Top Ten Tuesday - My Dream Classroom

I'm linking up again this week with Courtney over at Swimming Into Second for her Top Ten Tuesday linky party.  This week the focus is on your dream classroom.  Below are some of the things I would want for my dream classroom.

My Top Ten:

1. Space
I don't have a picture for this one, but my dream classroom would have MORE space.  I'm at a new school this year and my classroom is definitely a lot smaller than my old classroom so space is a huge must-have for me!

2. Books
Like most teachers I have a ton of books, however I always want more.  My dream classroom would have even more books than I already have and be updated with the current new favorites and also the books that tie in more with Common Core.

 
3. Seating for Small Groups
I love these cute crates used for seating for a small group. My dream room would have a few of these to use doing small group time at the horseshoe table.

 
 
4. iPads
I would love to have an iPad to use for classroom purposes (like Dojo and many other things), but would also love to have a few for the students to use in the classroom. There are so many great apps that could be used during literacy stations and math stations.

 

5. iPods
I do have an iPod that I use for music during student work time and also for brain breaks, but I would like a few more.  I would love to have iPods accessible to use during literacy stations as a listening station. I've seen many teachers do this where the kiddo take the iPod and book and off they go. 
 
6. Scotch Laminator
I'd love to have my own laminator in my classroom for easy access and use.
 

7. Paint
I would love to have a few walls painted in my dream classroom to give it a warm, homey feel.
 
 
8. Whole Group Rug
I had one of these at my old school, but don't have one yet in my new classroom. I love this rug. Everyone has a spot and the colored rows make it easy to call kids to line up or go to their seats.  

 
9. Storage
My dream classroom would have built-in storage options to store all the lovely bazillion items us teachers have.  


 
10. Windows
I'd love to have windows in my classroom to bring in light and fresh air.  I can prop a door open, but it'd be so nice to have the natural light all of the time.

 
 
I'm excited to see all the great dream classroom ideas out there! 

Let's Get Acquainted - School Year Goals

I'm linking up with Latoya Reed over at Flying Into First Grade for her Let's Get Acquainted - School Year Goals linky party.  I'm at a brand new school, in a brand new grade, in a brand new district and state, so I have many goals, but I've listed my top goals below...

 
School Year Goals:
  • Live a balanced life - I'm a bit of a workaholic as many teachers are and something I need to work on is more balance. Work is important and definitely a priority, but I need to make time in my life for working out, hanging out with friends and my boyfriend, crafting, etc. 
  • Get a better system for weekly plans - Every school year I've tried to be more organized with my planning so things for the week would be done the week ahead and every year I've started well, but then failed a bit.  This year I want to have everything ready to go for the next week on Friday afternoon before I leave for the weekend.
  • Keep things clean and organized - This is another goal that I always make and little by little fall apart with.  Since this is a new school and new classroom, I have a clean slate and would like to try to work on keeping paperwork and things more organized.
  • Integrating Lessons - Last year with Common Core, we started to work on integrating lessons.  I loved it and so did the kids! This year with a new grade level and curriculum, I'd like to put together some more lessons that have integrated reading and writing with the other content areas.
 
 
I'm looking forward to checking out everybody's goals. Be sure to join the linky party!

Math Station Sign and Numbers

The past year or two, I have used Debbie Diller's Math Workstations in my classroom (see my blog post on Math Stations). I've tried a few different ways to manage partners and stations and hadn't come up with a way I liked until now.  I've created a TPT packet that includes: a math station sign, large numbers from 1-12, and smaller numbers from 1-12.  These can all be used to create a management board for Math Stations.  In addition to the numbers and sign, you will need to get some clothespins (one for each student).  Now, every time we are done with stations, all I have to do is clip each student to the next station - easy, accessible, and also bright and colorful. 

Check it out on my TPT store here

Here's an example of what it would look like all put together...
*Sorry for the crooked picture - my iPhone wasn't cooperating with me.
 
Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Top 10 Classroom Must Haves

I'm linking up with Courtney over at Swimming Into Second for her Top 10 Classroom Must Haves linky party.  Great linky party idea with everyone stocking up on supplies and those classroom must haves!


1. Post-It Notes
I can never ever have enough post-it notes.  My new favorites are the ones below with the lines.  I love using these for making to-do lists!

 
2. Smart Board
I don't think I could teach in a classroom without a Smart Board now after having one for the last 5 years.  They are wonderful for lessons and stations and great for student engagement!
 
3. Flair Pens
These are my absolute favorite pens to write with!
 
4. Labels
I use labels for everything!  I use them to label my classroom library books, label kid's supplies, organize, due dates for book orders, etc. 

 

5. Sheet Protectors
I love using these in binders to keep everything safe and protected.



 
6. Storage Containers
I am obsessed with storage containers - any size, any shape, any color - love them!
 

7. Tabletop White Board
I use this tabletop white board that can be found at Lakeshore Learning during small group. It fits perfectly on the horseshoe table and is large enough for the group to see it.

 
8. EZ Grader
This is a must-have grading tool - makes it easy!
 




 
9. Laptop
I use my laptop for everything school-related!
 
10. Chart Paper
We make anchor charts in my classroom all of the time and I can never have enough chart paper.
 
Thanks for checking out my Top 10 Classroom Must Haves!



Reading Plans Binder

I love using binders as a way to organize materials and plans.  Since Reading and Math have so many parts to it, I decided to make a Reading Plans and Math Plans binder to use this year, in addition to my lesson plan book.  I'm planning to use my lesson plan binder for school information and also to hold my weekly plans.  The Reading and Math Plans binder will have more specific information regarding the plans in those subject areas and will help me when filling out my weekly plans in my lesson plan binder. 

Here's what I have in my Reading Plans Binder...

Cute Cover- I love using scrapbook paper and stickers to decorate binders.  Makes it look more fun!

 
 
Inside View with all of my tabs:
 



Standards Tab:
Here's where the standards are going for ELA. Check out  my ELA Standards Freebie for 2nd grade over on TPT here.


 Calendar Tab:
In addition to my weekly lesson plans, I like to use an additional calendar to map out the reading standards for the whole year.  On this calendar, I place in each Harcourt story for the week and also the comprehension, language, and writing standards we are covering.  Mapping it out in advance helps me ensure that I teach all the standards by the end of the year.
I got this awesome calendar from Erica Marshall.





Plans Tab:
For each reading standard, I like to flesh out my plans adding in book list options, whole group options, independent practice options, etc.  See example below...




Book Lists Tab:
I have done a lot of research and found some great book lists on the internet.  It's so nice when you're looking to teach lessons on theme - you can look at the book list under theme - and there are numerous books you can use.  One of my favorite book lists is from Carmela Brown



Assessments:
I like having all of my assessments here, which makes for easy access for copying and planning.  Check out my setting assessment package on TPT



Thanks for checking out my Reading Plans Binder.  Tomorrow I'll post my Math Plans Binder.  Have a great day!

Setting Write-Ups and Rubrics - Now on TPT

I just added my packet for identifying story settings to TPT.  In my packet you will find, three different versions of a setting write-up.  The three versions are differentiated for either various points in the first grade year or for use in kindergarten and 2nd grade.  In addition to the setting write-up pages, the packet also includes story ideas and a reading checklist and writing rubric to use for scoring.  This packet fits in with the ELA Common Core Standards and focuses on not only identifying the setting, but also providing text evidence that supports the setting choice.
 
Check it out on TPT here...

 
 
Here are two student examples from the past school year. We used this form throughout the year in first grade and as the kiddos got better at writing the setting and text evidence we took away some of the sentence frames.  These two examples are from the first quarter of first grade, so you'll see the sentence frame in there for the kiddos to use.  At the end of first grade, we required students to identify and provide evidence for two settings (also an option in the TPT packet).
 
