Well Today was Something Wasn't It.....

Whew...just woke up from what I wish I could say was an energizing nap.  How does school seem to take it out of me!!! I subbed in a second grade classroom today, one of my old practicum teachers so I know their routine fairly well which SHOULD make it easier for the students.

key word= should!

Starting off the day was a struggle with one student who was on his own behavior plan but continued to throw pens at the fan after repeated warnings and explanations and then would walk out of the room and shut himself behind our door :(

Then refused to take the spelling test and I had to give it to him separately (which at least he chose to take it eventually)...man this was barely 8:30. I was proud of myself, I took a step back said this was not going to get in the way of his behavior the rest of day, he could make better choices and I did not let it upset me!  That helped tremendously.

The plans left pretty open time for review....like practice these flashcards for time, that did not last long.  I don't like encouraging competition and individually in front of class can not be fun for some kiddos either, so......I had the kids draw clocks for each other or partners I picked.........worked like a charm.  They also came up with calendar question (another concept they were reviewing) and some were genius like :

"What is two weeks before April 18th?"
"What is the day a week after April 3rd?"

What is your favorite way to review with students? I would love to have some more options when this comes up again!







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Crazy Saturday and a FREEBIE

So redo-ing my room at home has been chaos! I do not like chaos!  I like organization with everything in its place, so moving everything and painting and remodeling is driving me crazy!  I know it will be worth it but still........

So taking a break from everything.....I made you all a wonderful FREEBIE (at least I'm begin productive on my break)


Click on the picture to download!

Here is a library list you can use in your classroom to keep up with books that student check out!  This would probably work better in older grades but will teach the student's responsibility and organization!

It has a column for the student's name, checked out column for the book title and then the last column for the date it was returned.

Instead of having library cards for each book or for each student, if you class is trustworthy enough this could be a great option!

Hope you get a chance to use it!



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Jr. High Job

So part of being a sub is the variety of grades.  Well on my public school list I signed up for all elementary schools aka K-5.  Well last night.......I forgot that the parochial schools I sub for, I'm on the list until 8th grade. I was so shocked to get a call, I said sure.

It was suppose to be for half day but ended up being a full day....IN 8TH GRADE! At first let me say, I was intimidated.  I knew I could handle them but most of them were taller than me (and I'm not short), honestly this was such a stark contrast from the 1st graders I'm normally use to.

It only took me awhile to get into the swing of it.  The co-teachers were AMAZING, helpful and answered any questions plus I was teaching math which I love! (I'm a nerd)

The kids were so cooperative too!  It also helped that we had Church in the morning and the 4/6th grade musical in the afternoon so it was a new schedule for everyone. (so short!)

Did I mention this was at my old elementary school? None of my Jr High teachers were there!! I haven't been gone that long, it was pretty cool though by the end of the day.  The student's have a lot more responsibility and can do a lot on their own which was a HUGE welcoming change.  Don't get me wrong I love the young'uns but it was nice to experience (and I'm not scared anymore ;)

Plus I loved my school lunches then and still do.......one of the perks.  (Since I didn't know if I'd be there the full day, I got to eat lunch)

Sorry for all the randomness of this post, ITS THE WEEKEND THOUGH! GO ENJOY IT!



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Portfolio Writing!

Being a young'un (in teacher standards) I've been working on my portfolio to take along to interviews!  This process had been harder than I thought it would be.  I feel Misty's pain at Think, Wonder, Teach!- There are really no resources or guides about how to create something that would be adequate but not too much to take to interviews for talking points.



We have a different portfolio for our end of student teaching with artifacts and rationales linked to every state standard.  Granted, those are very important but SO LONG and I don't think a principal would take time to read them all so I was looking for something semi-brief that would show off me!

I have found a couple great resources in some bloggers

Misty has a FANTASTIC post here which is how I want to modify mine  (but I'll show you my process now because it might be useful to someone hopefully).   Amy also has a GREAT post about her professional portfolio here!  Seriously go check these ladies out.....can't get enough resources!

After gathering everything I wanted in my portfolio, I wanted to organize it by sections that made sense and really showed me as a teacher.  I feel like its a work in process but this can be a great start!

This is the beginning page kind of like the table of contents which lists everything in each divider.  They are the color the divider for easier access. 

Section 1: Professional Resources

  • resume
  • educational philosophy
  • publications
  • presentation (with pictures) 
  • copies of certfications

Section 2: Before School Resources
  • Bulletin boards I've created
  • Classroom layout plans
  • welcome letter (ties in parent commuincation)
Sorry it is sideways but that's my welcome letter!


