April Currently

I'm linking up with Farley again for Currently!  Click below to link up yourself :)



listening: I always have to have noise when I sleep!!
thinking: the maternity leave I'm covering for ends in 7 school days :(  I've grown close to this class and it will be sad leaving them but I'll be on to another leave shortly. 
needing: I feel like I'm always making piles and to do lists and now I need to act on them....perhaps tomorrow can be that day ;)
Advice: Blogging, gaining followers, TPT - all take an incredible amount of time and like you'll see on so many people's posts, DO NOT compare yourself! It always makes me feel worse.  If you are yourself, people will follow you for that!

4

FYFF- Carolina Teacher!


This week we have Danielle from Carolina Teacher!



 Danielle had TONS of differientated items in her TpT store that would be great for younger elementary!

3 Bookmarks for the 37 Most Common Rimes/Word Families

I really love these bookmarks and she has MUCH more!
Introduction:

I teach kindergarten and this is my fourth year. I have also taught first grade

Best Tip for Management:

Stay positive.  I have noticed that the more positive my attitude is, the better the kids are.  Praise, praise, praise as much as possible.  It's hard some days, but it makes such a difference.

Must Have School Supply:

Flair pens!


Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)


How to stay organized?

I try to have everything I need for the week ready on Monday. Then, I organize it in the order I'll need it in a file folder. For guided reading, I also have a set of plastic drawers and use one drawer for each group I see. And I label everything.



Stress Management Advice:

Take time for yourself. As a first year teacher, it's easy to be so wrapped in school that you burn out. It's easy for me to do that even now. But I really make it a point to schedule time for other things - zumba class, running, church, time with friends, etc. It helps me stay balanced at school.
Interview Tip:
Hmm...I think the best thing you can do is be prepared. Know what kind of school you're interviewing at and what their needs and areas of focus are. Check out their website or try to find someone who knows the school well and talk to them.


Advice for first year of Teaching:

You're not going to be perfect, but you're going to learn a lot.  Every mistake is an opportunity to learn something new for the next time.  Just keep going :)



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Paint Chip Phonics FREEBIE









I have seen these all over Pinterest being used in one sort of way or another.  I haven't had any experience with them until this class.  We used this for one of our phonics games rotations.  The students wanted me to battle them.  I was like, "sure," so I ventured over and was AMAZED by what was happening.

Obviously building words and learning spelling patterns are important in the early elementary grades, so this was a pretty smart idea.  I did, however not realize just how much FUN I would have!!! I was challenging myself to come up with words and the best part - the combinations are endless.   It would be great for even upper elementary to give their brains a workout + it is colorful and super fun!

Needless to say I quickly made myself a copy of this great center/game!   I used common spelling patterns from 1st grade.


look at all the combos we could find in 15 min!

 

Matching 'em up!



Here's an up close picture of some matches!  Easy to do and fun to find!



Below is a great FREEBIE that you can use for a recording sheet for this center. 


Variations to the game:

1. Race against each other
2. Race against the teacher
3. Review for spelling (any time of year)
4. Try to find as many combinations as possible
Really its is limitless because of how much fun it really is.
Do you use paint chips in your classroom? What are some of your ideas!





2

Interactive Story Starters!

Again a post so nice I had to cover it twice!  You can see my original post about these story starters here

This has got to be one of  my favorite things done in writing!  Never again do I have to hear "I don't know what to write about."  This has been a constant problem in our class but no longer!

This website by Scholastic is great because you can pick the age level and genre (Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-fi, or Scrambler)!  This was a hit in my class of reluctant writers!!  They loved that they each got their own prompt and we are only talking about and introducing the writing method so it served its purpose.


I love how creative the prompts are, it really makes for some fun stories.

The process:

1. We started by each picking a prompt. This could be done in a lab or we just did it in class because I have so few students (I'm lucky!)




Some examples of prompts: 

"Write a short short about - a sleepy - kitten - cooking dinner on the sun"
" write a letter to- a smart - princess - who got lost in a magical forest"
"draw a picture and write a caption for - a polka dotted - apple - who plays baseball" 


2.  We wrote our prompt in our journals.  We thought of at least 3 things that would happen in our story and shared with a partner.



