Google Certification

Level 1 Certification!

I am proud to say that I am official a Google Certified Educator Level 1! 

What exactly does that mean?  Here is what Google says...

"If you're an educator who knows how to use Google tools in the classroom, this certification proves your proficiency."

What do you need to do to get certified?

1. Go through the Fundamentals Training Course on the Google Training website.  Click on this link to take you directly to the information you will need. Level 1 Training Center.
2. Review.  Be sure to practice the skills that are taught.  Enlist some teacher friends to be your guinea pigs when trying out different parts of Google Apps for Educaiton (GAFE).
3. Take the test.  The test is 180 minutes long and your webcam will be on the entire time.  It is Google's way to see if you are the one taking the test.  There are both multiple choice questions similar to the ones in the Unit Review at the end of each of the 13 units.  There are also questions that ask you do complete different tasks.  Each of the apps is covered including Docs, Sites, Forms, Sheets, Calendar, Gmail, Hang Outs, and Tasks.
4. You need to pass with 80% accuracy.  If not then you will need to take the test again :(
5. When you pass you will receive the following certificate and badge to display on your blog, website and resume!

April Currently!

I am happy to be linking up with Farley for her April Currently.  Be sure to link up! I am on Spring Break and it will be ending all to soon!  There are a few things left to do, but I have caught up on some sleep and on some TV.

We will soon be into the home stretch of the school year, full of testing, conferences, and report cards.  Here's to a fabulous end of the 2015 - 2016 school year!

Happy 2016!

Happy New Year Everyone! 

It is that time again. It is time to start again and make new resolutions.  My resolution is to blog more.  I see to always make that resolution each year, but this year I am going to follow through.  I am starting this year out with Farley's January Currently.

Listening - It is finally not raining and I can open the windows! I love listening to the cars drive by my house.

Thinking - I always have such good intentions to get lots of grading finished, but alas it has not happened yet.

One Little Word - enthusiasm - I am trying to muster up a little or a lot before I go back to school.

Even though I am procrastinating on the grading front, I did earn my Symbaloo Certification recently.

Week 2 - Assess Me Linky

I am back for week 2 of The Tattooed Teacher's Assess Me Linky.  This time it is only Tuesday so I am much improved with my tardiness.  Be sure to go check out all the people linked up!

• I can honestly say I hate skirts and only wear them when I must.
• I prefer earrings, but I love necklaces on other people.
• I have no idea what this is asking. :(
• I like to mix my jewelry between gold and silver.
• I am a city girl.
• I must say I am addicted to online shopping.
• Definitely showers.
• I tend to keep my stories secret except to a few of my closest friends.
• I love to be at home with my family.
• I like breakfast but I don't get up early enough to eat a real one.  I usually boil a few eggs and go.
• I am a tea drinker.  I can't even stand the smell of coffee.
• I will stay up late or get up early whatever is necessary.
• The question is what is this question about.  My hair I prefer undone, not fancy just a ponytail.  My bed I like all done up.
• I have never been able to walk in heels.
• I choose airplane because that usually means you are going somewhere fun.
• Don't watch either of them.
• I like the outdoors but seem to be stuck in the air conditioning this summer.

Assess Me Week 1

Well I am a little late to the party!  I can't believe that it is already August.  Each year I say I am going to blog more and yet that never seems to happen.  How do all of you do it?  I am linking up with the amazing Tatooed Teacher and her Assess Me Linky.

• I have been know to give myself a few pep talks now and then.
• No real superstitions.
• I usually only crack my knuckles when I am bored.
• I think I am always hungry.
• This one suprises me because I usually alwasy have the TV on, but not today. I am trying to get some work accomplished and there are only few hours left to get up to 28% off at Teachers Pay Teachers!
• My wisdom teeth never came in.  I didn't have them removed they are just nonexistent.
• I will shower after I exercise!
• I hope to go to Disney World someday.
• I wore glasses as a kid, but not now.  I am getting older so that might change.
• Born in Iowa, work and play in Illinois and North Carolina.