Section 3: First Day
  • My first day script (it was a class assignment buy boy will I be glad to have this!)
  • My whole first day plan with activities for the entire day in 30 min increments 
Section 4: How my Classroom Runs (I feel like this part is huge- and can really make a difference in the classroom)
  • My management plan
  • Procedures
  • Rules, Rewards, and Consequences 


Section 5: Showcase of my work

  • lesson plans (I tried to have something for each subject)
    • guided reading
    • math
    • science 
    • social studies
  • unit plans
  • pictures of lessons or classroom




I wanted to make sure I had everything in case I get stuck in my interview or would have something to talk about!  What do you think?! I would love to have some feedback from educators since I'm so new!!!!! 

I'm sure I will be adding more soon- like I said a work in progress........gotta start somewhere.  It serves my purposes for right now!





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technology resource!

I have never posted about a technology resource yet, but working on a project today I found out I was completely unaware of the templates that are on the Internet free and available from Microsoft Office!

Click the pic to head over and check it out right away!




Can I just say......I WAS BLOWN AWAY!!  They have a whole Education collection!!!

Some of the topics in the education collection include:

  • schedules (customizable ones already in table form.......HOW EASY FOR LESSON PLANS?!)
    • Academic Schedules
  • templates for flash cards
  • Award certificates
  • Reports
  • Surveys
  • Calendars
  • Planners
  • much more........you must check it out! It can make your life so much easier!!

The best part is if you have Word all of this is so easy to just type in your info! This would be amazing for teachers! Head over to this website to check out the whole Education collection: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/education-templates-collection-FX101842224.aspx?CTT=97

They also have great cover pages, resume help, and other careers stuff as well!


They also have some great ways to engage students in the classroom with polls, and surveys (left side of education page)

I'm in no way promoting this, I just found it cool and possibly very helpful (since I'm now using a template for a current project)!  and the best part....FREE!



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Fireworks cards!

Today I have an awesome activity I randomly stumbled upon last summer!  We had supplies and just experimented to see what would happen!

This would  be great for any age and they are so fun to do- easy as well :)

Without further ado, I present to you......FIREWORKS CARDS!!!!!





Ok so the pics aren't the best but these things come out so well!

Materials: 

food coloring
oil
tray
toothpicks
paper (we used notecards, but anything heavy will do)


1. pour a small amount of oil on a cookie sheet or small tray.
2. add food coloring
3. have student mix up the colors with a toothpick
4. Dip the paper in and then lift it out.
5. We put ours on newspaper to dry and you could decorate them the next day!

Here's some more pics to check out: 



Hope you get a chance to try this...it was one of our favorite projects last year!




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Summer Linky

I'm linking up with Lory at Fun in first for a:
 

bljd;ajdkfajsdjfa;sdfwoeurw........SUMMER! It cannot come fast enough which you can probably tell by my exciting typing :)

Man I would love for it to be here now..........I literally just finished a 14 classroom management plan! Whew! I think it will be useful but it so much work ........and that is only ONE part of our portfolio for the class :(  

Ahh....can you say stressed?  Oh well, starting student teaching soon and summer on the way can't complain to much.  So here goes: 

Summer Project: Pretty much anything off my Pinterest (crafts) board- CHECK THEM OUT! I really wanna work on some school stuff too but we'll see.  I'm working on getting a liquid nitrogen demo too for camp! The kids will go crazy!!!!! They might not understand the science but they will remember!

Summer Fun: Trips to Wisconsin and Minnesota for weddings and birthdays but in reality my summer job is so much fun that I look forward to that too.  (How many people can say that?!- I'M LUCKY!)

Go check out her blog to see more ideas: 








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5 Fav things Linky and Outfit update

I'm linking up with Jodi from Fun in First for my 5 favorite things about April linky: HOW FUN!

1. MY BIRTHDAY (which is tomorrow!) :) :) :) :)


2. the weather- how beautiful are the high 60s and low 70s - gorgeous weather to wear cute dresses- check out one of my new ones!!! (TJ MAXX IS AMAZING)


More on my outfits later...check out the pics..


Look at those cutie-patootie shoes - so adorable and SPRINGY!

3. School is almost done- gotta love college....no classes in May just one final!!! 8 days!!!

4. All the fun fairytale units I've been seeing and putting on my TpT wishlist- Fairytales are my absolute favorite!!!!!! 

5. Loving the Voice- the little time I get to watch tv!  


Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately, super bogged down with school stuff :( got some great posts coming up soon.  Thanks again for shopping advice needless to say I was very successful! :)




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Teacher Fashion Help?!

Ok....so being crazy busy, I'll make this quick.

I know I posted about a cute outfit I had the other day...so I feel like this might be hypocritical but I was panicking today about what I'll wear for student teaching.  That's dressing up.....EVERYDAY!!

