This would be awesome! Here are a few of the items (and the bloggers that are heading up this giveaway) that YOU could get if you take 10 minutes to enter. I think that it is well worth it! You will find all the information that you need for entering on their blogs!!
BLOGGERS
1) Fluttering Through First Grade
2) Teacher to the Core
3) Second Grade Sparkle
4) Melonheadz Illustrating
5) Second Grade Math Maniac
6) Growing Firsties
These are all the AWESOME blogs that you need to go and visit!!!!! Now, here are the goodies that you could win!!!
1) A $10 TPT Gift Certificate from each store!!!
-Fluttering Through First Grade TPT
-Melonheadz Illustrations
-Second Grade Math Maniac
-Second Grade Sparkle
-Teacher to the Core
-Growing Firsties
2) A year subscription to Vocabulary A to Z.
3) A year subscription to either Reading A to Z or Raz Kids.
Okay…I think that is well worth the 10 minutes it will take you to enter!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Happy Weekend….and little bits of randomness!
I don't know about everybody else but I dislike 3 day weeks. We had Monday and Tuesday off because of Mardi Gras. The students were extra crazy this week. My student teacher is picking up another subject next week and starting Friday she will be teaching everything. It will be hard letting go of control…
This post will have a few odds and ends here an there. The first is a link from Laura Candler about 12 Ways to Motivate Reluctant Readers. This is something that I want to copy and send home to my parents. The second link is also from Laura Candler about Teaching Informational Text with Magazines. I don't know about your students but mine LOVE nonfiction. I put about 30 new nonfiction books out and that is all they want to read. At the end of the above article there is a GIVEAWAY for a FREE subscription to a Kids' Magazine! I just entered! My students would LOVE this!!!!!
If you haven't signed up for Laura Candler's Newsletter, you need to! There are many wonderful tips and Freebies! We all know that teacher's LOVE free things!!!!
On another note, my new SmartBoard was hooked up yesterday but I haven't gotten it fully functional yet. There were some hiccups (we won't go into that) but things happen for a reason and it will all work out. I need to look up the owner's manual/instructions online (since I didn't get one) to read what all this little bit of technology can do!
Here are a few more links…I told you this was going to be a random post….
1)Reading Rockets - This is another good site that sends out email newsletters.
2)The 2 Sisters - I am so glad that I found them! They also send out a newsletter. I have implemented THE DAILY 5 in my classroom this year for centers and I have to say that it is going rather well! Now, if I can just find the book I bought!!
Okay…I guess that is it for now.
This post will have a few odds and ends here an there. The first is a link from Laura Candler about 12 Ways to Motivate Reluctant Readers. This is something that I want to copy and send home to my parents. The second link is also from Laura Candler about Teaching Informational Text with Magazines. I don't know about your students but mine LOVE nonfiction. I put about 30 new nonfiction books out and that is all they want to read. At the end of the above article there is a GIVEAWAY for a FREE subscription to a Kids' Magazine! I just entered! My students would LOVE this!!!!!
If you haven't signed up for Laura Candler's Newsletter, you need to! There are many wonderful tips and Freebies! We all know that teacher's LOVE free things!!!!
On another note, my new SmartBoard was hooked up yesterday but I haven't gotten it fully functional yet. There were some hiccups (we won't go into that) but things happen for a reason and it will all work out. I need to look up the owner's manual/instructions online (since I didn't get one) to read what all this little bit of technology can do!
Here are a few more links…I told you this was going to be a random post….
1)Reading Rockets - This is another good site that sends out email newsletters.
2)The 2 Sisters - I am so glad that I found them! They also send out a newsletter. I have implemented THE DAILY 5 in my classroom this year for centers and I have to say that it is going rather well! Now, if I can just find the book I bought!!
Okay…I guess that is it for now.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Math Investigations
I don't know the Math program that everyone uses but we use Math Investigations. I have many parents that don't understand this NEW MATH. They (including myself sometimes) want to help/teach their child the way they learned. It is frustrating because there are not that many resources that I can find to help the parent understand the NEW MATH. I am bound and determined that I am going to do this.
