Clutter-Free Classroom Giveaway!

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Word Wall Linky Party

 

Here is a picture of what my word wall looked like at the beginning of the year. Our bulletin boards are partly covered by our classroom computers. The words are added weekly after we have practiced reading and writing them. They are stored in envelopes labeled by units. Each unit is a different color. All the words are laminated and taped to the closet doors. Students are allowed to take the word to their desk and put it back when finished.


Hope more of you join Ms. M's Linky Party. Check it out here.

Daily 5 Resources

Since I've decided to implement the Daily 5 next school year, I have been doing research online. I found a GREAT site that provides six scheduling options. 3 of the schedules are for 60 minutes blocks and the other 3 are schedules for 90 minutes blocks. If you use the Daily 5, take a look at this site. Daily 5 K-5 Literacy Connections In addition to the schedules, there are videos that show the Daily 5 in action and other teacher resources.

Back to the Daily 5

I finished reading the book today! I made myself read it now so that I could have next month to plan. I am wondering though, how to fit my school's adopted reading program into the daily 5. Any of you use both? Can any of you share your schedule? I am really excited to use the daily 5 in my classroom, but also am struggling with HOW to do it.

Ms. M's Lesson Plan Templates!!!!

I just purchased a lesson plan template from Ms. M at A Teacher's Plan. I am SO excited to use it for next school year planning!!! Her plans are all amazing....please check her out.

Daily 5

How many of you use the Daily 5 in your classrooms? I've been wanting to try it for the past 2 years. I started reading the book, but never finished...ugh! I am hoping that when I am off in 3 weeks, I will finish it and be ready to implement it for the next school year.

So those of you who use it, what do you recommend? Anything you would do differently? Any advice for first graders? Did you introduce one thing a day or all five at once? I think this is my biggest concern...How long it's going to take to get them all on a routine.

I have found a few websites with great Daily 5 printables. Mrs. Meacham has a lot of awesome resources. You should check her out.


I am excited to try this out as I have heard SO many great things about it. Plus I really want to focus more on intervention next year. This will really give me that opportunity to work one on one and in small group.

Can't wait to hear from ALL of you!

Yay....My New Design

Doesn't it look great! I can't believe how cute my blog looks. Thanks again to Kristen over at Ladybug Teacher Files.

I'm A WINNER!

I just found out that I WON a blog design from wonderful Kristen over at Ladybug's Teacher Files. CHECK HER OUT!  I had a pretty stressful week so winning really made my WEEK! YOO HOO!

Thanks Kristen!!!!

Parent Orientation/Back to School

My school has always done Parent Orientation at the beginning of the school year. We go over our home/school contract, rules, procedures, etc. This year we will be doing Back to School. Which in reality is not much different.

In all the years I've been teaching, I've always given my parents a Parent Packet. I've included our class schedule, homework tips, spelling ideas, etc anything I think will help parents help their children at home. What do you give your parents?

New School Year Linky Party

Time 4 kindergarten is having a linky party! Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I start my school year in July so I am definitely getting ready for the new school year. Here is the list of things I've gotten ready so far.

1. I have a notebook full of things I want to do next year.

2. My teammates and I got together and assigned jobs for the year. My job is HOMEWORK and planning out the year! 

3. So I have paced out the year for my teammates (language arts and math).

4. AND I already have homework for the 4 of us for 2 months.

5. I made copies of all the activities we do the first 2 months of school.

6. Started getting writer's folder and writing journals ready.

7. I have binder inserts ready to turn in for copies.

8. I've decided to do a Poem journal next year. I have a master copy and will be turning in copies soon. I already have notebooks that I will use.


I am sure there are more things!

Teacher Appreciation Day

The only gift I received from a student this week.

And of course I had to buy myself something....love it!

 

Open House 2011

So Open House is in 2 weeks! I am SOOOO stressed out. As I get my room ready, I am also turning in copies and getting things ready for the new school year....YES! You heard right. My school year starts in July and I am off in June so I need to prep my stuff NOW!

Here are a few pictures I've taken of my room so far. Some things have changed as these were taken about a week ago before I REALLY started getting ready.