Ahh, I'm trying to think of places I should shop to get some good deals of especially key pieces I can layer and make different looks with.

I knew this was coming, so I'm not sure why this just hit me today so I seriously need to kick it in gear if I want to have some clothes to wear.....so this is where you come in?

Where are the best places to look for decently cheap clothes that would be great for teaching??? I need to shop ASAP, thanks for all the help in advance!

Also....sidenote.........A Cupcake for the Teacher is having an awesome giveaway so you should head over to her blog and check it out!  1000 followers......that's crazy! :)







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Flaming Dollar Experiment

Hope everyone had a great Easter. Luckily I have today off to catch up on homework before tomorrow :(

Oh well....it all gets done sometime.  So I've been working on ideas for camp and I came across a super cool experiment you can do with stuff you have around the house! (Yes I'm the nerd that made my family watch the experiment but hey in my defense its super cool!)

Ok so, first this experiment involves FLAMING MONEY! (Insert Ooohs and Ahhhs) What part of that does not sound awesome?!  I got the idea from ScienceFix.  I remember doing this experiment though in grade school and just rediscovered.  The video really explains the science behind it, but its great just to watch as well!!!




You can check out the video to watch it for yourself! I would have taken pics from all the times I tried it but my camera would not have really gotten the flames but trust me there is a WOW factor especially with the lights off.

All you need:
some denomination of money (the bigger the better :)
rubbing alcohol (isopropyl)
water
lighter
tongs

Soak your money in equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water (enough to cover, I used a 1/3 cup of each and had plenty of liquid left to keep using.

Let it soak (doesn't matter how long, but the longer the better- couple minutes)
Use tongs to grab the money
Turn off the lights and light it!

See the cool blue flames where the alcohol burns but the bill is unharmed AND STILL COMPLETELY USABLE!  I always like to check my experiments first and this one is so easy to do!

As always, an adult should be the one lighting the bill on fire and keep at an arm's distance away from anyone.  It is relatively quick experiment but can be repeated with the same bill and liquid if desired.  

The video with a great explanation can be found here: http://www.sciencefix.com/home/?currentPage=3

Here is a FREEBIE to go along with the demo: check it out!


Click the pic to be taken to it! :)

Hope you get a chance to try, It's fun to with children or even adults!!!!

If you download,  please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!




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Professional Dress and Fun Craft

So I have three different things to talk about.......so hang on........it is all pretty cool, I promise.

First, so for one of our classes we have to dress up because, hey we are going to be teachers and have to dress up so this is an example of what I wore for "professional dress" points the other day:


I wouldn't normally post something about my outfit considering I don't really consider myself a fashionista...like some of the other awesome bloggers out there, but I love my black cardigan thing. 1) its great to throw over a cami or any shirt really. 2) It is lightweight and great to layer with. 3) It can hang low, but look at the versatility people...IT CAN TIE!!!!!!!! This was one of my greatest discoveries so...if you have a long-ish cardigan give it a tie :)

Especially over a skirt it can really emphasize the waist as well.

Ok 2nd thing: I'm sometimes a crafty person...sometimes!  Well I wanted to share a craft I did a couple years ago that I still love because hey 1) it has rainbows. 2) I put a lot of work on it. 3) I've never seen anything like it and people it's very easy and so easily customizable.

So take a looksie at my picture frame:


So here are some steps if you want to take on this project: 

Materials: 

picture frame
seed beads
jewels 
craft glue
acrylic paint
toothpicks

1. Paint any picture frame (mine has a lip on it so it think it holds the beads better) I chose a rainbow theme.

2. Use glue to put beads on (you can probably tell I used different sections at a time and thought ahead what I wanted to do) I used toothpicks to do this (time consuming but weirdly relaxing in knitting-focusing kind of way)

3. Admire your work- it is really that easy.  Oops...but a picture in it too!!!  I'm sure you could put on some kind of sealer spray on it but the glue really holds!!

Let me know what you think....pin it on your crafts board if you're inspired. :)


ok third....just another kid-ism from my last day at practicum:

So we were reading a book about a sick dragon, the teacher was prompting them asking, "What do you do a lot of when you are sick?"

One student answered, "Bless-yous" (sneezing)

Its the little things that make me smile  :)

HAVE A BLESSED EASTER EVERYONE!



6

Tagged! and good news

First, I got my STUDENT TEACHING PLACEMENT! I won't start officially student teaching till the fall but I'm getting to stay with the same teacher I've been with this semester (which makes me so happy). She's so sweet and awesome and now I can't wait for next school year....I'll literally be in a school too!  IN FIRST GRADE! How awesome?!


