Must Read Monday. {what's on my shelf?}

Monday - here we are again + if your Monday has been anything like mine, it's dragged on forever and left you dreaming of your bed and being pantsless in your apartment. 

The bright spot in my Monday is I have 2 books on hold at the library + that is life changing for a nerd like myself. With two new books to start and finish, here are a few of my summer recommendations to keep the Monday blues at bay - 

Pretty Ugly by Kirker Butler was a quick read for me for so many reasons! Taking on the world of beauty pageants and reality TV obsessions, Butler creates identifiable characters in Miranda Miller, Bailey, and Ray - I instantly could relate his fictional characters to real life people in the lime light. Using satirical humor, Butler pokes fun at the state of reality TV and the need to live up to the Joneses'. If you're looking for a darkly humorous, yet perfect beach read, check this one out. 

Another quick read was Read Bottom Up by Neel Shah and Skye Chatham - it took me a day, a literal day, to finish this hilarious gem that is written in e-mails and text messages. Chronicling the relationship of Madeline and Elliot, it resonates so many relationship realities that we face in the 21st century. Too long text messages, not texting enough, texting too much - Read Bottom Up takes on social media's impact on relationships and does it in a cute and romantic way. 

Remembering my mid year resolution to try a new recipe each week, Food Network Magazine: 1,000 Easy Recipes has become such a helpful guide. It comes complete with grocery lists and most of the dishes require minimal cooking skills. It is separated by sections, making it easy to plan by the ingredient that you plan on using for dinner. While I borrowed it from the library, it's been added to my purchase list, so I can track the changes I make to the recipes. 

Here are just a few of things on my shelf - enjoy your week, loves! 

Until next time, 

Motivation Monday {Mid Year Resolutions.}

Did you have new year resolutions? I did. My list was actually pretty exciting - save $500, take one big trip, and be a more present friend. 

Well, I find myself in the middle of 2015, like everyone else and my list has one resolution completed. I took a big trip with my co-workers to Harry Potter world, and it was worth not being able to save $500. 

July has made its appearance, with it's over excited confidence that the year is half over, and Christmas countdowns can start, but what about our resolutions? What about our promises to ourselves or family or friends to be a better person? Do they get erased, marked through, or marked with an asterisk, because you might get to it? In my quest for constant improvement - perfectionist problems - I have taken July's appearance as an opportunity for a clean slate. By the way - you can always start over - don't believe otherwise. My clean state are my mid year resolutions - clearly short term goals that I want to reach in my last six months of 2015. 

1. Pay off my credit card, my car, and short term debts. Being a twenty something, debt is like an iPhone - everyone has it and few people know what to do with it. I crave financial independence. I got it from my parents when I was 15, and now I want it from Capital One and Suntrust. By creating a sound and realistic financial plan, I plan to be short term debt free by the end of 2015, leaving only my student loans and that's an entire blog post in itself. 

2. Try a new recipe every week. God bless my boyfriend's heart. He doesn't ask for much - he doesn't even require that I cook every day, but blame my traditional gender roles and my need to be like my mother, I like cooking dinner for us and having somewhat of a routine in the evening, since we both work long hours. With all of this being said, I have to expand my recipe book. Between my mom's cooking blog (check it out here) and Food Network magazine, I want to try a new recipe every week. 

3. Plan a vacation. I love traveling. My boyfriend loves traveling. There are so many places to see and so many things to do, and I can't let the second half of 2015 pass me by just staying in North Carolina. Whether it's domestic or foreign, another adventure awaits me. 

Three goals, six months - the game is on, 2015. The first half of 2015 was nothing short of amazing and I have no doubt that the second half of 2015 is going to be equally amazing. 

Another Monday, another chance for a fresh start, but don't let July slip away without thinking about the big picture and thinking about what you are doing to reach the goals you set for yourself. 

Here's to a marvelous Monday + mid year resolutions! 
Until next time, 

Strategy Saturday {looking towards 2016.}

The Saturday of a long weekend has to be one of my favorite feelings - endless possibilities and knowing that I have another day for shenanigans, which is beautiful. This long weekend was so necessary. At this time, this long weekend was needed for everyone. When we go back to school, we will have 5, FIVE, days till the EOGs start and that is mind-blowing. My babes and I have been working so hard to read word problems and practice close reading strategies, and we are tired, so we were all grateful for our three day weekend. 

As the end of the year approaches, we have 14 school days left, it's time to start thinking about next year and how you can better prepare your physical space for success next year! 

Most schools have end of year expectations, and their own checklists to complete, but there are some simple things you can do to make the next year start smoothly! 

1. Purge, purge, purge! My mother is a teacher, but God bless her, she still has filing cabinets full of good ideas and great lesson plans, but in this digital age, it's a lot easier to keep electronic copies and digital files than it is to keep color coded file folders and paper copies, so my advice to you is purge those filing cabinets, center buckets, writing folders - recycle it all! My rule is if I didn't use it this year, I don't need it. 

2. Be selective in your anchor chart choice. Anchor charts are a necessity, especially in elementary grades, but darn, don't those things take up a ton of space! The great thing about anchor charts are that you can create new ones each year to fit the needs of your class. My suggestion for these beautiful learning tools is keep a select few if they are foundation skills, and recycle everything else. Students benefit from helping you create the anchor chart, so look forward to those memories with your new babes. 

