tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19247770907673890722024-03-13T03:06:18.048-07:00A Teacher's JourneyTinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-65228155727328938722013-03-13T11:44:00.000-07:002013-03-13T11:44:10.473-07:00Starting anewHi all, I know its been almost a year since I wrote. It's been a busy one. New school, new curriculum, new everything at work...family stuff not so great but getting there. Anyway... On to bigger and better things.<br />
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I am ready to start planning for next year. It is spring break (well almost) and I am ready for a change. I think I have the smallest room ever this year and it doesn't look like it's going to change any time soon so I need to deal with it. I am one who likes to stock pile furniture and then slowly get rid of it. Well, I am down to the bare minimum (well almost) and I am looking to chuck some more. I feel like I have crap all over this room and I need to downsize and get rid of. I think I am rambling because I have no idea how or where to start so I might as well pick a corner and start...right. Ok so I have this cute little corner that is perfect for a small rug. It has two bulletin boards and a bunch of wall space. I am thinking it will make a nice cozy library.<br />
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Question...what do I put on the bulletin boards? I kind of want to get them prepped for next year, but we don't get out of school until June 20th (we start back in August) 5 weeks off and I want to rest. so if there are any helpful people out there who have ideas for a library/reading board...please help. I will post pics before and after...Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-66383350537148570332012-06-16T19:44:00.001-07:002012-06-16T19:44:56.551-07:00Task CardsOne huge hurdle I have this summer is my "task cards". Before I switched schools, I copied a bunch of task cards so that I could get them ready for the next school year. When my mom was visiting for a week, she helped me cut them out. Now I am feeling a little overwhelmed with all of them. How am I going to get them ready for the school year, laminated, on card stock, and training the kids. Not feeling ready. Not feeling it at all actually. So my thought is that I spend this year getting them ready and doing them well so that next year they are ready? Ugh. What are your thoughts? I would love some advice. I was all excited about them and now, just not feeling it.<br />
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TinaTinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-52170798095313373382012-06-15T11:25:00.001-07:002012-06-15T11:25:51.037-07:00Spending MoneyAs a teacher, I have spent thousands and probably thousands of dollars on my classroom. When I was single it didn't really matter. I didn't have anyone to report or explain to. When I got married (10 years ago) I have to explain my purchases all the time. Every summer, I go a little overboard. Part of it is having the little guy, he does better when we go out and do field trips. Well, today, got in trouble with the big man (his nickname is Money Nazi). Anyway, so I have to be a little more careful about my projects...maybe...<div>
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On a better note, I have been working hard on getting ready for the new school and new grade. I am feeling a little overwhelmed. New school, grade, curriculum, harder expectations...don't get me wrong, I am SOSOOO excited. Next week I go in for a week of PD to prepare for the next school year. My personal goal was to be done with all my work before I went on vacation on July 5th. Not sure if that is going to happen, but working on it.</div>
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I can't wait to show pictures...and how everything fits into my classroom...</div>
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Tina</div>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-87705465904451405612012-05-14T14:30:00.001-07:002012-05-14T14:30:16.070-07:00End of the YearWith 9 days left...Yahoo!!!! I started taking down stuff in the classroom. We are supposed to have our classrooms done by Friday so that the kiddos have all their stuff and the recycling bins aren't overflowing the last week of school. As I was taking it down, I noticed that I really did not have a lot up. The kids have been very helpful! They emptied my bins, washed them out, removed all the staples from the bulletin boards and helped weed out the dried out markers from the ones that still work. It's amazing how helpful they were today. The whole time I kept thinking about my new classroom...what does it look like, how much space will I have, what materials will be in there, bulletin boards...the mind is a workin.<br />
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On May 29th, I have to stop at my old school and do the official drop off the keys and then I am going to go over to my new school and see if I can get in and take some measurements and pictures. From what I remember of the other classrooms, there is not a lot of bulletin board space so I know that I will have to use wall space. There are some amazing Pinterest ideas for word walls and such.<br />
