Whew! What a Week!

So last week was our first run at a new state standardized test, and I've got to say, it was pretty insane. It was a week so full anxiety, exhaustion, and stress. If it had been my first year and I had to go through that, I'm not sure I would've survived. Here's to hoping next year's testing week runs more smoothly than this year.

I think that one of the big contributors to my stressful week was that I had my classes start a summative research assessment. Self-inflicted, yes, I know. It made for a hectic time. I had to pick up tests before school and lock them in my classroom, run to the computer lab for 1st hour, run back to my room for testing, then run back to the computer lab after for the rest of my classes. At least I got some exercise, right?

There is a silver-lining to this sad story. My kids are really impressing me this year. Their projects are turning out great. The project (in a nutshell) is to create a campaign about a social issue. The campaign must include 3 media channels that contribute to a solution for their chosen social issue (i.e. a t-shirt, a brochure, a bake sale, a PSA commercial). My students really like this project. They get to work in groups that they choose and have the opportunity to creatively express themselves. When they are finished creating their campaigns we have a presentation day where they get to show-off their t-shirts and fun logos and such. Its a great experience. I've posted a couple of works-in-progress below! I'd love to know what you think!

Teaching Planners Update!

It's been too long! Last week and this week are probably the most stressful of the year with test prep and the state testing that follows. With that said, I have had time to do some work on my line of planners I'll be releasing this Summer. When I made the decision  to do this I gave myself the deadline of mid-July. After some consideration, I have decided to up the launch date! More and more schools are moving to the year-round calendar, and thusly, some of you will need planners before mid-July. It's going to be a busy couple of months. All I can say is BRING IT ON! I'm so excited to share these planners with you!

With all of that said, I feel like I need to preview some of the planner themes to get you just as excited as I am! Here are a few of them!

Superhero-Secondary Planner
90's Black & White Flowers-Secondary Planner
Circus-Primary Planner

I have two planners completely finished (only needing a final edit) and I'm working on two more this week. I need some feedback from you guys! What are things you wish you had in your planners? What do they lack? What would be super convenient? Is there anything that could be added to make your life easier? Tell me what you think a teacher planner should be! Comment below!

Until next time!

P.S. Follow me on Instagram!  @kochs_odds_n_ends 

Short Update!

So it's been a few days since I last posted and because I'm trying to make this a regular thing, I'm trying to work it into my busy schedule. Because it's so new (and I'm forgetful), I'm already finding it difficult to post often. I promise I'll get the hang of it!

We're heading into the crazy part of the school year where testing (state and district) start taking over schedules and throw lesson planning into chaos. I'm not quite in panic mode...yet. Ask me to reflect again in a few weeks and I'm sure I'll be stressed and frazzled.

On top of all the testing and end-of-the-year activities, I've been trying to make time for blogging and creating new products to add to my Teacherspayteachers store (Koch's Odds 'N Ends). It has definitely been a slow start, but I've managed to upload six or seven things this week. I plan on working on some new classroom posters and some public service announcement/campaign assignments this weekend! Keep your eyes peeled and, if you like free goodies, subscribe to my blog!

I think I'll have time to post again in a day or so. I hope my posts are making it out to at least some teachers out there interested in why I have to say! If you're out there, let me know!