What about lesson plans

Hope everyone's years are going well! I have a question about lesson planning....I am not required to turn in any lesson plans, but certainly still need to write down what I'm doing! I have tried typing them on the computer, but then I end up spending WAAAAY too much time on them because typing doesn't really bother me. I have tried writing them in a plan book, but that doesn't really suit me because I always am trying to copy down the exact performance indicators that we're supposed to be meeting (which takes even longer than typing them--and then my hand cramps up!). I know that SOMEBODY must have found a method that works! Care to enlighten me?

word walls

One thing you can do to make it more geared toward 6th grade is let them have control of the word wall. Let them write the words, put them up, etc. I would separate it into different subjects and different colors, so it's very distinct. I have to do a word wall too, as do the rest of my team. Good times...

Word Walls

I thought that 6th graders might be a little old for Word Walls, but apparently this is a requirement of any classroom at my school (maybe in Metro). Because I teach three science classes, one math, and one reading, I would like to include ALL vocabulary...not just typical reading vocabulary. I also don't do a ton of direct vocabulary instruction.

Anyways, how do y'all think it would be best to organize such a wall? I could do it in subjects after dividing the wall into three parts. Or, I was thinking I could just post ABC headers and then put the words under the letter they correspond with. I could do all the science words on green, math on red, and reading on purple--or something like that. I'm quite indecisive, so I need a little help here!

white boards

I am not sure how much access you have to a laminator but we have made a several dry-erase surfaces by simply laminating a piece of paper. The colors don't seem to erase as well, but black works just fine.

We have our first field trip on Monday to the apple orchard! I have planned the whole thing, so I am crossing my fingers that we come back with the same number of children we take. Here's to hoping it doesn't rain...

white boards

ashley,

you can get them to cut pieces of shower board for your white boards at home depot. also, i have about 10 extra boards if you'd like them! my parents brought in a couple dollars at the beginning of the year to pay for the white board markers and i got the skinny black expo ones. they have been good. we have mini erasers, but socks work just fine. 

:)

Funny stories

I'd love to hear some funny stories from people!! Here's some from my funniest (and by funniest, I mean ditziest) student.

Every day after my second reading class, we switch back to our homerooms before going to lunch. This student is in my second reading class as well as my homeroom, so she (and a handful of other students) stay in the room. However, every single day (well into the second week with the same schedule) she left the classroom with the other students switching. And, every day, I'd remind her that she needed to stay in my room. Finally, on the last day of the second week, when she tried to leave after reading, I asked her where she was going. Her response: Spanish class. Which was bizarre enough...making it even more bizarre: our school doesn't offer Spanish class...

My second favorite story (much shorter) was about halfway through the third week. I was helping another student with something when I hear a shriek from across the room. I look up, expecting to see either blood or a bug (the only two things that could warrant such a shriek.) Instead, I see this same girl, with the velcroed part of her messenger bag stuck to her cornrowed hair. I had to try really hard not to laugh as she said, "Miss Peterson, I'm STUCK!" How she got stuck, I have no idea...

My final story is about a different student (and Ashley, you'll appreciate this one.) On the very first day of school, I was chatting with the first student to come into my classroom. So, I asked him what he liked to do outside of school. His response: redneck stuff. Oh Bronson...

Ok, I wanna hear other funny stories!!

white boards

I don't remember anything about donated white boards...However, I've heard of a cheaper alternative. If you put a plain white piece of paper in a page protector and write on it with overhead markers it works pretty well. It's a thought.

Class Set of Whiteboards?

I remember that there is a cheap way to get someone to donate a class set of whiteboards, but I can't remember what it is. I vaguely remember something about Home Depot, but I'm not sure if this is correct or what to ask for when I go. Has anyone done this?

I really need some for my math class!!

I'm using

...this blog. Oh boy, I'm glad I can make myself laugh :-) I second your request, Betsy! Let's use this thing. As for a transition song, I can picture something of a call-and-response (military style). You know, where you say "I'm on paaage 4333." Then the kids say "We're on paaage 43333." "I'm not talking, neither are youuuu". Y'know? I probably could never pull this off (my 6th graders would give that the "uncool" label), but, Betsy, I know you could do it!!

Also, for a cool art project, Do-a-Dot markers are great! They're not exactly cheap, but they last for-ev-er. The kids can dot around paper with them to draw pictures, and that's awesome. For really young kids, they're great for helping them learn letters and shapes. You draw it with a marker (Sharpie, of course), and then they dot on the line you drew. Older kids enjoy using them to create their own pictures--because they only make circle shapes, it really pushes their creativity and imagination. I have some precious pictures my 2nd graders made with these!

