Is that title confusing enough for you? Well…I’m late for the party {Teacher Week!!!!} over at Blog Hoppin’…my FAVORITE time of the year! I met my sweet babies tonight at Meet the Teacher and oh my…they are PRECIOUS. I mean, absolutely ADORABLE. And I am exhausted! It was quite the busy day! Definitely feeling ready to tackle a new year :) And have I mentioned how much I love my new district?! And my school?! I feel so blessed to be part of such a sweet group of educators! 
Alright, now it’s time to party. First up, ‘Must Have” Monday…on a Tuesday 😉 1. My Silhouette Cameo. It has seriously become my best friend in the classroom. I LOVE this thing!!!! I’ve used it for almost all of my classroom décor and then some! 
2. My Keurig. There’s no Starbuck’s in my little town, so no more skinny vanilla lattes and oatmeal for me in the mornings. I was SUPER sad at first, but now I’ve fallen in love with my Keurig all over again. Coffee is a MUST HAVE for me in the mornings! Just ask my boys 😉 
3. My Tervis…tumbler, that is. I LOVE these things, too! When I’m not drinking coffee, I’m enjoying iced tea and these cups are perfect for keeping my drinks COLD! 
4. Flair Pens. Do I really need to say anything else!? I LOVE me some flair! 
5. My Life Planner from Erin Condren. Keeps me organized both personally & professionally. I absolutely LOVE this planner!! And I *think* the 2012-2013 format is even better!! 
6. My external hard drive. My ENTIRE life {including ALL of my clipart & documents} is on this thing…which also brings me to Dropbox. I like to back everything up on the EHD…plus Dropbox…and if I’m really feeling adventurous, I’ll back it all up on CD’s, too. My files can never be too safe! 
7. My Scout Bag. This thing is HUGE and it holds absolutely EVERYTHING plus the kitchen sink. Plus, I think it’s pretty stinkin’ cute 🙂 
8. Teach Like a Champion. Just got this book last week and it’s AMAZING. Have y’all read it yet?!? I’m hoping to finish SOON!! Love what I’ve read so far! 
9. YouTube. I LOVE watching other teachers teach and YouTube has some GREAT teacher videos! LOVE getting new ideas and seeing how things are done in other classrooms!! 
As for Tuesday’s technology tip, I’ll make this quick. If you’re not blogging via Windows Live Writer yet, make the switch! It will save you SO many headaches! I’ve been using Live Writer for the last 4(ish) years and LOVE it. 
Now head on over to Mrs. Lindsey’s {The Teacher Wife} NEW blog…. 
In love?!?!? YES!!!!!! SO many great technology/blogging tips for teachers!!! Head on over and don’t forget to follow. You won’t want to miss out!!! If you want to party along with Blog Hoppin’ for Teacher Week, click on the button below and head on over to link up! 
Simplify Your Teaching
Join our community for tips, tricks, and resources to help you simplify your teaching!
Thanks for the blogging tips link! I'm really excited about starting my teacher blog but there is a lot more I want to learn!
Great finds and tips. Thanks for sharing.
I love Teach Like a Champion and recommend it to everyone!! There is so much great stuff in there. I'm also in a new school this year that is full of sweet people who have welcomed me and make me excited to be in a new place!
❤ -Stephanie
Falling Into First
Thanks for the shout-out, Cara!! You are so sweet and I am so excited to meet you for reals in a few months!! 🙂
Interested in an easier way to blog but I am a Mac user. Any idea of programs out there that are similar to the windows one you mentioned but good for Macs?
Is the Cameo similar to a Cricket? I am wanting to invest in one of these types of machines but don't know much about them. Pros/cons?
Thanks!
http://firstgradesensei.blogspot.com
Windows Live Writer, never thought of that. Guess I'll have to check out the reviews. I haven't even started Teach Like a Champion, been too busy. Loving your external, where would we be without them? No need to back up on CD get a 2nd external! 😀
Have you ever tried Sugar sync? I was researching Google docs and Dropbox and Sugar sync kept coming up. Then I researched geek sites for reviews of them all. Seems Sugar sync gives more space, 5G instead of 2 or 3, lets you upload files simultaneously, and gives you the option to password your files. I'm going to try it out and no I am not affiliated with them. I just like to get in depth with what I use.
Thanks for the advice!
Michelle
I have TWO copies of Teach Like a Champion! I had bought a copy based on a recommendation & then it was required reading for professional development at my school (where I rec'd another copy!). LOVE it! We just set up a Keurig at work this week and it was instant "true love." So glad you're enjoying your new school 🙂
Jen
Love my Keurig, too!!!
Cara– What program do you use for creating documents ( such as camping capers, the great coin collection, etc…) I am trying to get started creating some of my own documents, but I have only ever used Microsoft Word… Thank You!
Molly S
Totally unrelated to your post… BUT…
I want to buy your Saved By The Bell packet… would you consider adding a 3rd grade certificate???
Keep me posted!
🙂
Christina
christina4062@hotmail.com
*Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge*
Are we going to see pictures of your new classroom soon?!?
Loving these! My scout bag is my go-to teacher bag! Love. it.
xo-ashley
http://www.theteacherdiva.blogspot.com
I love YouTube for teaching videos. Do you recommend any specific YouTube channels? I'm always on the look out for more videos!
Jennifer
Darling Little Learners
I think it's awesome how excited about teaching you seem.
My staff is reading Teach Like A Champion this year. I am excited to read your comments. sounds great
I can't wait to read your posts about Kindergarten. love your blog! cute doggie!
Tonia
Mrsvento.blogspot
I must say that you have been my favorite first grade blogger. I just got moved to kinder (three weeks into the school year) and am so excited that you are teaching kinder too! Keep up the amazing work! 🙂
I strongly agree! Your files are sure safe with the use of that external hard drive. What’s the capacity of that wonder item? I’d like to suggest that you always maintain your external hard drive and keep it free from malware. That way, your files inside that disk won’t be harmed by computer viruses. =)
Ruby Badcoe
So excited…after reading this post (a long time ago…) I have FINALLY been able to convince the husband to buy a silhouette cameo!! Can't wait!!