tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64624177792707685532024-02-21T06:16:43.945-08:00Adventures in Teaching!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-45090665484808706422013-07-25T16:17:00.000-07:002013-07-25T16:34:06.148-07:00Classroom set up<div><br></div>I have been thinking a lot lately about the best way to set up a kindergarten classroom. I know there is really no right or wrong way, and many factors must be considered. I was able to get a sneak peek of my classroom when I moved my things there at the end of the year from my old school. It is quite different....I actually have doors and windows you can see out of!!!! Here are a couple pictures.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIH_GMZU21ai83atHAvYNE6mUecE8DoBO4_qeFQvccHdWYme9agbwbrYeFRlO1g27Kb3oUt0H465pkRhBwxHSfPhrB3DRKchhp0U4x2BL_I-h3Y2pPNbXDkzqalg_oroju8bL2YW95mI/s640/blogger-image--1448036521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIH_GMZU21ai83atHAvYNE6mUecE8DoBO4_qeFQvccHdWYme9agbwbrYeFRlO1g27Kb3oUt0H465pkRhBwxHSfPhrB3DRKchhp0U4x2BL_I-h3Y2pPNbXDkzqalg_oroju8bL2YW95mI/s640/blogger-image--1448036521.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Most of the things shown in this picture are not mine. Another teacher was moving out of this classroom, and everything except the desk and tables will be gone. The back section where the white board is will be my morning meeting/whole group lesson area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIT1roCMAVKFMuu1ZFB6eDJ0GI4S7WbAFwy2PuUofbx6rOqLLiqzprrM_fcBd-UjrnaRPDtSXzrAVj0kRsL6DnyMKbTKhSbLjn1ozEyApQwnJRU_sfqQEDIJYReymheHP9Kv-O5rCzCvE/s640/blogger-image-977097663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIT1roCMAVKFMuu1ZFB6eDJ0GI4S7WbAFwy2PuUofbx6rOqLLiqzprrM_fcBd-UjrnaRPDtSXzrAVj0kRsL6DnyMKbTKhSbLjn1ozEyApQwnJRU_sfqQEDIJYReymheHP9Kv-O5rCzCvE/s640/blogger-image-977097663.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am thinking about putting a dramatic play area in the left corner of this picture. I can change the scenery in the dramatic play based on what the theme is. I am going to leave the computers where they are. I believe I will also move the table to the from of the classroom, so I can have my small groups. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6RMaQq33KBWdhhDuk1wukf6Iy5plLNIeszpT0grX5MQdiQCAlRAURlruT7CJsSR2ezauMcMQGwhvx7lKbC9BSCuBh4LEpo-Sh8azS8uziFbc4Ytv4yRN-ZpDuF0KJJrGcpGjoOOrs48/s640/blogger-image--1744902171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6RMaQq33KBWdhhDuk1wukf6Iy5plLNIeszpT0grX5MQdiQCAlRAURlruT7CJsSR2ezauMcMQGwhvx7lKbC9BSCuBh4LEpo-Sh8azS8uziFbc4Ytv4yRN-ZpDuF0KJJrGcpGjoOOrs48/s640/blogger-image--1744902171.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am excited for the large, blank space on the wooden wall. There are color posters up there, but they are going to be removed. I am going to make that space into a first theme with owls on the tree branches. Each owl will have a child's name on it,and their work can be displayed. My whole classroom theme is owls. That's what I was known for in my first and second grade classrooms, so I am continuing on. Plus, I love owls :) the corner where the yellow bulletin board is will be where I put my small groups, and hang out word wall. I am also going to put a rug in front of the black cubbies and section off an area for the library. I want to put bean bags and comfy mats down for reading! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well, that is about it for now. I am itching to get into the classroom to start setting up! I don't want to rush summer too much though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I will leave you all with one question</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do you have access to your classroom all year, or does your school open up sometime before the start of school for classroom set up?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-Amanda</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-55319545611184451522013-07-19T09:24:00.001-07:002013-07-19T09:24:39.899-07:00Kindergarten!It seems as though my adventure is changing, yet again. I am off to kindergarten in September! I am extremely excited because this is the grade I have always wanted to teach. I am also ready to be fully dedicated to blogging....I hope. Haha. I always have a hard time keeping up with it, but I am going to try my best. I am working now (well, after I finish this post) on collecting some kindergarten ideas!! Ok, I am off to explore.
-Amanda Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-71187885798777308862012-06-16T10:27:00.001-07:002012-06-16T10:27:59.808-07:00Why I had to change my blog's title...Hi everyone!
I know it has been a very, very long time. Things have been insane in my life, both professionally and personally. But, now, I am back and ready to roll.
If you happened to notice, I changed my blog title.
Why, you ask?
Because, like my students, I am moving on up to second grade!!!!!!!! It was a total shock at first, but I get to have *most* of the same kids next year. I am so excited to see their growth. I am also a bit nervous, because I haven't taught second grade before. However, it is going to be worth it, and it will be a brand new adventure. I have already started reading my common core standards for grade 2 (we are in full implementation next year, and yes, I am a big nerd.) I am just so excited to do things in a better and more effective way, to really promote my student's growth. AND I get to see them really shine next year! So pumped! The kids were also super excited when they found out!
Well, I am off to search for grade 2 blogs!
I will keep you posted on all of my crazy ideas for next year!!!
-AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-60391414603118284032012-02-26T04:37:00.003-08:002012-02-26T04:45:19.959-08:00February vacation is over---already?!?Wow, it's been a while since I last posted. Things kind of got a bit overwhelming, and stressful, so I kind of strayed away from all things teaching while I was on vacation. To make matters worse, the Monday before vacation, I got my pink slip. I know, every new year teacher gets one (for the most part) but it was still an unsettling experience. I truly do not know if I am going to have a job next year, and that very much bothers me. Add that to the fact that I have to move out of my rented house by the end of May and find somewhere ele to live, it's crazy-stressful-ness. But, I have learned to keep on keeping on. Taking it day by day knowing that things will work themselves out, as long as I am prepared. <br /><br />I decided to take the test to become certified in Massachusetts. Hopefully, this will open some more doors for me, should I need them.<br /><br />I can't believe it is the last day of vacation. Boo. I was able to get so many things I wanted to do done, like sewing, painting, and other creative projects. I feel like I found myself again during this vacation, and I am so glad I did what I wanted to do.<br /><br />I did have to get my pet bunny spayed over vacation, actually two days ago, and thankfully she is doing ok now. I was kind of a mess haha. <br /><br />Unfortunately, I left all of my schoolwork until today. Actually, that may have been a good thing. Now I can convince myself that is really IS time to go back, and I need to get my head back into the game!<br /><br />Everyone keeps telling me that after February vacation, time flies. I am not sure how I feel about this. I am excited to see my students progress. Before I left on Friday, I did some running records on students, and I now only have 3 students reading below grade level, as opposed to 7. I had 3 students in particular who really took off, and are now above grade level. I was so proud of them, I could have cried, but that probably would have been embarrassing for them, so i kept the waterworks to myself (which is another thing I should be proud of!). I am holding that moment in my head, so if I become overwhelmed or unmotivated in the next few months (which is bound to happen) I can see that I am doing things right and I am making a difference. <br /><br />Well, I better go start this work!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-77656663704944244082012-02-07T08:01:00.000-08:002012-02-07T08:06:19.042-08:00The craziness of testingThis week has started off pretty good. The kids were a bit of yesterday because of the Super Bowl, but today has been calm (so far). My only issue is I have a new student and I am trying to find the time to test her (DIBELS, Running Records, Dolch, CBM, blahblahblahhhh). Yesterday slipped by without a chance to do anything except one running record. I am hoping at some point today I will be able to finish at least her DIBELS. I feel like the days are just flying by, and there is not enough time to get everything done!<br /><br />We started our kindness boxes yesterday. The kids love it. They pick someones nameout of the box and then they have to write something kind about that person. It worked really well yesterday and I am hoping it continues to work well.<br /><br />My reading groups have been doing really well. I have a couple of students who I am really concerned about. They are still struggling with words on the preprimer dolch list. I am trying everything I can to get them caught up to speed, but it is difficult. I wuold love to see them just skyrocket over the next four months, but I think it is going to take a lot more work to get there.<br /><br />wait.....is there really only about four months left? Did I just say that? Holy cow, I can't believe I am already more than halfway through my first year of teaching. What a bumpy road it has been. I can't wait to see the end result in June, though. hopefully I will have brought these kids where they need to be!<br /><br />Well, I need to go pick them up from library!<br />-AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-42436041759414908372012-02-05T16:01:00.001-08:002012-02-05T16:05:35.053-08:00What do you Love?I'm sitting here, the superbowl is on, I'm at my boyfriends parents, and I am doing schoolwork. I'm also listening to my boyfriend yell at the Patriots. Fun times.<br /><br />So I came across this linky party, and wanted to join! (couldn't open the document, so I am typing mine!)<br /><br />What do you love...<br /><br />I love to watch movies with...food, blankets, and pillows<br /><br />I love to read books...on the couch when the house is quiet!<br /><br />I love to shop for...clothes!<br /><br />I love to collect...owl jewelry and Buddha figurines<br /><br />I love to listen to...a lot of things, it depends on my mood<br /><br />I love to eat...cheese and chocolate (but not together, haha)<br /><br />I love to talk about...teaching<br /><br />I love to make...paintings, frames, and clothes<br /><br />I love to travel to....Paris (hopefully one day)<br /><br />I love to teach....reading!!!<br /><br /><br />So there you have it! Now I am off to finish my school work and scarf down some pizza! Go Patriots!!! :)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-81951213342165814062012-02-04T09:08:00.000-08:002012-02-04T09:19:54.252-08:00Crazy Friday, Relaxing SaturdayAhhh I am SO happy that it is the weekend! I finally have the chance to unwind! I have literally been sitting on the couch reading all morning. I am almost done with the Hunger Games. It is such a good book, I can't wait for the movie to come out!<br /><br />Yesterday at school was quite the eventful day. During morning meeting, I smelled a gross smell (like vomit) near one of my kiddos desk (who's desk is on a corner of the rug). I looked in his desk, and there were two full cartons of rancid milk. DISGUSTING! I don't even know how he smuggled it in there! He must have taken them from lunch!!! I made him throw them out in the boys room, then I had to lysol spray the desk and rug around it to try and mask the smell. It didn't quite go away so I hd to open the windows (which the kids complained about, but hey, would you rather be a little chilly or feel like your going to throw up because it smells so bad?) Thankfully, it only took about an hour for the smell to go away.<br /><br />The rest of the day was good, up until I was doing math and wrote on the whiteboard. My Principal had given me BRAND NEW dry erase markers. Well, I went to erase them, and they stained my board. No sponge or spray would clean it off. It is still there. I need to buy magic erasers tomorrow so I can try to get rid of the writing on Monday. I hope it goes away, because we use that board all the time! I also tried putting up another white board on top of it to keep going with math, and it fell on my foot. Lemme tell you, it was NOT light! I had to bite my tongue hard not to curse in front of the kids! My kids were so sweet about it, though, they were genuinely concerned for my toe. haha. <br /><br />After that fiasco, we had some fun! We did some Football writing that I found via "The clutter-free classroom"'s blog. We also made a version of her football player craft to hold their writing. The kids LOVED it! I also love being able to do fun things with them. They work so hard and deserve some crafty time among the massive amounts of testing! Here are some pictures of their awesome work!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhya5qWbEkHC6dLEH7dcGhVBhfC8ApkIu0j7WltDYAZlhyphenhyphenpFNUSSgEdl__BBkBp3iO1RzY6n9A2iPUIIxVmT4i6tanSjQbJqraeQdxRytjM6CX78wJQvVyuW1iHrPB_w5eenfT1pxvGJfo/s1600/336920_10150754783129972_781069971_12426492_2017755078_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhya5qWbEkHC6dLEH7dcGhVBhfC8ApkIu0j7WltDYAZlhyphenhyphenpFNUSSgEdl__BBkBp3iO1RzY6n9A2iPUIIxVmT4i6tanSjQbJqraeQdxRytjM6CX78wJQvVyuW1iHrPB_w5eenfT1pxvGJfo/s320/336920_10150754783129972_781069971_12426492_2017755078_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705331028866621714" /></a><br /><br />I wish I could have taken pictures of them all, but we were rushing around at the end of the day!