I've updated the Teacher Appreciation note cards that I created last year by decreasing their size so that four can be printed on one page! Download the new size here!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Teacher Appreciation Free Printables
It's that time of year again...Teacher Appreciation Week! I wrote a post last year about what this week means for us high school teachers and included some creative appreciation ideas. This year I've created a free printable 'baggie topper' that reads "Thanks for being one smart cookie!" Simply print onto card stock, bake or buy some cookies, fill the baggies, and staple the topper! Now what teacher wouldn't LOVE to receive such a sweet gift? Download the printable here!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
French Toast Casserole Bake Recipe
Yum, yum, yummy, yum, yum! This recipe for a French toast casserole bake is simple to prepare, calls for only a few ingredients, and is SOOO delicious!
The casserole should be prepared the night before and then baked in the morning...which is a more convenient option than cooking individual pieces of French toast and trying to keep them all warm before serving! I've slightly adapted the recipe from this source!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar (plus more for 'sprinkling')
1 and 1/2 loaves of Challah bread (see description/picture below)
4 eggs
1 and 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (and more for 'sprinkling')
Ground cinnamon for 'sprinkling'
The original recipe calls for using Texas toast, which is essentially a thickly cut type of bread. My local grocery store only had the frozen garlic style Texas toast which wouldn't work for this recipe. So, after speaking with someone in the bakery, they suggested using Challah bread which I cut into roughly 1 inch slices:
I would recommend using any thick bread...French bread might work, too. Just be sure your bread is thickly sliced so that it will sufficiently absorb the egg mixture!
Instructions
Step 1:
Melt butter in the microwave, then stir in brown sugar until totally mixed. Spread this mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish (be sure to cover the entire bottom).
Step 2:
Slice your bread into roughly 1 inch thick slices then place into a single layer on bottom of your baking dish.
Step 3:
Mix your eggs, milk, vanilla, and tablespoon of powdered sugar until combined.
Step 4:
Pour half of your egg mixture over your layer of bread. Then sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar on top of this first layer.
Step 5:
Add your second layer of bread slices, then pour the remaining layer of egg mixture on top.
Step 6:
Cover your dish and set in the refrigerator over night.
Step 7:
In the morning, sprinkle more cinnamon and brown sugar on top and cover your dish with aluminum foil. Then place dish into a 350 degree oven. Bake for about 45 minutes total, keeping foil on your dish for the first 25 minutes before removing and baking the rest of the time without foil.
Step 8:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle powdered sugar on top! You won't need any syrup because this dish is sweet enough on its own!
The casserole should be prepared the night before and then baked in the morning...which is a more convenient option than cooking individual pieces of French toast and trying to keep them all warm before serving! I've slightly adapted the recipe from this source!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar (plus more for 'sprinkling')
1 and 1/2 loaves of Challah bread (see description/picture below)
4 eggs
1 and 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (and more for 'sprinkling')
Ground cinnamon for 'sprinkling'
The original recipe calls for using Texas toast, which is essentially a thickly cut type of bread. My local grocery store only had the frozen garlic style Texas toast which wouldn't work for this recipe. So, after speaking with someone in the bakery, they suggested using Challah bread which I cut into roughly 1 inch slices:
I would recommend using any thick bread...French bread might work, too. Just be sure your bread is thickly sliced so that it will sufficiently absorb the egg mixture!
Instructions
Step 1:
Melt butter in the microwave, then stir in brown sugar until totally mixed. Spread this mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish (be sure to cover the entire bottom).
Step 2:
Slice your bread into roughly 1 inch thick slices then place into a single layer on bottom of your baking dish.
Step 3:
Mix your eggs, milk, vanilla, and tablespoon of powdered sugar until combined.
Step 4:
Pour half of your egg mixture over your layer of bread. Then sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar on top of this first layer.
Step 5:
Add your second layer of bread slices, then pour the remaining layer of egg mixture on top.
Step 6:
Cover your dish and set in the refrigerator over night.
