New Adventures

I have big plans for this summer! At first my plans were to just not work as much as I did last summer. As I adjusted to the thought of actually having time for things I wanted to do, my mind started wondering to what is was that I wanted to do. I wanted to spend more time with my kids, more time in my garden, water my flowers at least once a day and (gasp) maybe even more than once a day. Look out world, who know what I might plan to do next.

One of the first things I thought of was that I wanted to make improvements to some of the materials I've made in the past, particularly the ones I use the most. I decided I was going to actually make them to the level that maybe I could sell on teachers pay teachers. I mean, I use these materials all of the time, so they must be fabulous. (I truly hope that you can hear my joking tone of voice). Actually it's more due to a few changes in my caseload that prompted this motivation. For the past 8+ years I have been part of the Infant-Toddler team in my local special education cooperative. I've been the primary provider for so many little ones with language delays, but I have also consulted with even more that are in between "typically developing" and "qualifying for early intervention services". Those little ones that need just a little more guidance and modeling (and a few tricks in how you present things to them so they don't feel like they are just performing for no reason). There are a few things that I feel like have worked the best along the way and have provided that to families. I wanted to update this information and any changes before I stop being part of the infant-toddler team. I didn't want to forget what I'd been doing and using. 

So, why is it that I've making this change in my caseload? We never seem to be fully staffed with 4 full-time SLP's and infant-toddler services are home based. Between covering 2 school districts and trying to schedule home visits, I was on the fast track to burning out. I love working with little ones, but I also know that I love, love, love working with 3 - 6 year olds the best!!!! So, beginning next school year I will be covering just the 2 school districts. Wooohoooo!!!!!!! Which again brings me to the question of the moment. What do I want to do this summer? 

Summer actually started for me on May 12th, so I am already one month in. And you know what? I uploaded my first TPT files just a few days ago. As I was making those materials, I also realized that there seems to be a story behind each material that I make, and that if I spend some time and explain that, it might make the activity make even more sense and therefore be even more effective because the person using it is being even more intentional about what they are working on. Which brings me to this blog. I hope I don't veer off in too many random directions, but you never know. Here we go.........

Here's a link to my brand new store. Hope you enjoy!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Stacey-Parks