Oh Internet... I miss having you at home!
Saturday I missed the cable company's call (why in the world was my phone on alarm only?!) for when they were supposed to visit. This is totally my fault, but even by then we'd been without it for a week.
It will have been about 2 weeks by the time they can come again.
Monday, school internet was blocking all blogs and blog-related sites, as well as Pinterest- boo. But thankfully it's been fixed on the teacher accounts now :)
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I haven't died. In fact, I have 3 posts written, photo'd, and ready to publish- except that they are on my home computer and I don't have Internet.
See you all (hopefully) soon!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
CFC Challenge- Week 2- Organizing Rules!
So, this week's Clutter-Free Classroom Challenge is to create your "rules" for organizing.
When I've read posts like this in the past, I see a lot of people posting things like "If I haven't used it in two years, it's gone."
Mine needs to be a little different. For one, I'm a new teacher- only in my own classroom for the 2nd year, so I don't have closets and closets of stuff. Plus, I will more than likely be moving in a few months, and who knows? I could teach kindergarten through 6th with my current license! I can't just throw out the more "primary" things because I'm in 3rd now, because I don't know if I could soon be in a younger classroom.
My Rules:
- If it's a hand-me-down from another teacher that I don't use and just plain don't like, I must get rid of it.
- If it's a decoration with no purpose other than decoration, unless I LOVE it, it needs to go.
- Keep only one copy of papers (unless there is a whole class set copied already, because I like the environment too much to throw whole sets out!)
- Anything that might be of use to other teachers goes in the teacher's lounge before the trash.
- If it's something that can only be organized in a "miscellaneous" category, it needs to go.
- I can only keep one shelf's worth of "random containers for some later purpose." Yes, every teacher could have ten million of these- great containers you just can't stand to part with- but the crux of the matter is that I can't save them all.
- Whenever possible, use the 15 minutes after school for tidying up or organizing something. A little time specifically set aside for it every day is bound to help me maintain the organization.
- All containers in storage get labeled.
- Useful trumps cute.
- I will use photos and blog posts to keep me accountable every week, even when it's embarrassing. (You all can really help me with that!)
Progress this week...
Well, I have definitely made some on my back counter and desktop, but unfortunately, my Internet at home has been dead for almost a week and I can't upload photos right now. (That's why this post was so late!)
It's not too late to join, if you'd like to organize your classroom and your teaching life! :) We're only a few baby steps in.
When I've read posts like this in the past, I see a lot of people posting things like "If I haven't used it in two years, it's gone."
Mine needs to be a little different. For one, I'm a new teacher- only in my own classroom for the 2nd year, so I don't have closets and closets of stuff. Plus, I will more than likely be moving in a few months, and who knows? I could teach kindergarten through 6th with my current license! I can't just throw out the more "primary" things because I'm in 3rd now, because I don't know if I could soon be in a younger classroom.
My Rules:
- If it's a hand-me-down from another teacher that I don't use and just plain don't like, I must get rid of it.
- If it's a decoration with no purpose other than decoration, unless I LOVE it, it needs to go.
- Keep only one copy of papers (unless there is a whole class set copied already, because I like the environment too much to throw whole sets out!)
- Anything that might be of use to other teachers goes in the teacher's lounge before the trash.
- If it's something that can only be organized in a "miscellaneous" category, it needs to go.
- I can only keep one shelf's worth of "random containers for some later purpose." Yes, every teacher could have ten million of these- great containers you just can't stand to part with- but the crux of the matter is that I can't save them all.
- Whenever possible, use the 15 minutes after school for tidying up or organizing something. A little time specifically set aside for it every day is bound to help me maintain the organization.
- All containers in storage get labeled.
- Useful trumps cute.
- I will use photos and blog posts to keep me accountable every week, even when it's embarrassing. (You all can really help me with that!)
Progress this week...
Well, I have definitely made some on my back counter and desktop, but unfortunately, my Internet at home has been dead for almost a week and I can't upload photos right now. (That's why this post was so late!)
