Find Your Tribe

So now that you've decided, "Yes, I really can start my own preschool co-op," it's time to get started with lesson 1: Find Your Tribe. 

If you're anything like me (major introvert), step one may just be the hardest part of getting your own preschool co-op up and running. Why? Because you really have to put yourself out there!

But, you can't really have a co-op without anyone to cooperate with, right? So, this step is crucial! And as hard as it may be - it is sooooo worth it! I have a little story I'll share with you at the end, but for now, let's stay focused.

So, first step, keep your eyes open for people that just may be prime candidates for your group. The neighbor that has a toddler running around yard. The mom you see at church with a baby in one arm, and using the other arm to corral her other kids to their classes. The family that you always seem to run into at the park. Look around - you might just be pleasantly surprised by how many other moms are craving the connection that a preschool co-op would provide.

If you're already doing an activity with similarly aged kids - dance classes, sports teams, Sunday school classes - this is your "jackpot zone!" Then, all you have to do is ask.

Easier said than done, right?

Don't worry - you don't have to have it all together (I certainly didn't) - but just be honest. You can say something like, "Hey, I'd really like (insert your kiddo's name here) to have some more structured social time - and I just need to get out of the house every once in a while - so I was thinking of putting together a little preschool co-op. Nothing super formal, but I was wondering if you'd be interested. It seems like (insert your kiddo's name) already really enjoys playing with (insert their kiddo's name)."

There - done. And really, what's the worst that could happen? She says she's not interested. Oh well. But if you think about the best that could happen from those few sentences - ah, the possibilities are endless!

So, start asking, but my one caution is this - be mindful of just how large your group is getting. Remember, most likely, you will be hosting this in a home or other single-room location - so bigger isn't always better. 

We have found that a group of about 8 students (not including parents or siblings) is ideal. If you have less than 4, the kiddos don't seem to take the "preschool" aspect of it as seriously. If you get much bigger than 9, well, let's just say things can get a little crazy. 

So, now it's your turn. Think of 2 or 3 other moms that you'd love to have as a part of your co-op. Don't worry about starting small, because they may have 2 or 3 other moms in mind as well. Then, to borrow Nike's famous slogan, "Just Do It!" Meet them at the park, give them a call, you can even share this blog post and say, "Hey, I'm interested in doing this - you in?"

So, go for it ladies, Find Your Tribe! I know it will be so worth it! Then, check back next Friday, July 1st, for Lesson 2: Define Your Structure.

So..... I did promise you a story.

Almost exactly 4 years ago I went to a park playdate with a mom that I kinda knew from church. We had a few mutual friends, but had never really hung out. To be honest, I was a little intimidated by her - she seemed to have it all together. But we both had boys that were the exactly the same age and were both pregnant with our second boy. So, I sent what felt like a super random text, and we set up a playdate at the park.

The boys loved playing together and she and I pieced together a conversation, mostly revolving around our boys. Was it a perfect playdate? No. But she was really sweet, and I wanted to get to know her more. We got together a couple more times, Then, I invited her to the preschool co-op that was getting started. The rest, as they say, is history.

Fast forward to today. My boys are absolutely best friends with hers. They adore playing together and treat each other more like brothers than friends. She is truly one of my best friends, and now we get up early one day a week to run together. So we can just have time to chat, without the constant interruption of kiddos. Honestly, she has blessed my life tremendously, and looking back, I am so thankful for that initially awkward park date. It has blossomed into a "better than I could ever ask" for friendship.   

That's a little bit of my story. What will yours be? So, go for it! You never know what friendships may grow from a simple question. 

See you next week!

Starting Your Own Preschool Co-Op

You might be thinking: Can I really start my own preschool co-op? Or, my little one is only 2 (or 3 or 4 or 5), do he really need this? Or, I can barely make it out of my house as it is, do I really have the time and energy to coordinate a preschool? The answer to all of these questions is YES, YES, and YES!

