Catching Up and Happy New Year...

Well, let's be honest.  Blogging here has certainly not been my strength in 2013...LOL  :-)

My children and I all changed schools from last year to this one, and that shift has captured most of our time, energy, and attention over the past 6 months.  But, I haven't been a complete blogging failure...I have enjoyed helping to maintain the 4th grade blog for our new school!  You can find it listed in my blog list and can see a few pics of the exciting things going on in our classrooms.  My fellow teachers are such a blessing, as are my students!

     

As many of you know, I previously taught elementary gifted to all grade levels in a public school in a nearby district.  This year, however, I had the opportunity to become a teacher at an excellent private school in our hometown, and all 3 of the Bryant kiddoes were able to enroll there with me as well.  This was such an answer to prayer for our family!  Our new school is K-12 so we are all housed on the same campus, for which I am profoundly grateful.  I am now teaching 4th grade, and I love it!

Much in our lives is still the same, and we are all still just as busy as ever.  My husband and I still serve on staff at our local church in preschool, young children, and young family ministry.  Tucker is now 13, Tate is 10, and Sadie is 6, and they truly are a joy to parent!  I find myself in the road chauffeuring quite a bit, as do many of you.  From wrestling to gymnastics, football to robotics, we stay on the move!  Parenting is certainly not for the faint of heart...

I am a terrible new year's resolution keeper, but if I could make and keep resolutions, I would say that I plan to do a better job maintaining my blog and FB page in 2014....we'll see how that goes ;-)

I hope that 2013 was an excellent year for you, and that 2014 will be even better!!!!  I am excited about lots of new things that are happening in the days ahead.  Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that we make our plans but the Lord determines our steps.  I can't wait to see what His plan us for each of us!  

Blessings to you and yours in the new year, Shannon :)  

Cyber Monday Excitement...

Hi, friends!  Just an update that there are tons of freebies and items for purchase that are perfect for the holidays in my TpT store!  

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Shannon-Bryants-Brain-Train

TpT is throwing an enormous Cyber Monday supersale, and absolutely everything from Shannon Bryant's Brain Train will be 28% off on December 2nd and 3rd.  

I pray you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families!  Merry Christmas!  Shannon :-)

Brrrrr...Fall Weather and a Fall Sale!

Hi!  I am waking up to a chilly fall morning here in our hometown, and it seems like the perfect weekend for a fall sale in my TpT store!  Stop by for some great savings!!!!  

And stay warm and snug this weekend!  Shannon :-)

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Shannon-Bryants-Brain-Train

It's Time again for Monday Moments with Mimi!

Hi!  After enjoying a summer break, Mimi is back to inspire us for another school year!  I hope you are blessed by today's guest post and remember to check back often for Mimi's reflections and stories.  Hope your Monday has been marvelous!  Shannon :-)

Strumming Softly

For openers, let me begin by saying how very glad I am to be back sharing my simple thoughts with you about my less than simple life!!! I sincerely hope your summer hours have openly reaped the rewards of time well spent with friends, family, and fun times! 

 School has now begun in our hometown, and I can state unequivocally that changes are peeking over the horizon for my entire family!!! Not just with the onset of a brand new school year for all the grandkids, but with life-changing decisions for both of my girls and each of their families.  These changes sweetly bring excitement mingled with anticipation...from decorating a new home to teaching in a new school.  All is good, but much is different!!!!

Isn’t it funny how we think that there will be a magical moment when life changes such as these will no longer bring anxiety?  Or better yet, a magical age when we will at last be able to hold the controller of the game of life???  Unfortunately, life is rarely free from anxious moments, and seldom are we allowed to be the keeper of the controller!!! 

 I am reminded that God’s adjustments to our secure lives are preparatory.  While our children enter and progress through school one grade at the time, God progresses us through life one change at the time. What is important, however, is that as we grow and learn at each grade, we learn to dispel some of our own anxiety. 

 A few weeks ago, as I was reflecting about all of the different directions our lives were taking and the adjustments we would soon be making, I received a precious picture of my youngest granddaughter, and I was quickly reminded of where my inner joy and peace comes from--the source of my peace in the midst of the chaos...  

