End of Year Reflections

As this school year is coming to a close (it's crazy, right?) I'm left wanting more for my students next year. Although I will still be teaching 5th grade ELA next year, it's going to be totally different. Our 5th grade team is completely departmentalizing next year. That means I'll teach four ELA classes instead of two. Unfortunately, that also means that I will only have about 70 minutes to teach reading, writing, grammar, allow independent reading, and still have reading conferences. I'm not a magician, and I'm not sure how in the world I'm going to do it all. So, my mind is racing right now on what my students absolutely need and what they could really do without.

So, here's what I've been thinking. These are just quick reflections and may totally change. I would love to hear how you incorporate some of these things in your own classrooms or some ideas you may have.

• No homework besides reading- this year I had a reading passage with questions and some type of constructed response, a reading log, and grammar homework. I will be cutting waaaaay back on this since I really will not have time to go over homework! I'm thinking about a reading log (definitely) and a passage with questions that will be reviewed on Fridays. So, I will not be checking homework each day which will be a huge time saver!
• Work from the moment they step foot in my door- Always have them doing something! I started using my seat work for this purpose and it's been wonderful! The students are busy with meaningful work from the moment they slip the work out of their binder. AND.. they know exactly what to do each day.
• No more small groups except for my struggling readers- Last year I did three rotations in each class, even with my gifted students. Although this was great and gave me an opportunity to really get to know all my students, I felt like there were some skills and some students that really didn't need the small group instruction.
• More Conferences- I love having reading conferences, but it's a challenge to fit them all in. Next year I am hoping to do less small group and more individual conferencing on a regular basis... not just when I have time... whenever that is!!
• Incorporate grammar within my reading and writing instruction- last year I taught grammar as stand-alone instruction. Next year I am going to embed it more into my reading and writing instruction. This is mainly due to time and they way students are assessed on our state assessment.
• More goal setting- This is a goal I have at the beginning of each year. Then, the craziness of the beginning of the year approaches and before you know it, half the year is gone! 
• Incorporate more close reading- I LOVE close reading! There are some really good resources out there if you look for them! I am wanting to incorporate this even more next year!

I'm sure this list will continue to grow. If I have and ah-ha! moments, I'll be sure to come back and tell you about theme!

What are your next year resolutions?

Exciting News!

Hey, ya'll!

I'm back this week with a quick check in!  First of all, it was announced {2 weeks ago} that I was named Teacher of the Year at my school!

It is truly an honor and something I am very proud of.  Since I became a teacher, I always wanted to earn this award.  Here's the catch... now I have to write a {VERY} lengthy paper this summer, but that's okay!  I am actually looking forward to sharing my journey to teaching.

This week, we are finishing up our state testing.  We had reading last Thursday and ELA last Friday.  This is a relief because these are the subjects I teach.  I feel relief knowing that part is over with.  We have the day off from testing tomorrow and resume on Tuesday.  Since social studies and science are coming up, I am going to spend tomorrow close reading an informational text about World War I.  So fun!

Right now, I am finishing up chapter 3 of Falling in Love with Close Reading and will be posting about chapter 2 this week.  Also, look for my May Print & Go packet similar to this April one.

I need to get a move on.. I haven't even started it yet... YIKES!

Looking forward... I am working on a close reading packet.  It will probably be a while before this one is ready.  I want it to be just right!

Happy Week!

Virtual Classroom Library & A Little Bit of Everything Else!

Hey ya'll!  I've been super busy.  Well, I was actually on vacation last week.  It was S.U.P.E.R. cray-cray!  It was like the end of the year then BAM!  Time to leave for vacay.  I only had one day without work before we left out.  I've had so many great things I wanted to share with you.