After teaching for 8 years, I transitioned to being a stay at home mommy. I was incredibly thankful to be home with my little ones - a newborn and almost 2 - but I was completely overwhelmed. To be honest, I just survived for about a year. While I loved being home to pour into these little lives, I was exhausted. I knew something needed to change. I knew I wanted to start incorporating some "instruction" into our day, especially for my then almost 3 year old. I knew we needed more structure. And I definitely knew we all needed to get out and connect with other families more regularly. How that was going to happen, I didn't know, but I started to ask.

The more moms I talked to, the more I found that so many moms were in the same boat. Being a stay at home mommy is HARD. Even when you have a wonderfully supportive hubby (like I have been blessed with), I truly believe it is one of the hardest but most important jobs in the world! So, we started talking...and meeting....and meeting at parks to talk some more. Slowly but surely our preschool co-op was born, and I could not be more thankful for this amazing opportunity.

Now, 3 years later, we are a part of two preschool co-ops, one for each of my boys, and the friendships that have grown out of these weekly meetings are some of our most treasured - for the kiddos and myself. They have both learned so much - not only academically, but socially, spiritually, and yes even physically. They've learned about listening to authorities (other than mom and dad). They've learned about conflict resolution - when that one special toys just seems to bring out the worst in them. We have all learned so much! 

It has truly been a blessing for our family, and I would love to pass it on to you! So, for the next six weeks, I am going to walk you through the steps we went through to get it all up and running. Don't worry, we will only take it one step at a time, so you have plenty of time to process and prepare. And hopefully, by the time fall hits, you will be ready to kick off your own preschool year! I am so excited for you to start this journey! Don't hesitate to ask questions- I am more than happy to help!

Ready to get started? Then, head to Lesson 1:Find Your Tribe HERE. 

Leave a comment below to ask your burning questions about starting your own preschool co-op. I'd love to answer them and would be thrilled to tailor this series specifically for you if you tell me what you really want to know.

Looking forward to seeing you next week!

TpT Sitewide Sale and Top Wishlisted Items

Happy May Everyone!

Is it just me, or has this year flown by? In case you haven't heard, TpT is having a SITEWIDE SALE on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 3rd and 4th!!! These sales don't happen very often, so when they do I like to have my cart ready to go. There are so many great products out there! For the Teachers Pay Teachers sitewide sale, you have the opportunity to save up 28% on everything in my store as well as other seller's stores. My entire store will be 20% off (yes, bundles too), and if you use the promo code CELEBRATE, you will get an extra 10% off, bringing your total savings to 28% off (and even more with bundles!) This is BIG folks!  I suggest filling your cart with things for the end of the year and even some items to prepare for the beginning of next year. 

Here are a few of my top wishlisted items in my store (you can click any of the photos to see more about the product listed). First up is my Editable Name Activities. I absolutely love using this product with kindergarten students. It provides a ton of practice in a variety of ways - and since it's editable - each child gets their own page with their own name. The kiddos love it! It includes practice for individual names as well as a few class activities. 

Next up is my Student-Led conference forms. When I taught 5th grade, the students were responsible for leading their own conference - a task that seems daunting for a student. So, I created these materials to give the students confidence and keep them organized. 

Finally, I have my Watch My Progress Journal. I love being able to show students and parents just how much they have grown over the course of the year, and this product allows me to do just that! There is a lot of flexibility in terms of how often you use it, but so many parents have been impressed as they see the student's progress, using this tool. 

There are so many great products out there. Be sure to head back to Jen's Blog for the Teachers Pay Teachers Wishlist Linky. Thank you Jen for hosting such a fun link-up!

Oh, one last thing before I sign off, if you have a Chipotle near you, be sure to swing by their store on Tuesday, May 3rd for a buy one/get one free burrito, salad, or order of tacos. You must have your teacher ID and it's valid from 3pm until close! Enjoy!