See, in this photo she sits quietly in front of the piano--in spite of  her mom’s very busy, chaotic morning--quietly singing and softly strumming her guitar. She is making her own special music with her own special book. What she has opened in front of her little eyes is the Bible and the peace she has opened within her own little heart is priceless. What a valuable life lesson this was to me!!! 

 So in the meantime, I will continue to pray in the midst of life’s changes.  I too hope that I too can learn to sit awhile quietly, with the Word opened before me, strumming my instrument of praise, and singing softly from my peaceful heart.  Trusting Him, Anne (AKA Mimi) 

It's Time for the HUGE Back to School Sale on TpT!

Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare to stock up!  TpT is throwing their annual back to school sale, and Bryant's Brain Train is joining in the fun!!!  

Stop by my teacher store for tons of resources to improve the thinking skills of your students and to add creativity to your teaching!  I hope you are having a wonderful school year so far!  Wishing all of the best for you and your little learners!  Shannon :-)

A Great Reminder!

This great reminder came across my Facebook news feed today!  Definitely worth remembering... 

Shannon :-)

Today's DAILY DEAL Is a Mind-Blower!

Today marks the last day of my 10 days of $1.99 DAILY DEALS!  Why is it a mind-blower?  Because for today's DAILY DEAL, each one of my WATT Valley products are on sale for just $1.99.  Tons of products for a huge value!  

I hope you have enjoyed being a part of my Back to School DAILY DEAL Sale!  It has been a blast!  I pray each of you has a wonderful back to school season!  My year gears up this Tuesday, and I am looking forward to it with excited, nervous anticipation as usual.  17 years and my heart still goes pitter pat thinking about the first day!

Don't forget to take advantage of Day 10 of my DAILY DEALS special--sale prices continue through midnight on Monday, August 5, 2013!!!  Links are included below to each of my WATT products!  Enjoy and watch for more sales from me throughout the month of August!  Shannon :-)

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Word-Play-Fun-and-Linguistic-Learning-featuring-Word-Play-WP-747150

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Science-Experiments-Discoveries-featuring-Scientific-Sadie-741161

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Mind-Stretches-with-Think-About-It-Tucker-Word-Play-WP-752406

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Logic-Problems-featuring-Logical-Lucy-747017

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Kids-Overview-Pack-Posters-Printables-Profiles-and-More-742888

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Daydream-Drawings-and-Doodles-featuring-Daydreaming-Danny-744147

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Creativity-Building-Puzzles-and-Activities-featuring-Creative-Cathy-751572

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Creative-Writing-Resources-and-Journal-Prompts-featuring-Writer-Will-742772

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Character-Relationship-Building-Activities-featuring-Kind-Kimmy-755506

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Brain-Builders-with-Try-It-Out-Tate-Think-About-It-Tucker-748460.

Day 9 of 10...One of My Favorite Back to School DAILY DEALS for Your Classroom!

Today's DAILY DEAL has to be one of my absolute favorites!!!  Today for just $1.99 you will get the complete collection of WATT Valley Kids posters, stories, and coloring sheets.  These kids are perfect for motivating and inspiring your own little learners!  With cool characters like Scientific Sadie, Writer Will, Kind Kimmy, and Think-About-It Tucker, your students are challenged to think, problem-solve, and inquire like the kids of WATT Valley.  Hope you enjoy!!!!  Shannon

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Kids-Overview-Pack-Posters-Printables-Profiles-and-More-742888

PS--And be sure to check back Monday--the last day of these 10 days of deals--for the biggest $1.99 giveaway yet...the GRAND FINALE!!!

Day 8 of 10...Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Who's the Fairest of Them All?

Looking for an innovative, new way to add life to an interdisciplinary apple unit? Or maybe wanting to try something new during fall or the "back to school" season? 

Are you teaching a unit on folk and fairy tales? Or maybe just looking for a way to engage your students in creative, differentiated tasks?

Then this Snow White resource pack will be perfect for you and your elementary learners.  Packed with tons of learning fun, today's DAILY DEAL is available for just $1.99.  Have a sensational Saturday!  Shannon :-)

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fairy-Tale-Fun-Snow-White-EnrichmentExtension-Opportunities-542927

Day 7 of 10...Just a few more days of DAILY DEALS to go!

