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. 

Weather Graphs Freebie

I recently put together my Math Journal Pages download to help you create student math journals throughout the school year! Well, another aspect to my math block is weather observation and graphing. 

So, here's a download for you...

Get your very own set of monthly graphs to record rainy, windy, sunny, cloudy, stormy, and snowy weather. Keep that monthly data posted so students can compare and analyze the weather from month to month. You can also keep track of the weather for the entire school year. School year weather graphs help students recognize and discuss patterns throughout the year. I laminate these graphs and post them on my calendar bulletin board. Students also have a copy in their math journal so they can more actively record, collect, and analyze weather data. Clipart by ThistleGirl Designs. 

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. 

Behavior Report

When students misbehave, provide an opportunity for them to reflect on their behavior. This can be accomplished by having them fill out a stop and think form, or behavior report. 

1. The first portion allows for the student to pick a specific behavior that was problematic.

2.The second section asks the student to express how they feel about this situation.

3.Third, students think about what actions need to be present in order to make a good choice.

4.On the back of the report, there are three sections for a written response from the student, teacher, and parent.

5.This form also requests that parents sign to confirm receipt. Students are then required to bring this form back to school the next school day.

6.The teacher can place the report in the student's file and have an easily accessible record of behavior incidents. 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