Five for Friday 2/19/16

I have to apologize - my poor neglected blog. My oldest dropped his nap, and let's just say, things have been far less productive around here. We are working on this new schedule, and I am definitely planning on being more consistent. Thankfully, Kacey at Doodle Bugs Teaching has motivated me to get back on the blogging train. So, finally, here is my

 Here's a little peek into my past week:

This week was busy! It always amazes me how long a "short" week can feel. However, I was super excited to receive my very first Stitch Fix in the mail this week! Several friends have encouraged me to try it for a while, and I finally took the plunge. And oh my, I love it! I actually loved everything in the box! I didn't keep everything because, well, you know, teacher's budget, but I was thrilled with what my "stylist" selected (ha, I even feel funny saying stylist).

I love that you can keep what you like, and send back what you don't - all without even leaving your home. Awesome! So, if you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend it!  You can check it out HERE.

Little Bro's preschool group got to visit the fire station this week! Of course, I forgot my camera :( but all of the kiddos were enamored with the whole thing. They especially loved getting to sit in the fire truck. I think every one of them walked away wanting to be a firefighter when they grow up.

 

Big Bro and I have been working on CVC word families this week. It is wonderful to watch his progress, and I especially love watching his confidence in reading grow. His excitement for learning is contagious!

 

Look what I finally ordered! Yes, business cards! Simple, but very exciting for me! These arrived on Tuesday and I was thrilled!

You may wonder why I decided to order business cards at this time, and it's all because of #5........

Tomorrow I get to head to the Pacific Coast Teacher Meet-Up! I am super excited to meet some other TpT-ers, build relationships, and learn a lot! I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

I would love to hear about your week! And be sure to check out the other posts at the Doodle Bugs Teaching Link-up. Have an amazing weekend!! 

500 Follower Sale and Giveaway

Wow! I can't believe I have reached over 500 followers on Teachers Pay Teachers. This endeavor has been such a blessing to my family and I am so thankful to all of you for your support, encouragement, wisdom, and enthusiasm! I would not be where I am today without all of you! So, of course it's time for a celebration!

Beginning Sunday, October 25th, my entire store (including bundles) will be 20% off! So, stock up on those holiday items now! I will also be giving away a $25 gift certificate to Teachers pay Teachers! Check it out below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I have come a long way since starting this journey a little less than a year and a half ago, and I want to continually try to improve my products and resources. So, the last few weeks I have also been working on updating some products. My October FREEBIE, October Unit, Veteran's Day Freebie, and Veteran's Day Unit have all been updated. Check them out below:

  

      

And just in case you were wondering, I have a Thanksgiving Unit in the works! It will be posted in the next couple of weeks, but you can save by purchasing the Holiday Units Bundle now - the price will increase when I add the Thanksgiving Unit!

Thank you again! Have a lovely week!

Five for Friday 9/11/15

On this September 11th post, I must pause to remember that fateful day 14 years ago. I will always remember where I was - getting ready for classes in my college dorm room - when it seemed like our whole world was turned upside down. It was a day that will loom in American history forever. So before we move on, I want to stop and say a prayer of thanks to all of the men and women who have and who continue to selflessly sacrifice their lives for the freedoms we have here. May we never forget 09.11.01

On a more upbeat note, I am honored to link up with Kacey at Doodle Bugs Teaching for the

 Here's a little peek into my past week:

My kids say some of the funniest things. On Tuesday evening, my wonderful hubby had to stay late at school for a Math Night and my boys were very concerned that Daddy was not eating dinner with us. My oldest said the following:

Ah, I just love  my boys. Even after a long day, they can always make me smile!

Last week I had the privilege of teaching Little Bro's preschool group. This week I got to teach Big Bro's group. This group has seven 3, 4, and 5 year olds - and they are all boys. Quite the lively group! This is our third year together and it has been such a blessing! This semester we are going through the Days of Creation. So, I started with teaching about Light. And let me tell you - teaching about light to 4 & 5 year olds is no easy task!  We discussed natural and artificial light. Then, we talked about how light travels in a straight line. Next we moved on to items that were transparent, translucent, and opaque. I used items that we had around the house and the boys actually did a great job of classifying them!

