Top 10 Posts of 2013- A Year in Review

Greetings Friends!
     As we all sit here in the final minutes of 2013, I can't help but reflect back over the year. It has been a good year, I think. There have been many ups and down, just as a good year should have. For, if we only have lots of ups, we would never know the downs. Something  that we all need in our lives.
     Last year I simply took the top 10 most viewed posts and linked you to them. After much thought, I think I will stick with a similar format. I will pull the top 10 most viewed posts and share them. I challenge you to think back over YOUR past 365 days and share some highlights of your year as well. :)

I wish you a very Happy New Year!
-Cheers!
Mr. Hughes

#10) A"MAZE"ing Plural Nouns!
I have loved making and using my Mystery Mazes. This posts shows my first time introducing them to a class. It was a lot of fun and they asked for more. Wahoo!

#9) Share the Wealth Freebie Linky- July 27, 2013 (And a HUGE Back to School Giveaway!)
Share the Wealth has been my small way of giving back to you, my amazing supporters and friends. I hope you find them useful and are able to get lots of great ideas to use in your homes and classrooms.

#8) 100th Day of School 3-D Style
The 100th day of school. It is closer than we could ever believe. I was laughing with my administrator the other day. 100 days is only about 1/2 way, but it seems so much further. The post shows one of my dodecahedron projects being created by a class. It is a great project that takes several days/class periods to complete. So much fun to make.

#7) Share the Wealth- RING IN THE NEW YEAR with FREEBIES and GIVEAWAYS!
I think it is great that this post (which was still a live linky at the time of THIS posting) is in the top 10. SO MANY amazing resources to use with all grade levels. I think you will like them.

#6) It's Time to Teach TIME- Elapsed Time that is!
Elapsed time for ANY grade is a challenge. This fun Order Up! set was the focus of this post. Not only to show ways to teach elapsed time, but to also model how to use Order Up! WAHOO!

#5) Back to School with an Interactive Mobile Project!
Back to School! Now THERE is a phrase that came and went. Phew. But this project is one that I STILL have sitting in the corner of my room. The students will notice them once in a while and say, "Oh yeah! I remember working with so-and-so. That was fun!". Enough said.

#4) Poetry Tool #1- Rhythm
Last year was the year of the poet in my room. My students had had very little exposure to it and as a new writing teacher for 3 grade levels, I wanted to them to have a good foundation. We spend about 9 weeks studying different aspects of poetry. This is one of the many posts about the Journey into Poetry Land (as I called the series of posts).

#3) Bring in the NEW YEAR with a...MOBILE!
This is the post you need to read RIGHT NOW! It will help you be prepared for Thursday, if you go back this week like ME, or MONDAY, if you are really, really lucky. :)

#2) A Classroom Tip You Will Love!
I figured this out a couple of years ago, and thought, 'I should share this with other teachers". My wife, the amazing iPod camera woman made it all possible, and Mel from Graphics from the Pond make the simple header for me. Hope you like the tip too!

#1) "Read-Aloud Round-Up" Book Share
This has been my pride and joy this year. It is my hope to see it grow and grow over the years ahead. :)  If you haven't checked it out- please do! Suggested read aloud books for grades 3-8! WAHOO!

HAPPY NEW YEAR DEAR FRIENDS!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

An Educator's Life's Top 10 Posts of 2012

Greetings My Dear Friends!

I can NOT believe that we have reached this final few hours of 2012. It has been an exciting and challenging year all rolled into one. A lot has happened both professionally and personally that has pushed me to explore new boundaries and experiences I didn't think would ever have to face. But, as they say, what doesn't kill us will make us stronger. And, since I am apparently not dead, I must then deduce that I have become stronger.

If not, that's what I am going with anyways. :) I wish I could name all the amazing friends I have made this year. Two special ones come to mind, Mrs. S from The Peanut Gallery, and Mel from Graphics From the Pond. These two ladies (among many other wonderful friends) have really helped to push me to be my best and not ever give up, which I almost did, many times on my TpT Shop. Thanks you two amazing ladies.