It's not too late to join, if you'd like to organize your classroom and your teaching life! :) We're only a few baby steps in.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Explanatory Writing Freebie!
Oh my goodness. Was it just me, or did the last week of school last about 500 years? By Friday, I was feeling tired- but we had an awesome afternoon that helped perk me up for the weekend.
Last week we started our unit on Explanatory Writing. Here’s how the week went:
One student never told me to use a knife to spread the jelly, and another just told me to spread the peanut butter and jelly “on the bread” without having me get out pieces.
Their favorite! One set of instructions never told me where to spread the peanut butter and jelly, so I put them on my face.
Here’s one that told me to “put the peanut butter on one piece and the jelly on the other. Enjoy!”
At the end, I showed them how an alien enjoys their sandwich.
Seriously, it was so much fun.
They also learned some valuable lessons about how to be very, very specific when writing directions.
In past years, I’ve also done this as “How to Brush Your Teeth” when I had a peanut allergy in the classroom. I promise, it’s still funny when you put the toothpaste on the wrong part of the toothbrush, or they don’t tell you to take the cap off of the toothpaste, or when you put the whole tube on top of the toothbrush and then try to fit it in your mouth.
Next week, my students will get to write an explanatory piece of their choice, giving directions for how to do something. I’m excited to see how they improve!
If you’d like to download a copy of our explanatory writing paper, and my rubric for grading their writing, click the picture below and please say {thanks!}
P.S... While you're picking up the freebie, maybe follow my TpT store?
(Because I started one, finally, and I'm really self-conscious :)
I plan on moving most of my freebies over there so I can see how many people download them, and at some point I'll probably try to make a unit or two to sell. But that's not going to happen until these grade cards are done!
(Tips, tricks, advice totally welcome!)
Linking up with Manic Monday at Classroom Freebies!
Last week we started our unit on Explanatory Writing. Here’s how the week went:
- Monday: Watch BrainPop Jr. and make an anchor chart about explanatory writing.
- Tuesday: Together, write an explanatory writing piece on chart paper. Brainstorm out loud with partners.
- Wednesday: Review the elements of explanatory writing. Mime out making a sandwich. Write the first draft.
- Thursday: Finish first drafts and edit/ revise for at least 15 minutes.
- Friday: Publish onto special writing paper, adding illustrations in the time left.
- Friday afternoon: Their “alien” teacher, who has never seen a sandwich before, tries to make the sandwiches using only their instructions. (A few years ago, I wore an alien hat from the dollar store to make this even more entertaining.)
One student never told me to use a knife to spread the jelly, and another just told me to spread the peanut butter and jelly “on the bread” without having me get out pieces.
Their favorite! One set of instructions never told me where to spread the peanut butter and jelly, so I put them on my face.
Here’s one that told me to “put the peanut butter on one piece and the jelly on the other. Enjoy!”
At the end, I showed them how an alien enjoys their sandwich.
Seriously, it was so much fun.
They also learned some valuable lessons about how to be very, very specific when writing directions.
In past years, I’ve also done this as “How to Brush Your Teeth” when I had a peanut allergy in the classroom. I promise, it’s still funny when you put the toothpaste on the wrong part of the toothbrush, or they don’t tell you to take the cap off of the toothpaste, or when you put the whole tube on top of the toothbrush and then try to fit it in your mouth.
Next week, my students will get to write an explanatory piece of their choice, giving directions for how to do something. I’m excited to see how they improve!
If you’d like to download a copy of our explanatory writing paper, and my rubric for grading their writing, click the picture below and please say {thanks!}
P.S... While you're picking up the freebie, maybe follow my TpT store?
(Because I started one, finally, and I'm really self-conscious :)
I plan on moving most of my freebies over there so I can see how many people download them, and at some point I'll probably try to make a unit or two to sell. But that's not going to happen until these grade cards are done!
(Tips, tricks, advice totally welcome!)
Linking up with Manic Monday at Classroom Freebies!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
A Teacher’s Stocking
Yes, I’m late posting this, but I wanted to share with you all today just how I know that my husband really listens.
