BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

This blog post has been 5 years in the making! That's right, for the past 5 year's I've built (and dare I say, perfected?!) my Back to School Night routine and today I'm sharing my tricks and tips! I'm giddy to share these details with you. Grab yourself a cup of coffee and settle in for a wealth of information and some freebies! 

**Disclaimer: These are the tips and tricks that have worked for me pre-COVID-19. While I wish that I will be able to run my Back to School Night the same this year, there is so much unknown. I am sharing tips for what has worked for me in the past and how I would hope to run my event in the future. I do not know yet what my District's expectation is for Fall 2020 so these plans do not reflect any COVID-19 modifications. Although these plans are specific to an in-person, open house type meeting, I believe that many of the tips I share will be transferable to an online environment. I would be more than happy to be a thinking partner for you if you are looking to take these ideas and tweak them for your virtual or in-person Back to School Night. Please reach out in the comments OR through Instagram!**

In my District, our Back to School Night or "Open House" is the first opportunity that students have to set foot in the classroom, find out who their teacher is, and meet them. Our Back to School Night is always before the 1st Day of School. Because this is such a crucial time for first impressions and setting the tone for the year, I'm sharing a few tips to hopefully put your mind at ease for this momentous occasion. 

One of my biggest tips for Back to School Night is to just be YOU! Try your best to channel any nerves into energy and enthusiasm. Chances are, your students are nervous too! By showing them that you're excited to meet them and having a game plan for the evening, it will put them at ease and make them feel welcome. Now, let's get to that game plan to make sure your night is smooth.

Set up Tips:
As you start planning for your Back to School Night, there are a few things I would encourage you to think through that will help you narrow your focus as you plan for the event. These guiding questions will also set the format for the rest of this blog post...
- How do you want your space to look? Feel? Sound?
- What will your students need to accomplish before the night is over?
- What (if anything) do you want your students to accomplish before you see them again?
- What message do you want to share with parents? 
- How do you want your students to feel when they leave? **This is the question that should drive all of your other planning!

How do I want my space to look? Feel? Sound?
For me, I want my classroom to look clean, organized, and welcoming. One way that I accomplish this is by decorating my space. Depending on when your Back to School Night falls in conjunction with the first day of school, you might not have time to get your classroom fully decorated and set up and that's okay! I would just encourage you to make sure that it has a welcoming feel and that any piles of papers, projects, or to-do lists are tucked out of the way. Throughout the school year I display student work in the room so that they have ownership of our space. For "Back to School Night" students obviously haven't turned in any work yet so I make little signs saying things like "awesome work coming soon" or "your work goes here" just to increase excitement and fill the space. A personal touch that I like to add the night of the event is a slideshow video on loop playing at the front of the room with pictures from previous years. I think this is a special way to showcase the fun that has been had in my room while previewing the fun that is to come in our year together. (If you're a first year teacher and want to try the slideshow tip but don't have any pictures to share yet -- don't fret! You could definitely save this idea to try next year OR you could share some pictures from student teaching. One thing to be mindful of is not sharing faces of the students you worked with during that experience if you were at a different school than you're hired at due to FERPA.) 

I want my classroom to feel warm and fun. Sound and smell are such important senses so I like to have a plan to engage those senses as well. (Side note: for Valentine's Day this last year one of my students wrote me a note saying that they love the way our classroom smells... so I guess it really does make an impact 😂) I love having a Scentsy warmer in my classroom and use an accompanying room spray to give a clean, fresh, and summer-y smell. If you've been friends with me for very long, you probably know that I have a playlist for just about everything and Back to School night is no exception! I have a playlist on Spotify filled with upbeat, instrumental Pixar songs. You can access that playlist HERE. There are so many conversations that take place at Back to School Night and because mine is set up in an "Open House" format, those conversations are usually taking place all at once! The instrumental music adds some depth to the experience without overpowering or drowning out the important dialogue going on. It's also nice to have music on because parents will occasionally share personal details with me that I don't want other families overhearing so the soft instrumentals cover that up a tad. I know that sounds and smells are important ways to connect with emotions and memories, and I want those first memories together to be positive ones, so I'm very intentional about the first scent my students smell when they meet me and the music that greets their ears. 

