Monday, October 29, 2012
Election 2012 unit!
I am so excited to announce that I have finally completed my first Common Core Unit of study!! While perusing the exemplar text list, I noticed a book called "So You Want to Be President?" On the way home from school, I convinced my sister to drive past Barnes and Noble to purchase said book! (It wasn't hard to convince her, since she was the one with the idea to start selling products on Teacher Pay Teacher) A few weeks later, for your teaching pleasure, I present my 2012 Election Unit based on "So You Want to Be President?".
This unit contains Common Core questioning based on the book, as well as hand picked vocabulary to go along with the book and the election. I also added a fact vs. fiction lesson, persuasive writing, and a research project on election issues. To top it off, I included directions on how to have a mock election in your class.
This 3rd grade unit covers 17 Common Core standards in informational text and writing. It can be easily adapted to fit your 2nd, 4th, or 5th grade classes in all states.
I hope you enjoy!
Happy voting!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Tons of Credit!!
I am finally finished with my first Common Core ELA unit! My unit focuses on Magic Tree House Thanksgiving books (Thanksgiving on Thursday and Fact Tracker: Pilgrims)!! Last year I read my class both books and did some basic things with them. This year, I wanted to really dive into them, write about them, and get into the meat and potatoes of the first Thanksgiving. With this unit, I believe I will accomplish those goals. I hope I have allotted enough time to do so. :-)
After working on my unit for the past few days, I am shocked by how much time really goes into writing, revising, editing, revising again, and finally publishing a quality unit. I give my fellow TPT sellers tons and tons of credit for creating such master pieces over and over again! They are true masters of this profession!
Please check out my latest Thanksgiving unit and tell me what you think! I appreciate any and ALL feedback!
Happy Blogging!!
Common Core ELA Magic Tree House Thanksgiving Unit
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Partner Wheel Freebies
Hey Friends!
I wanted to follow up last week's post about partner wheels with some freebies for you. My awesome techy husband worked on these partner wheels for me, and I am passing them on to you!! =) When you print, make sure you print 2 of them, one for the front wheel, and one for the back. You may also want to print them in two different colors. There are wheels for classes of 18, 20, 22, and 30. To read more about the partner wheels be sure to check out my "pinspiration", Karen and her awesome blog Flamingo Fabulous in 2nd Grade. Have a wonderful week!!
Happy Blogging!!!
-Jackie-
partner wheel 18 students
partner wheel 20 students
Partner Wheel 22 students
Monday, January 2, 2012
This might be the best Pinterest find yet!!
Hey Bloggy Friends!!
As I was "pinning" a few nights ago, I came across an amazing way to quickly pair students up. Karen from Flamingo Fabulous in Second Grade shared her partner wheel with the blogging community. I thought this was the absolute best thing since sliced bread, but her version was for 24 kids, and I only have 18. My very awesome husband designed a wheel for me with 18 spots. I LOVE it! I am taking Karen's word that the kids who shouldn't be paired up will never catch on to my sneaky scheme!
To print my copy out, click on the picture of the wheel, and right click on it. Copy the image and paste it to a word doc. You can then make it bigger if you'd like to. Print 2 copies of it. Make sure the button "fit picture to frame" is checked. Cut out the small wheel and fasten it to the larger wheel with a brad fastener.
Be sure to check out Karen's Awesome Blog and fabulous ideas! Thanks Karen!! =)
It's time for the BACHELOR... who is Ben going to pick this season?? I can't wait to find out!
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
As I was "pinning" a few nights ago, I came across an amazing way to quickly pair students up. Karen from Flamingo Fabulous in Second Grade shared her partner wheel with the blogging community. I thought this was the absolute best thing since sliced bread, but her version was for 24 kids, and I only have 18. My very awesome husband designed a wheel for me with 18 spots. I LOVE it! I am taking Karen's word that the kids who shouldn't be paired up will never catch on to my sneaky scheme!
