Why Bother with a Beachbody Coach?

I've been asked many times, "What is a Beachbody Coach?" and "Why bother having one?"

Before I answer these, I will begin with a short recap of my initial experiences with Beachbody.

Quite a few years ago, I purchased Insanity and I kept seeing the little ad on the videos to "sign in to the WOWY supergym at beachbody.com."  I finally decided to check it out.  I created my free account and this little pop-up appeared with someone saying hello and asking me if I needed any assistance.  I freaked out and closed it.  HELLO!  I was there to quietly check things out...anonymously.  I didn't need anyone else knowing my fitness goals or how much I weigh.

Later, I also received a couple of emails from this person, introducing herself as my coach and offering assistance.  I ignored these emails.

I started the program...going strong for a few days....then, my kids' activities were getting in the way.  I couldn't work out right after dinner.  Right before bed didn't work, either.  Before I knew it, the dvds were sitting on a shelf and I hadn't even come close to making it half way through them.

Fast forward to February 2014.  This is when I decided that I needed a shorter workout in order to stick with it.  I decided I'd give Focus T25 a shot.  I started actually using the Beachbody site and began interacting with someone who was a coach.  Not only did she help me out, but other people she was coaching helped to push me through getting up each morning to work out and actually get through the program.  This is when I realized that Beachbody Coaches do not have to be these creepy people that pop out at you when you are looking to get back into a fitness routine.

So.....back to the questions....

What is a Beachbody Coach?

Easy.  He or she is a customer, just like everyone else.  We use the Beachbody programs and we like them so much that we want to see other people be successful with them.  We are not here to sell products.  We are here to provide a service.  If you are not sure which program is right for you, we can help.  If you have questions about a program that you are using, we can help.  If you need motivation....you get the picture.....

Why bother having a Beachbody Coach?

This is an easy one.  Unless you are SUPER self motivated, having someone else to support you through a program and hold you accountable for getting your workouts in is the only way to succeed.  It is also nice to be able to ask the little questions that come up, like "I haven't lost any weight in three weeks, what can I do?" or "I can't do ONE pull-up and this workout is full of them, how do I get a workout in when I can't do them?"

What you get from ME as YOUR Beachbody Coach:

Well, as you've already read, I don't like the creepy coach technique.  If you'd like for me to be your coach, I would love to help you in any way that I possibly can.  I will not harass you to buy programs, but I will inform you when new programs come out or when one is on sale.  I will not bug you each day to see if you've completed your workout....unless that is what you WANT me to do.  Everybody is different.  

Some people just want to get their program and be on their way and only have their coach there to answer questions when needed.  I can do that if that is what you are looking for.

Some people want someone to occasionally check in on them.  Maybe they want to check in with a group every once in a while to feel as though they have company through their fitness journey.  This is absolutely doable.

Some people want to be in an accountability group where they have to check in daily throughout their entire program.  This is also an option that we can do.

I am here for what YOU need.

If you currently are not working with another Beachbody coach and would like support from me, click here to join my team and get a free Beachbody account.  If you are interested in becoming a Beachbody Coach, send me a message at momnteach@hotmail.com and we can schedule a time to talk.

Focus T25 - the program that got me BACK into fitness

The purpose of this blog post is to give a general description of FOCUS T25, as well as the opinions and experiences that I had with the program.

General Description

The only thing standing between you and the results you want is TIME.  That's why Shaun T experimented to design a program that delivers the same kind of results you'd expect from an hourlong workout, in under 30 minutes.

FOCUS T25 is a 10-week program split into 2 cycles - ALPHA and BETA - which each last 5 weeks (there is also a 3rd month - GAMMA that is 4 weeks long).  Shaun's pulled out all of the rest, so you get everything you need, nothing you don't.  The name implies the intent:  If you focus your intensity for 25 minutes, and you do it 5 days a week, you WILL get results.

The Workouts

Alpha:

Cardio - This workout is just that....cardio.  It is a good workout that gives you a basic move and slowly ramps it up, then repeats with a new move.  If you can't do as much jumping or some of the moves are tough on your knees, Tania is there to help modify.