Step 7:
In the morning, sprinkle more cinnamon and brown sugar on top and cover your dish with aluminum foil. Then place dish into a 350 degree oven. Bake for about 45 minutes total, keeping foil on your dish for the first 25 minutes before removing and baking the rest of the time without foil.
Step 8:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle powdered sugar on top! You won't need any syrup because this dish is sweet enough on its own!
Enjoy with friends and family!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Field Trip to Boston!
Now that I'm finally teaching US History this semester at my new school, it was the perfect time to plan my annual field trip to Boston! For the last 7 years, I've taken 50 students on a day trip to walk the Freedom Trail, have lunch at Quincy Market, and tour the USS Constitution. We are only 2 hours from Boston so it's an easy trip for one day.
The Freedom Trail is comprised of numerous historic sites in the city of Boston, highlighting Boston's Puritan and Revolutionary past. For school groups, costumed 'Colonial' guides take students on a 90-minute walking tour on part of the Freedom Trail, interacting with the students and telling stories/historic information at each stop. I've requested one guide in particular, Jeremiah Poope, for the last several years because he holds the attention of my students by using humor throughout his stories!
We get to have lunch and do some shopping for about an hour in historic Quincy Market. The kids love walking around to the shops and eating at one of the MANY food court choices! I indulged in a delectable cannoli!! If you are in Boston you should go to Mike's Pastry in the North End (which is the Italian section of Beantown) who are renowned for their cannolies!
While I prefer to spend my money on fine baked goodies, my teenage students have other items in mind...Please note the 'horse heads' and 'giant box of Nerds' in the picture below...
Both fine souvenirs of Boston for sure! Ha ha! They never cease to amuse me! Finally, we ended our trip by touring the USS Constitution, which is the world's oldest warship still afloat. The ship was used in battle during the War of 1812. Free tours of the ship are given by active duty members of the US Navy. The students enjoy walking around and hearing about what it was like aboard ship!
A little tip for all you teachers out there...buy a TracFone for field trips (my school reimbursed and other teachers use it, too)! Essentially you pay about $20 for the phone itself and then you can buy cards with prepaid minutes. This way you can give the students the cell number for the 'field trip phone' and they can call you if they need you without calling your personal cell number! Gives me peace of mind while they are walking around during lunch and on the tour! We had a great time on this trip, for sure!
The Freedom Trail is comprised of numerous historic sites in the city of Boston, highlighting Boston's Puritan and Revolutionary past. For school groups, costumed 'Colonial' guides take students on a 90-minute walking tour on part of the Freedom Trail, interacting with the students and telling stories/historic information at each stop. I've requested one guide in particular, Jeremiah Poope, for the last several years because he holds the attention of my students by using humor throughout his stories!
While I prefer to spend my money on fine baked goodies, my teenage students have other items in mind...Please note the 'horse heads' and 'giant box of Nerds' in the picture below...
A little tip for all you teachers out there...buy a TracFone for field trips (my school reimbursed and other teachers use it, too)! Essentially you pay about $20 for the phone itself and then you can buy cards with prepaid minutes. This way you can give the students the cell number for the 'field trip phone' and they can call you if they need you without calling your personal cell number! Gives me peace of mind while they are walking around during lunch and on the tour! We had a great time on this trip, for sure!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
WIWW: St. Patrick's Day
Last weekend I went to a St. Patrick's Day party at the home of one of my coworkers. It was really fun to hang out with and get to know people outside of school! I wore my best green accessories...
Emerald colored sweater is from Kohls, boots are from DSW, skinny jeans are from Delias, necklace from Forever 21, socks...maybe WalMart? And the best green accessory of all, my eyes, are from my dad's side of the family! Linking up for What I Wore Wednesday over at The Pleated Poppy!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Apple Nachos
Have you seen pictures of apple nachos all over the interweb? Have you tried them? No?
Run right out and buy some 'fixins' and whip up this quick and easy snack!
I pinned the idea from this site and then went to town with toppings I already had in my pantry. I used Macintosh apples because they are my favorite, sliced thinly and layered on a plate.