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Here is my favorite: <img alt="Word Wall" src="http://media-cache4.pinterest.com/upload/220113500507796215_M0yqtV6A_b.jpg" />. Last I night on TPT, I found fish word wall letters that will use and then color coordinate with scrap-booking paper.<br />
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I have been trying to figure out what else I want to do in my classroom besides colorful fish and finally, it came to me...blues and lime greens. I found material at Hobby Lobby and made some crate benches for my reading table and decided to go with that.<br />
<img alt="Blue, Aqua and Lime Green Hanging Lanterns" src="http://media-cache4.pinterest.com/upload/199284352231490183_kDFjlbSi_b.jpg" /> I need to find these!!!!!<br />
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Tonight, report cards and SGOs :( yuck!<br />
<br />Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-31453103821076834032012-05-13T13:44:00.001-07:002012-05-13T13:46:51.177-07:00My first attemptDuring Teacher Appreciation week I download <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Calendar">Terri Thornton's Math Calendar</a>. I loved the design and the whole concept. One wish I had was to make it one page (to save paper) and there were a few items that I didn't want on mine. I thought that I would take this one inspiration to attempt my first publishing. It's not perfect and I might change it before the finally printing, but I am proud of it. Hopefully, this is the start of something great :)<br />
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My <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5QUMiOH0f61VFpCd094NlMwZFE">Math Calendar</a> based on Terri Thornton.<br />
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<img height="320" src="https://docs.google.com/viewer?pid=explorer&srcid=0B5QUMiOH0f61VFpCd094NlMwZFE&docid=04145e8844325639c869eba12ce62726%7C88e444d6e53294e2ef554d9bf11286dc&a=bi&pagenumber=1&w=800" width="247" />Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-12801545846987744602012-05-13T12:30:00.001-07:002012-05-13T12:30:45.832-07:00This and ThatI am down to 2 weeks (10 days) and I can hardly wait. This year has been hell. The AP has been a really PITA. He is one of those people that when it gets stressed...he takes it out on everyone else. The P doesn't like him and everyone knows it, so therefore he has taken to nonrenew or force out about 7 teachers. I have my final review with him on Friday - not expecting a great one based on this year, but you can be sure that I am bringing the union with me. 10 days...I can do this.<br />
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So for the next 10 days, I have some special things planned. We are continuing with the theme of the day but in overload for the next couple of weeks.<br />
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I am also feeling very frustrated that I am not one of those amazing bloggers who can produce wonderful products. Last night I had this great thought for a lesson plan format, but for the life of me, I could not figure out how to get it out of my head and onto the computer. That is one of my goals this summer...figure out how to create things on the computer.<br />
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Happy Mother's Day<br />
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TinaTinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-76533908309328215272012-05-09T08:26:00.000-07:002012-05-09T08:26:11.653-07:00Math PostersI wish I could take credit for finding this, but it all goes to <a href="http://guidedmath.wordpress.com/">Dr. Nicki's Guided Math Blog</a>. These are fabulous math posters (and other great stuff). I am going to print them off and laminate them for instruction next year.<br />
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Here is the link: <a href="http://billsteachingnotes.wikispaces.com/Numeracy+Teaching+Notes">Fabulous Math Posters</a><br />
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There are also literacy posters and information...what a gold mine..<a href="https://billsteachingnotes.wikispaces.com/Literacy+Resources">Literacy Info and Posters</a>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-26788755184718292382012-05-03T17:40:00.000-07:002012-05-03T17:40:03.866-07:00CCSS...Core Knowledge...and moreAs I prepare for next year in 3rd grade, I am surrounded, dreaming, and consumed with common core standards, core knowledge, and planning. So I decided that I was going to go through each subject and try to figure out everything and work myself out of the closet that is my world right now. I started with math. It seemed like it was the easiest subject to start with and um...yeah, not so much. Trying to figure out which end is up is a struggle. I took all the documents that I have been collecting and sorted through them, combined them and hopefully figured out what I am doing. I made a chart that determines the differences between common core and Core Knowledge. Took a couple of different scope and sequences and combined them into a sort of planning guide. I then took the CCSS and made checklists, cheat sheets, skill sheets and galore. I honestly not sure if it is going to help me at all, but I am hoping that once I sit down and start hard core planning, this helps. My plan is to somehow make a section in my data binder for each student and also document when I am teaching the various standards. What I am realizing is that there is a lot more work and accountability that goes along with CCSS and there is a lot of teaching on my plate with Core Knowledge. I am hoping that it makes sense soon.<br />