3. Organize your library. All good classrooms have a library, but great classrooms have an organized library. Take a few minutes every day from now till the end of the year to label, categorize, and level your library. If you spend the money to create a library, please spend the time to keep it up. Book Retriever is a great app for iPads and iPhones that helps you create an electronic database for books and provides information about their levels (Lexile, DRA, and Guided Reading.) 

4. Give away at  least 5 things. Part of teaching is sharing and collaboration, and we have all started with nothing, so make sure to create a donation box for new teachers who are new to your building or just to share some gently loved items. Great things for donation are boarders, extra organizational supplies, teaching resource books, and extra copies of books for libraries. 

5. Label all your boxes. This sounds silly, but when packing up your stuff create specific labels to clearly identify what is in there. This will make unpacking a breeze, especially if you are in the same classroom, and you know where you keep things. I use blank name tags from Dollar Tree to label my boxes and it quickly lets me see what's in the box, so I can make sure my time is spent well when unpacking. 

I know it sounds crazy to start thinking about next year, but what separates good teachers from great teachers is planning in all aspects. Follow these quick easy steps to ensure an easy start to the next school year! 

Enjoy your three day weekend, loves! 

Until next time, - 

xo  

Strategy Saturday {How to Survive the End of the Year.}

If your life is anything like mine right now, the speed is hyper-drive, and you are just trying to hang out for dear life, while maintaining some sense of professionalism and appearance of having your life together. 

Before you start to say, "Lucy, it's so hard.", "Lucy, I am so tired." - let me tell you one more important detail - 

I have everything I have ever asked, wished, and prayed for and the gratefulness in my heart pours out daily. 

Yes, you read that right - despite my long days due to supervising an after school tutoring program, despite my weekend drives to another city to see my boyfriend, and despite my inability to make it home to my parents, because I had been busy with grad school - y'all, I am sublimely happy (in my Cher Horowitz voice.) 

I completed my first semester of grad school at UNC, and I found it mentally challenging and I was eager to learn, which means I made the right choice. Academics is my only claim to fame - I am as uncoordinated as a baby giraffe and for some reason, Hollywood hasn't rang up your girl yet, so academics is the one thing I am holding onto. When I chose UNC, I was looking for a challenge, and I found it and I loved it. I am mind blown to think that very soon, I won't be someone's teacher anymore, but it's exactly where I want to be. 

In addition to finishing my first semester, I have been supervising an EOG tutoring program at my elementary school, and it has been a great learning experience for my future as a school leader. Coordinating transportation, handling parents and discipline, and ensuring teachers are doing what they need to do has been a great learning experience, and while I am very ready to have my Monday through Thursday afternoons back, I am glad to have received another great highlight for my resume. 

The end of the year is quickly approaching, and when I say the end of the year, I mean our time with students is numbered. I know very few teachers who will take the complete summer off - whether it is for financial or professional reasons, the summers that teachers will have will be short. The end of the year is such a difficult time for so many reasons - the sense of urgency is realer than ever, and all emotions are running high. Just remember: this is what you have been working for. The journey you have been on with your students for the last hundred and something days has prepared for them for nothing but success. Know that when I say success, I am talking about growth and their readiness for their next experience, and nothing to do with their performance on standardized assessments. That is not where the beauty in teaching is - not at all. 

Just remember: to breathe and keep your eyes open, because your time with your students will be over before you know it. Soak in their corny jokes, their endless questions, and their love for you. Every class is special for a million different reasons, and just remember to love them so hard for these last couple of weeks. Also remember, that your worth and their worth are not tied to any test, assessment, or evaluation - if students are walking out of your door with growth, you did your job. Teaching is about growing students and making them better and more capable every day. 

As the year wraps up, be as fabulous as you were at the beginning! 

Until next time, loves - 

xo 

confessions of a full time everything. {two days till spring break, y'all.}

I can think of a million sayings about hard work, success, and never quitting - I can think of quotes by business men, coaches, and celebrities about never giving up on your dreams. I am sure you can too. 

Ask yourself: Can you think of any quotes that talk about how hard it is? Can you think of any quotes about the sleepless nights, the missed calls from friends, the declined invitations for dinners - can you think of any? 

If you can, the number of those quotes is probably far less than the ones about success and never quitting. People are rewarded in public for what they have practiced in private, and the world forgets that - I forget that. How many years did Bill and Melinda Gates eat Ramen and watch basic cable? How many years did Jay-Z still sell drugs, because rap wasn't making the ends meet yet? How many dinner invitations will I decline before I can say yes?

This is what it's all about, right? Right. Accomplishing one goal to move to another, to achieve the life you have dreamed of for forever. 

Well, today, with two days before spring break, all my full times are wearing me thin. As I sit in my Wednesday night graduate class, (yes, I am updating my blog during class), I am drained emotionally and physically. With spring here, the days are long and the hours are longer, and the reward seems far off. 

Whether you are in education, business, finance, customer service, retail - it doesn't matter - spring fever is real. It is real. It is here. It's here, set up shop for a while - so, how do we do it? 

It's so important to take time for yourself and for the ones you love and the things you love. With the sense of urgency reaching it's breaking point, it's important to take time to recharge for yourself and the people around you. How do you do that? How are you taking care of yourself, so that you can take care of all the things that need you? 

