Happy New Year!

Why must all good things come to an end?!? 

The longer I teach, the harder it is to bounce back from breaks.

This time its particularly difficult because I'm taking off for maternity leave in March and I'm so stressed about getting my kids ready for the state tests & prepping for a sub.

I don't even know where to begin :(

However... it's time to face the music!!! 

I will be working on a maternity leave packet in the next few weeks and promise to share it with all of you.

Now on top of that I have to get ready for New Year activities, MLK, Presidents Day, 

Literacy Day, 100th Day of School, Groundhog Day, Valentines Day, and Dr. Seuss Day. 

(Did I forget anything?!?) 

It's def. crunch time & I'm feeling the pressure!

I wish tomorrow was a teacher planning day just to give myself a chance to get organized.

I need a check list & plan!

Here's a mini writing pack I created today in collaboration with the wonderful creative help of Tracy over at

Tracy spiced up the pack with all the cute fonts & clip art :)
In her store you'll find a younger version of this pack appropriate for lower elementary, whereas in my store you'll find the pack appropriate for grades 4th-7th.

The pack includes directions, template, and a double bubble thinking map graphic organizer for a
Dear Future Me letter
& 35 writing prompts for the new year that can be incorporated into a writing center or done as a whole class.

Here are snapshots from the pack :)

The first 3 comments on how you will use & incorporate these activities in your classroom 

will win this pack for free. All I ask is that you pin it to your boards :)

Also, here are some of the activities I did to celebrate Martin Luther King day with my kids last year. I plan on going with the same ideas this year but might spice it up a bit this coming week.

Now... I just remembered that tomorrow morning when I get back I have to schedule my formal observation as well. Do you hear the excitement in my voice?!?
I sure could use another week (or 4) of vacation!!!

Good luck tomorrow!!! I sure will need it :)