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Here are the documents that I made combining a lot of information that I found online.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5QUMiOH0f61SXRPa21VSmZRc0k">CCSS</a> and <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5QUMiOH0f61N1dJLVZXWHpfcWs">CCSS II</a>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-49300583747238177542012-04-30T18:48:00.002-07:002012-04-30T18:49:12.391-07:00Themed Days - Banana DayIn an effort to keep my kiddos from completely losing their minds...I have decided to do themed days until the end of the year. This has been one of the most interesting classes I have had in a long time. It is May and they still cannot hold it together all day. This class is fabulous in the morning, but after lunch they are completely different. Anyway...today was the first day of the themes.<br />
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I got some of the ideas from themeday.com<br />
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Banana Day!<br />
We started by doing some DEAR time so I could finish getting everything set up. Students then had "center" rotations in the computer lab playing games and learning facts about bananas. After about 45 min, we then went back to our room and made one of my favorite banana treats (sliced bananas, sugar, and milk). We have been writing recipes and how-to reviews and this fit in perfectly. Students then were all wound up so I took them outside and they wrote stories that went with "The Day My Teacher Went Bananas". They were really cute. After lunch, we made up directions and recipe for their favorite banana sundaes. As a review students did a color sheet in the shape of a banana using fractions. All in all, it was a good day.<br />
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Tomorrow: Rainbow day.<br />
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<br />Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-52531485195770985832012-04-29T15:25:00.001-07:002012-04-29T15:25:17.091-07:00Next Year ModeI have entered next year mode. Until this last week, I have been hiding behind anything and everything. Total denial that I didn't have a job yet, but now that I have a job...I am going at it. I have already started making stuff and doing my summer rounds looking for good deals.<br />
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I have decided on a fish theme. I keep finding really cute stuff for "ocean" but kinda want to stay with just fish. I have my mom (who lives in Minnesota) on a hunt for cute fish fabric.I am tying in bright colors and animated fish! Eventually I will get some actual fish for my new room, but need to make sure I have space.<br />
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I have made a couple of things thus far. My father in law cut out some wood benches for me to use with my new crates. I will use those for storage and for my guided reading seats.<br />
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I have been using these book boxes in my classroom for the past two years, and I found a couple more in the various colors.<br />
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I got some paintsticks from Home Depot and Lowes today which I am going to sandpaper and paint this week in a blue/green color to use as name plates.<br />
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Slowly I have been gathering up different materials for fish...I will be looking for more fish things, so if you find anything...let me know. I am so excited.<br />
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I have been also joining third grade blogs and getting ideas. In all my years of teaching, I can't believe that third grade is the only year that I have not ever taught...SO EXCITED!!!!<br />
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18 days left of school...can not wait. The last three years have been HELL!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-64630474112711685862012-04-18T08:45:00.000-07:002012-04-18T08:45:53.066-07:00It's been a yearI am just now noticing that I haven't been on here since October. A lot has been happening and I have been in shut down mode. My AP has been trying to get me out of the building. He has been lying and spreading rumors about me which were obviously not true. It's been really hard staying motivated for my students and really focus on my job, while worrying about money and everything else. The hard part is that I love this school. I love the kids, the teachers, but when you have a toxic work environment and the principal is breathing down your back looking for that one wrong thing...it is so hard. Since January, I have been hitting the pavement looking for a new job. My husband and I counted last night and I realized that since I first started looking, I have gone on 35 different interviews. Well, yesterday, I found out that I got the job that I wanted and the pay that my husband wanted! I am so excited. I am finally feeling like I can start planning for next year and get ready...it's been a long year! 26 days left!!!!