Treat Yo Self

If you don't know where this phrase originated, then treat yo self to the video above. 

You work hard, and it's okay to treat yo self to some indulgences or things that make life a little easier. I recently gave in to some "treat yo self" luxuries and wanted to share. This is a big deal for me because I'm quite the penny pincher, so I've included some ways to reduce the price point as well. 

It took me a looong time to justify this purchase, but I coughed up the cash and bought a Stanley Quencher. I love it so much! Mine is cream, and on more that one occasion, I've looked at it and told it (yes audibly) how glad I am that it's mine. I love that it's big! I love the handle! I love that it fits in my cup holder! Win-win-win! I did have a difficult time justifying the cost. It's a cup. Believe it or not, I have other cups at home. Do you use Rakuten? It's an app that gives you a percentage back on purchases you make online and in some stores. I joined in December and have nearly $60 as my cash back balance! If you're already a member, you can purchase the Quencher from the Stanley website and get 7.5% cash back in the app. If you don't already have the Rakuten app, you can use this referral code and get $30 cash back when you spend $30...like on a Stanley Quencher, fancy face cream, any $30+ you need a little help justifying. 

Another little luxury of late is Walmart+. Walmart+ does lots of things- no purchase minimum for free delivery, free subscription to Paramount+, a discount on Murphy and Exxon gas- but guys, I'm getting my groceries delivered. To my front porch. A member of the Walmart staff shops for my groceries (and other items you could get in store), loads them, drives them over, and drops them off on my front porch. 😳 It is black magic! I told myself I was going to "try it for a year" because it does cost $100 annually (I think you can pay monthly as well). My year is not close to over, but there's no way I can give this up. I subscribed in November when they had a random 2 days when it was half price. I have no idea how often they do this (I haven't seen it since), but I do have a referral code that will save you $20 off an order after subscribing. 

This last one is free and easy, but I've upped my bubble bath game! Right now it's just the quantity. A bath is relaxing at the end of the day. I like that I can read, watch Insta stories, or listen to a podcast while in the bath. These are not bougie baths. Actually, if you're a bath connoisseur comment below and let me know what I need to boost my bubbles.

Think of something you enjoy (big or small). Make time for that today. You deserve it!

Remember to enter to win a copy of Gretchen Bernabei's Grammar Keepers. The information is in last week's post, and I'll announce our winner next Wednesday!

If I were the queen of grammar instruction...

Nobody:

Me: If I were the queen of grammar instruction...

I love those memes! But also, that's kind of my take on this week's post. In thinking about those powerful opening 30 minutes of our class period, I spent extra time with my copy of Grammar Keepers and thought about the most powerful grammar skills for solid student writing. I looked through STAAR tested grammar and revision skills from past assessments and the current practice sessions that are online to comb through what's been tested. I also thought about those cringe-worthy mistakes even adults make and set out to develop a sequence of most essential skills. So here you have it...

If I were the queen of grammar instruction, theses are the lessons I would teach each year. 

Grammar Skill Sequence

This provides a grammar focus for 32 instructional weeks. I know a school year is 36 weeks, but this gives you wiggle room for assessment windows, weather delays, and the like. It also is one skill per week. Feel free to speed up the pacing to meet your needs. I absolutely have presented these skills one per day, and if you want to implement what you can this semester, you can too. When possible, I linked the lesson to a Curly resource or strategy to further cement the learning.

I really would reinforce these skills each year- whether I'm teaching 4th grade, 7th grade, or 9th grade. Students are transient, but also, our kids are not showing consistent mastery of these skills. And they really, really have to in order to be college-ready life-ready. I know the grammar on social media feeds I see could really use some targeted instruction. :)

You might have noticed that this skill sequence is very dependent on Gretchen Bernabei's Grammar Keepers. Every lesson (except for one) is linked to one or more of the GK lessons. Don't have a copy? I'm giving one away! To be entered to win, tag your teaching besties on this post (It will have the same Yoda meme.) on Facebook or Instagram. One lucky winner will be selected and announced on the February 22nd post. Good luck, and it's good to be queen!