This week I caught myself in a beautiful end of day moment in my classroom. I had 1 5th grader, 2 fourth graders, 3 third graders, 3 second graders, and 1 kindergartner all playing with puppets and trying to prepare for a puppet show.
Each of these kids are from different walks of lives and on the surface, besides the evident age difference, have very little in common. Half of these students have behavior, social-emotional, and social skills goals, and the other half are full academics.
With having very little in common and… how kids are experiencing childhood and life these days, moments like this feel far in between. I’m realizing some kids, and a lot of my kids, have to grow up so fast due to poverty and trauma… they don’t really get to be just a kid. Let alone, they are constantly in survival and fight mode, that building vertical relationships, let alone any relationship, can be very challenging for them.
My words can’t put into perspective how much this moment meant to me, but it’s important that when we are experiencing these types of heart warming experiences in our classrooms, that we stop for a second, and embrace it. Our soul needs to hear and see the beauty.
Style transition!
monday details
top: forever 21 (small) | jeans: nordstrom (24) | shoes: nordstrom (7.5) – similar + similar
I’m loving the pajama style t-shirts! They are one of the easiest shirts to be dressed up or dressed down.
tuesday details
top: forever 21 (s) | pants: tj maxx – similar – similar | shoes: target (7.5) | phone case: amazon | earrings: j.crew factory
These target shoes are incredibly comfortable to walk in because of the leveled platform. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how I am a special education teacher and wear heels to work. The key? Finding heels that feel like sneakers. There is no way I could teach in a skinny heel… but flat wedges and thick wedge heels feel no different than any other shoes… unless parts of the design are uncomfortable!
wednesday details
sweater: h&m (2) | jeans: nordstrom (24) + on sale! | shoes: target (7.5) | earrings: j.crew factory – comes in set with 2 other pairs for only $24!
If you’re ever testing out a style like I am– buy the trends from stores like forever 21 or target… that way you won’t feel the financial hit if you end up hating them! These white booties from Target are only $34.99!
thursday details
top: target kids – similar – (L) | jean jacket: target-old-similar (xs)|
pants: old navy (0P)| shoes: converse (7.5)| phone case: amazon | earrings: j.crew (on sale!)
Old navy’s latest new arrivals consists of a ton of SUPER CUTE teacher work pants! 100% worth checking out!
friday details
top: old navy (xs) | jeans: loft (24P) | shoes: nordstrom rack- old – similar + similar | earrings: j.crew factory
The last 5 years my favorite jeans have been GAP jeans. Last year I feel in love with nordstrom’s bp brand of jeans. I’ve officially found my forever brand– LOFT Petites. Oh my gosh… These jeans are incredible in every single way. I’m going to be doing a more in depth post later… but in the meantime… try them on next time you are at loft!
Happy shopping!
with kindness | ashley