To print my copy out, click on the picture of the wheel, and right click on it. Copy the image and paste it to a word doc. You can then make it bigger if you'd like to. Print 2 copies of it. Make sure the button "fit picture to frame" is checked. Cut out the small wheel and fasten it to the larger wheel with a brad fastener.
Be sure to check out Karen's Awesome Blog and fabulous ideas! Thanks Karen!! =)
It's time for the BACHELOR... who is Ben going to pick this season?? I can't wait to find out!
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year and Math Workstation Freebie!
Happy New Year!
As much as I wanted to lay around and be lazy during my winter break, I just couldn't! My first week off was spent shopping (last minute of course!) and cleaning the house to get ready for Christmas.
The major teacher geek (ultimate professional) in me asked Santa for 2 books, The Book Whisperer and Debbie Diller's Math Workstations. Santa was SO wonderful and brought both of them to me! Hopefully he didn't have to search through too many stores to find them. I know they're hard to come by.
Anyway, I just couldn't wait to read them both! I started (both of them) once my family left and little one went to bed. I alternated books as I finished reading each chapter. You could say I was "voraciously" reading!
In order to get my mind wrapped around the math workstations, I did lots of brainstorming and pinning lots of great ideas. In my head I know what I need to do when we start back in order to have a smooth transition into the stations. It'll be a little tricky starting them up in the middle of the year, but I figure it's better late than never!
The last math skill that my students were working on before break was adding two digit numbers with or without regrouping. I wanted to adapt the game "trade or no trade" to fit my class and previous teaching. Help yourself to my version of the game. Please let me know what you think. It's nothing fancy (I haven't invested in way cute clip art), but it'll get the job done. I plan on making the same game with subtraction, and hundreds for my high achievers.
May you have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!!
-Jackie-
Addition Regroup or Don't Regroup
As much as I wanted to lay around and be lazy during my winter break, I just couldn't! My first week off was spent shopping (last minute of course!) and cleaning the house to get ready for Christmas.
The major teacher geek (ultimate professional) in me asked Santa for 2 books, The Book Whisperer and Debbie Diller's Math Workstations. Santa was SO wonderful and brought both of them to me! Hopefully he didn't have to search through too many stores to find them. I know they're hard to come by.
Anyway, I just couldn't wait to read them both! I started (both of them) once my family left and little one went to bed. I alternated books as I finished reading each chapter. You could say I was "voraciously" reading!
In order to get my mind wrapped around the math workstations, I did lots of brainstorming and pinning lots of great ideas. In my head I know what I need to do when we start back in order to have a smooth transition into the stations. It'll be a little tricky starting them up in the middle of the year, but I figure it's better late than never!
The last math skill that my students were working on before break was adding two digit numbers with or without regrouping. I wanted to adapt the game "trade or no trade" to fit my class and previous teaching. Help yourself to my version of the game. Please let me know what you think. It's nothing fancy (I haven't invested in way cute clip art), but it'll get the job done. I plan on making the same game with subtraction, and hundreds for my high achievers.
May you have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!!
-Jackie-
Addition Regroup or Don't Regroup
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Where, oh where have we been?
Wow!! It's been quite a while (5 months to be exact,) since we've blogged! This school year has overwhelmed us both to huge degrees that something had to give. Unfortunately for both of us, it was our super fun and awesome blog. We're sad that we haven't been able to share our school year thus far, but our (at least my) new year's resolution is to be a better blogger!
