Task Card Dividers

A few weeks ago, I was at Target and found these AWESOME wire baskets in the dollar section. They were only $3 and very durable. I actually need to go back and snag a few more! At first, I honestly had no idea what to use them for. Then, I remembered that my task card collection is TOTALLY out of control!  I mean, they were literally scattered all over my classroom. At times, I had no idea that some sets even existed... can I get an amen? I'm sure I'm not the only one who has this issue! 

Yesterday, we had a teacher workday. Going in, I knew my #1 goal was to get my task cards all fixed up! Today I decided to give a sneak peek of my dividers on Instagram. The interest was overwhelming. So, I decided to post them on TpT for *FREE*!  Did you hear me?? 

Here are a few more close ups. 

You can click the image below to download them from TpT. It includes an editable file with the tabs I have already created as well as blank ones to add your own text. If you are interested, go grab yours, add your own text, print them out, and laminate! 

Enjoy :)

Flash Freebie, CAFE Freebie & Updates

Hey ya'll!  Sorry I wasn't able to post classroom pictures yesterday.  Do you ever *think* you are going to get so much accomplished, but you actually don't?  Well, that has been the story of my classroom life for the past few weeks.  I've been going in at least two times a week and I feel like nothing is getting done.  I did, however, manage to unpack all of my boxes... finally!  I was at a stand still yesterday because I couldn't find my desk and filing cabinet keys.  I put them in a *safe* place that was then forgotten.  I finally found them... in my teacher bag:)

Well, I may not have pictures to share, but I have a lot of other things.  Like my Melonhead, for example.

Isn't it just soooo cute?  I'm going to put it with my signature soon.  I just love how it turned out with my coffee in my hand :)  What's funny is that I have a scarf identical to the one pictured here... and I just love maxi skirts.

Here's what I'm really excited about.  Remember my curtains from my Monday Made It post?  Well, I've been working on a decor pack to go along with my grey chevron theme.  I finally finished it and it's a flash freebie until 6:30 am tomorrow morning.  After that, it will be priced at $6.50.  Here's a preview of it.

You can access it in my TpT shop by clicking HERE.  I'm so excited about printing this off and getting it up in my room.  I'll post pics as soon as I get it all figured out.

Lastly, I have something just for you for reading all the way to the bottom.  If you do the daily 5 then perhaps you could use this CAFE menu board I adapted from Kristen {she actually uses CRAFT} who adapted it from The Sisters.

This will remain a freebie so no worries :)

There are three choices for the color of the CAFE headers and they are all included in the file that you can download HERE.

{FREEBIE} Curriculum Binder Pages for School Year 2013-2014

Are you already planning for next year?  I know I am :)  Does anyone else feel silly for getting ready for a new school year before the current one is over?  Last summer, I decided to create a curriculum binder where I would store all things related to my lesson plans and pretty much anything else I would need to help me plan.  I offered the divider pages in my TpT shop for free.  Today, I have updated them for the upcoming school year. If you would like to learn more about my binder and watch a video where I explain it, click here.

This upcoming year, I have six designs to choose from.  This year, I had one basic black/white design that I printed on bright paper.

Curriculum Binder 2012-2013

Boring.... BLAH!

It worked for what I needed, but I decided that I would like a little color this upcoming year.  You have a few color choices and a few black/white choices as well as two different font choices.

Here's a preview of the binder pages as well as close ups of each design.

The cursive font is a free one called Xiomara and the cutesy one is KBLimeLight.  Both can be downloaded for free.

To get your free 114 page download, please visit my TpT shop.

I also have four of the designs available in a .ppt file so you can personalize and create custom titles using your own fonts.  These are also available for free by clicking here.

Here's what they look like.  Please read the directions in the TpT description carefully before printing.

Happy {ALMOST} Friday ;-)

Updates, Curriculum Binder, & Vocabulary Walls

To say that I have been 'out of the loop' of blogging is an understatement.  So, what have I been doing??  Well, my wonderful husband gave me a 4-hour gift certificate for here...  {ah-hum.. that's Urban Sanctuary Spa in Athens, GA in the Boulevard Historic District}.

This isn't the best picture... I was too relaxed to really take any!

It was my graduation/mother's day present.  It sure made all those hours I spent on my Ed.S. degree worth it!  I chose to be 'Queen for a Day' and it was W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L.!  I got a full body massage, a body scrub, a facial, a scalp massage, lunch, and a pedicure/foot massage.  Ahhhhh... I didn't want to leave!

I have also been here....

My two year old insists on going swimming every day.... FINE.WITH.ME!