Speed 1.0 - This is another cardio workout, but Shaun actually gives you some stretching throughout the workout, just when you really want to stop.  There is a lot of squatting and a lot of hammering on your calves!  Again, Tania is the modifier.

Total Body Circuit - This is definitely a total body workout.  Shaun T keeps you moving throughout the entire 25 minutes, hopping, squatting, jumping an invisible rope, then you are on the floor to strengthen your core and use your upper body.  This was absolutely my LEAST favorite workout for the first four weeks of the program.  It wasn't until the fifth week that I actually enjoyed it....which was a good thing, since it is on the schedule THREE days that week!

Ab Intervals:  This workout WORKS YOUR CORE!  If your shoulders/wrists are not very strong, this workout becomes even more challenging.  I will admit, the first time this workout appeared on the schedule, I spent more time watching the video to see what the heck they were doing more than I actually DID the workout.  It took me quite a while to be able to do more than I watched.  The key here is PROGRESS.  You do what you can and you push yourself and you work to do better each time.

Lower Focus:  Oh YES!  This is focused on your lower body and it WILL BURN.  As with many of these workouts, there are a lot of squats and lunges.  If you have ANY problems with your knees (like me), you need to slow down what you are doing and REALLY watch your form.  When I started, I could not keep up with their pace because my form would suffer, which was not good on my knees.  As weeks moved on, I was able to move faster, but form is SO important in order to avoid injury.

Beta:

Core Cardio:  This is a ramped up Alpha Cardio workout that works your core while you are on your feet.  There is a lot of twisting and lunging while jumping, so, again with the knees....You have to be sure your form is ON or you are going to hurt your knees.  I slowed down the moves in order to make sure of this....and I still got results.  Don't be afraid of slowing it down in order to have good form!

Speed 2.0:  If you enjoyed Speed 1.0, you are going to LOVE 2.0.  Just don't go looking for those stretches to give you a mini-break.  There are NO breaks.  This workout was brutal the first couple of times that I went through it, but it's amazing how much I loved it after a few rounds.

Rip't Circuit:  I absolutely loved this total body workout.  There are slow, controlled movements, as well as cardio, and this is where weights or bands are introduced.  It is a great mix of calorie burning cardio and strength training.

Dynamic Core:  This is a core workout, but you are on your feet for almost half of the workout.  Be VERY careful with form in this video!  There are a lot of twist and turns in lunge position, so you have to watch those knees.  I went VERY slowly through those moves and followed Tania when need be.  Don't let the focus on your core fool you in this video, either.  You WILL get a cardio workout.

Upper Focus:  Yes, there is obviously a focus on your upper body, but you do still get a cardio workout while working those arms and shoulders.  Weights or bands are used again here.  I was very thankful for Tania in this video!

Gamma:

Although Tania is still IN the Gamma workouts, she does not modify!

Speed 3.0:  As you can probably guess, this is another version of Speed 2.0.  You WILL sweat during this workout!

Rip't Up:  This is a high intensity, cardio workout that also brings in work with weights or bands.  Picking up the weights ALMOST feels like a break between the cardio moves....ALMOST.

Extreme Circuit:  If you were exhausted during Total Body Circuit, this will knock you out!

The Pyramid:  This workout is exactly as it sounds.  Every move is done in a "pyramid progression."  After you warm up with jogging, jack feet, front raise jacks, and pushes off the knees, you'll do one curl, then one squat.  Then it's two curls and two squats.  Then three....well, you get the picture.

As much as I loved Focus T25, I was glad that the Gamma round was only 4 weeks, instead of 5.  By the 4th week, although I had been seeing results, I was ready for a change.

Results:

Alpha Round:

I did not see a lot of physical results with this round.  What I saw was that I was building my stamina and feeling better.  I did lose a few pounds, but nothing significant.  Most of the progress was in my ability to get through the workouts without feeling like I was going to die!

Beta Round:

This was where I saw most of my result....does that mean that people should skip Alpha and go straight to Beta?  Absolutely not!  I think I would have quit if I started with Beta!  The Alpha round sets you up to be able to get through Beta successfully.  This was the round where I lost inches and about 10 pounds.

Gamma Round:

This round helped me to build more muscle.  I continued to lose some weight during this round, but also did much more toning. 