Here's a very brief rundown of my year so far... As many of you know, I was able to loop up to 2nd grade with my amazing class. The year got off to a great start!! I knew exactly what my returning kids' skills were and we were able to hit the ground running. Since there were only 13 of my kids who actually returned, my class was filled to Florida's class size capacity with 5 new students. I spent a majority of the end of August-September assessing them, and planning for their instruction. I was thrown for a bit of a loop when I discovered one of my new sweeties is on the autism spectrum. Although he needs a lot of one on one attention, he has been welcomed with huge open arms by each and everyone of my former and new students. They love to assist him in any way possible. They are all wonderful role models and helpers. By October we were rocking and rolling with Daily 5, writer's workshop, and everything else that makes 2nd grade wonderful! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the curriculum too! It's fabulous to be able to write directions on the board on the first day of school and for the kids to be able to READ it and DO what it says!! I may not leave 2nd grade now. :-)
The change for me to my new 2nd grade team has been an adjustment. Due to my own personal request for keeping my 1st grade classroom as well as the lack of available classrooms upstairs, I am completely separated from my 2nd grade teammates. Of course we have a phone and email to connect with, but it's the lack of face time that I am missing. I am adjusting well though, and of course I still have my sister and 1st grade friends to bounce ideas off of. It helps that I am the team leader and we are required to have PLC (professional learning community) meetings each week in my classroom.
I think the "thing" that's weighed the most heavily on me (and my sister) is our new teacher evaluation system. Our district(county) has adopted the Marzano teacher evaluation system. Getting used to all of the new language, different domains, observations, etc... has been so time consuming! I've spent hours upon hours online researching different rubrics "scales", and learning goals. It has worn me out to the point where I stay away from my computer (except for facebook and pinterest of course!)
I had two amazing junior interns (Miss S. and Miss A.) who helped me tremendously. I'll post pics of their awesome bulletin boards once I get back to my classroom. I also have a fabulous parent helper (Mrs. W.) in my class each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. It's like I have my own personal para two times a week! I am sooo lucky!
I've also been spending lots of quality time with my little girl. She's growing up so fast and I don't want to miss a thing. I feel like her fist three years have been a blur and I don't want her next 3 to be the same, so I've been devoting my time after school until her bed time to her.
Although I would LOVE to have another 2 weeks off, I feel refreshed and ready to get back to my kids for the long haul. Our next break isn't until April! I have some lofty goals for the new year, one of which is to implement Debbie Diller's Math workstations! I've read the book during this vacation, and I am ready to go!! It's pretty crazy to start something new in the middle of the year, but if anyone can handle it, it's my kids. They are so adaptable and love to do and try new things. I've got a working camera again, so stay tuned for new pictures of my classroom and other happenings in my class!
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
P.S. I would love to thank Tara at 4th Grade Frolics for nominating us for The Versatile Blogger award and Marcy at Buzzin' On Cupcakes for the I heart your blog award. We appreciate your nominations and vow to be better bloggers!!! xoxo
Here's a very brief rundown of my year so far... As many of you know, I was able to loop up to 2nd grade with my amazing class. The year got off to a great start!! I knew exactly what my returning kids' skills were and we were able to hit the ground running. Since there were only 13 of my kids who actually returned, my class was filled to Florida's class size capacity with 5 new students. I spent a majority of the end of August-September assessing them, and planning for their instruction. I was thrown for a bit of a loop when I discovered one of my new sweeties is on the autism spectrum. Although he needs a lot of one on one attention, he has been welcomed with huge open arms by each and everyone of my former and new students. They love to assist him in any way possible. They are all wonderful role models and helpers. By October we were rocking and rolling with Daily 5, writer's workshop, and everything else that makes 2nd grade wonderful! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the curriculum too! It's fabulous to be able to write directions on the board on the first day of school and for the kids to be able to READ it and DO what it says!! I may not leave 2nd grade now. :-)
The change for me to my new 2nd grade team has been an adjustment. Due to my own personal request for keeping my 1st grade classroom as well as the lack of available classrooms upstairs, I am completely separated from my 2nd grade teammates. Of course we have a phone and email to connect with, but it's the lack of face time that I am missing. I am adjusting well though, and of course I still have my sister and 1st grade friends to bounce ideas off of. It helps that I am the team leader and we are required to have PLC (professional learning community) meetings each week in my classroom.
