I've Got the MacBook Sadz.

I got stuck on this dreadful screen this weekend and could not repair it myself, despite some serious googling. Stopped by the Genius Bar today to get the bad news: hard drive corrupted. Nothing can be recovered. Lost everything.

Good news is I should be up and running in a few days. And replacing a hard drive isn't all that expensive. So, here's to the bright side of things. :)

A Paperless Challenge - Link Up!

I am so excited to link up with Eberopolis for her latest challenge.  And you should be, too!

I swear, she must have read my mind.  I was just talking to some other teachers and getting more and more intrigued by the idea of a paperless classroom.  I am not sure I can imagine it truly being paperless, but I could certainly use a little less waste in our room.  And, I am all for embracing the digital age.  So, let's do this.

I've been using Evernote this year (which I looove), but there is so much more I need to learn to truly utilize all of its capabilities.  And I have been a HUGE fan of DropBox for the last several years.  Life simplified.

I've also really like aspects of Google Docs / Google Drive.  I think my teaching life changed a little the time I planned a class party and had parents sign up for what they were bringing on a Google spreadsheet that was update in realtime...instead of having 25 people sign up to bring spoons and no one bring food!  A realtime spreadsheet.  Where had that been all my life?!

Next on my list - check out GoodReader and Edmodo.

Any great tools your class uses that embrace being paperless?  Do tell!  I'm ready to learn!

Head on over to Eberopolis, and check out her site.  And link up, too!

Currently

Listening:
I've been fighting off some sort of sickness all week, so I have had a very lazy Saturday to recuperate.  There is a Big Bang Theory marathon on TV, so I have been parked under the electric blanket on the couch, dozing in and out of naps.

Loving: Lazy Saturdays.  Enough said.  :)

Thinking:  Any fun ways to incorporate comprehension strategies into reading?  We have been working on using a highlighter to find evidence from the text (ie, not highlighting every word on the page and then drawing swirly hearts in the margins - d'oh!).  But, we're still struggling with it some, so I'm on the hunt for some fun and rewarding comprehension strategies.  Any that you all like?  Please share in the comments!  

Wanting: 
I have been reading more about paperless classrooms lately, and I'm definitely intrigued.  I am not at a school that has a 1:1 initiative with iPads or laptops, but many of my students bring their own electronic devices to class.  I would say about 35% of my class bring some sort of device.  Would love to make it paperless somehow in the next few years!

3/6 Update: I've decided to link up with Eberopolis to take some steps toward a Paperless Classroom.  Want to know more?  Link up with us!!  I blogged about it here.  

Needing:
To be well.  That is all.  I have been under the weather for almost a week now.  Although the forced down time has been nice, I'm ready to bounce back!

Like/Love/Hate:
Like - Jewelry

Love - June!  (Don't get me wrong, I love my job.  But I find the summers off are so refreshing.  I am lucky to work in a job that allows me to mentally reset each year.  I love-love-love summer and everything that comes with it, except the NC humidity - yuck!)

Hate - Junk.  I get stressed out when I have too much stuff.  So, getting rid of junk makes me super happy!  Bonus points for when someone can use the stuff I don't need for anymore.

Thanks again for Farley over at Oh Boy, 4th Grade for hosting this month's Currently.
Now, you should go link up here: