Liebster Blog Award! =)

Wow!!! Thanks to  Mrs. Briggs' Class for the nomination for the Liebster Blog Award!!! According to her blog page:

The Liebster Award is an award for new blogs. Liebster is a German word that means: BELOVED, CUTE, LOVELY, DEAREST, and WELCOME.

To accept the nomination I must:

1. Link back to the blog that nominated me
2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers
3. Answer the questions posted for me by my nominator (Mrs. Briggs)
4. Share 11 random facts about myself
5. Create 11 questions for my nominees
6. Contact my nominees and let them know I nominated them

Here are my nominations! They may not be BRAND NEW blogs but they are AWESOME! 

Principal Principles- Great blog!  I loved reading about data collection and ways to have the students become more responsible for their progress! Great information from the perspective of a principal!

My Fabulous Class- Love this page! She has great ideas and activities for the primary grades!!!  Her crafts and lessons for February look like a lot of fun!  

Dancing in our Teacher Shoes-  A cute page from two teachers! They have really cute seasonal ideas on their page!

Bilingual Montessori- great site for Bilingual/Dual Language education

B is for Bilingual- another amazing site for Bilingual/dual Language education-I have used some of her products in my classroom and my students LOVE them!!!!! 

Here are my answers to the questions from Mrs. Briggs:

1. How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching for 8 years.  3 of those years have been in a bilingual setting and 5 in a dual language setting.  I am both the English and Spanish teacher-we have a stand alone model but rumor has it we are changing to side by side in the future! Unfortunately the years of teaching have been in 3 different districts-I have been excessed 3 times and finally received my tenure last year!

2. Coffee or Pop?

I DEFINITELY need my coffee in the morning!  I love soda too-my FAVORITE being diet Dr. Pepper. I try to drink lots of water during the day-especially flavored water! 

3. What inspired you to start blogging or join TpT?

I love reading blogs and getting new ideas in order to enhance my teaching.  I LOVE TpT-I get to share my ideas with others AND find great resources to incorporate in my classroom! 

4. What is your favorite thing to teach in the classroom?

Hmmm...I am an avid reader-I love doing read alouds and shared reading!  I also love teaching certain phonics rules, such as magic e/silent e and Bossy R!  

5. What made you want to become a teacher?

My brother-when he was 5, he was diagnosed with Asperger's and I wanted to become an educator so that I could help students just like him.  My original passion was Special Education but it was very hard to find a job in that field when I graduated college.  I began to pursue my certification in Spanish and bilingual education because I loved working with students who were English language learners and seeing their "A-ha!" moments when they were able to understand, read, say, and/or write something in English.  In a dual language setting, I get to see that, as well as witness my native English speakers using Spanish in order to communicate! It is the best!

6. What grade do you teach currently/What grades have you taught in the past? I have taught grades K-3. I am currently teaching 1st grade.

7. What is your go-to, favorite outfit to wear to school? In the Fall/Winter-leggings with boots, an oversized sweater, and matching scarf.  In the Spring/Summer-a dress, light sweater, and flip flops (I am a flip flop FANATIC!)

8. What is your favorite thing to do after school? Pick up my twin girls and see their smiling face as they run up to me and yell, "Mommy!"...and also relaxing! =)

9. How often a week do you update your blog? I NEED to do it more! I try and do once a week but I often get so busy with other things that I forget!! My goal this year is to be better with this!

10. What do you do with your summers? Stay at home mom/plan and prep for the next year! I try and keep my girls busy and occupied with day trips and play dates!

11. What is your biggest pet peeve in your classroom?

Hmm...I actually have students who will blatantly talk while I am talking or trying to explain something and then when it is time to work independently or in a group, they say, "Wait, what do I need to do now?"  

11 facts about me!

1) I am a cancer survivor-going on 3 years!

2)  I have 3 Masters degrees - one in Special Education, one in TESOL (teaching English as a second language) and one in Reading

3) I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my friends and family. They are the reason I can be the mom, wife, and teacher that I can be.

4) I am addicted to reading and books. I am also a very fast reader! I read a series with 4 books during a 4 day weekend!  

5)  I have a very diverse taste in music-I love country, R and B, pop, dance...you name it! 

6) I am a GLEEK!! I love the show!!

7)  I love to sing and dance!  My dream would be to be a comedy actress! I think that is why I love read alouds so much....I take on different voices and expressions and the kids look at me like I am crazy!! 

8) I love the show FRIENDS! I can watch it all day everyday

9)  I am the only one in my family who can speak a second language. I learned Spanish!

10) I am addicted to dollar stores and dollar bins at Target-I will find a use for ANYTHING I can find in those bins!

11) Even though I am a teacher, I am so not a morning person!  My alarm goes off about 8 times before I hit the off button and start to get ready...but don't talk to me until I am showered and dressed...I need time to wake up!

Here are my questions!

1) Favorite book, both at home and for classroom use?

2)  What would you rather do on a Friday night-stay in with a DVD, wine, significant other/friends, or go out?

3) What is your favorite grade to teach?

4) Do you have a book room in your school? If so, how is it used/handled/cared for?

5) How is the copying machine situation in your building or district?

6) Dream vacation-somewhere tropical, cruise, or something involving snow? (snowboarding, skiing, etc.)

7) Are you going on vacation at all this year? If so, where?

8)  Do you know another language? If so, what language?

9) What is your favorite meal?

10) Do you have class parties? How are they run? Do parents come in? Are they seasonal, done for special events, such as Author Celebrations, etc.?

11)  When you get home from work, what is your favorite drink or snack?

I can't wait to see your answers!!

Thanks!  Happy Teaching everyone!!!