🎀 I Forgot to Celebrate Me: A Mother’s Day Moment 🎀

Every year, when Mother’s Day rolls around, I find myself in a whirlwind. I’m picking up cards for my own mom, texting friends who are amazing mothers, scrolling through gift ideas for my sisters, aunts, cousins — all the incredible women who pour their hearts into motherhood. I’m so wrapped up in honoring everyone else that I forget one very important person.

Me.

This year was no different. I was up early making calls, getting gifts together, scurrying to church, helping my kid create a little craft for Nana — the works. By the time the day started to wind down, I sat down, exhausted, and it hit me like a quiet whisper:

I didn’t do anything for myself.

As a single mom, most days feel like a marathon. There’s no tag team partner to take over when I’m tired, no one handing me flowers just because. And yet, I still show up every day. I wipe tears, make lunches, do homework checks, give hugs, and tell bedtime stories. I love fiercely, work hard, and somehow find a way to keep everything running around me. That deserves celebration too.

So next year, I’m doing it differently. I’ll still celebrate the women around me — but I’ll take out some time to honor myself. Maybe it’s a quiet morning with some hot apple cider and no interruptions. Maybe it’s a gift I buy for myself. Maybe it’ll be simply saying out loud, “You’re doing a great job.”

To all the single moms who forget to pause and celebrate yourselves — I see you. I am you. Let’s remember that we don’t just deserve recognition from others, we deserve it from ourselves too.

Happy (belated) Mother’s Day… to me.

And maybe to you, too.

XOXO,

Casey

Wrapping Up Right: End-of-Year Activities Your Students Will Love

Hey fellow Teacher Friends!

As the school year winds down, the energy in our classrooms shifts. The countdown is on, and while our students may already have one foot in summer, we know the importance of finishing strong. This time of year can be a great opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and reinforce learning—while also having some well-earned fun!

Here are some of my favorite end-of-year activities that strike a balance between meaningful and memorable:

1. Memory Books

Have students create personal memory books or digital slideshows reflecting on their school year. Prompts like "My favorite project was...", "A challenge I overcame...", or "My proudest moment..." allow students to see their growth and give them a keepsake to take home. I've included links to some of my memory books I've created to share! 

2. Classroom Awards (With a Twist)

Forget generic awards—get creative! Let students nominate peers for fun and thoughtful titles like “Future Author,” “Most Likely to Start a Movement,” or “The Kindness King/Queen.” This promotes community and leaves everyone feeling appreciated.

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3. Letter to Next Year’s Students

This is a powerful reflection tool. Ask your current students to write letters to the students who will be in your class next year. They can offer advice, share their favorite memories, or describe what to expect. It’s authentic, and next year’s students love reading them!

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4. STEM or Art Challenge Day

Let your students’ creativity shine! Set up design or building challenges using everyday materials, or host a themed art day. One year, we did a “Design Your Dream Classroom” project—some students even included hammocks and snack robots!

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5. End-of-Year Escape Room

Whether digital or paper-based, a themed escape room is an engaging way to review concepts learned throughout the year. Bonus points if it’s summer-themed (think: “Escape the Boring Vacation”).

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6. Classroom Time Capsule

Each student contributes one item (drawing, photo, note, or memento) to a class time capsule. Seal it with the plan to open it in a future grade or mail it to students in a year. It adds a layer of anticipation and nostalgia.

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7. Outdoor Learning Day

If the weather cooperates, take the classroom outside. Reading circles under a tree, sidewalk chalk math problems, or a nature scavenger hunt can refresh everyone’s spirits.

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8. Student Showcase

Host an in-class “gallery walk” where students display their work or present a favorite project from the year. Invite other classes or families if possible. It's a great way to show growth and end the year with pride.

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9. Gratitude Circles

On one of the last days, sit in a circle and pass around a talking piece. Each student shares one thing they’re grateful for from the year. It builds connection and helps end the year on a meaningful, emotional note.

As teachers, we know the end of the year isn’t just about closing a chapter—it’s about making sure every student leaves your classroom with confidence, pride, and great memories.

Wishing you a smooth, joyful finish to your school year. You’ve earned it!

XOXO,

Casey

After Testing Tricks

It's been a while and I'm hoping to get back on here for some fun and engaging posts! 

A Fun and Easy Teaching Trick for After Testing

Testing time can be exhausting for kids. After all that bubbling in answers and thinking hard, they need something fun but still engaging to do. That’s where Choice Boards come in!

What is a Choice Board?

A Choice Board is like a menu of activities where students get to pick what interests them. It keeps them busy while still learning—without feeling like extra work.

Why Choice Boards Are a Great Idea

1. Gives Students Control: Kids love having options and making their own choices.

2. Works for All Learning Styles: Whether they like moving around, drawing, reading, or building, there’s something for everyone.

3. Takes Away the Pressure: No grades, no stress—just fun learning activities.

4. Covers Different Subjects: You can include reading, math, science, and creativity all in one place.

Choice Board Activity Ideas

Here are some fun activities to keep kids engaged after testing:

• Tall Tale Time: Write a funny story about a superhero with a unique superpower.

• Build It Up: Use toothpicks and marshmallows to build the tallest tower you can.

• Doodle Away: Draw a picture showing how you feel now that testing is over.

• Book Talk: Pick a favorite book and share why you love it.

• Nature Hunt: Go outside and find five cool things in nature, then describe them.

• Puzzle Time: Solve a fun brain teaser or crossword puzzle.

How to Use a Choice Board in Your Classroom

• Let students pick a few activities over a couple of days.

• Offer a mix of individual and group activities.

• Include a mix of hands-on and written activities to keep it interesting.

• Get students involved in creating their own Choice Board options.

Final Thoughts

Choice Boards are a great way to keep kids engaged after testing without adding extra stress. They let students have fun while still learning in a relaxed way.