gratitude lately

Hey all y'all! It's the BigTime Blogging Challenge. I'm writing every day in July to celebrate my blog's three year anniversary! Join me - write your post, link it up with mine, leave some love for blogging friends in the form of comments!

So many wonderful things to be thankful for. Here are just a few of mine from the last few weeks.

Pictures of baby elephants, because they're so adorable.

Word Swag, especially when a friend swags your words!

This book. It's amazing, and you should read it.

My bitmoji, I just love every one of them.
Especially when friends text you just to say hi with theirs.

Amazing friends like this one and a Cubs game on Friday.

Bottle and Bottega painting, especially when it's Chicago themed.

Free Cam concert.

Ice cream with the Bride-to-be.

Gratitude. It turns what we have into enough.

What are you thankful for today?

An InLinkz Link-up

summer rituals

Hey all y'all! It's the BigTime Blogging Challenge. I'm writing every day in July to celebrate my blog's three year anniversary! Join me - write your post, link it up with mine, leave some love for blogging friends in the form of comments!

Okay, got a little confused there. Did the Virtual Vision Board on the wrong date, so I'm back with the summer rituals today. Feel free to do whatever kind of post you'd like to!

Here we go with some summer rituals.

1. Sleep in. Every day.

I'm still waking up early, and when I see that the clock says 6:00am, I tell myself to go back to sleep. Today, it was raining out, lots, and so it was the best day to sleep in. I did until 9am! That was crazy, but also amazing.

2. See friends

Many of my closest friends live out of state: Kentucky, Arizona, and California. Summer is the time when I get to see all of them. Last year, I met most of them in California, this year, they're coming here. I can't wait until later this month! Last year I took some videos of our conversations. My friends think I'm so dumb for doing that, but then, during the year when I miss them, I can call up the videos and see them and laugh again. I love it.

3. Writing & Reading

I always get a stack of books going - usually never finish it though, that's okay. I also do writing, here on my blog mostly. This challenge is in it's third year, so I'd say that's a ritual!

4. See Chicago

The beach, the festivals, Cubs and Sox games - it's a great time to be a tourist in my own city. Even better when I have friends in town to share it with!

5. Go on a trip

Some summers are better stacked with trips than others. This summer it was Nashville and then in a few weekends, I'm going to a friends' lake house for her bachelorette party. I love to get out of town, explore new places. Next summer? Spain for 10 days, so stoked!

Those are just a few of the things I make sure and always do. You know, I read a post by someone the other day about how they were feeling guilty for not doing more work. I have been feeling the same today. I feel like I should be reading more often so I can actually finish all these books, maybe I should be going to some professional development sessions or teaching more of them? Please reassure me that it's okay that yesterday I didn't shower till 5? That it's okay to binge on Netflix (currently: Shameless). It's okay to watch You Tube videos about Erin Condren planners for an hour? I was feeling really, really guilty yesterday!

Alright, rant over. Sorry for this mood. It happens, right?

An InLinkz Link-up

summer shelfie list

Today's the day!
Today's the *official* three year anniversary.
HBD BigTime Literacy!

Hola amigos, time for another post in the #btbc16! Today we're sharing our summer reading lists!

Here's mine:

Already finished Me Before You - it was good. I've read about half of that Success for Teens book (it's the teen version of The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciples into Massive Success and Happiness), but I haven't been able to find it since I came home from Nashville.

Last night I Started Use Your Words & Selected Poems (two of the three books for this challenge). Use Your Words is great, but the poetry is a little difficult for me. I think that is the first poetry anthology I've bought!

You are a Badass is an Arbonne recommendation, and then at a yoga class a few weeks ago, the teacher was reading to us from it. It's subtitle is "How to stop doubting your greatness and starting living an awesome life." I'm so excited for that one!

You is a thriller my friend Holly recommended, and two of my friends from school are reading/going to read that one, so extra little book club there.

Every Single Second was a book I picked up from my Instagram feed - I think it's geared for the intermediate grades. Echo too, keep seeing that one from friends!

My teaching PD books are Write Like This, A Mindset for Learning, and Bringing Words to Life.

So, I've got some work to do this summer, but it's so nice to just wake up and the only thing on my agenda is to read - maybe at the park? the beach? lakefront? I'll take it :-)

What are you reading this summer?