What will my students need to accomplish before the night is over? 
My main objectives for Back to School Night are for students to get acquainted with me and our classroom while building excitement for the first day of school (and our year together). In my District, many students come with supplies on that night so I also want them to feel comfortable with where to put their things. To make the night smooth and clear I have a little "checklist" that I hand to each student after I greet them that details the steps I want them to accomplish in order. I know that it can be overwhelming to come into a new space when nerves and/or excitement are high, so I try to make my list as short and clear as possible. One way that I do that it by ratcheting down on the things that I need my students to do before the night is over. I also strategically set up stations or places that students and families need to go to around the room so that things are spread out enough for it to not feel hectic or claustrophobic, but also close enough so that the path is purposeful and that things flow based on the order I want students to accomplish them in. 

When families come in I make direct eye contact with the student, welcome them, introduce myself, then I turn to the families and introduce myself to them as well and shake their hands. I will make conversation for a few moments asking how their summer was, asking how they're feeling about 5th grade, and making sure that I'm hitting my objective of making them feel welcomed while also trying to build excitement for the year.  Then I joke with the student and tell them that I'm "putting them to work" on the first night by giving them a little checklist of a few things to do before they leave the room to get to know our classroom a bit better. I also let them know that if they're stuck at any point or have questions as they go, they can just let me know. Below I'm sharing the check list of things that I ask my students to accomplish in hopes to give you an inspiration point as you decide what you would put on your checklist. Below each item, you'll read my little commentary to provide more context and my rationale about what that item means and why I included it... 

1. Locate the desk with your name on it. Find the "Welcome Packet" & make sure you take that home with you!

     - When I was in elementary school I remember that I always wanted to know where I would be sitting right away. After a couple of years of experimenting, I've found that it works best for me to have students' desks assigned for Back to School Night. I typically get plain name tags at Target (or chop up plain construction paper -- hello free!) and just handwrite their name and set them on desks. I don't tape them down because 1- our rosters tend to change right up to this event (sometimes even during or after!), 2- my students rotate during the school day and I don't want my other students from the rotating periods to be picking at their name tags, and 3- I have a hybrid flexible seating model (maybe this requires a separate blog post of it's own?) so I don't want my students to get too attached to any one desk... it's more of a chance for them to feel like they have their own space in our room right from the start and a place to put the items they walk in with. On each desk there is a welcome packet that includes a few informational pieces for families and then also some surveys for them to return to me. I include a check list of what items from the welcome packet they can keep, what I want back, and when I want it back. I do not expect (or want) families to have to sit down and fill it all out that night, so I include this to make things clear and helpful. The last thing students will find on their desk is a punny little gift for them that is also practical. Pencils are like ✨gold✨, so I like to start the year off with a cute pencil and welcoming note for kids as a gift that my students will actually use. To get this freebie click HERE or find it at the bottom of this post. 

2. If you have any personal supply items, keep them in your backpack at your desk. We will organize them together next week. 

     - My District issues out a suggested school supply list during the summer. On our Back to School Night some students come with all of their supplies from that list. I have found that it works best for students to keep any of their personal supplies in their backpack at their desk for us to sort through and organize during the first week of school. Usually class rosters change so much that I don't assign cubbies right off the bat until I'm more certain of who will actually be in my class. If kids have extra supplies that they want to donate, I have a table to the side where they can pile those items and I put a little note about it on my whiteboard. I also word it like you saw on the numbered point above because I know that many students aren't able to bring supplies or haven't brought supplies and I don't want them to feel bad if they don't have things yet. 

3. Check out the sign-up sheets on the back counter. 

     - This area is mostly for the parents! On the back counter I spread out clipboards with sign-up sheets for volunteers, a checklist for contact info, and a sign in sheet. I also include a punny parent gift with mints for them to grab along with my classroom wishlist. 

4. Find the rectangle table in the corner. Make sure you tell me how you're getting home this week and the rest of the school year. 

     - This is a great way to make sure that students, families, and you are all on the same page about daily transportation routines. I have a simple piece of posterboard where students write their name and how they're getting home the first day of school and the rest of the school year. (If they ride the bus I ask them to write which number.) Then I display this posterboard in our classroom the first week for students to refer back to. The first day is always so busy and since our Back to School Night is usually highly attended, it's good to get this important detail squared away and then revisit it on the first day with those kiddos and anyone who couldn't come to the event. 

