Could it really be the beginning of the end!?

My principal sends out a weekly "Star Report" on Sundays. She always includes blips about what she did that weekend with her family/friends, a calendar of important school events, and a staff newsletter (filled with birthdays, prayer requests, focus of the month, important updates, reminders, etc.). It really is an awesome thing - it keeps me on my toes so I know 100% of what's going on.

In this morning's Star Report, she said the words that I thought way back in August would never come - the beginning of the end of the year. Tomorrow night, our grade level is hosting student-led conferences with parents, a PTA meeting, and the last book fair of the year. Crazy! Not to mention, field day is on Wednesday this week. She's right - the end is truly in sight!

Coming up on the end of the year, I knew two things: 1. It would be utter madness, filled with lots of unexpected up-comings. 2. I would become and AUNT! My sister was due May 1. SO, to prepare for these two things, I stockpiled practically two whole months worth of lesson plans. BOOM. Why have I never done this before!? Getting them all knocked out over the series of a couple of afternoons/Saturday mornings has MADE my weeks so much better. Now, I'm not stressed about the unexpected's piling up because I know my plans are knocked out.

In case you're in the same boat as me and like to get things knocked out in advance... here are the three units I've been using. The first two I created - they both include fully written lesson plans (down to the essential question, standards, activating strategy, teaching strategies, summarizing strategies, and assessments) so all you have to do is literally hit PRINT. AMAZING. End of year made.

#1. 3-week ELA Common Core Aligned Unit {Cinderella/Fairy Tales Around the World}  -- Click the title to view it!

#2. 2-week ELA Common Core Aligned Unit {Author Study - Patricia Polacco} -- Click the title to view it!

#3. 3-week Common Core Aligned ELA Unit {Literary Genres} -- This was not my creation, but I did develop lesson plans to go with the handouts in this unit. Click the title to view it!

What are you doing to make it through end of the year planning??

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SALE! And thoughts for next year...

I'm throwing a Teacher's Pay Teacher's sale: 15% off of everything!! Plus, I'll bump it up to 20% off if I make it to 50 followers :)

Click here to shop

(Thanks for creating this graphic: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Zip-a-dee-doo-dah-Designs)


As I mentioned in my last post, I am traveling light-years from 2nd to 5th grade this summer. I've been thinking a lot lately about things that I'd like to do again and some things that I'd like to do differently. This is what I've got so far:

-HW Club: My 2nd graders have loved this - my principal even told me she thought it was a rock star program! Here is the way it works...

Each month, every student will have membership in the Homework Club. Students can keep their membership by turning in their homework every single day of the month (including returning red folders with graded papers on Tuesday). Students that make it through the month with their homework every day, will get to participate in a special celebration (usually lunch in the classroom with no shoes and fun music while a parent serves lunch relief with the rest of the class) and will be presented with a certificate. If a student forgets his/her homework, he/she gets one opportunity to bring the missed homework items back the very next day 100% completed, along with that night’s homework. This will allow the student to rejoin the club.

I currently have a laminated photo of each child that is magnetized to my white board. If a child forgets HW, he/she takes down his/her own picture from the HW club display. Here is an example of what mine looks like: (http://pinterest.com/pin/48695239692365074/)

NEW IDEA --> It's worked really well, but I would like to have some sort of method for myself that indicates who owes me work. I am thinking that I'll add a row below this display (using electrical tape on the board maybe?) with four columns - M, T, W, Th. If a student forgets HW, I'll have him/her drag his/her picture down into the cube with the day of the week on which the overdue HW needs to be returned. That way, all I have to do it peek at the board each day to remember if I need to check for anything I'm owed.

That was a ton of explanation for a minor change, but you get the picture. I HIGHLY recommend using this as a positive motivational tool. Last thing, I found this AWESOME form for accountability: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-No-Homework-No-Problem

-Pencil routines: I once read someone call it "Winning the Pencil War." Laugh out LOUD! That is so true. I spent (AT LEAST) the whole first month of school fighting this losing battle. I tried a variety of different things, but none of them really seemed to work. Finally, I did my research. Determined to find a solution, I came up with another positive-focused motivational system.

Here is an explanation of my current policy:

Students are given time and encouraged to sharpen their pencils each morning as a part of the morning procedure. There is a pencil sharpener located in the classroom. Students are also welcome to bring in their own hand-held sharpeners, as well. They are free to use these all throughout the day!

Each student will be given three sharpened pencils at the beginning of the year. Students are expected to take the responsibility to keep up with the pencils and keep them sharpened during the given time. If a student loses or breaks all pencils and has nothing left to write with, he/she must sign his/her name on a log for each new pencil taken from the teacher's sharpened pencil cup.

Every week, students with no signature on the "borrowed" pencil log get offered a reward and the ability to refill on pencils. Students with a signature on the log for "borrowed" pencils, may refill their pencils, but also will spend part of the following recess re-sharpening the number of pencils borrowed.