I am going to sign off so I can enjoy the rest of 2012 with my family that has come to visit. I wish for each of you an amazing 2013!

Before I go, I wanted to recap for you (and for me) the Top 10 most viewed 2012 posts on this blog this year!

Cheers, My Friends-
MrHughes :0)


#10) Time For The Yearly Family Video (Elf Yourself 2012)
-It just wouldn't be right not to make a video with all of my kids. Unfortunately, they don't make a video option for 8, so we had to do a two part series this year. :)

#9) Share the Wealth- December 15, 2012
I have truly enjoyed doing Share the Wealth this year. I started this in July, I think and it has become a sharing sensation. If you ever need a freebie, this is the place to look.

#8) LET THE SNOWBALL (sight word) FIGHT BEGIN (and it's school approved!)
I was shocked this was a top viewed post, but glad. I had the idea for this game in my head for several months before I was able to get the clip art I needed to make it. I love how it turned out and I think it will be one of my favorite sight word games of all time.

#7) Mrs. Claus in Jail??? Creative Writing Gone Crazy!
When my Turkey Pick-A-Story made the TpT Newsletter and went viral, I knew that I wanted to continue making this series. My holiday edition was a big hit both in my store and with my students. They came up with some crazy stories. Sigh... what a great time that was.

#6) Trimming the Tree With Sight Words
Decorating the Christmas tree is something that I have enjoyed since I can remember. I was delighted when I found all the clip art I needed to make a game that lets kids decorate their own Christmas tree while practicing reading.

#5) Book Reports As You've Never Seen Before
When I made my first dodecahedron kit, I never dreamed that I would end up with 7 kits and counting. But, here it is...

#4) 4-Types of Sentences: Harder Than It Seems
I have struggled with getting my students to remember the four types of sentences (and still do honestly), but my wife and I came up with some fun activities to help make the ideas stick. I think it may have worked! Now, if I could just get them to remember their parts of speech!

#3) An In-Depth Tour of Mr. Hughes' Room
At first I was very hesitant to share my classroom with the world wide web. But, I realized that I am proud of my room and wanted to share it with everyone.

#2) Sneak Peek at Mr. Hughes' Room
This was my test run to see if anyone was want to see... I guess being the #2 viewed post means that I made a good choice.

#1) Rewards Made Easy
I can't believe this has been my #1 viewed post this year. WAHOO! When I came up with this idea, I never dreamed other teachers would want to try it out. Thanks for making me feel like I CAN come up with good ideas. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR DEAR FRIENDS!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

2011: A Year in Review

With 2011's last minutes ticking away, it is once again time to share highlights from the past year in An Educator's Life. It has been one heckava ride to say the least. So, without further ado, lets begin by reviewing what my hopes for 2011 were last December 31st! Silly me...

Recap of "Looking Forward in 2011"(from last year's post):

January:
-Take my Praxis test (okay, this isn't really "really good", but it is a necessary step in completing my program!)
-My daughter is getting baptized (and she is very excited about it!)

February:
-Find out if I passed my Praxis test (oh please let it be good news!)

April:
-Welcome our little girl in to our home. (It is supposed to be in May, but we are thinking that with life the way it is going, and past pregnancies, April it should be!)

-Hope to have a way to transport my whole family. I know our van seat is out there somewhere...here little van seat...come here little van seat!

May:
-Complete my Master's Program and hopefully attend my graduation at the U of U (and YES you are coming MOM, and NO, you are NOT wearing BYU blue-lol :) )

June-December:
-Enjoy life as a regular teacher with NO Masters classes, NO administrative positions, and time to clean out my shed, plant grass in the backyard, clean my classroom, organize my books (all 4000+), and most importantly...spend time with my cute little family.
___________________________________________________


So, is this what came to pass? So, now that we have reviewed what all my hopes and dreams were, lets take a peek and what really went down in the Hughes Family saga.

