Back to School Next Week

Oh My!  Where did the Summer go?  I've been "planning" for the new year all summer and can't believe its here.  I tried to get in and set up my room, but the carpets haven't been cleaned yet.  Really?  I mean they've only had the entire summer.  So instead I put up a couple new Bulletin Boards and used some cool new packing tape to split up my white boards.  I'll post some pictures soon.  In the meantime,  I just wanted to make sure you all didn't think I'd started this blog only to disappear.  I'll be back :)  For those who are already in session good luck for this next school year.  I hope it runs smoothly and everyone has the best group of kiddos ever! 
I'll write again soon!

Another Giveaway

Check out Tonya's Treats for Teachers for her Almost 500 Followers GIVEAWAY!!!  

Check out these Giveaway

Teach on a Limb has a great giveaway for reaching 100 followers.  

Please hop on over and check it out!

Here's another giveaway~ It's a 1000 follower Giveway from 3rdgradesahoot and firstgradeglitterandgiggles!  
Please hop on over and check it out!

First Day Jitters Linky Party!

Ashley over at Fierce in Fourth is hosting a First Day Jitters Blog Hop!  Although I have entered some other linky parties, I feel like this one fits my mindset at the moment.  I'm also trying to put my blog out there to find other bloggers I can connect with.  I'm still a very newbie and I guess that's another reason I have the jitters.  lol

I too love the book 'First Day Jitters' and have read this to my students on the first day of school.  Wish there was a teacher's version.  If anyone knows a book for First Day Jitters for Teachers please comment below.

I believe it's not just the kids that have the jitters, but also the teachers, parents, principals, support staff etc.  We're all excited about what will go right, but nervous about what 'MIGHT' go wrong.  

My first day will be on August 23rd with a couple days to prepare the classroom and attend meetings.  *That is not nearly enough time to prepare for an entire school year, but it is what it is. :)  Back to School night is being held during the first week of school.  I like meeting with parents early, so I can let them know how they can help their child be successful that year.  It also gives them a chance to feel comfortable with where they're sending there child and with whom for the school year.  I liked that at Ashley's school they had a "Moving Up" assembly where the kids get to meet their teacher for the next year.  That would help to calm those Back to School Jitters.  Unfortunately, my school does not let anyone know their child's teacher until the Friday before school starts.  Why?  Probably because the office staff need to input the information into the computers and adjust to any enrollment changes that happened over the summer.  I also like that at Ashley's school there is an Open House before school starts to get paperwork and supplies tackled.  This doesn't happen at my school either, and probably because teachers are not paid to work until 2 days before the kids come back and those days are allocated for teachers meetings and putting our rooms back together-minimal time for planning. :(  I wish we could do this though! 

Here's the BLOG HOP:

I hope you will link up.
Rules-when you link up, please share 3 things that make you jittery about this upcoming school year.  If you already started, list what made you jittery.  Hopefully, those that link up will find some advice or at least someone they share similar jitters with. :)  Happy First Day to everyone!

3 things that give me the jitters:
1.  The countdown to the first day 'with' students always get's me nervous.  Will I be ready?  Always am, but as the clock winds down I find more and more things I should do.  Should I start?  Will I get done?  Awwwk!  This is the time of year that I'm the most productive, because when the year begins I have too much on my plate.  I'm a full-time mommy to 4 kids and they are between the ages of 23-11.  Their activities alone keep me hopping.  Then add in my activities and household duties.  Don't forget keeping the Spouse and 2 loving doggies happy too!  ***And now my new blog :)  Wow!  Talk about the Jitters!  This is giving me more of them :)  Not really, I strive on doing more than I should and love it!
2.  Of course meeting the parents and making a good impression.  Will I measure up to their standards and the favorite teachers from the past or better yet the teacher their other child had for 3rd grade.  Love to be compared, NOT!  We're all unique and have our own interests and talents.  That's what makes us valuable tools to giving children a well rounded education.  
3.  Always Back to School night-this night stresses me out!  I want to look professional, have my room organized and have all my ducks in a row.  Atmosphere is important!  Then I want my materials to be printed, organized, labeled, and ready.  *Copy machine please do not break down and cross my fingers that when I trudge to the office with my materials that the line is not 10 deep. :)

Thanks for stopping by and hope that you were able to find some humor in my jitters!  Please link up!! :)

BLOG HOP BELOW:

Please stop by and check out www.fancyfreein4th.blogspot.com for her awesome giveaway promotion!  

MY First Blog Award

Thank you to TC Booth at  Teacher Talk for nominating me for The Versatile Blogger Award.  I am thrilled and honored. This is my first award nomination. 