An InLinkz Link-up

summer bucket list

Hey all y'all! It's the BigTime Blogging Challenge. I'm writing every day in July to celebrate my blog's three year anniversary! Join me - write your post, link it up with mine, leave some love for blogging friends in the form of comments!

Summer bucket list. I'm usually a bit more active than this year, but still feels great to chill for a handful of weeks. Here's what's on my agenda...

1. NashVegas

Already went to Nashville with one of my dear friends, Anita, for her birthday. We were there celebrating last weekend, and listening to awesome country music. We were able to eat a lot of Hot Chicken and biscuits, visit the Johnny Cash and American Country Music Museums, and get our dance on. I love dancing, did you know that? Actually just went to an awesome dance cardio class this morning...but I digress. Anyways, Nashville was amazing and next time I go back, I'm buying the boots and the hat upon arrival to wear it there for the whole weekend before bringing it home to figure out a time when I can wear it in my life here in the city. And now, I feel like I can say y'all, too. Right? Can this city girl get away with that? :-)

2. More friends visiting end of July!

Jamie, a bff from undergrad and Katie, first year teaching bff are coming at the end of July. We usually meet up in California, but it's been 5 years so these two are making an appearance in Chicago. We're planning on going to the Cubs-Sox game, checking out RPM Italian downtown, seeing the Bean, and just getting some time to catch up. Can't wait for them to get here!

3. Celebrations

I have some special friends to celebrate, too. Baby Jantz and Bride Jess are due for a party next weekend, so I'm happy to catch up with friends from work as we celebrate a baby and a marriage to come!

4. Train for a half marathon

My sister and I are running the Chicago half in September, so I'm just beginning the 12 week training program. I need to run 4 miles tomorrow, so mentally preparing for that. I'm also trying to do yoga once a week as a cross train, and if I could afford it, I'd be going back to those dance classes. How to stretch the almighty dollar - I need some coaching in that!

5. Landmark

Anita has been involved with Landmark for about 6 or 8 months now, and I finally signed up for the Forum. It's a personal development series that, from what I can gather so far, teaches you how to take action to live your very best life. After just finishing up Me Before You (Moyes) yesterday , the big thing there is to live boldly, so Landmark, that's what I'm expecting from you!

So what are you up to this summer?

An InLinkz Link-up

currently august

HI friends!
I'm on vacation and was trying to unplug, but no such luck. I've been better though, just taking some morning time with my online world and then living in books and notebooks most of the rest of the day! So, without waiting anymore, let's get on with Currently!

Listening to the waves
We're in Ormond Beach, Florida, on the Atlantic coast. Our condo doesn't directly face the ocean, we're off to the side, but from my chair right now I can see the waves and hear them crashing. Light breeze blowing in, me, the beach, and my blog. I'm in love!

Loving bff bracelets
Alex and Ani just started making ASU charm bracelets and so I facebooked it to my friends here in Chicago, and then a few weeks later, Laurie ordered them for all three of us. I can't wait to get them and I'm so excited to have a new tradition - I'm sure we'll wear them to all the game watching parties at Cubby Bear!

Thinking about Block Scheduling
I've been reading Atwell's third edition of In the Middle to get prepared to teach a session in my district, "Organizing for ELA on a Block Schedule." My mind is racing with all kinds of ideas to share with our middle school teachers, but I need to keep reading this week while I'm lounging by the water. I'll be sure to share this PD (like all the others I do) on a future blog post and archive it in the PD tab above. Stay tuned!

Wanting sunny days
Yesterday here was nice-ish - It was sunnyish during the day but then rained and rained and rained. I'm hoping for really sunny all day today and staying in my swim suit for each moment!

Needing
Can't think of anything at the moment, and I'll take it!

B2S RAK
Okay so I'm not going to tell you about it till I can show you, but I'm planning on making a bulletin board in our staff lounge. I saw it in a yoga studio I was trying out and loved it! So, probalby by next month you'll get to see! I know you're going to love it, trust me! :-)

That's all for me right now, off to take in the waves a little bit closer. Make sure you check out all the Currently posts over on Farley's page!

sunday letters

Get the details for this challenge here!

Hi friends! Today we're getting together for Sunday Letters. So, compose your letter to a person, place, thing, idea....anything!


