Liebster Award

An award? What?! Me? Fun!

Alexis over at Mrs. Hudgeons Hears a Who and Mrs. M at Color Me Kinder nominated me for The Liebster Award. The Liebster Award is an award given to new bloggers (less than 200 followers) who have amazing content to share and link up with other bloggers. 

Here are the questions I was given to answer as part of the award:

1. Why and how long ago did you start blogging?

I started blogging almost two years ago after I accepted a job at an elementary school. After ten years in middle school, I wanted to try something new. I thought blogging would be an excellent way to document my transition from sixth grade to first grade.

2. What one word sums up the heart of your blog and why?

Passion. I'm passionate and excited about what I do. I know my blog really only shows classroom highlights, not the stuff that happens that leaves me scratching my head in bewilderment. But when I look back on it years from now, I want to remember the good stuff! Plus, I like to read blogs that inspire, and that's my goal, to inspire other teachers. 

3. Is there something you learned late in your blog journey that you wish you knew before?

I didn't realize how time consuming it is to keep a blog going. I've done a better job keeping it updated this school year than last school year, but I still pretty much blog "on the fly." My goal for next year is to have a plan and some blogging goals. Fingers crossed. 

4. What is your favorite past time other than blogging?

If you take my children out of the equation, then my favorite past time is planning. Crazy right??? I am a Pinterest-aholic and I have an Amazon Wish List of professional development books like you wouldn't believe! I think I am meant to work in Curriculum & Instruction one day. I'd rather prepare than implement (#teacherproblems). The best thing about summer vacation (other than spending time with my family, sleeping late, and actual vacations) is PLANNING WITHOUT DEADLINES! Planning is so much more fun during the summer than during the school year. Thinking about re-organizing my Pinterest boards this summer makes me smile :-)

5. How many hours per week do you dedicate to your blog?

I have four children, so I don't actually dedicate or designate a certain amount of time to the blog. I just blog when I can. Maybe two or three hours a week. 

6. What category of blog posts do you enjoy the most?

Right now I'm into all things guided math, so I love to read posts about how other teachers implement guided math rotations or what they are using in math tubs. I also like it when teachers share cute craftivities. I just love to be inspired! Last year I was really interested in posts about Daily Five or Whole Brain Teaching. So it just depends on what I'm focused on at the moment.

7. Where does your blog inspiration come from?

My classroom. 

8. Which post that you have written are you most proud of?

Comments make me happy. I feel like if a teacher took the time to comment on a post, there must have been something useful in it! This post about Word Work only got one comment, but that one comment made me feel like the post was helpful for another teacher.

9. Is there a post you have been planning to do, but have been postponing for awhile?
I've been meaning to do a post on positive behavior intervention  and support for months but it just hasn't happened.

10. Which idea from a blog would you like to try for yourself?
Just about anything I see on Tunstall's Teaching Tidbits. Next year I'm going to try a calendar binder inspired by her Rise & Shine binder. You can a little about the binder in this post.

Here are my nominations!

Here are the rules for accepting:

1. In your post link to my blog through my button or a link as a shout out and follow my blog!

2. Answer the questions I answered above.

3. Nominate 5-11 blogs of your choice that have less than 200 followers.

4. Let your nominees know they have been nominated and provide them with a link to your post so they can accept!

5. Last, but not least, comment on my post with a link to your acceptance of the award!