I have also been super busy working on math vocabulary wall sets like a crazy woman.  I've had the sweetest teacher buds asking for their specific grade level, and I'm just too sweet to say no.  With that said, I wanted to share the ones I have available so far.  I DO NOT have K or 2nd grade and I really do not know when I will have these.  I love making these things, but there comes a time when you have to say no.  I want to enjoy my time with my sweet boys because I only have a month left of summer.  WHAT???  That's just crazy to me.  These are all available in my TpT store along with coordinating 'I Can' statements {I do not have 5th grade 'I Cans' right now... I will have them before August.. hopefully}!  You can click each picture to go to my store.  Wait.... THERE IS MORE.... A FREEBIE FOR YOU!

 

CURRICULUM BINDER

Do you have/use a curriculum binder?  I started using one last year, but it didn't work for me because I didn't take the time to organize it and get it the way I wanted it.  This year, I am determined to make it work because it is such a useful tool.  I already have a school-wide assessment binder that I use for my data team meetings.  My data team binder can get pretty thick towards the end of the school year.  I want a separate binder where I will store my everyday things like lesson plans, standards, etc..  

So... what will I use this binder for?  I plan on using my curriculum binder EVERY DAY! This will be my go-to place for standards, lesson plans, weekly & benchmark assessment results, guided math plans, etc.  Anything I need for planning will be in my binder.  During my Ed.S. program at The University of Georgia, I read A LOT about taking the time to plan your differentiated lessons.  When differentiating the RIGHT way, it SHOULD take anywhere from 45 minutes-1 hour to truly differentiate a weeks worth of plans.  Since I only teach math, I have an advantage.  This is something I REALLY want to work on this year.  I believe that having this binder will aid in my development of this.  I also plan to look at each and every assessment closely and closely monitor EACH child's progress on pre/post tests.  

I am starting to get things together, and I wanted to share a few things about it.  First of all, I bought a heavy duty 2" binder from Office Max.  

I am picky about my binders, the rings had to be flat on one side so it would close without me having to adjust my papers.  I also like the one touch open/close clasp.  

I also like the tiered pockets on the sides... I don't really have a reason for this.. lol!  

I would show the rest of my binder, but I don't have it completely ready yet.  I do want to share the sections I plan on organizing.  I created some cutesy title pages that I will put in page protectors and place behind each divider tab.  I bought the divider tabs you can write/erase.  Even though I use a sharpie to write on them with, I have found that you can use a magic eraser if you ever need to change them. 

It's obvious here that I have A LOT of work to do!  I used post-its to jot down ideas of tabs as I went through my pages.

So... here is what I have so far.  The sections I plan on including (and have included here in this link for you to have... for FREE) are

o lesson plans 

o curriculum map

o pacing guide

o common core standards

o georgia performance standards (I did not include this one since it is state specific...    we still have to teach the GP standards this year ALONG with the CC)

o standard examples

o grade level alignment (vertical alignment)

o teaching vocabulary

o birthdays

o parent contacts

o notes

o classroom records

o book issue list

o weekly assessments: pre/post

o benchmark assessments: pre/post

Previously, I posted a freebie that included a birthday, parent contact, notes, classroom records, and book issue list that you can use in your binder.  Once I get my binder complete, I plan on posting again with a detailed look inside as well as any additions I may have added, and MORE FREE FORMS.

Again, don't forget your TITLE PAGES and your CURRICULUM BINDER FORMS.  

So, now I have a question for you.  What are some other things you include in your binder if you have something similar?

One last thing... I also need to include my guided math plans.  I have created a lesson plan template just for guided math because it deserves so much more than just a small box.  That's another thing... small boxes make you feel that your plans need to fit inside that small box.  Well, I just don't think that is enough room!  You can get the guided math template by clicking the picture below.  You will be directed to my post where I talk about it more.

Whew!  That was a long post!  Don't forget to leave any additions below!  I look forward to hearing from you.

Luna Document Camera Giveaway... One Day Left!!

Hi there!  I'm so excited to be able to bring my review of the Luna document camera by Learning Resources.  Although my 'try out' didn't go as smoothly as I wanted it to {operator issues!} I am honored to have this tool available for use in my classroom.

First of all, this is a great opportunity since the Luna retails for $199 through Learning Resources.  After using it, I will say that it gives just as good of an image as the Elmo which I have used before.  The Luna also provides video recording and image capturing.  I used the video component {not on purpose! lol} during my 'try out.'  Once I went back and reviewed the video, I was very impressed with the audio of the video.  The sound was very clear and it did an excellent job with eliminating background noises that you didn't need.  For example, my voice was loud and clear, and you could hear the students' responses, but other annoying noises were not as clear.  This was great since I teach 4th grade and they we can become a little irritated at sitting still and listening.

