Currently.. October

I have always loved seeing the "Currently" on my Facebook feeds and am so glad that I found one to join. I've joined Oh Boy 3rd grade and I'm so super excited to have found her blog. I just LOVE It. I can't wait to continue the "currently" posts.

 It has been a very interesting start to my October. We have many things to celebrate this month... We are finally in our home and it's beginning to actually look like our house. We've been living in boxes and it's been pretty interesting trying to cook healthy when you can't find your pan. Lol.

We are also celebrating our 1st year anniversary today!! Love my hubby. He is the one who holds my hand through the good times and the bad. He keeps me grounded and is truly my better half.

Listening: I LOVE football. I get up early on Sundays to watch Mike and the boys and figure out my Fantasy Football lineup. 

Loving: Happy 1st Year anniversary. I can't believe it's been a year!! So blessed to have an amazing hubby. 

Thinking: I need to figure out when they are playing so I can get my grading done and get on with my day. 

Wanting: I made the mistake and ate something that I should not have. Living with a  gluten intolerance stinks. I was miserable and in so much pain yesterday. Starting to feel better now. 

Needing:  the past week has been a pretty tough week for me.Without getting into details... . I made a mistake and owned up to it. First, I hate making mistakes. I'm harder on myself than most people are. But, what I tell my students is that if you make a mistake (regardless of big or small) you need to own it and fix it. I  have to model that in my life and I did. It was not met with understanding... I'm hoping to have the confidence to show that it was a mistake, that I respect the feelings that this mistake caused, but that I hope that my mistake will not hinder our future interactions and student success. 

Bootiful: Looking forward to walking with my teacher buddy this week.. 

Take a Peek into 2nd!

Hey Y'all...

So sorry for not blogging in a bit. It's been a few crazy months with school starting and getting into a new house. Teacher Friends, DO NOT. I repeat DO NOT move when school is starting. I hate not starting with everything perfect and in place... but alas, I do need to have a life.

I've joined up with some fabulous people to help y'all take a peek into what 2nd grade teachers are doing in their classrooms. Katie from Pop Into Primary is the master mind behind this and I'm just so tickled to be apart of it. Each week, there will be a new 2nd grade teacher who will share their favorite product from their store and tell us how they use it in class.

First up, is Stephanie Chambers from The Learning Chambers.  Here is a little bit about her... Head on over to her blog to read all about her Reading Response Flap Journals. I CAN NOT WAIT until I use these in my class. These are such a fun and creative  way to get the kiddos excited about responding to their reading.

Turning your Beliefs into Actions

'Action. Action. We want Action. Act-ion.' We used to chant this cheer on the sidelines back in the day.  But I have to sit and think for a second. That was back in the day... hmm. Actually, a lot of days ago. We cheered for action in the game, why am I not cheering for action in my life today? Insert  My sweet friend Whitney from  WithLoveFromTexas.  She came up with this brilliant idea.

Let's turn our beliefs into Actions. It's what I cheered for back in the day, why not make it a present day thing? She suggested that we write down our educational beliefs. Those are the things you are most passionate about. They are the things that get you going-It's the things that make you cry when it happens, puts a smile on your face,  tense up when you see it go horribly wrong, or make your heat glow when you know its going good. So the following our my educational beliefs....

When I collaborate with my team, we try to make our lessons fun and engaging.  We are constantly updating and revamping our lessons to not only be current with the educational trends but also what is current in our classroom. I believe that students learn more and will remember your lesson when you not only connect it with something that are passionate about but also connect it to THEIR world. That's why I'm big and my team is big on Voice and Choice. It allows students to have a voice in their research and a choice on how to present it. Kids will pretend they like it when you do things for them- like printing out their work and highlighting it for them, but if you teach them how to research they are going to get so much more out of it.

