5 Must-Read Books for Back to School

It's been wonderful being back at school this week! I've missed being in the classroom and I've really missed my picture books.

My name is Jennifer and I have a picture book addiction. 

Seriously, put me in Barnes and Noble and it's like I'm in Target. I have no self-control! I know I'm not alone!

I have 5 books that I read every year and I can't imagine beginning my year without them.



1. Do Unto Otters- Absolutely the cutest book about the golden rule of do unto others. Great for manners and treating others with kindness. Every year I draw the main character and we record all the words we can think of on how to "do unto otters." There's also a VERY adorable DVD that you can find on Amazon (it includes 3 other stories By Laurie Keller). It's an animated version of the story and it's always a big hit.


2. Wemberly Worried- So many students can relate to being nervous on the first day of school. 

3. You Will Be My Friend- HILARIOUS! Peter Brown is too funny. Lucy, the cute bear on the cover, has the hardest time making a friend. She even yells "YOU WILL BE MY FRIEND!" which of course does not help her in making any new friends. The kids laugh at her ridiculous behavior and it leads to great discussion about how to make a friend.

4. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse- Another fabulous Kevin Henkes book. When Lilly draws a nasty picture of her teacher at the end of a bad day her teacher tells her "Today was difficult, tomorrow will be better." I say that same phrase to students all year long. Students easily relate to Lilly's excitement to show and tell about her purple plastic purse, movie star sunglasses, and jingly quarters. 

5. Library Lion- the illustrations in this book are so gorgeous. If you aren't familiar with this book it's so sweet. The librarian is very adamant that everyone follow the rules- most importantly STAY QUIET. But what if there's an emergency? Is there ever a time when it's okay to break the rules?



School starts Monday & I have no furniture!

You read the title right friends. I have no furniture. 

BUT I'M NOT FREAKING OUT

Our district is going to be building a new elementary school and I'm one of two teachers that's piloting new furniture. I'm SUPER excited about the new furniture. It's modern and on wheels and will allow for lots of collaborative group work. This furniture was supposed to have been delivered and set up last Friday. Well, Friday came and went.....Monday too...I did finally get a teacher desk and what will replace my horseshoe table. But y'all, that's it. Desks were delivered today! However, after the custodians put one together they realized the district ordered chairs that were too small. Isn't that awesome? 

BUT I'M NOT FREAKING OUT

I still have my bookcases. I haven't removed my carpet or horseshoe table yet since I needed some place for paperwork for parents at Meet the Teacher Night.  And if I have not desks Monday we'll have to be sitting on the carpet a lot! I don't have anything on my walls because  I have no idea what other furniture I'll be getting besides desks. Murphy's Law: If I put things onto the wall the way I think will work out then once the furniture is there I will have to take it all down and put it up in a different spot.

SERIOUSLY, I'M NOT FREAKING OUT

If you've followed my blog for a while, or follow me on Instagram you may know I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I love putting my room together and I feel like what your room looks like is part of your first impression to parents and kids. 

School starts Monday. I'm 7 months pregnant and I'm tired. My feet hurt. I could easily have big BOO-HOO episode about the whole dang thing. But what would be the point? Crying won't solve anything. This situation is completely out of my hands!

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Tonight at Meet the Teacher as I was explaining/apologizing to a parent that my room just wasn't ready he said, "Who cares? No one is here to see furniture or posters on your wall. The kids want to see you!"
That will be true on Monday too. The kids will follow my reaction. It's the perfect opportunity to show I'm flexible and that even when things don't go as planned you can still make the most of a tough situation. We want to teach our kids that skill anyway!

This year as unexpected and unplanned things happen remember you are in charge of your reaction and attitude! Teachers are tough and resilient. We have an incredibly tough job and WE DO AMAZING THINGS!

Have a great school year! 



Wish List Blog Hop

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I'm so happy you're here! Thanks for visiting our blog hop! 
I am...

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I have two products to share with you today! The first product is a paid product.


My first graders always seem to struggle with money each year. Many kids just don't see or get to feel and play with any actual money. Most of us use our credit or debit cards almost all the time. I created this unit to move gradually through money concepts beginning with coin recognition. My students love working on money because it makes them feel so grown up! I've had so much success with this product! This product is $5 in my TPT store.

You can win my unit as well as all the paid products featured by my fellow hop hosts! Winner will be announced on Sunday!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


The second product I want to share with you is a little preview of my Moolah Unit. 


Thank you so much for stopping by!
Your next stop on the hop is

Kindergarten Craftiness


If you would like to start the hop from the beginning head to

My Silly Firsties



I hate to be a tease....


A few fabulous gals I connected with at the TPT conference in Vegas and I are doing a super fun blog hop! We were all talking about what we had on our TPT wish lists and wanted to share.....stay tuned. You won't want to miss it!

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Meanwhile it's back to school time and I'm desperately trying to set up my room. But I'm 7 months pregnant and I get tired so quickly! My printer has some issues (followed by an epic pregnant lady meltdown last night) so I haven't even been able to print anything. Hoping to have pictures of my room done by Sunday......or Monday.