1. Unplug. Put the phone down. Turn your notifications on silent. Close the computer. Walk away. With constant connection, it's hard to be okay with being alone and be unattached, but I am here to tell you - it is okay. It is okay to leave your phone on the dining room table and cook dinner in the kitchen and watch TV in the living room. Being able to be alone and enjoy solitude is a positive character trait. Unplug. Let yourself detach from constant updates and be okay with being with yourself and the ones you love and the things you love. 

2. Do an activity. I love to read. I love to color, paint, and be artsy. What do you love? What do you love that is separate from your job, separate from your children, separate from your spouse - what do you love? Whatever it is, do it. If you need a nap, take it. You want a glass of wine? Drink it. You want to read that US Weekly? Do it. A key to renewing yourself is providing yourself a time to fill yourself back up after you have depleted what you have for others.  

3. Eat your favorite meal. I realize that food should not be a reward - you're not a dog, spare me the dietary facts. The reality of the situation is that good food and good friends, or one of each can change your life. 

4. Dress up. Male or female, a good outfit can change your outlook on life, so tomorrow, dress up, show up, and never give up! (: 

Friends, Ginger On the Move is a year old, and y'all have been rocking with me the whole time - I am so grateful! I hope your spring fever gets a vaccination soon! 

Until then, 
- Lucy 
xo 

Strategy Saturday {How to Use Volunteers + Tutors.}

I need a Strategy Saturday in my life after not seeing my students for a WHOLE week. I feel my heart breaking into a hundred pieces - my life without them isn't really much of a life at all. So, hopefully a Strategy Saturday will make me feel warm and mushy about school, because I miss it way more than I should. 

Today's topic is about how to effectively use volunteers and tutors who find their way into your classroom with their eager smiles and helpful hands! I am blessed to have 5, that's right FIVE, tutors in my classroom at various times throughout the week, and without them, my classroom could not run efficiently. Tutors and volunteers, when you have them, can make your life and your classroom so much easier as long as you know how to use them. 

Most volunteers, parent or otherwise, come with little education experience, but a desire to help in any way possible, which is why they are so amazing! Someone who wants to be in your classroom and to help you and your students is such a positive influence in the learning environment. 

In order to effectively use volunteers, you, as the teacher, needs to identify the areas of need that they can logically address. Obviously, you are the first source of instruction, but volunteers can be used for review, one - on - one tutoring, fluency activities, basic math fact review, writing conferences, and literature circles. Volunteers can be a great intervention for students in tier II and III of the RtI process, and it allows for more interventions that you may not have time to deliver. 

Once you have identified the needs that you want your volunteers to help with, tell them. I know that seems logical, but talk them through the activities and tell them a little about the students that they may be working with. If you're asking a tutor to complete an oral reading fluency drill, show them how to mark miscues and record retells. If you're using them to facilitate a literature circle, show them how to question and guide conversation. Again, volunteers are there to make your life easier and to help grow students, and you would be doing yourself and your students a disservice by not being clear about the expectations. 

So, you've identified the needs, discussed the activities with the tutors, and now the sessions have started. The key to making sure volunteers are true intervention and are truly assisting with student growth is to document their activities. 

Documentation is such a dirty word in education, because it instantly takes a negative connotation, but I've created some easy templates that you can use in your classroom to document time in and out, as well as, the activities completed and with who. I use something very similar in my own classroom and just add copies to my student's intervention folders and my Title I crates. The truly easy thing about this documentation is that the tutors can complete it by themselves and you can easily keep track of frequency of interventions for those who need a high level of help. 

I have made the volunteer packet available for download for free, so check it out here. 

Ultimately, whether volunteers are reading to students, helping you file papers, eating lunch with your babes, or reviewing multiplication tables - at the end of the day, it really doesn't matter. Volunteers will make your classroom a fun, exciting, and multi-dimensional environment. I love my volunteers and I hope you find volunteers who make your classroom more fun and exciting! 

I want to update one more time this weekend. I need to get better at controlling my life, so that I show how much moving the Ginger is doing! Great things are happening, loves and I hope great things are happening for you too! 

Until next time! 

one down, thirteen to go...

Photo credit: Google Images 

Today, my second class in my new master's program started. The first hurdle out of the way - my first class done and  I would like to think that I was more than successful. 

Despite my academic success in this class, a doubt that this is the right path for me has crept in anyways. My professor proclaimed, on the first day, that part of his job was weeding out those who didn't truly want it. He said, on more than one occasion, that there are great students who don't become great principals, and it's human nature to wonder if I was one of those he was talking too. I already felt a level of apprehension coming into the program, and after all he said, the feeling still lingered. That feeling that I am meant for great things, but maybe just not this has been rolling around in my mind. Then, something happened. Well, a few things happened. 

1. I received a great observation from my principal. Say what you want about the evaluative measures of North Carolina, and how effective they truly are, but the reality for me, right now as a classroom teacher, is that these evaluations mean so much more than a few boxes with check marks. My principal is someone I have grown to respect and value her professional opinion, and having her give me a great evaluation meant a lot. I already know that I am doing what I need to for my students and at any cost, but having someone you respect say that to you can make your day. 

2. I was honored with being chosen as the monthly spotlight educator for my district, which is, as my friends and coworkers tell me, a big deal. Believe it or not, being praised and complimented is something I still struggle to accept, and this is an unbelievable honor that I am so grateful to share with my students, my team, and my school. Teaching is not an individual sport - the sheer complexity of my task as a teacher can only be carried out with a school and team that has a culture of excellence. 