This also ties in when my definition of "Fail". From day one I teach my students that Fail is an acronym.... In my classroom it means First Attempt in Learning. We may not get the concept, the lesson, or activity right the first time. That's OKAY! It's natural. But, what makes us successful students and life-long learners is that we learn from the mistakes and try again. I found this great short video called Austin's Butterfly . I showed it to the whole class. We talked about how sometimes our best work is not our first work. I show this to my class at the beginning of each year and will also show it as a refresher after a certain "break"... They seem to really have that 'a-ha!" moment.

Students are able to do this if you, the teacher, truly believe in them. By creating a safe and welcoming environment I have laid the foundation for trust and collaboration. I tell my students that I believe in them and love them every day. Now, don't get me wrong- there are days that some "tough love" comes into play, but they appreciate it. They just want to know you have limitations and boundaries but also that you believe in them and see so much more than what they can achieve.

I think this goes hand in hand with positive reinforcement in the classroom. I do not know about you, but when I was a kid and had a teacher yell at me ( because that never happen. ;) ) I turned off and shut down. I don't want that for my kiddos. I'm also not going to manipulate them either. I won't say, "Well, I just LOVE how Susie is working hard"... and then look at the trouble maker. I won't say "Wow, you colored great."... when they did not. We appreciate the truth and the kiddos do too. I give them honest feedback. " I know you got off to a rocky start, but wow! Look at what you are doing know. Doesn't it feel good? Super proud of you man".

Finally, before this turns into a novel... I believe in using what you got. I'm a bit of a funny person at heart, I like to make up raps and jingles now and again. ... And I use that in the classroom. The kids first think I'm crazy, and for the most part, they are right... But then, I catch them singing it in the hallway or on the playground. The best moment EVER was when a third grade teacher said she was teaching some of my former kids and they all go, "Miss H used to sing and rap for us. Here is one of her songs!" Lawdy, I almost fainted from my heart glowing.

My goal this year is to really turn those beliefs into actions #IamaBeliever.  I hope you join me in this challenge of turning your beliefs into actions. Even if you don't blog about it, simply write your beliefs down. Keep in a place you look often. Let it help remind you and help get you through "those" times.

Till Next Time
Keep it Colorful!!


Continue on to this lovely teacher's beliefs. Teaching Redefined

Back to School : New Additions

Hey Y'all.. It's been a hot minute since I've sat down to type... I do apologize. It's that crazy time of year- Back to School. While I have enjoyed EVERY minute of my summer, I am excited to go back into my classroom and get started on setting up for the school year.

I won't actually go in until the 1st week of August (I say that now.. ) but in the mean time, I have been sketching and reworking just what my room is going to look like. I was pretty happy with the layout last year, but I think I have a few things I would like to change.

I have added a few new things and I can't wait to see how they are going to work in my classroom.

 This 'bad boy' is going to make my stations so much easier. The kiddos were constantly swarming the technology. This is a splitter which allows 5 different headphones into one device.  This is going to be just fabulous for my "Listen to Reading" station and I can't wait to see how the students are going to use it for group projects. You can find it on Amazon here Belkin RockStar Splitter

 I can't remember who directed me to my next addition. But I bough 2 of these chairs. I am all about creating flexible learning spaces in my classroom. I want the students to be comfortable when they are learning. I found the chairs at Walmart. After doing some comparison shopping, it was the cheapest I could find. You can find it here Big Joe Roma Chairs

Finally, this purchase is for yours truly. I do not have a traditional desk in my classroom. I used a kidney shaped table and a 3 tiered shelf to hold my 'stuff'. While it worked, I felt a little cramped and not that organized. "My area" is in a corner so I thought a corner desk would be the perfect solution to allow my laptop and document camera to sit comfortably but also allow some work room. I found this guy at Ikea Corner Desk.

Its purchases like these that make my teacher heart-happy, happy, happy. I am really excited about this new year and looking forward to bringing you into my home away from home.

Tell next time- Keep it Colorful!!

Half Way there... Ohhh Ohh Livin' on a Prayer

Hey Y'all!

