Achieving Your Goals: The Power of Goal Tracking and Personal Accountability

Hello, Wonderful Followers,

As I work on more fall toddler content, I wanted to share what else I've been developing. Lately, I've been striving to bring more structure to our daily and weekly routines. During this process, I created a goal tracker for myself, and I'd like to share how goal tracking can be a valuable tool for achieving your aspirations.

Setting and reaching your goals can have a profound impact on your life and overall well-being. In my previous career, I was a Leader in Me Coach, focusing on the principles of Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." The first three habits are about effectiveness and form the foundation for self-care (Habit 7). Without mastering these habits, taking care of yourself becomes challenging.

My own health journey has evolved over time. Initially, it was about the number on the scale, nutrition during pregnancy, and water intake while breastfeeding. Recently, I've been concentrating on holistic self-improvement. While I still aim to see progress on the scale, I also want to nurture my mind, and spirit, and become a better person in all my roles.

Whether your goals are related to health, personal growth, or habits, tracking your progress is essential for staying on track. In this blog post, we'll explore goal tracking and creating a personalized goal tracker to monitor your progress and work towards your dreams.

Understanding the Importance of Goal Tracking: To begin, it's crucial to grasp the significance of goal tracking. It offers clarity, motivation, accountability, and an easy way to measure your progress towards your goals.

Designing Your Goal Tracker: When designing your goal tracker, consider that it should be easily readable at a glance, quick to fill out, and visually appealing. I found that a weekly tracker suits my needs best. This way, I start fresh each week, even if the previous one was challenging. I can adjust my goals week by week during my daily planning.

Customizing Your Goals: Tailor your goals to your specific aspirations. For example, my personal goal is to lose 80 pounds in the next year. To achieve this, I aim for daily movement with a minimum of 15 minutes of purposeful exercise, avoid fast food, and increase water intake.

Setting SMART Goals: Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) criteria for your goals. This approach makes it easier to measure and track your progress effectively.

Using Your Goal Tracker: Keep your tracker with you, or in a place you see daily, to remind you to fill it out consistently. I also incorporate a reflection during our family meetings to maintain accountability.

Benefits of Goal Tracking: Goal tracking helps you stay accountable and motivated, and it provides a sense of accomplishment. It allows you to identify patterns, make necessary adjustments, and celebrate your wins.

I've noticed that using trackers makes it easy to miss a day and then want to give up. That's why I prefer a weekly tracker, as it allows me to start fresh each week. If I miss something one day, I can make it up the next.

In conclusion, goal tracking is a powerful tool that can lead to positive life changes. I encourage you to set goals and find a way to track your progress. It's okay for your goals to change and evolve over time.

Call to Action: I invite you to share your experiences with goal tracking, including any unique categories you've added to your trackers and the impact it's had on your life. You can download a goal tracker template from here to kick-start your goal-tracking journey. If you need help customizing your tracker, feel free to reach out, and I'll be happy to assist you.

If you have any issues with the link or making a copy of the template to alter, please let me know and I'll be happy to assist you.

Ultimate Pumpkin Bundle!

Our Ultimate Pumpkin Bundle is here and is a treasure trove of 49 engaging pages, designed to inspire learning and creativity in learners of all ages. Each component has been carefully selected to promote hands-on learning, creativity, and skill development. Let's explore what's inside this exciting bundle:

• 1. Coloring Sheet: Versatile and Creative Fun

The coloring sheet is more than just a simple coloring page. It doubles as a canvas for gluing tissue paper, painting, collages, and encouraging creativity beyond coloring.

2. Pumpkin Q-tip Painting: A Delightful Painting Activity

Discover a unique way to paint pumpkins using a q-tip. Each dot tells a colorful story, making this activity both fun and educational.

This was Ellei's favorite activity in the packet. She completed it in about 20 minutes and it kept her busy the entire time. At the end she added green and orange together to make brown for the stem, she didn't like that I didn't give her brown, but she found a creative solution!

3. Pumpkin Paint Dots: Get Dotty with Bingo Dobbers

Unleash your creativity with bingo dobbers. Connect the dots and bring your pumpkin to life.

