Blank EOY Awards {freebie}

It's almost the end of the year!!!  I truly think teaching is the only profession where you are equally happy to begin as to end.  Am I right or am I right?!  :)

Since I end up doing something different every year for our graduation/celebration/call it what you will, I'm always on the hunt for the right thing.  I couldn't find quite what I was looking for in certificates this year {or the prices were more than I was willing to pay for them} and I figured I wasn't the only one.

If you're in the same boat as me, I hope you can use these free certificates!  There are 4 backgrounds to choose from as well as 8 different kids, of various ethnicities.  You can add your own award title at the top and be as creative as you like...there are loads of ideas out there if you search.

The more I thought about it, you could really use these awards for all kinds of things!  Student of the Week, parent volunteers, student teachers finishing up their placement, character ed recognition, etc. Click either picture to get them at my TeachersPayTeachers store for free!  :)

And if you're looking for some easy time fillers as you look back over your current year and look ahead to what's next, remember to check out my EOY packet for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders!

*Please note that I am not criticizing anyone for their listing prices, as I sell products on TpT myself.  Every purchase is a personal choice of weighing cost vs. what you're getting from your purchase.  I totally support all sellers and am happy for everyone who is able to make a little money with their creations.*

Here chicky, chicky!

Attempt #2.  I got my eggs again and am ready to hatch!

After last year's debacle you probably thought I'd give up {and almost did} but I'm ready to roll again with a full-on official incubator!

In the movement of making everything better, I'm putting together an egg hatching observation journal.  Since I'm using the oh-so-talented Jessica Weible's designs, I will have to charge for it {not to worry} so I want to make sure it's something you can all use!

{here's what I have so far}

*living vs. non-living & oviparous vs. viviparous
*prediction page - what animal is in the egg?

*how to care for the eggs/chicks

*calendar to chart 21 days of growth

*candling observation page

*writing about "the birth"

*voting for a chick name graph

*writing about the chicks
*thank you letter for the person/place we received the eggs

*vocabulary page

What else do you want me to include?  What other aspects of the chicken world am I missing??  :)

I would also like to thank Jennifer at {Teaching with Grace} and Steph at {Be a Nutt With Mrs. McNutt} for the One Lovely Blog award!

I would like to continue sharing the love with these 15 ladies you should know:

Heather at {Heather's Heart}

Heather at {Mrs. Shelton's Kindergarten}

Cara at {The First Grade Parade}

Roxanne at {Books that Heal Kids}

Maddie at {Class Full of Crazy}

Randi at {Teach it With Class}

Sharon at {Teaching With Sight}

Teri at {A Cupcake for the Teacher}

{The Princess & the Tot}

Melissa at {DillyDabbles}

Deb at {Oh my little Classity Class}

Laura at {Kinder Kraziness}

Melissa at {Teaching Fashionista}

{Miss Nguyen's Class}

Jeannie at {Kindergarten LIfestyle}

Happy Monday!  And don't forget to watch my {friend of a} friend Tony Lucca {but who's counting?!} on The Voice tonight!!  ;)  Yes...from the original Mickey Mouse Club, where he was friends with Christina!  Yeah 80's childhood!!

I'm...fascinating?!

Ok.  So...I got this email today telling me that my blog has been nominated to be {2011's Most Fascinating Teaching Blog.}

Is it horrible that I'm skeptical of these things?  While part of me is like...whoa...what?!  Another part of me {maybe the part that is my mother} is saying...they send those things to everyone...they're just out to get you...it's some type of scam.

I mean, honestly, I know that sounds horrible...so I checked it out.  And it actually looks legit!  All the legal mubo jumbo is there in the {rules} and I would be OH SO flattered for this to be real.  There are zillions of teaching blogs out there and so many of you are better at posting consistently, creating new material and giving things away to your readers.  There are a good few of you that I'd give an award to, but way before myself!

For now, having looked at the criteria, I'm going to be proud of myself:

In order to be fascinating, content can’t just be useful, valuable, entertaining, educational, or interesting. These are all great traits to have but fascinating content is a mixture of these things and much more.

Fascinating content is best quantified by the physical and emotional reaction that it instills in its audience rather than particular traits of the content. Put simply, fascinating content:

• *Inspires its audience.
• *Creates conversation around the topic.
• *Creates a strong emotional reaction (positive or negative)
• *Gets shared both online and off.

Someone out there thinks my blog is inspiring, encouraging and contains genuinely fascinating content.  I mean, really, who am I to argue with that?!  ;)  Even if I can inspire one person a day or help share ideas as I get them, that's really what this blog is all about!  I've said that since my post on day one!

It's readers choice so I suppose that'll determine it in the end.  If ya'll would like to reward me with a $200 restaurant gift certificate...I won't turn it down!!

And I guess, come back on Saturday to vote for me!  No contest, no giveaway to enter if you do.  If you think my blog meets those criteria, I'd love to have your vote.  But if you think someone else who's been nominated is more deserving, that's ok, too.  That's what readers choice is all about, right?!  

choice.  ;)

when cyber worlds collide!