First of all, All of these word are my words!  I am not being paid by money or products to say anything in this post... keep that in mind :)  Okay, so if you follow me on Instagram {you totally should:}, you have heard me make mention of this great app I discovered.  Well, I discovered it from someone else.  It's called Classroom Organizer.  It does something utterly amazing!  It lets you scan your classroom library books and store them on a database.  It then lets you input the students in your class so they (or you) can login to the app, select the student's name, whether they are checking in or out, and then scan the book.  You can also go in and look at which students haven't returned books, setup reminders to be emailed, and print overdue notices.  How awesome is that?  The best thing is that it's {FREE}!  Here's a screenshot of my work :)

Like all things, I did find a few things that I wish were better.  A major problem for me came up while scanning my books from Scholastic.  I get a ton of my books from here.  For some reason, they have their own ISBN# system that doesn't match up with the real world.  However, there is an actual true barcode in the front cover.  So that was great to learn.  BUT... sometimes... when you buy the books in sets, they will not have any type of barcode any where.  This was very saddening to me :(  So, I had to type the title in manually and when the student check them out/in they will also have to type it in manually.  I started thinking... it would be really great if you could create your own barcodes.  Well... there is an app for that :)  Unfortunately, this app is not free.  It's called Book Retriever.  It's fairly inexpensive at .99 (I think).  Here's the problem I ran into for this... they only have the app live right now.  You can not login via your computer like with the free app.  In order to print the barcodes you would need to print from the iPad.  My iPad isn't set up for that and I'm not sure if it ever will be :(  The company is in the works of developing a website but you must pay for a yearly subscription, and they haven't released how much it will be.  So.. here's my verdict, I will stick with the free one for right now.

I'm not sure if I posted my pics of my EC teacher planner... BUT I was super excited to get it in the mail!

However, I was a little disappointed that there were not more record keeping pages.  I teach several classes and now I think I'm going to have to keep up with a record book too... Boo :(  I do love it!

I also ordered a few May Books when they were having their 50% off Mother's Day Sale. They are so cute!

What cute packaging it came it!

This is so me:)

Here they are!  One is lined and the other is a nutritional tracker.  They are very cute books, but I'm glad I got them while they were on sale.  They are a bit thin to be as expensive as they are.... but totally worth it!

Lastly, here are a few pics of my sweet family from our vacation last week.

Happy Summer, Friends!

Hey, ya'll!

Good Sunday!  My spring break is coming to an end which I am very sad about.  I have so enjoyed staying home with my sweet boys this past week.  A few weeks ago, I go on my blog and realized that something was going on.  My background wasn't filling up the entire background and my fonts and such were not what they should be.  Anyways, I played around with it for a while and realized that I needed to start from a blank

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Simplicity at its Best!

I loved my old blog design, but I was in desperate need of something bright & cheery.  I am waiting on an 'official' design, but I decided to put something together until then.  I like it, and I <3 how simple it is.  I need to create a button & a signature because I honestly do not know how long it will be until I get my 'official' one!

On another note, my kiddos' last day was this past Friday.  It was a fun-filled day with lots of proud mamas and daddies for Honor's Day.  I only have 2 days of post planning {Monday & Tuesday} so I am super excited.  I have already started thinking about next year.  I will have a post coming up about that soon.  Right now, I am trying to work on my TpT 'to do' list.  I feel so honored to have teachers personally ask me to create something for their classrooms.  So far, this is what I have going.  If you interested in having me make something for you, you can email me details.  If you would like to check out some of my work, you can visit my TpT store by clicking the button below.

So far, here's what is on my waiting list...

1st Grade CC Math Vocabulary Cards with Headers

3rd Grade CC Math Vocabulary Cards with Headers

4th Grade Science Vocabulary Cards with Headers

4th Grade CC Language Arts Vocabulary Cards with Headers

I will also be adding 4th Grade CC Math 'I Can' Statement Cards {without clipart} and possibly EQs.  Whew.... I better get busy!

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!

Grad School Devotion Time... yuck!

Okay, so my husband made me promise that I wouldn't blog or create anything until I finish grad school... which is only a few weeks away!  YAY!  I was super bummed, but I do have to finish my literature review paper.  I'm going to keep my promise... partly! ha!  My lit. review is over math vocabulary strategies to help students understand vocabulary.  The great thing is that these strategies can be used in any classroom.  So, since I am working on my lit. review, and I think the teaching of vocabulary is so important, I'm going to devote a page on my blog for my findings.  I'm gradually going to be adding to it when I can get a spare moment.  All of the strategies and things will be research-based so you know they work!!!!