Overall:

This workout was the workout that got me back into the habit of fitness.  Fitting 25 minutes into my day for myself was much more do-able than finding an hour or getting myself to a gym.  I was very happy with the results I was seeing, especially during the Beta round, and I look forward to doing this program again in the future to see if I can keep up with the group more and follow Tania less.

Looking for more information on Focus T25?  You can find information on the T25 Challenge Pack here or the base program here.

No more diets!

The new year is right around the corner and I've heard a few people talking about starting back on different types of diets.  One person has told me that they are going to cut out all carbs.  The problem with this?  One, our bodies DO need carbohydrates, and, two, what happens months from now when they begin introducing carbs back into their diet?  The likelihood that this person will drop carbs forever is slim.

Losing weight should not involve cutting things out.  The only way to have success that actually sticks is to make a life-style change....and the only way to change your lifestyle is to be sure you are realistic.

In the past year, I've lost 20 lbs....and I DON'T plan on gaining it back.  Why?  I didn't cut out everything that I love.  I started with Focus T25 as my workout, but I'll be honest...I didn't use the Nutrition Guide that came with the program.  I DID read it and I DID use it as a reference, but I have not seriously followed the nutrition guides in any of the programs I have used.  Why?  I like to have Oreos once in a while.  I may even have some chips or a piece of cake.  If I cut these things completey out of my diet, I would get to the point where I'd want an ENTIRE package of Oreos.  Do I try to eat mostly healthy?  Yes, but I've made SMALL changes over time in order to make it part of my life.

Am I ever going to be showing off six pack abs?  Probably not if I am not cutting out ALL of the crap that I eat, I may create them...but, I probably won't be able to SEE them...and I'm okay with that.

My point here....don't start a DIET!  If you want to lose weight, the key is in small nutritional changes over time and exercise.  What small changes will YOU make this new year?

What am I thankful for?

This time of year, we all should be stepping back and thinking about what it is we are thankful for.

What are ten things that I am thankful for this school year?

• I have a GREAT group of sixth graders that always keep me on my toes.
• Coworkers that feel the same stresses that I do and listen to me vent.
• Those little notes and emails every once in a while that reaffirm that I'm reaching SOMEBODY and they even appreciate it.
• Seeing the look on that one student's face who has been struggling all year, but now is FINALLY GETTING it!
• Hearing the kids yell, "No!  Don't stop!" when I put the book mark into my read-aloud book and close it.
• Hugs from the former students that walk by in the hallway.
• Hearing, "you're not old, your just older" from a former student that came by to pick up a sibling.
• Vacations....I won't lie....I enjoy them, too.
• My daily workout - I am in a MUCH better mood walking through those school doors after I have done this for myself.
• Carpooling every once in a while with a great coworker.

What are YOU thankful for this school year?

Results, Results, Results....

     When I began this blog, I started tracking my workouts doing P90X3, but daily accounts of my workouts were just....well, let's face it, BORING!  Maybe there was an interesting day here and there, but overall, who wants to read how every day's workout went for a person?

    Being a Beachbody Coach, however, I am asked about various programs and, the most common question, of course, is "What were your results?"  So.....instead of a daily account, I'm going to be posting brief overviews of the programs that I have completed.  I'll start with the first one that I actually completed from start to finish (Focus T25), then P90X3, Insanity, and end with PiYo (which I am currently just starting....).  My posts will include initial reactions, brief summaries of each workout, challenges, modifications, and, of course, results.  If there is something in particular that YOU'D like to see in my review, please let me know by commenting on this post.  These reviews are for YOU!

Teachers and Fitness

I know that I’ve said it before, but there is a reason why teachers have typically been depicted as old spinsters.  The hours that are put into planning and preparing take up too much of a teacher’s time to leave any room for having a social life.  Those of us that are teachers WITH a family know that juggling the lives of our own kids along with planning and preparing to educate other people’s kids, does not give us much time to do anything that is just for us.