What Really Happened in 2011:

January:

-I headed to the U of U to take my Praxis test. That was both a wonderful time (had lots of fun during the NOT testing times) and a Yucky time (hated those 4 hours- felt like I had 20 minutes to do all the writing and questing answering!).


-My daughter turned eight and was baptized. She was very, very excited. She is such a sweetheart. We wouldn't know what to do without our little princess.
___________________________________________________
February:

-Found out the results of my Praxis test. What an adventure THAT was!


-Survived what seemed to be the plague in our house (including the case of the Dangeraffe).


-Started my short-lived Victory series.
___________________________________________________ 
March:

-I visited our newly erected monument called the Golden Ratio.


-I was able to order my cap and gown for my graduation in May. Wahoo!
___________________________________________________ 
April:


-Our little princess was born.
___________________________________________________ 
May:


-Was introduced to Fraboom and enjoyed working with the designer/creator (and I still do...).


-Graduated from the University of Utah with my Masters in Educational Leadership.


-My wife became very ill with an infection from her C-Section.


-Celebrated having been married for 12 wonderful years to my wife.


-and Last, but not least, nearly lost my wife to severe illness in which she was in the hospital for almost 5 weeks. 27 days in the ICU, and another 4-5 in a regular room. You can read the whole story HERE. You will need to back track to the first post and then read forward)
__________________________________________________ 
June:


-We spent most this month in the hospital. 


-We did make it home by the 19th of the month. It was a long and scary month. One that I would rather NOT ever redo.
___________________________________________________
July:


-Made an emergency visit to the ER in Provo. We thought my wife had developed another infection. That was fun.... NOT!


-Celebrated the 4th of July AT HOME!


-Celebrated my 4 year-old's birthday (AND had a dr. appointment in Provo)


-Was the recipients of a large out pouring of love and support at a benefit dinner in our behalf. This event was put on by some pretty amazing ladies here in town. We still can't thank them enough.


-Celebrated the birthday of my youngest son. That was a wonderful celebration with family and friends.
___________________________________________________
August:


-Our family went to my wife's family family reunion (that just doesn't look right, but I am pretty sure it is).


-School started. This year I am teaching my oldest.
___________________________________________________
September:


-Survived another Melon Days.


-Pulled off another Pirate Week in my classroom.


-Attended Christmas in September (birthday party for a close and dear friend) as well as had a mini-family vacation.


-My son got his Arrow of Light award in Cub Scouts.
___________________________________________________
October:


-Had my 36th birthday. Yippee...wahooooo....just great....
___________________________________________________
November:


-Decided to share more "school" ideas on my blog. Like THIS, THIS, and THIS.
___________________________________________________
December:


-Started SMART mentor training. I know...I know. Why do I do this to myself?


-Elfed my children in our annual Elf Yourself Event.


-Our family was the recipient of a random act of kindness and it was VERY MUCH appreciated.


-The kids were able to visit good ol' Santa Claus at the firehouse again this year.
___________________________________________________

This years predictions for what is to come...


Due to the fact that my crystal ball is in the shop for repairs, I can't really make any predictions for the coming year.


I guess I could safely say there will be whining and gnashing of teeth about the rough life of a teacher. I mean, after all, what fun would it be to read this blog if I didn't throw in a bit of the "woe is me" every now and then.


All I hope for 2012 is that my family will continue to be happy, healthy-ish, and can move forward through all that we have survived this past year. From my wife's near death to my 4year old needing dental surgery due to a lame dentist here in town, we have a lot to still overcome. But, nothing, and I mean nothing is going to hold us back. Thanks for being a loyal reader. I appreciate your thoughtful comments.


I wish all of my readers a very happy and prosperous NEW YEAR!


We will return in the new and glorious year of 2012!!!!