3. My teammates, both who are new teachers, got glowing evaluations too. This, again, speaks to the testament of the atmosphere and environment we have created for each other and for our students. When one of us shines, we all shine. 5th grade is an all or nothing team - we all get it or we all don't. Having them feel empowered and successful is, by far, the greatest victory so far. 

As I write this long over due post on the lunch break of my Saturday class, I think of my future - I am sure a lot of us do. What will it look like, who will be there, what will I be doing, and for once, one thing is for certain. Regardless of the physical space or the people who occupy it, I will be educating someone in some way. 

My classmates are starting to straggle in, so I am sure this is a natural wrap up for me. I hope you find your Saturday productive (: Stay tuned for a special edition of Strategy Sunday tomorrow! 

- Until next time, loves... 

I can't spend my days watching Netflix + reading Harry Potter. [Motivation Monday.]

Well, hello there.. Did you think  I had forgotten you? My last update was almost a month ago, and in that short time, I have started both schools again - one where I am the teacher and one where I am the student. 

I could list how amazingly busy I have been, or talk about the length of my assignments, but that would be lying. To be honest, I've been in a magenta place. Magenta being the adjective that I use to describe a 'meh' feeling - it's a Golden Girls reference and one I find to be so true. I hate magenta, but it accurately describes my feeling I have right now. Winter break took a toll on me - totally wrecked my hard working spirit, and I have been struggling to get that back. I hadn't realized how hard I had been working, or how tunneled my vision had been. 

Winter break hit me hard in the face with rest, good food, and family, and I have struggled to gain my drive back. I binged watched Peaky Blinders (check it out by the way - 1920s, gangsters, and British accents -swoon), I reread Harry Potter and feel even more in love with Draco Malfoy and the Deatheaters (spare me on the greater good lectures) and I snuggled with my cat much to his chagrin. 

In order for me to regain my drive and my relentless pursuit of greatness, there has to be a mind shift. There has to be a change in how I am pursuing the situation, and I am sure, for many of us, that is a daily conquest. It is a daily activity to remind yourself why you do what you do and for what purpose - T.D. Jakes says that to hold on, in spite of everything, is a winner's quality. Well, today, my friends - let's be winners! 

Today is also the celebration of someone who changed our country and hearts, and it is so important that we remember the real struggle that he faced, the real challenges that he endured, and cast aside the glamorized notion that his pursuit was filled with constant high moments. My favorite quote by Dr. Martin Luther King is below, and let it serve as a constant reminder for today and every day that your mind has to change, you have to decide that will pursue what you want at any cost, and you will hold despite the challenges. 

Sunday Sentiments. {last Sunday in 2014.}

The holidays are over. The leftovers are almost gone, the wrapping paper already recycled, and unwanted gifts returned, and slowly but surely, real life is starting to work it's way back. 

I have successfully put work on the back burner for almost five whole days, and the idea of starting the endless to do list again is a bit overwhelming, but young minds must be shaped and the world needs to be saved/taken over (whichever you prefer.) 

The holidays at our house were wonderful - my brother and I are older, so it was definitely about family and love, and less about presents and stockings. I am very grateful for my family this year. I was constantly asked what I wanted for Christmas, but the things I want and have can't be bought, and I am just so grateful for the quality time I got to spend with my family, as I am sure everyone was and is. 

As the year wraps up so quickly, today is the last Sunday in 2014 - I have started to think about what the new year will hold and what am I going to do with the rest of my life. 

This morning, the sermon at church was so poignant - one of those moments where you are stopped and the truth you needed to hear was spoken to you. The message that everyone needs to hear (regardless of your faith) is that: everyone has a gift + you have to use it to better the world for yourself and others. 

One of the constant topics of Ginger On the Move is motivation and making sure you are making a difference all the time, and in 2015, that is such a driving force in my life that it is, slowly but surely, becoming more of my identity and that is nothing to be ashamed of. 

This year, you have something to offer the world - maybe you have been offering your gift or gifts, and this year you need to continue to make them sparkle and shine, and perfect your talents. Maybe this year, you need to find out what your talent and gifts are, so that you can start making the world and yourself a better place. Maybe this year, you face the greatest challenge: figuring out how to use your talents and gifts to make the world and yourself better. 

That is the one most people (including myself) struggle with - how do I take this amazing gift and turn it into a skill, service, or offering that will enhance the world? That, loves, is the million dollar answer, because it's different for everyone. How you choose to show, display, and use your gift is different. Even if someone has the same gift as you, how you use it is going to be different. 

For 2015, your resolution shouldn't be lose ten pounds or save $20 every week, your resolution should be filling the void of the world that only you can fill with your gifts and talents that only you have. There is no one like you on the Earth (which is an amazing fact); therefore, you have to be faithful to your gifts and talents, and you have to show the world what it's been missing. 

When the new year comes, be ready - be ready to be more assertive and to give more and more each day - those who give much will receive much. As the year winds down, start that journey of using your gifts, and making sure they aren't gathering dust. Don't miss out on a chance to be great. 

Photo Credit: Google Images

Until next time, loves -

Lucy 

Five Wonderful Things. {bye bye, 2014}

Happy Sunday, loves! 

There is a little less than three weeks left in 2014, and I've been constantly asking myself, "Where did it go?" I remember NYE 2014 like it was yesterday - I went to sleep crying, because I was alone - at that moment, I thought the year would be a bust, but 2014 has been anything but a bust. 

