No. No. No. I Don't Want It To Be August (Currently)

July. August. July. August.

Yep. There's definitely a difference. July sounds like summer. And August sounds like back-to-school. I'm pretty sure that August is still a summer month. But as soon as the calendar flips over to August, my whole world changes... and something in the back of my brain begins chanting, "You've got to get ready!" And then I hear someone whining: But August is still summer! Oh. That someone might be me!

I know that lots of my BlogFriends have already gone back to school--in July! (Sorry... I think that starting school in July borders on inhumane!). And for many, maybe even most teachers, school begins in August.  In my thirty years at my school, we have always gone back to school the day after Labor Day... also known as the first week of September. Next year I will join the majority when we report back in mid-August. But as of today, there are still a few more weeks of "summer" on my calendar. Sigh. I can't help it: My brain keeps telling me to go and buy some more crayons.

Not that it matters what month is on the calendar. I am still organizing the garage! And I am trying to consolidate my curriculum so that it is more "accessible." For the first time in almost twenty years, I will have some fifth graders in my room. It is going to require some adjustment: I have to brush up on my U.S. History curriculum! There is not a lot of overlap between Ancient Civilizations (sixth grade) and U.S. History to 1860 (fifth grade), so I'm going to have to get creative. Here's a little secret: I'm actually looking forward to the challenge!

I wish I could get into my classroom. My room is in the last row of rooms to be cleaned. It will still be another week before I can get in. That only leaves two weeks to get ready. Thankfully, I sorted and cleaned most of my drawers and cupboards in June. Ahhhhh. June. Now that's a month that sounds like summer!

Tomorrow I will be a participating in a Southern California blog hop. A group of "SoCal" bloggers have put together a collection of freebies... and a chance to win some "spending money" on TpT! I hope you'll come back and visit again!

And don't forget to link up with your "Currently" thoughts. I think I meet another BlogFriend almost every time I link up with Farley. I know that's one of her goals... It's like a cross-country blogger meet up--and you don't even have to chose an outfit! Just click the graphic below to be a part of the fun!

And don't forget to leave a little extra love for the bloggers before and after you. It's back-to-school time--or close to it. A little extra love can go a long way!

August Currently... Already?!

WOW. If it's time for Currently, it's time for a new month! August. YIKES. Almost time to go back... and, no, I am not ready to give up the delicious freedom of summer!

Since my Common Core meltdown, I have had renewed energy and a MUCH better attitude! I have started planning (finally!), but just lessons that I know the kids will enjoy. There is so much "establishing of routines" that occurs at the beginning of the year. I love those first few weeks--when kids think they are having fun, but you are actually sneaking in the routines they will use for the next ten months!

I am feeling particularly grateful to have a job I enjoy. Although it is not always easy, it is rarely dull! And, just like the kids, Back-to-School time still fills my mind with anticipation and my stomach with butterflies!

I already know that my attitude will guide my success. But I really want to try to take better care of myself this year. There were many mornings when I found myself driving to school after five (or fewer) hours of sleep. I learned not be surprised when those days were not among my most stellar. You know you are in trouble when I sixth grader approaches cautiously and says (gently), "My mom might be able to bring you some coffee..."

I was blessed to receive an abundance of Starbucks cards at the end of the school year. Having my coffee in the morning as I get ready for the day just makes me happy.

Teachers are frequently criticized for many things (unprepared students, behavior problems, lagging test scores... etc.) Yet our wants are often quite simple: Enough copies to last each month, enough books for kids to read, enough paper and pencils (and tissues) to last the year. Not a company car or an office with a view. Just the basics to do our job.

I love my job. And I love this profession. With a few extra boxes and and a handful of Starbucks cards, I know a good year is on the horizon. And I am wishing you a wonderful year too!

Now for the best part: Meet up at Farley's and check in with those who linked before and after you. I always love this part of Currently. I enjoy meeting new bloggers each month and I like having a chance to learn new things about other teachers in the Blog-O-Sphere. Now that hundreds of teachers come together each month, Farley is like the Queen of Connections. Aren't you SO glad?

Here's the button. See you there!

August (Already?) Currently

How can it be August already? Yesterday it was June! (or so it seems...)
What would a new month be without a link-up with Farley?

Yippee! Time for the latest edition of Currently from Oh Boy Fourth Grade...

As you can tell I am having a love-hate relationship with my garage. I dislike the fact that it is taking so much time to get this task done, but I am so glad to be sorting through the towering piles. If you don't hear from me for a while, please check the garage... somewhere between the 1985 edition bread machine and the 14 assorted Easter baskets! (Oh, if only I were kidding...)

That last section on the Currently template is about those three things you simply MUST have for Back to School. Well, it was supposed to be three. I went for a rather "combo approach" on that last one. I could have typed "sanity," because those items listed are the necessary components of sanity...

Since Farley is all about sharing the Love (Which makes her even more SuperFabulous in my mind), she has designed a way to make even more connections with other bloggers: When you link up, remember to comment on the two Currently links before you and the Currently link that comes after you (Yep... you get to go back and check. That's what makes it so much fun!) Also, there are TWO chances to link up this time. The first one is to link up your "Mustache Posts" in the Mustache Linky Party (which is not the Currently Party). The second one is the "traditional" Currently where you will find LOTS of link-ups! It's only August 4th and there are already 229 links there (not counting a few that got lost in the Mustache section). Hope to see you there! (Thanks, Farley!)