I think the "thing" that's weighed the most heavily on me (and my sister) is our new teacher evaluation system. Our district(county) has adopted the Marzano teacher evaluation system. Getting used to all of the new language, different domains, observations, etc... has been so time consuming! I've spent hours upon hours online researching different rubrics "scales", and learning goals. It has worn me out to the point where I stay away from my computer (except for facebook and pinterest of course!)
I had two amazing junior interns (Miss S. and Miss A.) who helped me tremendously. I'll post pics of their awesome bulletin boards once I get back to my classroom. I also have a fabulous parent helper (Mrs. W.) in my class each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. It's like I have my own personal para two times a week! I am sooo lucky!
I've also been spending lots of quality time with my little girl. She's growing up so fast and I don't want to miss a thing. I feel like her fist three years have been a blur and I don't want her next 3 to be the same, so I've been devoting my time after school until her bed time to her.
Although I would LOVE to have another 2 weeks off, I feel refreshed and ready to get back to my kids for the long haul. Our next break isn't until April! I have some lofty goals for the new year, one of which is to implement Debbie Diller's Math workstations! I've read the book during this vacation, and I am ready to go!! It's pretty crazy to start something new in the middle of the year, but if anyone can handle it, it's my kids. They are so adaptable and love to do and try new things. I've got a working camera again, so stay tuned for new pictures of my classroom and other happenings in my class!
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
P.S. I would love to thank Tara at 4th Grade Frolics for nominating us for The Versatile Blogger award and Marcy at Buzzin' On Cupcakes for the I heart your blog award. We appreciate your nominations and vow to be better bloggers!!! xoxo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
I don't know about you, but I am tired!
Wow... who knew that starting the school year in a new grade level would wipe you out?!! It really hasn't helped that I've been sick too. Starting the new school year and being sick at the same time is NO FUN! On a very positive note, I absolutely love my class (hence the reason I looped with them)!! I have 14 students that I had last year, and 2 new (to me) students. My newbies have been welcomed so nicely by the others, and they've become quickly acclimated to their new friends and teacher. It's such a wonderful learning environment for everyone! We're all so blessed!
The best part of having the same kids again, is definitely not having to go through the the "getting to know you" part of the year. I love not having to stress over figuring out what makes them "tick", what their exact reading level is, and how to motivate them. It's fantastic to know exactly who is talking to me even when my back is turned. It's wonderful that they know ME! They know my "teacher looks". They know that when the tone in my voice changes, I mean business. They know my routines and procedures (even though I taught them again). Most importantly, they know each other, and they treat each other like family. Not the brother/sister who fight constantly kind of family, but the family that truly cares for each other's well being. They take care of each other, they love each other, and I love them for that!
It's so early in the year, but I predict that it's going to be my best school year yet!
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
The best part of having the same kids again, is definitely not having to go through the the "getting to know you" part of the year. I love not having to stress over figuring out what makes them "tick", what their exact reading level is, and how to motivate them. It's fantastic to know exactly who is talking to me even when my back is turned. It's wonderful that they know ME! They know my "teacher looks". They know that when the tone in my voice changes, I mean business. They know my routines and procedures (even though I taught them again). Most importantly, they know each other, and they treat each other like family. Not the brother/sister who fight constantly kind of family, but the family that truly cares for each other's well being. They take care of each other, they love each other, and I love them for that!
It's so early in the year, but I predict that it's going to be my best school year yet!
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Last linky before school begins...
Amanda at Plumdoodles is having a Pinterest Linky Party!! She would like us to share our favorite pinboards, Pinterest inspired projects, or just share some great ideas we've gathered! I've been very "pinspired" this summer and although I haven't made too many things yet, they are absolutely in the back of my mind waiting for me to make them!!
My little girl turned 3 years old in July, right around the time I started "pinning". I was able to pin so many great Minnie Mouse/ hot pink/ zebra print things to my "Party Ideas for Mak's B-Day" board!!I was really pleased with how it all turned out and Makenzie had a wonderful time with family and friends!!