NOTE: It's best to take have pencil refilling be apart of Monday morning routines. Post a list of students who earned the reward on the board, if you'd like, as another form of celebrating them for their responsibility. Then, once the bell rings, you can quickly pass out the reward or do the drawing.

I will admit, I started this program after several months in the Pencil War, so I was 100% figuring it out as I went along. My weekly reward ending up being something small like a sticker (part of our classroom rewards systems - stickers add up to big rewards cards like wear a hat day or HW pass). On weeks that I don't have time to pass out stickers, I'll do a quick drawing of students who never borrowed a pencil. The student whose name I drew would get a free HW pass.

NEW IDEA --> One idea I've thought about implementing deals with a monthly reward. I might have a monthly reward for students that go an entire month without borrowing pencils - possibly a HW pass or even a mechanical pencil (if parents would be willing to donate them).

-NEW IDEA --> Early finisher on board: I found this REALLY COOL pin (here: http://pinterest.com/pin/20055160813364941/) that offers a great way to manage early finisher activities so there is never the question: What do I do now??

I love the idea of have a set place in the classroom to post this. I also want to have a laminated set of cards that I can always choose to pull from. I also plan to post this on my white board so that if there is a specific early finishers activity, I can just write it in quickly. How awesome is this!?

What do you want to add or change for next year? Have you already started thinking about it!?

 

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How big is the jump from 2nd to 5th?!

Well friends, I am about to find out! My husband and I are officially moving. It has been a wild, unbelievable month in which our entire five-year plan has changed. The only words I can use to describe it all is God is sovereign and He is good. Thank goodness I am not in control! Here's to new beginnings!

Along with our physical move from one city to another, I am changing grade levels. When I initially talked to my new principal about this, it freaked me out. I LOVE me some second grade - nobody hugs like they do!

I am definitely sad that I'll basically be "re-learning" a lot of the things that I spent this year trying to learn. For example, after a year in 2nd grade, I know what they're capable of, likely to do/say, how they need to be introduced to things at the beginning of the year, etc. Learning these things as a first-year teacher at times felt like building a plane while flying mid-air. I know I'm going to have to re-learn a lot of those things for 5th grade because it will be totally different.

I also spent a LOT, I mean a LOT of time developing plans because I feel like I have a passion for it - I truly enjoy it. I am sad I won't get to use them again next year - I tried so hard to make consistent notes for myself throughout the year so that I could nail it next year.

That being said - the more I start thinking about the new change, the more excited I get. The only complaints I have about 2nd grade are:

1. Lack of independence/ability to do higher-level inquiry group work - at my current IB school, this is a HUGE focus. Even though my new school is not IB, I will still carry my passion for inquiry-based learning with me.

2. Writing ability - 2nd graders are just learning to write, not writing to learn, as they say.

I am ready to get pumped for 5th grade!!! I think the first place I'm going to start is peeking at the standards - whoops! May/may not have already printed them all off and may/may not already be in the process of developing Common Core "I Can" lists...

Next, I was thinking I should go back and take a look at my beginning of the year routines - beef them up a little.

Are there any 5th grade teachers out there with some advice? Any tips you can share?

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This Week's Recipes

Although I feel swamped with all I want to do with my classroom and for my students, my husband's stomach cannot be neglected like cleaning my apartment can... I've been cooking up a storm and have some two recipes to share.

Brown Sugar and Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin with Steamed Broccoli

Did I mention this is a CROCK POT recipe!?

Ingredients:

1 (2 pound) boneless pork tenderloin (or regular pork loin)

1 teaspoon ground sage

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/2 cup water

Glaze

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions:

Combine sage, salt, pepper and garlic. Rub over roast. Place in slow cooker with 1/2 cup water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. About 1 hour before roast is done, combine ingredients for glaze in small sauce pan. Heat and stir until mixture thickens. Brush roast with glaze 2 or 3 times during the last hour of cooking. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.

(This recipe came from C&C.)

Grilled Tilapia with Avacado Salsa

Ingredients:1 lb tilapia1 tbs olive oil1 tsp salt1/2 tsp chili powder1/2 tsp ground cumin1/2 tsp onion powder1/2 tsp black pepper1 cup rice1 can black beans {15 oz}1 can corn {11 oz}

Avocado salsa1 avocado, peeled, seeded and sliced1 small red onion, slicedJuice from 2 limes3 tbs olive oil2 tbs finely chopped cilantroSalt to taste

Directions: 
1. Prepare rice as directed. 2. Mix the salt, chili powder, cumin, onion powder and black pepper together, rub the tilapia fillets with olive oil and this seasoning mix, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 3. Pre-heat the grill. 4. Combine the avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil and salt in a bowl and mix well, chill until ready to use. 5. In a medium sauce pan, combine black beans and corn. Heat over medium. 6. Grill the tilapia to desired doneness. 7. On a bed of rice, layer corn and bean mix, top with avocado salsa. (Recipe from North Carolina Charm.)

