Summer Learning and Classroom Whoas

Hi Everyone,

     What a week, already!  Hump - Day! I just wanted to write about a wonderful training class that I attended on yesterday, Effective Strategies to Teach Literacy.  It was eye-opening, affirming, and fun!  Our instructor was Dr. Rozlyn Linder.  What I really liked about the class.....was the affirmation of what I currently do in the classroom, so I don't feel like I have to make drastic changes.  If you don't have this book in your library (personal or school), please pick up a copy of Chart Sense.  I've already started adding post it notes to mark those standards and strategies that I know I'll need for our first unit.  
           I don't know about you, but Common Core feels a bit overwhelming. If I can really plan each unit with the end in mind, knowing which anchor charts to use, and have some strategy tips, I think it may be okay.

     Well, enough about the class....  I have a lot to do in my classroom and I still haven't even thought of a theme!  That is, until I had an aha moment today.  I'm planning it out now and will hopefully have pictures soon!  

     Enjoy the last few days of summer!

Happy Teaching,

Kimberly

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

Welcome Back to a New School Year

I can't believe that tomorrow is the day!  It's the first day back for teachers. I'm not ready!  I literally sat around my classroom today wondering how it's all going to get done.  Our school was painted over the summer, so we couldn't get in early to make everything pretty and functional for our upcoming school year.

If that wasn't enough, and it never is.....I'm moving to 3rd grade and........wait for it, wait for it.....I'm flipping my classroom.  Boy, overwhelmed and excited are two words that I plan on using A LOT this year!

I'm sure I'll need to reach out to those of you who have already flipped your classrooms for moral support and lots of tutorials to help make this a great transition for my students.  This is going to be a short post.... I'll begin with the beginning.......

My classroom as of today....... Is it crazy that I haven't even thought of a theme? We'll see the final result for Sneak-a-Peek......

MY CLASSROOM AS OF TODAY.......

 

 

Happy Teaching!

Come back to see the end result......

 

Kimberly

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Teachers-Workspace 



Hi Everyone,
It has been a long school year.  I tried to post, never happened; I tried to get more of my TPT creations in my store, never happened.  So, what happened?  Common Core and a new grade level.  Don't get me wrong.....I loved teaching 2nd grade.  I learned so much.  I took careful notes, made products for my classroom (that I hope you will find useful or inspire you to create your own), identified areas that I could improve like data collection (what do you do with the all the data you've collected, what's useful), worked and re-worked center rotations, created task centers, learned how to use the Promethean Board for more than just an anchor chart, got parents really involved, tweaked my behavior chart, and got my students involved in their learning using interactive notebooks.

After taking a much needed break when school was over, I took part of my vacation to reflect on my year and start to make some decisions about what I want my next year to look like.  I am in the process of creating my 3rd grade map.  Wait!  Did I mention that I'm LOOPING with my students to 3rd grade?  Well, I am!  And, I can't wait!

For those of you who have looped, will loop, or want to know more about looping.....I'll be dedicating most of my future blogs to this subject.  What have I done so far this summer?

I have my kids on kidblog (http://kidblog.org).  We started using kidblog, as a center, in our classroom.  Students learned to create new posts, answer their classmates' and my posts, respond to book club questions, work in different author groups and discuss topics (I provided).  Now, we are using it over the summer to keep up with each other.  I'm also posting challenges and encouraging them to respond to each other.

I also created student accounts on http://www.reading-rewards.com.  This is a great site that allows students to track their reading, online, total individual reading goal minutes, as well as, classroom goal reading minutes.   There is even a place for parent notification so that they can validate student reading.

In our classroom, we used Scootpad (http://www.scootpad.com/) in a center and I piloted it to try homework assignments.  We'll be using this feature more :-)  .  Because this site is so user friendly, I set up two accounts. One for the classroom work, and one for the summer work that I wanted students to work on. It gives WONDERFUL data!  The data is common core aligned, you can view it by student, concept, standard, classroom.....you can print graphs, differentiate by grade levels (concepts or standards), and print individual student information for conferences and as a back up for data notebooks!  It is a HUGE help and I love it!

Well, that's enough for my newest post.  I would love to hear from you.  If you have looped in the past or will loop, please let me know what you love about the process.  If you use the above sites, I would love to hear how you use them in your classroom, if not, check them out!  You'll love them.

Happy Teaching Everyone,

Kimberly
www.theteachersworkspace.blogspot.com
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Teachers-Workspace

P.S.  I haven't added my new items yet, but check back soon for my beginning of the year packet, some freebies, and center ideas/products.

