Math Maniacs LOVE Back to School TPT Sale

I'm SOO excited to announce that the annual TPT Back to School sale will take place THIS WEEK on August 3rd & 4th. 

 Feel free to to save and use this button for your own post. :)

You can save 28% on all products from my TPT store! This is a great opportunity to clean up your wishlists and stock your digital filing cabinet with goodies for the upcoming school year!

I am thrilled to share with you some NEW and ENGAGING products now available in my store! 

I've FINALLY gathered up all of my Math Stations & Journal Prompts for Second Graders into one bundle. Save 25% when you buy them altogether AND get an addition 28% off for shopping during the sale!

I've also bundled up many of my most ENGAGING products for Second Graders. Save 25% by purchasing them all at once and, once again, you can save an addtion 28% by purchasing during the sale.

I've also started my NEW line of Math Stations & Journal Problems for Firsties. August is available now and September will follow very soon!

Be sure to check out all of the other new and exciting products from my friends at the Primary Chalkboard. 

Also, be sure to enter the code BTS15 before checking out AND to leave feedback on all of your purchases to receive TPT Credits! 

Top 10 Reasons Why I Became a Teacher

Today I'm linking up with my pal Terry over at Terry's Teaching Tidbits to bring you 10 Reasons Why I Became a Teacher.

1. Kids are SO much cooler than adults. 

2. I'll always have my own "office" to decorate in a theme of my choice.

3. Bring your pet to work day can be everyday. (If only my cat and dog were welcome also!)

4. School supplies - I'm particularly fond of rubber cement, binder clips, freshly sharpened pencils and scented markers)

5. You can potentially make a difference in a little person's life EVERY.SINGLE.DAY

6. When you randomly break out in song, no one thinks you're being strange. Your little companions will probably join in.

7.  Because chocolate milk in the carton is best. 

8. Every day is different. Anything can happen, at any time, ALL.DAY.LONG

9. Making copies is fun. (Unless you happen to anger the copy goddess, but that is for a different list.)

10. The buzz of a busy classroom is magical and there is nothing else like it in the whole wide world. 

So . . . why did YOU become a teacher?  

Rejection is a Good Thing

Today I came across this quote shared on facebook by my principal friend, Mr. Hughes. This quote inspired me to share my personal story about my beginning teaching career. 

Straight out of college I had an unusually difficult time getting interviews for teaching positions. On paper, I thought I looked okay but the calls weren't rolling in like I had expected. I had a few interviews, but no takers. 

I was beyond discouraged. Teaching was my calling. All I needed I was a classroom of my own and someone to give me a chance.

I graduated in May and when September rolled around I still hadn't been hired. I was working at a local department store, barely making ends meet, and was considering taking on a second part time job. Not the bright start I had been expecting at all.

My Mom encouraged me to apply for ANY position in my local schools that I may be qualified for. So I did. I applied for office positions, TA positions, and anything else I thought may get me into a school building. 

In October, I  finally got called for an interview . . .  for a teaching assistant position. I was excited, but it wasn't what I wanted. I ended up accepting the position and had the pleasure to work with inspiring teachers who made me feel included and valued from the get go.

During that school year I moved into a full time teaching position on the same grade level (second) and I remained at that school for the next 5 years. The girls I worked with became my school family. They transformed me and helped me become the teacher I am today. The love I have for these women cannot be expressed with words. There are no words. 

My time spent as a teacher assistant gave me an insight and an appreciation for school support staff that I would not have otherwise. Then, starting my very own class in the third quarter of the school year taught me that I have more strength than I could have ever imagined.

I am so grateful for all of the rejections that I endured as I started my teaching journey. Without all of those rejections I would have never met Hello Mrs. Sykes, started this blog, and met all of you wonderful teacher friends. 

Thank you for being a part of my journey. I would love to hear about yours so leave a comment or e-mail me: theoriginalmathmaniac(at)yahoo(dot)com. :)

NEW Monthly Newsletter, Exclusive FREEBIE

I'm so excited to announce my new adventure, a monthly newsletter, just for you!! Sign up by clicking here and instantly receive an EXCLUSIVE freebie from yours truly. :) 

NEW! Pinterest Pages!

I've started over and I'm reorganizing my Pinterest Boards as a summer project. Be sure to follow me on Pinterest for fun ideas for teaching math and more grades 1 - 5. Happy Pinning! 

Arbor Day Spin & Graph FREEBIE

Just dropping in to share this fun arbor day freebie! 
Click here or on the image below to download from my TPT store.

P.S. Yes, the irony of this requiring paper is not lost on me, so make sure to recycle. haha! :)

P.P.S Arbor Day is April 24th :)

Win a Trip to Vegas from The Primary Chalkboard! (I'm being serious!)

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!

 Can you picture it now?  YOU in LAS VEGAS? 

How about YOU in LAS VEGAS attending a one day session of the SDE conference?

Primary Chalkboard is giving away YOUR CHOICE of a 1 day session at SDE!

Anniversary Sale, Freebies & Giveaway!

You read correctly, it's my ANNIVERSARY! I'm celebrating 3 years of sharing, creating, and engaging with other teachers all over the world. Thank YOU, dear friends, for being a part of this journey!

Please enjoy 20% off at my Teachers Pay Teachers store for the next two days, March 17th & 18th! 

You will also want to follow me on facebook and at my TPT store because I will be posting several FLASH FREEBIES and EXCLUSIVE FREEBIES over the next few days. 

AND last but not least, enter below to win my Spring Math Bundle. This bundle is HUGE and full of resources to engage your kiddos. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
I hope you are all having a fabulous week! :)
 

Indoor Recess!! Change it Up!

Hey friends! I'm just stopping by for a quick "Happy Saturday" and to tell you to click over to The Primary Chalkboard blog to download this quick and easy Charades Dice game freebie. Click here or on the image below. :)

Enjoy your weekend! :)

Attention Heroes!! Win a $20 TPT Gift Card!

Oh, I just put on cape and I'm zooming across the world to bring you some BIG NEWS, Friends. TPT is hosting another HUGE Sale!!

EVERYTHING in my TPT store will be on sale for a savings of 20%. Enter the code: HEROES at checkout to get an additional 8% off. 

I am SUPER excited to announce the sale will include my new line of research books!! Add these bad boys to your shopping carts now, because they are sure to fly off the shelf on Wednesday. ;)

 

I am also giving away a $20 TPT Gift Card to one of you, my lucky, lucky followers. The giveaway ENDS on Tuesday night which will give you plenty of time to SPEND, SPEND, SPEND, on WEDNESDAY! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Good luck and Happy Shopping! :)