5. Picture time! Head to the photo area by the side whiteboard, grab a prop, strike a pose, and say cheese!

     - This is one of my favorite ways to add some fun to the night. I have a variety of little props (that I mostly got from the Target Dollar Spot or Dollar Store and then personalized) and a list explaining the area. I draw a frame on the whiteboard to make it cute and whimsical. Parents just use their phone to snap a pic. It's super fun and informal and takes very little prep time while adding some personal flair and a touch of excitement!

6. Take some time to get acquainted with our classroom. Feel free to look around and ask any questions you may have!

     - This important point gives students the chance to look around and check in with me when I'm available. Depending on what point in the night it is, this might look a little different. When there are lulls in incoming families,  I "work the room" and check in with students and walk around. When families come in, I head to the door area to greet them. The great thing is that students have the chance to look around at their own pace since it is an "Open House" style evening, so even if I am in conversation, they can wait until I'm available again to ask questions. I love to see students walk around with their families and watch the excitement on their face and see their curiosity piqued by the different items around the room. 

7. Last one... before you leave find Miss Whittaker & show her that you have completed everything on the list. Give her a hug, handshake, or hi-five!

     - I let the student take the lead on this one! I think it's important to make positive contact with each child and definitely want the night to end on a high note that makes the child want to come back to school. When they bring me their checklist, I ask if there are any questions. I always direct this to the student first and then turn to the family to see if they have any questions. Then I ask the student if they want to say goodbye with a handshake, hug, or hi-five and let them choose what they feel comfortable with.

What (if anything) do I want my students to accomplish before I see them again?
Like I mentioned above, I do have a little "Welcome Packet" on my students' desk during our Back to School Night. I also have an accompanying checklist so that families are clear what they get to keep, what I want back, and when I want it. It is a busy time for families too -- especially if they have multiple kids. I don't want my students to be penalized for their parents maybe forgetting to fill out a little survey about what type of learner their child is. I make sure that the "due dates" for any forms I need back are at the end of the first week of school. I send reminders home to the parents via email and have students put it in their agenda the first week. I really only ask for 2 things to be returned so that I can have a better understanding of my students without asking too much of them or their family during this busy season.  

How do I want my students to feel when they leave?
Personally, I want my students to leave feeling excited for the first day of school! I want them to know a little bit about our room, but also come back looking forward to finding out more. I want them to know that I care and that I'm excited to teach them. Each piece of our first time meeting each other reflects these goals and I would encourage you to make sure that your plans do too!

Other Tips:
- Have coloring sheets on hand! When younger siblings come in I like to offer them the opportunity to color. I've found that this helps the kids who are bored and gives parents a chance to focus in on the student who will be a learner in my classroom.
- Have a notepad nearby! Every year parents will share with me details about their child as a learner or little human. I've found it's really helpful to have a notepad and pen handy so that I can jot down any notes while it's fresh and before I meet the next family.
- Dress to impress, but keep it comfy! I like to wear a dress on Back to School Night. I usually pick a dress that is comfy and won't show sweat or wrinkles easily (just keeping it real!). Footwear is really important as well -- I usually wear my most comfortable heeled sandals or flats so that I don't end up with blisters by the end of the night. I think it's very important to dress professionally for this first impression, but not at the cost of comfort. If I don't feel relaxed, then I won't conduct myself in a relaxed manner. Pick a power outfit that will leave you feeling cute, comfortable, and confident! 
- Just be you! Seriously! This tip is so important that I included it again. Let your passion and enthusiasm shine through. If a parent asks you a question you don't know the answer to, don't be flustered, tell them you'll look into it and get back to them. Being yourself will set your students at ease. Don't feel like you have to share the same speech or points with every family. Let conversation ebb and flow naturally. Showing people your heart for kids and education speaks volumes! 

Let's get to the freebies!
If you click on the graphics below you will be rerouted to the web pages that house these freebies and resources that I use to rock my Back to School Night that I hope can be helpful for you as you rock yours. 

I hope this post gave you some ideas for how you can rock your Back to School Night! If you have any questions or want a thinking partner, let me know in the comments below! I'm rooting you on and wish you the best of luck as you start out your year. 

7 WAYS YOU CAN ROCK YOUR SCHOOL YEAR

Happy beginning of the year! I hope that things are off to a great start in your classroom. Today I'm sharing 7 ways you can rock your school year. These are things I believe any teacher can implement -- whether you've been teaching 5 years or 5 minutes!