Dear Summer Vacation,
You are slipping away much, much to quickly. I need to get off my devices and live in the moment, that's sure to slow it down a bit, right?
Sincerely,
Vacationing Teach

Dear ASU Alumni Association,
Thank you for being in Chicago. I have some of my best friends here because of you and also, I met H because of the alumni club! 
Love,
A grateful Sun Devil

Dear Besties,
So excited that Hektor now knows all six of you! He said to me the other day, "I've finally come full circle!" Makes me happy all my best friends know each other.
Xo,
BFF

Dear Emma,
Thanks for coming this weekend! I'm having so much fun reenacting our memories from years ago, and making new ones. Still need to get sushi and go to the beach. Can't wait!
xo, city cousin

Dear OITNB,
I am officially hooked. This is why I need more days of summer for doing nothing - Need to watch seasons 2 and 3!
Sincerely, Couch Potato

Dear Zen Yoga Garage,
I loved trying out your studio yesterday, but the hot yoga was so so hot. I'm either way out of practice or the room is hotter than what I'm used to. Either way, feels good to get the stretching and sweating on.
Feeling Zen,
Relaxed Teach

Dear TpT Conference,
I had serious FOMO the last few days....totally wish I was able to attend. Next year, I need to put the dates on my calendar so I don't have this double scheduling that I had this year. Can't wait to see all the blogging friends out there. And for now, can't wait to read blogs of everyone who attended!
Best,
BigTime Blogger

An InLinkz Link-up

what I'm loving Wednesday

Get the details for this challenge here!

Hi all! Today we're back for day 8 of the challenge and What I'm Loving Wednesday! For this post, please just share anything that you're currently loving!

❤ Southwest Airlines
If it were up to me, I'd never fly any other airlines. Ticket prices are reasonable and you get to check two bags with the purchase of a ticket. They have super great customer service - last week when I left Chicago to go to Calfornia, I was through baggage check in 10 minutes. Also, in Chicago, they fly out of Midway, which is smaller and I know it like the back of my hand. Highly recommend this fabulous airlines!

❤ wineries with friends
My California girlfriends live super close to a strip of like 40 wineries. We went to this one - Wilson, I think? Delicious sparkling wines! The grounds outside were beautiful and the company was the best!

❤ this
Found on Twitter or Instagram. Does your school have a twitter hashtag? Imagine the possibilities!

❤ Bernie Sanders
He's running against Hillary in the primaries. You need more info! I had never heard of him until just a few weeks ago, but he is not owned by big corporation money. The people who back his campaign are middle class folks, like us, and he wants to restore democracy. He's going to win by a grassroots effort, so get on facebook and twitter and start sharing! Here's one more blog post on him, too!

❤ Wahoos Tacos
If you're ever in Calfornia or Vegas, find one and stop. The. Best. Fish Tacos. Ever. and I had a shrimp one last night too - delish!

An InLinkz Link-up

slice of life

Welcome to the BigTime Blogging Challenge! Today, we are writing Slice of Life stories. They are small moment stories (think memoir) and are hosted by Two Writing Teachers, so be sure to share your story in both places! Don't forget to leave comments. But, it's important to note, on the Two Writing Teachers blog, don't leave your link in the comment of other people's posts. The feedback there is more about encouragement and sharing about what you loved about the writing you read!

I don't have any of my own kids. The closest I have is my niece, Caitlyn. She lives in Charlotte but when she was a baby and a toddler, my sister and I lived in Phoenix, super close to one another. Caitlyn grew up with me and she's the closest thing I have to my own kid. I am the original Auntie (the name she still calls me) and I couldn't be more happy to have that title.

As I mentioned a few posts back, she was visiting me for a week in June. We did so much together (I was actually super exhausted!) but I had so much fun with her.

But then it was time to take her to the airport. On the way, everything was fine - I was more worried about not missing the flight to even think about her leaving. We ended up being pretty early, so we sat and read books and watched You Tube videos. We called her mom and talked to her. It still wasn't hitting me how sad I was going to be that she was leaving.

Finally, they called for preboarding for her flight. There was another child flying solo, so they met one another and got to sit together. As I was hugging her goodbye for the third time, it washed over me - this kiddo, the closest thing I have to my own child, is leaving and I'm not going to see her anytime soon.

She walked down the tunnel, looking over her shoulder and waving, and I sat back down. I tried to read a little, but couldn't focus. I walked to the window and watched the plane sit there.

