Happy to be a GUEST

Hi Everyone,

My name is Barb from Grade ONEderful. I was thrilled when Kimberley graciously asked me to do a guest post. My very first one! She was hoping I'd tell you a little bit about my experience designing her blog ~ which I'm happy to do.

From the minute I started blogging (last summer) I knew I was hooked on the design aspect, but I didn't really think about actually designing for others until around Christmas. When the opportunity to design Kimberley's blog came up, I jumped at it. But boy! Was I scared. Scared and excited, actually. For a week and a half I was a jumbling bag of nerves because I didn't want to disappoint Kimberley. Fortunately for me, she was very easy to work with!  I spent every waking moment (literally) thinking about it and spent many late evenings working on it. It was exhausting but exhilarating.

I've been learning html and all sorts of blogger tricks and tips (thank you, Kristen from Lady Bug's Teacher Files) for a while now. Then I bought Photoshop Elements 10 and have had to learn how to use that! But, like most teachers, I love learning new things, so I'll happily keep at it.

My biggest concern right now is finding the time to do everything I love to do (I have a LOT of hobbies). Finding the perfect balance is difficult, but I know I'll get there.

Long story short ~ I set up Ruby Slippers and hope to have the privilege of designing blogs for other people. (Please forgive my shameless self-promotion, ha ha!)

Enough rambling! I have a little freebie for you, and because I know how much Kimberley loves books, I have another book recommendation.

Here's an Easter place value activity. Click on the picture if you'd like it.

My newest book purchase is Each Breath a Smile. 

Julie, from Write Up My Life, featured this book on Perfect Picture Book Friday.

I immediately purchased it from Amazon and it arrived just the other day. It's a beautiful text designed to help children (or anyone really) use "their own breath as a way to slow down, calm down and appreciate the beauty in the world" (Julie).

My plan is to start reading this book to my students after lunch as a way to peacefully begin our afternoons. The teacher across the hall begins each afternoon on a quiet note also and even sets the lighting very low and turns on her salt lamp. 

I have one in my bedroom, but I'm going to bring it to school after spring break. I don't know about your classroom, but mine tends to get crazy after lunch, so I think this simple routine will really help.

Have a wonderful evening and thanks again, Kimberley!

Barbara