Another fun, cheap project is using tissue paper and clear contact paper to make stained glass windows. You can cut it up into small pieces, and the kids just put it down on there. You can make shapes out of black construction paper (at my preschool we did crosses in the middle--that might work for your Catholic school, Betsy) to put over them. Then hang them up, and you're good to go! It doesn't take long for the kids to do, but it's fun and cool!

Hope

No matter how bad your day is, you still may be some child's only hope.

??? I need some art project ideas that are meaningful for them. We painted yesterday, and they were SO pumped about it. Preferably cheap materials too. 

??? Transition songs that will tell them what page to be on, what book to get out, etc. that we can all sing together so they don't talk. 

can we like really use this blog? i made it one of my favorites so i check it a lot. let's use it! i need yall!

In the swing of things

Hey all! I love reading everyones updates. Good idea for starting this!

Today marked one full week of being in school, and it was the first 'fantastic' day. I feel like we have routines down, procedures are known, we are really into academics, and managing to balance fun with learning. It is amazing how much more energized I am when I get to laugh with the kids instead of discipline them. It makes such a difference.

I really love 5th grade. The kids are able to be such independent learners and able to form a cohesive community. I'm happy:)

Last night was parent open house. I'd only had the kids 4 days and I got to chat with all the parents about curriculum, behavior, etc. It was really nice to make those connections. I have 21 students, and 16 of them had parent(s) attend open house.

I am in love with the staff at my school. The two other first year teachers are incredible. I feel like we've been friends forever- call and text on the weekends now and go out together. Everyone is just fantastic.

I hope this isn't just the honeymoon period...

Welcome to private school!

We started school on Thursday and my first graders are ADORABLE! I am definitely not used to this whole parent involvement thing, though. On the first day of first grade my kids showed me that they can write in full sentences, capitalize the correct letters, and write more legibly than I have ever seen a 6yr old write. I don't know what I have left to teach them! They all definitely have that private school mentality - one of my kids (whose father actually graduated from vandy) told me on the first day, "I'm really smart... I'm probably the second or third best in the class" and another one told me this morning about his spelling words, "why do I have to practice? I've known these words since I was three..." WOW. So not Davidson County.

It turns out that my lead teacher is pregnant and due at the beginning of February, so I am taking over when she goes on maternity leave. Definitely not what I had expected for the year, but very exciting! I am working with some wonderful people and there are a lot of new, just graduated faculty this year because they expanded the school, which makes the transition that much easier.

I am also coaching the JV volleyball team for the upper school. I have 12 8,9, and 10th graders on my team. Its amazing that I still feel just as awkward around a bunch of high schoolers as I did when I was in high school! But I'm getting used to them and we won our first games yesterday, so the season is getting off to a great start!


So all in all the year is getting off to a good start. We had a real tornado "drill" (thats what we told the kids) today as the hurricane blew through Atlanta so that added a little excitement to the day! I hope everyone is enjoying their classes and I can't wait to hear more!

math games

I need some math games for 2nd grade -- particularly working on patterns, comparing numbers, or telling time. Help! Hope yall are doin well!

First Days

Ok, I think we've all started by now...and we already heard about Ashley's first day (have things gotten better?) I want to hear stories from everyone else (funny or frustrating!)

First Day

To all of you who have already conquered the first day of school--

any advice?! school starts Thursday for me, and I am quite nervous!

It's Gonna Be Rough...

Aw, Ashley, you poor thing! Sounds like you have a pretty hard first day. I'm pretty sure mine won't be much easier...I'm getting nervous...school starts Monday! Call if you need a listening ear!

So, does everyone wanna hear something that'll make you sick? 75% of the students' grade in reading is solely based on how they do on FCAT practice tests (the FL-wide standardized test) since the school is on watch for not making AYP. That's all this school talks about is making AYP, which makes sense since they're on watch, but still...I'm pretty sure all I'll be doing is testing =(

read it!

http://www.newteachercenter.org/article2.php

Can you please find my mind for me? I've lost it.

Today was the first full day of school, and I survived, though I'm not sure I'm still in one piece. After spending the first hour plus trying to wrangle in the wild animals while checking paperwork, I wanted to go home. Too bad it was only 10 o'clock. I was then supposed to issue lockers. Too bad nobody gave me the combinations. I'm supposed to take computerized attendance every period. Too bad I can't get on my computer. This list could go on...well, forever.

If I'm trying to look on the bright side of things: we did a really cool project helping them practice the scientific method, and I learned most of the kids' names. Also, the other teachers warned me about one specific kid, and I was able to reel him in pretty quickly. We'll see how long that lasts....

I hope that everyone else's years start off a little bit smoother! If you're ever just about to cry because it's so overwhelming--give me a call. I'm there, too.

a little inspiration :)

Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it. -- Harold Hulbert

All children can and will learn, although not on the same day or in the same way.