I know some of you are {eagerly} waiting on the 1st grade vocabulary cards.  I am still going to get them together.  It just will not be until May.  My last class is April 26th and then I will be in full swing with the first grade wall set and my second edition of spring math journal prompts.  Until then... I will still be around wishing I was done already!  I tell ya, it's going to be a real miracle if I ever go back to school for my doctorate!  Maybe my math endorsement ;-)

Check out my latest lil' addition to TpT!

This packet comes with ten activities your students can complete (on their own :) using a 99 or 100 chart to strengthen their number sense.  Even as a 4th grade teacher, this is a skill that my students are very weak at!  This packet is now available in my TpT store.  You can also use these as a math center while you are teaching small group.  In addition to skill-based math centers, I always have a chart center so my students can stay sharp with number sense!  

{ONLY $3.50 $2.50 for 10 Math Center Activities}

On a brighter note... I found a lot of awesome files on my flash drive this evening!  I am looking forward to uploading these and having them available {FOR FREE} on my blog.  Hopefully I can work on this tomorrow because I really want to give my wonderful readers some really good {FREE} stuff!

BTW- I haven't posted a lot about what we are doing in class because I'm not in class!  I'm still on maternity leave, and have 5 more weeks left.  I am so enjoying my 12 weeks off!  So... my reasoning for this long story is that I am not the type of blogger who only posts about things she has for sale.  Nor do I want to become this person!  I just honestly do not have anything at my house {school related} to be excited about.  That's why I'm eager to get those {FREE} files up ASAP.

Okay, well I hear my sweet precious baby boy crying for a feeding!  

Blog Award

Thank you so much to Barbara & Mary from Happy Teaching Sisters.  It was so nice of you to nominate me for the Top Ten Blog Award!

Out of Commission

I am so sorry that I have not been available.  Between grad school and a new baby, MY.LIFE.IS.CRAZY!  But.... I love it.  If you are looking for the 3-5 literature circles, I am working on them!  Sorry it has taken so long.  Having a baby is hard work ;-)

Facebook Page

Hello blogging friends!  I now have a facebook page where you can post links to your resources and such.  Also- if you have already entered in my giveaway, you can earn an extra entry by liking my fb page and leaving a comment on the giveaway post stating you do so.  Check it out {HERE}.

What Can I Do For You?

Hello, friends!
It's me again :)  I've missed the blogging world sooo much.  This semester of grad school has kicked my butt!  I am a wife, mother to a two year old boy, full-time teacher, and for some reason decided it would be a good idea to take three.. you read it.. three grad classes!  What was I thinking?  Anyways, I'm about to have a long break from grad school and am wanting to get in the creating spirit.  What are some things you guys would be interested in?  I'm wanting to try some new things for my TpT store.  I'm really wanting to make this into a part-time job for me.  Especially when I finish school in May.  I currently only teach 4th grade math and science, but I have been thinking about making some ELA/Reading things.  I do have a literature circle format that I used in my 5th grade classroom.  I'm thinking about making that up real cute.  I also create my own lesson plan book and was thinking about that as well.  I was thinking about actually making plan books and shipping them out.  What are some things you all would be interested in?  I can't wait to read your recommendations.

Christmas Math Workstations

A few weeks ago, I began working on some October & November journal prompts for math.  Then a whirl wind of things did not go my way!  I had a sick husband and two year old; then, my grandfather passed away.  It's been craz-y around here!  By the time I caught my breathe, it was already November 14th!  Needless to say, it's not going to do much good posting these when it's almost December!  I am going to get them done though!  With all that said, after I realized I was way behind, I started thinking ahead.  Check out my Christmas math workstations on TpT right now!!  The preview has an awesome sneak peek!

Help a Sista Out!

