Happy Earth Day!

As much as I am enjoying my Spring Break and can NOT believe it is almost over, I am a little bummed that we aren't in school on Earth Day - our class always disucsses making good choices that help our classmates, families, communities and world and Earth Day is always a fun day to intentionally put some of those ideas into whole class action. 

Since I am not in school doing Earth friendly activities with my students I am doing some at home with my children.  We are going to create an intentional recycling space in our home that is kid friendly so Sean (7) and Zachary (5) can be a part of recycling in our home.  They are also using markers to block out our name/address on magazines and we will be donating them to the local hospital.

 For those of you who are interested in making your home more Earth friendly, here is a web site that motivates you to be green at home and in your classroom by earning points and rewards for the things you do:  Recycle Bank

When I was in 4th grade, my teacher had us reycle the paper in our classroom.  We would collect it then mix it with water, blend it together and press it into molds.  When the molds dried, we would trim the edges, paint/decorate and attach a clip or pin.  Our class would sell them and raise money for local charities.  This simple activity showed us that even as 4th graders we could make a difference.   

I love that 20 years later this activity is still touching my life. 

I have yet to translate this activity into something that fits into the first grade curriculum and schedule. 

Any ideas?!?

3 miles of Stickys

Okay, so you know how I ended my last blog with "I love stickys"...

Well, I do and I totally went to Target that night and found these:

Where the Wild Things Are Stickys!!!!! 

How exciting!!  They were in the $ section of Target which btw is the greatest place on Earth!

I was so excited - my kids were even a little weirded out by my reaction. 

Anyway, My excitement could not be contained.  I bought...well I am not sure how many, but for those of you hopung to find them at the Shoppes at the Townes Target...you can't...I bought them all.  :)

So it is Tuesday and my spring break is going by way too fast!  It is raining and I think that yesterday was the best weather we will be seeing. Bleh

I took my boys to the toe path...

A BIT OF ADVICE:

It is unrealistic to expect a 5 year old and a 7 year old to bike ride 3 miles at the toe path and then have a pleasant trip to the grocery store. 

What Was I Thinking?!?

They actually did a really good job on the trail, only a few tears from Zachary (5) but his training wheels kept getting stuck so it wasn't exactly his fault and I did have them riding for 3 miles.  There was a moment when I thought Sean (7) was going into the Potomac but he was saved by his last minute decision to turn into the grass - Thank you Jesus!

Today I think we are taking a trip to the Pet Store.  My kids love going and seeing the animals and since it is raining it will be a good indoor activity but first I am going to allow myself 30 minutes of blog browsing.

:)

Blogs, Blogs Everywhere!

Okay so two of my first grade collegues  introduced me to blogs and now, I am afraid, we are all addicted. 

For me personally, I have been spending way too much time on the computer reading, downloading, and purchasing ideas and activities.  It is bad - my children actually ate hamburger helper the other night.  Don't worry, once you get to know me you will realize that is NOT me.  Eww just the thought of that meal...

Don't get me wrong, I am always looking for quick and easy meals.  I am a mother of two who are involved in t-ball and little league (two different teams, two different practice nights and games at fields that are across town from eachother...the moms out there will understand the chaos in that alone) we volunteer with teenagers 3x each week and we host a bible study in our home one night a week.  For those of you who haven't pulled your head out of that scheduling mess that leaves ZERO free nights.  We are slowly backing off and trying to get some time to ourselves but it is difficult when you love all the things you are committed to.

Then there is teaching.  I love my job.  My little firsties are amazing - but I made a semi-commitment to my family - anything I don't finish at school is left there.  I say "semi-commitment" because there are a few exceptions. Aside from the obvious (illness, emergency, whoope I totally forgot interims go out tomorrow...) I usually bring home purchase orders and anything that has to do with crayons, sharpies, slick sticks or stickys.

Did I mention I am addicted to stickys?