August Currently!

I can't believe it is August and that school is just around the corner.  I know many of you have already started school and I feel for you I really do.  Please feel for me when I am still working into mid June and you have already been on summer vacation for three weeks!

I am linking up with the fabulous Farley for her monthly currently. Just click on the button above and check out what other teachers are "currently" doing.

My Teacher Totes

 

Today I am linking up with the amazing Jen at Teacher by the Beach for her 

My Teacher Totes Linky!

I love new things.  I especially love shopping for new school supplies.  Each year that has meant a new school tote.  That was until this year. I have no need to buy a new tote because last year I finally found the perfect tote.  It is stylish and not too flashy and it is big enough to carry everything I need.

Here it is...

This is the Vera by Vera Bradley.  I love it!  I am so happy that she finally made her bags in solid colors.  I am not a huge fan of floral patterns.  It has six pockets to store everything from pens and pencils to an umbrella and lint roller. There are even two pockets on the outside.  I have room to bring everything I need to and from school, including my laptop.

Look how much space there is inside!

 I loved the bag so much I decided I needed a new bag for the gym.  So I purchased the smaller tote.  You can see the size difference below. I know it is floral, but Vera didn't sell the smaller totes in solids until recently.

School Year Goals 2014 - 2015

I am linking up with Jess from I {Heart} Recess for her Back to School Goals for 2014-2015.

I didn't link up last year so I don't have much to reflect upon.  However, I do remember telling myself that I would blog at least once a month last year and that didn't happen.  I need to hold myself more accountable, maybe that should be one of my goals again.

January Currently

Hello Everyone!

I must be the world's worst blogger.  I always have good intentions and then life seems to get in the way.  How do all of you do it?  Do you sleep?  That being said...I have resolved to blog at least once per month for the rest of the school year. I know it doesn't sound like much but for some reason I can't seem to do it.  Well it is a new year so I am going to turn over a new leaf and put forth my best effort.  I am starting the year off with the amazing Farley and this month's currently.

 

 

Most of what I have written is self explanatory. There is one that needs a little more explanation.  Every Christmas morning growing up my family would crank Elvis' Blue Christmas on the stereo to wake up my little sister Holly. She was a sleeper. Even on Christmas morning the girl slept in.  The only sure way to get her out of bed was Elvis and to this day I smile every time I hear the song come on the radio during the holiday season.

 

Also does anyone have any suggestions about Student Teachers?  This is my first one and I am a little nervous.

It's Teacher Week '13!

Happy Teacher Week '13 Everyone!

 

 

I am so excited to be participating in Teacher Week '13 hosted by BlogHoppin'! Here is a list of the week's events.



 

Today's topic is Let's Talk About Me - Meet the Teacher.  I thought to myself this is an easy one for me.  Who do I know more about than anyone else... myself!

 

Things to know about Julie...

 

1. I have been happily married to my husband Steve for 10 years.  We have one little one.  Her name is Cee Cee.  She is a cat.

 

 

2. I come from a family of Chicago Bear's fans. Steve and I went to the Bears' game on Friday.  They played the Carolina Panthers.  Too bad the Panthers won.

 

3. The exciting thing was that three former Iowa State players were on the field, two for the Panthers and one for the Bears.  This is important because I am a graduate of Iowa State University!  Go Cyclones! 

 

 

4. I love to decorate for the holidays.  Whether it is my classroom, my house or my cat.



 

 

5. This is my sixth year teaching 4th Grade girls at Sacred Heart Schools, an independent school in Chicago.  Prior to my current position, I taught 5th grade for two years in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before moving to Charlotte, I was the Computer Applications Teacher at the same school where I am currently teaching.

 

 

6. I love to read for pleasure and to read to my students.  I can't wait for the third Michael Vey book to come out in September.  This series by Richard Paul Evans is as much for me to read as it is to read to my girls.

 

 

 

 

7.  Some of my favorite summer television shows are: Franklin and Bash, Suits, Rizzoli and Isles, and So You Think You Can Dance.