First let me start with Understanding the Common Core (What you need to know). It gives a brief description and you can click on your state for more information. Here is the link for Alabama. Some more resources for understanding the Common Core are All Things Common Core: A Guide for Parents, and Education.com: A Parent's Guide.
Here is the link to the Investigations Home Page. There is another link that I found (Math Investigations) that has links for students and teachers. It gives the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) strands, standards & expectations for each strand, contact information if you have any questions, and a list of the top 25 picture books that help meet the math standards.
I will go into a more in depth pursuit in the links for students and teachers. First, the links for students. Well, as I just found out, it doesn't go too much in depth. I clicked the link and all it gave me was a list of 12 websites to help meet the standards. Let's try the link for teachers. Again, all it gives is a list of websites (25) to help teachers. I guess that it does help to give links (for each strand) for the standards & expectations, ideas & worksheets, and Book Suggestions. Some of the links for some strands do not work (ideas & worksheets, and Book Suggestions).
There was a link that I found on the Investigations Home Page where you can enter your email address to stay informed and up to date about curriculum, workshops, & receive a quarterly newsletter. Here is a link to Curriculum by Grade Level and more specifically 2nd Grade since that is the grade I teach. There is also a PDF you can download that gives you an overview of the curriculum for 2nd grade.
Again, I just wish they had everything in one place for parents. I can see how they would get frustrated because all they want to do is help their child.
First let me start with Understanding the Common Core (What you need to know). It gives a brief description and you can click on your state for more information. Here is the link for Alabama. Some more resources for understanding the Common Core are All Things Common Core: A Guide for Parents, and Education.com: A Parent's Guide.
Here is the link to the Investigations Home Page. There is another link that I found (Math Investigations) that has links for students and teachers. It gives the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) strands, standards & expectations for each strand, contact information if you have any questions, and a list of the top 25 picture books that help meet the math standards.
I will go into a more in depth pursuit in the links for students and teachers. First, the links for students. Well, as I just found out, it doesn't go too much in depth. I clicked the link and all it gave me was a list of 12 websites to help meet the standards. Let's try the link for teachers. Again, all it gives is a list of websites (25) to help teachers. I guess that it does help to give links (for each strand) for the standards & expectations, ideas & worksheets, and Book Suggestions. Some of the links for some strands do not work (ideas & worksheets, and Book Suggestions).
There was a link that I found on the Investigations Home Page where you can enter your email address to stay informed and up to date about curriculum, workshops, & receive a quarterly newsletter. Here is a link to Curriculum by Grade Level and more specifically 2nd Grade since that is the grade I teach. There is also a PDF you can download that gives you an overview of the curriculum for 2nd grade.
Again, I just wish they had everything in one place for parents. I can see how they would get frustrated because all they want to do is help their child.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!!
I know we are not in school today but here are some links for activities to do in your classroom. It doesn't have to be celebrated on his birthday. It can be celebrated all year long!!!!!
Pinterest
Seusstastic
Seusstastic Classroom Inspirations
Seussville
PBS Kids (Cat in the Hat)
Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss Art
Obseussed
Dr. Seuss Links
Activity Village
Seussdude (list all of the Dr. Seuss books)
Seusstastic
Seusstastic Classroom Inspirations
Seussville
PBS Kids (Cat in the Hat)
Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss Art
Obseussed
Dr. Seuss Links
Activity Village
Seussdude (list all of the Dr. Seuss books)
Ken Ford!
If you ever get a chance to see a performance by Ken Ford, you need to do it! He came to Foley Elementary this last week and it was GREAT!!!!!!!! Here is the link to The Ken Ford Foundation's FB Page. I apologize for the pictures. I forgot to bring my camera and these were taken with my phone.
Teacher's Pay Teachers!
I do not know what I did before Teacher's Pay Teachers. I LOVE this place!!!!! I would love to start selling but I would be afraid my things would not be as good as all of the wonderful products on there now. I fell asleep last night thinking about all the things that I could create. TPT just had an AWESOME 30% off sale on February 27th and 28th. I bought a lot of GREAT things and here are the links to what I bought.