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-46477078954803889932011-10-19T15:10:00.000-07:002011-10-19T15:10:56.239-07:00Crazy weekAll I can say is wow! It has been a week and it's only Wednesday. My teammate's dad passed away and the sub we have next door is a trip. I have been helping so much with that class, that I realized today that my own class has been suffering. I noticed that I was really negative today and that I just wanted the room to go away. When I am stressed, I like to clean and I was really wanting to clean and get rid of stuff. This, I realized is not the answer. I also realized that I need to close my door and not worry about what is going on next door because, although I feel bad for my teammate, I cannot worry about her kids. Anyway, so tonight, I need to regroup and refocus my energies. I need to get caught up and get stuff done. I need to get my head out of my b____t and do what I need to do. Did I also mention that my para has been done the past two days and I am also getting a new student tomorrow. ok, so that is my vent and I am moving on. I am actually falling in love with my students. It has been a hard first 9 weeks, but I look at each of them and love them.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-17828089119481960442011-10-08T12:22:00.000-07:002011-10-08T12:22:27.940-07:00I'm backI can't believe it's been about a month since my last post. Things have been crazy around here...still. Conferences are next week so I have been busy getting portfolios ready to go. We have started having meetings like crazy through lunch, planning, mornings...anytime so that has take a lot of time. My kiddos are doing great. We have worked up to about 20 min of reading. I just finished assessments so now it's getting the routine down. I am starting visualization this week in reading.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-21311361857720191972011-09-04T14:49:00.000-07:002011-09-04T14:49:00.993-07:00Having a Hard time...sort ofWe are about to start the third week of school and I am completely stressed out. Usually the amount of stuff on my calendar right now, doesn't happen until about Feb. We have a new principal this year who is bound and determined to get our school out of the red. If you don't know what that is...our district/state categorizes schools into the red (failing), yellow (getting better), green (good), and blue (fabulous). We have only been open for 2 years and started in the red so the saying "we can only go up from here" really does mean us. We have made great gains in our test scores, but that is not the only thing we are. We are an arts school. The district has yet to made a statement in out favor and is bound and determined to watch us fail. Anyway...we have a new principal who wants to have each foot in both sides. The art side to keep that going, and the district side to prove that we know what we are doing. Due to that...we have assessments every two weeks, running records every two weeks, data teams every week, learning communities every other week, monthly sped meetings, intervention meetings once a month, justifications needed for subs, field trips, and to be able to go to the bathroom. UGH!!! I have a new team mate this year which has been FABULOUS! She and I are like long lost sisters. We help each other, cover for each other...etc. It is amazing what can be done when you have a partner that supports you rather than digs the whole and pushes you in. (long story). In the last three weeks it has been amazing, but the new requirements that we have from this new P is stressing me out and putting my normally undercontrol OCD at a flipping out pace. Binders, dividers, sorting, centers, DRA, running records, etc are in my head at all times. I have meetings every day of the week, duty once a week, a para who is helpful but driving me crazy, and children who are fabulous but the most talkative group I have ever had! When is it going to slow down?<br />
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As I am writing this, my husband is peaking over my shoulder telling me to stop complaining. This is the happiest that I have been in a while! It is so true. I am loving this school year. I love knowing what is expected of me and when instead of being a mind reader and failing miserably.<br />
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So to add to all this stress...My hubby and I decided to get a dog...CRAZY!!!!!<br />
The puppies were born Friday and we will get our little addition the first week in November. I am excited and hopeful that things settle down by then.<br />