This lack of time has made me try to be creative.  I have incorporated yoga into my classroom...but this is sporadic and hardly warrants being called a “workout.”  I even tried “Algebra Aerobics.”  Yes, my students were counting by 3s, 4s, 5s, even 7s to do sit-ups and leg lifts….and, of course, what we did to one side, we had to do to the other….Just like each side of the equals sign needs to stay balanced, we wanted our bodies balanced, too.

I tried fitting in trips to the gym.  I even tried going while my kids were at karate, since it was right down the road.  It just wasn’t working.  I tried pulling out the dusty box of Insanity discs that were in my cabinet, but time just wasn’t allowing for it.

What changed?

I was tired of being tired and I needed to feel better about myself.  Don’t get me wrong, I like who I am...I just didn’t like what I was beginning to look and feel like.  I knew I needed a change and I needed something to actually stick.

Around this time, I saw a commercial for Focus T25.   I already knew that I liked Shaun T….I did have him back on my dusty shelf….and if THESE workouts were only 25 minutes, MAYBE I could just get up 30 minutes earlier and get it done.

For those that know me, I love my sleep and loved hitting the snooze button!  I knew that getting up EARLIER...and to workout? Well, that was going to be the biggest challenge yet. Knowing this, I joined a group of people on-line who were also doing T25.  I checked in with them daily, and, knowing that I would have to face them and say “I overslept” got me to roll out of bed with that alarm clock and not miss a single workout.  Don’t get me wrong...there were many mornings that were really tough, especially in the first few weeks, but around the three week mark, it started becoming a habit.  It got to the point where I HAD to get up and work out, or it felt wrong.

The results of making this a habit?  Well, I lost a little over 10 pounds during that program and improved my nutrition, energy levels and sleep habits….not to mention my mood.  I also have continued this habit and now have lost about 18 pounds.

The point to this story?  I know that we, as educators, have limited time for ourselves, but we DO need to make taking care of ourselves a priority.  However you do that doesn’t matter, you just need to find a way to do it.

If you want any help trying to find a way to make that change in your life, please contact me and we can talk about what it is you need to do for YOU. My email address is coachmomnteach@gmail.com.

What is the big deal about Shakeology?

Shakeology is not just a protein shake.

Shakeology is not just a weight loss meal replacement.

Okay, so then what IS it, and why would I want to spend money every month having it delivered to me?  Honestly,  the budget does not allow for me to spend large chunks of money each month on something that is just for me.  In fact, I've put off getting my hair cut for yet another month because of back to school shopping.  How do I justify this purchase?  The answer is in what Shakeology really IS.

Let's look at Chocolate Shakeology, because that is what I have every month.

Yes, Shakeology contains whey, brown rice, and pea protein.  That does make it a protein shake and increases fiber intake, but it is not JUST protein.

What else do we have in there?  I decided to look up some of the ingredients because, quite honestly, I had no idea what they were!

Moringa:  What is this plant?  Well, according to Nutritive Value of Indian Foods, by C.Gopolan, et al.,   these tiny leaves contain 7 times the vitamin C of oranges, 4 times the vitamin A of carrots, 4 times the calcium of milk, 3 times the potassium of bananas, and twice the protein of yogurt!

Himalayan Crystal Salt:  When I first saw this ingredient, I'll admit, I thought, "seriously, it is just salt."  According to Dr. Joseph Marcola, however, it is not "just salt."  It is "by far the purest salt available on earth and is absolutely uncontaminated with any toxins or pollutants" (1997).  This salt keeps your body balanced and promotes bone strength.

Sacha inchi:  This is a plant that comes from Peru.  It is high in vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids.  Sacha inchi oil has been used to treat high cholesterol and to assist in weight loss....and according to my recent blood work, MY cholesterol has dropped from 223 to 166 since drinking Shakeology.

Maca:  This is a root that is also grown in Peru.  It belongs to the radish family (now radishes, I have heard of!).  According to Paul E, author of EzineArticles, "maca is able to increase energy, vitality and labido.  In addition Maca improves memory and blood oxygenation."

Cacao:  Obviously, this is an ingredient in Chocolate Shakeology!  It is a source of magnesium and iron.  It is extremely high in antioxidants, helping to increase one's overall health.

