Thoughtful Thursday Projects

So I'm pretty excited about this project I started this school year in my classroom.  To be perfectly honest, it was born because my Thursdays are REALLY. LONG. DAYS.  No breaks for kids until lunch which is at 1:10!  I had a friend whose daughter who was in need so we took about 20 minutes to make her cards to lift her up and the rest as they say, is history...

After seeing how doing good positively impacted my students (and me), I knew it was going to be something we repeated.  We do a "Thoughtful Thursday Project" each week.  The kids look forward to it, the families look forward to it and I look forward to it.  I've gotten great feedback not only from those  who receive a Thoughtful Thursday package from us but those who know the people receiving the package.

We've sent letters to people who have had cancer, alopecia, ALS, paralysis, horrible accidents, MS, those who have lost a loved one and more! 

I'm pretty fast on iMovie so I also take pictures of the kids cards and put them together in a movie.  To see an example, you can click HERE or check out below.

I think this is something that every classroom should do.  It helps you think of others and reflect on your blessings (without really needing to talk about it).  I teach first graders and if they can do it, anyone can!

Here is what Thoughtful Thursday looks like in my classroom:

The children gather around and I tell them about someone in need of some lifting up.  I tell them a little about what they're going through, show them a picture of the person (I think this is REALLY important because it helps them make a connection) and we also talk about some of the things they like (it helps them choose what they're going to draw/say).

That's pretty much it.  I pass out paper~ give them about 20 minutes to color as we listen to 'fun' music and wait for the magic to happen.  I cannot say enough about the positive feedback I have gotten from this project and I have many friends who are doing something similar (with your own twists of course). ALL of them have had great feedback too!

If you are on FB and would like to see our previous projects and see our future ones, you can "like" our Thoughtful Thursday page by clicking HERE.

I hope you'll join us in spreading kindness in whatever way works best for you!

L

Roomba iRobot 620

So my husband got me this for my birthday... it's not diamonds but turns out I love it just as much!  It is an iRobot Roomba 620 and it is the Best. Invention. Ever.

We are pretty busy people. Full time teachers. Four Active Kids.

We are also pretty dirty... Four Active Kids. Shedding dog. Bird. 

(At least the fish and Tortoise aren't messy)

There are two things that I need to have each night:  

1. Vacuumed/ clean floors (we used to have two shedding dogs)  

2. A clean kitchen (no dishes in the sink).

This little Robot is A-MAZING!  You plug it in and when it's charged it turns green.  You hit the green button and VOILA, it starts vacuuming your house.  I have no idea how it works but I know this.

1. Somehow it gets EVERYWHERE (under couches, around chairs, close up to walls)

2. It goes over dirtier areas more than once to get it all.

3. It can go from hard wood to carpet.

4. It picks up stuff even after I vacuum with my beloved Dyson!!

5. When it is done vacuuming, it goes right back to its little charger all by itself to charge for the next day!

To empty it is simple~ You just pull this little part out and empty it in your trash.

It's kind of neat because you see what it picks up (I found an old earring (probably under a couch) and I also have saved a lot of Lego people (not sure if that is a great thing).

They are a bit pricey, but in my opinion, worth EVERY penny.

I made a review on YouTube (don't worry... it's quick 2 minutes) so you can hear it and see it in action (plus there is an Amazon link so you can read more reviews and go ahead and buy one!).

You can view the video by clicking HERE.

Thanks for reading!!

L