Then I drizzled the apples with caramel sundae sauce, followed by coconut flakes, chopped walnuts, and chocolate chips! Sooooo yummy and sooooo easy!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
What I Wore Wednesday
Once again I'm linking up to The Pleated Poppy for WIWW!
This week's outfit is rather 'hipsterish'...
On this day I went for a walk and had lunch down in Portland's Old Port with a friend...a nice day but still a bit chilly, hence the hat, scarf, and vest! Of course I had to wear my classic and trusty Bean Boots, as part of our walk was through melted snow and mud... they are an essential in every Maine girl's wardrobe and are definitely making a comeback amongst the teenage set as I can't walk down the halls at school without seeing the skinny jean/Bean Boot combo!
Oh and to prove I do dress up during the week...
Super fun giraffe print tights from Target paired with a leopard print cardi from GAP! Roar!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Organization Ideas for the Traveling Teacher
Thanks to our mid-term week schedule back in January, I had a bit of extra time to 'reset' and organize my class materials before the start of the new semester. I started by printing labels for all of my binders and organized all of my curriculum materials by category...
This year I started teaching at a new school and am a traveling teacher, which means I teach in 4 different rooms around the school. I knew this was a possibility since I am the 'low teacher on the totem pole' and, after having my own classroom for almost 8 years, not having my own space has been an adjustment.
This is what I use to travel from place to place...it's really a kitchen utility cart that I purchased from Amazon last summer but it works well moving from place to place. It's taken a couple months for me to organize it in a functional way.
The green boxes are actually up cycled paper box tops that I got from the office after a paper delivery. I spray painted each box top with a fun bright green color. They fit nicely in the cart to hold extra copies of papers, etc. On the middle shelf, I've also added some plastic storage containers purchased at the local Dollar Store.
The blue folders are each labeled with one of five class periods and are for students to check for work they may have missed if they were absent. I make sure to put their names on any papers that were handed out when they were gone and then place it immediately into the appropriate folder. At the start of class, students are to come up and check the bin for their work.
The red folders are for any work that has been passed in and needs to be graded for each class (red means 'stop...you must grade' ha ha!) and then green folders are for work that has already been graded and can be passed back (green means 'go'!). Then I have yellow folders for late work, quizzes and assessments that absent students need to come in and take, emergency procedures, and any handouts that need to go out to my homeroom students.
So far this method of organization has worked really well and it's easy for me to take the bin with me wherever I go! What have you organized lately?
This year I started teaching at a new school and am a traveling teacher, which means I teach in 4 different rooms around the school. I knew this was a possibility since I am the 'low teacher on the totem pole' and, after having my own classroom for almost 8 years, not having my own space has been an adjustment.
Enter THE CART...
This is what I use to travel from place to place...it's really a kitchen utility cart that I purchased from Amazon last summer but it works well moving from place to place. It's taken a couple months for me to organize it in a functional way.
The green boxes are actually up cycled paper box tops that I got from the office after a paper delivery. I spray painted each box top with a fun bright green color. They fit nicely in the cart to hold extra copies of papers, etc. On the middle shelf, I've also added some plastic storage containers purchased at the local Dollar Store.
Another organizational idea is gluing a strip of scrapbook paper around a
clean, empty can of vegetables that would otherwise be relegated to the
recycling bin! I have two cans, one for our class participation
popsicle sticks, and the other to hold pens, pencils, scissors, etc.
Because I teach in several places, I needed a way to keep all of my papers in one place. I've implemented some really great organizational ideas from this teacher's blog, starting with purchasing a black plastic bin from Target that fits nicely on the cart as well as some hanging file folders...
The red folders are for any work that has been passed in and needs to be graded for each class (red means 'stop...you must grade' ha ha!) and then green folders are for work that has already been graded and can be passed back (green means 'go'!). Then I have yellow folders for late work, quizzes and assessments that absent students need to come in and take, emergency procedures, and any handouts that need to go out to my homeroom students.
