First Grade Dual

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Classroom Theme Anyone?

Okay, I'll admit it, in 18 years of teaching (yikes, has it been that long?!)

I've never had a theme.

I mean, I try to have an inviting, organized, colorful classroom,

maybe add cute things like Polka Dots, DJ Inkers, and good old Suzy Zoo,

(hmmm, I wonder if cuteness counts as a theme),

but overall, nope, no theme.

Any-whoo (get it? anyone? anyone?)

since I've been ~~obsessed~~ captivated with teacher blogs, I keep seeing themes that are just calling my name...

I do love the super cute owl classroom themes!

But when I asked my husband to guess what theme I was thinking about he said, "Superheroes?"

And my mind has been ~~obsessing~~ thinking about it ever since.

I've seen some adorable clipart already.

My students would probably love it, especially since I'm looping with most of them.

My family, (well, the boys anyways) would encourage it.

And my own lil' cutie pie would love it!

See if you can spot her below :)

I need me some feedback...

Parents? Teachers? Anyone? Anyone?

(Darn that Ferris Bueller)

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

End of the Year Catch UP

I can't believe I survived the end of the year!

After spending a fun weekend in Santa Barbara and celebrating my boy's 21st birthday, (snif, snif, 21!)

I'm finally able to post some end of the year pics.

This is our end of the year Memory Books.

I post a writing sample with an art piece on our writing wall each month.

My kids loved seeing how much growth they made and laughed when they saw how they used to draw and write.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Let Summer Begin

Yesterday was the last day of Kinder for me and my Kids, we are so ready for First Grade!

We definitely deserve a break, but I cannot switch my teacher brain off.

I mean seriously, it's 5:00 a.m., I should be sleeping in, but instead I'm already checking out blogs and thinking of next year, summer projects, cleaning out closets, books to read, aaaaah!

Well, my favorite movie is on, this will surely help me to relax and bring me to Summer Mode.

A cup of coffee, a quiet house, an excellent movie,
yes, let my summer begin :)

Monday, May 21, 2012

I love peeking at how others organize their plans and papers, so I thought I would share what works for me. I like to use a 1 inch binder, not too big, not too small, but just right. Inside I put what I need in order to plan, organize, input grades/scores. Best of all, since it's only an inch, I can take it home easily, no problema :)

I used to put my plans on the front of the binder, but it seemed to make more sense to have a cute cover so my plans could be easily found. I place lesson plans on the backside for quick and easy access. I love to use tabs with pockets so that I can place papers if I don't have time to punch holes right away.

Section 1: Student Info- birthdays, phone numbers, I.D. numbers/language codes, or any important student info from the office. (note: I put bulletin on inside of this tab because it's in the front).

Section 2: Records- I love this section! I have a general class list and make several copies at the beginning of the year. I like having all of my students' scores on one sheet because I can easily see their growth. I have one sheet for letter I.D., sounds, high frequency words, etc. I used to keep these sheets in my assessment binder, but when I take my binder home I have everything I need without having to lug around my huge assessment binder.

Section 3: Pacing Guides- Math and Language Arts Pacing guides from the district, Smart Goals, and my Reading Scope & Sequence with themes at a glance.

Section 4: Standards- I put a copy of our grade level standards and a copy of the Kinder Report Card, next year, Common Core.

Section 5: Calendar- We get a yearly calendar from our principal but I like to transfer information that pertains to our grade level here. But I'll have to post about a different calendar I use that I absolutely LOVE!