<br /><br />Next week we are going to start our 100th day projects (which I have to create this weekend) and also start our valentines day Kindness unit. I am excited about that! I am also excited for vacation in two weeks!<br /><br />Well, I am off to read some blogs, do some zumba, and clean my house. Which probably means I will just be finishing the Hunger Games. haha<br /><br />Happy weekend!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-25244738223777187172012-02-01T15:36:00.000-08:002012-02-01T15:42:05.002-08:00surprise!So today was going well. We had a normal routine today. Reading groups went well. They actually paid attention during math. What more could I ask for?<br />I was happily walking to my mailbox after dismissing the kids when I saw it. The red folder of doom. <br /><br />Do you know what that means?<br /><br />NEW STUDENT. I am getting yet another new student on Monday. Which means another week of testing, another week of crazy kids adjusting, and squeezing one more desk in my teeny tiny classroom. <br /><br />Fun times. <br /><br />I am trying to think on the positive side, that maybe this student will be good behaviorally and maybe they won't have to be in one of my intervention groups (I don't know how I would fit her in!!!). <br />We will see on monday!<br /><br />I had to go for a run and do some yoga when I got home to stop freaking out, so I feel much better now. <br /><br />Anyways, I am looking forward to doing some fun Groundhog Day activities tomorrow. I have also started planning for our 100th day (our's is the 13th). It is so rare that we get to do fun things, I really want the 100th day to be special!<br /><br />Well I should go try and read some more of the Hunger Games. I want to finish by this weekend!!!<br /><br />I will leave you with one question: <span style="font-weight:bold;">What is you're favorite part of the day when you are teaching?</span><br />(Mine is guided reading!!)<br /><br />-AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-27258536126446727592012-01-31T05:32:00.001-08:002012-01-31T05:37:06.664-08:00With every mistake, we must surely be learningFinally, yesterday was a bit easier than my days at school have been lately. We did have a half day, I was in a meeting all morning. Unfortunately, at that meeting they gave us MORE testing that wehave to do WEEKLY (ugh) but at least I got to see the progress that my kids have made so far. I am going to make a calendar with EVERY SINGLE due date for testing. We do so much that I get nervous that I will forget something. Hopefully the calendar will relieve some of my anxiety about that.<br /><br />I am hoping that the behaviors in my classroom will be better this week. Yesterday afternoon wasn't too bad. <br /><br />I am not doing TOO much testing this week (only two things I need to do) so getting back into our regular routine is going to feel great.<br /><br />Well, I am off to start my day! I have to get the kids in a couple of minutes. <br /><br />Happy Tuesday!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-7511836661246423832012-01-25T16:17:00.000-08:002012-01-25T16:25:37.287-08:00How do you cope with stress?Today I am feeling a bit better than I did when I wrote my last post. not by too much, though. I don't think I have actually taught in almost two weeks because of this testing. When I think of all the wasted time, I cringe. These kids need more teaching from me. I think that might be why they have been acting so crazy. I send them off to do independent centers, and they are getting bored. <br /><br />So tomorrow, I am taking a break from the testing. I am actually going to TEACH! While this sounds great, I am not sure that it will help me feel less overwhelmed. I've had so much info thrown at me the past few weeks, I still don't know how to digest it all. I wish there was a manual for teaching....or for life!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">So, what I need is some good advice on ways to cope with feeling overwhelmed. Also, ways to de-stress. What do you all do to fix overwhelmed feelings and stress?</span><br /><br />I know the first year of teaching is tough (and it certainly has been tough), but I kind of thought I would get the hang of it by now. It also doesn't help that my district is currently in a state of disarray. I'm confused. My colleagues are confused. The kids are now confused. I just wish there was someone to point us all in the right direction, so we could point the kids in the right direction!!!! I am trying to keep my focus on my 19 kiddos. I need to make myself feel better, for them. That way, I can be 100% and give be the teacher they deserve.<br /><br />Well, I am off to read a bit (I'm about to start <span style="font-style:italic;">The Hunger Games</span>), then I am calling it an early night. <br /><br />-AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-65799707132086983632012-01-23T14:18:00.000-08:002012-01-23T14:23:37.440-08:00One of "those" daysToday was not such a good day. First of all, I am not feeling too well. I feel like I am beginning to get a cold, and I also have been feeling very anxious. My students were OFF the wall today. Things that usually work to calm them down...did not work. I am also extremely stressed out. I hope this passes, like it did at the beginning of the year, because I am starting to feel that downward spiral again...<br /><br />I feel like I have no idea what I am doing. All I do (seriously all I do!) is test kids. I hardly ever TEACH! Between DIBELS, Dolch, Running Records, Trophies midyear assessments, CBMs, and I am sure there is another one mixed in there somewhere....I have no time! Plus, I got a new student in, so i had to test her on ALL of those. I am just starting to feel disillusioned. I hate that we hardly ever do anything fun. I just want to make learning fun for these kids, because they really need to develop a love for learning to keep them going strong academically...<br /><br />I am not sure what to do to make this feeling go away. I honestly just feel like crying. I don't know which way is up at this point, and I feel extremely overwhelmed. I feel like there is so much burdened on me, that I know I will forget something. Which makes me stress out even more...<br /><br />I think maybe I need a mental health day this week. I don't know. <br /><br />Sorry for the negative post....I just needed to vent....<br /><br />Any words of encouragements would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />-AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-63976478142413954002012-01-21T11:06:00.001-08:002012-01-21T11:22:30.884-08:00Happy Snowy Saturday!<br /><br />I am stuck inside for the day recovering from a stomach bug I had last night. I am feeling much better now. Better enough to drag myself off the couch and do something productive (i.e. Blog!)<br /><br />This week went by very slowly, it seemed, even though it was a four day week. I do have some updated pictures of my classroom. I am totally not finished yet. It is definitely a work in progress. <br /><br />So here are some *in progress* pictures. I was able to organize (to the best of my ability) the back row of shelving. I also cleared off the counters under the window, took all the books off, and put them in our *reading nook* I am liking the set up a LOT better. The kids seem to like it, too. They have easier access to the books and center materials. I am still waiting to get a shelf in there, as well as a small table and chairs, but all in good time. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmwMGbWKEn7752wC_2jsiPoqcfNRpZeaU6bVf6C0ufZgWR66gpxU4ci-v51vfcL1tZzFCq3O_Y8mKCgcnNIjo2NvBsVi5bmFMt842euA7WZTB8hiG4oDaNIMsPMF51u_zzxBcHSilh2E/s1600/DSCN0485.