The list of ingredients continues, however, I won't bore you with the benefits of each and every one.  What I can say is that this shake is more than just a shake.  It is the healthiest meal that I have each day. It takes the place of my daily multivitamin, helps curb my cravings for junk food, keeps me regular, and keeps me energized throughout the day.

There are no pesticides or herbicides used on any of the Shakeology ingredients.  There are no artificial sweeteners.  It REALLY is the healthiest meal of the day.  Try to find THAT in your other protein shakes or weight loss meal replacements.

If you would like to try it out, Beachbody offers a 30 day, bottom of the bag guarantee.  If you aren't happy, you can get your money back.  Want to try it out, click here.

95 Calorie Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins!

I just tried these today and they have been kid approved by my 13 year old son.  He told me to just not tell anyone else in the house that they are healthy.  They definitely satisfy my chocolate craving!

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cup of oats

3 egg whites

3/4 cup Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 tsp cream of tarter

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup hot water

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 cup truvia baking blend (or Stevia)

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1.  Line muffin pan with foil liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

2.  Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

3.  Mix everything, except the chocolate chips, in a blender on LOW until smooth.  Do not over blend.

4.  Fill cupcake liners approximately 3/4 of the way.

5.  Place chocolate chips on top.

6.  Bake for 15 - 20 minutes

7.  I checked mine at about 12 minutes and placed a few more chocolate chips on top.

Want to know where to get Shakeology?  Check my Shakeology tab.

Are You Ready?

       "Are you ready?"  This is the most common question that I have heard in the past few weeks.  I've heard it from administration, fellow teachers, friends, and acquaintances.  It is such a loaded question, with the possibility of an answer longer than anyone really wants to hear when they ask it.


Is my room ready?  NO!!!!!

Classroom Library:
I had SO many books...which is a great thing, but not when some of them looked like they had seen better days, and others just looked like they were printed before I was even born.  Those "not so appealing" books were boxed up to be donated.  The magazines that were missing covers or crinkled up were recycled.  My classroom library may be smaller now, but it is much nicer and much more user friendly.  I still, however, keep stumbling upon books that need to be organized and put where they belong.

Lights:

I cannot stand the overhead lighting in classrooms.  It gives me a headache because it is just too bright.  I have filters over my lights so that I can turn on the overhead lighting when needed, but I also have set up lamps around the room for added soft light.

Cabinets:

Anything that has been sitting in my file cabinet or closets and not removed for a year has gone to the recycle bin.  If it is something that I'm thinking, "hmmm...well, maybe...." then I'll keep it this year, but if it still isn't used, it will be gone by next summer.  I'm tired of holding onto things "just incase" and collecting clutter.  This process, however, seems to be ongoing.

Organization:

Between keeping myself organized and keeping the kids organized, I need tools to help.  I have drawers to keep papers for upcoming classes, along with notes from home or signed tests or missing work reports.  I also have trays for students to turn in their work and mailboxes for what they need to take home.

Seating:

I change the seating in my room quite often.  I may have L shaped groups or clusters, but no matter how they are seated, I try to ensure that it is easy for them to work both individually and cooperatively. We'll be starting the year, this year, with clusters of four....but I still need to figure out where everyone will be sitting on the first day of school!

Walls:

I do have a few decorations and some things on my walls, but overall, they are pretty bare to begin the year.  As we get going, I'll have more of the kids' work displayed.  This means that I'll have to be creative to try to make the room look presentable for our Open House that will take place the night before school starts, while still leaving room for student work.

Is curriculum ready?  NO!!!!!

Yes, we did spend time at the end of last year discussing what kids knew and what needed to be changed for this year.  Yes, I have spent time planning this summer.  Yes, I know WHAT I should be teaching.....but I just don't FEEL ready.  I'm not sure that I have all of the supplies that I need yet and I don't know this year's kids yet, so how can I have HOW I'm teaching them nailed down if I don't know them?

   Unfortunately, there is only so much that we can prepare for as teachers to be ready for that first day of school.  Our daily jobs are unpredictable.  Kids are all unique, with unique needs and interests.  Behaviors and each individual students' lives are all variables, so "are we ready?"  Well, I am ready to face the day and meet all of my new students and their families.  I'm ready to get to know this new batch of kids and do everything that I can to support and reach each of them.  In short, am I ready?  Well, I'm as ready as I'm going to be.