So far this method of organization has worked really well and it's easy for me to take the bin with me wherever I go! What have you organized lately?
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Freezer Meal Idea & Free Printable
One of my friends on Facebook recently posted a request for freezer meals (or really anything that could be of help) for one of her friends who has three young kids, is pregnant with her fourth, and has been put on bed rest.
Can you imagine? Three young kids and then being put on bed rest? I'm not a mom but have spent enough time with young kids (fun fact, I was a live-in nanny for a year after college) to know that it would be nearly impossible to take care of them, let alone prepare meals, while on bed rest!
Since we were on school break last week I had lots of time to whip up a quick and easy meal to deliver to my friend to bring to her friend (are you with me?)! I also have another friend who recently had a baby so she got a meal, too!
I decided on Shepherd's Pie! My mom's been making this super simple recipe since we were little. We don't use any of the fancy versions, just a few ingredients! I love our version best (and I've eaten the 'real deal' while in Ireland!).
To make one 8x8 Shepherd's Pie you'll need:
-About 4 large Russet potatoes
-1 can of creamed corn
-1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey if you prefer)
-dashes of milk, salt, and pepper as well as 4 tablespoons of butter for the potatoes
Steps:
1. Peel, quarter, and boil your potatoes (I'm not a very knowledgeable cook so I actually had to Google 'how long to boil potatoes'...survey says until you can stick a fork in a potato and have it slide off
2. Brown your meat in a pan
3. Drain your cooked potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Add butter, milk, and salt and pepper and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy
3. Place your cooked meat in the bottom of your freezer pan (I bought a disposable 8x8 aluminum pan from WalMart), then empty your corn on top of the meat, then top with your potatoes.
4. Download this adorable label that I created in Photoshop! Then print onto sticker paper (can be purchased at Staples) and affix to your freezer meal!
Can you imagine? Three young kids and then being put on bed rest? I'm not a mom but have spent enough time with young kids (fun fact, I was a live-in nanny for a year after college) to know that it would be nearly impossible to take care of them, let alone prepare meals, while on bed rest!
Since we were on school break last week I had lots of time to whip up a quick and easy meal to deliver to my friend to bring to her friend (are you with me?)! I also have another friend who recently had a baby so she got a meal, too!
I decided on Shepherd's Pie! My mom's been making this super simple recipe since we were little. We don't use any of the fancy versions, just a few ingredients! I love our version best (and I've eaten the 'real deal' while in Ireland!).
To make one 8x8 Shepherd's Pie you'll need:
-About 4 large Russet potatoes
-1 can of creamed corn
-1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey if you prefer)
-dashes of milk, salt, and pepper as well as 4 tablespoons of butter for the potatoes
Steps:
1. Peel, quarter, and boil your potatoes (I'm not a very knowledgeable cook so I actually had to Google 'how long to boil potatoes'...survey says until you can stick a fork in a potato and have it slide off
2. Brown your meat in a pan
3. Drain your cooked potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Add butter, milk, and salt and pepper and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy
3. Place your cooked meat in the bottom of your freezer pan (I bought a disposable 8x8 aluminum pan from WalMart), then empty your corn on top of the meat, then top with your potatoes.
4. Download this adorable label that I created in Photoshop! Then print onto sticker paper (can be purchased at Staples) and affix to your freezer meal!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
What I Wore Wednesday
Yes! Two weeks in a row posting and linking up to The Pleated Poppy for WIWW! This is an outfit I wore last week during school break. We were having a sunny, 40 degree day so I got away with wearing a sweater layered over a collared shirt, topped with a vest!
I'm digging the orange/green combo! Sweater is from Target, vest is from H&M, wide-legged jeans are from GAP (purchased them several years ago), and boots are from Famous Footwear.
Hope you're having a great week!
We are having yet ANOTHER snow day today...
I hate the snow but it can be quite breathtaking at times...
My cozy little Maine cottage blanketed in snow...
I snapped the picture as I drove off to school Monday morning...it was just so peaceful and pretty!