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmwMGbWKEn7752wC_2jsiPoqcfNRpZeaU6bVf6C0ufZgWR66gpxU4ci-v51vfcL1tZzFCq3O_Y8mKCgcnNIjo2NvBsVi5bmFMt842euA7WZTB8hiG4oDaNIMsPMF51u_zzxBcHSilh2E/s320/DSCN0485.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700165972427061778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybubGscceYaaCs_YwN1P4EaJYfnm78oj7kci_ysJieV1nPekAjkJcDWaFRdR8nUTIYSFwUZ9TUOYJP009pm3q_Gzeu-0gzN0wYifVRa94Z_FOUt1PXi8IsWTyf5YDGA6qkmAthMoz8fU/s1600/DSCN0486.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybubGscceYaaCs_YwN1P4EaJYfnm78oj7kci_ysJieV1nPekAjkJcDWaFRdR8nUTIYSFwUZ9TUOYJP009pm3q_Gzeu-0gzN0wYifVRa94Z_FOUt1PXi8IsWTyf5YDGA6qkmAthMoz8fU/s320/DSCN0486.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700165964849690338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUJqP2s3HSlskNxwzhS-WqZM6-bFMXf5RUxgAK16BYawSLXRjEJKl4mEH2DjPUHq8DQPOEHmlJfR6SDmiTl5DN3e5a2V_zjc_1XrsdIWpIf7-5nQ66CPFG8tS-JFuk_Y4a3k3PvZjWlA/s1600/DSCN0487.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUJqP2s3HSlskNxwzhS-WqZM6-bFMXf5RUxgAK16BYawSLXRjEJKl4mEH2DjPUHq8DQPOEHmlJfR6SDmiTl5DN3e5a2V_zjc_1XrsdIWpIf7-5nQ66CPFG8tS-JFuk_Y4a3k3PvZjWlA/s320/DSCN0487.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700165959167220690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1W8t99LuywW9_UV_Qt_Nq0T75v9gQr4vi5iFPDtwoeMD9bsKyySEB9YP7bEXAvjpYV3Pubp2XVzXBszdZnxkfeyEizOvzgsQJods20fvDrZPrHFjSfGTfLUT5IAvBFSxfqo3ciiupvwo/s1600/DSCN0488.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1W8t99LuywW9_UV_Qt_Nq0T75v9gQr4vi5iFPDtwoeMD9bsKyySEB9YP7bEXAvjpYV3Pubp2XVzXBszdZnxkfeyEizOvzgsQJods20fvDrZPrHFjSfGTfLUT5IAvBFSxfqo3ciiupvwo/s320/DSCN0488.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700165953710186914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz8OTydlF2Mm5y7SDMjOEug-2CAj7A1QaB1mdAapgu3bRkHSoAIvv6XZFTHTfVB-cIIiEqIpY_3comOs-4-PjIbbUhBnsPRROyPtznFneGz8fAxw52a7KkIjR_EVcWboMOgw4VF2NfxI/s1600/DSCN0489.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz8OTydlF2Mm5y7SDMjOEug-2CAj7A1QaB1mdAapgu3bRkHSoAIvv6XZFTHTfVB-cIIiEqIpY_3comOs-4-PjIbbUhBnsPRROyPtznFneGz8fAxw52a7KkIjR_EVcWboMOgw4VF2NfxI/s320/DSCN0489.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700165949208106578" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxd0VbP6na0UtgHpjC5N73NitfeAbSZQNA9nfwToYDF5OegBZWrmITx73la4quAzJQIVUOXez2tSRQltHu4kyijaJEZl-dASQeX2o9cPrlsQSPhLXetZftY5rdtfpw7zzZaOFjDPwpO8/s1600/DSCN0481.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxd0VbP6na0UtgHpjC5N73NitfeAbSZQNA9nfwToYDF5OegBZWrmITx73la4quAzJQIVUOXez2tSRQltHu4kyijaJEZl-dASQeX2o9cPrlsQSPhLXetZftY5rdtfpw7zzZaOFjDPwpO8/s320/DSCN0481.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700167254980061250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlBsaRkPAJ4Q8Xsd4QkngOMdGXjFfqy7m69htfLwZalQyjo6Wgxxf62U3YfIUbWeR7DXnE9OjIRvLlGv2F4UE3oZXkPHQLzo5acWHBX-ylK2c1c42SpWdNdE3HXtpoae_Ni9cxww02-w/s1600/DSCN0482.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlBsaRkPAJ4Q8Xsd4QkngOMdGXjFfqy7m69htfLwZalQyjo6Wgxxf62U3YfIUbWeR7DXnE9OjIRvLlGv2F4UE3oZXkPHQLzo5acWHBX-ylK2c1c42SpWdNdE3HXtpoae_Ni9cxww02-w/s320/DSCN0482.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700167239503375426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0acV9o-f3NmVpzRbYLwoVlnBmeSsxVhALMXR4e06nU-nnPf1naqAZZj6a6rhjrL7GKrVEvffZ92FaihjwtcVv0wwng33ybfAuadRZI_EJFvhyphenhyphenanHpDKESnX6tIchmKsPMsFzLoqLCNT8/s1600/DSCN0484.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0acV9o-f3NmVpzRbYLwoVlnBmeSsxVhALMXR4e06nU-nnPf1naqAZZj6a6rhjrL7GKrVEvffZ92FaihjwtcVv0wwng33ybfAuadRZI_EJFvhyphenhyphenanHpDKESnX6tIchmKsPMsFzLoqLCNT8/s320/DSCN0484.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700167234545035090" /></a><br /><br />So that's about it. I am still feeling a bit yucky, so I better go lay back down!!<br /><br />-Have a happy weekend :)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-39263541614277303092012-01-18T17:16:00.000-08:002012-01-18T17:24:24.588-08:00My classroom is slowly becoming more organized. I wanted to take pictures today, but realized I had left my camera at home! So tomorrow I will take the pictures. I am trying to create a little reading nook/cafe. My grandmother is giving me some old chairs, so this weekend I am going to paint them with some cute designs, and place them in our reading cafe! I also plan on getting some lamps to make the room feel more cozy. I am very excited about the new changes! I actually had a couple people who stopped by my room comment on how neat it looked! :)<br /><br />I am trying to think of was to extend my kids who are on the higher side of my reading groups. (Most of them are a 20-22 on the RIGBY, if you are familiar with that). I am focusing on phonics with my lower groups but this group needs more comprehension. I am giving them a chapter book to read with a partner this week. They read a chapter a day and then we discuss it during guided reading. <br /><br />I just don't know how I can extend their comprehension skills, because that is where they are struggling. I was thinking of making them retelling journals combined with worksheets like story maps, characters summaries, comic strips, but I am not sure. Any suggestions are welcome!<br /><br />There is a nasty stomach bug going through my class. One student was out on Tuesday. Three were out today. I am hoping I don't get it. Stomach bugs are the worst. I am using lots of lysol and hand sanitizer, that's for sure!<br /><br />Well, I have some PLPs I should be updating, and then I think I am going to call it an early night!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-86294372440335655132012-01-17T18:02:00.000-08:002012-01-17T18:27:17.986-08:00So after a busy day of reorganizing and cleaning during every free minute I had today, my room looks a bit better!<br /><br />I did take some "before" photos this morning, however. And tomorrow, after I do some more work, I will take some "after" pics!<br /><br />I have to add that my classroom is an open classroom, so that is why you won't see any doors! It is also pretty small, and I am still working on furniture placement!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplqrxrHcY4Ua1oeVrOqXMapUNABzn-mTfA7MqpN9TAh6khSkfdxctteGdgSn1agxc56XoNhdoYtJ9IQyc77caCD1npJVEV05DPg6eMbIFVH90TLJxYia58JuKgFULoRhoLjHHShJsxj8/s1600/DSCN0480.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplqrxrHcY4Ua1oeVrOqXMapUNABzn-mTfA7MqpN9TAh6khSkfdxctteGdgSn1agxc56XoNhdoYtJ9IQyc77caCD1npJVEV05DPg6eMbIFVH90TLJxYia58JuKgFULoRhoLjHHShJsxj8/s320/DSCN0480.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698790449686046530" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HEIofIR0HmHeSdRQaQyvh3xRUvG_luihMGBB0mHBsCxDuYcJ5apTGpqF2iZuixVO2xegcuulHmnET7NdaBvhwHwX_K3CpJ3mUxesLxr6FRmacgywP3Rtpz4cXGb7BOZ_CTsbrSH17Gg/s1600/DSCN0475.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HEIofIR0HmHeSdRQaQyvh3xRUvG_luihMGBB0mHBsCxDuYcJ5apTGpqF2iZuixVO2xegcuulHmnET7NdaBvhwHwX_K3CpJ3mUxesLxr6FRmacgywP3Rtpz4cXGb7BOZ_CTsbrSH17Gg/s320/DSCN0475.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698791696263422130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8B5bM0dEDJfRkYtkSbzoT1wkMh5OvFSaqrAbCsISAhIJ-T6Nf9KD1Wi5UUlgrKyCNf2Y-wSueKKznQ11qRJIydCscNm8jlHIaMN0_TSG_k8KEAMzjNV1Drb53P1xwaMOYZ97y4nhxXw/s1600/DSCN0476.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8B5bM0dEDJfRkYtkSbzoT1wkMh5OvFSaqrAbCsISAhIJ-T6Nf9KD1Wi5UUlgrKyCNf2Y-wSueKKznQ11qRJIydCscNm8jlHIaMN0_TSG_k8KEAMzjNV1Drb53P1xwaMOYZ97y4nhxXw/s320/DSCN0476.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698791692585098018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrinNIxSBS56lPTOlbbYHtuP1tlW_ufyTxXyfb5wRur71C72gfJt0sh-G7kN3Ev8EygXYxN6K_rfSDb5UIsOtEPBIeYZu38iVGjKe7Sdp6dDYxdq6H1ITtN-JzULjvjAoRmS6vgf_8ds/s1600/DSCN0477.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrinNIxSBS56lPTOlbbYHtuP1tlW_ufyTxXyfb5wRur71C72gfJt0sh-G7kN3Ev8EygXYxN6K_rfSDb5UIsOtEPBIeYZu38iVGjKe7Sdp6dDYxdq6H1ITtN-JzULjvjAoRmS6vgf_8ds/s320/DSCN0477.