portable writing offices

Don't we all dream of a writing workshop where motivated writers are busy creating draft after draft, working hard to revise and edit, independently spelling all sorts of words so that we can actually read it without having to say, "Wow... your story looks so interesting.  Can you tell me about it?"  (You know what we're really saying is, I can't read this at all, so if you start talking about it, that'll give me time to decipher a few words, make connections to what you're telling me, and infer the rest.)  

So sometimes this happens.

In April.

With most of the class.

I'm kidding.  This can actually happen shortly after school starts, but students need a predictable structure and helpful tools to create the right environment for independence.  For me, kids need two tools right off the bat... a word wall that grows with them over time and a place to keep track of multiple writing ideas.  If kids always have something to write about and a resource for helping them spell words, they're usually off and running.  

One tool I also like are these little portable writing "offices."  Some teachers and students love these and some don't.  I think that depends on the specific needs and style of both.  But the resources included on the little offices are valuable tools for young writers as they assist in spelling many common words (colors, numbers, sight words, etc.) and help elevate vocabulary with lists of synonyms.  

I like them because they're versatile.

• They can be used on the floor.  Some kids like to write on their tummies... not their actual tummy... you know what I mean.
• Some writers concentrate a little better behind a barrier.  This can limit distractions for some kids.
• The "offices" can be used at a writing center.
• Or the sheets don't have to be used in an office at all.  They can be placed in writing notebooks instead.

However, whenever, or wherever you use them, you'll find the children keep referring to them... and that fosters independence... and that makes them feel "big."  And that's less tugging on your shirt as you pass by that forlorn writer who's been waiting to ask, "How do you spell yellow?"

I'm GIVING AWAY one of these sets to the first person who can answer this question correctly.  Leave your answer in the comments below and don't forget to include your email address so I can email the set.  Good luck!!  :)

Who is my favorite female actress of all time?

If you don't win, but you'd still like the resource, you can find it by clicking on the image below.

Happy teaching!  :)

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! 

B2School Go Noodle Style!

Woo Hoo! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Go Noodle!! Do you??? IF you haven't heard of it, then you need to visit their site at GoNoodle.  It has tons of indoor activities to get kids moving and best of all, IT"S FREE!!!! The class can pick an avatar to represent them and then complete workout/dance/partner games in order to watch their avatar grow.  It is great for goal setting, brain breaks, indoor recess (for rainy days, too hot days, or too cold days), and for getting those never ending wiggles out!  I use Go Noodle EVERYDAY in my classroom.  We Go Noodle when I can see that my kiddos have had enough of staying on task and need to MOVE.

If you are a fan (or if you wanna be......) you are in luck! You could win 25 of these AWESOME headbands for your kiddos.

All you have to do is enter the rafflecopter below for a chance at snagging them!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can also use this discount code in their shop BTSwithGoNoodle for %15 off everything from September 4th- Sept.11th.

I hope you try them out if you haven't already! Go Noodle is FABULOUS here in paradise and I know it would be for you too!

Fabulous Facebook Pages

Sometimes I need a little motivation or inspiration in teaching. How about you? Here are some great Facebook pages that will offer you wonderful teaching ideas and practices, really good deals, and a little bit of humor to make your day!

Edutopia

                                                        Teaching Blog Traffic School

                                                                Clever Classroom

Creating Readers and Writers

Kindergarten Boom Boom

KittyKittyKindergarten

TeachersPayTeachers

Math Mojo

Class Of Kinders

Snips, Snails, and Teacher Tales

Ms. Deboree's Class

I hope you find inspiration this year!

Teacher School Supplies

Gathering school supplies can be a time consuming task but I finally found something that works for me and honestly I'm wondering why in the world have I not done this before.  My friend Robin from Class of Kinders labeled a collection of tubs for me to help organize all the school supplies that came in during Meet the Teacher Night.  The students and parents unpacked the supplies together once they entered the classroom.  Abracadabra all my supplies are organized!!!  

So now that the classroom supplies are ready to go it was time for me to get my teacher supplies in order.  Here are a few supplies I made sure I had for the start of my school year.

My Teacher Supplies

I love this retractable ID badge and key holder.  

You can never have too many Sharpie Markers!!!  

Perfect for labeling everything at the beginning of the school year.  

Well sometimes you have to eat school lunch.  I always have a BIG bottle of these 

available for all my teacher friends.

Don't forget your vitamins!!!

Cheaters!!!  I have LoTs of these in the classroom just in case I 

forget my glasses at home.  I am lost without them! 

No need to explain these.  

I wash my hands 100 times a day.  This is easy on my hands and 

the lavender scent brings out some calming vibes.

I don't have time to be sick!!! I use this on many surfaces in the classroom 

when my students are out of the classroom.

Walking on air!!!  These are so helpful with my flats!

Love everything Burt's Bees.  The tinted lip balm comes in many shades.

These are my Big Girl bandaids.  

With all the hand washing I do these really do stay on all day. 

Everyone should have a pair of 3PM

slippers!

Emergency chocolate is a MUST but it only works if you share it with a friend :-)

These are just a few of my teacher supplies for the new year.   

Wishing you all an endless supply of crayons and glue sticks!!!

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

Five Of My Favorite Freebies!

Teachers Pay Teachers is such an awesome place for buyers and sellers alike! There are other forums to buy and sell teaching resources, but hands down... TpT is my favorite! I always go there first. NO. MATTER. WHAT. Whether I need quality resources for my classroom or I am making them for my classroom to offer to others...the Teachers Pay Teachers Marketplace is undoubtedly the best place for us (and in the end, our students!) On any given day teachers can browse (I have been guilty of doing this in my pajamas) for just about anything from lessons, to readers, to posters, to power points ...and all that is in between! (And if you happen to be reading this on August 3rd and 4th there is a Back To School Sale going on! Enter code: BTS15 at the checkout.) There are some brilliant and creative teachers who have fabulous items for sale in their TpT stores. But, they also have made products for us for free. (I just leave a little feedback as a thank you and many times, follow their store.) A free TpT product is icing on the cake, very sweet indeed!

As a teacher of Kinders and First graders, I have collected five of my most favorite (many tried and true) free items from TpT teacher-authors. I picked these because they are just PERFET for the Beginning of the School Year:

How cute is this weather spot for your calendar area, from TpT'er Laura Scoma.

Want to make it? Click HERE

These little direction icons are a lifesaver for those first weeks of school when 

the kids stare at us like a deer in headlights! Put these

 right up on the whiteboard. It's from Miss Kindergarten Love

Want to make this too? Click HERE

How about a little fun and engaging ABC game for the first day of school? 

This one is sure to capture and keep their attention for at least a few minutes!

Love it! It's from First Grade Blue Skies.

 Click HERE

Wouldn't these be perfect sitting on the students' tables as they

come in the first day? Just add a pack of crayons!

It's from Kinder-Craze.

Click HERE

If you are like me the camera is in the classroom waiting to capture the kids

for those special days. Here are some signs for first day photos!

What a colorful prop for them to hold while you snap their picture!

It's from Teacher to the Core. 

Click HERE

Decorating your classroom?

How about some motivational posters that send a positive message for

those who enter. It's a little freebie from me, Class of Kinders.

Click HERE

I hope that it is an AMAZING year for you!

I am hoping for one too…here, in Paradise.