Anddddd... here is a little collage depicting my date night from Monday night. (From top left to bottom right)

1. Trader Joe's flowers: If you've never checked out their florals, do! They range from $3.99 for $15 for stems and potted. They always look fresh :)

2. Sushi tray... $6.99 I will be honest and say that you can tell it's not as fresh as it would be coming from a Japanese restaurant, but I really didn't notice a huge difference. This tray fed my husband AND I. #budget #bargainhunters #steal

3. Greenville's Chocolate Moose: Mocha Chip Cupcake. Two thumbs up.

4. Hummus Quartet from Trader Joe's - can't really say much about this one as I didn't actually eat any. The cupcake was more my treat... this was more his.

Did I mention I'm a Tiger fan!? 2-0 and proud! :) [I am second from the right, standing with my best friends and little sister at a tailgate this past weekend. Photo credit to my sweet husband!]

Finally, and most importantly, my husband and I were baptized at our church. If you're considering baptism or want to learn more about it, here is some scripture that really challenged us and led us to take this big step!

• Matthew 28:18-20
• Acts 2:38
• Acts 8:36-39
• Romans 2:28-29
• Romans 4:16
• Romans 6:2-5
• 1 Corinthians 12:13
• Galatians 3:26-27
• Hebrews 10:22
• 1 Peter 3:21
• 1 John 2:15-17

Happy baptism cookie cake from Mom :) Publix has hands down the best cookie cakes.

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Product Review: Could. Not. Live. Without.

I've been meaning to share this for a while, but just have not remember to sit down and do it. After a catastrophic event this past Friday, I can't hold it in any longer!

A year ago, a dear roommate of mine (shout out, Jenny!) introduced me to a coffee-related product that, I kid you not, changed my life. This product has saved so many mornings of stress, terror, catastrophe... the list goes on. This past Friday I was reminded of what my life would be like without this item.

Enter the Thermos Sipp. This 16-oz. travel mug has truly made my life easier... As my husband will confirm, I can tend to be a bit dramatic at times with my word choice - but I am not overdramatizing in the least when it comes to this mug.

You have probably seen the whole line of adorable Tervis Tumblers - especially the new water bottles, as well as the classic lip top kind. You may also have seen the preciously personalize-able plastic travel cups with screw on tops and matching/attached plastic straws. Yes, these are all very cute. Yes, the colors are great. Yes, they're fun to look at. But NONE of that could ever compare to what the Sipp has to offer - and no, they are not paying me to write this ode. I simply love it that much!

1. This baby can keep anything cold or hot for up to 8 hours. There are so many things that claim to do this - and the Sipp is one of the few that do. I've tried both cold and hot and am always happy to find whatever I've left inside just as I like it. The other day, I took my husband's manlier version of the Sipp to school to have a protein shake during lunch. (If you make protein shakes like we do, we use lots of ice and milk - neither of which you want getting warm.) What do you know - my shake was just as frozen as I'd left it that morning. Same thing goes for hot - this morning's coffee was warm through the afternoon (although it usually doesn't last that long before I gulp it down.)
2. Extremely durable - My husband will also confirm that I have slightly clumsy tendencies. I like to think it has to do with my need for extreme efficiency through which I often find myself rushing around (and therefore knocking things over or spilling them). I have completely dropped my Sipp on the floor and the silver outside got a small scratch, but there was no real damage done. This is a big deal if it's me-proof.
3. Most importantly of them ALL - IT DOES NOT SPILL. WILL NOT SPILL. NEVER SPILLS. Can I say it any other way? I find that many mornings I have what my husband calls the coat-hanger effect going on - 5 different bags hanging from each arm. Is it physically possible for my to carry my cute Tervis Tumbler that is monogrammed? No, because upon one faulty tilt in the wrong direction, even a "closed" Tervis lid will seep out some of my coffee. Same goes for the plastic cups with straws. Each morning, my husband pours my coffee in, locks the Sipp by pressing down the button on top, and I throw it without a single care somewhere towards the bottom of one of my 18 bags. I walk into school, not a drop has spilled. It's literally like a magic trick every day.

Going back to the catastrophic event of Friday... I FORGOT to lock the top of the Sipp. Oh boy, what a mistake. I was reminded of exactly what it felt like to carry any coffee thermos other than the Sipp. No lie, the custodians had to come in this morning and clean up with stream of coffee drops that had leaked from my classroom door all the way to the end of the hall. On top of that, I ruined four books I'd borrowed from a co-worker to look at over the weekend. $24 later, I've ordered her a new set of Math Start books (which are awesome by the way!) from Amazon and expect them to arrive on Wednesday.