1)Close Reading Graphic Organizers by Tessa Maguire. Here is the link to her blog Tales from Outside the Classroom
2)R-Controlled Vowel Sentence Shuffle by Teach 1-2-3 Michelle. Here is the link to her blog Teach 123-School
3)Strengthen Your Sentences by Amy Lemons. Here is the link to her blog Step Into Second Grade.
4)Beginning of the Year Math Activities by Amy Lemons (see #3 for the link to her blog and TPT store).
5)The Busy Teacher's Best Friend - March Edition by Katie King. Here is the link to her blog Queen of the First Grade Jungle (now exploring 2nd).
6)March Centers Bundle by Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd. Here is the link to her blog The Balancing Act I Call Life.
7)Reach for the Stars (A Common Core Aligned Space Unit) by Sailing Into Second. Here is the link to her blog Adventures with Mrs. Rossi.
8)Show Me What You Know (40 Quick Math Assessments for 2nd Grade) by Amy Lemons (See #3 for the link to her TPT page and blog).
9)Parts of Speech Scoot by Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd (See #6 for the link to her TPT page and blog).
10)Roaring into March with Poems by LMN Tree. Here is the link to her blog Arlene Sandberg.
11)Math Action Cards for Math Manipulatives by The Lesson Plan Diva. Here is the link to her blog Lesson Plan Diva.
12)Second Grade CCSS Math Magic by Sunny Days. Here is the link to her blog Sunny Days in Second Grade.
13)50 Reading Comprehension Activities to Use with Any Book by The Lesson Plan Diva (See #11 for the link to her blog).
Okay…I think that is it!! You can tell I have my favorite stores that I buy from. There are many more GREAT stores out there on Teacher's Pay Teachers. There is plenty of great FREE things too!!!!!! We all love FREE!!!!!!
1)Close Reading Graphic Organizers by Tessa Maguire. Here is the link to her blog Tales from Outside the Classroom
2)R-Controlled Vowel Sentence Shuffle by Teach 1-2-3 Michelle. Here is the link to her blog Teach 123-School
3)Strengthen Your Sentences by Amy Lemons. Here is the link to her blog Step Into Second Grade.
4)Beginning of the Year Math Activities by Amy Lemons (see #3 for the link to her blog and TPT store).
5)The Busy Teacher's Best Friend - March Edition by Katie King. Here is the link to her blog Queen of the First Grade Jungle (now exploring 2nd).
6)March Centers Bundle by Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd. Here is the link to her blog The Balancing Act I Call Life.
7)Reach for the Stars (A Common Core Aligned Space Unit) by Sailing Into Second. Here is the link to her blog Adventures with Mrs. Rossi.
8)Show Me What You Know (40 Quick Math Assessments for 2nd Grade) by Amy Lemons (See #3 for the link to her TPT page and blog).
9)Parts of Speech Scoot by Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd (See #6 for the link to her TPT page and blog).
10)Roaring into March with Poems by LMN Tree. Here is the link to her blog Arlene Sandberg.
11)Math Action Cards for Math Manipulatives by The Lesson Plan Diva. Here is the link to her blog Lesson Plan Diva.
12)Second Grade CCSS Math Magic by Sunny Days. Here is the link to her blog Sunny Days in Second Grade.
13)50 Reading Comprehension Activities to Use with Any Book by The Lesson Plan Diva (See #11 for the link to her blog).
Okay…I think that is it!! You can tell I have my favorite stores that I buy from. There are many more GREAT stores out there on Teacher's Pay Teachers. There is plenty of great FREE things too!!!!!! We all love FREE!!!!!!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Sub Binder!
I told you I was trying to get organized and I learned my lesson on Valentine's Day. I was sick and I had no plans ready! Well...not anymore. My sub binder is not quite ready but it is almost there. Here are a few pics of the progress.
1)The first picture was purchased (the template) through Teacher's Clubhouse. I attempted to do a Hollywood theme in my room. Here is the link to the Hollywood Resources through Teacher's Clubhouse.
3) I bought this next item from The Journey of a Substitute Teacher. If you go to her main blog page, she has a button for her Teachers Pay Teacher's Site.
4) This next pic are some Common Core Math word problems. They were part of a school year bundle that I bought off of Educents. These particular problems came from Tori's Teacher Tips. She has a packet on Educents for a Math Notebook. I retyped some of the problems to use in case of emergency.