Today I went to Target and in the dollar spot I found the foam clocks inspired by this pic! I can't wait to hang these on my wall and never have to hear the question "when is lunch?" again!!! 
Thanks to Christina Bainbridge, I've been inspired to do a Math Focus wall!! Here's a pic of an "Envision Math" focus wall that matches my curriculum. =)
Finally, the BEST dinner (BY FAR) that my hubbby made this summer came from my pin on pinterest!!! Check out these delicious Ham and Cheese Sliders!!! They are to DIE for!!
I LOOOOOOOOVE Pinterest!!! Click here to link up to this fabulous linky party!!!
You can also find my pinboards by clicking here!!
Happy Pinning!!!
-Jackie
My little girl turned 3 years old in July, right around the time I started "pinning". I was able to pin so many great Minnie Mouse/ hot pink/ zebra print things to my "Party Ideas for Mak's B-Day" board!!I was really pleased with how it all turned out and Makenzie had a wonderful time with family and friends!!
Today I went to Target and in the dollar spot I found the foam clocks inspired by this pic! I can't wait to hang these on my wall and never have to hear the question "when is lunch?" again!!! 
Thanks to Christina Bainbridge, I've been inspired to do a Math Focus wall!! Here's a pic of an "Envision Math" focus wall that matches my curriculum. =)
Finally, the BEST dinner (BY FAR) that my hubbby made this summer came from my pin on pinterest!!! Check out these delicious Ham and Cheese Sliders!!! They are to DIE for!!
I LOOOOOOOOVE Pinterest!!! Click here to link up to this fabulous linky party!!!
You can also find my pinboards by clicking here!!
Happy Pinning!!!
-Jackie
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Freebies!!
I've been busy busy busy!! It's not enough that I spent three days this week fixing up my classroom... I just HAD to make labels for everything to coordinate with my Zebra theme!! I know, I am a huge OCD/Type A personality!! I just can't help myself. I have the NEED to make everything match!!! I can't let my sister be mismatched either, so I made her some labels to match her polka dots too!! Please enjoy these freebie printables... and leave us a comment to let us know what you think!! =)
Happy Blogging!!!
-Jackie-
Zebra Supply Labels
Zebra Book Basket Labels 2011
Zebra Job Cards
Polka Dot Supply Labels 2011
Polka Dot Job Cards
Happy Blogging!!!
-Jackie-
Zebra Supply Labels
Zebra Book Basket Labels 2011
Zebra Job Cards
Polka Dot Supply Labels 2011
Polka Dot Job Cards
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Crossing things off the list.....
I've definitely been crossing things off the list for sure! It feels great getting back to work again. Believe me, I love summer vacation just as much as much as the next gal, but I also love Back To School time! New beginnings, a fresh start, brand new supplies, new decor......"it's glorious" (my Will Ferrel from Old School voice). After I unpacked my last box, I felt a great sense of relief. Time to decorate!!
I did a few things since I last posted:
1)Updated all of my library with all matching tubs! (I did half last year, and completed the other half this year.) All together I have 33 categories of books. Yippeee!!
2)Got a shoe box rack for my word work and math center supplies.(Big Lots has them for $10.00 each.)
3)Made my CAFE bulletin board, put up my Daily 5 and genre signs. Thank you to Teaching In Flip Flops blog for the wonderful polka dot print signs! My theme this year is........you guessed it, polka dots!
4)Today I bought 2yrds of polka dot fabric to use somewhere in my classroom. I didn't quite know at the time exactly where I wanted to use it, I was thinking on my round table as a table cloth but it didn't fit....whah...whahhh...whahhhhh.....I got over it and decided to make it into a bulletin board!
Check out these pics. I'm still not done yet, but hopefully by Meet the Teacher it will be looking good.
Time to have an awesome 3 day weekend before pre-planning starts! Enjoy yours!
-Danielle
I did a few things since I last posted:
1)Updated all of my library with all matching tubs! (I did half last year, and completed the other half this year.) All together I have 33 categories of books. Yippeee!!