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I also wanted to say a special thanks for all the blogs I follow for helping me with ideas and motivating me!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-63025543176925259102011-08-23T19:23:00.000-07:002011-08-23T19:23:31.718-07:00It's Been a WhileWow, I haven't written for a while. School started last Thursday and it has been so hot, I get home and I literally can't think. Today was one of the first days that I have felt like doing some work. I had my classroom all set up ready to go (except my desk area) and Monday when i started centers, I realized that it wouldn't work. There was no traffic pattern, I couldn't see some kiddos, it was not good. So I spent yesterday trying to figure out a better flow...which I did!!!! Things have literally been adding up and I don't think that I have felt this stressed the first week of school in since my first year of teaching.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-67846201953489884642011-08-14T19:33:00.000-07:002011-08-14T19:33:31.217-07:00A to do list a mile longThis starts the first full week back to work. We have staff stuff Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday is ours in our classroom and the kiddos start Thursday. There is a lot going through my mind right now. I have not even started planning because there hasn't been time. I have a new para who does not have the best reputation in the school. I am trying to put a positive spin on the situation and start the year positive. She is coming in on Tuesday and Wednesday to do some work in the classroom so that on Thursday and Friday when the kids are here, I have them all to myself.<br />
I try to cross things off my to-do list, but instead, most of the day was adding things to it. The list is now 3 pages long...ugh. I need to get to school early tomorrow to get some work done before meetings begin...I would love to share with all of you the amazing things I have been doing, but alas, none of it is done...<br />
Tonight, in an effort to feel accomplished about something, I reorganized my thumb drive...that only made me feel even more stressed because I didn't know how to organize. I finally just made a bunch of folders and separated them out and I will look at them later.<br />
There is so much to do...Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-30810257803911072412011-08-10T18:25:00.000-07:002011-08-10T18:25:54.759-07:00We're BaaaaaaackI spent Monday in an airport, making lists and lists of stuff that I need to get done.<br />
Yesterday, I spent the morning in my classroom walking around, moving big piles into smaller piles...<br />
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Today, our first official day back was a lost day. We had meetings all morning (actually really productive) and then the afternoon was supposed to be work time, but it was also filled with impromptu meetings and helping new teachers figure out the ropes.<br />
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Feel like I have been slacking on the blog, but overwhelmed with school stuff.<br />
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I actually went to McDonald's for dinner tonight with the little guy and realized that I didn't have breakfast or lunch. While he was playing on the playset, I was again, adding to my to-do list. Right now, when we are supposed to be having "quiet time", I am writing this and thinking about my to do list....I brought home 2 bags and a milk crate full of things I need to get done tonight...we will see. I only have tomorrow...Friday is an out of the building staff retreat!<br />
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Wish me luck!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-15511533066716319562011-08-06T14:06:00.000-07:002011-08-06T14:06:28.153-07:00VacationHi all, thanks for the updates and the messages that my pics aren't showing up...not sure what is up with that. I am at my parents house in Minnesota and up north with no cell or computer service. I will be heading home on Monday and get back to the classroom on Tuesday. Kiddos start August 18th! Let the craziness begin! I have already started having back to school dreams!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-53005361838590976832011-07-24T14:06:00.000-07:002011-07-24T14:06:54.309-07:00Classroom JobI am guilty of being horrible at this...I always forget to switch jobs, call on those people to do the jobs. HORRIBLE. This year, I made it really close to our morning meeting area (I hope this helps). They are the green library pockets in one of the pics below. I have 19 of them and will have the students names on Popsicle sticks. It will be the person of the week's job to switch jobs! I try to have each child have a job. I have 19 so far...but 31 students so we will see<br />
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- line leaders<br />
- caboose<br />
- calendar<br />
- student of the week<br />
- helper<br />
- center patrol<br />
- center rugs<br />
- whiteboards<br />
- pencils<br />
- workshop worker<br />
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I am sure there are more...Join the linky party with <a href="http://lessonplandiva.blogspot.com/">THE LESSON PLAN DIVA</a>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-63051773852725638862011-07-23T14:38:00.000-07:002011-07-23T14:38:31.394-07:00Where did the summer go?I have been working like a mad woman all summer getting stuff ready for the new school year. I am down to the planning part of my summer and it hit me today like a ton of bricks...I LEAVE WEDNESDAY!!! One of my fellow teachers said the other day "I haven't done all my summer bucket list stuff yet". No kidding. As I was sitting at McDonalds with my little guy, I realized that I too have not done my bucket list. Ok, I haven't even made one, but still, there are things that I want to do. So I thought that I would make one and do some of it during the next 2 weeks that I am designating as vacation.<br />