5) The Discipline Referral From and Incident Referral form is also from The Organized Classroom Blog.
6) One final pic from Teacher's Clubhouse.
I will take more pictures of the final finished product! (Hopefully soon)
1)The first picture was purchased (the template) through Teacher's Clubhouse. I attempted to do a Hollywood theme in my room. Here is the link to the Hollywood Resources through Teacher's Clubhouse.
2) This is the introduction letter in my binder. I purchased this on The Organized Classroom Blog. They also have a Hollywood Classroom Essentials Set.
4) This next pic are some Common Core Math word problems. They were part of a school year bundle that I bought off of Educents. These particular problems came from Tori's Teacher Tips. She has a packet on Educents for a Math Notebook. I retyped some of the problems to use in case of emergency.
5) The Discipline Referral From and Incident Referral form is also from The Organized Classroom Blog.
6) One final pic from Teacher's Clubhouse.
I will take more pictures of the final finished product! (Hopefully soon)
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Top 20 Websites Every Teacher Should Know: Elementary Level
I don't know what I would do without all of the teaching posts on FB! I immediately share them to my wall so I can go back (and remember) and visit the awesome link for some more GREAT ideas. Well, I have found more of those great ideas today!!!!
The first find is from Teaching and Tapas Facebook page. The link is from her blog.
The 2nd find is all about organizing your Common Core labels from Teach 1-2-3. (This pic is from her blog). You know how I am TRYING to get organized!
The next find is from MargdTeachingPhotos (and her Weebly site!). They are pics from (you guessed it) different classrooms on organization!!
That is it for today:) Until next time!
The first find is from Teaching and Tapas Facebook page. The link is from her blog.
The 2nd find is all about organizing your Common Core labels from Teach 1-2-3. (This pic is from her blog). You know how I am TRYING to get organized!
The next find is from MargdTeachingPhotos (and her Weebly site!). They are pics from (you guessed it) different classrooms on organization!!
That is it for today:) Until next time!
Monday, February 10, 2014
Learning Websites for Kids (FREE)
I found this list floating around Facebook and it came from A Year of Many Firsts blog. "Here's a list of some fun, educational, and safe websites for your child to visit and explore on those hot summer days!"
1- Switcheroo Zoo : Watch, listen, and play games to learn all about some amazing animals.
2 - National Geographic for Kids : You can learn about geography and interesting animals.
3 - Seussville : You can read, play games, and visit with Dr. Seuss and his friends. This would be
great for Read Across America coming up (Dr. Seuss' Birthday).
4 - ABC YA : You can practice Math & Reading Skills while enjoying yourself with fun games!
5 - Fun Brain - This is another website you can practice on your Math and Reading skills while
playing educational games.
6 - PBS Kids : Another website where you can hangout with some favorite characters while playing
educational games.
7 - Starfall : This site is for all ages of readers. Some of the site is free while other parts have a
yearly site fee.
8 - Highlights Kids : You can read, play games, and conduct some really cool science experiments.
1- Switcheroo Zoo : Watch, listen, and play games to learn all about some amazing animals.
2 - National Geographic for Kids : You can learn about geography and interesting animals.
3 - Seussville : You can read, play games, and visit with Dr. Seuss and his friends. This would be
great for Read Across America coming up (Dr. Seuss' Birthday).
4 - ABC YA : You can practice Math & Reading Skills while enjoying yourself with fun games!
5 - Fun Brain - This is another website you can practice on your Math and Reading skills while
playing educational games.
6 - PBS Kids : Another website where you can hangout with some favorite characters while playing
educational games.
7 - Starfall : This site is for all ages of readers. Some of the site is free while other parts have a
yearly site fee.
8 - Highlights Kids : You can read, play games, and conduct some really cool science experiments.
A Tad bit of Organization
Most people that know me know that I am not an organized person. I am getting better but I am also still a work in progress! Here are 3 examples in how I am trying to get organized. If you have any ideas, please comment on them here with your blog (if you have one).
