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Now Why Didn't I Think of That?!?

Have you ever tried to have first graders sit in rows of 3 facing forward? I tried it *briefly* my first year teaching first grade. I found out the hard way that first graders move all day long and so did their desks. 

Where did my neat little rows go?

With 23 students this year, desk logistics have been a source of irritation. So, I decided to wrangle these desks into submission and take charge. Say hello to my new buddy, "Cabl E. Ties"!

You can even put a mark on the floor so students know exactly where to realign their rows. Now, why didn't I think of that!?! Thanks, Mr. Tie!

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Back to School Shuffling

What a week! I return fatigued...a victim of the back to school vortex!! Many of you blogged about the exhaustion felt during the first week of school. You'd think I would remember this feeling after so many years of teaching. Did I listen? Did I heed your warnings?! Noooo! I guess I just had to feel it for myself!! Every year, I am also surprised that I don't remember how little bitty the incoming first graders are. I am definitely grateful that the first week of school is over. But, most of all, I can say that it was successful.  

Our first week of school was all about procedures. The importance of practicing classroom routines and behaviors can never be underestimated. This year, I was so excited to teach procedures using materials created by talented {and famous} teachers! 

You can’t mention the start of the 2011-2012 school year without talking about Abby Mullins’ “Fun with Firsties” activity download! On the first day of school, you know we enjoyed some “Jitter Juice”!! We washed our butterflies away {right before we headed out to recess}!!! 

I also incorporated Kathleen Pedersen’s “Teaching Manners-Monster Fun” download. She shared a cute story called “The Day a Monster Came to School”. The kids were shocked {and seemingly appalled} that the monster in the story was throwing things in the classroom, dumping toys on the floor, and screaming at the top of his lungs! It was a great story to emphasize that we don’t want any “monsters” in our classroom this year. We also sorted monster-themed behavior cards to identify and define “superstar”, “classroom” problem, and “principal’s office” behavior. Once that “naughty monster” behavior was defined, students contributed their ideas for classroom rules.

The class really enjoyed Abby Mullins’ “Find-a-Friend” activities. I loved watching students internalize all of our discussions on speaking and whole-body listening behaviors. It was also a great way to emphasize that we need to embrace everyone, whether they are similar to or different than us! Using various thinking maps, we also defined characteristics of Kindergartners versus First Graders. Students described Kinders as being little. Whereas, First Graders were viewed as "smarter" and able to play on the "real" playground. Though cute and funny, the activity allowed me to gain some insight into the class’ perception of themselves. Their statements hinted of insecurity {and a strong desire} to read and write proficiently.

You want to know the best thing about these two downloads? They integrated and were supported by great children’s literature. Prior to launching into a topic, I was able to activate and build schema. Our first week of school was full of meaningful activities, where students were active participants. It was a fantastic way to kickoff the implementation of the new Common Core Standards, where a large emphasis is placed on the development of listening & speaking skills, language, and collaboration. 

But, there is no rest for the weary. I am off to learn about the magic of my classroom's new Smart Board. I am excited to use this 21st century teaching tool to support the Common Core.

Bulletin Boards Made Simple

The thought of putting up bulletin boards has always been a daunting task for me. I cringe at the thought of putting up the background paper, hanging the title straight, and updating for each holiday. For the sake of my own sanity, I have been using a simple and efficient approach to my bulletin boards. 

At the start of the school year, I still have to hang my background paper...but, I don't worry about hanging my title perfectly or changing out my bulletin board. My bulletin board stays up all year! 

Each year I decide on a different theme. Last year's theme was close to my heart. I chose to go with a Marine Corps bulletin board since my 
son was at bootcamp. When recruits enter bootcamp, they find themselves standing on yellow footprints. These footprints symbolize the start of their journey, where their lives will be changed forever. 

I went with the Marine Corps' colors and chose a title to go with my recruit's journey. This applied to my students since they were stepping it up to first grade! One of my favorite bulletin board ideas is to create a title using letter squares. I can stagger and angle the squares without pulling out a level or having to restaple. I also laminate and staple construction paper to mark each student's spot.

I have so much on my plate, and wrestling with bulletin boards takes away precious time. Whether my bulletin board has student work posted or not, it is still decorated. 

Student Math Journals

Oh, my!! 15 more days until Las Vegas teachers report to school. The countdown is really on! With only the tail end of summer left, I am motivated to ready myself for a new group of students! 

My first motivation was to redesign my old math journal templates from years ago. I enjoy teaching with journals of all types. But, I have to say, that I never thought I would enjoy math journals as much as I actually do. It allows students to become mathematical thinkers and reasoners. They have to reflect on their problem solving process and learn how to communicate their ideas. My school site also encourages the use of math journals. A good portion of our state assessment scores come from heavily weighted constructed response questions. 

My students have a monthly math journal that I collect and save to monitor student progress. First grade is such a remarkable year for growth and journals share that story. They are also a great resource to use during parent-teacher conferences to showcase a student's improvement or goals. Journals can even be used in instances where a student needs additional academic support (Response to Instruction). 

From updating my journal page templates, I put together a handy resource for you to create student math journals throughout the school year! My Math Journal Pages {Templates} offer a variety of resources to support students’ mathematical understanding and written expression. Download over 30 pages of constructed response forms and student reference pages. Clipart by ThistleGirl Designs. 

The first 3 bloggers to post a comment will receive my Math Journal Page Templates for free! 

{Make sure to leave your email} 

This product will be on sale until tomorrow (8/10/11)! Create your own student math journals today!! 

Nursery Rhyme Homework Booklet

Homework is important because it not only reinforces what students learn in class, but it also helps them to develop a sense of responsibility. First grade homework assignments are designed to help students develop a sense of responsibility and good work habits. 

Some children take to reading at a younger age and can read independently by the time they finish kindergarten. For others, it can be a struggle to learn their letters by the time kindergarten ends. When entering first grade, students have a wide range of reading skills. 

My nursery rhyme homework booklet is designed with this in mind. This booklet includes a parent letter, homework schedule, homework task checklist, challenge homework activities, and 10 nursery rhymes. 

Available at my TpT store, this product allows for the practice of basic skills to solidify basic concepts and readiness skills. These specific skills include: the direction to move when you read (from left to right), identifying rhyming words, capital letters, and initial letter sounds. However, for the accelerated student who enjoys an extra challenge, there are OPTIONAL homework challenge activities. Clipart by ThistleGirl Designs. 

Start of the Year Parent Forms

With so many things on your back to school to do list, you might find yourself wondering where to start. A great starting point is to prepare your parent forms. Here are some samples of my parent forms. Click on each image to download! Clipart by DJ Inkers and ThistleGirl Designs. 

Parent Welcome Letter

Student Information Form

Parent Helper Form

Classroom Procedures

Classroom Discipline Plan

Class T-Shirts

One of the yearly traditions at my school is creating class t-shirts! Each grade level has their own color. As as a school {K-5}, we work together to decide which colors we are going to choose {kinder: yellow, first grade: red, second grade: green, and so on...}. 

Then, each teacher has 
their own class t-shirt. T-shirts are made with students’ own artwork.  Each student creates a self-portrait, along with their classmates’. One lucky student can even draw the teacher!!  

These t-shirts are memorable keepsakes for years to come. Here's my collection so far. Most importantly, our class T-shirts are worn on spirit day, and on all field trips to easily recognize our students and their respective class. 

The company that creates these adorable self-portrait t-shirts is called Whitney Daniels Designs. They are based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Click on the image below for my teacher directions, teacher order form, a sample parent letter, and parent order form. Clipart by ThistleGirl Designs.