Fobie Friends

Hi all!

I am currently enjoying a quiet evening with some Sex And The City. This is such a perfect way to end my hectic week. Tried kicking the caffeine habit...needless to say, I have had a terrible headache and have been craving Starbucks like no other. Not to worry...I kicked off my weekend with Starbucks and my movie. ;) I am now headache free and full of energy again.

So, I wanted to share something amazing one of my parent's has going on. {By my parent's I mean one of my student's parents} They are this amazing duo that are also children's books authors. Their series is simply splendiferous, fun, and amazing.

One of the perks of having their daughter is that we get our very own copy and Leslie, one of the authors, comes to read to us! Below is a picture of her reading their newest edition of Fobie Friends to our class. The kids were thrilled we got the first copy!

...so what is "Fobie Friends"?

Leslie and Brian focus on children's fears. As an elementary teacher, I can appreciate this. Kids are afraid of water, starting a new school, heights, and so many things! Their books focus on these fobias but in a fun way. Each character faces their fear with the help of a silly "Fobie Friend" that shows them they can take charge of their fears and have fun! 

The beautiful illustrations and fun rhyming makes it great for k-3, but I even spy some of our older kiddos grabbing them in the library! If you are looking for something fun and different, I strongly suggest looking at them next time you are at Barnes & Noble.

This duo doesn't stop there! They are even writing CCSS curriculum to go with the books and traveling schools. How awesome is that?!

You can also check out their website HERE!

Happy reading everyone!

*These are my own opinions. I was not asked to write this post, but was given permission from the authors.

Common Core for Parents

Hi there!

I don't know about you all, but I am still struggling with being "beginning of the school year" tired. It has caused me to neglect a lot of things in my life...the blog being one of them.

Lately, I have had a lot of my parents email or come to me with severe concerns on how I am teaching due to Common Core. It is now at the point where I am having a "CCSS for the Parents" night in my classroom.

Many of my parents, myself included, were taught the classic lecture and question way. Things are much different now! Many of my parents struggle with helping on homework, and I completely understand. To help them learn the "new" way of thinking, I have put together a PowerPoint and a PDF to follow for them on my educational night.

I have uploaded it to TPT for you to grab your own copy. You can click HERE for it.

We are going to go over the following (all found in the PDF):
-What is CCSS?...what CCSS is NOT.
-Testing and CCSS
-Strategies for reading
-Strategies for math
-Videos on lesson that is CCSS VS 20th century learning

How do you educate your parents on Common Core?

New Design Giveaway!

I am so excited and obsessed with my new blog design. A HUGE thank you to Megan at A Bird in Hand Designs. Didn't she do an amazing job?! She was super easy to work with and kudos for her for having patients with me through the process!

To celebrate my beautiful new blog, I am hosting my first ever giveaway! {Insert loud cheers :)}

I will be giving away a few of my favorite things.

Some things you can expect from the giveaway are....

-My go-to lunch bar when I am too busy making copies to sit down to eat {Larabars}
-An adorable water bottle...because every teacher needs to sip his/her beverage in style
-Goodies for work...such as Sharpies & washi tape
...and the rest I will save for a surprise! :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Coming Soon} Book Club

Hey all! 

It is so wonderful to have a day off today. I actually got to finish one of my books I started over the summer!...imagine that! 

That got me thinking-we are only 4 weeks into our school year, and I already started to lose time to myself for reading and relaxing. Does this happen to you too?? I find plenty of time for grading papers, creating TPT products, and cleaning {insert eyeroll} but no time for just coffee, a book, & quiet time. 

This is why I created "The Book Club Beauties". This is a place were we can all vote on a book, read, relax, and sip wine. Also, I think it will be a great way to meet other teachers in the blogger-verse. 

I will be sending out an email to anyone who asked to join on my instagram {@cardigansandcaffeine}. If you want to join, send me an email and I will add you to the list. 

Our first job is to vote on a book. I will continue to grow the group in an open community to allow us all to chat at the end of our reads together. 

Post below if you have a book you would like to suggest and introduce yourself. I will take all of the suggestions and put them in a hat for a blind pick to keep it fair! 

Happy reading!

September Currently

Hi all!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Labor Day! Mine has been spent in comfy clothes with a cup of coffee...I can't complain. :)

Today I am linking up with Farley at "Oh' Boy 4th Grade". Have you seen her blog? It is ah-mazing!

So...here we go!

I am loving Lana Del Ray, but I need to update my iTunes! Any suggestions? I love all types of music. 

Isn't it great having today off?! Unfortunately, my boyfriend doesn't get that luxury. So I am enjoying having our whole apartment to myself. It feels like summer again with how quiet it is. ;) 

So, I have been seeing Jamberry Nails all over my Insta....they look adorable! I am really close to trying them, but I haven't heard much about reviews. What do you all think? Worth it? I am used to getting the shellac manicures...so I am worried they don't last as long. 

I need to take advantage of having today off...and maybe, I don't know...workout for a change! Buuuut my yoga studio is closed...that is a good enough reason to just relax today...I think? I am thinking about trying running. I have always been a yoga girl, but running "runs" in my family.

I hope you are all enjoying your long & well deserved weekend! Play safely today!