2)Got a shoe box rack for my word work and math center supplies.(Big Lots has them for $10.00 each.)
3)Made my CAFE bulletin board, put up my Daily 5 and genre signs. Thank you to Teaching In Flip Flops blog for the wonderful polka dot print signs! My theme this year is........you guessed it, polka dots!
4)Today I bought 2yrds of polka dot fabric to use somewhere in my classroom. I didn't quite know at the time exactly where I wanted to use it, I was thinking on my round table as a table cloth but it didn't fit....whah...whahhh...whahhhhh.....I got over it and decided to make it into a bulletin board!
Check out these pics. I'm still not done yet, but hopefully by Meet the Teacher it will be looking good.
Time to have an awesome 3 day weekend before pre-planning starts! Enjoy yours!
-Danielle
I did it!! =)
I did it... I finally got rid of my over-sized, junk hoarding, ugly desk!! I feel so free! This is a before pic... after pics are soon to come! =) 
Today I was busy organizing and purging all of the junk that was shoved inside that thing. My horseshoe table is still covered in a mess, but I'll leave that for another day.
One big thing on my list of things to do before meet the teacher, is to die cut letters for my classroom door, and for random signs around my room. If you don't already know this fun fact, scrapbook paper looks AWESOME when you die cut it. Cut the letters out, get them laminated, and they look even better than the ones you find in teacher's stores. =)
Happy Blogging!!!
-Jackie-
Today I was busy organizing and purging all of the junk that was shoved inside that thing. My horseshoe table is still covered in a mess, but I'll leave that for another day.
One big thing on my list of things to do before meet the teacher, is to die cut letters for my classroom door, and for random signs around my room. If you don't already know this fun fact, scrapbook paper looks AWESOME when you die cut it. Cut the letters out, get them laminated, and they look even better than the ones you find in teacher's stores. =)
Happy Blogging!!!
-Jackie-
Monday, August 8, 2011
Danielle's 5th classroom! ( the best yet)
Phhhheeeewwwwwwwwww! The day that I dreaded all summer has come and gone and I survived. Unpacking, unpacking, unpacking, moving big objects, changing my mind, moving them back, book shelves breaking, scratches, bruises..yep, that's moving! After doing this 4 other times, I knew what to expect. Moving, you never let me down.
On a happier note, my classroom rules!!! It's huge!!! It was pretty easy for me to figure out where to put things like my classroom library, my assessment area, science/social studies area, math centers, and my supplies. I just hope Mrs. Robbins likes it! I am by no means done with this process, so the pictures you are about to see are the BEFORES. I'm hoping by Thursday afternoon you will get to see the AFTERS! (My favorite!!)
The first picture is what I walked into this morning, a big pile:
A view from the other corner of the side the room (it's so spacious!):
I decided to put my classroom library in this corner. Jackie and I have the same box shelves that we bought at Target. I dislike them because they come apart very easily.
This is where the other desk was when I got in today. I wanted our desks to face each other so that we wouldn't have to scream across the room during planning times.
These are our teacher desks facing each other. I'm still not sure if I like this, but I do think they need to be close together. (All the boxes on the side still need to be looked through to find a home for their contents.
I decided to put the small group horseshoe table where the other teacher desk used to be. In later pictures you will see that our assessment area is all the way on the other side of the classroom for noise purposes.
This is our assessment area. Under the desk, there are files in file boxes for each student that are easily accessible. I also have assessment pieces like DIBELS, EASYCBM.com, Houghton Mifflin, etc.
The last picture of the day shows my classroom library and cabinets. I made sure I split cabinet space with Mrs. Robbins evenly, so that I didn't take up the whole room! I plan to lower a circle table and put it in the classroom library area. Oh, and the reason there are no books in the library area is because they were locked in my old room!
Stay tuned, more to come! BTW, Doesn't Jackie's classroom look great??? She always has such a print enriching environment!! My sister rules!
