What is your ONE WORD for 2023? 🍾🎉

 Have you picked a word of the year before?

2021 was the first year I selected a single word to guide my goals for the year.  Last year's word was flourish.  I wanted to my professional life to thrive as I soaked up new knowledge, and I wanted my personal relationships to grow stronger. 

As I reflect back on my 2022 one word goals; I can say with confidence that I selected the right word.  I jumped into new learning  (hello going back to grad school for my educational leadership degree). I also made the most of spending time with loved ones. 

I love the simplicity of choosing one word to direct your focus for the year.  Instead of selecting multiple specific goals to try and achieve, choose one word to be at the forefront of your mind.  

This one word will be overarching, allowing smaller goals and accomplishments to fit within it.

So what is my one word for 2023?  

I am selecting the word fearless. 

The definition of fearless means free from fear.  B R A V E.

You see.......I am ready to be fearless.  I choosing to not let worry, anxiety or fear stand in my way of anything--personally or professionally.  

If there is an opportunity--I am going to take it!  

If there is an adventure--I am going on it!  

I plan to be bold and courageous!

Need help selecting a word of the year? Check out this post from blogger Elizabeth McKnight.  She gives some great inspirational word examples and a more in-depth explanation on the benefits of choosing one word to guide your focus.   

What will be your word?  I would love if you would share!

Have a happy new year!  Stay safe and healthy!

Winter Break Bucket List (for teachers!)

How ready are you for winter break?  Teaching is such a taxing and exhausting (yet rewarding) occupation.  When teachers FINALLY arrive at a long break....They. Are. Ready! 

All too often winter break seems to quickly slip through our fingers, and we arrive at the beginning of January and wonder how the new year arrived so quickly.  

Breaks are elusive little things, aren't they? 

In order to take full advantage of your time off, I urge you to make a Winter Break Bucket list for yourself!  Bucket lists are a great ways to ensure that relaxation, fun and meaningful moments happen. 

By the end of break I want to look back on the the two weeks and have something to show for it---and I want that for you too!  

Click the image below to download this free resource!  Included in the download are multiple bucket list bingo boards.  There are two pre-filled bucket boards with lots of fun options!  You don't even have to think of your own fun--just print and start enjoying life.  Ha!  

I truly hope you find this Winter Bucket List for teachers helpful and that you have an opportunity in these next few weeks to take time for yourself.  Winter break is the perfect time to slow down, take a deep breath and breathe fresh perspective into your life.  

It is SO IMPORTANT that you fill your cup, so that you are ready to tackle the rest of the school year.  Remember that self care doesn't mean me first, it just means me too! 

Holiday Gifts for Students (that don't break the bank!)

 Almost every teacher wants to buy a holiday gift for each of their students--but with classes of 30+ kids......it just gets too darn expensive!

​As a reading interventionist I service around 60 students, so I am always on the hunt for something festive and inexpensive. Thus....I use treat tags! Treat tags are a wonderful option--simple, relatively low cost and fun! Click the image below if you would like download the Elf Kisses treat tags FOR FREE! I simply staple the treat tag to a ziplock back with a few Hershey kisses inside! You don't have to use Hershey kisses....you could really do any treat!

 

Need a holiday treat tag for your students?

Using treat tags are a perfect way to put a smile on the faces of your students without breaking the bank!

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In the past, I have also gifted my students with "rudolphs."  To make these adorable reindeers, you use tootsie pops and a printable pattern.  Click  here or the image below to take you to the blog post--it will give you directions and the free printable pattern to use!

If you just want to celebrate with your class, but not purchase gifts there are lots of festive party ideas to do!

• Hot Chocolate Bar-- Set up a hot cocoa drink station with fun mix-ins (candy canes, chocolate chips, whip cream, marshmallows, etc.)  Let the students sip the hot cocoa as the color, watch a movie or play games.
• Build Gingerbread Houses-- Have students build their own gingerbread houses using graham crackers, icing and various candy materials.  Students could also work in teams to complete the structures.
• Cookie Decorating--bring cookies and decorating supplies and let the student's creativity fly!  Students could enjoy their baked creations as the watch a movie or play games.  For an extra layer of fun--make it a cookie decorating competition! 
• Holiday Sing-A-Long--create a playlist of your favorite carols and have a class sing-a-long party.  

Looking for even more ideas? Check out this list from Teacher Lists or Coffee and Carpool!

Want more holiday treat tag options? Check out these treat tags on TPT . For under three dollars, you get nine options for festive fun!

Happy Holidays!