July Currently (& a Freebie!)

Happy July 1st!

My favorite month, but so bittersweet! My favorite month because it's my birthday month and it's full of travel and fun plans. Bittersweet because I'm turning another year older and staff reports to school on July 22nd! Moving on...

I'm linking up with Farley for my favorite monthly party!

Listening - I'm actually trying to cook something! I follow Whole 30 and just found a new recipe for blackened veggies. This one calls for unsweetened cocoa powder?!?

Loving - OMG, the most perfect packet ever! I have to admit, the Speaking and Listening Common Core standard threw me for a loop at first. But now? It's seriously a Special Educator's dream come true. And this packet is exactly what I needed.

It's the bomb! Miss Decarbo thought of everything! There's 45 pages of discussion questions - 3 per page = 135 questions! They are divided into three levels, thank goodness. I truly think Level One will keep next year's caseload busy through fall and early winter. I'll keep you posted! She included an editable file, as well, which I used to create little "Level 1, 2, 3" divider cards. She also has the entire set available in color or B/W. I chose the B/W and printed each level on different colored cardstock. And for some reason, my printer was set to "portrait" default, instead of landscape. I realized this a little too late, but then decided I really liked the smaller size option for the discussion cards. Just an idea.  I'm SO excited for my students to learn from these!

The packet also includes visual cue cards (yes!) for speaking (mouth) and listening (ear). These are simple and clear, but I also made an additional set of cards keeping in mind the personalities of my upcoming students. You can download them here for free! 

Thinking - I'm obviously thinking about my caseload. I've actually been watching them since last December. I always think my current group of students are my all-time favorites, but this group may take the prize! They are all boys and have intensive needs. They all made tremendous growth throughout kindergarten (we have the BEST kindergarten special educator/interventionist EVER!), but have a long way to go. They are also a group that includes a Mario-enthusiast, dinosaur expert, and an energetic little boy who loves anything sensory! 

I. CAN'T. WAIT!

Wanting - I really want to go purchase a few pairs of Converse. I dress fairly preppy and I've been seeing them with cute skirts. Adorable! Any suggestions for store & colors? Thanks!

Needing - I could really use some chill time with my parents. And lucky for me, I'm visiting Ohio next week! I'm so excited to do NOTHING but visit and catch up :)

4th Plans - I live in Baltimore City and can see the Inner Harbor fireworks from my upstairs window. I plan to be either 1) asleep or 2) chillaxing on a rooftop deck. I'm not sure what our definite plans are, but I do know they will not include joining the masses! 

It gets crazy-busy!

Thank you for reading my Currently! 

My veggies are smelling good now - yum!