Later....

Happy New Year- 2011

It has been a wonderful day. I was able to study this morning for my Praxis test, work in my classroom, run errands with my wife, and spend time with the kids (who are currently waiting for me to come and race them in Mario Kart so I need to hurry).

This evening we had my parents and one of my nephews over. The kids played and played. I was able to blog my last post for 2010- a great post if I do say so myself- and visit with my parents and wife. Enjoy the pictures. They are pretty self explanatory.

 I love you sweetheart! Happy New Year's to you!

Game Time! I didn't do so hot in UNO- but I didn't come in last either! My Z-man played for the first time. he did really, really good AND I think he enjoyed it! 

My baby has to have a controller (even though it doesn't really do anything) and he has to sit with the kids and 'play'. What a cutie he is! 

My mom and dad even got in on the festivities! **Please note that my mother is TEXTING! Yup- she has conquered  her technology gap and is progressing nicely. Next thing ya know she will be posting on a blog! (I mean, come on, we got my dad on an iPod after. Who wudda thunk it?)

Talk about a peanut gallery. what a bunch of cuties! (the one on the far right is my nephew). 

Had to get a picture with the hat- They were both sleeping but I wanted them to be a part of the festivities! 

My amazing parents! Love the picture. Thanks for posing multiple times to get a good shot. Maybe someday I will learn how to actually use our camera...or not! Love you both! Happy New Year! 

My crazy son trying to rewind the confetti string. I love you buddy!

Happy New Year Blog Land and Readers! I wish you the very best in this New Year!

Later...

P.S. Notice today's date: 1-1-11. That won't happen again for a VERY long time. Where is Jessie Leech to throw an 11-11 party. I mean November should really be a national holiday when we hit 11-11-11!

Something to think about...

Out With The Old and An Attempt the New!

As the final hours of 2010 tick their life away, it gives one cause to reflect!

What better way to spend the time than to relive some of the most
 Memorable Moments of 2010:

January:
Snow-a-palooza. The past winter was a record for our little town (at least in the last 10 years or so, I would guess!)

February:
A scope Down My Throat- The throat cancer scare. *sigh* That was an interesting time.

300th Post on My Blog- A milestone for ANY blogger to be sure. Go ME!

March:
Feeling Like PooDoo- AKA: Pneumonia- I was wondering why I had felt so yucky. Whoda Thunk-it?!?

April:
Apparently nothing that exciting took place. I looked and have nothing that I deem very noteworthy to share with you.

May:
This was a hard month for our family. My wife's brother was killed in an automobile accident. I wrote this tribute to celebrate my favorite times with him. I still miss him very much.

Celebrated my 11th wedding anniversary. Apparently I didn't feel the need to actually blog about the day and such, but I did write this post for my wife. I guess that should earn me a few brownie points. :)

Completed Another Year- I even beat the 5th grade teacher in an obstacle course. Phew. That was exciting (check out the video- I do an awesome slip-and-fall!)

June:
My son Rocked Little League, I had an awesome Father's Day, our baby boy started walking!

July:
Showed my American Spirit, Finished my LAST summer classes in my master's program, updated our kitchen appliances, survived at day at Lagoon, and witnessed a real-live cyclone tornado!

August:
Sprinkler Fun and Other Stuff- The kids loved playing outside. I love these wonderful summer days.

1st Day of School- It came and went. Ya, that about sums it up.

September:
Bountiful Baskets came to town. WAHOO! What a blessing that was too. Better than Santa Claus if you ask me (just don't tell my kids I said that!)

October:
I turned older than I want to think about.
I was very, very ill- It led to a surprise Halloween night (See below in November)

November:
ER Trip- Went for the first and hopefully only time in my life!

E-mail Hacked- My Gmail was hacked in to my a some lame-o in China! As if I needed THAT embarrassment in my life! Sorry to all those who got the e-mail.