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1. I want to crochet. My best friend is due in September with #3 and I want to make the baby a blanket<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> I bought the yarn today and will be working on this! </span><br />
2. I would love to have a day that I just spend on the couch watching tv.<br />
3. While on vacation - with my parents - I want a day at the beach to veg and read.<br />
4. Clean out my car<br />
5. figure out my Ipad - which I have been ignoring all summer<br />
6. have a date with my hubby<br />
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Wow, I have a really lame bucket list...but I guess my point is that I have been too wrapped up in school work all summer that I need to put it away.<br />
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I will still be looking for great ideas on my favorite websites, but mini vacation here I come!<br />
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ps My husband is watching me type this and said "yeah right, you have teaching on the brain all the time, I bet you can't give it up for the next two weeks" We shall see.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-70516866709176232242011-07-22T19:23:00.000-07:002011-07-22T19:23:50.240-07:00PinterestIf you haven't been, you have to go check it out!!!!! Here are some of my favs of today:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"><img alt="Rainbow rice. Like sand but less messy. I like it. " src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/75482697_hWWd5U0G_b.jpg" /><!--[endif]--></span><!--[endif]--></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">Rainbow Rice</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><img alt="Let it be...: Yet another place I'd like a tattoo." src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/89559_mAIT7Xgs_b.jpg" /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">I LOVE this tat!!!!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><img alt="Flowers" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/70450750_H6qZyLPm_b.jpg" /> my favorite flower!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><img alt="flowers" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/41488220_m0KVKExY_b.jpg" /> simply beautiful</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><img alt="Haverhill Afghan Scarf - love this! " src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/69845173_vDyKaMyG_b.jpg" />I have always wanted to make an afghan with this design and colors!</span></span><br />
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</span></span>Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-79287594607950628172011-07-22T19:04:00.000-07:002011-07-22T19:04:18.901-07:00Classroom Almost readyI went in today, the last day before vacation. My goal was to get as much done as possible, even though it was 100 degrees. So as I got done with the areas, I took pictures of the final product. I have a really small room. Orginally, the school was a tech middle school so our classrooms were designed for 10 students, not 30. Anyway, rooms are tight. I can't get rid of tables, desk, or reading table...cram in a meeting rug, and you got my room.<br />
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Guided Reading/Math (small group)<br />
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<img alt="IMAG0201.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=131533690e8176b5&attid=0.4&disp=thd&realattid=1375061541119852544-4&zw" /><br />
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This is my teaching area. The closet contains my guided reading, guided math, and blooms/Marzanos questionsing cards (see Tonya on BusyBoard - PT)<br />
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The Jaguar in the background was part of the mural that my students painted last year.<br />
<img alt="IMAG0199.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=131533690e8176b5&attid=0.5&disp=thd&realattid=1375061541119852544-5&zw" /> the bulletin board will have reading strategies and groups<br />
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<img alt="IMAG0200.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=131533690e8176b5&attid=0.3&disp=thd&realattid=1375061541119852544-3&zw" /> I just bought this today - Michaels - will contain teaching materials for groups<br />
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<img alt="IMAG0185.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=131533690e8176b5&attid=0.1&disp=thd&realattid=1375061541119852544-1&zw" /><br />
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This is my little guy with a cork board project I did for outside my classroom...<br />
<img alt="IMAG0217.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=13154b3fedc2a449&attid=0.1&disp=thd&realattid=1375087853885718528-1&zw" /><br />
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I always forget notes or lose them from parents...I put these clipboards on the door for me to remind myself and for parents to clip notes during the day.<br />