Here are the contents of my stocking this year:
A giant Sharpie Magnum because, seriously, every teacher needs a trusty Sharpie or two and this thing is HUGE.
A cube of Post-It notes, but he knew well enough not to get pastels or those stupid ones that alternate which way they stick. (Seems like a little thing, but I write upside down on them Every. Time.)
Binder clips, which even Mr. Minimalist Husband said I could “probably never have too many of” in pretty, colorful designs even though they cost more, just because he knew I use them all the time and they’d make me happy.
Ballpoint InkJoy pens because I specifically mentioned how I hated that none of my colorful gel pens (usually my preferred writing tool) could be used for writing responses in my kids’ reading notebooks because they bleed through the pages.
Super Sticky Post-Its with lines because he knows I like to use bigger Post-Its for making lists.
Oh, and the rest of my stocking gifts?
A BIG bag of candy cane Kisses, KitKat, Peanut Butter M&Ms, and even the European strawberry chocolate I love. Basically, all of my favorites- even the seasonal or imported ones.
And then he asked if I was going to take a picture of my stocking goodies that proved how well he knew me so I could brag to bloggy friends. Does he know me, or what?
P.S. -- Over half of this candy is now gone. Well, over half and counting :)
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Starting the Clutter-Free Classroom Project- The Before Pictures!
I read about some teachers' organization resolutions last week, and had to laugh.
Some people have this natural affinity for organizing, and I just... don't. I never have.
I was that kid whose desk was dumped over onto the floor by her teacher.
I was that kid whose dad once took everything off her bedroom floor and took it away for two weeks.
I still am that teacher whose class actually comments when there aren't piles on my desk.
The thing is, I like when things are organized. And I have slowly found things that work for me in the classroom, but I've only been in my own room 2 years and I switched grade levels this year!
I've decided to take on the Clutter-Free Classroom Challenge for 2013, and it is scary.
When you first walk into my classroom, it doesn't look that bad.
The library needs some labels and some book box fixes, but overall, I don't think it'll take too much to get into shape.
The back of the room is pretty good...
... until you get to the sink area.
The front of the room isn't too bad, other than a quickly dying carpet and some books to be put away.
My small group area is recovering from some crazy time before break, but it the table itself is usually clear. (Right now, I'm working on MOY assessments, not groups, so it hasn't gotten back to normal yet.)
Behind the small group area is just a mess, though.
Annnd the worst part of the room? My desk area. See that pile on the left? It was actuallytwice probably three times as high when I came back from break, but I cleared it away somewhat before remembering to bring in my camera.
Both parts are a mess.
Behind the desk is bad, too...
And I forgot to get a picture of under the desk, which is just as terrible.
But, hey, this week I was already able to clear off one giant pile!
Look at the pretty desk space!
There's, uh, a lot of room for progress... right?
I'm embarrassed to put this out there, but, hey- it's part of the process. Maybe I need a little embarrassment as motivation :) I can't wait to show you the 'after'!
If you want to join the Clutter-Free Classroom Challenge, link up here! I'm excited to change the feel of my classroom, simplify my teaching life, andshop at Target and the Dollar Spot- I mean, be a better example to my students!
Please tell me I'm not the only one whose room looks like this? :)
Some people have this natural affinity for organizing, and I just... don't. I never have.
I was that kid whose desk was dumped over onto the floor by her teacher.
I was that kid whose dad once took everything off her bedroom floor and took it away for two weeks.
I still am that teacher whose class actually comments when there aren't piles on my desk.
The thing is, I like when things are organized. And I have slowly found things that work for me in the classroom, but I've only been in my own room 2 years and I switched grade levels this year!
I've decided to take on the Clutter-Free Classroom Challenge for 2013, and it is scary.
When you first walk into my classroom, it doesn't look that bad.
The library needs some labels and some book box fixes, but overall, I don't think it'll take too much to get into shape.
The back of the room is pretty good...
... until you get to the sink area.
The front of the room isn't too bad, other than a quickly dying carpet and some books to be put away.
