This Year Is Going to Rock! Back to School Notes

Back to school season is a flurry of activity at my house. August 1st signals the end of long days of sipping iced and reading novels by the pool and the beginning of back to school season. This means lesson planning, classroom decoration planning, back to school outfit shopping for 3 girls with extreme fashion preferences (one of whom has insisted on wearing Elmo rain boots all summer and another who has shunned the color pink, but likes glitter), and a visit to the mothership (Target) for school supplies. (Oh how I love the smell of a fresh box of crayons, the thrill of a new set of multi-colored pens, and the possibilities of blank notebook!)

But I save my favorite thing for last. My back to school notes are always the icing on my back to school cake. Every year I make a special note to my students and place it on their desks at open house. I started this tradition early in my career. When I was a poor first year teacher and I glued some googly eyes to (free) rocks I collected from the creek by my parents house. I topped it off with a sign attached to a toothpick that said, “I hope this year rocks!” I thought I was very clever, and hey it was the 90s, long before Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers revolutionized classroom cool.

Anywho, now that I have matured past free rocks from the creek. Each year I scour the Target Dollar Spot and the Dollar Tree to find the best possible gifts (for $0.50 or less per student) that they have to offer. Here are my top 5 picks:

This year is going to rock! 

This goes well with Pop Rocks candy, but if you are on an extreme budget rocks outside are free and available in your local backyard, forest or creek.

This is going to be a super year! 

This goes well with super bubble, any super hero item, or just as a cute stand alone note.

Thank you for popping in! It is going to be a great year!

If candy is a no-no at your school this is perfect with popcorn.

You are going to shine this year!

This goes perfectly with glow sticks (often found in packs of 8 for $1). 

I am bubbling with excitement to meet you!

This is fun with good old fashion bubble stuff! 

As I mentioned before these were designed with a teacher budget in mind. The gift notes can be can be downloaded for FREE here in my TPT store.

Speaking of great deals and awesome resources, be sure to check out the stores of my Planning in Paradise friends for all of your back to school needs!

Lolly's Locker features a locker full of time savers for upper elementary teachers.

The first month of school feels like... well, "it feels like HERDING cats!" If you can totally relate to this analogy ...you MUST be a Kindergarten teacher! It truly is the best job EVER - but that first month is just plain....EXHAUSTING! So be sure to check my Class of Kinders store for many time saving resources to keep things running smoothly! 

Check out Kindergarten Boom Boom for awesome K-1 resources to include in your Reading Workshop, Writing Workshop, and Math Block. Also a great place to find complete Science Units. 

Elaine has some great list making writing activities that are quick and easy for your centers!  

"K-2nd grade teachers- Want assessment made easy?  Check out the Math and Reading exit slips at LOL- Loving Our Learning!"

Help your students unleash their learning super powers with McCrone Love.

Create a classroom where CHARACTER counts with RESOURCES to foster

 independent problem solvers!   

Happy back to school shopping!

Great Read Alouds To Start The Year!

For those of us here in paradise, the start of the new school year is coming quickly.  I have been making my list of all the things I need to get done before the students arrive and all the things I want to make sure happen in the first couple of weeks of school.  I’m finding myself getting a little overwhelmed, so I’m going to ignore that stuff for a little longer!  Instead, I’m focusing on my favorite part of every new school year…picking the books I want to read aloud during the first week.  It’s through our class read alouds that I teach character education and build our classroom community, so it’s something I take seriously and something I LOVE! 

Last year, I found some great books to share with students that were the perfect springboard to conversations about being a good friend and how to make friends.  This year, I hit the bookstore looking for a couple of new titles to add to our repertoire.  I found some that I think will be perfect additions!  These new books address how to handle people who are bossy or make you mad.  I am envisioning the anchor charts we can create and add to during our class meetings, as we solve issues that arise throughout the year. 

My thoughts are coming together around the theme of friendship.  I’ll start with a favorite from last year, Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld.   If you haven’t read it, it’s a must have!  Stick and Stone are lonely until Stick saves Stone when someone is picking on him and the two become fast friends.  When trouble strikes again, Stone is persistent in helping his friend.  After reading this one, we’ll generate a chart of “What Makes a Good Friend?” using what we have learned.

Another book I just discovered last year is Peanut Butter and Cupcake by Terry Border.  Peanut Butter is new to town and is trying to make friends.  He has a hard time, until he finally meets Jelly!  This is a good opportunity to build an awareness of how it feels to be the new kid.  We’re going to use this book to role play how to make friends when you are the new person and how to reach out when someone new arrives in class.  This book has some great plays on words, which can be fun to explore in future word work and writing lessons. 

