One of my goals for this year is to really implement the writing workshop model and try to get away from so much prompt writing. I think it's so important to teach students writing skills and let them apply the skills by writing about a subject of their choice. Of course, we will be doing prompt writing sometimes too, but I want to make sure my students are independent and creative writers. Last week we set up our Writing Workshop Folders. I just used basic folders with prongs and these labels. I also added writing resources to the folders using the charts in my Reading Notebook Essentials pack. One of the most common things you will hear from students ... Read More about The Start of Writing Workshop
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The First Week of First Grade
The first week of school is officially under my belt this year! It was a great one, but of course EXHAUSTING too! I wanted to pop in today and give you a quick peek at our week. : )The week of course started with my traditional First Day of First Grade picture and photo booth! I just LOVE their sweet pictures and I know parents do too! Our week was full of books! I think our favorite book of the week was A Tiger Tail. The kids absolutely LOVED it! I even heard them pretending to have tiger tails and tiger hands at recess! After reading the story, we brainstormed some kind things that the other kids could have said to make the main character feel better about her tiger tail. ... Read More about The First Week of First Grade
2016-2017 Classroom Reveal
It's hard to believe that tomorrow this classroom will be filled with 18 precious first graders!It's also hard to believe that I will be kicking off my fifth year of teaching! Where does the time go? I have been working like crazy to get everything ready, but I wanted to pop in and share a few photos of my classroom! Enjoy! : ) I love how my door and entry turned out! The sign on my door can be purchased and customized here. The bright colored tickets were (of course) printed on Astrobright paper. Right outside of my door, I have this bulletin board set up for pictures. There is a tiny little step stool for the kids to stand on for their picture. The bucket has ... Read More about 2016-2017 Classroom Reveal
Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #7
This is the 7th and FINAL week of my summer blog series, "Getting Ahead of the Game." I hope that you have enjoyed these weekly challenge and feel a little more prepared for the new school year. This week... Right?!? (Source) A labeled classroom is a happy classroom. Labels jut tie everything together and help keep you organized! I love labeling everything in my classroom! Here are a few tips and freebies to help. 1. Make a list. As you are setting up your classroom keep a big list of what labels need to be created. Don't try to stop and create as you go. If you aren't able to get in your classroom yet, you can go ahead and create your templates on the computer and ... Read More about Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #7
You’re a Cut Above the Rest FREEBIE
Back to School season is quickly approaching! Every year I like to give my team a little something to start off the year. I ordered these scissors and immediately decided that everyone on my team needed a pair! They are so sharp and cut everything so easily! And what a steal to find a five pack of them at a great price! I created this little gift tag to attach to each pair. You can download and print it from my Teachers Pay Teachers Store HERE. Don't forget to order enough for yourself too! Trust me, you are going to want a pair...or three. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ... Read More about You’re a Cut Above the Rest FREEBIE
Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #6
Welcome to Week #6 of my summer blog series, "Getting Ahead of the Game." I hope this is helping you feel good about going back to school. I know it's going to sneak up on us before we know it. : ( This week your challenge is to... The first day/week/month of school is always just a blur! The beginning of the year is just so fun and so, so, SO exhausting. Let's get a head start on planning! Here are a few tips and ideas to help you plan that first day and make it go as smoothly as possible! Create a photo booth or at least take some pictures! Oh how I LOVE those precious first day of school pictures! It is amazing to see how much the kids grow in just a year and I love ... Read More about Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #6
Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #5
Happy Tuesday! I'm back again for Week #5 of my summer blog series, "Getting Ahead of the Game." *This post contains affiliate links. I think you are going to like this week's challenge. It's both important and fun. Ready... Shopping is my favorite part of going back to school! There is just something about new supplies and a fresh start! But you need to be strategic! 1. Make a list of what you need. Take some time to really think about your classroom and what supplies you need to start the year. I have to have everything written down so I created this little printable to help me get a game plan. Click HERE to download. Of course, I always end up ... Read More about Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #5
Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #4
Happy Tuesday! It's time for Week #4 of my Summer blog series, "Getting Ahead of the Game!" This week we are going to... Before the school year begins, we have a special night to meet our students and parents. I'm sure you have something similar at your school too. First impressions are HUGE! This is the first time many of my parents will meet me and my new students will see our classroom. I want to make sure everything is organized and looking perfect! Here are a few suggestions of things to do to get you ready! : ) 1. Make sure those forms are ready! I have parents fill out a student information form on this night so I already have the ... Read More about Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #4
Fun for the Fourth
Happy Fourth of July Weekend! Is it just me or did June just fly by! I can't believe it's already time to celebrate Independence Day! Independence Day is always a special day to reflect on our country and all of the people who have fought for our freedoms. We are so blessed to live in the U.S.A.! I am looking forward to spending the weekend with my family grilling by the pool and watching fireworks. Of course I'm all about holiday decorating too, so I had to add a few red, white and blue touches throughout my house. I'll be totally honest, I have never put up a Christmas tree at a time other than Christmas and I've never had a white tree before. This tree is ... Read More about Fun for the Fourth
Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #3
Can you believe it is already Week #3 of this Tuesday summer blog series called, "Getting Ahead of the Game?" Each week I will give you a little project to help you be ready for August. If you are just joining us, links to the previous weekly challenges can be found at the end of this post. This week's challenge is... Each Monday I email out a weekly newsletter to let me parents know what is going on that week. I use the same template each week and just update the information. I try to keep it simple. I use Powerpoint to create my newsletter and just add shapes, text boxes and clip art. Helpful Hint: Save a copy of your weekly email as a PDF file to email out ... Read More about Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #3
Getting Ahead of the Game, Week # 2
I am back today for Week #2 of my Tuesday summer blog series called, "Getting Ahead of the Game." Each week I will give you a little project to help you be ready for August. Let's jump right in! This week's challenge is...Drumroll please! I like to have my forms ready for parents to fill out on Meet the Teacher Night. Why? Number #1: Parents can fill out all of the information right there and leave it with you. Small children's backpacks often eat papers. Number #2: I know how everyone is getting home, and my odds of losing someone significantly decrease, hehe. That First Day of School dismissal is killer...Amen! Number ... Read More about Getting Ahead of the Game, Week # 2
Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #1
I sure hope this post finds you on SUMMER VACATION! Today kicks off a little Tuesday summer blog series called, Getting Ahead of the Game. Every August I want to kick myself because I have so much to do to get ready for the school year ahead. This year I am going to try and do a little project each week to lighten the work load of August and get ahead of the game! I challenge you to join me... Do you accept? This week's project is super simple! Are you ready?!? 1. Get rid of the junk mail!I get so many random emails that I never signed up for, and they add up in my inbox quickly. Spend some time clicking the Unsubscribe button at the end of each email so they won't ... Read More about Getting Ahead of the Game, Week #1