1. Believe in YOU!
Confidence is one of the best things you can wear. It doesn't matter how long you've been teaching, the way you carry yourself is important. I find that doing a little "posture check" at times when I'm feeling frazzled and frantic is especially important. Taking the time to realign myself (inwardly & outwardly) while taking a few deep breaths helps me to exude the positive confident self that I am, and not the little stress ball I feel like sometimes. Also, don't feel like you have to apologize or make excuses for yourself. We are all always learning. Treat yourself and others with respect and you'll be on your way to rocking your year.

2. Make the most of your mornings.
I hate feeling rushed in the morning! I've found that the way I start my day usually sets the tone for the day. I love sleeping in, but making the most of my time in the mornings seems to get things going in a better direction. I like to wake up with plenty of time for me to get ready, make my bed, eat breakfast, and have my devotions before I leave for work. Maybe making the most of your mornings includes time for you to workout, watch the news, or go over your lesson plans again. Whatever it is that you need to do to feel ready for the day, backwards plan your time so that you can be present in these important tasks as you set your intentions for the day.

3. Dress to impress.
Confidence in one's demeanor is definitely an important way to make a good impression. What you wear is one facet of having that confident presentation. One of my first rules for dressing to impress is find cute outfits that make you feel good. This goes back to confidence, you want to know that you are rocking what you're wearing so you can be ready rock your school year. In addition to wearing cute outfits, choose pieces that flatter your figure and are ironed! Don't show up for work looking sloppy. You might think people won't notice, they will. Take the extra time to put the extra effort into your look. You are worth it!

4. Start your day off right.
I make the most of each transition time. I start off every day (and every new class period) by greeting incoming students with a handshake. I start this routine on the first day of school. Teaching youngsters how to give a proper handshake sets the tone for your expectations of them as learners as well. I don't welcome students into my class until they've shaken my hand, looked me in the eyes, and responded to my greeting in an appropriate way. Starting the day off with a handshake and a smile shows my students I mean business, but I'm warm too as I greet them with saying their name, a compliment, or another greeting. 

5. End your day in the right way, too.
At the very end of each day I say good-bye to my 5th Graders in a variety of ways. I tell them from the first day that they can say farewell by giving me a handshake, hug, or high-five. It's totally up to each student every day! Some students do a signature exit strategy, while others mix it up each day, and some even create special handshakes with me. No matter what, it's a perfect book end to the day as I personally remind each and every student how much I care about them. 

6. Find a good "thinking partner."
We don't have to do this job alone.  🙌🙌🙌 I believe that we are better when we work together. Maybe your thinking partner is someone on your team, perhaps someone down the hall, or a connection you've made on Social Media. No matter who it is, it's important to have someone to collaborate and brainstorm with. This person should be someone you feel totally comfortable being yourself around. Sometimes you have to reflect on your successes and failures out loud to really let them sink in and process how to get better results next time. Your thinking partner should be someone you can talk to about these things and you can trust their advice without any fear of judgement. 

7. Don't sweat the small stuff. 
"Every day is a fresh start." "Mistakes are proof you're trying." These are things we say to our students as we encourage growth mindset within them, right? It's time we say these things to ourselves. If there is something you're doing that is taking a lot of time/effort, I would encourage you to reflect and reevaluate. Is there anything in your class that you're doing that a student could do? Not everything has to be totally perfect, find ways you can give jobs to students, streamline your workload, or just cut out things that aren't necessary. It will be a better use of your precious time and energy! 

If you're interested in outfit details...

Houndstooth Dress: Old Navy

Black Tassel Earrings: Target

Apple Watch Band: Amazon

Gold Rings: Target

Black Heeled Sandals: Old Navy

Pencil Purse: Target

I hope these tips empower you to feel like you can rock this school year! Are you already doing some of these things? Any suggestions for others on how they could rock their school year? Sound off in the comments below!

THROW KINDNESS

I don't know about you, but the popular quote "Throw Kindness around like Confetti" speaks to my soul! Kindness, by definition is "the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate." These are all attributes that I strive to show to others both inside and outside of my classroom. Incorporating the theme of kindness into my classroom this year was a no-brainer for me, but I wanted to do it in a fun way that also incorporated my teacher style. Throwing a little confetti into the picture adds a fun, party-like, whimsical charm. Building and fostering a community of kindness, friendship, consideration, and fun in my classroom is so important to me. I strive to let each individual know and feel that they are valued, not only by me, but by one another. Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite community building activities that I start on the first day of school and build on throughout the year. Something I love about this activity is that you could start it in your classroom tomorrow! It requires little prep, but the impact is lasting. 