I was excited to find two brand new books this year that are hot off the press!  Bossy Flossy by Paulette Bogan is just like it sounds.  Flossy bosses everyone around until one day she meets a boy who is as bossy as she is, and she discovers she doesn’t like being told what to do.  At the end of the book, there are a few examples of appropriate language students can use in different situations, instead of telling others what to do.  Again, this would be another great chart we could make and build on throughout the year. 

The other book I recently discovered is Horrible Bear by Ame Dyckman.  When the girl’s kite is accidentally broken by Bear, she gets mad and decides he is horrible.  It’s not until she accidentally breaks something of her own that she realizes what Bear did was not intentional, and she shouldn’t be upset with him.  She discovers this a little too late though, because Bear has become angry with her for blaming him.  The book has a cute ending as Bear and the girl are able to “patch things up!” 

This year, I’m thinking of using Bossy Flossy and Horrible Bear as a start to our many conversations about “What you can do if someone.... is bossy, makes you mad, hurts your feelings, calls you a name, takes something from you…”  And whatever other excitement we encounter during our year together! 

I’m on the lookout for other books we can use this year to lend to our conversations about being good friends.  If you have recommendations, please leave a comment below!  Now, I guess I have to get back to my “to do” list!  On second thought, it’s a good day for the beach and all this talk about books makes me want to sit on the sand with my new mystery novel.  My lists will still be there tomorrow!

LOL-Loving Our Learning

Back to School & Being a Good Citizen (freebie)

Happy Back to School.. it's Robin from Class of Kinders.

Are you still in back to school mode? For some, we have been in school since August. But for others, school starts after Labor Day. Either way, we are back at it and being reminded of just how exhausting and crucial that first month is! This is the time of year where I feel strongly about the need to spend a chunk of time teaching expectations, rules and procedures. But, the timelines and agendas of my school district doesn't really “build in” time for teaching these things or allow for as much time as I would like. I feel the pressure to jump in to the academics....which makes me feel like I have to “skim” over the "how-to's" of our new classroom. Not that I spend the first weeks of school not teaching academics, but I want "wiggle" room to do activities that promote the importance of being a good citizen. Because after all, if we are good citizens we will will have a productive year. We will. It will happen. At least that is what I tell myself and so far it has worked. 

Just the other day I saw this from First Grade Fun Times:

Yes. Exactly. That is our job. That is the challenge we face. That is the miracle teachers hope to make happen each and every year.  So, where is the time to do “this” before we being teaching? It is hard to find. I believe it is just as important as the academics. If we do not take that the time in the beginning, it will take time away from learning. All. Year. Long. At the school where I teach in Florida, it is a teacher expectation that we implement the Lifelong Guidelines in our classroom. It is a non-negotiable. 

LIFELONG GUIDELINES:

ACTIVE LISTENING

TRUSTWORTHINESS

TRUTHFULNESS

NO PUT DOWNS

PERSONAL BEST

I whole heartedly buy-in to this and value each one. For Kindegartners and Firsites it can be 

a bit tricky to get them to remember the language, so I use a book to make connection to each one.

We spend a couple of days reading a story and then doing activities to help make it "stick." Once we are finished, I have a poster I hang in the classroom for reference. Each one of the guidelines are there and next to it is the front cover of the book we read.

These are good citizen principles and being a good citizen helps keep us happy, safe ..which makes it possible for all to learn.

I want to share some other things that I use to help foster that sense of good citizenship and community in the classroom. I love brainpopjr.com!  It is a paid subscription (but there are several free videos available too) and our wonderful PTO provides it to us each year. It features a video on Citizenship just perfect for Kinders and Firsties. 

Also, I love to use Studies Weekly, their Social Studies magazines are so smart and perfect for students ages 5-7. The information on being a good citizen is simple and basic but very engaging. Not to mention just right reading and non fiction text that my kids can take home too! (YAY!)

I find myself buying and hoarding collecting books too. 

(What teacher need doesn’t need just one more book?)

I also find myself always looking for fun and meaningful resources too! There are so many great things out there and so little time. I created this one for my good citizen unit. It is a labeling page. My students enjoyed this one and even said so (which always brings a smile to my face!) I am hoping your students will have as much fun as mine did.

                                                                        

                             

You can download a copy from my TpT store by clicking HERE. It is a freebie for you!  I hope you have a fabulous week, that your school year is off to a productive start and that MUCH learning takes place this year! 

Surviving Back to School: Advice From the Pros!

There is no tired like the tired a teacher feels the first few weeks of school. One year I had a newborn baby and missed the first few weeks of school. Even with middle of the night feedings and constant infant care, I actually felt like I was more rested than my friends who were teaching.

One of the things I LOVE about being part of the Planning in Paradise blog is the support I get from this amazing group of teachers. I am returning to teaching after taking a two year leave of absence to be a mom and teacher author. It goes without saying that I am a little apprehensive about how I am going to do it all. I know I can get through the first day like a pro, but then I have to go back and do it again. Every. Day. Five. Days. In. Row. Until. June. GULP!