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698791688724854834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMYk_fdtGP_qQXYLLbXy6dVNTCgQO_IPadc2uHUQjpL-WQjUB-pZnpqZHDC4rxxwrD5VX2ZqYlZLf34G7ou4CGTIol33h7Gipx1Ec8UakWPd0PUT7XdLLapB82rgj2gTx3hgJxV4GK8o/s1600/DSCN0478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMYk_fdtGP_qQXYLLbXy6dVNTCgQO_IPadc2uHUQjpL-WQjUB-pZnpqZHDC4rxxwrD5VX2ZqYlZLf34G7ou4CGTIol33h7Gipx1Ec8UakWPd0PUT7XdLLapB82rgj2gTx3hgJxV4GK8o/s320/DSCN0478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698791677229833826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqsN704htIY4C3FTbkidyf8jdnf8JXp1bxFxAHNpl2q2eaO174i2ILzM0RLnE0Gan0gyv1XPEqnEcfy7wsExijQSxWWpzzM8D0og4nK7fHqqtdHh0dNhck8nP-WxTZ9TFVCnBELncusk/s1600/DSCN0479.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqsN704htIY4C3FTbkidyf8jdnf8JXp1bxFxAHNpl2q2eaO174i2ILzM0RLnE0Gan0gyv1XPEqnEcfy7wsExijQSxWWpzzM8D0og4nK7fHqqtdHh0dNhck8nP-WxTZ9TFVCnBELncusk/s320/DSCN0479.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698791673567701970" /></a><br /><br /><br />So today my shelves were reorganized, I moved the table that you can see in the last picture, and I cleaned around the sink. It looks better, but there is still lots to do! I will hopefully be able to get some more done tomorrow! :)<br /><br />Well, I am of to finish watching New Girl! Love that show!<br /><br />-AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-73984646054376489192012-01-16T05:25:00.000-08:002012-01-16T05:31:17.961-08:00Good morning!<br /><br />It is currently 8:30, Monday, and I have the day off. And guess what I am thinking...<br /><br />I want to redesign my classroom!!!<br /><br />Am I absulutely crazy? I googled classroom photos on pintrest and all these gorgeous rooms came up. I want my kiddos to have that. They deserve it. So my new project is...project make over my room!<br /><br />I started by asking on FB if anyone has any extra furniture hah. If not, I might go on Craigslist. I don't really care about the quality of it because I want to repaint it anyway. So on top of decluttering (I don't have much stuff so that wont be an issue. I just need an organization system that WORK!) I am going to revamp my room!<br /><br />Wish me luck!<br /><br />I will post before pics tomorrow!<br /><br />I should probably get on to you know, correcting papers, and stuff like that. :)<br /><br />-AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-75495340175017921622012-01-15T10:18:00.000-08:002012-01-15T10:23:38.393-08:00Wow, it's been a while. I have been so busy, I forgot to blog! I have been reading lots of blogs, though, and there are SO many amazing ideas out there. It really is inspiring to see what other people are doing in their classroom.<br /><br />So a quick update (to keep this post fairly short) :)<br /><br />1. My classroom flooded over Christmas break. A pipe burst in our "brand new" heating system. Fun times. <br /><br />2. My school might be closing in June. <br /><br />3. We have been in over our heads with DIBELS, RIGBYs, Dolch words, CBMs, etc!<br /><br />4. On a positive note: My kiddos are making amazing progress! I am so happy to be a part of their journey this year!<br /><br />5. I have been trying to incorporate FUN centers into my reading and math stations (any ideas, send them this way! I am always trying to keep things fresh!)<br /><br />6. I NEED to organize my classroom (badly) so any tips on that would be appreciated, as well!<br /><br /><br />Well, I just discovered Pintrest, so I am going to spend the next hour of my life on that (I'm trying to find some cute 100th day projects), then maybe I will have finished my coffee and will be motivated to do some Zumba :) So glad this is a long weekend! I am sure we all needed the break!!<br /><br />-AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-69668898500698823692011-12-07T15:11:00.000-08:002011-12-07T15:34:05.783-08:00So it's been a while. Things have been kind of crazy this past week. I think my evaluation went ok. Lots of behavior issues, but that's to be expected in my class. I think I dealt with them in a positive way (I hope).<br /><br />I got into a car accident on the way to school yesterday. Got to school late. I was shaken up, so I sat in the teachers room a little while to calm down while they covered my classroom. The kids ended up finding out what had happened. They always look for my car and today they said they saw my "broken car". But at least I am ok, and that is what I told the kids.<br /><br />We had two of our Bess Beetles die. A couple kids found them, and I had to go into the circle of life, you know, Lion King, Hankunah Matata and all that jazz. Then I took it out and we examined it. The kids lined up to take a closer look, they were actually pretty interested. On the morbid side, it kind of looked like a line to pay your respects at a wake. haha<br /><br />I have been having a lot of trouble with a student who has a lot of anger inside of him. He has good reason to be angry, with some of the things that have happened to him, but I have been trying to find ways for him to appropriately deal with his anger. He lashes out at other students all the time. lately he has taken to screaming at them. I had to take him aside yesterday and explain to him that I understand that he feels angry inside, and that that is not a fun feeling. I told him that he can't yell at other students and that when he is angry he should walk away, come find me and talk, or find a quiet place to sit and calm down. It seems to have worked, although I have had to remind him a few times.<br /><br />This same child really is very sweet, I just wish things were better for him. He came up to me today and told me he had a secret for me. So I leaned down and he whispered in my ear, "I wish you could come to my house and help me decorate my Christmas tree". He also told me that he knows where I live and that he broke into my house and stole my Christmas tree, but only for a little while, and then put it back. Oh, if only I could see what goes on in that brain of his.<br /><br />This kids have been really getting into yoga. They look forward to it each day. I really need to find a yoga program for children, as I am running out of poses to teach them that would be appropriate. <br /><br />I am just looking forward to Christmas break. I think the kids will calm down a lot after that. They are too excited for Santa! hahaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-58829085914584226372011-11-29T14:41:00.000-08:002011-11-29T15:33:14.905-08:00Do you ever want to feel popular? Become a first grade teacher! All you have to do is go to a professional development training, be absent for the morning, and pick the student up from lunch! They will run at you, yelling your name and hug you. They will tell you how much they love you and how much they missed you. Or, at least that's what my kids did, because they are crazy, and all (and pretty awesome, I can't say my ego wasn't boosted by that! ;) )<br /><br />Anyway....<br /><br />Today I should get a good teacher award...because today...squeamish me who is scared of all things creepy and crawly....picked up a Bess Beetle.<br /><br />Don't know what one looks like??<br /><br />I'll show you!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lingdlee.com/files/2009/05/BessbugFlippedLeft.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 600px;" src="http://lingdlee.com/files/2009/05/BessbugFlippedLeft.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Freaky, huh??<br /><br />Well, I introduced the kids to them today, and they thought they were really cool (NOT my first thought on what their reactions were going to be haha). They were asking if they could touch them and I said go for it. They also wanted to pick them up but wouldn't do it unless I did it first. So I did. I was shaking like leaf. but I survived, and did my good teacher duty for the day. All in the name of SCIENCE!!! <br /><br />Two of my kids somehow got pinched my them, though. I felt bad, but I had no idea they could pinch! Plus, our science kit manual said it was safe to hold them. Oh well.