3. After they got it approved by me, they started writing rough drafts,  after editing with me, they worked on final fancy copies with pictures to accompany the words!





I could not recommend this site enough- it goes up to 4th grade level for prompts. It also includes different types of writing but we were sticking with stories for this piece.    There is also a great teacher's guide that offers even more ways to use this tool!  I forgot to mention that if done in a computer lab you have the opportunity to write your story write on screen at the website with printing and saving options- a great computer lab/writing/creative activity other than games!!


4

New Pinterest Tracking- MUST READ!


So...I was all "why do I have to get new Pinterest??!!" This is like the whole Facebook updating all the time and I have to get used to it...boo!

UNTIL

JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THIS!!





If you are anything like me, and track your pins using the whole pinned from your blog site:

http://pinterest.com/source/sssteaching.blogspot.com/

(Just change that to your blog site and WA-LA!)

Did you notice at the top: "Most Repinned" and "Most Clicked" - all such valuable tools for trackers like me! This is site heaven! So glad I got the new look.  What are you waiting for?! 





 You can also search by a certain date to see what was activity for that date?!  This is insanely awesome for any bloggers! Below is the view of stats, I just got it today so I'm hoping it was just my stats for today (otherwise - YIKES!)  but with graphs and everything  - NEAT!

You can click on the little question marks by each thing (impression/click/repin/ etc...) and it will explain it all - revolutionary if you ask me!




Let me know if you plan to use the new Pinterest or if you track like me and how you can use this!!!


1

A Year in Review

I took a look back today and realized my blog is over a year old! Wow does time fly?! To think how far I've come in one year :)   I'm taking a trip down memory lane today and recording some of what has been happening in the last year.  Looking back, I can't believe how much I have grown- mostly due to all the great blogs and ideas I have seen over the last year and reflecting on what I have done in camp, school, and teaching.  I love getting to share and see ideas it truly is a great collaborative tool.

So let's see:

1. Life changes- I'm getting married in July to the sweetest and most caring fiance a girl could ask for, can't wait for more love, laughter, and happily ever after. (long distance will be over!!!!), graduated college and started grad school.  Yes this is soon but I knew if I didn't go right away I never would.  It is an absolute bonus that I literally LOVE my homework and classes- EdTech is something I'm so excited about.  I'll be moving to a different state and for someone that only went to college 45 min (in my defense- I did live away from home) away that's a big step!



Big changes but I'm so excited for what the future brings and what job opportunities await me.  At least I hope there are some opportunities that present themselves soon!


2. Blog Changes- Well I got a new look recently, I've grown so much from all the classrooms and experience the past year and I love having a way to document it and share with others.  Here's some of my most popular posts from this year.  Click on the pictures to check them out: 


By far the most popular was my Science book with every experiment we did from camp all for FREE!



Next, we have some of the popular science experiments: 

Ivory Soap Experiment                                                                              Elephant Toothpaste!


For any more awesome science experiments click my new SCIENCE button to the right
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Last I wanted to share my new feature for new or first year teachers.  I have a weekly post with advice from veteran teachers or resources for new teachers.  I'm really passionate about this because....well...one I'm in that situation and two- college doesn't always prepare you for everything.  It is great to have mentors or other teachers or places to get advice.  Click the picture to read all the posts on the feature so far!

*Fill out the form up at the top if you ever want to guest blog!



Thanks to all my AWESOME followers (especially if you read this super long post ;)  - thanks for following me along on my journey.  You guys are really inspirational, I love my comments!

 I'd love to hear about your year!


3

FYFF- First Grade Fabulosity!


Advice from real teachers - the best kind if you ask me!




This Friday we have Carly from 

First Grade Fabulosity 





Introduction:

Hi! I teach second grade (my blog still says 1st grade from last year), I've taught kindergarten for 2 years, First Grade for 2 years, and this is my first year to teach Second Grade.

:)


Best Tip for Management:

I use a clip chart that allows students to move up and down. Positive reinforcement is just as, if not more, important that negative consequences. Constantly pointing out those students that are following directions and going above and beyond is very important and really helps cut down on the negative behaviors. :)

Also, making students responsible for their behavior. For example, before leaving the classroom the line must be quiet. I don't keep shouting at them, "Stop talking, stop talking" I make sure that I say, "We will leave the classroom when you are quiet" or while at the carpet.."I will begin teaching the lesson when you are being good listeners" :)


Must Have School Supply:

sticky notes!! You can never have too many! I use them for lessons all the time!


Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)

First Grade Parade, What the Teacher Wants, Clutter Free Classroom, Hello Literacy, Heather's Heart, and so many more!

How to stay organized?

I try to make a place for everything in my little teacher corner. I have drawers for loose papers that need to be filed, copied, graded, etc.. I also have a basket for papers that students return from home for various school wide events and what not. Basically, everything has a place! That way I don't have stacks of papers lying all over my computer desk and small group table!

I also have a mini clipboard that I keep with me with a notepad for any little notes that I may need to make to remind myself of later.... This definitely helps for finishing up things at the end of the day and making sure not to forget things.



Stress Management Advice:

I know that I always feel like when I have a great idea that I need to create it right now! That day! I am trying to realize myself that it doesn't have to be instant. I need to learn to manage my time so that I am not stressed and I can get things done in a reasonable amount of time.

Talk with other teachers. I love to vent about my stresses with my teammates. As long as it isn't about other teachers, of course. No gossip. That just leads to trouble. Talking with other teachers can usually help lessen the weight on your shoulders and can sometimes give you different perspectives for any problems you may have.


Interview Tip:

I would say, don't feel like you can't take a second to think about a question. If they give you a hard question, take a few seconds to think before answering. I have been on a couple of interviews that seem like firing squads...question after question after question...no relaxing discussions. I always come out sweating! BUT I think that I always tried my best to slow down and take my time so that I didn't get flustered!


Advice for first year of Teaching:




hmmmmm.... so hard! I learn so many new things EACH year! I guess I would say this about parent conferences.... Take and keep lots and lots of data and notes on your students. AND Don't let the parents make you feel like you are insignificant or don't know what you are doing. When I first starting teaching I was very nervous about talking with parents. I have learned now that I need to show confidence to parents so that they realize that they can't walk all over me. I make sure I sit at a higher chair than them during conferences ( it really works) and that I have plenty of examples and notes to show them about their student. Having a lot of data and notes is very important when covering your little hiney if parents complain. They can't fight your evidence. You won't always have those kinds of parents, but you never know when you will! 




Check out Carly's blog and TPT store for more!

Thanks for your advice, Carly.  I love your note about parents something often overlooked when you focus on students all day long!

Want to be featured, click "First Year Friday Form" at the top!




0

Magic Magnets!!


Whew coming back after a long weekend is rough! It seems like the days are SO long, luckily I did get quite a bit done at least for grad school work anyway. 

I wanted to show you my new pack that I have been meaning to work on forever! We did these activities over the summer and they loved them!  They are really fun and work just like my Static Electricity Stations except with magnets. 



It comes with 5 complete stations and recording sheets PLUS lots of extras!!



It is Jam-packed! Fun! and Engaging!!  Doesn't get better than that! 


This is a unit that you really get to do lots of exploration.


Leave me a comment telling me what your favorite thing is to teach in science! I'll pick someone to win a free copy! :)

Happy Monday  Tuessday!! (We didn't have school Monday!)

5

Don't we all need a support group?! and a SALE!



This is not totally teaching related, it is, but it isn't (fair warning)

Wouldn't it be nice to have people/place to go as a Teacher's support group!  What do you do when stressed out with work, circumstances beyond your control or just the teaching field in general? 

I was talking with a good friend today who also is going into the teaching field.  Both of us are in the process of applying and looking for jobs for the following fall.  To most people it wouldn't be a big deal but to the two of us and with our first possible jobs on the line it is STRESSFUL!  I have gotten so many wonderful tips on interviewing and portfolios and what to say/do, but if the jobs aren't there then there is not much to apply for. 

I feel it is a little more cumbersome since I will be moving in the summer and I don't know the school district or any teachers there - although I did put in applications but I feel that they will get overlooked. 

Just talking to someone else made me feel better that they are going though some of the same things I am - it feels good to connect on that level.  Especially if you are as Type A (and a super planner) as we both are...not having a job or prospects seems like it is looming over your head.

Can anyone else relate?  I know we all have things like this that happen all the time and at least being in the education field we can relate right (to some degree).

