The Timing of Things... Getting Organized Once and for All

What a year!  I had so many high hopes for getting my blog together.  I did quite a lot in my classroom, but getting it together enough to blog about it was difficult at best.  So, instead of beating myself up fretting over it, I decided to begin again. I'm a big believer in try, try again.   I've been working hard this summer, as I know all of you have.  I've been reading some really GREAT blogs, tweaking ideas, and getting ready for my 2nd year in 3rd grade.  I thought I'd  tell you about two (of the many great blogs) that I've read over the summer.  Leslie over at Kindergarten Works has great blog info on binder organization.  I've always made my own, but her blog made me think about how I was putting it together.  I went through my binder from last year and noticed how many pages I really didn't use.  It was cute when I was downloading freebies or buying pages that I "thought" would be good, but they didn't work in my classroom.  Anyone have that happen?   I knew I had to find out how to only use the pages that I needed.  Leslie, you rock!  Thank you for sharing. I love how you plan units for your kinders.  I read and re-read your posts and came up with a unit plan form that would work with my 3rd grade needs.   Here's how I use to plan units: pages of standards, our state's frameworks, calendar, and lots of sites open on the computer.  It literally took days to plan a couple of lessons.  After reading Leslie's blog and Beth Newingham's blogs Beth Newingham Scholastic, I knew I could make this year easier and better.  So, after creating a Unit Planning Guide for both Reading and Math, I tried them out.  Yeah!  It really works.  I've completed three math units, lesson plans, pulled pre and post assessments, created miniature anchor charts, pulled graphic organizers, created foldables, pulled and created centers, texts, and manipulative materials.  I'm now working on my second Reading Unit and it feels fantastic to have these already done. I feel so ready.  

This is how I used the guide to plan unit 1 in reading.  You can get a copy here You can also review the math planning guide here.

I still have more planning to do, but I feel really ready.   If you're looking for great content and ideas, I recommend Leslie's and Beth's blogs.  

I'll talk to you about my new revamped Reading Workshop in my next blog!

Happy Teaching, Everyone!

Kimberly