<br /><br /><br />So my evaluation is this Thursday. I am a bit nervous, still, because my reading groups have not been going so well, and that is what I plan on doing. We still have tomorrow to work on it. And I had a looooong talk with the children at the end of the day about my expectations and I told them about m evaluation and how this was very important to me. They seemed to understand. One said, "Oh! So it's like you get a report card, too?" Yeah, kinda. Except my consequences are a little more extreme if I get a bad grade. haha. ::gulp::<br /><br />Well, we will see. Other than that, not much else has happened so far this week! I am hoping things stay calm, at least until Friday!!! :)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-47935679176103947012011-11-23T16:47:00.000-08:002011-11-23T17:02:20.920-08:00Today we celebrated Thanksgiving. While I was expecting the kids to be off the wall, they were surprisingly very good! I made them coloring books that told the story of the first Thanksgiving. They also made cards with hand turkeys on the front and a Thanksgiving poem on the inside. I told them to take the card home and give it to someone they are thankful for. Half the class gave me their cards. I was truly amazed. I never really thought about how much children appreciate their teachers (little ones, at least) and that activity really surprised me. I told them thank you and then I asked them to make another card for someone at home. Some of the cards were really cute.<br /><br />While we were making the cards, one child said to me, "You are like my mom."<br />I told him, "I am too young to be your mom" and I laughed a little.<br />He then told me I should have some kids.<br />I laughed at him and told him no way, not now.<br />Then they started asking me if I had a boyfriend, if I was getting married, if I could invite them to my wedding when i got married. They started getting off the wall so I had to stop them and say, "No, I am not having any kids right now, no I am not getting married right now, and I am not telling you whether or not I have a boyfriend." They still laughed at me. Then they started asking me, "If you hve a kid can you name it chocolate?" and kept coming up with ridiculous names. (which reminds me, one child said when they have a baby they are going to name it fruit roll-up. okayyy then....) I tried calming them down, but then they had to go to art class. Oops. I bet the art teacher didn't appreciate that. Crazy kiddos.<br /><br />I finished making the outlines of my new guided reading. I am going to try a ten minute mini-lesson with the whole class, then spend 90 minutes taking each group, then having a 5 minute share at the end. While the children are meeting with me, one group is scheduled to be on the computer, and the other two groups are free to choose an activity, as long as they complete the must-do activities of the day. Each child is going to have a folder with different word work activities. I think this will be a great way to differentiate between children. I can get the children who really need work with short vowels the help they need, and I can challenge the children who are ready for higher-order thinking skills.<br /><br />I am excited to start, but a little nervous, since I will be doing reading groups when I have my evaluation on Thursday. I am trying not to worry about it. I know if I stress I will mess up, so I am just going to pretend it's a regular day, do my best, and pretend my principal and the master evaluator are just hanging out...or invisible. ha.<br /><br />Well, I should go finish some planning so I don't have to do much more work this weekend. I could use a little break!!! :)<br />Happy Thanksgiving!!!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-82875578716134394932011-11-22T17:07:00.001-08:002011-11-22T17:23:37.227-08:00There's nothing like burning yourself with the iron on Monday, then having a child refuse to come in your room and throw himself on the floor two days in a row, have reading groups that just won't cooperate, and then having to clean 7 dead stinky decomposing snails out of a nasty fish bowl.<br /><br />Needless to say, I am glad this week is almost over.<br /><br />I will start with the snails....<br /><br />Snails are part of our mandated science curriculum. I introduced them on Monday, the kids were super excited and were being very gentle while holding the snails (I am pretty sure some of them were dead at this point). Some of the kids started complaining that their snails weren't moving. I said it was probably because they were scared. In the back of my head I was thinking, "Oh crap! What if these snails are dead?! How do you tell if a snail is dead, anyway?" So I went to my computer and googled how to check if a snail is dead. The results were not too helpful. I just decided to let it be for the day, and that I would check on them tomorrow, to see if they were in the same place.<br /><br />Well, today when I got in I saw that about half the snails were still upside down on the bottom of the tanks. So I waited until science, started passing out the *living* snails, and then went to clean out the snails. <br /><br />They. Smelled. AWFUL!!! Some were even falling out of their shells and starting to decompose. TMI, I know, but trust me, I am sparing you the worst.<br /><br />One of the children started complaining that their snail smelled really bad, so I checked it, and it was dead, as well. UGH! <br /><br />This then prompted all the children to decide to smell the snails.<br /><br />One said their smelled like lemon...hmmm....I didn't really know what to say to that one.<br /><br />I finally threw the dead snails away when the children weren't looking. Thankfully, no one asked me what I did with the dead snails. The rest of the lesson went pretty well, for what it's worth.<br /><br />I am SO not looking forward to introducing the Bess beetles and Pill Bugs next week!<br />haha<br /><br />Anyway, one of my students has very bad separation anxiety. Last week this student had a couple of very good days. This week, the student has run out of my classroom multiple times, thrown himself on the floor in the hallway, and refused to do anything. He has basically lived with the principal the past few school days. I have been keeping strict documentation on him, but I have no idea what else to do. I have tried rewards, behavior charts, praising, ignoring, bribing, you name it. Hopefully I will find something for him to respond to, soon.<br /><br />I have a different student who has ADHD. The past two weeks with this student have been great, but today I had trouble getting the student to write. I have heard that students with ADHD have difficulty writing. It even got to the point where the student was crying. I tried sitting with them, I wrote four things they could write about and asked them to cross off one (they didn't). I tried giving them a simple graphic organized (they refused to do it). I tried talking to them. I tried prompting them. Nothing. So I said we could take a break and try again after lunch. They wrote. And very well, I must say. This child is reading on a third grade level. It is confusing why they have such a hard time writing. Maybe they cannot get their thoughts on paper easily? I am not sure. They would not talk to me about it. I am going to research this, further. <br /><br />I am going to revamp my reading groups for next week. Complete overhaul. I am finding that it just is not working for some students. I think they are at the centers for too long. So I am going to have them rotate around the room independently, while pulling my regularly scheduled reading groups. I am going to try the Daily 5 method, as well as having centers they can go to by choice. I am thinking having 3 must-do activities each day, and then having free choice after that. I have to do some research on this after I finish writing this, actually. haha. I will update when I figure out what I am going to do.