Tips for dealing with stress (as educators):

1. Pray - as a Christian this is something I do, but especially because I should be more patient and know that what is planned will happen even though I need almost daily reminders.

2. Vent/Get Advice- from a trusted friend/other teacher who will understand and listen and can offer advice if necessary. 

3.  Exercise/Hobby- DON'T WORRY! Worrying doesn't help anything so occupy your time doing something you like to do.  For me -painting/DIY wedding it is, I need to get back in the swing of things.

4. Refocus- Get excited for things going on in your classroom and school and what's coming up at the end of the year.  The students still need to be there mentally (so should you!).  I definitely could focus a little more.


Feel free to add to the list (comment) I would love to hear more!! How do you deal with stress?

Want to offer more advice fill out the "First Year Friday FORM" at the top to be featured :)

****UPDATE: I have actually gotten confirmation from a couple jobs that they have gotten my application, at least its a start!  Least I'm not on the complete bottom of pile!



---------------------------------------------------squirrel-------------------------------


Check out some of the new products and FREEBIES I have put up recently! 

Click any of the pics to go shopping!

    



Great for leftover candy!

        




12

FYFF- Savvy in Second Grade


I'm linking up with my first Five for Friday! 

This week we have fabulous Katie from Savvy in Second Grade!  


Introduction:
I've been teaching for 5 years, but this is my first year in 2nd grade (I was in Kinder before). It is almost like starting all over again (but not quite). The first two years are always so tough!

Best Tip for Management:

Find the style that works for you. Think honestly about what kind of classroom YOU work best in and don't try to just copy your neighbor. Your colleagues/mentor teachers may have different needs. For example, I am someone who needs to have a lot of procedures. There is a "way" to do everything in the class. Other teachers might like students to have more autonomy. I don't mind talking during centers, other teachers need quiet most of the time in the classroom. Neither way is "better," it is just about what makes me feel comfortable and productive.

Must Have School Supply:

Binder Clips

Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)

http://thepriceofteaching.blogspot.com/



Purely PaperlessThe OC Blog Button

  http://thephonicsphenomenon.blogspot.com/




How to stay organized?

1. My centers are organized by season and discipline (Word Work, Poerty etc) in portable filing bins.

2. I have rainbow drawers that are labeled by day of the week and extra materials. I put everything I need for Monday in the Monday drawer and all extra materials in the correct drawer.

3. Binder clips keep my guided reading books together. Books are organized by level in plastic boxes

4. I label EVERYTHING. All things have a space.

Stress Management Advice:
Try to exercise immediately after work. If I go home, I'm done! Running has kept me sane.

Interview Tip:

Research the school as much as possible before you interview. Find out their philosophy, whether or not they have had any recent (or upcoming special events), see if they have been in the newspaper. If you show you know a lot about the school, they interviewer can begin to picture you as part of the staff


What a great idea! The internet and local papers of if you know the area can really help give you an edge.

Advice for first year of Teaching:

Focus on one (or two) things at a time. As a new teacher you are not going to be everything you want in your first year. Creating all those amazing lessons, classroom management skills, and strategies takes time. Focus on the most important first and with each year create new goals. For example, my first year I focused on classroom management and understanding the standards. The next year I worked on my guided reading strategies and assessment. If you focus on a few things at a time you can make a lot of progress and feel accomplished. Try to do too much and you will feel overwhelmed and unsuccessful.



I love this idea of manageable goals- that really makes sense for new teachers!

SavvyinSecond

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Want to be featured?  Click on First Year Friday Form at the top! I'd love to have you! 

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I'm loving my First Year Teacher Advice, I'll count that as #1 when I link up with

fiveforfriday

2. I loved this activity we did here! 


OU/OW word practice with a freebie ------->










3.  I am addicted to Starburst Jelly Beans!!  They are fantastic and I cannot stop eating them, curse this time of year!




4. This is the first time I got to plan holiday activities for a classroom.  Here is a picture of the craft we did.

Click here for the full post!.



5. Last, I learned how to make long pins for Pinterest!!!   I'm way behind I know...well I did one for my art projects, think you would use them for teaching products?!

I could do a tutorial if anyone is interested - its super easy!

Click the pic to see it in action!!


















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