To accept this award I have to:

1. Thank the person(s) who nominated me.  Done

2. Include a link back to who nominated me. Done

3. Include the award image in my blog post. Done

4. Tell 7 random facts about myself. Done

5. Nominate 15 other bloggers for this award. Done

6.  When nominating, include a link to their page. Done

7.  Let the nominees know by leaving a comment on their pages. Done

Seven Random Facts About Myself

1. I was born and raised in Canada, but moved to the United States to pursue my education.

2.  I met my husband during my first week of college.

3.  We have 4 beautiful children and 2 spoiled dogs.

4.  I am 56 days into the INSANITY workout with Shawn T and loving it!

5.  I am totally obsessed with pinning!

6.  I love to travel, but do not get to do it enough.  Favorite spot is Hawaii!

7.  I love reality TV.  Housewives and Big Brother are my favorites.

and a couple more

8.  I love a cup of coffee to get me going in the morning.  Thank you Keurig K Cups

9.  My favorite color is purple

10.  My favorite food is Italian.  Bucket List-to go to Italy and just Eat! Eat! Eat!

BLOGS I NOMINATED ~ if someone else didn't get to them first

http://fancyfreein4th.blogspot.com/

http://www.adventuresinteaching.net/

http://secondgradeparadise.blogspot.com

http://readerstars.blogspot.com

http://fifthgradefancy.blogspot.com/

http://janasspot.blogspot.com/

http://buzzaroundinsecondgrade.blogspot.com/

http://teachingthird.blogspot.com/

http://everybodyisageniusblog.blogspot.com/

http://asweetsouthernmess.blogspot.com/

http://rulintheroost.blogspot.com

http://www.missnelsonsgotthecamera.blogspot.com

http://www.tisforteaching.com

http://jenskinderkids.blogspot.com

http://www.yeehawteachingintexas.blogspot.com

http://fantastic5thgrade.blogspot.com/

August Currently

It's August and we're linking up with Farley at Oh' Boy Fourth Grade for her currently. 

MY AUGUST CURRENTLY...

Rules:

1.  If you link up please take the time to check out and comment on the 2 blogs infront of yours and one after.  This will help to spread the love amongst us blogging enthusiasts. :)

2.  If you promote a product on the August Currently, please make sure to promote someone elses too!

3.  If you need any help to complete the currently linky party.  Just head on over to Jen at The Teacher's Cauldron for a tutorial or follow my directions below.

August Currently Image Directions-for MAC users you can right click and save to desktop.  Open PPT and insert your currently into a new file.  Stretch the picture to the edges.  Insert text boxes to add your answers.  I made one text box and then copied and pasted each box.  This eliminates the work of having to format each box.  Once your'e satisfied with your image, save as either a JPEG or PNG file.  This can now be inserted as an image into your Blog Post.

www.theteacherscauldron.blogspot.com

NEWBIE BLOG HOP!

I am joining the Newbie Blog Hop hosted by Janis at Grade Three is the Place for Me!

I am excited to link up with other bloggers and learn new tips!

After looking around my site, see below for some other great teaching blogs! 

1. What state you are in? CALIFORNIA
2. What is your current teaching position? 3RD GRADE
3. What is your teaching experience? I am starting my 16th year
4. When you started blogging? JUST STARTED
5. share a blogging tip / blogging resource   TEACHING BLOG ADDICT

Please take the time to leave comments on other peoples blogs! It helps to bounce ideas around with other bloggers and boost traffic.

This is a Blog Hop!  Get Hoppin!!!

COME JOIN THE LINKY PARTY

Looking for some Great Blogs to link up with? Join the LINKY PARTY hosted by www.rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com! 

 I'm a pinterest FANATIC! Please stop by and follow me at www.pinterest.com/tammytweten ~ AKA Groovy in 3rd. I have a variety of pins and boards related to teaching, food, fashion, home, and other fun stuff. Your sure to find something you like.

Welcome to Groovy in 3rd!

MY 1st OFFICIAL post!!!! Yippeeeeeeeeee :)


I'm so excited to be starting this blog for the upcoming 2012-13 school year! I will be documenting activities, inspirations, and other fun stuff.  


I'm a daily pinner on Pinterest.  You can find me by searching Tammy Tweten.  Of course not all is dedicated to teaching, as we all know teachers do have lives outside of the classroom.  :)  


I have also begun a Facebook page dedicated to Groovy in 3rd, so tell all your friends to like me :)   www.facebook.com/groovyin3rd


Please be patient as I build ***Groovy in 3rd***


For those that are heading back into the classroom shortly GOOD LUCK and HAPPY TEACHING!!!!  I'm loving my summer vacation, but part of me is always planning and ready to see both my past and NEW Kiddos embark on the school year.


Thanks :)