lingering cough but will be going to my soccer game tonight anyway because I refuse to miss!  Nick plays on the team with me and it's the highlight of our weekend.  Plus it means I'll be starting the new week off with one workout under my belt.  

So, I am linking up with Teaching with a Touch of Pixie Dust for another edition of Slim Down Saturday.  Here is this week's update:

Last week, I mentioned that I am not weighing myself.  The main reason for this is because my goals are not to lose weight but to gain muscle.  However, I do want to lose some body fat in order for my muscle tone to show.  Gina suggested I keep track of one measurement, and so I have included my waist measurement.  I would say I have about 1/2" to 1" to go!

Wishing everyone luck in their goals this week!

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slim down saturday (on sunday)

Yesterday morning, Nick woke me up saying, "Beth come out here!  I'm watching a Body Beast infomercial."  Now, I am not a morning person, but I jumped right out of bed.  For some reason I have a strange affinity for weight loss infomercials.  Something about them just seems so exciting and full of hope.

Normally, I don't make New Year's Resolutions, but this year I decided to make some fitness goals.  Two weeks ago, I began working out 4-5  days per week.  My workouts consist of running with my little sister, playing indoor soccer with Nick, and doing Insanity.  (Man, those videos are intense!)  I don't own a scale, so instead I took before pictures and measurements so that I can track my progress.

As someone that goes in and out of working out regularly (who doesn't?), I am constantly trying to find new ways to motivate myself.  I have found that instagram is an awesome resource for this.  Kayla_itsines and emilyskyefit post motivating pictures, quotes, and sell their own workout programs, while fitgirlsguide hosts 28-day jumpstarts (super cheap for the ebook), and a bunch of the girls in the challenge will post their before/after photos.

As another motivator, I have linked up with Teaching with a Touch of Pixie Dust for this week's Slim Down Saturday.  Here is my progress so far:

No matter what your resolution, keep it up.  If you fail one week (as we all will) don't give up!  Remember, success requires hard work and consistency.  Good luck and let me know how you are staying motivated with your resolutions.

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sunday letters

Today I am linking up with Michelle over at Big Time Literacy to write some Sunday letters.  Here goes:

Dear Students,
I have a surprise for you tomorrow!  No Cumulative Review test this week!
Your welcome,
Mrs. E


Dear Sarah,
Thanks for the video you sent me on FB.  You're the best twin every.
Love,
Beffy


Dear Angelica,
Good luck with your latest interview.  I hope you get the job.  But if not, you can always come back to MA and live with me and Nick.  The winter won't be bad this year.  I promise.
Missing you,
Phil


Dear Self,
Play hard in the game tonight and score some goals!
Sincerely,
Me

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if summer ever comes....

Oh gosh.  I am feeling some bitter jealousy for those of you who are either already done or are in the single digits right now.  Up here in New England we still have a whopping NINETEEN SCHOOL DAYS LEFT!  Yes, you read that correctly.  19.  Combine that with the weather - a high of 52 degrees today making it warmer in Alaska - and it feels like summer is never coming.  I feel like we are in the seven kingdoms from Game of Thrones.  The Starks warned us that winter was coming.  Now it's here and never leaving.

Luckily the weather channel says it's supposed to warm up to the 80's next week.  So I know that summer will come eventually.  And my jealousy resides when I remind myself that I have off for the entire month of August and we don't return until Labor Day.

So just in case summer does decide to show up, I am linking up with A Cupcake for the Teacher, Miss Kindergarten, and A Modern Teacher for their Summer Bucket List linky.  

First on my list is to meet my new niece or nephew!  This is a pic of my twin sister who is 35 weeks pregnant.  She is due June 30th, just in time for me to finish school and all the end of year paperwork that goes with it.  And then I can spend as much time as I want with little baby S.  I seriously CANNOT WAIT for this baby to come!!

Second is to buy a house.  This process is exciting and depressing at the same time.  My hubby and I have been saving for what feels like forever, both have great jobs, and will still probably only be able to afford something like this:

Hey.  At least it has a porch.  That's on my really-really-want-but-probably-need-to-compromise-on list.

Also on my list is to complete another Tough Mudder.  I cannot believe it is almost here!  One week from today, I will be running.  This will be my second Mudder and I can't wait.  There are 4 of us from school who have been working out together for months to prepare.  It is such a great group of women.  When we started, we were all at different levels of physical fitness.  Pushing each other during our workouts has been such a wonderful experience.  