Thanksgiving and Deep Cuts- Thanksgiving was a great day...and then my one-year old found my garden tools!

Black Friday- Now THAT was an adventure (and it all happened in my living room!)

Family Pictures- Thanks to a great friend we got new, updated, FANTASTIC family pictures. I LOVE them!

December:
6th Child- Announced to the world that we are expecting.

Job as Principal?- Well...not exactly...

A Little Girl- We are excited that we will end the Hughes children Saga with a little princess (or tomboy...whatever :) )

Christmas 2010- It was a very rewarding time- Looking forward to many more!


As I reflect over these great memories, I am filled with peace and happiness. It truly was an adventurous, exciting, and crazy year. Thanks to everyone (espceially my little family, my parents and siblings, etc.) and everyone else who was a part of the adventure. Now...

Looking Forward in 2011

Well, this is the exciting part. Here is where I hope to report all the really good things that are supposed to happen this year!

January:
-Take my Praxis test (okay, this isn't really "really good", but it is a necessary step in completing my program!)
-My daughter is getting baptized (and she is very excited about it!)

February:
-Find out if I passed my Praxis test (oh please let it be good news!)

April:
-Welcome our little girl in to our home. (It is supposed to be in May, but we are thinking that with life the way it is going, and past pregnancies, April it should be!)

-Hope to have a way to transport my whole family. I know our van seat is out there somewhere...here little van seat...come here little van seat!

May:
-Complete my Master's Program and hopefully attend my graduation at the U of U (and YES you are coming MOM, and NO, you are NOT wearing BYU blue-lol :) )

June-December:
-Enjoy life as a regular teacher with NO Masters classes, NO administrative positions, and time to clean out my shed, plant grass in the backyard, clean my classroom, organize my books (all 4000+), and most importantly...spend time with my cute little family.

Here's to a  very Happy New Year! May it be filled with good things!


Later...

Dad's Birthday, and Oh ya, Opps...I Missed T-2 Days and Counting...

     I guess that is okay though! It was for a good cause: Yesterday was my Father's Birthday!
     What a great man he is. I can't even begin to explain or describe all that he has done and gone through for me! I remember in High School that my parents NEVER missed a single basketball game. It didn't stop there either. They took me to the airport multiple times so I could go on different adventures with school. They took me to Salt Lake one day so I could spend the day with a recording studio owner and see what it is like to run that type of business (wasn't for me obviously). The list goes on and on. My father has always encouraged me to do things that he knew were in my best interest and he has never been one to hold back his insight and thoughts about upcoming decisions. I appreciate that very much. Not only that, he has been a major helper in all my home improvement projects I have done over the past few years. Thanks dad, and Happy Birthday!

We went up to my parents in the evening and had cake, gave my dad his new iPod Touch Gen4. It rocks. Make me REALLY want to buy a new one- lol! I know he will enjoy it also!

T-2 Days and counting was a great day!

I spent quite a bit of time at the school getting LOTS of things done that needed to be caught up, cleaned, and re-designed. It is nice to be able to work in the quiet of my room knowing that I have as much time as I need. More on all this in the next posting. I came up with some really great ideas that I hope will motivate my students in this new year.

I also spent a long time last night searching for articles to read to help my get ready for my Praxis test. I have been a slacker with actually studying the last couple of days (and I am almost okay with that). 

Later...

T-Minus Three Days and Counting...

I can NOT believe that 2010 dies in three days! Wow! This year has been a busy and pretty fulfilling year. Today has been very enjoyable. My two older sisters came to visit with their families my dad for his birthday (it is actually tomorrow, but with pending horrible weather, everyone decided to come today!). We went to lunch/dinner together as a huge group and then retired to my parents house to visit for a while. It was nice to watch my children also get to play with their cousins. We all left after visiting for a while. My little family will go back up tomorrow and sing happy birthday or something and take my father his BRAND NEW iPod Touch (his is going to be better than mine- lol) and share cake. When we got home it was HAIRCUT time! Phew, it is always nice to have my wife give my hair a trim. She is a good lady to give the whole family a good cut.