*The activity that I'm sharing with you today is based on an activity my cooperating teachers shared with me during my student teaching. Over time, I've tweaked it and made it into what I'm sharing with you today. I hope that you are inspired by my activity (as I was by theirs) and use it in a way that compliments your teaching style and your kids.

It all starts with a blank canvas. I took an empty space in my room and added the simple phrase "Throw Kindness like Confetti." I LOVE this freebie from Especially Education. It is so clean and bright and beautiful and added a wonderful pop to my "naked" wall. Don't fret, my wall didn't stay this blank for too long.

To kick-start this activity I had my 5th Graders sit on the carpet and read the beloved classic "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein to them. After the story was finished, I had students turn to an 'elbow partner' and share their overall thoughts and feelings of the book. After students had the opportunity to share in a smaller group setting, we came back together as a class and I pointed out the bright kindness quote. I then asked students what they thought that quote meant and asked them to share with partners. Having discussed both pieces separately, I then asked students to make connections between the quote and the story that we had just read. I was a little nervous to see how a "high rigor" activity would go over towards the end of the first day of school, but our classroom was electric. I could see leaders emerging at the different table groups, willing to share their thinking with others. But even the more quiet students were eager to connect kindness, confetti, and the Shel Silverstein classic. We came back together as a class and I asked students to share out. One of the most endearing responses shared was from a young man who said, "Confetti is really messy, but in a good way. If we give to others like the tree did, we can make the world messy with kindness and happiness. Like confetti it will be really hard to clean up when we start spreading it everywhere." After I gave several students the opportunity to share their thinking and build on one another, I introduced a tangible way for us to start spreading kindness around. 

Each student in class received a piece of confetti. The instructions were to choose a classmate, write them a short message of encouragement/appreciation/kindness, and deliver it. I let the students know that on our first go around, not everyone would receive one, but that over the course of the year we would continue this activity and eventually all students will receive multiple confetti pieces. We also talked about how good it feels to give (whether or not you receive something in return), just like the tree in our book. The electricity in the air shifted as students channeled their excitement into the words that they were writing down for a fellow classmate. I walked around and observed students writing to kids that they had just barely met a few hours before, taking the time to write an intentional note of kindness. 

After students had received and read their confetti pieces I collected them all and that's when the physical transformation began. Our wall went from a blank space, to a tangible reminder of the kindness that was being spread. 

Throughout the year, we've continued this activity. I typically pass out confetti strips every two weeks or so. I like to mix it up each time. Sometimes I let students choose who they would like to write to (but I remind them that it should be a different person than who they've written to before), other times I have written out the names of each student on a strip of confetti and let students grab one (or passed them out randomly), and sometimes I'll pass out two blank pieces so they can spread a little extra kindness. 

Something that is so sweet about this activity is actually watching the confetti "explode" more and more throughout the year. My students LOVE it and often are the ones who ask to do it and remind me to pass out strips. I've placed in a few gold glitter pieces (because why not) but mostly this space full of kind, thoughtful, generous words. 

I have seen this activity build community in my classroom right before my very eyes! Students have branched out and made new connections based on a kind comment that they received from another student that opened their eyes to the possibility of a new friendship. This kindness exercise has challenged my students to get to know one another on a deeper level so they can give more than just a generic compliment when filling out a confetti strip. I've never heard a student complain about not receiving a note, but I've heard several students comment on how good it feels to tell someone else "how awesome that they are." Just like the sweet tree we read about on the first day of school, my students are looking for ways that they can give to others and encourage them, which in turn makes them feel happy.

You really could start this simple activity at any point during the school year. I could see this working in any grade level, and I've even done a similar activity with staff at my school. 
I would love to hear how this inspires you to throw kindness around like confetti in your classroom. Please share your results in the comments below!