The plane finally began to taxi away and the tears came. I had gotten used to having her around all the time again, just like it used to be when she was so young. I always had someone to talk to, to share meals with, and laughs. I got to experience things with her for the first time - riding front seat of Raging Bull and tears at the sushi restaurant.

To some extent, this must be what it feels like to have a kid. I was so so sad, and even sitting here thinking about it makes me a little misty.

Can't wait until next summer when she comes back again. Thank you to my sister for sending her. As I sit here, I'm just thinking:

Get the details for the challenge here!

An InLinkz Link-up

fun summer plans

Summer is awesome, isn't it? Today we're talking about fun summer plans for the #btbc15. I've been having the best summer! In June, one of the huge highlights is that my niece, who is 11 years old, came to visit me in Chicago for the week. We did so much and had so much fun. Here are some of the highlights:

Dinner on Hektor's rooftop

(amazing view, right?)

Dave and Busters

Sushi!

Cubs game!

Six Flags

I also got her to start blogging over at Monkey Business! (Check out her blog and leave her a comment!)

That week in June was so fun, and I love this kid. I was so sad to see her go!

Next cool plans are the California trip that I'm currently on!

This month I'm also taking a Writing Workshop with my writing buddy JennieB. Then, when that ends, I'm going to Florida for a week to see my mom and stepdad. We're staying in Ormand Beach for a week right by the water and I couldn't be more excited (except by that time, summer will almost be over!)

I know by the end of this I'll be all set to go back for another school year. I'm so thankful for summer breaks that give us time to rejuvenate, reflect, and get ready for another year!

An InLinkz Link-up

summer blog party!

Hello friends, teachers, and parents! Welcome to BigTime Literacy! The Reading Crew is bringing you a great blog hop today with tons of ideas for supporting our kiddos literacy development during the summer...and freebies! Then, we'll be back on Wednesdays for weekly linky parties to share reading and writing strategies. We hope you'll join us each week for that, but for now, let's get to one way that you can help your child beat the Summer Slide: reading lots of great books!

As a former middle school teacher, you have to know how much I enjoy young adult literature. Getting great books in the hands of my students is obviously one of my biggest drives as a teacher, and as such, I have to stay ahead of them. This summer, I'm starting off with this stack:

I've already finished brown girl dreaming and Out of My Mind. That being said, I have a freebie for you - a recommended reading list for middle school kiddos!

We'll get to the download in a few, but let me share a few of my absolute faves for middle school kids. These are tried and tested with kids and always get a big thumbs-up!

For Rising Sixth Graders: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

from Amazon:
Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first. 

Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.

I always loved reading this book to my middle school kids - the scene on the Hot Seat is awesome and the voice I used for Hillary Kimble makes her sound like the brat of a cheerleader she is. Your kiddo will love this story and hopefully, will walk away from it knowing it's okay to be you, no matter what that means.

Rising Seventh Graders: The Boy Who Couldn't Die by William Sleator

from Amazon:
Sleator, a recognized master of sci-fi and horror and a favorite of reluctant readers, is a paperback powerhouse, with more than 600,000 copies of his novels sold in softcover. Here he gives fans a spin on the classic zombie story, following sixteen-year-old Ken as he bargains with a psychic to gain immortality, only to awaken one night with blood-spattered clothes and the realization that he's sold more than his soul.

I actually haven't read this, but I would always give it to the guys in my class who had a hard time finding something they clicked with, and this book would get them every time. My copy is warn and the cover is ratty, but it will hook anyone - pretty much just on the cover art and title alone. Have your kiddo give it a try!

Rising Eighth Graders: A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

from Amazon:

This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog's Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?

Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey's search for his new life's meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog.

But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey's journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders--will he ever find his purpose?

Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

I came across this one the last time I had been teaching eighth grade and loved it - and so did my students who were animal lovers! This book follows the soul of a dog who is born, lives a life, and then is reborn to a new body. With each life he lives, he learns new things and impacts the families that love him in different ways. This book is beautiful and I highly recommend it!

and something new for high school readers....

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

from Amazon:

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he's pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he's never met.

Incredibly funny and poignant, this twenty-first-century coming-of-age, coming out story—wrapped in a geek romance—is a knockout of a debut novel by Becky Albertalli.