This week I ran 7 miles twice and on Monday we're doing a 10-miler together.  And when I tell you that my runs are enjoyable, I am not lying.  For that hour on the road, it's just me and my music.  One foot in front of the other.  Running off the day's stress.

But lemme tell you, I was a little hesitant back in February when I signed up for the TM, but I am so glad I did.  For one thing, I am in great shape.  There is absolutely no way I would have worked out this often if I didn't have this race coming up.  It literally scares me into putting on my running shoes.  Plus, swimsuit season is right around the corner.  I love the accomplishment of feeling great about myself on the beach and never feeling guilty at summer BBQ's when I eat whatever I want.

Finally, I am looking forward to spending time with my hubby, my pup, and my family and friends.  My GSD and I spend every morning of the summer outside.  I eat breakfast, drink coffee, and read while he tries to eat bugs.  Nick is taking a week off work so we can go to Cape May, NJ with my mother's entire family (35 people!!!!!)  We also have weddings, BBQs, weekends with Nick's brothers, and my bff just moved 5 miles away from us!

If summer ever comes, it's going to be a good one.

What's on your bucket list this summer?

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math mentor texts

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!  I just came home from brunch with my mother-in-law and am now relaxing before I go back out for a late lunch with my stepmother.  In the meantime, I'm linking up with Collaboration Cuties to share some of the mentor texts I use in my math classes.

The first mentor text I'd like to share is Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.  

I always read this book in September as part of our "Let's get excited for math" lesson.  Afterward, I challenge the kids to try to solve all of the problems and always get a couple who take me up on it.  It's fun to watch them stick with it when the math gets really high level, but they are so proud of themselves when they finish.

The next is Multiplying Menace, The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin by Pam Calvert.

 

I love to read this book to introduce our multiplication unit.  It has a great story line and the kids like to call out the answers as we read.

And finally, The Multiplying Menace Divides also by Pam Calvert.

Since our division unit comes directly after our multiplication unit, the kids are always excited to read this sequel.  The story lines are similar enough that they can enjoy the familiarity between the two, yet different enough to keep them entertained.

Can't wait to check out what everyone else uses and get some great ideas for next year!  

Have a great Sunday everyone!

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five for friday

Thank goodness it's Friday.  It has been a CRAZY week!  Here is a little run-down.

Monday and Tuesday were set aside for the math MCAS.  Luckily it was beautiful out so we gave them an extended recess afterward.  I love this because it gives me a chance to spend time with the kids outside the classroom.  Lately, I've been playing kickball!  I'm not the best player, but having a teacher on the field keeps the arguing to a minimum.

This Monday, we are walking the Freedom Trail and visiting the Old South Meeting House to reenact the debate that led to the Boston Tea Party.  We have been prepping for this field trip for weeks now, and the kids are very excited.   Yesterday, we finished our prep by watching Disney's Johnny Tremain.

Today we had a half day and we all participated in a PTA fundraiser called the Jog-a-long.  The kids get sponsors and then run laps outside to raise money.  Today was a beautiful day, so one of my Tough Mudder teammates and I ran for the hour with the kids.  I was surprised to find that our running motivated the kids to begin running again when they'd otherwise walk.

Then this afternoon, members of central office served the teachers icecream sundaes as part of Teacher Appreciation Week!  

Finally, the hubs and I are spending tonight with takeout and movies.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and a Happy Mother's Day!!

currently may

Despite the fact that my week did not start well, my kids were angels for the rest of the week. My co-teacher and I decided to give them the behavior incentive of letting them go outside for the last 15 minutes of the day. The kids have really responded to this and it's so cute to see them get excited when I bring sneakers to play kickball!

 Today I am linking up with Oh Boy 4th Grade for May's Currently.  I am so happy that we have the math MCAS on Monday which means I have no more math prepping/cramming to do.  My kiddos are READY! The stress has literally melted off my shoulders, so much so that my May Currently has nothing to do with school.  (sigh)

Listening

My favorite Saturday morning routine is to drink my coffee while watching Fashion Police.  Joan Rivers is so hysterical and I love to start my day off by laughing.

Loving

This week I have noticed a huge influx of greenery.  All of the sudden, the trees are covered with leaves and the cherry blossoms are blooming.  Everyday when I walk my dog, I discover a new flower.  I love this time of year.  Massachusetts is so beautiful and it means winter is pretty much as far away as it can get!