It's Been Too Long

Hi Everyone,

I didn't realize that it has been so long since I last penned a post!  I've been waaaaay busy, just as you all have been, I'm sure.  I joined a great give-a-way and wanted to share it with you.  I'm also revamping this site to include more help for teachers, especially new teachers.  Common Core, I think, will be great.  It will connect us on an academic and love-of-teaching level.  It's a large learning curve and while I'm gathering great ideas to use, I want to put them together for teachers so that you, my fellow educators, can maximize your day.  Click on the link and drop by
Learning-4-keeps.blogspot.com to enter her wonderful 100th follower celebration!  I'll be unveiling my new content soon!  Keep reading and Happy teaching!

Kimberly

WOW! Common Core....it really is here

Hi Fellow Teacher Bloggers,

It really is here!  Common Core has come in with a bang!  I'm feeling overwhelmed, but suprisingly I am not feeling like I can't do it.  I think this is going to work out well in the end.  I don't know about you all, but I feel like I'm back in school again.  The mountain of paperwork is tremendous, but the good part is that we actually get to practice what we've been reading about.  My kids (school kids) are responding really well.  We have a tight schedule and all of our subjects are interrelated.  I find that the biggest problem over the last couple of weeks is quite frankly, the paperwork.  So, if someone out there has a list of hints to tame the paper tiger that has taken over both desks, please seek me out and guide me through your system.  :-) 

Now, aside from the paper tiger, I love the room!  It's coming together quite nicely.  It is the Hollywood Theme from The Clutter-Free Classroom (www.CFClassroom.com).  My kids are really enjoying being the stars.  The red carpet was a hit and my reading groups (Studio Names) are excited to hear their group names being called.  I feel really good when I look around my room and know that I've created a warm, inviting place for my students to learn.  We have "Jay-Z" and "Beyonce" (with $1 store microphones) lead the class in learning their math facts.  We  have a couple of cozy areas to take their shoes off and enjoy reading a book.  We're observing plants grow (lima beans) and journaling and illustrating.  I have to say it again!  I LOVE THIS JOB!   Happy Teaching and welcome to the fray for those of you who are just starting back to school!

Kimberly

check out my blog: www.teacherspayteachers/Store/The-Teachers-Workspace

We're Off and Running

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

If you're as overwhelmed, exhausted, and exhilarated as I am after this last week, throw your hands in the air!  Boy, I didn't realize that it had been so long since I blogged.  The first week went by in a blur.  I'm still getting to know my little cute friends!  They are wonderful!  I'm furiously making centers, so I'll have more to create for my store soon!  I promise.  Ok, my birthday is fast approaching!  I've set a goal to have at least 100 followers (secretly, I want 200), by then.  It's August 29th.  So, be on the lookout next week for a a special creation that I'm making to say thank you for following me.  I think I promised some pics of my classroom.....well, I'm still setting it up!  But, I will get those online as soon as I can.  I'd love some feedback, especially from those of you who are the perfect organizers.  You know who you are.....you use every nook and cranny to the fullest possible potential and you make it practical and beautiful.  I could use that energy and insight.Well, gotta go get the kids ready for bed, grade papers and start reading for the Reading Bowl!  Yeah!  I LOVE TEACHING!

Kimberly

check out my store:   www.teacherspayteachers/Store/The-Teachers-Workspace

First Day Jitters!

I'm not talking about the book!  I'm talking about me!  Well, tomorrow is the big day!  I've tried to play out every scenario, but it is what it is....jitters!  I'm really excited because I met some awesome parents and kids at my open house.  They were supportive and I can't wait to work with both this year!  I can't stay long tonight, I have to go to bed.  I just wanted to blog because it's been a couple of weeks.  Wish me luck and blessings! 

Kimberly

Teacher Block!

Well, I've been going into the school for a few hours over this last week trying to "get my room ready" before we actually have to report on July 31st.  That's right, I said......uh, um....July 31st.  So, I'm standing there trying to find the right way to create a flow of space and learning nooks, reading corners, and math hooks...okay, I was trying to be Seussical (not really there yet). Seriously, I HAVE to complete my room tomorrow, next week will be crazy and I want to enjoy OPEN HOUSE.  Does anyone have ANY suggestions on organizing my room?

Kimberly

OMG! School is Really Around the Corner!

OMG!  July 31st is rapidly approaching and I hear the children calling my name in my sleep.  Could it be? Could it really be time to go back?  I need at least another 2 weeks.  You?  Well, c'est la vie!  I've been envisioning what my room will look like this year.  Thanks to the wonderful packet I purchased from the Clutterfree Classroom, I'm well on my way to a GREAT room!  I feel almost like Santa....making my list and checking it twice....I've actually got it down to a science (I think).  I don't want to spend all day in my classroom each day before I have to report on the 31st, so I will accomplish one major wall each day for the next 5 days.  The plan is to only have "paperwork" to complete on the days we have to report.  Am I being to naive?  I'd love to hear what you all think.  Some of you have been in your classrooms all summer.  We didn't have that luxury this year, maybe next. 