 

We also did a crayon resist painting comparing the light and darkness. First, the kiddos used white, yellow, and orange crayons to draw "bursts" of light. Then, because God separate the light from the darkness on Day 1, we then painted over the crayons with black watercolor. Okay, we definitely had some blue, purple, and reds in there, but that's what happens when you give kids watercolors :) They loved how the "light" colors showed up even with the dark watercolors.

 

We also created a "light box" to discuss refraction (or how light can be bent). The full activity can be found HERE. They loved seeing the "light show" in the box - especially the colored "lights."

 I loved hearing them say "I see blue and green." Then, when I would cover up one of the bottles, "I only see green."

 Or, "I only see blue." They were really starting to get it! So much fun!

Finally, we got our order of Usborne books from a friend! My boys were in LOVE with the Wipe Clean books! And I love that they can do as many pages as they want.....and then do it again tomorrow!

I would love to hear about your week! And be sure to check out the other posts at the Doodle Bugs Teaching Link-up. Have an amazing weekend!! 

Five for Friday 9/4/15

The beginning of the year has flown by! We have been so busy, I have not had the chance to blog for a while. Wow! I don't know how some of you bloggers balance it all! Anyway, I am excited to link up with Kacey at Doodle Bugs Teaching for the

 Here's a little peek into my past week:

Okay, proud momma moment here. My oldest, who is almost 5, had his very first soccer practice this week! As I played soccer for more than 12 years, this was definitely a special day for me. I loved helping him put on his shinguard, pull on those long soccer socks, and tie those cleats. I loved watching him get out there and not give him. When he came home, he even said, "Yes, mom, I never gave up. I wanted to persevere!" I was impressed. Yes, it was a bunch of 5 year old running around with little to no direction, but so special for me. And of course, little bro needed to tag along as well!

I have also been very busy working on my Letter of the Week Bible Supplement! I love integrating Biblical truths and components into my teaching, so this was the big project I started over the summer. It is ending up taking much more time than I previously thought, but I am so enjoying putting this unit together! It's available to purchase in my TpT store, but it is a growing bundle. I wanted to make it available now so teachers and/or parents could use the same material consistently throughout the year, but didn't have it finished before the year started. Anyway, I update it weekly to include the new components. So, if you're not seeing many new items from me, it's probably because I am spending time updating this set! Here's a little peek at some of what is included for the letter D.

 

So, I feel just incredibly blessed! Though I do not have my own full time classroom currently, I have the opportunity to teach preschool to my boys (and a group of about 7 other kiddos once a week)! This is my third year doing preschool with my older son and my first year with my little guy. Basically, there is a group of about 7 moms who all have kiddos around the same age. We meet once a week for a little over an hour and work on different skills and concepts. It has been so much fun! In fact, two of the other moms are also teachers, so it has been such a blessing getting to collaborate with them! We usually rotate who is the "lead teacher" for the day, and this week I got to teach! I just love it! Though I feel blessed to be home with my boys, I definitely miss having my own classroom, and this is a perfect combination of the two! Here's just a peek at one of our activities :)

  

I scattered various color cards around the room. Then, I called out a color and each student found a picture for that color. 

Then, we glued the colors on the page to match the words. The kiddos had a blast!

I was also finally able to upload my first CVC Word family. I am working on a whole set of CVC word activities, but the -at word family is available now! My oldest is really loving the activities! You can find the whole unit HERE. 

I also got to start by Bible study with my high school girls this week! This group of girls is so very special to me! I had several of them in my class in 5th grade (the rest of them were in the other 5th grade class at the school), my husband had all of them in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Now, they are juniors and seniors and it's my 3rd year of Bible study with them. It is such a privilege and joy to share in their lives! We are slowly working our way through the book of Nehemiah.

I would love to hear about your week! And be sure to check out the other posts at the Doodle Bugs Teaching Link-up. Have an amazing weekend!!