Whooo's In Second is NOW...

If you've been following for a bit, you've noticed a big change! My blog-over is just about complete, and with it comes a whole new perspective, not just a new look. Smarter Balanced Teaching is not just a blog, but a way of life...I talked here about just one word to describe the new year. It was "Less". I have had so many changes in my personal life this year, as well as in my teaching career, that have taught me that less really is more. 

Last week, my family and I downsized to a smaller house, and although we're still unpacking, we're finding that less space suits our needs better than more. Our smaller den brings our family physically closer, thereby building closer relationships, for example. 

3600 square feet, 6 bedrooms, LR, DR, kitchen, den, office,
playhouse, 1/2 acre, huge house for a huge family!

2300 square feet, 3 bedrooms, LR, DR, kitchen, den, patio home
perfect for the four of us!

This year I have less students than I ever have before, which allows me more time with each one. I feel closer to every single child I teach this year than I've ever been able to, and really know each individual child's strengths, personalities, and interests. It's wonderful!

Last year's class, 23 kiddos (not all in this photo)

This year's class, 12 kiddos (not all pictured), so much MORE!

Teaching, learning, being a wife and mother, blogging, creating new activities to share with my students, and you, while leaving time for being me is a real balancing act! I hope you'll stick around for the new and improved Smarter Balanced Teacher, where I'll share my trials and tips for your own balancing act, regardless of what that might be.

While we're talking about less, be ready to shop MORE for LESS at Teachers Pay Teachers HUGE 2-Day sale this Thursday and Friday! I'll be there, working on keeping a balanced budget...see you there.