Five for Friday - Linky Party {July 31st, 2015}

Hey guys and gals! So i've decided to try something new on here, and link up with the lovely Kacey over at Doodle Bugs Teaching for her weekly "Five for Friday" posts. Basically it's a weekly sum-up all in one post of what's been going on in my life. If you'd like to learn more, please jump on over to her blog and find out more :) So, without any further ado... here goes nothing!

 Periscope

This app has very quickly become my new social media obsession! The week started out with me following a of couple teachers (live) sharing things like their classroom set-up or various resources and developed into me (somewhat) overcoming my nerves and doing a couple of my own live broadcasts. The advice I got from other teachers was to start out by introducing yourself and then to simply share what you are passionate about :)

#Teachertoottoot 

Through Periscope I was also able to connect to pretty amazing peeps! These ladies have been so warm and welcoming, and although I felt a bit like a creeper at the beginning (simply watching and not really saying much), I am now happy to feel like part of their #TeacherTribe. I may be the token Canadian, but everything that these ladies have shared with me has really lit a fire under my bum, especially in terms of my blog. Two of the ladies who i'd like to give a shout out to this week are Misty at KrazyAboutTeaching who first invited me in and Farrah at Mrs. Shipley's Classroom who has introduced me to the wonderful world of Whole Brain Teaching.

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The Importance of Being Thankful

It's time for Thanksgiving!

Yes, you read that right. I promise though, there is no need to worry. My teacher burnout isn't that bad where I actually think I've skipped the entire summer already!

I mean don't get me wrong...

I DO love Thanksgiving, it's actually my favourite holiday! Between the colourful foliage, turkey-feasting and fun family time, who wouldn't love Thanksgiving? 

However, this post is simply my way of sending some gratitude out into the universe. So here is a list of 5 things that I am grateful for today: 

1. My family -- I'm very lucky to have such close relationships with everyone in my family, and even luckier to have such a wide variety of relationships to learn from. With one sister, one brother, an adorable niece and a mother and father who are still very much in love, I can honestly say that I am one very fortunate woman!

2. My spouse -- Michael is a very caring and supportive man! This September will mark 10 years together. Through all of our up's and down's, all of our moves and career changes, he's been my one constant. Love you babe ;)

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Computer Programming for Kids!

This year even though I didn’t have to report on Computer Science for my grade 2’s, I felt that the one computer period I did have with them a week needed to be educational. At first, I used Reflex Math to compliment their Math program, but they got bored with it about mid-way through the year, and I needed to spice things up a bit.

Enter - Code.org -

This website provides teachers with both digital and hard-copy lessons to introduce kids to computer programming. No written coding is required on their part, instead it is a simple drag and drop system. However, the critical thinking and problem solving skills acquired are all the same! They have also interwoven kid-friendly components like characters and levels using popular media (Flappy Bird, Frozen, Plants vs. Zombies, etc.) so the kids felt like they were playing a game! 

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