<br /><br />I am not sure when the work ever really ends for a teacher. I am getting slightly tired of going to school early, staying late, and bringing work home each and every single day. I don't know how to manage this work load in a way that isn't so overwhelming. I try taking time for myself, like taking time to work out each day.I just don't even seem to be able to watch a TV show anymore without doing school work. I am constantly multitasking with work. I wish I could figure out a more productive schedule that allows me some breaks. Who ever says teachers are overpaid should spend a week in my shoes. <br /><br />With that said, I should really get back to working. hahaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-75828790533864760452011-11-20T16:34:00.000-08:002011-11-20T16:51:35.660-08:00This weekend flew by! I can't believe tomorrow is Monday, already. Oh well, at least this week is a short one.<br /><br />I am thinking about trying Reader's Theater in my classroom as a center during Guided Reading. Or even as an extension of Guided Reading. I'm not sure yet. I have been looking for age appropriate scripts online and found two good books on amazon (one is for phonics, yay!!) I think it will get the kids motivated to read and keep them focused while reading to each other. I find that if I just send them off to read to a partner, at least half of the class gets off track. I am starting the CAFE (Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, Extending Knowledge) method next week and I really think it would match the fluency part well. I am also adding High Speed Fluency Drills into my Guided Reading Centers. They will time each other to see how fast they can read a list of 4 words that repeat in different orders. I chose different sets of words for each group, as they are all reading on different levels. It will be interesting to see how they react to this new center. I only have 4 groups now, which is great, I will be able to spend much more time per group. My book club group will be starting in full swing this coming week, so I am also very excited for this!!<br /><br />I am also thinking of trying out sign language in my classroom (maybe five signs per week, one per day?) Jessie, if you read this, I need your help, haha. I am not sure of the best way to introduce this. I just want to do simple words. I want to broaden their perspectives a bit with this. Thoughts?<br /><br />I have been doing a lot of work on kindness and friendship in my classroom. I have found that many of my student's have a hard time getting along and dealing with conflicts. I basically expected this because people are not born knowing how to solve conflicts or how to be kind. It has to be taught. And six years old is a perfect time to learn. I have a chain of kindness hanging up in my classroom. We started it by drawing names out of a box and writing something kind about the person whose name we drew on strips of paper. I read them aloud and stapled them together to make a chain. Now whenever someone does something kind for a student, that person writes it on a strip of paper and I add it to our kindness chain. Last week it started to really take off. This week I am going to try some of the activities suggested on actsofkindness.org (a website I found while reading a story from a book on Ethics that the second grade teacher gave me). Hopefully this will add to the unit.<br /><br />Something else we are doing is pretty amazing. Amazing for the sheer fact that it was an idea from a six year old. I received an email from one of my student's parents last week talking about how her child was watching the news and saw a story about the soldiers in Iraq. The child suggested that they make cookies for the soldiers and send them overseas for Christmas. She also wanted to write letters, and from that, thought of her whole class writing letters. Her mom wrote me the email to see if I thought this would be OK. I thought it was a wonderful idea and we are going to write the letters the week after Thanksgiving. It is an incredible thing that a six year old thought of this. Many six year olds are still egocentric and have a hard time relating to others and seeing in the perspective of others. This six year old has a very big heart and is always thinking of ways to help others. I am so happy she had that idea and I am very excited to try it out with the whole class.<br /><br />As for me, I am stressing about my student loan payments. As of right now they are over $300 per month. The first ones are due on the 5th of December. On the website it says I can lower my payments but it is extremely confusing and I am unsure of what to do. I feel very clueless. If it stays at $300 per month I am barely going to be saving any money. If anyone has any advice on this, I would gladly take it.<br /><br />Well, that's about it for now. I have been working basically all day on school stuff and I think it's about time I settled down, worked out, and watched some of my shows on the DVR. How exciting. hahaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-86760260899962227592011-11-17T17:18:00.000-08:002011-11-17T17:24:41.275-08:00So I survived my first round of parent teacher conferences. Three and a half hours of non stop talking, but it really wasn't bad. It went by fast and the parents were nice. I was nervous, for the most part. I think I stuttered quite bit, haha. I am still afraid that people look at me differently because I am so young. I am afraid that they will think I am not an effective teacher or that I do not know what I am doing. The truth is, sometimes I don't know what I am doing, but I certainly try my hardest. I have spoken with veteran teachers and even they have moments where they don't know what they are doing. I guess it just comes down to being a very stressful job that throws curve balls at you sometimes. For a beginning teacher, those curve balls hit just a bit harder.<br /><br />Speaking of curve balls, one of my challenging students had a great day the other day, and today had a...not so good day, to put it lightly. A throwing them self on the floor and screaming not so good day.....but we somehow got through it and the afternoon seemed to be better for him. I am baffled by this student. Their behavior is highly unpredictable and changes with the wind. Some days I feel I'm getting through to them more than others. I guess it just motivates me to work that harder. It is hard not to get discouraged sometimes. When I do, I try to think about how important it is for that child's future that they get past this, and it is my job to give them the most help that I can. I just wish that there were five more of me, so my 17 other students didn't fall by the wayside during the child's outbursts. <br /><br />I wish there were five of me for other reasons, as well. Like the massive amount of paperwork that I just can't seem to get filed. Or the cleaning of my classroom. Or lesson planning. Or copies. I try to stay on top of things, but the pile keeps getting bigger. If I didn't have so much darn paperwork I think things would be a heck of a to easier. So, anyone want to come file for me? haha.<br /><br />As for the Yoga, I tried it during morning meeting. The children remembered that I told them the afternoon prior that we were going to try it and were very, very excited. My only trouble was getting them to stay focused and not be silly (a VERY difficult task for first graders.) I don't expect them to be perfect, especially not the first time. Maybe I will try playing music in the background next time.