I have conquered more fears in 2014 than I could have ever imagined, and became more of the woman I am meant and want to be. My milestone birthday of twenty five came and went, and it was more fabulous than words can describe, and as I prepare for one week of school and three weeks at home with my wonderful family, I can't help but feel grateful and blessed for this amazing life and amazing year that I have been given. 

I hope, as 2014 disappears before us, you can also find tiny moments of gratefulness and contentment. I also encourage you clean house and prepare yourself for next year. Part of a new year is that you can shed old skin, literally and figuratively, and clean out space for better blessings. These blessings can take the form of people, jobs, or material goods, and you need to be ready for them. You can't accept a gift if your hands are still holding onto trash. 

With these last few weeks, find the time to make a literal list (on paper or electronically - I realize not everyone likes to hand write these days) and list the things you are most proud of in 2014 and the things you are most excited for in 2015. Hopefully your list will make you realize how wonderful you are and how hard you worked for those proud moments. 

This week marks the last week of school before winter break, and energy and emotions for all are running high, so as I take this Sunday and use it to recharge and do the things Lucy wants to do, I want to remind myself (and you) of Five Wonderful Things. 

1. I babysat a puppy this weekend. I don't like dogs anymore. I loved one dog, Mocha, and she was perfect. We put her to sleep when I was 21 and I never knew the loss of a pet until her. After her death, dogs were no longer welcome in my heart. Petty, I know, but we all deal with grief differently. My best friend, however, has a puppy and he's snuggled his way into my heart and I had the privilege of baby-sitting him this weekend. I had the best time walking and snuggling and playing fetch with him. My love for all dogs hasn't quite returned, but it was a nice weekend spent with a four legged friend. 

2. I did Christmas cards. This seems like a routine activity for some, but this year, was my first year doing Christmas cards for my friends and coworkers and it was such a sweet, loving feeling to write how much I loved each of them in a card decorated with a cat dressed in Christmas attire. I hope they enjoy them as much as I did. 

3. I planned my babes' winter celebration. My babes have earned a winter celebration, and they voted between a present party (a white elephant party) or arts and crafts, and my heart sang when they chose arts and crafts. We will have a ginger bread house contest, make ornaments, color scratch art, and make ugly sweater ornaments. My aunt is graciously providing pizza for our celebration and  I can't wait to spend Friday afternoon just being their friend instead of their teacher. 

4. I made a financial plan for 2015. I wrote down my financial goals for 2015, and the best way to achieve them. I may be cutting back my wants in the short term, but the long term gain will benefit me more. Being an adult isn't an age, it's a mindset - a mindset that you have to be willing to sacrifice in the present to reap benefits in the future. I will go back to Ireland in 2015, and I will begin to conquer student loan debt. Fabulous girls manage their whole life, including their money! 

5. I chose a MSA program that fits my lifestyle. I had previously written about applying to a MSA program at a prestigious Southern institution, and while that was a great experience, I have chosen a different path. I already have a Master's and there is a program that will allow me to add on to my license without going through a three year program, which is fantastic for so many reasons! So, come January, I will be a full time teacher and a part time student and I couldn't be more excited! 

As one o'clock creeps up on this Sunday afternoon, my sense of urgency is low - a Sunday well spent bring a week of contentment.  My lesson planning will be done in an appropriate amount of time and my book will be read for pleasure. 

Take this Sunday for yourself and bask in your fabulous life! (: Enjoy your Sunday, loves! Until next time, 
- xo, Lucy 

Strategy Saturday {seating arrangements - no place cards needed.}

Good morning, loves + welcome to the most recent edition of Strategy Saturday! 

Today's topic is something that seems thoughtless; however, it can reflect your classroom culture, your values in the classroom, and significantly impact the learning that takes place in your room. 

Today's topic is seating arrangements. 

From what I remember in my time school, there were lots of rows or whatever seemed to be convenient to the teacher, the furniture, or the size of the room. My reality is probably one of many of you can relate too, and our reality is far from what seating should be. 

The layout of your classroom is a true reflection of what you value in that room. If you value engagement, your desks should be grouped into collaborative learning teams and facing the learning materials (anchor charts and the board.) If you value order and routine, I suspect your desks are grouped in rows, possibly rows of two for minimal interaction between students. Ask yourself: which one is more desirable, can you have both in a perfect mixture? 

The answer is: YES. You can have order and collaboration and true learning can take place. 

Here are some simple steps for successful seating arrangements: 

1. Group desks into heterogeneous learning teams. I have five groups of four desks to fit my twenty babies. I also believe strongly in heterogeneous groups  - all students have strengths and deserve to have them amplified and nurtured in the classroom. 

*Here is a radical idea for older grades: Let students group themselves. I teach 5th grade, and when it's time to change seats, I give them parameters (can't sit with all boys or girls, some students have to sit in the front, etc.) and they group themselves. I've been doing this three, almost four years and I have ever only had to change two seats from self selected seating. 

If we think about one of the true purposes of school, it's to create independent and self sufficient learners and people. At ten and eleven years old, I need to give my babies a chance to identify their strengths and group themselves within a safe environment. I set the tone of our classroom culture, and they have accepted it and embrace it. When it's time to pick seats, they reflect our classroom values when they show their independence. 

