Tag! You're It!

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!

Get Your Kagan On!!

Winter break officially ends tomorrow. Like me, I'm sure my students are bummed, but excited. I know their minds will be elsewhere…Seeing their friends; Is it time for recess; Hey, guess what I got for Christmas; I can't wait to play with my new…

I learned a long time ago to embrace the notion that the first day back from any break is not going to be jam-packed with curriculum. Let's just say that I've learned to incorporate these distractions into a framework. That's where Kagan Structures come into play. For the first part of our school day, students will interact with their peers and describe their holiday excitement using various Kagan Structures. Some of the structures I can adapt include: Jot Thoughts, Draw It!, A-Z Brainstorming, Four Corners, Body Graphs, or Puzzled People. 

Kagan Structures engage every student, and require every student to participate. What a great way to refocus the class on procedures, expectations, and teambuild. Just throw in topics like Winter Break, Santa, family, gifts, and toys…what else could you need on your first day back? {A couple Red Bulls, maybe!?! HA!!} 

Behavior & Teamwork

As teachers, we have received extensive training to understand student behavior. But, even with years of teaching experience and a bag full of tricks, student behavior can make or break a classroom environment.


So, what's the solution to this age-old problem? Don't try to tackle behavior on your own. Understanding behavior takes teamwork. Involve students' families in the process.  


Click on the pictures above for a handout that can be used to educate families. This handout addresses the following topics: Is Behavior a Sign? What are Typical Behaviors? What are Some Behavioral Signs? How to Steer Towards Positive Behavior. Plus, there is a "parent toolkit" with tips and resources.


Here are some additional resources to help communicate with students' families.


Looking for a weekly behavior report template…click here


Need a behavior report with more than one week on a page…click here 


Need a more detailed means to communicate behavior issues with parents…click here

Shoot for the Moon!

You've felt that fire inside, right?!? That drive that makes you feel invincible?! It is this passion and zeal that has surprised me so often. This summer was a perfect example. I set out to write a proposal for a DonorsChoose project. Writing the request was daunting in its own right. I didn't kid myself. I knew that the possibility of funding was slim. Especially since I was requesting technology. Even after looking at other modest proposals, I still felt empowered. I knew that I had the best intentions. I felt as if I could will it true. Could there really be donors generous enough to fund this teacher's wish? 

Two days before my proposal was set to expire, my project was funded!! This is one instance where I'm glad I didn't over think. I hope you feel that passion and zeal. Surprise yourself…jump in...do something big! Remember, it is free to dream. Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars!! 

Writing Support from Home

Writing is typically one of the last academic pieces to fall into place for students. Writing involves both mental and physical skills. It also depends on such variables as encouragement, motivation, support, etc. Because of this complex process, parents frequently ask for ways to help their child become a more fluent writer. In response, I was moved to compile various ideas, strategies, and tips for helping students write at home. Encourage a writing support system in your own classroom. Get your copy here today! 

Check out these fabulous picture prompts 

from Rachelle @ What The Teacher Wants.

You Are Now Entering...

If I told you that this school year has been one of a kind, let's be honest...we both know that is such an understatement! I feel like a first year teacher all over again. Welcome to...My Twilight Zone.


When I flash back to my first year of teaching, those feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and inadequacy come flooding in. These emotions are fresh, as if it happened yesterday. I remember spending weekends and long hours lesson planning, scripting out what to say, and preparing materials for instruction. In hindsight, I unsuccessfully tried to control my chaos.


So, upon starting my 9th year of teaching, I felt confident. My familiarity with first grade curriculum, procedures, and expectations was second nature. I was excited to learn about the new Common Core Standards. I welcomed the notion of a consistent and rigorous curriculum to stimulate and guide student learning. Of course it was going to take effort, training, and diligence to successfully implement. My desire to teach students focused, challenging, and useful material justified the effort. 


Well, things are never as they appear. Now, I don't know about your district, but the Common Core is NOT the only new item on the table. We have thrown out older systems and procedures to clear the way for brand new Common Core resources. Since the start of the school year, I have participated in continual training and directives to learn how to implement new systems for: formative assessment, summative assessment, online lesson planning, report cards, and data analysis reports. 


Of course it makes sense that new standards would require new assessments. However, it is natural to question the integrity and validity of our newly compiled systems when they are causing such confusion and stress. When focus is spread too thin, it seems inevitable that communication and clarity of vision will falter. 


So, this begs the question: Are we trying to do too much at once? Is quantity interfering with the quality of student learning? Are we working against ourselves and producing the opposite desired effect? If districts create faulty and misaligned systems, how will this affect the implementation of the Common Core? 


For me, the most stressful feelings come from lack of communication, not knowing where to start, finding the time, and doing right by the students. Communication and collaboration can be a school's saving grace. Or, maybe things just have to fall apart so other things can fall into place. I totally think Pete the Cat was written for teachers. "Does Pete get upset? Goodness, no. Instead, Pete continues along singing his song about his" positive, focused, and flexible attitude. 


With that said, I try not to complain without offering a solution. However, we all know there is not a quick fix. So, I offer up a resource that I hope you'll find useful. It is a list of CCSS text exemplars from the North Carolina Department of Education. Not only are the exemplars sorted by grade level and genre, but you will find links to some of the poetry and short passage exemplars online, ISBN numbers, and prices at Amazon.com. This list mirrors the resources listed in CCSS Appendix B. Use the list as an example and reference for increasing text rigor. 

SmartBoard Wands

Harcourt Trophies Supplement: Catch a Dream

Now available Harcourt Trophies "Catch a Dream" Basal II supplement for guided reading groups and centers. Stories include: Dan's Pet, Boots for Beth, Space Pup, Where Do Frogs Come From?, Try Your Best, and Fun with Fish. Activities are specifically geared towards the rigor of Common Core Standards. Materials can be used in a writing center, reading center, phonics center, pocket chart center, game center, & art center. 

Each story has customized:
-Teacher Talk cards
-Focus Skill graphic organizers
-Writing Prompts
-5 in a Row: Word Fluency Game
-Reading Tic-Tac-Toe Game
-Scrambled Sentence activity
-Pocket Chart materials

Also included:

*Bonus writing templates, graphic organizers, and flip books that can be used interchangeably with each of the basal stories.
**Directions, Harcourt Trophies Focus Skill outline, and Common Core Standards List.

Help Wanted: Apply Within