So 15 days days... 15 days to go!!! What on Earth am I talking about? No, it's not back to school stuff. I actually did something I thought I would NEVER EVER in a million years do. I am currently in the process of Whole 30. I have major commitment issues when it comes to diet and exercise.  I'm the type that starts and goes three days in and then I'm out. I'm a girl who likes to eat. I like to eat a lot. I think it's part of my German Heritage. And no, I did not get the Heidi Klum German genes. I was blessed with the  Streusel loving genes.

Anyways, for the past 15 days it has been no dairy, no carbs, no sugar, and no ... alcohol. Let's just say 4th of July was a bit of a challenge, but I made it. One of the main reasons why I chose to do this was because of my MAJOR tummy issues this past year. There were days I could hardly walk while teaching and I'm a teacher who is always on the go! I literally collapsed one day and had to play it off as if I tripped, which my kids were not surprised with, because they know I'm clumsy. So after multiple trips to the G&I doc and 2 scopes later, she said no more gluten. I still was having tummy trouble. I decided it was time to restart my gut.

I'm actually feeling like I've never felt before. I do not think there are words to describe it. I am so much more in tune with what I am putting in my body.  I'm conscience about portion sizes and balancing out my meals with proteins, veggies, and fruit. It is not as hard as I thought it was going to be... as they say in the book, "child labor is hard... this is not." Day # 3 I wanted to quit... But, something dawned on me... I really was feeling better...What if I give it a few more days... and that mentality just kept going. Soon, I lost track of the days and if it wasn't for the forum (or as I like to call the Cheerleaders) that I joined I would not remember what day I was on.   So, If I can get through 15 more days, I've done something I've never done before when it comes to a diet-FINISH. So till then, I'll be 'living' on a prayer'.

Periscope.. the next big thing?

Oh my goodness!! I am beyond giddy at the moment. I was surfing the Facebook (FB) feed and noticed something on Periscope. Have you heard about it? It is a FREE (my favorite word) App that allows you to live stream. A lot of people have been raving about it. The biggest idea is to help with branding and getting your store name out there.

Then I started brainstorming.. What if... I live streamed during a field trip? What if I live stream during an assembly, What if I live stream while I am teaching a concept ? The possibilities are endless.  I just downloaded it and plan to play around with it today. My biggest goal for this next school year is to have the parents in my class feel as if they are in the classroom. This tool could really help me achieve that. Of course you will need Social Media parent permission slips signed, but this app could have some really great potential in helping me to just that-connect more with the parentals. Here is a great tutorial on Periscope. Periscope Tutorial

I just joined myself and am quite excited about this adventure. You can find me @PolkaDotPencil  which is the same handle as my Twitter. Instagram is a little different it's @polkadottedpencil. Can't wait to collaborate!! 

What ideas do you have? 

Make Over Madness Week # 4: Follow Frenzy

Week #4 of the #TPTSeller Challenge is here.

Thank you to the fabulous ladies thirdinhollywood, teachcreatemotivate, sparklinginsecondgrade, and peppyzestyteacherista for putting this all together. I can only imagine the time it took. You ladies are all so inspiring. I am always looking forward to your posts.

First things first. I have to give a MAJOR shout out to my friend, mentor and coworker Monica at the megownssecondgradesafari.

It is because of her I started on this crazy journey. Two years ago, I was a forced transfer. Not only was it my first year but I was teaching in a completely different grade. Unlike the horror stories I heard about being a forced transfer, she and the team took me in under their wings. They helped me navigate the uncharted waters that your first year brings.  Her guidance was and still is priceless to me. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and her insight and mentoring allowed me to be me. She was there for me when I needed advice and helped me through some crazy experiences. More importantly,  she allowed me to share my ideas, even if they were outlandish and crazy. I was always on TPT searching for fabulous things when she was the one who said, "Why don't you create it yourself?". So, Monica... Thank you for believing in me and helping me through this journey.