LINE LEADERS/HELPERS: I do not have helpers for every little task in the classroom. This is how I do it and it seems to work rather well and the kids love to change the cards in the afternoon. I laminate pink (girls) and yellow (boys) index cards. I write their names on the cards after I laminate them (so I can reuse them again for next year). The card on the left is the line leader. The card on the right is the 2nd helper and the last card on the right is the caboose. I do a boy and a girl that way I have my bathroom monitors for the rest of the day and I don't have to remember who I have/have not chosen. They will help pass out papers, go to the office, etc.....
LUNCH CARDS/ATTENDANCE: This chart is by my door. When the students come in they take their lunch cards (I laminate them on an index card so they will last all year) and put it in the basket. This way I can look at the chart and see who is/is not here. They are in ABC order based on their last names. This is also the way they line up for P.E. They know if they don't pull their card, they are marked absent. I also use their cards from the basket to call on them during the day during lessons. Three uses for one thing!!!!!!!!!!! They also have a green, yellow, orange and red card in their numbered pocket. This is what I use for behavior. I got the card idea from Laura Candler and her Stop Light Management System. I changed it just a little bit to fit my classroom. If you notice, there are stars in their pockets too. I ordered them from Really Good Stuff . I use them for the restroom. We take about 5 restroom breaks a day if not more. My students know they are to go to the restroom when given the opportunity. I know you can't control when you have to use the restroom but I also know that some students will abuse the privilege. If they have to go at another time other than when we go as a class, they take their star out of their pocket and put it in the basket.
UNIT RESOURCE TUBS: I have a tub for each of the 6 units in our Reading Series (Reading Street). It has the title of the unit. (The example show in of Unit 4 because that is the unit we are currently on). Each of the stories for that particular unit is listed. Under each story, I have the genre, phonics skill, vocabulary strategy, comprehension skill, and comprehension strategy listed. Inside the tub I have different colored file folders for each story. They have everything in them that I will need for that week. I will have a later post on what is inside the tubs. That still needs to be more organized.
I hope you have enjoyed this little post.
LINE LEADERS/HELPERS: I do not have helpers for every little task in the classroom. This is how I do it and it seems to work rather well and the kids love to change the cards in the afternoon. I laminate pink (girls) and yellow (boys) index cards. I write their names on the cards after I laminate them (so I can reuse them again for next year). The card on the left is the line leader. The card on the right is the 2nd helper and the last card on the right is the caboose. I do a boy and a girl that way I have my bathroom monitors for the rest of the day and I don't have to remember who I have/have not chosen. They will help pass out papers, go to the office, etc.....
LUNCH CARDS/ATTENDANCE: This chart is by my door. When the students come in they take their lunch cards (I laminate them on an index card so they will last all year) and put it in the basket. This way I can look at the chart and see who is/is not here. They are in ABC order based on their last names. This is also the way they line up for P.E. They know if they don't pull their card, they are marked absent. I also use their cards from the basket to call on them during the day during lessons. Three uses for one thing!!!!!!!!!!! They also have a green, yellow, orange and red card in their numbered pocket. This is what I use for behavior. I got the card idea from Laura Candler and her Stop Light Management System. I changed it just a little bit to fit my classroom. If you notice, there are stars in their pockets too. I ordered them from Really Good Stuff . I use them for the restroom. We take about 5 restroom breaks a day if not more. My students know they are to go to the restroom when given the opportunity. I know you can't control when you have to use the restroom but I also know that some students will abuse the privilege. If they have to go at another time other than when we go as a class, they take their star out of their pocket and put it in the basket.
UNIT RESOURCE TUBS: I have a tub for each of the 6 units in our Reading Series (Reading Street). It has the title of the unit. (The example show in of Unit 4 because that is the unit we are currently on). Each of the stories for that particular unit is listed. Under each story, I have the genre, phonics skill, vocabulary strategy, comprehension skill, and comprehension strategy listed. Inside the tub I have different colored file folders for each story. They have everything in them that I will need for that week. I will have a later post on what is inside the tubs. That still needs to be more organized.
I hope you have enjoyed this little post.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Olympics!
Did you know what each of the Olympic Rings stands for? Neither did I until I looked it up on the internet. I am going to teach the kids in my classroom it's meaning next week.
Meaning of the Olympic Rings
Here are a few more links that may be of interest to you.
