Keeping Busy!

I am still waiting for school to start. Our start date has changed a few times as our NEW school is still being built!

So in the meantime, I have tried to keep myself busy by completing some projects that got set aside after my dad past away.

Here are some pictures of things I've completed in the last few weeks.

Teacher Toolbox

Teacher Binder

Drawers

Word Work Bins

Word Wall Headings

Student Numbers

 

Pointers to Read

So here's what I've managed to complete. It's not much but it's kept me busy. I hope that those of you who already started are having a great time with your new students.

First Week of 2011-2012

It was a long but GOOD week. I am enjoying my students. I have a GREAT group of kids.

Here is a picture of our first project, The Kissing Hand. The kids loved it. It has evolved throughout the years.

I could have sworn I took more pictures. Apparently, I only took pictures of the students. I will do my best to take pictures of my bulletin boards once they are completely done. I am the type that might redo them a few times until I am happy with them.

I am really excited to say that the Daily 5 is going well. I have 3 kids that I know I will have to work with. They try and talk to anyone near them. The rest of the kids are enjoying Read To Self. I had a little boy approach me and asked, "Are we doing read to self again." So I answered, "Yes. We have one more round." He then replied, "Good. I like read to self." They get excited every time we add a minute. On Monday we will be up to 7 minutes.

Last Day of School!

Today is officially my last day of the school year...woohoo! Check out the cute gifts I received from my students.

Sentsy Electric Candle (it smells wonderful)

Cute little slippers (so soft and comfy)

Now I have tons of time to plan for the Daily 5. Can't wait!

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.

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!