HB Freebie & #teacherhack Linky!

Happy Weekend!

Today is my birthday and I've been saving this post ALL summer for this day!

Summer break here was very short and sweet - June 18th-July 21st. Yup, I go back Tuesday!

I knew going in that it was going to be the shortest summer on record and this is after a huge year of implementing Common Core full-force (lots of late nights!). My main goal for my summer projects:

Make My Life EASIER!

Not exactly "easier," because I definitely don't mind working hard. I think a better word is "manageable." Basically...I cannot have a repeat of last year :)

Enter my new fave word: HACK

If you've been anywhere near me these last few weeks, you'd have heard me drop this word at least a dozen times per conversation. What is a hack? Let's learn what my trusty Urban Dictionary has to say:

I have sooooo many projects  I wanted to complete this summer, but really stayed focus on which ones would help me the most throughout the upcoming school year.

One HUGE #teacherhack I completed and REALLY excited about is my high frequency words packet:

One of my roles as a special educator for first grade is assembling a differentiated homework packet. This packet is NOT easier in content, but may feature easier-to-read formats and/or a reduced amount of work. One non-negotiable item that is included in ALL homework packets for our firsties is our school's scope and sequency for high frequency (FRY) words. Every first grader is responsible for mastering Fry Words 201-400 and follow the same outline of weekly practice. The only difference for sight word practice in the differentiated packet is formatting (more white space, larger font) and the fluency sentences (written using previously learned sight words and/or phonics skills for easier access). 

Because this is a RIGOROUS scope and sequence and not for the faint of heart, I'm offering it as a flash freebie for you to take a look!

Why is this a #teacherhack?

I constructed this packet week-by-week last year...no biggie, but between finding the time to write the fluency sentences, print, and copy (finding a working copier is the most time-consuming part!) took at least 30 minutes. Every week. That's 1020 minutes overall! 1020 minutes I could be on Facebook, stalking blogs, napping... This year all I will have to do is hit "print!" YAY!!!

I'm also working on lifehacks to help my house run smoother..this is still a work in progress, but one secret I have that I learned from my sister a l-o-n-g time ago: store cleaning supplies  on every floor of your house, vs. just one central area. My house is three floors, so I have a cute little basket full of basic cleaning supplies in my downstairs bathroom, under the kitchen sink on our main floor, and upstairs in the master bathroom. It makes it so much easier to spend 5 minutes "maintenance" cleaning, than a heavy duty ordeal.

What's your hack?

Please link up to share! It can be a #teacherhack (idea, freebie, or paid product) or lifehack. Anything that helps "reduce the chaos" and contributes to being present in the moment (my goal in life!).

Just right-click the image below to paste into your blogpost, or link up a TPT product.

I can't wait to read your ideas!

An InLinkz Link-up

This post is also linked up with the fantastic Classroom Freebies!
Please click the link below to see more :)

I'm also linking up with Fabulous in First for Sunday Smorgasboard:

Have a wonderful day!