Kimberly

Begin with the End in Mind

Do you ever get that "song" in your head that you just can't get out no matter what you do?  Do you know what's playing in my head? Of course not, well, let me tell you, it's (insert track): Food glorious food, we're anxious to try it, three banquets a day, our favorite diet....You get the picture (It's from Ice Age 2)....Of course while I'm trying to create my little angel is running around singing because she's trying to get me excited about Ice Age 4.  Why did I bring up this little parallel? Well, TPT of course!  I can't get it out of my head.  I dream about things to do, I'm constantly looking at everything for inspiration. It's good!  You get a spark.  At least I do.  Zig Ziglar said that we have it wrong when we think that we'll get motivated to action, but actually "we should get moving (start the action) and the motivation will follow."  So true.  I didn't really have a title for this blog until just this moment....We are gearing up for a full fledged year of students, lessons, Common Core standards, parents, not to mention our own personal lives....What does this have to do with what I just quoted by Zig?  We are teachers....we are constantly moving forward, no matter what. We move forward to ACTION always and that action keeps us motivated throughout the year!  Stephen Covey, a man whose work I greatly admired left us with 7 Highly Effective Habits that we can use in our classrooms, TPT, and life:

Habit 1: Be proactive
Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Habit 4: Think Win Win
Habit 5: Seek to first understand, then to be understood
Habit 6: Synergize
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

I'll be re-reading and re-committing myself to these principles to help me throughout the year.  How will you prepare?  I'd love to hear some things that keep you going....

Happy Teaching

Kimberly

Science, Gotta Have It!

Ok, I have been taking sooooooo many workshops this summer and I enjoyed them, but I've got to say that the workshop I'm taking now is AWESOME!  I was always intimidated teaching science.  I taught the subject, but wanted to do more hands on "lab" experiments, and I wasn't sure if I got the information across.  Well, I have to tell you, I don't think I'll have any problems getting that information across now!  The workshop is taught by awesome instructors at the University of West Georgia.  We've been completing experiments all week, but today.......today was definitely my favorite day!  Our instructor today was from Project WET(Water Education for Teachers).  I learned so much.  I thought I knew about water, boy was I wrong.  I can't wait to implement some of the ideas that we heard today, as well as, explore some of the projects.  If you haven't ever taken a WET workshop or heard of it, you must investigate.  Visit the Georgia site at http://GaProjectWET.org if you are in Georgia to find out about water unique to our state or www.projectwet.org for the parent site (I hope that is how it's said).  You can ask questions or request information at info@projectwet.org.  Do you think this workshop had a positive effect on me?  You're right! Our workshop ends tomorrow (awwww)....Can't wait to see what's in store!

                                 Thank You! Thank You!

I opened my email tonight and got a wonderful surprise!  Teresa from http://fungames4learning.blogspot.com nominated my  site for a

Award

I am very grateful for the award. Thank you so much.  Now the rules are to:

1. Copy and paste this award on your blog.

2. Thank the giver and link back to them.

3. Reveal 5 other bloggers and let them know by commenting on their blog.

 

I really like the idea of promoting good blogs with less than 200 followers, so I'm going to do the same.  I've visited some awesome sites: 

I am happily awarding the Liebster Blog Award to:

 

http://www.teachittoday.blogspot.com

 

http://www.firstgradechatter.blogspot.com

 

 http://fcsandthensome.blogspot.com

 

http://www.bloomingkiddos.blogspot.com

 

http://firstgradeschoolhouse.blogspot.com

Stop by these great sites.  They are really awesome! 

                           Kimberly

                                             



Goals - Gotta Have 'Em

Have any of you been daydreaming about your class in the fall?....Ah, perfectly behaved little angels who learn on the first lesson, raise their hands and give insightful answers, walk straight in the hallways, never talk out of turn, and always complete their homework?  Me too....then reality sets in....What will my class be like in the fall?  How can I impart what I know to the kids?  How do I manage my workload?  One word --- Goals.  I have pulled out my calendar and started to chart my goals for the next few weeks.  During pre-planning, I'll add more events to my desk calendar and personal planner.  I'm not as diligent about putting events on my phone's calendar.  There's something about physically writing it down that makes it real to me.  I know some of you are asking why I would write the information twice....well, the personal planner has all of my kids important dates, as well as, family commitments, doctors appointments, birthdays, friend gatherings, you know the list goes on and on...I've always been goal oriented, but this year I want to conquer those goals, not as to-do list, but as a continually, evolving set of reachable targets that stretch me as a teacher, mom, friend, wife and co-worker.  When I look back over the year, I want to rejoice in the accomplishments of meeting those goals and exceeding them.  After all, I am a TEACHER...  (insert laugh track)
On a serious note, I want to higlight some of the wonderful sites that I've discovered over the past few months.  Today, its Laura Candler.  I love going over to www.lauracandler.com .  She has a wonderful array of materials, suggestions, freebies, and insight.  I find something new each and every time I visit the site.  Her information is invaluable....Thank you Laura and everyone..... Happy Teaching!

                                                        Kimberly