-Danielle-
Jackie's set up... Day 1
I've been so fortunate to have been in the same classroom since we opened our school in 2006. I've become accustomed to packing it up and getting it ready for summer school. When I come back in August, I know exactly where everything is, and unpacking takes less than a day. My very awesome principal let me stay in my classroom this year even though I am looping to Second!! What a lucky girl I am!! =)
Unfortunately, my sister hasn't had the same luck. =( Since she started teaching at our school in 2007, she's moved into 5 different classrooms in 5 years! She's our resident nomad and definitely holds the record for most classrooms!! This year is no different as she settles into a nice big corner room in which she will co-teach. Her pictures are soon to come.
In the mean time, here's my not so difficult set up...
This is the view from the door. For a first(now second) grade classroom, it's huge in comparison to other classrooms on the first floor.
This is the extent of the mess that I have to organize. Not too bad!! =)
This is the view from my whole group teaching area.
I was able to get a lot accomplished today. =) This is a pic of my library. I need something to cover my circle table... possibly a Zebra print table cloth?
Close up of my books... I would like to make some new labels. As you see, each basket has a number, and each book inside of the baskets have the same number on a colored circle sticker. This makes it easy for the kids to put the books back in place. Thanks to the "sisters" for that brilliant idea!! =)
These are pictures of how I organize my word work supplies, my math manipulatives, and classroom supplies. As you can see I use clear plastic shoe boxes and a wire shoe rack. I also got this idea from the "sisters".
I'm getting there, and I'll be back in there on Wednesday to set some more things up.
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
Unfortunately, my sister hasn't had the same luck. =( Since she started teaching at our school in 2007, she's moved into 5 different classrooms in 5 years! She's our resident nomad and definitely holds the record for most classrooms!! This year is no different as she settles into a nice big corner room in which she will co-teach. Her pictures are soon to come.
In the mean time, here's my not so difficult set up...
This is the view from the door. For a first(now second) grade classroom, it's huge in comparison to other classrooms on the first floor.
This is the extent of the mess that I have to organize. Not too bad!! =)
This is the view from my whole group teaching area.
I was able to get a lot accomplished today. =) This is a pic of my library. I need something to cover my circle table... possibly a Zebra print table cloth?
Close up of my books... I would like to make some new labels. As you see, each basket has a number, and each book inside of the baskets have the same number on a colored circle sticker. This makes it easy for the kids to put the books back in place. Thanks to the "sisters" for that brilliant idea!! =)
These are pictures of how I organize my word work supplies, my math manipulatives, and classroom supplies. As you can see I use clear plastic shoe boxes and a wire shoe rack. I also got this idea from the "sisters".
I'm getting there, and I'll be back in there on Wednesday to set some more things up.
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Visual noise level idea
Last year I played classical music from Pandora over the speaker system in my class. I played it a volume that my students could hear, but it wasn't distracting. I would tell them that if they couldn't hear the music then they were talking a little too loudly. The music really calmed the room down, and I enjoyed what it brought to the classroom atmosphere. This year, I wanted to continue doing that, but have something else in place. I found this great idea from 2nd grade ponderings .
-Danielle
Pinterest inspired schema poster
When I saw this on Pinterest... 
I had to have it! Mrs.Nowalk posted it on shutterfly.=) I talk about activating schema all of the time in my classroom. This is a perfect visual for it. Thanks to my Hubs for recreating it for me!! Please enjoy!!
Schema Poster
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
I had to have it! Mrs.Nowalk posted it on shutterfly.=) I talk about activating schema all of the time in my classroom. This is a perfect visual for it. Thanks to my Hubs for recreating it for me!! Please enjoy!! Schema Poster
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Print, cut, laminate, cut, repeat...
I am SURE everyone has done, doing, or will be doing what I am doing right now! Printing, cutting, laminating, and cutting again all of the FABULOUS finds from each others blogs! I printed so much, that I thought my printer would blow up! Luckily it only ran out of ink on my last page!! =)
Christie at Teaching In Flip Flops has been a God send to me this Summer!