Okay one of the best investments I have made are these bingo dobbers! She uses them all the time! Since she loves them so much I decided to create some fall inspired dobber sheets! Honestly most of the dobber sheets I find online doesn't have very many dots, so I packed this pumpkin full of the dots because I wanted to keep her busy!

4. Colorful Pumpkins: Multipurpose Resource for Little Learners

These colorful pumpkins can be used for sorting activities with beads, pompoms, and more. You can even attach a pipe cleaner and slide beads on it, combining fine motor skills with learning.

This took about 30 minutes to complete. I ended up helping her finish one of them because she wasn't going to stop until done! Great for hand eye coordination, fine motor skills, patience, and just sticking to a task! Kept her entertained while I got some house work done also!

5-14. Whole Page Colorful Pumpkins: Active Learning Through Movement

Promote gross motor skills and keep kids active by using these whole-page pumpkins for games like "run to the orange pumpkin" or "hop to the green pumpkin." Add movement to the learning experience.

15. Hole Punch Pumpkins: Strengthen Motor Skills

Develop fine motor skills by using a hole punch these colorful pumpkins.

Make sure to have good hole punch or it will probably be too hard for your kiddo. She could squeeze ours but they were not great. The circles stayed attached which mom loved for easy clean up, but I went and bought her a new pair to do the rest after we did this first one and she enjoyed it a lot more seeing all the circles she punched out of the papers.

16-20. Cutting Pumpkins Practice: Five Levels of Scissor Skills

Five levels of cutting difficulty help children refine their scissor skills while having fun.

Ellei has really gotten better at her scissor work in the last couple of weeks. I tried to have her do the last page in the bundle which is a pretty harsh zig zag. She tried really hard but did get frustrated. I did end up cutting them in strips to be able to manipulate the paper better. She attempt 3 strips before giving up!

21-22. Pumpkin Numbers: Explore Numbers from 0 to 100

Learn numbers from 0 to 100 with engaging pumpkin-themed number cards.

23-25. Pumpkin Ten Frame Mats: Counting and Matching Pumpkin Seeds

Enhance counting skills by matching the number of pumpkin seeds with these ten frame mats. You can use real pumpkin seeds for a tactile experience.

26. Pumpkin Seed Numbers: Counting with Manipulatives

These pumpkin seed numbers are perfect for matching with the Ten Frame Mats and can also be used with other manipulatives to reinforce counting.

27-33. Pumpkin Alphabet Mats: A Playful Way to Learn the ABCs

Introduce the alphabet in a fun and interactive way with these pumpkin-themed alphabet mats. Pair them with magnetic letters for extra excitement.

34-37. Pumpkin Seed Letters: Match Uppercase and Lowercase

Teach letter recognition and matching by using these pumpkin seed letters to connect uppercase and lowercase forms.

39-42. Fall & Pumpkin Songs: Sing Along and Learn with Music

Nurture a love for music and develop language skills by singing along to fall and pumpkin-themed songs.

43. 5 Little Pumpkin Props: Create Stick Puppets for a Fun Song

Add a new dimension to the classic "5 Little Pumpkins" song with these puppets. Just attach popsicle sticks for instant fun.

44-45. Fall Vocabulary Words: Build Vocabulary and Discuss Items

Enrich your child's vocabulary by using these fall vocabulary words to explore and discuss various autumn-related items.

46-48. Pumpkin Emojis: Create Fun Pumpkin-Themed Emojis

These adorable pumpkin emojis encourage creativity and help with emotional expression. Mix and match for endless fun.

Ellei is as expressive as it comes and she loved placing these faces on the pumpkins. We are working hard in our house naming feelings instead of stomping feet!

49. Pumpkin Investigation: Hands-on Exploration of Pumpkins

Delve into the world of pumpkins with a hands-on investigation. Cut open a pumpkin and discover its inner workings for an exciting science adventure.

With this comprehensive bundle, the possibilities for learning and fun are endless. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you'll find these resources to be a valuable addition to your educational toolkit. Get ready to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and enhance learning with our Ultimate Educational Bundle.