My small group area is recovering from some crazy time before break, but it the table itself is usually clear. (Right now, I'm working on MOY assessments, not groups, so it hasn't gotten back to normal yet.)
Behind the small group area is just a mess, though.
Annnd the worst part of the room? My desk area. See that pile on the left? It was actually
Both parts are a mess.
Behind the desk is bad, too...
And I forgot to get a picture of under the desk, which is just as terrible.
But, hey, this week I was already able to clear off one giant pile!
Look at the pretty desk space!
There's, uh, a lot of room for progress... right?
I'm embarrassed to put this out there, but, hey- it's part of the process. Maybe I need a little embarrassment as motivation :) I can't wait to show you the 'after'!
If you want to join the Clutter-Free Classroom Challenge, link up here! I'm excited to change the feel of my classroom, simplify my teaching life, and
Please tell me I'm not the only one whose room looks like this? :)
Monday, January 7, 2013
Back from Break!
So today, I walked into my classroom having not touched it since the 21st.
I know some of you had that situation but can't help it, but ever since the 30th, I was able to come into school if I wanted to, and I didn't. In fact, I didn't even touch the mountain of grading I needed to catch up on until two days ago (and it's still only about half done).
I walked in almost wanting to put my hand over my eyes. Seriously, had I not been carrying 20 lbs. of Teacher Bag and Overflow Teacher Bag, I probably would have been peeking through my fingers. I was remembering stacks and piles and just plain mess...
And it wasn't as bad as I remembered! VICTORY!
Now, I still have a school To Do list about 3 miles long, but I don't really mind.
I feel like I actually got a break.
My husband knows- I always do this thing on a break where I relax a little, but not enough to feel relaxed and I get some things done, but not enough to feel accomplished. It leaves me in this awkward catch-22 where I didn't get enough of either thing- relaxation or productivity- and leaves me feeling worse than I started.
This break, I finally did it. I took enough of a true stay-in-pajamas, watch-too-much-TV, eat-junk-food, just-plain-hang out break for it to actually feel like a break from work.
And yet, I got enough done around the house (and enough quality time with loved ones) to not feel like the break was a total waste, either.
Sure, my classroom is a pit. But when I came in today, I didn't have any regrets, and that's pretty darn amazing.
As any teacher but especially a new teacher, I feel like it's so easy to let yourself constantly feel swamped, like there are a million things you HAVE to do. But I'm going to try to give myself one night a week that is just "off"- where I don't do anything school-related and don't feel a bit guilty, because man, this break felt wonderful.
It was JUST what I needed!
I hope you had a great day today!! How do you give yourself enough "me" time during the school year?
I know some of you had that situation but can't help it, but ever since the 30th, I was able to come into school if I wanted to, and I didn't. In fact, I didn't even touch the mountain of grading I needed to catch up on until two days ago (and it's still only about half done).
I walked in almost wanting to put my hand over my eyes. Seriously, had I not been carrying 20 lbs. of Teacher Bag and Overflow Teacher Bag, I probably would have been peeking through my fingers. I was remembering stacks and piles and just plain mess...
And it wasn't as bad as I remembered! VICTORY!
Now, I still have a school To Do list about 3 miles long, but I don't really mind.
I feel like I actually got a break.
My husband knows- I always do this thing on a break where I relax a little, but not enough to feel relaxed and I get some things done, but not enough to feel accomplished. It leaves me in this awkward catch-22 where I didn't get enough of either thing- relaxation or productivity- and leaves me feeling worse than I started.
This break, I finally did it. I took enough of a true stay-in-pajamas, watch-too-much-TV, eat-junk-food, just-plain-hang out break for it to actually feel like a break from work.
And yet, I got enough done around the house (and enough quality time with loved ones) to not feel like the break was a total waste, either.
Sure, my classroom is a pit. But when I came in today, I didn't have any regrets, and that's pretty darn amazing.
