Five For Friday!

Hi Everyone!  I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs for her "Five For Friday" Linky Party.  

I just wrapped up my first week back after Spring Break and the home stretch of my wonderful student teacher's full-time teaching.  Don't get me wrong... I have enjoyed the experience of working with a wonderful young future teacher, but I LOVE my job and have missed doing it every day.  Next week, we begin transitioning back to me again.  

So here are my five random things... 

I've keep stumbling across this video that is pinned and blogged about so often.  I have watched it over and over and am very intrigued by Whole Brain Teaching.  I have the world's most a-mah-zing group of firsties this year.  And although they require very little classroom management techniques to keep them in check, I thought they would be the greatest guinea pigs to try out the techniques.  (Plus then I will be more used to them before September.)  I gotta admit that when I first watched some of the videos I couldn't help thinking that the teachers kind of seemed like drill sergeants barking orders at new recruits.  But then, I focused on the students and how they were ALL engaged.  WOW!  So I'm going to share the famous video again in case anyone hasn't seen it.  Isn't she the cutest!

Next, I've been doing some redecorating in my classroom with my jungle theme.  At first, I decided I was just going to make and buy some things to spruce up the room and make it more unified.  But then as I was printing and laminating... I couldn't resist... I had to hang some up.  When my students arrived on Thursday morning, my drama queen cutie had this response, "OH. MY. GOODNESS!  Mrs. Grosse you are blowing my mind with all this animal print goodness.  I am gonna stay back next year just so that I can be in this cute room all year."  I wish I could actually duplicate her expression and hand motions.  It was hilarious!!  Here is a link to my new Jungle Alphabet cards in case anyone else was searching for jungle theme items.  

My husband and I are part of a unique club and business.  Beer... I know... gasp!  Over 8 years ago, I bought him a little beer brewing kit for fun.  Now, it has turned into an growing obsession business.  We are working hard to make Broken Goblet Brewing a brand.  If this is up your alley, check it out!

I just have to share the world's most clever centers (no offense, intended to other teacher creators).  When I saw these, I was speechless.  Not only are they adorable, but they are so cleverly created and include suggestions to add dollar store materials to increase the cuteness factor and student engagement.  

They are Tunstall's Teaching Tidbits Picnic Pals Common Core Math and Literacy Centers.  You have to check them out.  My hand is killing me from all of the laminating and cutting, but they are worth every penny.  

Finally, I am psyched for my oldest son's first T Ball game tomorrow.  It should be interesting!  Here's hoping he runs around the bases the right way!  Have a great weekend!  Thanks for stopping by!