Today I began putting my clip chart together. I have each of the sections mounted on black paper, but I still need to measure out the colored papers so they overlap correctly. I began working on my weekly behavior recording sheets and family letter about the new system, too. My classroom library is still a work in progress. I have finished my book inventory and have started working on my basket/tub labels. That should take awhile...In the meantime, I have two more freebies I wanted to share with all of ... read more
Teacher Binder & Clip Chart
When I'm not working on my classroom library and scrapbooking projects, I have been organizing. I find that the same system doesn't always work from year to year. I'm always making changes to meet my organizational needs. This year, I think I'm going to re-visit the teacher binder. I had an earlier post on my desktop filing system (click here to see that). As I was thinking about it more, I wanted to have some of those pieces in a binder so that I could easily grab it to take home, if needed. So I ... read more
The Winners Are…
Yes, you read that correctly - winners. I decided to give away my math games to TWO of you. Thank you for everyone who entered my 50 followers giveaway. I appreciate everyone who took the time to comment on their listening centers, too. Drumroll, please....I will be e-mailing you soon with both math games. If you weren't one of the winners, you can still grab the math games over at my TpT store for $1 each. ... read more
Math Workshop & Guided Math
I recently spoke with a friend about the possibilities of trying a math workshop approach in the classroom. My district uses Everyday Math. While I love the idea of really reaching my math students at their instructional levels, I can't wrap my brain around exactly how this would all tie together with Everyday Math.Tonight I was looking around at other blogs and I stopped over at Primary Inspired. She mentioned that several bloggers were getting together to do a book study on Guided Math. This seems like a great (and ... read more
Science Units & -ing Word Sort
I hope you are enjoying your Memorial Day weekend. I'm glad so many of you were able to check out my classroom rewards freebie. I appreciate the feedback I have received by e-mail, comments on this blog, and commments at my TpT store. While I continue to add more and more projects to my plate this summer, I am reminded at how frustrated I am with science. We use the FOSS science kits in my district. I love the hands-on approach and enjoy the units that I teach. However, I find that as new science standards ... read more
Classroom Rewards & Freebie
For years I have been trying to find ways to curb classroom spending. One of the areas I targeted was with classroom rewards. I will be ready to fully implement my new system next year. I already use raffle tickets during math time to have students practice reading large numbers. I plan to give away tickets for positive behavior choices and work completion every day. Every once in awhile I will hold a store day. This will be a time that kids can trade in tickets for coupons or a trip to my prize box. Yes, I will still have that, but it ... read more
Words Their Way and Spelling Scope & Sequence
What does spelling look like in your classroom? If you have an adopted spelling curriculum, are you following it? Do you find that the scope and sequence meets the needs of your students?I've just started looking into Words Their Way:The prices for all of the books can add up quickly! I want to make sure the investment is worth it, so here are my questions:Which books do I need?How hard is it to implement without training?Is there a suggested scope and sequence, or do you teach patterns based off of the ... read more
Classroom Library & TpT Gift Certificate Giveaway
I have classroom libraries on the brain...What does your classroom library look like? How have you organized your books? What is the highest level of books you have available for your readers? My largest project of the summer is to take inventory of and re-organize my classroom library. After 10 years, it's a project I just can't ignore any longer. I know what a huge task it is going to be so I actually started a little early. Here's my task list for this project:take note of each and every book in ... read more
Organizing the Teachers Desk
A few years back I invested in this organizer:The top has 6 sections where I keep:lesson plansgrade book & papers to be gradedgrade level standards paperwork to copy, to file, take to office, etc.extras - worksheets/activities used as fillers or back-up when lessons don't go as plannedspiral notebook & clipboard - I keep a spiral notebook every year to write down notes from staff meetings, grade level meetings, conferences, reminders, etc. The clipboard is something I carry with me while teaching small groups so I ... read more
Do You Have a Snack Time During the School Day?
I wanted to find out where people stand on having snack time during the school day. My opinion?Pros - it helps if you have an early or late lunch time, morning snack can help those kids who don't get a good breakfast, it can provide a much-needed brain break Cons - messy, takes time, if you go the group snack route a lot of parents don't send in anything, if you go the individual route some kids never have anything What are your thoughts? ... read more