Teacher with "ME time?"

Why do teachers love summer so much?  This is the time when things can wind down a little and maybe, just MAYBE we can get some time for ourselves.

Summer, however, is coming to a close.  The notices about lunch and recess duty have come out, the trips to the classroom to try to get things set up have started, the purchases of clothes pins, index cards, posters and bulletin board boarders have begun.  What does this mean for our time?  It means those 24 hours in the day get packed solid.

Before you know it, you're heading the union, leading a committee that has to undergo some sort of state approval, sitting as a member of 4 other committees that you probably can't even name off the top of your head and completely forgot about until you received the emails that you have a meeting to attend, learning a new curriculum for a program that you're piloting, putting together data for students that you have already taught for people who don't even want to look at it, OH!  And don't forget the day-to-day stuff...like, grading kids' papers, keeping in touch with parents, creating lesson plans, revamping your lessons when the technology you planned to use doesn't work as planned, updating your web site, entering grades, creating missing work reports.....

We have to fit all of these things in while also being parents that have soccer games to attend, homework to help clarify, and scraped knees to bandage (with that possible emergency room visit for various sprained body parts and bee stings).

We MAY even want some time with our spouses!  Yes.....there is a reason why teachers were always portrayed as old, unwed, spinsters.....They didn't have TIME for a social life!

So, now that school is starting up again and the craziness is beginning, how are you going to make time for YOU?  Getting time in for everything else is enough of a challenge, but how do you fit in time for yourself?

I have actually scheduled in my "Me Time."  My calendar has "workout" blocked out first thing in the morning.  That is MY "Me Time."  It is not time for me to be a wife or a mom or a teacher...it is all for ME.  I get my workout done, make my breakfast and sit with my cup of coffee (and maybe even a BOOK!) for a few minutes.  It isn't a long stretch of time, but it is my time.  When is your "Me Time?"

Do you need help with scheduling in a consistent time for you that you can stick to?  Let's chat.  Email me at coachmomnteach@gmail.com 

Idioms CAN be fun....

     Once Upon a Marigold, by Jean Ferris is one of my favorite books to read to sixth graders.  Ed, the troll, is the greatest character.  Not only is this a great read, but Ed makes learning figurative language fun.

    Ed is a very caring troll who, while in the woods, stumbles upon a boy who has run away.  He has wonderful advice, however, he tends to mix up his idioms....like "that cup of tea is definitely not down your alley," "I can see I'm beating my head against a dead horse," and "it was too late now to lock the barn door after the wolf in sheep's clothing was stolen."

    This story is basically a love story between a run away boy and a princess, but the humor makes it fitting for both boys and girls in the classroom.  Ed's blunders and mixed up idioms make for great lessons on figurative language and students have fun coming up with their own idioms for different situations.

   What books do YOU love using in your classroom?

First Day Plans

The first day of school......I don't care if you've been teaching for 30 years or if you are just stepping into the classroom, I think all teachers get first day jitters every year.

Personally, I love and hate the first day.  I love meeting the new kids.  I love their excitement about getting lockers.  I love the wonder that they have for what we are going to learn.  But I can't stand talking all day.  Yes, I want to do activities with the kids and hear what they have to say, but, inevitably, those first few days of school are the ones when I go home with a sore throat from talking most of the day.  There is no other way that I know of to get important procedures and messages out to my students than to tell them.

The purpose of this blog is to give some first day activities that engage students and take a little of the talking away from the teacher.  What ARE the important things we need to go over on the first few days of school?  Well, we should get to know each other, learn our schedule, find out where the important things in the room are located, learn the daily procedures, rules of the classroom, and "what happens if" type questions (including emergency procedures).  Don't forget that they may want to know what it is they are going to be learning, what field trips and fun things they'll be doing and how we will be grading them.  And all of this should be completed quickly and efficiently so that we can then get to actually teaching before the kids are tested.

Fair Isn't Always Equal

This was a very important phrase that I learned from Rick Wormli.  A great lesson that demonstrates this to the kids was shown to us by Pat Quinn, the RTI Guy.  This is a lesson I WILL be using on day one this year.