Wishing you a fabulous Friday!  Today's $1.99 DAILY DEAL is another installment of my brand new WATT Valley Series.  Looking for a great writing resource?  Then this one is perfect for you.  Enjoy meeting Writer Will, as well as all of the other kids of WATT Valley...We Are Tomorrow's Thinkers! :-)

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Creative-Writing-Resources-and-Journal-Prompts-featuring-Writer-Will-742772 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Shannon :-)

It's Day 6 of the Bryant's Brain Train "10 DAYS OF DAILY DEALS!!!!"

 

It's Day 6, and I'm thankful it is Thursday! We spent some time this week fishing in the rain...sweet memories made during the fleeting days of summer! I hope you have been enjoying your summer as well!

Today's $1.99 deal is another follower favorite! Today's ABC Bible Verse poster and coloring sheet set is perfect for bulletin board or classroom displays, use in children's ministry, as well as for use by homeschool families.



http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gods-Word-Bible-Verse-ABCs-Alphabet-Posters-and-Coloring-Sheets-166976

Enjoy, and be sure to check back for 4 more days of deals!!!! Shannon :-)

10 Days of Deals--Day #5

Day 5...we're halfway there!  Wishing you a Wonderful Wednesday!  Today's $1.99 DAILY DEAL is also a part of my brand new WATT Valley Series.  This creative thinking resource is the perfect way to encourage your students to think creatively and develop innovative ideas! With a variety of activities including SCAMPERs, BARs, and TRANSFORMATIONS, this Creative Cathy resource pack is sure to be loved by students, parents, and administrators.  Enjoy, and be sure to check back tomorrow for even more great deals!  Shannon :-)  

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Creativity-Building-Puzzles-and-Activities-featuring-Creative-Cathy-751572

10 Days of Deals--Day #4

Wishing you a terrific Tuesday!  Today's $1.99 DAILY DEAL is also a part of my brand new WATT Valley Series.  This logical thinking resource is the perfect way to encourage your students to think critically. With a variety of puzzles of increasing complexity, this Logical Lucy resource pack is sure to be a hit with students, parents, and administrators.  Enjoy, and be sure to check back tomorrow for even more great deals!  Shannon :-)  

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Logic-Problems-featuring-Logical-Lucy-747017

10 Days of Deals--Day #3

Today's Daily Deal #3 is a part of my brand new WATT Valley series!  Take advantage of today's great deal, and enjoy!  Perfect for encouraging the creativity of your students!  The link below will take you today's $1.99 deal: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WATT-Valley-Daydream-Drawings-and-Doodles-featuring-Daydreaming-Danny-744147.

Hope you have a marvelous Monday!  Shannon :-)

10 DAYS OF DEALS--Day #2

Today's Daily Deal is my best seller--Fossil Find!  Take advantage of today's great deal, and enjoy!  Perfect for use with your study of archaeology, paleontology, fossils, and/or artifacts.  These hands-on learning activities create memorable and fun keepsakes for your students!  The link below will take you today's deal:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fossil-Find-Explore-and-Create-6-Types-of-Fossil-Formation-157872.

Have a super Sunday!  Shannon :-)

The First of My 10 DAYS OF DEALS!

Alright, it's time for the first of my 10 DAYS OF DEALS! The link below will take you to Saturday's great buy--perfect for increasing the motivation and interest of your boy writers!!! And now for only $1.99! :-) 

This one is a download favorite!  Get it while you can at this great price! 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Prompts-for-Boys-Common-Core-255448

10 DAYS OF DEALS!!!!

Hi! And happy weekend!  Hope you are enjoying the waning days of summer!!! :-)

Just wanted to let you know that in honor of Back to School I will be offering some very special $1.99 product deals in my TpT store over the next 10 days. These "10 DAYS OF DEALS" will begin tomorrow (Saturday, July 27). I will be sure to update my FB and blog each morning to let you know what product to watch for.  Visit the link here to like my FB page and get updates on all the latest values!  (https://www.facebook.com/BryantsBrainTrain)  

This is a great time to stock up and save big!!! Share with your teacher friends and watch for great values over the next 10 days!  