These three fabulous ladies are so inspiring. Each time I get a ping that they have finished a post, shard on IG, or blogged I can not wait to see what is in store. Sliding into First, Sun, Sand, and Second Grade, and Shaking It Up With Mrs. Shannon

Back to School Shopping and Shark Week

I am so glad that "Back to School" shopping is during Shark Week. Right now, I feel each time I get online to check my email, a flyer for "Back to School" appears  Or  searching for something and  out of no where  those 'BtS' prices appear in an add. All of a sudden, the soundtrack of Jaws starts to  plays. It is as if it is warning me. "STAY AWAY, LILA!". "DONT GO NEAR THE MARKERS".  You don't need the penny deals... Back away slowly. It's COMING! Its COMING! ITs COMING!!!!

  Most people get excited about Back to School shopping. I used to . I love the smell of new pencils. Smells like success. Then I realized it only means one thing- Summer is almost over. Mrr. I also know that if I start going now and rejoicing in the back to school deals, then I'll want to go up to my room. Which means 4 hours later I will be doing stuff like organizing, taking down bulletin boards because I spent hours sketching my new one,  that does not include sitting out by the pool and finishing up my summer reading list. Last year,  even the janitor at my school told me I was at the school too much.   So I promised myself that the last week of July is when I will go shopping.  Does anyone else have this reaction or is it just me?

Here is also a reason why you should not go into the Back to School sales, I mean water.  Shark Attacks Funny

MakeOver Madness: Week # 3

This week's task was to create Our Masterpiece. I have been editing and revising this project for MONTHS! My sweet teammates helped me out by 'testing' it in their classrooms. What they told me really touched my heart. They said their kiddos LOVED it!! What is it that they loved? The Personal Finance Unit! My first thought when teaching this concept was, "well, this is going to be a bit daunting." When I got to thinking about it, I realized why not turn it into a game you used to play?" And Voila... The Personal Finance Magazine came to life.

My sweet Grand Level chair Monica MeGown (check out her blog) who got me into Teachers Pay Teachers and blogging is also doing the challenge and graciously offered to help a sista out. I don't know what she got herself into! Her editing notes were SPOT on. She gave me so many great tips, advice, and I've been working all week to get them done. And now presenting the Personal Finance Magazine..... (Drum roll please... ) Head on over to my store to check it out... The Polka Dotted Pencil Store

Treasure Box

Good Morning! 

As I wake up this beautiful sunny morning, I automatically grabbed my laptop and got to work. I saw a Facebook post asking  about Classroom Behavior and what we used. My first year of teaching I had the glorious treasure box. When I think of treasure I always think of Bruno Mars' Song. If you haven't already noticed, I LOVE to tie music with what I'm doing. I  think that life should have it's own musical sound track.. .

sorry about that. I didn't mean to go on my musical tangent. Anyways, I had a Treasure Box and privileges in my 1st  year of teaching. BiG mistake. First of all, it cost ways too much to maintain. I was going broke trying to get prizes I thought the kids would want. Second, I found out the hard way that they did not want the prizes I was buying them. So, I decided I was just to stick with the privileges this year.  They loved it, I still had money in my wallet, so I considered it a win-win. 

The last month of school, I decided to do a little experiment. I mentioned that I was going to do a give-a-way!! For each 10 tickets they earn, they can enter 1 name into the drawing. Um, my class was  AMAZING! You know how it can get at the end of the year and it went by SOO smoothly. This year I decided that I was going to do that for this up and coming school year. Depending on my class I may start right away or after Christmas break. But I was thinking,  each month, we will have a drawing for a book that the kids really love to read. Last year, the kids LOVED  the "Whatever After Series" and "Elliot and the Goblin War". So, i figured I'll try it out again this year.  I love learning about new books and new series from my kids. I spend a lot of money trying to keep my library updated and fresh and I hoping that I can encourage my sweet babies to read more frequently. I always believe Reading can take you places. IF i can be the vessel to encourage reading traveling then I will. It's better than a cheap toy... What do y'all use? 