Each student will get a card numbered 1through however many students there are in the class.  Card # 1 will be called up to the front with their ailment.  When asked the problem, they'll read me their card that will say, "I have a cut on my finger."  I will then give them a bandaid for their finger.  Card #2 will come up and read, "I have a broken arm."  I will then give them a bandaid and send them back to their seat.  Card # 3 will come up and read, "I keep throwing up."  After listening to the "EEEWWWW"s, I will give them a bandaid and send them back to their seat.  This will continue until everyone is "treated" (with latex free bandaids, of course).

The question will be asked if I helped everyone.  Of course, I did not.  We'll discuss the fact that each student had different problems, and thus, different needs.  This will lead to a discussion about how this also happens in the classroom.  We will all be learning the same skills.  Some kids may get things quickly, others may need it broken down a different way, others may need to do something differently with it or use different tools to learn it.  We may not all be doing the exact same thing at the exact same time in class, but we are all working on learning the same skills.  What works for you may not work for the kid sitting next to you....and that is okay.  I need to help everyone in my class and can't do that by giving everyone the same thing.

Tour of the Classroom

This is a quick and easy activity that gets kids out of their seats.  I put different items in the room on index cards (stapler, homework trays, bathroom sign out...ect.).  Each student gets a card (if I have to give a card to partners, I can do that, too).  They are then told to find their item and stand by it.  Once everyone has found it (or thinks they have), we go around the room and answer (1)  What was on your card? (2) Where is it? and (3) What do you think we use it for?  Some are more obvious than others.

Important Information Bingo

Give students a blank BINGO board (or INFO! board) and write important topics on the board, such as, bathroom, homework, teacher is with a group, fire alarm, lock down, recess, absent, etc.  Let each student fill in their board with whichever topics in any spot they would like (with one "free" space).  Then shuffle up some premade index cards with the topics on the board and start picking them.  When they are picked, go over the information needed (like, "bathroom....if you need to use the bathroom while we are doing seat work, please just be sure no other boy is out or no other girl is out, and go.  If I'm in the middle of instruction, try to wait, but if you can't, please raise your hand.  Please do not go at the very beginning or end of class unless it is an emergency because that is when I may be giving instructions or important information.  If you are going to be sick, just go, please!").  Have students mark bathroom with a chip and continue.  You can have a prize for those with five in a row or blackout the board, but you'll obviously continue going over all procedures.  You can even have them clear their boards, shuffle up the cards again, and go through again, having students explain the procedure if it is one you've already explained.

Getting to Know You

Here is a great getting to know you activity from Carissa Peck:

mELTing Activities, Lessons and Ideas: Circle of Life - First Day Activity

What activities do YOU have that engage the students on the first day?  Share with us, please!

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

It is summer, so memories of summer's past sometimes come to mind.  One summer in particular was at the end of, what I think was, my seventh grade year.  I had a reading teacher that I loved.  She read to us every day and, well, it was reading....so what is not to love?  She also had great book recommendations.  At the end of the school year, she put her address on the board and told us all that we could write to her.

We wrote back and forth throughout the summer....and possibly even into my eighth grade year.  She asked about what I was reading and gave me more recommendations.

Now, I have had a few students that have written to me after receiving a "Thank you" card in the mail, but most send me emails.  Are there teachers out there anymore that write back and forth to their students?  With all of the warnings that we get that we should not get too close to our students, is letter writing crossing a line?

Summer Schedule....Not so much

I think that the hardest part about summer is that there is no set schedule.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE summer vacation, but I got into a routine over the school year.  Now, I COULD actually sleep a little later and COULD push the workout off for later in the day.  If the kids are still sleeping, then we aren't going to get moving for a little while and I could sit and enjoy my coffee on the front porch.

Keeping somewhat of a schedule is what is keeping my sanity.  I am still getting up anywhere between 5 and 6:30 am, getting my workout in, then getting some work done while eating breakfast and drinking my coffee.  After that, the day is mine to do as I wish....or to do the things I don't really want to do, but that have piled up from August - June and now NEED doing.  Cleaning the house and cleaning out the basement are on that list for me.

What are the things that you have put off and now have time to do for the summer?