Training

School starts in less than 2 weeks! I started setting up my classroom last week and have been working on it this week as well. Two of the other fifth grade teachers met me on Tuesday afternoon to walk me through some of the curriculum. Wednesday and Thursday were all day new teacher training district-wide. In a district of 20 elementary/jr high schools, there are only 8 new teachers for grades 3-6! It is ridiculous~! I am overwhelmed with all the 'stuff' that needs to be done.. I haven't even started lesson planning. Yikes. There are 2 other first year teachers at my school (1st grade) and I'm glad to have that support network for sure. How is everyone else holding up?

The Important Book

This summer, the director of my preschool (not the one I attended...the one I taught at) told us about a great book. It's called The Important Book written by Margaret Wise Brown. It talks about somewhat random things (i.e. a shoe or the rain) and explains all of the things it does--but then the ONE REASON it's really important. Our director suggested making your own book with this. You can learn about the kids (from what they write about), encourage them to think in a new way (name JUST ONE reason it's most important), and keep the finished product to show (bind it into a book). Then, you can talk about what's really going to be important in your classroom--lead a class discussion about this (and even make a "class page" to go at the end).

I think I'm going to try to use this as a first day activity for them to work on while I give out textbooks, etc. Do y'all think the 6th graders will think this writing and drawing is too juvenile?

Yay!

So, I'm happy to report that I am officially employed. I will be working at a school called Bronson Elementary in 5th grade. I think I'll be the reading teacher, but I'm not sure haha. I'll know more after Friday (orientation) and all next week is prep, with kids coming the 18th. When does everyone else start?

First Day

I know the first day is fast approaching and I am so excited to hear all of yalls stories! Can we just videotape everything and send it around? Great. Tell me how yall are doing!

Ditto

Ahhh!! The stress is pretty much overwhelming me. I can't find a JOB! I simply can't believe that it is this difficult. I wish that I was stressed about starting a new job, but I can't even be stressed about that because I don't have a job yet! Betsy, if all else fails, can I be your assistant? K great.

I also had a question about what y'all included in your portfolios. Since I haven't had any interviews yet, I haven't exactly prepared one. And, true to form, I'm rushing a little bit to have one prepared so that I can interview as soon as I (hopefully) hear from somebody. Just let me know anything in particular y'all think should be included!

Good luck with the new year's preparations!!

P.S. I'm seriously available for hire. I make a mean bulletin board.

Stress

I am feeling stressed about the school year coming up so quickly. But yall, we've got to remind each other that we were made for this. This is it -- we are doing what we have spent our whole lives dreaming about! Maybe that's what makes it all the more stressful -- what in the world am I doing? what if what if what if... but in the end, we have to just take risks and truly invest in our students. 

How are yall feeling?! :)

:)

So I had a meeting at the district office last week and I left home early so I could stop by the school- the principal was just around the office and took me to my classroom. And the highlight of my year: MY NAME WAS ON THE DOOR!

Changes

Just wanted to let everybody know that I went in and changed a couple of settings. Since we posted names of schools, etc. I thought it would be best to make the blog private. You can invite people to read it by doing the following:
1. Click on "Dashboard" in top right corner.
2. Click on Manage: Settings.
3. Click on Permissions (top bar, far right).
4. Go to "Blog Readers" and add the addresses.

If that's too complicated, you can just email me the emails you want to invite and I'll put them in.

Hooray! Any updates?

Books

I've basically been looking for books in two places: Goodwill and Ebay. Goodwill they are .79 to $1 and Ebay there's quite a range, but you can usually get em pretty cheap. These are my new addictions and I now have way too many books for my own good.

As for updates on the job search: I've been on three interviews, but I initiated two out of those three (as in just showed up and they ended up interviewing me.) The one that the school actually called me about ended up having to be a phone interview because I was at my sister's wedding when she called, and wouldn't be back in FL for awhile. (And when I say I was at my sister's wedding, I mean I was actually AT the wedding...I was walking down the aisle in 15 minutes.) I was supposed to hear about the job last week sometime, but the principal hasn't even notified the district about her recommendations yet, so that's frustrating. (The principals don't do the actual hiring, they make recommendations and the district hires people.)

One of the other two schools I interviewed at seems to be a good lead, but again, it's a waiting game =( The principal apparently knew someone who used to teach at Peabody, so she was really impressed with that aspect of my resume. And, she's trying to lower her teacher-student ratio, so she's making a lot of new hires. However, when I "interviewed" they weren't technically hiring yet, so she said she would be talking to her vice principal and getting back to me later...and that was awhile ago. I just want a job!!!!

I miss you all!! Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Rules

What are yall's rules?

Really will you tell me all your classroom management plans?