2. Arrange seats so that all can see the learning materials. My students all face our boards and learning maps (full scale advanced organizers.) These are two things that are integral to our instruction, and all students need to be able to see them without struggling. I am in a mobile unit, so if I can make this happen, you can too. 

3. Provide a supply caddy for each group. This is so necessary to uninterrupted lessons and a smooth transition to each subject. Each group has a dollar store caddy that is filled with colored pencils,markers, crayons, highlighters, glue sticks, scissors, and pencils. This is to cut down on searching during the lessons or noise from constantly sharpening pencils. Each group has whatever they need and whenever they need it. 

4. Change often. Student conversations should be the corner point of your instruction - if you want students to remember it and practice it, they have to talk about it. With all this talking and learning going on, students get bored of their seat mates and quickly learn each other's personalities. By changing seats often, conversations stay fresh and the incidents of misbehavior are decreased by new faces. 

So, as winter break approaches, think about changing up your layout for when students come back. A fresh layout will lend itself to a fresh start in 2015. 

Enjoy your Saturday, loves + stay fabulous! 

Love, Lucy 

Where have you been all my life? {post-surgery fabulousness + other musings.}

One major holiday and surgery later, the Ginger is back + with a plan. 

The stretch to Thanksgiving was easy to tolerate in some ways - I had gallbladder surgery and missed a week from school (an awful thing to do, I don't recommend it), so I only had two days to separate me from school and the holiday. 

Thanksgiving was amazing - being home with my family is an experience that I cherish, especially now that I am out on my own for almost five years now. I desperately miss my time with them, but moving back to eastern Kentucky is not on the radar at all or even anywhere close to what my five year plan looks like. My family does influence my professional choices; however, as any twenty-something will tell you, it's not the deciding factor by any means. 

It was so nice to be surrounded by love and good food and a mom who takes care of you, especially post surgery. I am already counting the days till I am back for Christmas. 

My surgery, which preceded all of this, was easy, with a single rough day of recovery (which I am blessed so much for.) I stayed overnight in the hospital the night after, because all the air that they inflate you with was the worst pain I had ever felt. Thank goodness for IV medicines, moms, and good nurses. My recovery has gone well - being without an organ has forced to me cut out fast food completely, which is another great thing. For any of you who thought positive thoughts, vibes, or prayers - thank you, I appreciate it. 

In other news, I am waiting to hear about acceptance to the MSA program that I applied for. I should be hearing, informally at least, towards the middle of this month, and formally, in January. After considering my options, I truly feel that this is my best interest professionally. I am slowly becoming okay with the idea that I am ready for different work - not less, but different. 

When I became a teacher, I knew I would never retire after thirty years in the classroom. Number one, that is a ridiculous notion. Number two, I get bored easily. Number three, I get attached easily and the list could continue. As I move towards my fourth year of teaching, I am ready for new and different responsibilities. It might mean being a principal, working for a non profit, starting my own non profit, working for a consulting firm - I don't know right now, to be honest, but I know it's there and it will happen very soon. 

I have started to do some research about the other opportunities that exist for teachers who are built for more than  lesson planning and data talks - my true passion and drive is to make others love teaching as much as I do, and to make sure they are effective while doing it. Our students have suffered too long without true, effective educators and it's up to a group of determined people (who aren't associated with charter schools or politicians) to make that difference. 

So, as my students wrap up their second district test this week, I leave with the attitude of excellence on this Friday and I hope your weekend is just as fabulous as you are. 

"I have to thank God and Ice Cube for Friday, because we like to party." - J Cole 

Photo Credit: Google Images

Strategy Saturday - {how to maintain your sanity.}

Photo Credit: Google Images 

The road to Thanksgiving break is a long stretch for teachers and students alike, and every year, I swear it gets longer and longer, and this year is not any different. 

While I love my teammates and my students, the year seems never ending around the end of October and beginning of November - the work is hard, the days long, and everyone's tired. 

Deadlines come faster than you can write them down in your expensive planner, and the turn around time for anything seems immediate. 
The million dollar question at this hour is - how do you maintain your sanity and work ethic when the hours and days get long? 

This year, I have found myself trying to balance work and life appropriately - I have two teammates, who are brand new teachers, and I don't want them to think the only way to be an effective teacher is to let it consume you, because it's not. 

I have joined the Y, and started going to work out classes. I have read 3 (almost 4) non school books in the recent weeks, and there are many nights of the week that school work stays in a bag by the door. 

If this, however, was the only way to keep your sanity, then every teacher would be a pro at it, but it's not. So, as the holiday season approaches, here are some simple things that you can do to improve your mental health and make the road to the holiday break even easier. 

1. Move. I am not talking about exercising every day for two hours, I am talking about a short walk around the block, yoga while watching TV, stretching while you're making dinner - some sort of physical activity to keep your body from growing cobwebs. 

2. Journal. This one is a little more personable, but keeping a journal doesn't have to be a Dear Diary sort of situation. You can keep a journal for personal, professional, or religious reasons. I journal for all three, and it's very therapeutic to write down thoughts, dreams, ideas, and situations that are clouding my head. I am a very emotional person and keeping things from bubbling in me makes me a better person, not just a better teacher. 