I realized something about myself today and had to laugh.  I very well may feel connected to more of you that I've never met than some of the people I see in my day to day life!  But you and I...we really have the perfect relationship.  Think about it.  We share ideas to help each other but never get mad that someone has taken your glory because if they get recognized for "their" awesome idea by another staff member, the idea-maker isn't there across the hall fuming...she's likely in a different state and wouldn't even know!  We find connections and build on common interests when we constantly repin each other's ideas but don't have to get jealous when someone else plans the same activity for the same day.  And we can give each other encouragement and "good job you!"s without ever having to worry about having arguments or miscommunications. While I'm not saying that we should all hermit-up and stop having relationships with the outside world, I am thankful for you "friends" and your willingness to share.

I was given the Versatile Blogger award by Vickie over at Mrs. Plant's Press.  When I went to her blog I was surprised that I hadn't been there before.  After all, I knew her name and recognized her {beautiful wedding} picture.  So if I wasn't already a follower of her blog, how in the world did I know her?!  Oh.  Wait.  Pinterest!  My cyber-worlds had collided.  :)  I am so happy to accept the award from her and hope you'll stop by to pick up some good ideas on her blog or her Pinterest boards...or both!

The Versatile Blogger Award Rules:

*Link back to the person who nominated you.

*Share 7 things about yourself.

*Pass the award to 12 new deserving bloggers.

{seven things about me}

{1} I don't believe in New Year's resolutions because giving something the title of a resolution seems to just doom it from happening.  But I do believe in making changes to be better and the one I'm currently working on is to think less of myself and more of others, including not getting caught up in drama or gossip {how hard is THAT when you work with 99% women?!}.  Ask me in March and let's see how I'm doing...  ;)

{2} I love using music, videos, games, etc in my classroom.  Do you follow Harry Kindergarten on YouTube?!  The SmartBoard is so much better than crowding 20 students around one computer monitor!

{3} I truly love The Cosby Show and will have to take a day off when Mr. Cosby is no longer with us.  I constantly use show phrases in my day-to-day conversations and people who don't know me probably think I'm nuts.  Who it is?!...I could never eat a duck face....Bacon Burger Dog!


{4} While I'm on the topic of videos that make me laugh, let's just take it one step further and really embarrass myself.  I can not watch this video without laughing.  And I've seen it multiple times.

{5} And in case that's not juvenile enough, New Girl is my new favorite show and here's why.  {maybe do not watch this if you have kids in the room.  P-word!}  Cracks me up.

{6} I can obviously laugh at myself!  I'm a pretty open book {much to the chagrin of my mother} and even talk about personal issues because I feel like any struggle I've been through was allowed by God so I can use it to help someone else.

{7} I do not cook unless we're having a party but I love Chopped, Iron Chef, Man vs. Food and Top Chef!  I even comment on their dishes and what they should do...but could never do it myself!

{12 blogs you should follow}

Inspired by my earlier realization, I'm choosing to give this award to people I've recently found via their great pinning taste in hopes of further connecting with them through blogland!

Keri {Teach Play Smile}

Lory {Lory's Page}

Andrea {Little Squigglers}

Sue {The Very Busy Kindergarten}

Melanie {School Girl Style}

Gina {Play Based Classroom}

Jessi {Naptime Diaries}

Stephanie {Inspire Design Studio}

Carolyn {The Wise Owl Factory}

Deanna {Golden Gang Kindergarten}

Kate {Fun in ECSE}

Andi {Pencils Glue & Tying Shoes}

Have fun downloading and sharing...and making new cyber friends!

December = Share your Christmas goodies.

Mistletoe was a HIT hanging in the doorway flowers today.  The kids couldn't find him for the longest time and they thought he left.  I love it!  Christmas as a kindergarten teacher IS. THE. BEST!  For tomorrow, he's hanging out in a backpack...

Coming soon...all of the super fun things we've done this week: pattern ornaments, gift writing, candy canes and surely more things that I'm forgetting.  I was so into completing projects to replace my turkeys that I even forgot to take pictures!  But I have them of finished products at least.  And they are all coming...in the next few days.  Tomorrow is our staff Christmas party so I will be celebrating after work with my daytime family!!

I would also like to thank Fern for choosing me in the Sunshine Award!  :)  I'm always amazed when I'm chosen for an award {especially when my posts have been all but consistent} but to be chosen among other ladies that I - let's face it - basically swoon over...it's just so appreciated.  Please go check out Fern's blog and all of her fun stories and ideas.  Anyone who recognizes this awesome talent {ha!} deserves some recognition of her own!!  ;)

The rules of the award are to answer the following questions and pass it along {see below!}:

Favorite color: pink.  Or, wait...is glitter a color??

Favorite animal: elephants.  hands down.  They are by far the cutest thing ever and if I could get one I would name her Penelope.

Favorite number: 44.  My contestant number from a little beauty pageant I won in high school.  Or should I say miniscule?  Pretty sure I competed against roughly 5 other people.  ;)

Favorite drink: coffee.  wine.  coffee.  wine.  BOTH.

Facebook or Twitter: Obsessed with my Facebook and Twitter is fun but my new obsession is Pinterest.