This year, I acquired an oh-so-lovely allergy to pollen which I am NOT loving.  This is my first experience with allergies, and I honestly do not know how you all cope.  Do you get used to it?  Take lots of meds?  If so, what do you take?  Please help!

Thinking

I need to call my mom for her birthday today.  She is a wonderful, confident, and beautiful woman and I am so thankful for her.  But I have been so busy lately that I haven't called her in a little while so I need to wait until I have a good amount of free time to chat!

Wanting

Last year, I got blonde ombre highlights for the summer and I loved them.  Not too much, just a couple at the ends.  I have been debating whether to get them again this year because...well...I have a  hard time justifying spending money on my hair.  I only cut it about twice a year, and highlights are just so expensive!  But I have FINALLY found a hairdresser that I trust.  And after these last few stressful weeks, I deserve a splurge.  Right?  Right.

Needing

My twin sister is having a baby this summer, and her baby shower is in a couple weeks!  I am very excited to see her.  I haven't seen her since Easter, and I can't wait to check out her big baby bump!  For her baby shower, I want to make these Berry Meringue Cakes for the guests.  I have never made a meringue, so I plan to do some experimenting this weekend.

Summer Bucket List

I only have one item on my summer bucket list and that is to buy a house!  My hubby and I have been living in a tiny one bedroom apartment for the last three years.  The rent is so cheap and our landlords are the nicest people, but we are ready for our own place.  If any of you live in the Boston suburban area, you will understand when I say that you get NOTHING for your money.  Nothing.  Hubby and I were actually laughing in bed this morning when we saw a new house come on the market...2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 900 sqft, needs a full rehab, $275k.  What????

Okay everyone, I am off to run with a fellow Tough Mudder teammate.  We are running 4.5 miles of hiking trails today.  Wish me luck!  I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

may goals

Today I had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  It is the last week before our math state tests, and I feel like I am just cramming information into my kiddos' brains.  And the kids are so excited about the nice weather that they are having a hard time keeping control.  While I can't blame them, we still have almost 40 school days left!  I find myself feeling frustrated at the end of the day instead of feeling like I accomplished something.

Needless to say this Linky from I {heart} Recess couldn't come at a more perfect time.  Tonight I regrouped and came up with some goals that I can accomplish for the month of May.  I'm feeling better already.

Personal: Stick to my budget

This month I have a lot A LOT of upcoming events that my hubby and I will have to pay for.  I run the fundraising for a 5-day field trip at school, and its biggest fundraiser is this weekend AND I have my sister-in-law's 30th birthday to celebrate.  I also have my mother's birthday, Mother's Day, my twin sister's baby shower, and a Red Sox game Memorial Day weekend.  This doesn't even take into consideration the fact that I MAY OR MAY NOT want to grab a margarita after work with the girls.  The hubs and I are very good about sticking to our allowance of $100 each per paycheck.  But this month it's going to be difficult. 

Health: Finish my training for the Tough Mudder

This year, 3 teachers and I are participating in the Tough Mudder in June.  It is a 10-12 mile course with 30 obstacles and the goal is just to finish!  In fact, their motto is to put camaraderie over your finish time.  The 4 of us have been training together through the winter, and we are in the home stretch now!

Blogging: Double my amount of followers

In the last two weeks, I have started gaining more followers.  I am really enjoying meeting all these new bloggers and gaining new ideas for my own teaching.  So I would like to continue the momentum in May because, you know, you can never have too many friends. ;)

School: Motivate my students to behave

I am finding that this past month has been very hard on me and my students.  They are just CHECKED OUT. I am trying to keep them motivated.  So my co-teacher and I decided to give the kids the chance to earn free time during dismissal every day.  Those that earn it get to go outside, and those that don't will stay in.  We began this today and I had to keep in a small group.  I honestly think they didn't expect me to follow through with my threat.  Well now you know!

Fun: Finish Downton Abbey

Ahh.  My favorite show of late.  I really cannot get enough of Downton Abbey.  I watched the first two seasons on OnDemand a couple weeks ago, and I am so upset that the third season isn't available!  I am tempted to pay $2 per episode just to get my fix.  But I can't.  It's not in my budget.  Anyone out there wanna lend me their netflix login??? :)

social studies mentor text

Today I am linking up with Collaboration Cuties to share a Social Studies mentor text.  

Mayflower 1620 is a book that highlights what life was really like for the Pilgrims.  It is written in collaboration with researchers from Plimoth Plantation and National Geographic.  

