Day.Fifty.Nine.

So I have had a twitter account for a while now. I don't know what possessed me to get one, but it seemed interesting. So I did. After attending the Dublin Literacy Conference this year, we learned about our presenters and their twitter names. So, I added them.

Well let me preface this story...
At the Dublin Literacy Conference, I met Eric Litwin and James Dean, the author and illustrator of Pete the Cat! I bought the first two books and had them signed. I couldn't wait to go back to school and share them with my kiddos. They LOVE LOVE LOVE to dance, and these are the perfect books for movin' and shakin'. Well, Pete quickly became a staple in our classroom. (end of preface)

Back to today. Well, on twitter I received a wonderful text. A NEW PETE THE CAT WILL BE ON SALE MAY 1st! I was just like a kinder... super, super excited!

Well, with news this great, I had to share with my kids. So, I found the clip on youtube that had a preview of the new book. They loved the new groove and started a count down on the calendar for the new one! I was required to go to the Barnes and Noble that day to get it!

I will keep you updated!

-Alexis

Day.Forty.Eight.

Today started off bright and early as John and I finished our taxes online and I went downtown to pay the city taxes. We actually got money back this year. That is unheard of! We have always had to pay. It is coming at a welcome time. A time where we can try to get ahead of the bills and focus on the important things. (I am determined to get my patio this summer!)

After the taxes were done, I headed to Polaris to look for some suit pants for the interview. My skirt is a little big and I thought pants would be nice too. Well, after 4 different stores, I gave up, bought panty hose and decided I would wear the skirt. Looking back, good choice!

On my hunt for the suit pants, I always stop in the baby sections to see if I can find anything for the arrival of the twins. I found the CUTEST onesie for twin girl. (I searched for a match for baby boy, but to no avail) Look how cute! (and only $6.00-can't be beat!)

On my way home from my shopping fail/find, I decided to stop at John's team's double header. It was raining, but I know they play in the rain if there is no lightning. So, I decided to watch from the comfort of the car. I was dry... and warm. They won the first game (I saw the last inning) and then they fixed the field up, ate a snack, and were ready to play game two. After the 5th pitch in, it started to rain HARD. So, I just left and headed to the grocery.

At Meijer, I decided I would try to find the materials for a craft/tool that we could use at school. During one of our literacy night meetings we talked about how, at the Dublin Literacy Conference, they talked about the importance of students seeing us as readers as well. We thought it would be neat to create something to hang outside of our doors to show what we are reading. I decided I would take on that task.... I will keep you updated! (a tutorial will follow)

I came home and tried to relax, but that is NOT happening with everything about tomorrow on my mind. I had everything packed and ready to go for my quick change after school, but I was antsy. So, I decided to start the project. Here it goes...

I will try to get some sleep...

-Alexis

Day.One.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Dublin Literacy Conference 2012! Not only was I surrounded by fellow teachers who LOVE what they do (which can be refreshing at times) but I was also re-enegrized by the speakers who spoke from experience to guide my classroom! I had the honor of listening to Donalyn Miller and was inspired to start writing this blog. She was a great way to start the day with so much passion. I got to sing and dance with the authors of Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, Eric Litwin and James Dean. ((I even got signed copies of their books for my classroom))


The first session I attended was all about my students as writers and how to incorporate it into the classroom. Very informative and helpful. Thank you Mandy Robek!


The second session I attended was about Literacy Teams and the different activities that they did in their classrooms to create a fun reading experience on a LOW budget. My favorite idea- Make STAMPS out of bottle caps and foam stickers! (genius because I have been looking for a set of alphabet stamps for my classroom)


The third and final session was all about the mini-lesson. I have definitely been over-thinking the mini-lesson! Ruth Ayres laid it out so organized and simply. I am excited to start using them more in my classroom.


Although it was a Saturday, I am so glad I got the opportunity to go to the Dublin Literacy Confrence! I learned a lot of new things that I will be using in my classroom tomorrow!


I love to teach and when I learn more about teaching, it energizes me and keeps my focus on the goal: my own classroom.


-Alexis