Great. :)

Tick Removal

As someone who gets faint when going through a first aid class I thought I would share this method of dealing with those nasty critters with my fellow teachers.

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and let it stay on the repulsive insect for a few seconds (15-20), after which the tick will come out on it's own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away. This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me.

I haven't tried this, but I got it in an email and definitely think it's worth a try! Let me know if anyone tries it.

How do you spell that?

I decided to post this here and not on my own blog because I thought y'all would appreciated it more. If you don't know, right now I'm teaching a Pre-K3 class in Memphis while I eagerly await a job offer from Chicago (finally heard back from a school this week!). Yesterday, the ice cream truck came and you would have thought we brought in Hannah Montana. That ice cream man was the most popular thing to hit the preschool since.....well, I don't know. He was a big deal.

To control the over-excited young'uns, they sent us two school-aged children (mine were like 4th grade) to help out. We had to store the ice cream until the afternoon, so I put the 4th graders to work writing the children's names on their ice cream purchases. So, the older girl sits down next to one of my students and this conversation ensues:
"What's your name?"
"My name is Sky."
"How do you spell that?" (Sky has no idea....we just got that her name starts with an "S")
"A-S-S."
That poor school-aged girl looked at me with the biggest, most confused eyes I have ever seen. I just died laughing....

Books

So I feel like this is going to be the summer of garage sales and used book sales. It is only June and I am glued to the craigslist 'garage sale' postings. What a way to spend the weekends, right? Tonight I went to a huge used book sale at a local high school and bought some chapter books for $.50 each. I'm just curious what you all are spending on books and what you think is reasonable to spend building a class library?! Yikes!!!

Someday...

Congrats to all of you who will be employed in August! I'm SO happy for you! I'm hoping that someday I'll have a job, too. Last week, I went up to Chicago looking to learn about the city and hopefully talk to some principals and find myself a teaching job. Turns out, Lindsay was on my tour! Who knew?! The trip was okay, but I realized that I know a grand total of about 5 people in the city. It should be an adventure. However, I have to find a job first. I talked to about 20 principals at the Teacher Fair I went to while I was up there and am just working on contacting some more schools with openings. I think they're winding up their school years this week, so hopefully I'll hear back from some people soon.

As far as my licensure, I'm not yet licensed in Illinois, which was actually kind of an issue for some principals. I have the letter from Chris about being licensed, but getting the paperwork through, but they didn't really seem to care. I hope this isn't the snag that keeps me from getting a job and moving up there. We shall see...I'll certainly keep you updated!!

congratulations lindsay and kati! so great! i will be teaching 2nd grade at St. Pius X Classical Academy, it's a small Catholic school in north Nashville. It's not a good part of town, and the school does not have much money, but the community is great and I am very excited.

a couple of things:
Lauryn and I found some good displays and little teaching odds and ends at the Dollar Tree. like reader of the month and student of the week certificates, borders for bulletin boards, a big map of the U.S. poster, etc. just a thought.

also, on reallygoodstuff.com there are cheap decorations, materials etc. like 99 cents or 1.99 for big posters.

love this blog so much! yall wanna invite cliff to join?

Congrats on the job Lindsey! I just got back from a whirlwind tour of London, Singapore, and Thailand, and I am currently trying to get over my jet lag. Apparently that means waking up at 5am. Ouch.

I just found out that I am going to be teaching 1st grade which I am SO excited about! Yay reading!! So if anyone has any great ideas for teaching phonics let me know!

Hope all is well and I can't wait to hear where everyone ends up. Miss you all!!

-Kati

Update

What a great idea to start this blog. I think we are certainly going to need the support of each other over the course of the next year. (to make sure our own insanity is actually the norm).


An update from me: Last week I had a screening interview for a fifth grade position in Palatine. Tuesday I interviewed at the school (the principal, asst. principal, and four teacher). Wednesday morning he called my references and called in the afternoon to offer me the position! I am very, very excited. The school is just fantastic. Tomorrow I am going to meet the fifth grade team and Tuesday I will sign paperwork:) I'm not sure what I will do with my summer if I am not spending all my time applying for jobs...

What about everyone else... how is it going?


Lindsay

Updates?

Hey y'all! Hope your summers are going well! I'd love to hear any updates (work or otherwise) that everyone has. I know Kati has a job, but I don't think I ever heard Lauryn and Besty's plans...and Ashley, any news about jobs from you? Have you gone on your bus tour of CPS yet?

As for me...no job yet...but I've been on two interviews, and one of those principals said that if she didn't hire me she was going to email one of her friends who is principal at another school that I applied to and tell her about me. So, hopefully things will work out!!

I miss you all!

What nobler profession than to touch the next generation—to see children hold your understanding in their eyes, your hope in their lives, your world in their hands. In their success, you find your own and so to them, you give your all.