 

 
Thanks for checking out my first TPT packet!  Have a great night!
 

10 Things I've Learned from Teaching

I'm linking up with Miss Kindergarten for her 10 Things I've Learned from Teaching linky party.  I'm just starting my 7th year of teaching and I can honestly say I've learned a million things since leaving college and actually being in the field.

 
1. Patience is probably the most important skill you can learn or have as a teacher.  You'll need patience with the kiddos, patience with parents, patience with special ed processes, etc.  Patience is a must for any teacher.
 
2. It's important to laugh and find the fun moments in each and every day. Teaching is a hard profession and it can be easy to get bogged down with all the stressful stuff.  It's really important that I find funny things in each day, whether it be something funny a kid said or did or a funny story from a co-worker. 
 
3. You will never check everything off your to-do list.  My first year I'd stay at school until 7:00 most nights and was so frustrated because I never got everything done on my to-do list. I've since realized no matter how late you stay or how many hours you work, you won't get everything done.  So, now I give myself a certain time to stay til every day and what doesn't get finished is first on the todo list for tomorrow.
 
4.  Be on the secretary's good side.  I was lucky to have an awesome secretary who I became friends with, but secretaries pretty much run the school right behind the principal.  They can help you get supplies, subs, etc.  You definitely want to be on their good side :-).
 
5.  Be on the janitor's good side.  You never know when you'll have a clean-up emergency (puke, bathroom accidents, bugs) and you want that janitor to be there quickly to help you.  They have a tough job and often a thankless job - make sure you show your appreciation and gratitude for them.
 
6.  Not every parent will like you.  This is a tough one for me since I'm a people pleaser and want to be liked by everyone.  Most years I've been lucky to have wonderful parents who are supportive and on board.  Every once in while you'll get a difficult parent who might not be a fan of you, but you have to remember that they are only one parent. 
 
7.  Always remember that it's all about the kids.  As a teacher your wear many hats and one of the most important is being an advocate for each student in your class.  You need to always stick up for what's best for each child even if it's not the popular decision.
 
8.  It's important to have friends at work.  I can't tell you how many times I have been so thankful to work with not only people I call terrific teachers and wonderful colleagues, but also amazing friends.  It's nice to work at a place where you enjoy working, but you also enjoy the people you work with.
 
9.  Sometimes the best lessons and activities are the ones planned on the fly.  Every teacher knows that no matter how much you plan and how much you prepare, improvising happens each and every day.  For me, some of my best lessons and ideas have come out of those moments where an idea hits me in the middle of teaching and I just go with it.
 
10. Teach the standards, but don't forget about those teachable moments.  Teaching these days isn't just about teaching the curriculum and standards.  Teachers now are teaching kids how to behave, how to have manners, how to work together, how to cope, and more.  As a teacher, I find it's important to remember that even though you have the set standards to teach, you still need to give time to those teachable moments that happen each and every day.
 
Thanks for checking out my list! I'm excited to see the rest in the linky party!

Monday Made-It - 7/22/13

I'm linking up with Tara at 4th Grade Frolics for Monday Made-It. 

I'm starting out slow with my school craft projects and am trying to ease back into the whole getting ready for back-to-school, which will be here before we know it.


Over the weekend, I painted the craft sticks that I use to call on students during whole group instruction. I got the idea from Kindertastic.  You paint the craft stick two different colors, so you can put the craft stick back in the cup to be used again, but you know who has already been called on.  I like using sticks to pick students to come up and help or share answers, but I always feel like once you call on them they know they've been called on so they sometimes tune out.  Now, I can flip the stick and put it back in.  So, even though they've already been called on, they can be called on again and it will help me keep track of who has been called on to make sure things are fair.  Here's a picture of mine below - I used a bright blue and purple (although the purple didn't quite turn out in the picture).




Then, once I get my class list I'll print their names on labels and place a label in the middle of each craft stick.