United States Medal Count
Canada Medal Count
Russian Federation Medal Count (Host Country)
Germany Medal Count
Do you know how many Winter Olympic Sports there are? Neither did I. Here is a link to let you know how many Summer and Winter Sports and what they are. Olympic Winter Sports
I just found this link that is AWESOME!!!!!! It is from Time for Kids and it has a link to explain each sport! Wowzers!!! Time for Kids: Olympic Winter Sports
You can also print them out! I am going to do this when I get to school tomorrow and have the students vote on their favorite sport after reading about each of them. I foresee a bulletin board……
Okay…I need to go for now. Another post will come tomorrow. Maybe even a picture of the start of my bulletin board. There is no way I can get it done tomorrow!!
Here are a few more links that may be of interest to you.
United States Medal Count
Canada Medal Count
Russian Federation Medal Count (Host Country)
Germany Medal Count
Do you know how many Winter Olympic Sports there are? Neither did I. Here is a link to let you know how many Summer and Winter Sports and what they are. Olympic Winter Sports
I just found this link that is AWESOME!!!!!! It is from Time for Kids and it has a link to explain each sport! Wowzers!!! Time for Kids: Olympic Winter Sports
You can also print them out! I am going to do this when I get to school tomorrow and have the students vote on their favorite sport after reading about each of them. I foresee a bulletin board……
Okay…I need to go for now. Another post will come tomorrow. Maybe even a picture of the start of my bulletin board. There is no way I can get it done tomorrow!!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
The Olympics
I look forward to the Olympics every 4 years. I love both the Winter & Summer Olympics equally. My favorite sports to watch are Women's gymnastics and Ice Skating.....well swimming, track & field, etc....
I found another post on FB today and here is the link Learning from an Olympic Champion. It is on an AWESOME blog, Teach 1, 2, 3: Tips and Lesson for Teachers. This post makes so much sense! The Olympics aren't once every four years, it is every day of the year!!!!
I found another post on FB today and here is the link Learning from an Olympic Champion. It is on an AWESOME blog, Teach 1, 2, 3: Tips and Lesson for Teachers. This post makes so much sense! The Olympics aren't once every four years, it is every day of the year!!!!
How Abouy a Math Activity?
I just posted about a GREAT writing link. Now here is a post for Sticky Note Math.
GREAT Writing Resource
I found this post on Facebook. It contains some writing prompts for every month of the school year. It also has lists of supplies that you need. I thought it was worth posting!
Monthly Writing Resources & Prompts
Happy Writing!!
Monthly Writing Resources & Prompts
Happy Writing!!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
STAR Links
It seems like all I have been doing the past 2 days has been working on this blog and my classroom website. The main thing has been STAR Links. This is in a tab on the top right of this page. I have links for K-4, Reading, Math, General, & Common Core. There are so many resources out there. If you are like me, I have saved & written down list after list of GREAT blogs/websites. As I told you before, I am not organized, and I lose those lists. Well, I can't lose them now. If you find a great blog and/or have a great blog, leave me a message or email me (srussell1@bcbe.org) and I will update the list.
We finally get to go back to school tomorrow after being out of school for 3 days. I cannot wait!!!
We finally get to go back to school tomorrow after being out of school for 3 days. I cannot wait!!!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
It has been too long!
Okay...I am back for now. I guess with 2 days (and tomorrow will make 3) off from school because of a winter storm in LA (Lower Alabama), I have been looking at MANY blogs (FB, etc....) to get ideas for my classroom. One of my favorites that I have found is Monica Schroeder. She also has a Facebook page The Schroeder Page. Another resource that I have come to find VERY useful is Teachers Pay Teachers and Monica Schroeder has wonderful items on here too!!
I am going to try to come up with some sort of organization for this blog. I am not overly organized either. So, for me to say this is a step in the right direction.
I am also going to try and post at least 2 or 3 times a week. I have tried getting on this blogging train several times and this time I WILL PREVAIL!!
I am going to try to come up with some sort of organization for this blog. I am not overly organized either. So, for me to say this is a step in the right direction.
I am also going to try and post at least 2 or 3 times a week. I have tried getting on this blogging train several times and this time I WILL PREVAIL!!
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