BACK 2 SCHOOL COOL

It's Back to School season which always makes me want to break out into a chorus of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." With new school supplies, class lists, and retraining one's "teacher bladder" also comes the opportunity for a fresh take on clothes you already have in your wardrobe as well as the chance to add in a few new pieces. I'm sharing some of my favorite back to school looks. I took pieces I already had, paired them with new accessories or a fresh new blouse to make the look complete and feel "new" without having to break the bank for an updated wardrobe. I'm going to take you through a week in the life of my closet -- how you can look cool for school Monday through casual Friday. Without further ado, let's check out my tips for looking back to school cool.

Look 1: Monday

This is a perfect "first impression" outfit. I would suggest wearing this for your first day of school or back to school night. There's a lot of talk about the importance of setting the tone for the year with the activities, rules, and expectations you present on the first day of school. I would say that wearing the right outfit for the first day of school is just as important. I love this dress because it looks very professional, but is still comfortable. Starting school in August is HOT and I love that these sleeves are wide enough to keep me covered and professional, but keeps me cool as well. 

The Look:

Patterend Dress- Target

Statement Necklace- Walmart

Nude Pumps- Target

Tote- Target

Look 2: Tuesday 

This look is all about the details that represent my teacher style. I love this top with all of the little ruffles. Fun statement earrings, bold pants, and a solid heeled sandal pull this look together. I don't know about you, but I work up a sweat the first few weeks of school. Between running around the building, feeling the mix of nerves and excitement, to the August heat -- I look for ways to make sure I can keep my cool. This outfit helps me from overheating and shows off my fun side. 

The Look:

Jean Top- Old Navy

Statement Earrings- Old Navy

Pink Pixie Pants- Old Navey

Heeled Sandals- Target

Look 3: Wednesday

This look is so professional and put together, but also shows off my sassy side! This pencil skirt is a staple that I've had for awhile and worn in many different ways. The graphic tee is 100% relatable and perfect for me as the reading specialist for my grade level. This sweet boyfriend blazer is another versatile piece that I can get a lot of use out of. I think every teacher needs at least one good blazer and pencil skirt in their wardrobe. It can help you class up any outfit in a pinch-- whether it's during the first week of school, conferences, or anything in between.

The Look:

Blush Blazer- H&M

Statement Necklace- Walmart

Graphic Tee- Target

Pencil Skirt- Target

Nude Pumps- Target

Look 4: Thursday 

Jewel tones are very in right now, and I was lucky enough to find a jewel-tone blouse that happens to also compliment my skin tone and make my eyes pop! I love the simple lace details on my sleeves. They're so pretty and also keep me cool. Topping this look off with a statement necklace, pixie pants, and ballet flats makes for effortless professionalism. 

The Look:

Blouse- Target

Gray Pixie Pants- Old Navy

Black Flats- H&M

Erin Condren Teacher Planner

Look 5: Friday

When you find a shirt that SPEAKS TO YOUR SOUL you have to get it -- even if it's from the little girls section at Target. Kindness is a big theme in my room this year. When I saw this top I knew that it would be perfect for the first Casual Friday of the school year. 

The Look:

T-Shirt- Target

Jeans- Old Navy

Salmon and Gold Sandals- Target

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. I hope that you try some of these back to school outfit tips that will have you looking (and feeling) cool from head to toe!

MY PRAYER FOR THE 2017 - 2018 SCHOOL YEAR

I go back to school this week and I've been spending a lot of time thinking about and praying for my new students. I decided to write out my prayer for this school year and felt led to share it with you. I was inspired by @firstgradeblvd's photo of her back to school prayer. 

Dear God,

Thank you for this opportunity to be an educator. Thank you for this call you have placed on my life and the gifts you have placed inside me. Lord, equip me for this new year of teaching.

Let me be what my students need. Please provide me with the strength to get through the longest and hardest of days. Please help me to be sensitive and alert to your voice each day. Please give me the wisdom and grace to deal with different situations as they arise. I pray that my heart pours out onto my students and staff, and that they remember that they are so loved and so valued.

I pray that I am the teacher that You have called me to be. Give me the eyes to see what my students need. Help me to stay positive when things start to get overwhelming. I can't do this without you. Remind me to ask you to fill me each and every day.

Lord, I know that there is a reason and purpose to each of the students who enter my classroom. I pray that we become a classroom family and encourage one another. Help me to reach out to all of my students and see them through Your eyes.