Since my new design decor will be Zebra stripes with hot pink and lime green accents, I found these awesome goodies on her blog!
My Sister and I are super excited about being "Bucket Fillers" this year! I found these way cute signs to go on my bucket filling bulletin board and around my classroom. Thanks so much for Mel. D at Oh The Places We'll Go for sharing!!
I definitely needed some new labels for my guided reading books, so I found these cute labels from Mrs. Freshwater's Class. Thanks you so much! They'll look beautiful on my guided reading baskets!
Finally, while stalking Pinterest (that one time),I found these amazing quotes that would go perfectly in my classroom! Shannon at Sweet Blessings designed them. I LOVE them and I think they'll really make the kids think!!
Thanks ladies for all of these AMAZING printables!! I can FINALLY get into my classroom on Monday, so stay tuned for before and after pictures of my classroom!! Back to cutting and hopefully laminating!!
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
Christie at Teaching In Flip Flops has been a God send to me this Summer!
Since my new design decor will be Zebra stripes with hot pink and lime green accents, I found these awesome goodies on her blog!
My Sister and I are super excited about being "Bucket Fillers" this year! I found these way cute signs to go on my bucket filling bulletin board and around my classroom. Thanks so much for Mel. D at Oh The Places We'll Go for sharing!!
I definitely needed some new labels for my guided reading books, so I found these cute labels from Mrs. Freshwater's Class. Thanks you so much! They'll look beautiful on my guided reading baskets!
Finally, while stalking Pinterest (that one time),I found these amazing quotes that would go perfectly in my classroom! Shannon at Sweet Blessings designed them. I LOVE them and I think they'll really make the kids think!!
Thanks ladies for all of these AMAZING printables!! I can FINALLY get into my classroom on Monday, so stay tuned for before and after pictures of my classroom!! Back to cutting and hopefully laminating!!
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
Friday, August 5, 2011
Target Giveaway at Kleinspiration!!
In honor of reaching 500 followers, Kleinspiration is giving away a $25 Target gift card!! Check it out!!
Good Luck!!
-Jackie-
Good Luck!!
-Jackie-
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Advice for New Teachers... Linky party!!
So I'm a bit obsessed with really awesome linky parties!! My good friend Cindy at Fun in Fourth Grade is hosting her very first linky party!! =) What advice do you have for beginning teachers? If you've got some great advice to share, check her out, and link up!! 
Jackie's Advice:
1. Read the Daily 5 (I WISH I would have have had this my first 9 years of teaching!)
2. Be firm and consistent with your discipline. You're their teacher, not their friend.
3. Set your rules, expectations, and your procedures on day 1 and practice them until they become a habit (the Sisters call it muscle memory).
4. Ask the veteran teachers for help. We won't bite!
5. Take lots of pictures so you can remember everything.
6. Have fun... it's very overwhelming, but try to enjoy yourself!
I hope this is helpful to you newbies!!
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
Jackie's Advice:
1. Read the Daily 5 (I WISH I would have have had this my first 9 years of teaching!)
2. Be firm and consistent with your discipline. You're their teacher, not their friend.
3. Set your rules, expectations, and your procedures on day 1 and practice them until they become a habit (the Sisters call it muscle memory).
4. Ask the veteran teachers for help. We won't bite!
5. Take lots of pictures so you can remember everything.
6. Have fun... it's very overwhelming, but try to enjoy yourself!
I hope this is helpful to you newbies!!
Happy Blogging!!
-Jackie-
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
A Bucket Filling Book
Here is another "Bucket Filling" book to introduce the concept to intermediate grades. I bought the other book, but it seems like it's geared more for primary grades. I'll share it with Jackie.
-Danielle
I found this great idea stalking pinterest.
I absolutely love this chart! Students should definitely know what part of the writing process they are in.
-Danielle-
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