She loved the pumpkin activity. The thumb takes around the pumpkin worked out so well. It takes very strong little fingers to do it, but she managed! We opened the pumpkin and ended up making pumpkin puree and pumpkin oatmeal cookies!

Get any 5 pages for FREE! 

Message me on Instagram @L_E_Katie

or email me at edukatie12@gmail.com

$5 for the entire bundle. 

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Why a Blog?

Do you ever find yourself standing in the back-to-school aisle, surrounded by a vibrant array of notebooks, journals, and writing utensils, methodically placing items into your cart, only to second-guess your choices and return them to the shelf, repeating this ritual a few more times before ultimately settling on items you probably already possess, but it's too good of a deal to pass up? It's a scenario I'm all too familiar with, even though my days as a teacher or student are in the past. Each year, when the back-to-school season arrives, I can't help but succumb to the temptation of adding a few more journals to my ever-growing collection. But beneath this seemingly nostalgic habit lies a deeper reason, one that extends beyond the realm of school supplies. In this blog post, I'm excited to share with you why I embarked on the journey of blogging—a blog that is more than just a collection of words on a digital screen. It represents a journey, a purpose, and a passion—a passion that has been brewing within me since I was a child.

1. A Commitment to Writing:

• One of the driving forces behind this blog is my unwavering commitment to writing. Writing isn't just a pastime; it's a craft that thrives with practice. Through this platform, I'm dedicating myself to writing more, exploring various writing styles, and immersing myself in the boundless world of words.

2. Sharing Random Wisdom:

• Over the years, I've gathered a treasure trove of random, yet invaluable, knowledge. These are the tidbits of wisdom that I believe should be shared with fellow parents and educators. From nurturing children's creativity to mastering effective learning strategies, or even those "aha" moments born from trial and error that are just too good not to share, I'm dedicated to cultivating a space where we can freely exchange these gems of insight, enriching our lives and making them more fulfilling.

3. Creating for Kids:

• As I embark on this journey, I plan to share not only the final results but also candid photos of our attempts, whether they turn out successful or not. Additionally, I'll include video links to my Instagram when I believe they can provide a more helpful understanding of the content. My ultimate goal is to become a valuable resource for both parents and educators, offering a diverse array of tools that transform the process of exploration and learning with children into a delightful adventure.

4. Building an Honest Community:

• Parenting is a breathtaking journey, but it's also a challenging one. Amidst our myriad responsibilities, it's essential not to overlook the hurdles and struggles. Thus, I aspire to create an honest, empathetic community.
• Here, we grow together, support one another, and acknowledge the difficulties that come with parenting. This is a safe space where we can share our successes, our moments of vulnerability, and our collective wisdom.

5. Celebrating Parenthood:

• Through this blog, I aim to celebrate the beautiful chaos of parenthood—the joy, the tears, the milestones, and the everyday victories. It's a platform for discussing the unique challenges that parents and educators face.
• Together, we navigate the intricate tapestry of parenthood, share knowledge, create joyful experiences for our children, and, most importantly, support one another through the ups and downs. Welcome to a community that celebrates the art of writing, the joy of learning, and the beautiful messiness of life as a parent and educator.

In essence, this blog is a manifestation of my passion, expertise, and my commitment to creating a space where we can connect, learn, grow, and cherish the remarkable journey of parenting and educating. It's a place where the power of words and shared experiences unite us in the shared purpose of nurturing the future generation. And, as a closing note, if the blog naturally evolves over time, that's precisely what it's all about—wholeheartedly embracing its organic growth.

Welcome!

Our Family in Virginia on vacation Summer 2023

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to Ed-U-Katie Corner! I'm thrilled to have you here, and I can't wait to embark on this exciting journey of parenting, education, and all the wonderfully messy moments that come with it.

Let me introduce myself—I'm Katie, your guide through this adventure. I have a background deeply rooted in education. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's in Instructional Leadership, and participant in regional Writing Project Network. Throughout my career, I've worn many hats, from being a 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher to taking on roles as an instructional coach and an assistant principal. I was also a Leader in Me Coach, based off the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. In 2018, I was honored to be named Teacher of the Year for our Region, a recognition that fills me with pride and gratitude.