Go. Buy. One. Now. You will not regret it :) (PS - I highly recommend that manly version for the man in your life if you need a gift... my hubby refuses to even carry his lunch in a lunch box and instead totes a Walmart trash bag each day, but cannot deny the goodness of the Thermos Sipp and carries his to work/school.)

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Tell Me Something Good: Parent-Teacher Conferences

You know it's bad when...... your husband has to get on you about updating your blog.

I am SO excited about today's post... it's a link-y for Tell Me Something Good! With Parent-Teacher conferences looming (they seem far away, but in all honesty they need to be finished within a month), I've been racking my brain to come up with the most efficient way possible to schedule conferences. I finally made it back to my sorority days (not so long ago...) when we used Doodles for EVERYTHING... I am considering this my something good at school. A way to make teacher conference scheduling exciting (technology experiment under construction).

Ever heard of Doodle!? It's basically this amazing online program that is TOTALLY free and meant to make scheduling events with busy people a breeze. Sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong! I am a total believer and it hasn't let me down yet. Basically, instead of dealing with the paper trail that will come after sending home a slew of conference time request forms ("Send me your top three choices from the list below..."), this will keep all of my conferences organized

SO... I typed up my typical "I'd love to invite you to a Parent-Teacher conference" letter and added the Doodle Tutorial at the bottom. I sent out an email to the parents to give them a heads up and let them start signing up. I'll probably give it about a week or so to let the tech-savvy parents take their pick of times. Then, I will send home the remaining times to parents that I don't have emails for (this is really only like 3 students.)

Here is a peek at the letter I sent:

And here is the full blown tutorial I sent to parents... SUPER easy.

HOW TO USE DOODLE TO SCHEDULE A CONFERENCE TIME 

1.             Click or type in the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/room***12

2.    Click “Show all 30 options” to see all available times/ dates.

3.    Type in your FULL name – First and last, please. 

4.    Choose ONE time that most closely fits your schedule.

5.    Click the SAVE button. Voila! Your choice has been submitted.  I will email you to confirm.

And lastly, here is the text I sent via email to the parents:

I will be hosting parent-teacher conferences beginning a week from tomorrow (after Progress Reports go out) through October 18 (a month from now). I know you are all very busy, so I want to go ahead and send out a link for you to use to sign up for a conference time. I have opened 30 slots, and am hoping that I'll get lucky and one will work for everyone :) Please respect my time and the time of other parents and stick with the time that you choose. I think that this will help things run smoothly!

I am going to be doing sign-ups a little differently than normal... hopefully you'll find it as convenient as I do! I'm attaching a PDF document with a letter from me and instructions regarding how to use the following link (if you're not familiar with Doodle).

Please let me know if you have any questions! You may begin signing up with the link below :)

---->To create your poll, head to Doodle.com and follow the simple directions. I would highly recommend typing in your address so that you can get email updates when parents sign up for spots.

Here is the screen you'll see once you've created your poll:

You'll receive an email with the administrator link that you can use to view all of the poll submissions in calendar format by month or linearly. You'll also receive email updates with a link to the administrator view with each submission if you submit your address in the creation process as I mentioned. Here is a sample of an email you'll receive: It will give you the parent's name, too which is super helpful.

The very last tip/trick I have for today is how to create a more manageable URL. Notice the "tinyurl" link in my emaiL? Instead of sending the aggressively long URL or address that Doodle provides me with, I simply:

1. Copy and paste the Doodle poll URL.
2. Go to http://tinyurl.com/.
3. Paste your poll URL where it says "Enter a URL to make it shorter".
4. Choose an ending for your TinyURL.
5. For my class poll, I chose to use my room # and the year - Room***12 so the link to my poll became http://tinyurl.com/room***12

As for my something good at home, well, I'll just plan to post about tonight's date night with my husband mid-week. Tomorrow I've got a product review lined up!

One quick freebie... Click here to grab it!

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Read Aloud

 Today, once we were all packed up… we started reading our first Read Aloud of the year… Where the Red Fern Grows. (Remember seeing this on my About Me sheet??)

     Way back when I was in third grade, my teacher Mrs. Brown read this story aloud to my class. She used to close the door and lock it so that not a soul would interrupt the story for anything. She would say it was her favorite book in the whole world and the whole class would get silent. She would sit in her rocking chair and read to us… I’ll never forget what it felt like when she read it – she brought the book to life.

     Today, I started this book with my first class ever. I got chills three times in two pages (which is as far as we made it). The story and Mrs. Brown both made a lasting impression on me – one that I’ve carried with me into my first year of teaching. I see some future teachers in my group of kiddos… I can’t wait to share this book with them throughout the next several months in the hopes that it will as mean as much to just one of them as it did to me all those years ago.

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