We are having yet ANOTHER snow day today...
I hate the snow but it can be quite breathtaking at times...
My cozy little Maine cottage blanketed in snow...
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Lunch Lady Brownies
Today is my mother's birthday so I had the family over for lunch!
Instead of a cake I made some fudgy, gooey, delicious, frosted brownies from scratch!
The recipe is called 'Lunch Lady Brownies' because it is reminiscent of the brownies that were served in many an elementary school cafeteria in years past! It's super easy to whip up and the layer of frosting on top is a perfect addition to the cake-like brownie base.
Visit Saltbox House, which is where I found the recipe, to read more and make your own!
There's even a gluten-free version listed, too!
There's even a gluten-free version listed, too!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
WIWW: School Break Style
Wow! It has been MONTHS since I've linked up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday! It's difficult for me to find the time (and lighting) to take pics of my outfits since I usually leave for work and get home from work when it's still dark! But since I'm on school break this week I reminded myself to snap a couple pics of what I'm wearing today!
It's a no makeup, no blow drying hair kind of day (and most of this week) so I put on my most comfortable sweater (from Old Navy), my UMaine baseball cap, and a comfy inexpensive henley tee from WalMart! Jeans are from Delias (my favorite teeny-bopper store) and the awesome quilted navy Sperry boots are from Marshalls! Off to run some errands!
Monday, February 18, 2013
New Neighbor Gift Basket & Printable
I have new neighbors! My house is on a private drive and when it was built a year and a half ago, there was only one other house on the road. In the fall a new house went up and the neighbors just moved in a couple weeks ago. Now, there are plans for a fourth house to go up...so, it seems that my hopes of living in a neighborhood are actually coming to fruition!
Enter the Welcome Basket!!
Items included:
-box of tissues
-dish towels
-dish soap & scrubber
-trash bags
-batteries
-cleaning wipes
-pens & sticky notes
Using Photoshop, I designed a little card to go in the basket (taped to a wooden skewer)...
you can download the FREE PRINTABLE card, too!
Happy Gift-Giving!
Linking up to...
Linking up to...
Friday, February 15, 2013
InstaFriday
Yay! It's the first day of February Vacation! And it's InstaFriday...
Here's a glimpse of my past couple weeks through pictures!
Here's a glimpse of my past couple weeks through pictures!
How hilarious are these Puritan Valentine's Day cards? Very appropriate since this week we've been learning all about Puritan New England...
My students are hilarious...a 'Valentine Bandit' posted hundreds of sticky notes all over random lockers throughout the school...
Crafty project of the week...100 Valentines for my kiddos...
New pink slippies from Beans...
Valentine's treat...Gelato Fiasco!
Post blizzard snowshoeing by the river with some excited doggies...
Brunch at my place with some cuties and their momma...
A furry little feeder visitor...
Monday, February 11, 2013
You're A Star, Valentine!
No time to create my own valentines from scratch this year, but I did find a really cute printable that I 'tweaked' a bit in Photoshop (I added the 'from' part)...
Such a cute idea! Bags of Starburst candy are relatively inexpensive compared to some of the chocolate candy out there....something I have to keep in mind since I have over 100 students who will be receiving these valentines! Happy Valentines week to you, too!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Technology Ideas for Teachers
Happy Snow Day! I'm bracing myself for the big BLIZZARD headed to Maine today! We're expecting anywhere from 2-3 FEET of snow to fall today into Saturday! Yikes! Needless to say, we have today off from school!
Speaking of school, today's post is about some cool technology teaching ideas I've been using this year! Teachers, this one's for you! I've compiled lots of other school-related ideas on my Pinterest board, too!
REMIND 101
I have recently starting using a free site called Remind 101 which allows me to send text message reminders to my students because, let's face it, that is how most teenagers prefer to communicate! It sends the messages from a phone number assigned by the service, NOT from my actual phone number! The students can't reply to the messages, they can only receive them. So far, it's worked really well and the students appreciate the reminders! I may also extend the service to the parents of my students as well.