Be sure to click this link to visit my TpT store and become a follower.  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Shannon-Bryants-Brain-Train  

Shannon :-)

It's a 4th of July Celebration and SALE!

Happy Independence Day!  I hope your family enjoys the fun, fireworks, and family time associated with the 4th.  Of course, we couldn't celebrate this day without the sacrifices of so many!  

I wanted to let you know about a special weekend SALE that will be going on in my online teacher stores.  Absolutely everything will be on sale from July 4th-7th, including some new resources that I have just uploaded.  Thanks so much for stopping by!!!  Remember, now is a great time to begin stocking up for back to school...Visit my teacher stores by clicking the links below:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Shannon-Bryants-Brain-Train

http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/shannonbryant75

Happy 4th of July to you and yours!!!  Blessings, Shannon :-)

The Not-So-Lazy days of Summer...

My non-teacher family and friends make me laugh when I try to describe summer "break" for them.  Even though I know I am officially off of work, it is literally so hard to wind down. It's like I have to make-up for all of the things I have missed with family and friends--as well as the projects I have neglected around the house--during the course of the school year. We pack every second with some type of busy-ness or fun, and so far we haven't slowed down a bit!  That's why I am sure I cannot refer to this season as the "lazy days of summer"--in fact, so far it has been quite the opposite, but I wouldn't change a thing. :-)

Case in point...for the last 2 days, we have given the kitchen a bit of a redo.  The goal has been to reuse and re-purpose as much as possible to keep spending at a minimum.  A little old furniture, some leftover paint, some unused fabric...not too shabby for a $60 fix. ;-)  Just for fun, I have included some before and after pics.  

I also have had the immense joy of serving as a co-director at Vacation Bible School at our local church since school has been out.  Praise the Lord, the number of children and volunteers far surpassed our expectations!  From crafts to singing, story time to altar calls, I feel so blessed to have been a part of VBS, and have included just a few pictures here of our special week in Kingdom Rock!!!

 

 

And of course, Mimi was there helping with VBS as well!  Don't worry, she will be back with her "Monday Moments with Mimi" posts very soon.  She is, however, taking a little time off for summer too, so watch for new posts from her as the summer begins to wind down.  Here are a few pics of her at VBS with us...

 

And just a few more snapshots of our summer so far--fishing, birthday parties, visits with cousins....

Praying that you are enjoying summer of refreshing!  My blog posts will definitely slow down over the course of summer, and I hope you take some time to slow down as well!  

I do hope to update both my blog and FB page with new additions to my online stores so check back weekly!  Make memories, enjoy your families, and soak up the sun!  Shannon :-)

Psalm 37:7a, "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him." 

Memorial Day and More...

Hi!  Long time, no post, huh?!  Mimi and I both were out of town for Memorial Day, but want to take a minute to wish you all a very happy belated Memorial Day!  We cannot say thank you enough to so many who have given so much to preserve our freedoms in the USA!!!

  

Our Memorial Day was spent with family at the lake, and unfortunately did include a battle with a water snake--ewwwww!  Thank goodness for my dad, Kevin, a shovel, and a pontoon boat!
    

 

I also have been busy moving classrooms.  We even had to rent a UHAUL to move all of the stuff I have accumulated over 17 years of teaching!!!  Next year I will be teaching at a new school in a new grade level.  I hope to be able to share more later, but God has been so faithful to open new doors for our family!  I am profoundly grateful and incredibly excited about all that He has in store!  The good news is that we are all excited about the move, the bad news is that my house and garage have been completely taken over by school supplies as well as with preparations for next week's Vacation Bible School at church.  

And even as I type, my 2 boys are setting up a blanket and pillow fort in the living room...........ahhhhh, Calgon or Pinterest, take me away! ;-)

Today I also wanted to take a minute to wish 2 very special men in my life a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  My nephew William is turning 7 today, and my dad (AKA Poppy) is celebrating his 61st!  I am so thankful for them both!

One more thing...a dear friend, Lauren, is currently doing mission work in the Ukraine.  Won't you join me in praying for her ministry there? 

 

http://dunit30.blogspot.com/2013/05/i-left-on-multiple-jet-planes-i-am-in.html

Thanks so much for checking in!  Hope your June is just perfect!!!!  Shannon :-)