Spelling Word Work and Activities

Hey Y'all!
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far. I've spent a little bit of time working on this baby! I've had so many spelling activities that we do in my classroom that needed to be updated. My kiddos really do enjoy working on their writing and enjoy the variety! I mean who doesn't like choices?

Because I love y'all so much, I've decided to give this one away as a Freebie!! Please enjoy and leave me some feedback. I truly enjoy knowing what I can do to become better. This is still pretty new to me. Rainbow Write Freebie

If you like that, you'll L-O-V-E  my bundle of all my activities.

 Ultimate Spelling Activities

** I CAN NOT wait to find out who the winner is of my first Give Away!!!

Let FREEdom ring!!

In lieu of a backyard picnic, I  decided to celebrate the 4th of July in a different way-  my very first CONTEST!! To celebrate FREEdom, I am going to have one lucky winner  pick 1 item of their choice from my TPT store PolkaDottedPencil!!  It starts tomorrow and ends July 4th!


 Good luck y'all!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway








Congrats to Stacey Parker!!! Email me at the.polkadotted.pencil@gmail.com to claim your prize!! Thanks to EVERYONE who participated.

A little bit of help

Hey Guys!

I have two big favors to ask-

1. I was in an Istation training today and wanted to hear how y'all incorporate into your Guided Reading/Small Groups?  I have a few ideas and wanted to make sure that I was on the same track.

2. I only have 15 days left until my Donors Choose project ends. Please help me get these Wonderful stools for my classroom.  Donors Choose These stools would be such a great thing in my classroom. We are constantly moving and grooving and I don't want that to stop when we are learning. I have read some fabulous research in helping those with ADD/ADHD.  There is NO amount too small. It all adds up!!

TPT Seller Challenge- Week #2: Dare to Dream

Today starts week # 2 of the TPT Seller Challenge.. For those that want to join please see these Fabulous ladies’ blogs to go ahead and get started.  ThirdinHollywood, TeachCreateMotivate, SparklinginSecondgrade, PeppyZestyTeacherista. 

Week #2 is “Dare to Dream”. When I heard of this week’s theme I instantly flashed back to my childhood and “A Dream is a wish your heart makes… “  flooded my memory.

A dream is truly a wish your heart makes. Here are the wishes my heart is making…. 

My first two dreams flow together. I truly want to create products that are fun and engaging not only for teachers but for students as well. I hope that the products that I create will encourage more people to follow and give feedback!

To blog or not to blog: I have recently joined this journey of opening up my classroom to the big world of Social Media.  Because of Social Media I am constantly finding new ways to teach and keep the curriculum fresh. I am forever grateful for the fabulous teachers that think outside the box and hope to one day inspire new and veteran teachers. I dream to keep this blog and all that goes with it active.

Purchase our 1^st House: Kenny and I got married in October!  On our first date I just knew he was the one for me. To me, he was the man Nicholas Sparks writes about.  I'm truly lucky that he found me!! We have been saving for some time now and find out later this month if we get approved for our FIRST HoUSE!!!. I really hope that we get approved and can be in a house by the Fall.  I would just LOVE to play designer and create a home for the McCreights.

Preggers:  The secret is out. I would love to be a mommy.  If it is in the Lord’s plan, hopefully we can start soon!

Travel: In college, I was so blessed to have traveled to Europe. My history major's  heart was so full when I was able to see so many of our World’s treasures in real life and not just in the history books. When we went on our honeymoon, I found out that it was Kenny’s 1^st time out of the country. I just couldn't believe it!! We have started a "Travel Bucket List" and I would love to have my hubby join in on the adventures and to start crossing off the ever growing list! 