QR CODES
Techie teaching idea number two is the use of QR codes in the classroom! I've just recently started a new semester class with four sections of students and I added something new to the course syllabus...
The students and parents can simply scan the codes with their Smart Phones and it automatically saves my contact information and takes them to my website!
To create a code, all you have to do is go to a site that creates QR codes, enter your information, then save the image to your computer. You can then add the image to any document where you want to share the codes! This is a great way to show parents and students creativity and innovation! You do need a Smart Phone that has a QR reader app in order to scan the codes (you can download this app for free). Here's a code for you to try scanning:
Todays Meet
This is a great online tool to use when watching movies in class but requires that each student has access to a laptop (we are lucky, ours is a one to one laptop school). Instead of pausing the film every time I want to point something out or every time a student has a question, I create a private chatroom at TodaysMeet.com.
TodaysMeet is a really cool (and free) resource for teachers and presenters who want to encourage a backchannel chat amongst their students or audience. Backchanneling allows conversations to go on while something is being presented. In this case, we watch the film while having an online conversation. I can also print out a transcript of our conversation to give to the students as notes. How cool is that? Most students seem to really like this activity because it takes something they love to do (chat online) and allows them to do it with a purpose!
Random Name Generator
In my quest to ensure all of my students are participating during class discussions, I've turned to two ideas, one 'old fashioned' and the other 'high tech'! The 'high tech' idea is this website that allows me to create groups and then the program will random select names.
The 'old fashioned' idea, which I prefer when I'm using my laptop for something else, is the use of jumbo craft sticks!
On the first day of the semester I had each student color half of the stick and then write their name on the other half. At the start of class, the colored sides are facing up and as I randomly call on students throughout the discussion, I switch the sticks in the container so I know who has already participated.
Speaking of school, today's post is about some cool technology teaching ideas I've been using this year! Teachers, this one's for you! I've compiled lots of other school-related ideas on my Pinterest board, too!
REMIND 101
I have recently starting using a free site called Remind 101 which allows me to send text message reminders to my students because, let's face it, that is how most teenagers prefer to communicate! It sends the messages from a phone number assigned by the service, NOT from my actual phone number! The students can't reply to the messages, they can only receive them. So far, it's worked really well and the students appreciate the reminders! I may also extend the service to the parents of my students as well.
Techie teaching idea number two is the use of QR codes in the classroom! I've just recently started a new semester class with four sections of students and I added something new to the course syllabus...
To create a code, all you have to do is go to a site that creates QR codes, enter your information, then save the image to your computer. You can then add the image to any document where you want to share the codes! This is a great way to show parents and students creativity and innovation! You do need a Smart Phone that has a QR reader app in order to scan the codes (you can download this app for free). Here's a code for you to try scanning:
This is a great online tool to use when watching movies in class but requires that each student has access to a laptop (we are lucky, ours is a one to one laptop school). Instead of pausing the film every time I want to point something out or every time a student has a question, I create a private chatroom at TodaysMeet.com.
TodaysMeet is a really cool (and free) resource for teachers and presenters who want to encourage a backchannel chat amongst their students or audience. Backchanneling allows conversations to go on while something is being presented. In this case, we watch the film while having an online conversation. I can also print out a transcript of our conversation to give to the students as notes. How cool is that? Most students seem to really like this activity because it takes something they love to do (chat online) and allows them to do it with a purpose!
Random Name Generator
In my quest to ensure all of my students are participating during class discussions, I've turned to two ideas, one 'old fashioned' and the other 'high tech'! The 'high tech' idea is this website that allows me to create groups and then the program will random select names.
The 'old fashioned' idea, which I prefer when I'm using my laptop for something else, is the use of jumbo craft sticks!
On the first day of the semester I had each student color half of the stick and then write their name on the other half. At the start of class, the colored sides are facing up and as I randomly call on students throughout the discussion, I switch the sticks in the container so I know who has already participated.
Looking for more teaching ideas? Follow me on Pinterest! Happy Snow Day!
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