3. Enjoy a hobby. I realize that as this list progresses it becomes more and more clique; however, these are truly things that I do in real life, and I want other teachers and professionals to experience the same freeing feeling of separating life and work. I encourage you to find something you enjoy and keep doing it, despite your professional obligations. I like to sew, write, read, and play Sims, but you have to find what works best for you. I have a friend that takes herself on weekly dates that involve dinner and a movie. I have another friend that enjoys arts and crafts. Whatever you decide to do separate from your job, enjoy it. 

4. Take care of your body. This one is more than important, and not just for teachers. At this point, we are in our twenties, and we should start loving ourselves, which means watching what we eat, washing our faces, and getting at least seven hours of sleep. You can't run your body into the ground and expect that it will turn out excellence. We have to take care of ourselves. Ditch the fast food, grab an apple, and go to bed at 9 PM like a normal person. 

As the weekend disappears quickly, and the week peers from around the corner, remember that a break is almost here - we can see it! Remember, the work you are doing is noble and not for the faint heart. There's a reason you are in your classroom (or office.) 

Until next time loves, 
Lucy 

That time I was internet famous {ode to a season of who I was before.}

Today was such a good day for a handful of reasons. Let's recap as I wait for The Walking Dead to come back into my life. 

1. I meal prepped. I was doing so amazing at staying healthy and keeping my shape, and I feel off, so let me get back on. I meal prepped for two days, and on Tuesday, I'll meal prep for the rest of the week. 

2. I accomplished taking over the world by 11. I completed whole group plans, and just feel in a very good place for tomorrow. It might have something to do with the fact we are out on Tuesday, but either way, I feel ready for tomorrow and that never happens. 

3. My best friend surprised me with a visit. That's self explanatory. 


4. A TV show from my childhood had a marathon today. Growing up Gotti was literally my life a chunk of time in my early high school years, and it's been ten years, so A&E is rerunning it to prepare for a reunion. 

The marathon brings me to my topic of today - being internet famous and who I (we) were before our adult selves took over. 

So, here's the back story to my obsession with this obscure show. I was and still am in love with organized crime, a huge factor in loving this show so much (they are John Gotti's grandsons + daughter), and I found any guy who didn't look like the boys that went to my high school attractive. 

The show premiered and I was hooked. I couldn't get enough. I taped their pictures to my wall and notebooks, scribbled my name with Gotti added to it, but there was something missing. So, I did what any teenage fangirl would do - I Googled them and entered the world of forums and fellow fangirls. 

I quickly found myself submerged in forum and fan life - making posts and meeting other girls who loved the show and it's tanned, obnoxious boys as much as I did. Then, one faithful day, I stumbled upon the fan fiction section, and took a step into the light. 

A quick vocabulary lesson for those who might be struggling: fan fiction are stories that are created by people, but they use celebrities or already created literary characters. (Fun fact: 50 Shades of Grey was originally written as Twilight fan fiction.) I had always had a knack for creative writing, and I knew I loved the Gotti boys, so let's put them together and use them to bring the world happiness. 

Months passed and the show got better and so did my writing and my relationships I was building online - I met some who were a little less than the brightest crayon in the box, but I connected with girls all over the world. I had friends from England, Canada, Australia, California, Pittsburgh, Jersey - you name it and I knew someone there. It was a great feeling to know that I had these real relationships that I had built based on three guidos from Long Island. 

My stories were getting a ton of attention, as well as the stories by my friends - we were spotlight writers, our request threads were the longest, and we were being nominated for competitions. For a brief period of about five years, I was internet famous - thanks to fan fiction and the Gotti boys. 

I share this now, as a period of reflection - thinking about who I was before my professional self took over, and who I really am at the end of the day. Watching the marathon today, and tweeting the girls who I met so many years ago, made me so nostalgic and it warmed my heart to remember that for a moment, we were internet famous. As I reread the stories we wrote then, I laugh at how absurd some of them are, but mostly, I smile and remember that nerdy teenage girl who built friendships that have lasted her a lifetime. 

So, as I get ready for a week of my real life, I smile and say thank you to the Gotti boys for my moment of internet fame and my friends who have last far longer than that. 
- xo, Lucy 

Working Woman Wednesday {degrees as wallpaper.}

First, let's acknowledge that it's been about a million years since my last update. 

Photo Credit: Google Images

Now, that's out of the way - let's get down to business of #WorkingWomanWednesday. 

Today, I completed my application for a prestigious MSA (Master's in School Administration) and as I was writing my statement of purpose, I got so inspired about my purpose and my profession again. 

It's so easy when you're in the trenches to forget why and how much you love something and today, I remembered and it felt amazing. To remember that there's a larger purpose that I am working towards - to remember that upwards of 50% of high school students in urban America won't graduate high school, and to remember that the achievement gap for under-served populations is growing by the day. 

I'm sure some of you read those things, and think it can't be changed or it's such a daunting task that surely could crush someone with the pressure and sense of urgency, but honey, I was made for this. 

I was made for small group instruction, I was made for data analysis, I was made for advocating for little people who can't speak up for themselves yet, and I was made to love them unconditionally. The true passion that lives inside of me to make other teachers great and to be a great teacher is unparalleled. My work ethic is comparable to Beyonce's - we all have the same twenty-four hours. 

So,what are you doing with yours? Are you solving a problem? Are you adding to the world, instead of taking away? Are you enriching others and sharing your gifts? 

I hope you answered yes to all those questions. If you didn't, you need to reevaluate your purpose and plan. We all have to be in this together - the world already has enough negative, make your little corner bright and better with your attitude and purpose. 