Well imagining it right upside up......just look at this thing!  Chocolate (how did she know I loved those?!) and her favorite grade pens, a notebook, to-do list, stickers.....

I was so touched by the heartfelt gift, I'm really gonna miss the kids and the awesome hugs I get every day. Oh well...something to look forward to.

If you ever need a gift to give a student teacher in your classroom, I'll tell ya I absolutely loved getting something so useful and thoughtful :)



Second, I've been tagged by Crazy Adventures of a University Graduate



So here goes: 




1.  If you could live anywhere where would it be and why?
I don't know if I could pick one place to live, I just love to travel! If I had to it would be somewhere warm, like Florida or Hawaii I suppose. 

2.  What is you favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?
Probably READ and relax!

3.  What is the best book you've ever read and why?
Hmmm...so tough I love the book I Love You Forever. Classic

4.  What is your favorite classroom book and why?
I really like anything Kevin Henkes!

5.  What is your favorite non-teaching blog?
Picky Palate- I love baking and she has some awesome recipes (not exactly low fat...but hey gotta splurge sometime)

6.  If you could go away on vacation, where would you go?
Right now.....Rome..I've always wanted to go there! 

7. Which blogs do you stalk routinely?
TOO MANY TO NAME! I love my sub and students blogs but I get so many ideas from all them I can't decide. Check my blog roll for ideas. 

8. What is your favorite subject to teach and why?
Science! I get to teach it over the summer and experiments always amaze the students- they are so much fun! 

9.  What grade do you love teaching?
I love the Primary grades, doing my practicum in 1st grade has been AMAZING! The growth they show in reading even over a few months is tremendous. 

10.What is your favorite animal?
DOLPHINS! I swam with them once and I would love to do it again.  



Here Are The rules:
* Post these rules
* Answer the 10 questions that the tagger posted for you
* Create 10 questions of your own to ask the people that you're about to tag
* Tag 10 people and link them with your post (and let them know they've been tagged!)

Here are the people I'm tagging: 
1. Jen at Hello Mrs. Skyes 
2. Theresa over at Primary Princesses 
3. Kelly at Kindergarten Kel 
4. Alysia at Mrs. B, Busy Bee
5.  Michelle at the 3am Teacher 
6. Michelle at Teach 1,2,3
7. Luckeyfrog at Luckeyfrog's Lilypad

Here are my questions :
1. What items would you take on a deserted island?
2. What is the one item of clothing you cannot live without for teaching?
3. Who was your favorite teacher? Why?
4. What is your favorite unit to teach in school?
5. What is one tip you could give to beginning teachers?
6. Do you have a favorite quote?
7. What is your favorite holiday to celebrate?
8. If you could add a room to your house what would it be?
9. If you could learn a language besides English, what would it be?
10.  What would your autobiography be titled?



1

Squiggle stories

First, I reorganized my pins! Whew! It needed to be done!!! I moved pins from teacher/school into individual boards depending on the subject which will be much easier for me and others to get and organize my ideas!

Go check it out and follow me if you don't already!  LOOK TO THE RIGHT- Click the link to head to my boards!

Second,  I have finished my first pack of squiggle stories.  I have seen these used in a Writing Center about once a week.  Students get a chance to make something with the lines on the paper and then create a story about it!

They get so creative and these are so fun and easy to use.  Click the pic to check it out!  Hopefully it is helpful, if you download leave me some feedback and let me know what you think!!



Its my first bigger packet so I'd love some feedback!!!  I plan to add more freebies! So keep your eyes peeled.

Hope your short week is starting off well :)





1

Currently and Trip update

Here's My Currently for April (LINKING up with Oh' Boy 4th Grade)


Ignore the text box :(  OOPSIE! 

So my super power would be TIME FREEZER! That kinda sounds like a villian, but let me explain.  Sometimes I just need a few minutes maybe an hour to get my life together or back on track I feel like.  Especially if its a very BUSY day and I could use a few minutes to relax or go do something I totally forgot to do!

Who wouldn't love this superpower?  I would try not to abuse it very often only when I REALLY needed to! I feel like we all have those days.

Now: onto pics from the trip: 


We ate in a spinning restaurant SPINNING!!! We the best view from DC!!!! It was cool!


Talking to some professors about our researchers...they tried to recruit me to go to the grad school where they work :)


How we set everything up (and of course that is me!)  It was an amazing experience sharing our research with everyone! What an opportunity!



The President of the conference handing me my award.  How crazy is that!

I can officially say I LOVE D.C.!!! So much to see.  The Library of Congress was my favorite by far! I loved seeing it! So much history but books too!  My dream is now to do research there at least once.  :)


Hope you have a great rest of your weekend!  Back to reality...I have a million things to get done before tomorrow!!




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