One of the highlights of my educational journey was my participation in NAATE (National Academy for Advanced Teacher Education) at Yale University, where I engaged in case study-based teaching approaches that enriched my perspective on education in profound ways.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I wear another significant hat—I'm a proud mom to a lively 3-year-old, Ellei. Parenthood has opened up a whole new world of learning, and I'm here to share my experiences, both the highs and the occasional chaotic lows.

But there's more to me than just my educational background. In May of 2023, I made a life-changing decision to step away from K-12 Education for a multitude of personal reasons, which I'd be happy to share with you privately. My primary motivation was to have more quality time with my daughter. While I didn't end up becoming a full-time stay-at-home parent, I did gain the flexibility and freedom to work on my own terms and provide the support my daughter needs.

My partner, whom I'll introduce shortly, and I embarked on a business venture in June of 2022, and to our delight, our business has flourished. So, while I took a step back from the field of education, I found myself taking on a more prominent role in as the Business Manager for our non-emergency medical transportation company.

Now, let's talk about what drives me. I'm passionate about nurturing my daughter's academic growth while allowing her to flourish developmentally. Education isn't just about numbers and letters; it's also about fostering motor skills, both gross and fine, teaching self-help skills, nurturing social-emotional intelligence, and introducing basic concepts like colors, shapes, and numbers. I firmly believe that a well-rounded education encompasses a broad spectrum of skills, from articulation and problem-solving to behavioral and cross-curricular knowledge.

In this space, I'll be sharing my insights, tips, and experiences as I navigate the delicate balance of pushing my daughter academically and supporting her holistic development, all while embracing the delightful chaos of toddlerhood.

Now, let's dive into our family. We may be small in number, but we're undoubtedly mighty—a resilient trio. Charles, the rock of our family, is the most supportive partner one could ever ask for, and he's genuinely excited about my journey with this blog. While he may secretly hope that my writing will help me talk less (or perhaps not!), he's been nothing but encouraging. Charles is Nigerian-American and his heritage brings a rich cultural tapestry into our lives, constantly weaving a beautiful and ever-evolving dynamic into our household. Together, my daughter and I are on a journey of discovery—learning about customs, traditions, and the language he patiently imparts to us. Witnessing our daughter eagerly embrace these lessons warms my heart, and I can't wait to see how quickly I'll catch up.

Isn't he handsome? Don't worry, this is last Christmas,

I love to decorate but I'm not this ambitious!

Meet Ellei, our lively and clever three-nager. She's a bundle of energy and curiosity, always ready for the next adventure. Her favorite pastime? Without a doubt, it's painting—she's quite the creative spirit. If not painting, some sort of creative option. Lately, she's taken a keen interest in cooking, eager to help mom in the kitchen. Ellei's love for learning extends to her fascination with words, as she delights in picking up new vocabulary. She's our little mover and shaker, constantly on the go. Ellei's admiration for the 'brown little mermaid' reflects the importance of representation, and she's living proof of its positive impact. Her girly-girl personality is equally matched with a spirited attitude, showing that she's not just a pretty face. Miss Independent, she's determined to do things on her own before seeking help, and her sense of humor shines as she giggles at her own jokes!

Girly Girl Ellei 

Embracing her inner princess with

sweetness and grace!

Three-nager

Watch out world, it's Sass Mode ON!

Moreover, I'm deeply passionate about equity, inclusion, and inclusivity. I'm also dedicated to fighting against the cradle-to-prison pipeline and providing support to individuals, whether they have an educational background or not. Ed-U-Katie Corner is a place where everyone is welcome, where we champion equity, and where we stand together to break down barriers.

So, whether you're a fellow parent, an educator, or simply curious about the intersection of education and parenting, you've found a welcoming corner of the internet. Join me on this adventure, as we celebrate the joy of learning, the messiness of life, and the boundless potential of our little explorers. Together, we'll embrace the beauty of education in all its forms, revel in the incredible journey of parenthood, and champion the cause of equity and inclusivity for all.