 

 

8.  My husband and I like to go to the early Sunday morning showing of movies.  The prices are less expensive and it is never too early for movie theater popcorn!

 

 

 

 

9.  I love flowers.  I currently have two hibiscus plants on my deck, a red one and an orange one.

 

 

10.  I bought a new, larger SUV this summer even though it is only my husband, our cat and I.

 

 

Claiming My Blog

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

You learn something new every day.  I guess I have to claim my blog.

Liebster Award

Thank you so much to 

Heather from The Land of I Can - A Kindergarten Blog 

for nominating me for the Liebster Award!

The Liebster Award is for blogs with less than 200 follower in order to help promote that blog, show appreciation, and hopefully draw more followers.

To accept the nomination, you do do a few things first:

1. Link to the person who nominated you.
2. Answer questions from you nominator.
3. Share 11 random facts about yourself.
4. Nominate five or more blogs with less than 200 followers.
5. Pose questions to your nominees.

Questions from Heather

1. How long have you been teaching?   I have been teaching for 17 years.

2. What is your favorite color?   My favorite colors are pink and black.

3. Why did you start a blog?   I started a blog because I enjoy l

4. What is your current favorite blog? I don't have one current favorite blog.  I am always reading Fourth Grade Studio, Fabulous Fourth Grade Froggies, and Oh' boy Fourth Grade. 

5. Do you have a TPT store?   No.  I wish I did.  I don't know how you all do it.  when do you sleep?

6. What is your favorite food?   I LOVE pizza and chocolate.

7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?   I am still waiting for my husband to take me to Hawaii.

8. What is your favorite thing about the beginning of the year?   My favorite thing about the beginning of the year is the newness of everything.  We are all on a clean slate and can become whatever we want to be, no matter how awful last year was.

9. If you weren't a teacher, what would you be?   If I were not a teacher, I would work in an animal shelter or maybe I would be a vet.  I love animals.

10. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?   I adore chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

11 Random Facts About Me

1.  I love cats.

2.  I have a cat named Mrs. Cat, aka Cee Cee.

3.  I teach only girls.

4.  My husband is originally from Russia and became an United States' citizen two years ago.

5.  I won't eat yogurt because I can't stand the smell or the texture.

6.  I love brightly colored polish on my toes.

7.  I love Kate Spade handbags.

8.  I taught computer applications for 10 years before moving to 4th grade.

9.  I love musicals.  My favorites are Hairspray, Jersey Boys, and Wicked.

10. I am a neat freak in my home but at school things can really pile up.

11.  I try to spend at least 30 minutes a day reading for pleasure.

Nominations

Adventures in Multigrade 

Being Ms. Ebron

Questions

1.  How were you as a student?

2. What was your favorite vacation as a kid?

3. What is your favorite morning beverage?

4. What subject do you like to teach most?

5. How long after school is out do you stay to get work finished?

6. If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live?

7. What is your favorite children's book?
8. What is your favorite television show?
9. What is your favorite thing about the first day of school?
10. What was the one thing your learned during student teaching that you still use today?
11. What is your favorite flower?

August Currently

Hello Bloggy World!  It's me Julie and I am trying my darnedest to be a dedicated and consistent blogger. So for my first post back I am linking up with the wonderful Farley at Oh' Boy Fourth Grade on her August Currently.

Most of my items need no extra explanation.  However, I am hoping someone has read The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel. and can help me get motivated.  During the summer I want to read what I want to read.  I guess I sound just like the kids.

Now to my B2s must haves...

1.    Editable Mustache Tags by Miss Nelson from Run! Miss Nelson's got the Camera.  If you don't follow her blog you definitely should.  My girls just love mustaches.  I mean really who doesn't?  Check out her adorable tags and as of right now they are even on sale!

2.  These are a must for school.  With all the talking, snack and lunch a girl needs to keep her breath smelling fresh.

3.  Every year I order a new set of Paper Mate Flair Pens.  I love the variety of colors and I love having new school supplies just like the kids do