As any teacher but especially a new teacher, I feel like it's so easy to let yourself constantly feel swamped, like there are a million things you HAVE to do. But I'm going to try to give myself one night a week that is just "off"- where I don't do anything school-related and don't feel a bit guilty, because man, this break felt wonderful.
It was JUST what I needed!
I hope you had a great day today!! How do you give yourself enough "me" time during the school year?
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Guest Blogger Jennifer- Common Core Math Word Problems!
Surprise! Today I’m participating in a special linky party by welcoming Jennifer as a guest blogger.
Hey! It’s Jennifer from the Elementary School Garden. I’m super excited to be guest blogging about creating Common Core aligned word problems to use in your classroom.
We all want our students to grow as mathematicians and as an added bonus…succeed on standardized tests. Incorporating more thought-provoking, relevant word problems can make a huge difference.
So, how do we create Common Core aligned word problems? The most important documents I have found are Tables 1 and 2 of the Common Core Standards for Mathematics. These tables break down the different ways to write an addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division problem. I model my word problems after these varied examples.
Here are some tips to help you create math word problems:
#1 – Use Table 1 and 2 as a guide. Observe the different ways that word problems can be laid out and model yours after them. You want students to be exposed to a variety of formatting and questioning language and these tables will help with just that.
#2 – Connect the math to real world situations. Make the problems relevant for students.
#3 - Use your students’ names. A smile always creeps across my students’ faces when they see their name written on a worksheet.
#4 – Mix them up. If you provide students with only addition problems all week…they are immediately going to think the next problem is addition. Mix up problems with various operations so that students figure out how to determine which operation is needed to solve the problem.
Lately, I have been creating worksheets that contain just one math word problem. I pair students up to collaborate and solve the problem. I encourage them to show their work in as many ways as possible. I prompt them to explain how they found their answer and write about it. After providing students time to read, solve, and discuss their answers with partners, we then regroup and discuss the solutions as a group. I strategically select students to come to the board and demonstrate how they solved the problem and to discuss how they arrived at their solution. While students present I make connections between their answers and guide them.
I’ve created packs of these word problems and have a little freebie to share with you. Included is a word problem worksheet for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and a 2-step problem along with a blank worksheet for you to create your own word problem. Download my Woodland Animal Problem Solving Sheets for free!
Want more common core aligned math word problem resources? Check out my blog for links to my products and a chance to win my math problem packs for free!
Thanks so much for stopping by and bringing an awesome freebie, Jennifer! I can’t wait to use those tables and resources in my students’ math journals.
Once you’ve gotten a chance to visit Jennifer, hop on over to Simply Skilled in Second, where I’m guest blogging today about Stairstep Editing!
For a full list of the bloggers participating in today’s swap, check out Primary Possibilities. Thanks, ladies!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Currently- in 2013
Hellooooo 2013!
Link up {here} with Farley.
My break has been pretty incredible, once my husband and I both got over being sick. My husband did have a little fender bender in our car, but no one was hurt, and the damage is cosmetic. Considering I know two other people that totaled cars in the recent rough weather, I'm definitely thankful.
My husband spent a few days on a ski trip with the boys, so I got a little extra quality time with my mom & brother, and a little with my girlfriend from Baltimore, too. And since my husband is in school, he's on Winter Break too- and now I'm getting to spend lots of quality time with him.
Later I'm going to post a little about my resolutions. I'm not big on New Year's Resolutions, but
I feel like it's never a bad thing to make goals, especially if you really think through them!
Link up {here} with Farley.
My break has been pretty incredible, once my husband and I both got over being sick. My husband did have a little fender bender in our car, but no one was hurt, and the damage is cosmetic. Considering I know two other people that totaled cars in the recent rough weather, I'm definitely thankful.
My husband spent a few days on a ski trip with the boys, so I got a little extra quality time with my mom & brother, and a little with my girlfriend from Baltimore, too. And since my husband is in school, he's on Winter Break too- and now I'm getting to spend lots of quality time with him.
Later I'm going to post a little about my resolutions. I'm not big on New Year's Resolutions, but
I feel like it's never a bad thing to make goals, especially if you really think through them!