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<img alt="IMAG0216.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=13154b3fedc2a449&attid=0.2&disp=thd&realattid=1375087853885718528-2&zw" /><br />
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<img alt="IMAG0215.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=13154b3fedc2a449&attid=0.3&disp=thd&realattid=1375087853885718528-3&zw" /> The hutch is the writing area. On the doors are word work centers.<br />
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The following are views of the room from the meeting area and the reading area<br />
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<img alt="IMAG0214.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=13154b3fedc2a449&attid=0.4&disp=thd&realattid=1375087853885718528-4&zw" /> the blue cart will be math baskets. the desk and blue chart is the listening center.<br />
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<img alt="IMAG0212.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=13154b3fedc2a449&attid=0.6&disp=thd&realattid=1375087853885718528-6&zw" /> these pockets are for the writing workshop.<br />
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<img alt="IMAG0205.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=13154b561b2eae5e&attid=0.1&disp=thd&realattid=1375087902215634944-1&zw" /><br />
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This is along the wall with the blue cart. It's my calendar bb and this new bulletin board. The two sections on top are the decoding and comprehension strategies. (I put them up so I could take the pic, but I start the year with a blank bb. The bottom library pockets are the jobs. I am hoping that with them that close to me in the meeting area, I will be better at them. In previous pictures, this whiteboard is the one above my phone, mailbox area.<br />
<img alt="IMAG0207.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=13154b561b2eae5e&attid=0.2&disp=thd&realattid=1375087902215634944-2&zw" /><br />
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<img alt="IMAG0206.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c237aab890&view=att&th=13154b561b2eae5e&attid=0.3&disp=thd&realattid=1375087902215634944-3&zw" /><br />
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Goal for the next two weeks: planning, get copying ready, gear up for the kids. I am leaving for vacation on Wednesday!!! I am hoping to get a lot done by them. We shall see.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-22709691845390807932011-07-19T16:25:00.000-07:002011-07-19T16:25:50.535-07:00Blog vs. WebsiteI have been thinking about my website lately...I need to revise it. Now that I am on the blog bandwagon, I am wondering if blogging is the way to go. I have had a website...but blogging seems to be a better way to go here are some of my thoughts:<br />
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I am on the blog anyway, it would take little time to update it<br />
parents can respond immediately, don't have to send e-mail<br />
parents can actually talk with each other through summaries<br />
I can still have tabs for newsletters, calendars, etc...<br />
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What are your thoughts? I would love some feedback!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-53817167362966453882011-07-16T18:24:00.000-07:002011-07-16T18:24:10.472-07:00HomeworkThe thorn in my side...the pain in my rear...aka homework. I hate correcting it, I hate dealing with it, I hate making it, I hate everything about it. My principal last year was confusing on this topic...assign it, but don't use copies. The students should have to do it, but don't punish them for not doing it. I tried everyday, I have tried once a month, I have tried once a week. UGH!!!! So I have decided that the first step in making this thorn a little better is to make it easier.<br />
In my school, we have Thursday Folders. Why not send home all the notes and stuff AND homework. Goes home Thursday and due on Thursday. That way I only need one folder for home - notes and homework.<br />
Second, I put my homework on a four week rotation. Each group has different spelling words, but the same assignments.<br />
Reading will be a reading log and then a reading response that goes with the reading strategy from the last month.<br />
Math will be Homelinks (Everyday math) from the last chapter.<br />
Writing will also be a four block with final draft.<br />
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Here are my <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/60168230">Reading</a> and <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/60168220">Spelling</a> Assignments.Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924777090767389072.post-38397241273678951992011-07-15T18:19:00.000-07:002011-07-15T18:38:27.721-07:00Ladybug Teacher FilesIf you haven't already...make your way over to check out <a href="http://ladybugsteacherfiles.blogspot.com/">Ladybug Teacher Files</a>. She is having a fabulous giveaway to celebrate 1000 followers!!!! Come on over and join the party!Tinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16736536643325423865noreply@blogger.com1