I'm trying to find some new graphics to use.  I already use scrappin' doodles and love them!  But, I'm wanting some new graphics similar to what they have available, but a larger variety.  Also, does anyone know where I might can find cute things similar to this one?

I'm working on something new for my TpT store and could use some fresh new looks!  Thanks so much, friends :)

Name Help!

Call me crazy, but my husband and I are at a loss for what to name our precious little boy who is due to arrive the first of February.  I have named every name I can think of and all he has to say is, "no."  Seriously?  He has NOT been any help and has only suggested one name which is a current student's name... you teachers know how that is!  So.... any suggestions on what to name our sweet boy?  Our 2 year old's name is Hunter.  We like unique names, but not too unique.  Here are the names I have liked that he has said no to: Knox, Cowen, Asher, Jackson, Carter.  Those are the types of names I like.  Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

A Quick 'Hello'

Hey bloggy friends :)  This is my last weekend before I return to work on Monday.  I can't believe the summer is already over!  I feel as though it never began :(  I have so enjoyed my time with my sweet young man who learned how to pee pee in his potty before his 2nd birthday.  That was quite an accomplishment for me :)  In celebration of the end of my summer break, we are leaving to go camping shortly after lunch today and will not return until Sunday afternoon.  We are taking the boat and we are going to have a blast! I can't wait to get back in my room and begin taking pictures to share.  This is the very first time that I will be returning to work without my room completely finished!  I've learned there are more important things in life.  Always take time for yourself... you deserve it!  Your room will always be there waiting on you.  We all know that never changes :)

Enjoy your weekend!

It's Me :)

Has it really been two weeks since my last post?  I have been busy, busy, busy.  No, not with things I want to be busy with like finishing my place value activities or getting together my next post for guided math.  I have been going to the University of Georgia since Fall 2010.  I am working on my Ed.S. in ECE.  I will finish Spring 2012.  While I am there, I thought it would be a GRAND idea to go ahead and get my gifted endorsement.  What was I thinking?  I have been so consumed with assigned readings and coursework that I have had no time to enjoy my summer.  It's only the beginning.  I will not finish these two courses until the first of August.  I need much prayer as I continue my journey!  I am hoping {once I get on top of things} to start back with posting.  Oh yeah... on top of my coursework, I have been attending a Marilyn Burns Institute all week from 8-3.  Tomorrow is my last day of that so I will finally get my days back!  Wish me luck ;)

Look at this handsome fellow!

Just had to share my oh so sweet little man!  He's my model for my love of photography :)

I just love him!

This is who I get to spend ALL summer with... I'm one lucky mama!

Post-Planning Day #2

With all my yearly preparations finished, I'm starting to work on some things for next school year!  Today I organized my homework and weekly assessments.  This summer I am going to purchase a black file box with compartments on top.  Until I get it I am using this crate.  It works great, but after I get everything in it I think I will need more room.  I also want the file box so I can carry things back and forth to the copy room.

I'm using this....

But I want this :)

Lastly, I created a planning sheet for me to use next year with my kiddos.  My schedule is really crazy and detailed since I use Guided Math in my classroom.  Every minute counts.  Here's the planning sheet if you're interested.  Comment me with your email address if you would like it in .doc format for changing!  I've thought about making customized ones and selling them... what do you all think??



 There's not much in it..... yet.  I haven't gotten that far.  Maybe that will be Post-Planning Day #3??



Post-Planning.... Day #1

Well, one day down... four more to go!  Today during post-planning I actually got a lot done!  I cleaned out my two very large cabinets {before & after photos coming soon}, totally re-organized them, threw out a huge rolling garbage can full of junk that was stowed away somewhere in my room, got all things on the counter so my floors could be cleaned, and still managed to label a few things.  Really... I have no idea what I'm going to do for the next four days!  All I have left to do is pack my computer... and that ain't going until it's time to walk out the door Friday afternoon :)  Maybe I can find something to organize.  I think tomorrow will be a laminating and copying day.  Gotta use those copies up this year so I can save the ones for next year :)