Hot Chocolate Bar

I recently hosted a Ladies Fellowship at my house and since it is February I thought it would be nice to have a Hot Chocolate Bar. (Turns out it was in the 60's that day - that's the south for you!)

I scoured the internet for some inspiration and here is what I came up with:

I placed chalkboard stickers on some insulated cups and had a small bucket with chalk so everyone could write their name on their drink. I also found some cute chalkboard tags at Target that I tied around glass jars in order to label each of the toppings.

In the glass jars I had mini marshmallows, peppermint pieces, chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. I also had chocolate and regular sprinkles, salted caramel and chocolate syrup, whipped topping, large marshmallows, and chocolate covered spoons.

I added two bowls of valentine's candy to munch on as well.

Finally, I created a treat using store bought cupcakes, dollar store plastic glasses and valentine's candy.

I also offered a selection of other drinks including soda, tea, and coffee.

After spending some time looking at some scripture on Love, we made cards to send to our church members that are away at college and those that are shut-in. We hoped to spread some Love to them this month and let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers.

Overall, I think it was a success (despite the unusually warm temps outside). Everyone seemed to enjoy creating their own special Hot Chocolate.
I didn't even break the bank. Most items I bought at either the Dollar Tree or Kroger.

Have you ever hosted a Hot Chocolate Bar? I'd love to hear about it! Don't forget you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

While You Were Out

As a middle school teacher, it can be hard keeping track of who has been absent and the assignments they missed.

My solution...

a "While You Were Out" board.

By the time students are in middle school, they need to begin to practice personal responsibility.

When they are absent from my ELA class, I have them check the class calendar to see what they missed during their absence. I place all extra papers in a pocket chart that contains 5 file folders - - 1 for each day of the week.


For example, if a student misses school on a Monday, he/she will check the calendar the day they return for any missed assignments. They also check the Monday file folder for any papers or handouts.

Above is a closer look at the calendar I use - stinkin' cute, isn't it. (Link is below for you to download for FREE!!)
I stapled all the months together, then peel off each month as it ends (as shown above).
I file the used calendar pages in my filing cabinet until the end of the school year, then toss.

I just write short notes on what we did that day in class. For example, it might say "read pgs. 1-10; vocab. study guide". Students would then know they need to read pages 1-10 and pick up a study guide from the file folder pocket for the day they missed.

This system has been so easy and keeps me sane!! I don't have papers piling up on my desk that I need to remember to pass out to absent students.

Below is the pocket chart I used that fits five file folders. I had some colored folders already so I used those, but some cute ones from the Target Dollar Spot would be awesome too.

Black


Get it here: http://amzn.to/2klispd


Check out these other colors:

Lime

http://amzn.to/2jPGyEJ

Teal


http://amzn.to/2joOnFA

Next I used a blank calendar for the school year.

Here is a the one I downloaded from TpT for FREE!!!

I'd love to hear how you manage absent students in your classroom! Share your ideas below and don't forget to follow me on Facebook!

Hunter Boots - A Must Have

Here in Tennessee we've been having awful January weather!

It's not cold. It's not snowing; there is no ice. But it HAS been raining... endlessly. Or at least it feels like it.


It is more like spring right now instead of winter.

Thank goodness, though, I bought a pair of Hunter boots a few years ago.

They are expensive, but so worth it. When I finally broke down and bought them, we had just moved to New England.

I have gotten so much wear out of them. Best of all, you can wear them all year long. I've worn them in every season. Mine have trekked through snow and jumped massive puddles.



I highly recommend that you invest in a pair. I wear my black Hunter boots with everything - - dresses, jeans, shorts, and leggings!!

Click here to find a great deal on them!