The kids love to read this book because it shows both the Pilgrims' and Native Americans' sides to the story. We stop at certain points and debate from each group's point of view.  They learn how the different cultures interpreted the other's actions according to their own beliefs and the tension it created.  The book also has recipes of dishes that were served at the first Thanksgiving.  Some are similar to what we eat today while some are very different!

In addition to reading this book, we watch "The Mayflower Voyagers (This is America Charlie Brown)," which is entertaining but also pretty historically accurate!

Can't wait to see what everyone else uses for mentor texts and get some great ideas!

dollar days

Today I am linking up with A Teacher Without a Class for a dollar-themed linky!

One of my favorite finds for only a dollar are baskets of all sizes from The Dollar Store.  I use them for everything: book bins, a place for kids to turn in their work, extra worksheets, copying for volunteers, supplies for projects, the list goes on.

I also love to browse the dollar section of Target because they have great finds that I use as prizes or random gifts for my students.  Sometimes they even have books.  But koosh balls are the most prized item, they are always the first to go!

Lastly, I just cannot live without Dunkin's egg and cheese wrap.  They are the perfect snack and only 99 cents with a coffee!

What can you not live without that only costs a dollar??

skittles

TOPIC - Skittles Game

Here is the code:

Red- Favorite Ice Cream Flavor

Orange- Favorite Memory from College

Yellow- Favorite Sports Team

Green- Favorite Fast Food Place

Purple- Wild Card(Tell anything about yourself)

Red

My favorite flavor of icecream is Cowtrax from White Farms in Ipswich, MA.  They are a homemade icecream place within walking distance from school.  Dangerous!

Orange

Favorite memory from college....I would have to say living in a 6 with all my girlfriends.  A 6 is a large open room where 6 girls live, 3 on one side, 3 on the other with space for a TV and fouton in between.  It was mayhem all the time, but with access to 5 other closets, it was worth it!

Yellow

Definitely the New England Patriots.  Why you ask?  Because they are the best looking team in the NFL!  Duh.  If you don't believe me, check out my previous post about it.

Green

Confession time.  I don't go to fast food restaurants.  Like ever.  Except Dunkin Donuts for iced coffee and the occasional egg and cheese wrap.  Hey they're sorta healthy!  So I guess I'd say Dunkin.

Purple

I am an identical twin.  And she's in Education too!  She used to teach 5th grade, which was awesome because I could visit her classroom and steal  borrow her ideas.  To be honest, I'm pretty lost this year now that she has become a curriculum supervisor.  

Here is a pic of Sarah and me at her wedding.

five for friday

I am excited to link up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for this Five for Friday linky party!  As this is my first Five for Friday, I didn't take a whole lot of classroom pics.  Note to self for next time.

                             



This week was a crazy one.  I was one sick puppy all week and the kids were jumping out of their skin with excitement for April vacation to begin.  But thankfully, we all made it through in one piece.



1. We continued our reading groups this week.  This is the second full week and so the kids are really getting   into them.  Below are the books we are reading:

                                           


                                   

In addition to reading their assignment, they all have to fill out a "Think Book" which helps them brainstorm topics to discuss when we meet.  One requirement is for them to record any new words they come across.  We discuss the strategies they used to discover the meaning or if they still don't know, we figure it out together as a group.  In particular, this set of books contain many words that are specific to the culture, location, or time period where the book takes place.  The kids are having fun pointing out these new words to their classmates.



2. We finished up our dividing fractions unit this week.  Since this was the last operation we studied on fractions, the kids had the chance to put them all together.  They worked in partners to solve word problems that included all operations on fractions.  To help them remember the steps, they used a top down web they created.

                                           





3. In Social Studies, we finished learning about how the 13 colonies were formed (I'll blog more about this later).  Instead of making them memorize the colonies, the kids learned where each one is located by piecing together their own maps.

4. A small group of teachers and I are training for the Tough Mudder in June.  We met a couple times after school this week to run together in addition to training individually.  It's so nice to have workout buddies!!

                                              

5. The third book in The Infernal Devices series came out last month, and I finally had the chance to begin it this week.  It's a young adult fantasy series and the second from this author.  I always like reading books that I know my students will be interested in because it makes my book talks much less contrived.  So I'll be excited when I finish this one and can add it to our classroom library. 

                                       

I hope everyone in the New England area has a wonderful April vacation!!