Whole 30: For months I had major tummy trouble. It seemed that whatever I had put into my body, just hurt it. After urging from my hubby, I decided to go see the GI. We did the small things first, but decided I needed to have an endoscopy and colonoscopy.  The prep for surgery was HORRIBLE. I do not wish that on ANYONE.  Nothing was found (thank the Lord) but I still was in pain. Since April, I have been gluten and dairy free. Well, fine. Most of the time. This is a life-style change and my dang sweet tooth won’t let go.  It was hard at first, trying to figure what does or does not have gluten in it. After lots of research, I decided to hit the restart button on my body.  My dream is to do this for the WHOLE 30 days. I start  next week….

What are your dreams? 

TPT Seller Challenge

So glad I joined the #tptsellerchallenge. Looking forward to revamping my store and my classroom. So, here are my starting out stats:

BIG NEWS: The Polka Dotted Pencil has just twitter!! I am going to be tweeting out news from my store and my classroom. Never thought about having my store on twitter, but so glad I decided to join!! Twitter : @PolkaDotPencil 

Make Over Madness Week # 1

Well, I did it. With a little nudging  from my Grade Level Chair Megown Safari, I decided to embark on this Make Over Madness. This FABULOUS idea originated from Third in Hollywood. I originally created this mundane "Weird Verb Quiz".

 Honesty time: I did this bad boy in a rush. I really needed something that could assess my students. Now, I am just LOVING this Make Over. If it wasn't for this challenge, it may not have been touched in a while... Can not wait for challenge # 2

It's a Small Small World.. Coming to a classroom near you

I can not believe it is already summer! It's literally the first day off and of course, I'm a loser.. I'm THAT teacher who is already looking forward to changing up my room and it's theme a little bit. .Now, don't freak out.. The Polka Dots are staying. It's a Lila staple. 

When I started out trying to figure out the theme of my room, I originally wanted to do a "travel/ global" theme. It was SUPER hard to do. I was instantly drawn to bright bold/hot colors and, you guessed it, polka dots... I could not wrap my head around how to merge both my loves-polka dots and travel... Plus, I had to move my room TWICE my first year, so the travel theme was thrown out the window. 

But, something dawned on me. I could merge both. I could still have the bright colors but I could add the travel theme. I could make it more of a thing... 

(Let me take you back a bit).... Almost each summer I would go to California to visit my Mom's grandmother and grandfather. We would ALWAYS go to Disneyland. I remember riding "It's a Small World" ride with my grandfather. I was only three at the time. When he past away, I continued to ride it as sort of a memory thing for me. I did not get much time to spend with him and wanted to always remember him. It's a Small World . I can't believe I forgot how bright and cheerful that ride was... VOILA!!! The infamous lightbulb goes off- Something I could easily do with my classroom. Taking on the travel/polka dots theme-- 

One of my bulletin boards will say, "Let the Adventure Begin" with cute map paper/ bunting banner and baggage tags  to display the kids work and the other bulletin board will say, "Making our small world brighter". 

Im going to tweak my "flight crew jobs" to more travel themed titles. Here's what I have so far.... 

Line Leader: Ambassador

Door Holder: Valet

Lunch Tracker: Caterer

Librarian (2): 

Paper Passer: Travel Clerk

Travel Agent:  “Welcome to McCreight’s Room" / answer phone

GPS: Tells where we are if we are not in our room. 

Technician: makes sure technology is charged.

Personal Assistant : Pilot

Electrician: makes sure lights are off

 Co-Pilot: Records assignments for those who are absent

Flight Attendant : Takes over job of any absent student

 Brag Tag Passer: Baggage Claim:

Planner Checker: Airline ticket agent. 

I'm also looking to change our clip chart to more of a travel theme as well. 

It's a work in progress, but I'm excited. Oh! I forgot. I found some adorable vintage travel posters that I'm going to print and frame to add around my desk, along with cork board for student's work. I"m SO stinking excited!!! 

I guess it's time to start working on my projects.