I pray that all of my fellow staff will remember just how important their job is. I hope they know someone is rooting for them, even when it doesn't feel like it. I pray we have a successful year that is filled with joy, love, and positivity.

Thank you Lord!
Amen.

I would encourage you to write out your prayers for this year, or print out mine! Tape your prayer on your refrigerator, your desk, or by the mirror in your bathroom-- somewhere you will see it and remember to pray it again. 

CLASS IT UP

For most of us school is almost back in session. That means that there are lots of Professional Development meetings coming up, not to mention Back to School/Open House/Meet the Teacher night (aka Make a Good First Impression Night), and of course the First Day of School. These occasions are all important for different reasons and have the power to impact how your year goes and possibly even the course of your career.

Let's face it, we live in a culture where first impressions and how "put together" you look are crucial. As you gear up for what these exciting and busy next few weeks have in store, don't let your wardrobe decisions be what you're stressing over. Today, I'm sharing some ideas for how to look professional, put together, warm, inviting, confident and all of those other good vibes you want to put forward when gearing up for these big functions.

As a teacher, sometimes it is hard to Class it Up on a tight budget. I totally get that! Whether you have loans to pay back, a family to support, or you're student teaching... a teacher's wallet will most likely never be robust. Please note that all of the clothes & accessories I'm showing you today were either purchased on sale or at a really great price. I'm a penny pincher, and paying anything over $15 for an item gives me anxiety, so I'm right there with you! Just know that having a classy wardrobe IS doable on a budget... sometimes you just have to hunt to find what you're looking for in your price range. 

Come take a peek into my closet and check out outfits I'd wear for Back to School meetings/events, Professional Development Days or Observations throughout the year!

Look 1:

I love this outfit because it's professional without feeling too "stuffy." I chose to dress down the pencil skirt by wearing it with the chambray shirt and suede ankle boots. The statement necklace adds a nice finishing touch and ties in the black from the pattern on the skirt, while also giving me a little bling. I love wearing these ankle boots because they are super comfortable and very versatile. This is a perfect first day of school outfit!

The Look:

Chambray Shirt - Target (similar, similar, similar)

Textured Pencil Skirt - Target (similar, similar)

Black Statement Necklace - Walmart

Suede Ankle Boots- Old Navy

Also, proud to be sporting my Erin Condren Teacher Planner! 

Look 2:

Hooray for skirts with pockets! Hooray for finding cute comfy flats on sale! Something else that makes me cheer is the fact that I can keep the same basic pieces of this outfit, but just switch out the cardigan and have a totally different look! Right now, I'm looking very fall-ish in this mustard sweater, but I could do a red, lavender, teal, black (or really any other color cardigan) to make this outfit perfect for another season. 

The Look:

Mustard Cardigan- Target

White Blouse- Forever 21 (similar, similar)

Jean Skirt- DownEast Basics 

Striped Flats- Target (same)

Apple Necklace- Claire's (it was a gift from a student!)

Look 3: 

I love everything about this outfit! I had fun mixing patterns and textures when putting this outfit together. Polka dots are a favorite pattern of mine. They're so classic and I don't think they'll ever go out of style. This skirt is so fun and my favorite thing about it is the pockets! Heels are a great way to look professional, but comfort is key when you're on your feet all day... If I knew I was going into a long day where I wanted to look spiffy I would wear this outfit and probably wear flats with this during the school day and bring the change of heels for an after school meeting or conference. 

The Look:

Polka Dot Blouse- Target (similar, similar)

Black Skirt- H&M (similar)

Nude Pumps- Target (similar)

Pink Chain Necklace- Forever 21

Look 4:

This outfit is seriously SO comfortable! I love that I can dress it up or down based on what accessories I wear. I feel like putting on a blazer automatically classes up any outfit and makes me feel put together without really having to try. 

The Look:

Blazer- Target

White Blouse- Forever 21 (similar, similar)

Royal Blue Pixie Pants- Old Navy

Black Ankle Boots- Walmart

I hope taking a peek into my wardrobe has inspired you and given you some ideas on how to class things up this school year! Share how you plan on Classing it Up this school year using the #myteacherstyle tag on your social media posts. 

P.S. A huge shoutout and thank you to my sweet sister for taking these photos for me and editing them. I appreciate you Em. <3

P.S.S. This blog post came to be because of a few requests from fellow teachers. If there is something you would like to see on the blog, comment below and I will work on it!