This book came to my attention via Twitter, and I think from someone who writes over at Two Writing Teachers. I just started it yesterday and am already halfway through! Simon is the narrator, and in such a hard position because someone read one of his emails and now is asking for a favor in return for keeping his private information confidential. The chapters alternate between Simon narrating and emails between Simon and a secret friend, Blue, who is also gay and hasn't come out yet. The book is peppered with mature language and engaging high school conversation and so cute. Highly recommended for those older readers!

So those are a few I have loved recommending and reading, hopefully one of them will speak to you! If not, please jump over to my Teachers Pay Teachers store for my freebie: a list of recommended reading in the following categories:

• Rising Sixth Graders
• Rising Seventh Graders
• Rising Eighth Graders
• For the Girls
• For the Guys
• Mature Reads

What are your favorite middle-school level books to read? Please leave me a comment below and let me know!

If you like what you've read here, be sure to follow my blog!

You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Let's get connected!

After you grab your freebie, head on over to Growing Little Learners and grab some writing ideas from Pixie Anne!

Happy Summer!

a five for friday book review!

Hello everyone! Linking up with Kasey at Doodle Bugs for a #SummerShelfies edition of Five for Friday! I just finished a great book and wanted to share with you!

brown girl dreaming is the coming-of-age story of author, Jacqueline Woodson. She grows up between the South and the North during the civil rights movement. Her memories, written in free verse, tell the stories of her family, of the culture of the time, of her friends, but what I loved most is how she realized she was going to be a writer at a very young age, and chronicles that journey through this book. Here are some excerpts of my favorite parts.

on paper, page 156

The first time I write my full name

Jacqueline Amanda Woodson

without anybody's help
on a clean white page in my composition notebook,
     I know

if I wanted to

I could write anything.

Letters becoming words, words gathering meaning,
     becoming
thoughts outside my head

becoming sentences

written by

Jacquline Amanda Woodson

writing #1, page 217

It's easier to make up stories
than it is to write them down. When I speak,
the words come pouring out of me. The story
wakes up and walks all over the room. Sits in a chair,
crosses one leg over the other, says
Let me introduce myself. Then just starts going on and on.
But as I bend over my composition notebook,
only my name
comes quickly. Each letter, neatly printed
between the pale blue lines. Then white
space and air and me wondering, How do I
spell introduce? Trying again and again
until there is nothing but pink
bits of eraser and a hole now
where a story should be.

when i tell my family, page 229

When I tell my family
I want to be a writer, they smile and say,
We see you in the backyard with your writing.
They say,
We hear you making up all those stories.
And,
We used to write poems.
And,
It's a good hobby, we see how quiet it keeps you.
They say,
But maybe you should be a teacher,
a lawyer,
do hair...

I'll think about it, I say

And maybe all of us know

this is just another one of my
stories.

from the selfish giant, page 247

But I just shrug, not knowing what to say.
How can I explain to anyone that stories
are like air to me,
I breathe them in and let them out
over and over again.

how to listen #10, page 310

Write down what I think
I know. The knowing will come.

Just keep listening...

and even though that's already five, I have to leave you with one more, a poem from the end of the book.

every wish, one dream, page 313-314

Every dandelion blown
each Star light, star bring
The first star I see tonight.

My wish is always the same.

Every fallen eyelash
and first firefly of summer...

The dream remains.

What did you wish for?
To be a writer.

Every heads-up penny found
and daydream and night dream
and even when people say it's a pope dream....!

I want to be a writer.

Every sunrise and sunset and song
against a cold windowpane.

Passing the mountains.

Passing the sea.


Every story read
every poem remembered:

I loved my friend
and
When I see birches bend to left and right
and
"Nay," answered the child: "but these are the wounds of Love."

Every memory....

Froggie went a-courting, and he did ride
Uh hmm.

brings me closer
and closer to the dream.

Beautiful or what? I love how over the course of the book, you can see how she wants to be a writer, but she's unsure. She can't get the stories in her head on paper. She tells her family, but they think maybe she should do something else. But all along, Jacqueline knows that stories are part of her - she breathes them, remembers them like it's nothing. She listens hard to what's going on around her. She wishes to be a writer, always has the same dream.

Authors are so creative. I read a little of Mem Fox's Radical Reflections where she says she has like 4 original ideas a year and that's how I feel. I love to write, but I'm not super creative.... This book just gives me hope that if I stick with it - with the wide reading and the writing - someday, something will come.

Have you read brown girl dreaming? What do you think?