Maybe, you haven't found your true purpose - you might be sitting there thinking, "Lucy, I don't know what I am meant to do." Boo, that's okay - as long as whatever you're doing right now is making something or someone (including yourself) better. Don't waste anything, especially your time and resources. 

So, on this Wednesday, a quote from my freshman reading (which I reread all the time) embodies my message on #WorkingWomanWednesday - "For me, an area of moral clarity is: you're in front of someone who's suffering and you have the tools at your disposal to alleviate that suffering or even eradicate it, and you act." - Dr. Paul Farmer 

That wraps it up, cupcakes - if you see someone suffering, and you have the tools to fix it, you need to do it. 

Keep being fierce, loves! Until next time - 

xo, Lucy 

Moral Monday {separating self worth from test scores.}

Today, our grade level took our science district assessment, and in a blink of an eye, sixteen questions made me feel so worthless - knocked the breath out of me and made me feel like a quarter's worth of work was wasted. 

On paper, it was. On paper, this quarter was mildly successful - only a medium percentage of my students performed proficient and at the end of the day, all of my students will be judged on a benchmark of fifth grade expectations and it will be a hit or miss. There won't be an A for effort or a check plus, because you tried your best - no, it will be a pass or fail. You made the cut or you didn't and that, my friends, is the scariest part of my job. 

You want to know real life teaching? This. This is it. This moment when you cry a Kim K ugly cry and ask yourself what could you have done better and where you went wrong. You can sugar coat it for yourself, and say you tried your best, but when only forty and some odd percent get it, you didn't try your best. 

Then the even harsher reality sets in, and you have to face your fears and separate your self worth from test scores, and reevaluate the plan for success. Success, even for my students, doesn't have an elevator and sometimes, we have to back a few floors after we realized the door we were working towards was locked. 

Even after three years, this is a hard lesson. It's an even harder lesson knowing that I have two amazing teachers on my grade level who are going to feeling the same feelings I am, and I cannot and will not let them attach their effectiveness or their worth as a teacher to these , numbers. No one told me not to do it, but I will tell them - I will tell all new teachers: 

You aren't your test scores. 
You aren't your data. 

You have to remember you had a purpose long before anyone had an opinion, and sometimes we have to go back to the drawing board and erase some lines and redraw our masterpiece. 

So, the moral this Monday: You aren't your test scores and if no one tells you, you're a good teacher. 

Five Wonderful Things. {difficult takes day, impossible takes a week}

As I sit here and sip my hot chocolate and enjoy a peaceful moment from being prepared for the week, I can't help but be so excited about this place I am in. This season of self-confidence and self-assurance is so needed after feeling so unsure and so unclear about myself and my purpose. Whether it was twenty-five or my own attitude change, I am grateful for a new set of experiences. 

This week is going to be equally as great, another opportunity to take over the world a little bit more, and change a little bit of the darkness to light. As I reflect on my week, I am overwhelmed by the compliments and encouragement I have received from my administration and my team that let me know the changes I am making, both personally and professionally, are noticeable. 

So, here's to a new week, with a weekend full of fun waiting for me at the end - hope your week is as great as you are! 

1. I got a powerful observation. As a BT 3 (beginning teacher, year 3), we still have to have so many observations a year, and I had my first official observation a few weeks ago and had my post conference this week. The lesson that was observed was okay (in my opinion), but my administrator had nothing but powerful and positive things to say about me. She let me know that my lesson was well-paced, engaging, and my students were empowered and they knew the material. Those simple things are so powerful to me, and are so meaningful as a teacher in a high-needs school. Being able to say all my babes were engaged and able to verbalize what we were doing is a powerful statement, and I hope that's the first of many positive observations that I have this year. 

2. Homecoming is this weekend. My undergrad's homecoming is this weekend, and I couldn't be more excited! I haven't seen some of my friends in years, which is awful to say, but friendships as adults has to be intentional and sometimes, life gets in the way. This weekend, responsibilities get put on hold for a mini-vacation that is well deserved. 

3. A new teacher is going to observe my literacy block. Again, seems simple on the surface, but it's a powerful motivator for me as a professional. I want to make others better teachers - that's a true passion. I want other people to love it as much as I do and I want teachers to be experts at best practices, not just what looks good. A cute classroom does not mean a thing if true learning isn't taking place, so hopefully this is the first step in a path of leading other teachers to great teaching. 

4. I turned down a guy. This sounds so petty, but again it's so meaningful in my growth as a woman and as a person. I won't go into many details, but I stood up for myself and my principles as a woman. Being a born again good girl isn't easy, but what's the point of having standards or ideals if you aren't going to stick to them? 

5. I delegated responsibility. I realize all of my moments are very simple, but simple moments that are powerful are life changing - that's what makes life so wonderful. This one was hard to do, but makes me proud to admit it. I have a team this year who craves excellence as much as I do, and is willing to put in the repeated long hours to see results. In order to achieve that, I have had to pass out responsibility and be okay with it. It seems like an easy task, but anyone who has led before knows, giving out that first task is difficult, but you have to be empowered that you have created an attitude of excellence and not compliance that will carry over to their work too. I am so blessed to call these ladies teammates, because they make breaking up responsibilities so very easy.  

One of my goals this week is to update Ginger On the Move mid-week, because there are a few issues I want to write about, so stay tuned! Until then, stay fabulous loves!