Stress Free Giveaway!

I am beyond thrilled to be joining up with other amazing 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers to bring you this stress free giveaway!

This time of year (trying to keep the kids sane, testing, fitting in the last of your standards, trying to keep yourself sane) can make even the most zen of us a little frazzled. There couldn't be a better time for a giveaway that doesn't require too much effort.

Other than entering awesome stress-free giveaways, another way I find to calm myself and my students' anxiety, especially during testing, is to participate in daily morning meditation with my class. We use the Stop, Breathe, and Think app on the iPad, but the program is also available on Android or the web.

What I Love About This App:

*it's FREE!
*the voice on the guided meditations is soooo soothing
*you do a mental and physical "check in" before each meditation
*most meditations have options for a variety of lengths of time, so if you only have time for 5 minutes, you can save the 10 minute version for another day
*it's mindfulness at a kid's level

My class is able to choose a spot around the room in which they can be still and silent for the allotted amount of time. Some grab pillows and sit on the floor. Some stay at their seats. It's their choice, depending on what they're comfortable with. I also choose a spot that works for me that day. We settle in with the lights off and begin our meditation.

I have noticed a dramatic difference since we began this calm start to our day. Kids are more focused. Kids are less anxious. Everyone has been a little bit kinder. I 100% recommend this app if your class is experiencing any stress. If your class isn't, please contact me and share your secrets!

Now for the giveaway! There are 4 prizes and 4 winners.

1st prize: $75 Amazon giftcard
2nd prize: $40 Target giftcard
3rd prize: $25 TPT gift certificate
4th prize: $20 Starbucks giftcard

Just scroll through the Rafflecopter to access each of the prizes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and let me know if you have any tried and true stress-reducing tips to share!

Sunday Scoop: 4/12/15

I'm excited to begin my foray back into blogging by  linking up with Teaching Trio for the Sunday Scoop Linky!

Have to Do:

I must must must get some chores done. I have been off for two weeks for Spring Break and have been cleaning regularly, but I'm still not satisfied. At the very least, I have to take care of the kitchen floor so my feet don't feel dirty every time I'm in there. The sheets also have to be done. I don't feel like I ever washed them so much until I had a husband and a dog. Huh.

My nails are embarrassing. Before I head back to school tomorrow, they need to be cut and painted.

Hope to Do:

I always have mild panic when going back to school after a break. I usually have school-related nightmares after taking forever to fall asleep. I'm going to have a bath, tea, and do a few minutes of meditation tonight to help ease me to a restful sleep.

I'd also like to start a new book today. I'm currently reading a few that I just can't get into. I need some recommendations.

Happy to Do:

It's my birthday! Woot! Woot! Hubby and I went for a hike with the pup this morning, then we had a visit from my mom and stepdad. They brought over two milkweed plants so we can start attracting some butterflies up in here. After that, I went for a super relaxing massage and we're headed off to a family dinner tonight in a bit.

I hope everyone has a great week and I'm sending some extra special love out to those returning from Spring Break!

Let me know if you have any book recommendations. I could use them.