I have lots of crafting plans this week, so I'm hopeful to have more to share for next week's Monday Made-It.  Have a great start to the week!

Favorite Pin Friday - July 19

Happy Friday everyone! It's Friday, so it's time to link up again for one of my favorites - Favorite Pin Friday with Cara Carroll over at First Grade Parade.  Check out her site for how to join in on the Pinterest sharing fun!

 
My Favorite Teaching Pins:
 
 
What a great way to practice writing opinions all while enjoying some delicious candy.  I'm always looking for new ways to practice writing opinions and I'll have to add this one to my lesson plans for this year.
 
 
I think this would be a cute gift idea for the kiddos to give their parents for the holidays or for Valentine's Day.  The kiddos have a white board with their reason written down, you take their picture, and then frame it.
 
 
 
 
I love this I Can board set-up and how organized this classroom looks!
 
 
 
Here are some of my other non-teaching favorite pins:
 
 
Great way to decorate the fridge. I love the look of the pictures in frames on the fridge instead of just being held up with magnets.
 
 
 
 



This garlic parmesan bread looks delicious and it says it's easy to make!  Yum!
 
 
 
As an ASU grad, I love this subway art printable that one of my ASU friend's made.
 
 
Thanks for stopping by my blog for Favorite Pin Friday. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
 

Math Common Core Standards for 2nd Grade

In addition to the ELA Common Core Standards freebie written out for 2nd grade, which you can find on TPT here. I also finished up the Math Standard for 2nd grade and have them now posted as a freebie on TPT here

Here's a little sample of the Math Common Core Standards for 2nd Grade on TPT.
 
 
 
Thanks for checking out my freebie on TPT!  Have a great day!
 


ELA Common Core Standards for 2nd Grade

Since I will be teaching 2nd grade for the first time this school year, I wanted to take some time this summer to delve into the Common Core standards for 2nd grade.  I searched and searched on the internet for a document that just had the 2nd grade standards laid out.  I know it's important to see what's happening in all grade levels, but for planning purposes it's great to have a quick document where you can see everything you're supposed to teach in one place. Since I couldn't find one, I decided to create my own.  You can download it as a freebie from my Teacher's Pay Teacher store here.  This is my first TPT creation so go easy on me. I'll get fancier as I go :-). 

 

Here are two sample pages from the Common Core ELA packet.
 

 
 
Thank you to The 3am Teacher at www.the3amteacher.blogspot.com/ for her amazing backgrounds and text boxes.
 
I'll be posting the Math Common Core Standards packet for 2nd grade tomorrow!

Have a great afternoon everyone!
 
 

Suggestions and Advice Needed

Hello all of my wonderful blogging friends,

I just opened a Teacher's Pay Teacher's store and am in the process of getting some items ready to post on there.  Since I am new to this and I know many of you are very experienced with TPT and have made many amazing products - I'm asking for any advice and suggestions you might have.  Please comment below with any suggestions for me.

Thank you so much in advance!

Favorite Pins Friday - July 12

I am linking up again with Cara Carroll at The First Grade Parade for Favorite Pins Friday.

 
Here are my favorites this week...
 
I love, love, love plastic storage bins.  I should buy stock in Sterilite with how many I buy.  I found this cute, easy way to decorate them with ducktape - simple and more fashionable.
 
 
I found this great monthly calendar with lots of space for writing. I thought this would be perfect to lay out the weekly standards and use for planning. And the best part, it's free!
 
 
I use the Clip Chart system in my classroom and stumbled upon this form the other day to explain poor behavior to parents. I had a form I've been using the last few years, but this one is a little easier for the kiddos to fill out and a half sheet so it saves paper!

 
This story looks adorable and is recommended to use for teaching persuasive writing and how to write letters. I'm always looking for new books for the classroom and I'll be adding this one to my list!
 
I'm looking forward to exploring data notebooks this year for students.  I found this awesome website with a number of great ideas of how to use them in the classroom.
 
 
 
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!