<br /><br />I use music very often in my classroom. When the children are writing, I put on instrumental music to keep the room quiet and calm. I do this during morning work, as well. I think it makes for a much more positive environment. I also appreciate some soothing music. I am sure that it helps my musical learners, as well. We also worked on a money song this week about coins. The song goes faster and faster each time it is repeated, and they seemed to have a lot of fun with it. <br /><br />Today I realized that I have four more students who have the potential to be reading on a third grade level. I have two students who were doing that right off the bat. I started doing a book club with them this week. They are reading a chapter book, Junie B. Jones, to be exact. We read a chapter together, they read a chapter to each other (taking turns reading each page) and then they read some of the book by them self. The next day, we talk about what we have read so far and they continue reading. I am going to test the four students tomorrow, and hopefully I will be able to add them to our book club. It is a lot of fun for the two students I have in it, and I am sure the others will enjoy it just as much. <br /><br />It is amazing to me how varied my student's reading levels are. I have about 6 students who are reading below level, six who are reading above level, and six reading on average levels. Hopefully those four students will test at a third grade level tomorrow and I will be able to combine them into the highest group. Then I will have only four reading groups and I will be able to spend much more time with each group. That way, my students who are low will get more. The problem with first grade is that the target is constantly moving. First graders make a huge amount of progress throughout the year. They are expected to come in reading a RIGBY level of 3 and in June they are expected to be a level 18. It is amazing. It is, however, unfortunate to the children who are far behind to begin with. I am trying my best to find resources for them to boost their reading levels.<br /><br />I should also include that my wonderful boyfriend drove all the way to my school this morning to set up my Bess beetles tank for me, because they grossed me out too much. I also was supposed to receive guppies, but they came to me half dead, and all ended up dying. He got rid of those, too. And when he gags, you know something is seriously gross. haha<br /><br />Well, I think that is enough ranting for now. I am exhausted, but very happy that tomorrow is Friday!!!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-24923714169108884982011-11-15T17:40:00.000-08:002011-11-15T17:48:21.596-08:00Every day is a new adventureI sure can't complain about my job being boring! Today I had a student wet their pants. I felt awful for him after, but thankfully the other students didn't notice. How do you explain that to other children without scarring the affected child? I just didn't make a big deal out of it, and redirected the class while I sent the child off to the nurse. Between head lice, this, behavior challenges and a multitude of other things, I am truly getting a trial by fire first year of teaching. I'm trying to take each thing as it happens and just thinking of them as learning experiences! (side note: teaching has miraculously made me a more positive person, lol. If I talked to my past self a few years, or even months ago, I would not have the same perspective!)<br /><br />On another note, I have been totally obsessed with TpT.com. Ever since I was introduced to it this weekend, I can't stop finding amazing worksheets! Such amazing ideas! It is so refreshing to know that I don't have to reinvent the wheel.<br /><br />I teach at a title 1 school, so I am fortunate enough to have a smartboard. I have been attending training sessions on how to use the smartboard, and I am crazy about this, as well! As a matter of fact, the first thing I did when I got home tonight was make a cute new slide to take attendance and lunch count. Mornings are going to go SO much quicker with this *I hope*! The kids were also trying to come up with names for the smartboard today. I think we will take a vote on them tomorrow, Some were really great ideas!<br /><br />Tomorrow I am also going to try adding yoga to our morning routine. I, myself, LOVE yoga, and I know how refreshing it can be. I have read that, for children, it can relieve stress and clear their minds to make learning more effective. I am going to try doing one or two poses with them tomorrow, to see if they like it!<br /><br />If anyone has any suggestions on how to introduce yoga into the classroom I would be more than happy to hear them!!!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6462417779270768553.post-37678338671619467952011-11-13T08:15:00.000-08:002011-11-13T08:27:29.564-08:00First PostI'm sitting here, Sunday morning, working on school work. I am feeling slightly overwhelmed. Who says teacher's don't work on the weekends? haha. As a beginning teacher I find myself working many long hours during the week and many consecutive hours on the weekends. Not that I mind. I want to become better for both myself and my students, and I know the hard work will pay off in the long run.<br /><br />I should probably introduce myself. I am Amanda. I am a first year first grade teacher. I am 22. I fortunately landed this job right after graduating (I still don't know how haha) and I am finally getting in to the swing of things. I have to admit, the first month and a half was very very hard. It still is hard. But I am finally learning to cope with the stress and I am finally getting to know my students. I look forward to working with them each day. We have fun and they always make me laugh. <br /><br />I want to begin blogging for a number of reasons. I would like to reach out and get advise from other teachers all over the United States. I want to share ideas and stories. I also want a place to vent!<br /><br />I already have a few funny stories from my classroom. A student asked me if I have a husband. I said no. Another student said, "That's why we call you miss."Suddenly, from across the room, a little boy yells, "WHAT? YOU'RE FREE?!?! I'm gonna tell my dad! You should meet my dad. You will like him!" I had to sit down because I was laughing so hard. The next day he comes in, "I told my dad about you. He wants to meet you." Well....This is going to make parent-teacher conferences a bit awkward. haha.<br /><br />A little girl in my class is very huggy. She will hug me whenever I am standing still, pretty much. One time, she was hugging my legs and I told her she had to get in line to go to gym. She looks up at me and says, "But you are like a refrigerator and I am a magnet. I am stuck on you!" <br /><br />My class has also become very attached to me. They get upset when I am out of the room. I have been attending numerous Professional Development sessions, mainly half-day ones. The past two times I have picked them up from lunch after being out for the morning, they have run at me and basically tackled me, yelling my name and hugging my legs. Kind of an ego-booster, I must admit. It feels kind of nice to be adored by 19 6 year olds. haha<br /><br />I have stories that make me kind of sad, however. Like when one student said to me, "I know I am not that smart in my head, but I try very hard because I want to be a teacher like you when I grow up." I told her, "You are very smart! The reason you are in school is because you are learning. I know that you try very hard and I think you are doing a great job. If you decide to be a teacher one day, you will be wonderful." It made me think.....how did she get it in her head that she was not smart? Did someone tell her that? It is moments like these that motivate me each day to tell my students how smart they are. I don't want any of them to feel like they can;t do something or be something because they are not "smart" enough.<br /><br />Well, I suppose that is enough rambling for now. I should get back to my work, haha.<br /><br />Until next time,<br />AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13741586270817911035noreply@blogger.com0