Here's a screen capture of the video.  I would include the video, but it was the end of the school year, I had just come back from maternity leave, and it was... well, just CRAZY!  lol

Overall, I am SUPER excited to have this tool in my classroom, and I'm sure I will use it several times a week to help my students understand EXACTLY what I want them to do.

Here's the great part.... Learning Resources is going to give one of these great tools to one of my followers.  There are a few things you need to do first.




a Rafflecopter giveaway 
Terri

Free Lesson Plan Template & Common Core Classroom Helpers: 1st Grade

Hey, Ya'll!  This summer has been super busy.  It's amazing at the difference of your free time when going from one child to two!  I actually think I had more free time when school was in.  However, I am SO enjoying my stay at home time with my two sweet boys! I have managed to find a few moments of time here and there to think about next year.  I saw a guided reading plan on Pinterest and thought it would be a great idea to incorporate these in my guided math planning.  It is so easy to have all three groups do the same exact activity, but to modify it in ways to help them understand.  Listen to me carefully...THIS.IS.NOT.THE.WAY.IT.SHOULD.BE.  Although this way is fine, I want to truly differentiate for my students.  I'm thinking the only major difference will be between my struggling group and my other two.  One of the two is to remediate at a higher level, and the third group will be to remediate & advance.  So, I figured that if I MADE myself plan that way, then it will get done.  So, here's what I have come up with.  It's free.... you can have it!  Click the format you would like to download below the photo.

PDF                 WORD

I used Pea Celestial Creation font from Kevin & Amanda.  Get it {FREE}!

I have also been hard at work creating Common Core Essentials for classrooms.  Right now, I have fourth and first grade.  I've previously posted about 4th grade.  Last night I completely finished my 1st grade.  Here's some previews.  You can buy the vocabulary cards and 'I Can' statements separate at $6 each, or you can buy them bundled for $10 and save.

Common Core Vocabulary Cards, $6

Common Core 'I Can' Statements, $6

Here's the bundle.  Both coordinating resources for only $10.

My next set is 3rd grade.  Then, I will be working on some 4th grade ELA sets. If you have a grade you would like me to create, please comment below with your request.  Enjoy ;-)   Due to the amount of requests received via email, I am currently not accepting any new requests at this time.  I hope you all understand.  Thanks so much for your support!  It is greatly appreciated.

Common Core Resources

Hey ya'll!  I recently had someone email me about what I use in my classroom as far as a textbook goes.  Well, to be honest... I don't use them!  Instead, I use activities that I have found, but mostly those that I create myself.  What's great is that once you have the activities planned and made, they are there for the following year.  I referred her to our state education department website {Georgia}.  There are some great resources here!  Our state has gathered a compilation of activities and resources to help teach the CC this year.  You can find them by clicking the link below.  On the right side, you will find a list of grade levels.  Simply click on the + sign beside your grade level and a list of frameworks {activities} will pop up.  These are actually PDF files that have tons of resources for each unit.

https://www.georgiastandards.org/Common-Core/Pages/Math-K-5.aspx

Here's another resource {same directions as above} for reading/language arts. Great activities!

https://www.georgiastandards.org/Common-Core/Pages/ELA-K-5.aspx

I know a lot of you around here teach in Georgia and share the same resource as myself.  However, I was wondering if any of you that teach in a different state have any great CC resources/activities that your state education department has shared with you.  If so, I would love for you to leave a link to your resource in the comments section below.

I look forward to reading and looking at all your resources!  If you think this would work better as a post & linky party, let me know and I will set it up.  I haven't had much luck with getting bloggers to participate.

See ya soon!
Terri

Giveaway Winner

Okay, I guess I totally dropped the ball on this giveaway.  Not only did I not promote it, but I'm days late announcing my winner..... sorry.  I've been so wrapped up in my grade school work that I don't have much time for many things these days.  I have two more weeks left, and I really don't know what I'm going to do when I no longer have school work to do.. WOOHOO!  I've been spending late nights working on my lit. review.  My professor has interest in helping me get it published in a math journal.  I love the idea, and it's something that is on my educator's bucket list, but I'm not sure I have the writing skills for it.  We shall see!  As I have mentioned before, it is about math vocabulary strategies, and I'm so going to share it with you when I finish because it has a lot of things that make a lot of sense as to why students struggle with math vocabulary.

ANYWAYS... off to the winner!

Alisha, I have sent you an email with your links to download your freebies!