Your passion: high heels?  kids?  making people laugh?  First and foremost, loving Jesus and helping others do the same.  But the others come close behind!

Giving or getting presents: I love to give presents and see other people smile.  Luckily, I'm also married to someone whose love language is gift giving...so I'm pretty much spoiled with the best of both worlds.  {Thanks for letting me brag, I know I'm a lucky girl!}

Favorite day: Friday.  Love my church family on Sunday and doing {anything} with my husband on Saturday.  But as a teacher, is ANYTHING better than Friday?!

Favorite flowers: lilies.  My husband got them for me on our 3rd date.  And so many times since.

I would like to recognize:

My BBFF {blogging best friend forever, obvi} Hadar who always seems to be one step ahead of me in the fashion department, snagging freebies and winning contests.  You'd think that would be annoying but I just love her!  She's so fabulous!

Mrs. Scoma is just so sweet.  Give her an idea or a suggestion on something she's created and chances are she'll send it to you for free.  Sorry if I just gave away your secret.  {But she's so sweet that she probably doesn't even care!}  And she has super fun news...go check it out on her blog!!!

Annie from The Moffatt Girls.  Besides being an amazing stay-at-home mom to two beautiful girls who creates more than I ever will, she's willing to share and doesn't charge for any of her {so great} products.  You haven't taught Sight Words until you've used her Ready2Read printables.  Trust me.  Annie, I want to be you when I grow up.  {for real}  <3

life management.

Ladies {because I'm assuming your husbands and boyfriends are currently parked on the couch in front of football like mine},

I'm having a struggle.  This is a new school year for us all, full of many exciting & new things.  For me, the list includes but is not limited to...teaching inclusion.  special need students.  additional 45 minutes in the day.  common core.  new science objectives.  new social studies curriculum.  new behavior plan.  {hopefully soon} new puppy in the new house complete with a new and longer commute to work.  And I have to say, I'm taking it all in stride!  Except for one thing...

no. time. to. blog.

Our bell schedule has been extended by 45 minutes in an effort to cut the budget by way of having less bus drivers {who are also working longer days by the time they get our kids home around 5 o'clock but that's another story}.  On top of it, our day has been backed up with a later start and end time.  Like many of you, I'm a teach-a-holic working extra hours, not for the money {ha!} but because it's necessary to give my students what they need.  Now I'm running around in 20 minutes or so after school trying to set up for the next day before getting in my car and driving half an hour home to stay just ahead of the city traffic.  By the time I get home, it's after five o'clock, I work in my office until dinner's ready {because I'm lucky enough to have a husband who cooks!} then it's about an hour with him before I have to go to bed early in order to get up extra early to get ahead of the city traffic going back in.

I apologize for the semi-rant, but I just have to ask...how do you ladies do it?!  I just can not find the time to get online with you all like I used to when we dismissed at 2:45.  I was getting on to complain when I saw a comment from Pam at Can Do Kinders, who was awarding me for being one of her top 10 favorite blogs.  {thank you!!!}  When I read her reasoning, "So many great ideas and so positive!  She is the best!" I was both humbled and smacked in the face for my desire to vent.  So for all of you who are sticking with me while I'm AWOL and all of you feeling the crunch of a new school year with new challenges AND especially you mothers who are juggling all of this plus kids of your own...I give this to you.

I know it's probably against the rules and I apologize for not choosing just 10, but I think we all deserve a little recognition for the hours, the frustrations, the challenges and the exercise of just managing life.  And hey, while we're at it...why not a freebie?  Pour yourself another glass of wine {just wait for the cheer of a touchdown and you'll completely go unnoticed} and take a few moments to do the things we love the most.  Browse blogs and research Pinterest, those things that force you to relax.  Just be sure to leave some recognition and a little appreciation in your wake.

Click for a letter sorting activity for your newest of learners!

Whoa...50 best?!

So...apparently I've received my first blog award?!

Gladys at Teaching in High Heels was the first to let me know.  And I'm so oblivious that I thought she was just being cute and telling me that she loved the blog.  Then I saw it again from Kinderglynn {whoa...one of the best!} and figured I better check this out.  Totally legit.  And I am blown away.
As I read down the list of some of my all-time favorite blogging buddies I kept thinking, "Oh of course!" or "I love her!" because you ladies are like celebrities in my silly blog world!  Then I did see my name and, as anyone who truly knows me will not be surprised to hear, got teary eyed.  This is what it said:

Little Miss Glamour Goes to Kindergarten: In her "About Me," Mrs. Young says she's "known for teaching kindergarten in my stilettos but also love glitter, stickers and making my students laugh." She's girly (in the most complimentary way), funny, and supremely animated. Her class hatches chicks, decorates clocks out of crayons, and dresses up as farmers. What could be more fun than that?


I've had a rough couple of days feeling lost in that end of year tired haze so this came at such at great time.  I am truly humbled {not to mention a little bit in shock!} at being honored after such a short time of blogging.  But I genuinely thank whoever was involved in pouring over the multitude of kindergarten blogs and finding something special about mine.  I look forward to creating for, sharing with and stealing more from all of you.  ;)


For the rest of you, please check out the other ladies I am honored to be grouped with: California Teaching Credential.