March- In like a lion, out like a.... Reading Challenge?

As March ticks by here in Maryland, I believe we have experienced all 4 seasons without having to travel anywhere!  It went from 60 degrees on Saturday to cool on Sunday to 7 inches of snow today!  Which means today is a... snow day! AHH another one!  At this rate, we will be in school through July 1st! 

As you probably noticed, the last time I blogged was December 15, 2013... exactly 3 months ago.  I think I have been subconsciously avoiding my blog because I am embarrassed at how quickly I lost steam with it..  But I decided today to woman up and get back on the blogging horse!  I love the community it brings, and there's something so exciting about being a part of the action.

I have found that this school year, due to being such a difficult one filled with SO much change, it is easy to make excuses for things.  I am making an effort to stop doing that!  I love  teaching.. that is what my heart's passion is.

 Today I am sharing with you a fun Made-It that involves motivating my students to read!  I call them "Reading Challenges", and each month has a new theme.  Some months there is a reward for completing the challenge, and others is bragging rights.  I am trying to help them learn to read for enjoyment and not for a Pizza Hut certificate, prize, etc. 

Each night, they are to read 15 minutes and have a parent initial.  Each token on their pot of gold is worth 15 minutes of reading time. 

 
 My kiddos love getting their reading challenge at the beginning of each month.  For April, I am thinking rain drops and umbrellas, sunshine... Do you have any ideas?

Next on my list for today is these delicious Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins from Skinnytaste.. but I think I will make it in a loaf form instead of muffins.. And Omit the sugary glaze..  YUM! Click the picture to be taken to the Recipe!

I hope you have a great week. Thanks for staying loyal!  I promise I am going to work on being a better blog-girl! :)

Love,
Miss McDonald :)

Monday Made-It Early!

Hello!  Happy Sunday-before-Christmas-break!! I know this is early, but I found some down time and I just HAD to post the actual Made-Its!! 

I hope this finds you well.  I am anticipating this time of year is as crazy for you as it is for me.  On top of that, all I have is Christmas on my mind... which makes school a difficult place to maintain focus!  I am sharing with you the finished version from last week's Monday (almost) Made It (this is the link to that post)!

My MMI this week is hand-made thank you cards.  They're nothing crazy fancy or super artsy, but I think it means way more to receive a card someone put thought into making.  I am super excited about how they turned out this year.    I love each and every one of them! So without further adieu...

Thanks for stopping in!  I hope you enjoyed my quick early post! :)

I hope you have a wonderful week! 

~Miss McDonald

Christmas Questionaire!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVE!!!!  6 days until Winter Break!! WE CAN DO THIS!! :)  

As you may have noticed, I always aim to use this blog to share my teaching experiences, but this is a linky party I cannot resist.  For anyone who knows me, to say I love Christmas is an understatement.  I start listening to Christmas music as SOON as Thanksgiving is over.  I also start decorating our house on Black Friday.  I love the feeling of a house warmly lit with twinkly lights and candles. It's delightful!! :)  Tonight I'm linking up with Fabulous in First (for the first time ever.. woohoo!) to share with you some of my Christmas must- haves and traditions.  :)   Enjoy!

Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog?  

Hmm.. Hot Chocolate! Lake Champlain brand with Whipped Cream and Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk!


Does Santa wrap presents or just put them under the tree?

Santa always wraps.  We all even got our "own" wrapping paper style! :)

Colored Light or white?

WHITE! ALWAYS.  I love the warm twinkly glow. Plus, I think the neutral goes with more.. This is a long standing debate between my sister and I. She loves colored twinkly lights. :) 

When do you Decorate?

BLACK FRIDAY!!!

Real or Fake tree?

REAL! Born and raised.  It's tradition to venture out as a family and pick the "very best one"! And it smells so fresh! :)  Here is ours this year :) 

What tops your tree?

A bright red sparkly star. I LOVE IT.

Favorite Christmas memories or traditions?

Every year on Christmas eve we all (Mom, Dad, Morgan, and I) would curl up on the couch and put on The Polar Express book on tape and follow along as the narrator read aloud.  It is the most amazing story to be read aloud!  It still gives me goosebumps.. to this day! :) 

Favorite gift as a child?

 Hmm.. probably my American Girl doll, Felicity.

Gift giving or receiving?

Both!! I love to make others happy, but I don't mind being surprised and excited myself.

Favorite Christmas Song?

"When Love Came Down" by Point of Grace.  Reminds me of car rides to Grandma and Pop-pop's house singing it at the top of our lungs!  Looking back on it, my poor dad!!

Candy Canes?

I could take 'em or leave 'em.   Honest!

Favorite Christmas Movie?

Hmm.. A Christmas Story. This was the staple background noise for Christmas Days at my Grandma and Pop-pops house.. such memories.

Shop online or in stores?

Both!    Some of the things my loved ones wanted this year could only be purchased online! ;) hint..hint..

Photo cards, letters, or store bought cards?

None yet.. I won't do Christmas cards until Ryan puts a ring on it! Haha.. When it's our turn, def. a photo card.  I think it documents time  really nicely. :) 


I hope you enjoyed reading about my Christmas must-haves and traditions.. and I hope you and your loved ones have a joyous Christmas/Holiday season.  We as teachers have so much we can be thankful for! :)

~Miss McDonald