After considering hyperventilating into a paper bag or crawling under the covers and refusing to come out, I realized that I needed to take the survival advice I give to new teachers. I tell them to find the teachers they admire, seek out the teachers whose classrooms make you wish you were in school again, look to the teachers who make it look easy, turn to the teachers are who you want to be, and ask them for advice! Ask how they have wonderfully crafted lessons. Ask how they have such cute outfits on daily basis. Ask them how they manage to feed their family, have matching clothes, get the kids to soccer practice, and plan a fabulous lesson every day.

So I did that. I sought out these teachers who are some of my favorite blogger and TPT sellers and asked, “How do you survive the first few weeks of school.” These are the gems of wisdom I got. I am so grateful for the answers. I feel like I can do this. I’ve got this! I do not need a paper bag to breathe in (however I will accept any and all donations of chocolate)!

Here are the gems of wisdom:

Practice Routines and Procedures

“Practice routines and procedures until it looks exactly the way you want your classroom to run. Wow them with engaging activities right from the start and show them how much you care and express your highest expectations for them all. Believe they all can reach them. 

Plus, have ready made meals on hand for the first 2 weeks. Prepare your family for lots of pizza and peanut butter and jelly. And try to enjoy the journey!”

Trina from Trina (Dralus) Deboree

Find Opportunities to Collaborate

“Look for opportunities for positive collaboration with other teachers. The best ideas and classroom solutions come from the synergy created by positive teachers working together.”

Shelley Eisner from Lolly's Locker

Use Team Building and Class Building Activities

“Take time to play class builder and team building games where the kiddos get to know each other and you. Use these games to reinforce skills for everyday tasks like shopping for books, getting new pencils, going to the bathroom, etc. Let the kiddos get to know routines before throwing any standards in the mix by using the year before standards to practice whatever routine it is you are working on.”

Cara from Kindergarten Boom Boom

Collaborate With Your Team

"Collaborative team planning is a must this time of year!  Get together with teammates to share ideas and resources instead of planning on your own at home on Sunday night!  You'll have more fun and your instruction will be even better!  Be sure to designate someone to bring the chocolate!"

LOL- Loving Our Learning 

Schedule Time to Practice Routines and Procedures

Build time into your schedule during the first week (and maybe even the second week) of school to teach and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE classroom routines and expectations.  Consider asking yourself the following questions:

• How should my students enter my classroom?
• What should they do as soon as they enter my classroom?
• What should they do when they have completed morning work?
• What is my procedure for getting their attention?
• What is my procedure for when a student needs to leave his/her seat (to use the restroom, sharpen a pencil, get a drink or a tissue, etc.)?
• How should students line up?
• How should they walk in the hallways?
• What will my dismissal routine look like?

Don't be afraid to spend AS MUCH TIME AS YOU NEED on establishing routines.  Practice until they have it perfect!  If you put in the time right from the start, it will allow you more time throughout the school year to teach meaningful content rather than managing student disruptions. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later!  

Melanie Redden from Snips, Snails, & Teacher Tales

Find Time to Laugh

"Even though you'll be knee-deep in procedures the first few days, find ways to make your students laugh (frequently if possible)!"

Kelly from Created by Kelly Ann

No New Shoes!

DO NOT WEAR NEW SHOES!!

Make sure that you "break in"  any new shoes.  After being in flip flops all summer squeezing into tight enclosed shoes is miserable!  Your feet are already going to hurt!!

Elaine form Kitty Kitty Kindergarten

Prepare Easy and Healthy Meals

Food is important! Buy & use a crock pot so your dinners are ready for you when you come home. Also, all your lunch meals need to be easy to eat for the first few weeks. Sandwiches and finger foods are perfect! You're so on the go but you can't forget to eat!! (Pack a cookie or two for lunch too!) 

Cristina McCrone from Mccronelove

Take Time for Routines, Make Friends, Communicat3 WIth Parents,  and Find Teachers Pay Teachers 

Tip #1: Find Classroom Management. Take as much time as you need to establish the routines and expectations in your classroom. If it takes two week, so be it. If it takes a month, so be it. Do no take any short cuts. Do not skip over it. Classroom management will make your the proudest teacher ever ...or the lack thereof, will bring you to tears!  

Tip #2: Find a friend. Find that someone at school who you can go to for help. It is hard to know what to even ask…so find that person who will listen, who will understand and will offer advice.

Tip #3: Find a way to communication with parents regularly; daily folders, emails, and classroom blogs.

Tip #4: Find small ways to keep your custodian happy…you want them in your corner.

Tip #5: Find teacherspayteachers.com, there is a wealth of free and paid teaching resources at your fingertips. Take the help others offer because it is impossible to do it all yourself. 

Robin from Class of Kinders