Don't forget that in a few weeks I will have two giveaways for products that value $300.  I just have to get back in my classroom from maternity leave :)  BTW- next week is my last week off :(  I'm going to miss my Hudson James like crazy, but I sure miss teaching!

Have a great week!

Common Core Vocabulary Wall Set: 4th Grade

First of all, YAHOO!  This is my 100th post!  I never knew that blogging would turn into #1- something I love, and #2- a complete addiction! :)

YAY!  I am SUPER excited about my newest product!  Why? you might ask!  Because I can use it in my own classroom of course!  I am so eager to print these awesome vocabulary cards, laminate them, and get ready to use them {probably next year}!  I use vocabulary cards with every unit I teach.  Currently, I use my closet door as my word wall.  You may have seen this picture before....

This is currently what works for me..... but not anymore!  Not since I've made this awesome NEW wall set.  It will look more like this.....a standard header with cards that correlate with the standard {they are also color coordinated too!}.

Right now, I just have these available for 4th grade, but I am planning on adding them for each grade level.  My next venture will be 1st grade!

You can view the 4th grade Common Core Vocabulary Wall Set in my TpT store by clicking the picture below.  In this packet, there are 5 circle headers and around 100 vocabulary cards!  Most with cute pictures :)

And... because I like a good giveaway (which I am also doing with my Spring Math Journal Prompts & Fraction Packet, click {HERE} for more info.)  I will give this away to the first two who..

1) blog about my vocab wall set with a picture (the one above) and a link to my TpT store and blog

2) come back to this page and comment with a link to your post. 

Remember the first two are my winners so be quick!

Lastly, I have an awesome giveaway that I have coming up.  It will be a few weeks before I get it together, but you don't want to miss it!  I will have two giveaways that are worth $300 combined.  It's awesome, and I am so excited to be a part of it.

2 Products

2 Giveaways

2 Lucky Winners

$300!

Here's a hint.... it's technology!

Lesson Plan Binder

Hey There!  I'm going to make this short & sweet because I still have a lot to do before I go to bed!  I waited until the last minute to complete TWO assignments!  What is wrong with me and why do I always do this to myself?  For those of you just tuning in, I have been on an adventurous roller coaster called grad school since August of 2008.  From 2008-2010 I worked on my masters degree.  From 2010- May 2012 (YAY! almost there) I have attended the University of Georgia for my Ed.S. in ECE.  While there, I also thought of the crazy idea to get my gifted endorsement!  Okay, so I thought this was suppose to be short... that's what you are thinking, isn't it?

Anyways....
I found this file that I created many moons ago and wanted to share it.  How many of you use a lesson plan binder where you type or write your lessons into a custom made template for yourself?  I do, and I love it because I can add everything I need to my binder!  The file I am sharing are some things you can add to your binder to help you stay organized.  Since I use cute lil' fonts, I have converted it to a .pdf file.  Let me know what you think & enjoy!

DOWNLOAD

Vocabulary Cards & Geometry Book

Hi there!  I know a lot of you are getting ready for spring break while some are dreading coming back!  I hope you all enjoy your 'me' time.  I know it sure is hard to come by when you have an almost 3 year old and two month old.  But, I do love every minute of it!

I wanted to share what I am working on.  I'm super excited because it's something that I am going to use in my classroom next year {can't wait}!  Right now I am working on 4th grade, but I hope to have them for every grade level.  The first to comment with a grade level will be the next one I will work on.
 

I also wanted to share a geometry freebie with you.  I use this with my geometry unit.  I have left it in .doc format so you can edit it to your needs.  I copy this for each student, fold, then staple it like a regular book.  You may need to change it a bit to get it to print correctly, but it is a great resource for your students.  When my students finished it, they used it to help them study for the assessment.  Just click below for the download.  

{The file should open correctly if you have Times New Roman font}

Enjoy :)

Math Vocabulary Freebie

Okay bloggy friends!  I said I would post some {FREE} things, and here's my first one!  You all know I love math vocabulary.  I think it is VERY important for students to understand and use the proper math vocabulary.  In fact, I am writing a literature review about math vocabulary strategies for my last research class for my Ed.S.

This is a great resource for helping your students with math vocabulary.  It uses strategies to help students remember the meaning of the words.  If you do not have a math word wall in your room.... M.A.K.E. O.N.E.!  My students refer to mine on a daily basis.  Some argue that it's giving them a crutch because it will not be there on the state test.  That is true, BUT they are exposed to these words over and over because they use them!  To me, that's most important!


Kid Friendly Standards Math

*Please note that I DID NOT create these.  I found them and think they are wonderful so now I am sharing with you!*
Enjoy these and I will post more {FREE} things soon!