Today I was trying to work in my room. I had A LOT to do. Of the time I actually got to spend there, I was able to correct two major writing projects, get the newsletter done, get book orders (my class code is: GLJ3H) ready and take down my class bingo board. I had hoped the BINGO board would motivate the class to get planners signed and return grades signed as well. But it wasn't working out. I am okay with taking it down though because I am going to change my tactics. I am going to have the tables work together to earn treats, prizes, and extra privileges. They will have a "race" every week to see who can get the furtherest on the track. I think it will be good! I still have a ton to do however. I am trying to get my new monthly bulletin board up. My theme this year is "Let the Adventure Begin" and I am using an Indiana Jones motif. Each month I change the end of it. For example, last month was "Let the Adventure be Merry". My January theme is "Let the Adventure be Frosty". We will me making snowmen to hang up on the board. I hope to find a good Snowman Glyph (if anyone has a good pattern or example, let me know). I also need to plan out my first week back from break. I am going to make major changes in my daily schedule. I have come to realize that I am not teaching the way I want too and I am going to alter how the amount of time to better accommodate my desired style. So that is a run down of school. I know...I know...It is the break and I should rest, but for me, this IS rest for me. To get things caught up and planned out will be nice.

I will also be glad when the dance festival is over. I don't think that Book Cliff will be participating again next year. It is very time consuming and I really need that time to teach other subjects. I am also SCARED for the dance festival because I leave to go and take the Praxis the day after! AHHHHH! I did get in a study session this morning even though I hit snooze twice on my alarm clock. I was able to finish going over all the multiple choice examples again and start re-reading the section on the essay. Those are the ones that I am most worried about. I just want the test to be over and I want to have passed it. Blah.

Well, on to other things.

Later...

Happy New Year!

I can't believe that it is already 2010. Holy Moley. I have spent almost this entire week working on getting my classroom library. I am PLEASED to say that after 5 days and many, many hours (thanks to my wife as well...) We were able to get over 1800 books in. All the books the students can use are now in the computer. The others I will get in in bits and pieces.

Now that I have all that done, I can start back to working on planning out the coming week. Add to that the need to pay for my next master's classes and order the books for that. I also need to sketch out some lesson plans for Friday as I am heading to the doctor for a consultation that day. So still plenty to do.

I will worry about all that tomorrow after church. I have meeting starting at 7am and going until 1pm. After that will be rest time.

I have really enjoyed my iPod Touch. It has been fun to load it with apps (there are some pretty fun and also LAME apps out there)

Well, it is late enough and I have to be up early- so I am outtie

Later...

My Mom Called ME a Slacker!

Okay, Okay!
So it has been 8 days since I last posted. It's not a crime ya know! Sheesh!

Christmas was AWESOME! The kids had a great time and Santa was really nice to me this year too! I got a new computer chair AND an iPod Touch! YEA! I am so stoked. That has been a lot of fun to play with! (Apps are fun to browse and download as well!)

It has been wonderful to be on break and just enjoy time with my family. I have been working on a major project- barcoding all the books in my school classroom library and entering them into my library check-out program. Thanks to my amazing wife we have quite the system going. In the last three days we have entered over 800 of my 5000 books into the program. It has been crazy and my eyes are going all crossed, but hey, it will be worth it in the end.

Today we went to Price so I could have my first physical in 15 years. I have to say that it wasn't my favorite. I am now on blood pressure medication and I have an appointment with a throat specialist next Friday to rule out throat cancer (which I highly doubt it is, but just to be safe...)

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and we really don't have a lot of plans. I am okay with that. Just being home with my family is wonderful!

Well, it is late and I need to run to the school to get more books!

Have a great night and an AWESOME NEW YEAR!

Later...