Getting My Room Ready!

OK so, last night the nightmares began.  As I anticipated going into school this morning I was so lucky to have a strange dream. There was a staff wide pop quiz; which sort of looked like a cabinet meeting of 8 to me.  The quiz was on MATH COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS!!!!!!  So what does this mean?  I am thinking that someone is going to ask me a lovely question and I am going to have a brain fart moment.  I will have to read these standards again and again, and also walk around with a cheat sheet. I dislike being caught out there.

Fortunately it was just a dream, and I was off to the school house about noon today.  So here is what I turned my key to see. 

Stacked chairs and furniture, with lovely shiny floors!

This is an eyesore!  I have a board that every year I fight with since I moved into this classroom 2years ago.  My school is 100 years old and it is beginning to show its age.  The built in bookshelves are great however they are in a weird spot.

 

This shot above is showing door of course, but from the middle of the room.

Storage above my students' coat closet, and some of my closet space as well.  There are things up there that are not mine.  Task for the year get rid of it all!  Exactly half is mine.

The front of my room.  My lovely chalkboard that I don't use.  I can't wait to cover it up as I usually do.  I wish they would install dry erase.  I'm thinking about the shower board DIY idea.  I just don't know about transporting it to my school.  My desk is in the middle of the room.  I had to wait for the custodians to move it to its location.


The back corner of my room. 

Desk are set up.  I seem to have more desks than last year.  I have 17 on my roster.  When there are too many desks it leave an impression that you are expecting more...



Before

After

 

   I use black fabric and ribbon around the side and bottom.  I found a cute pennant border last minute- yesterday to be exact.




A closer view



Side boards done!


 

 

Well, I still have more work to do.  I will tackle that from board later this week and start pulling things out.  Its so hard to stick to my plans when everyone is coming in your room.  Exchanging pleasantries, and conversing about vacation spots.

 



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Therapeutic Thursday and a little more!

I am very exciting to share this my teacher's week linky.  I am linking up with Blob Hoppin', and enjoying every bit of it.  I wasn't able to contribute yesterday, because I haven't been to my classroom as of yet.  I don't go in until Monday- I can't wait to get started.

I have been finding great buys still.  My sweetest purchase is a Must haves for me which is a refrigerator, and my last one was on its last days.  I decided to purchase a replacement.

Late Must haves:
I definitely needed this $64.00! The printer is $29.00 from Walmart right now.  I had to order it, and the both arrived today.  Copy, Printer, Scanner!

After seeing all the raves about these lovely plan books this summer,  I had to order one. I was contemplating for a week.  I normally use the free one from Lakeshore, or create my own.  However; I decided to splurge a little and treat myself.  "Happy Early Teacher Appreciation Day to ME!"  My copy is on the way, with all the bells and whistles.  I am not telling my sweetie how much I paid for this plan book either shhhhhh!




 Ok for my Therapeutic Thursday contribution!!!!!

Drum roll please!!!!!

I am in love with these scrumptious morsels of sweet and salty goodness.  I kick back relax go to the fridge and munch away. 

Chocolate Covered Potato Chips from Trader Joes!!!!! OMG  The are $2.99 for a bag and are delicious with whatever cold beverage of your choice.  These definitely ease the pain, the day, the night, and anything else.  HEALING FACTOR! 

  They are so delicious while searching for a great pic, I came across another blogger who thinks the same!

Along with , and I am great for hours!

There it is! Happy Linking! Pin It

Technology Tip Tuesday!

Well unfortunately I missed yesterday teacher's week portion, but I have a bit to share today.  I have been getting my ducks in a row for the new school year like everyone else- I finally received my class list. 

One thing that I can live without in my classroom - I know it sounds corny but the Internet!  I am very annoyed when I have something planned and I am excited about and they are doing something with the hub, or the server is down.  This leaves to the love of my trusty Smartboard.  I use my own presentations or download them from the Internet.
I would love for it to be mounted like some of the new models in my building; however I do like the option of rearranging my room the way I like it, and not around the board.

My go to math sites are Pearson Success due to the fact that we use Pearson Envisions Math.  The program has great components that are very useful.



As a teacher in the testing grade I use different sites to review concepts such Practice Practice it was great in prior years I reckon they will make changes according to CCSS.

I am very eager this year to use Remind101.  This seems amazing and its free. 
 


I am also trying out Xtramath.org - Its a non profit organization dedicated to math achievement for all.  You sign up for FREE, then make a class list.  It selects children to begin with a limit given, and it even prompts the child to tell the next its his/her turn.  Talk about management.  I found this surfing/stalking but unfortunately I can't remember where.  I would love to thank them if I haven't already. :-).

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Question- Any cool birthday treat ideas for fifth graders! Pin It

A Bit of Departmentalization Housekeeping!

So where I teach-  the fifth grade classrooms are departmentalized.  What does that mean?  Well, in my school most of the fifth grade classroom have 2 teachers- a  homeroom teacher (me) who teaches either mathematics(me), or literacy.

Yeah, so I teach Math primarily along with the other core subject areas.  They travel to their literacy teacher once a day for their literacy block.  Which is great too becuae is give them an early start or taste of middle school, more responsiblilty, and many assignments :-).

So by now you must be thinking- so you don't teach literature?  Yes and no.  Not formally however I do teach literacy through math, science, social studies, and character education (just about everything).   At first I was on the fence about moving to the upper grades especially with this system in place, and having someone else teaching my students and test scores and everything. (CRAZY).

I gave it a try last year and I loved it.  I plan for my Math Block (1hr 4mins worth), and other areas its great!  My classroom is filled with numbers and literacy like any other classroom, but more numbers than anything.  My partner teacher's classroom is in close proximity, and it went well.  I think it works best with a great partner teach anyway.  BELIEVE there was some headache in that building at times.  I was lucky.

My main issue as I digress- was TEST SCORES, PROGRESS, AYP!

So I made it my business to make sure that I knew what they were doing in literacy at all times.  Skills strategies you name it, howerver when there is a walk through, or when I get observed it is not for lesson in ELA.  My students read dailying the the class, hand in reports, take vocabulary & spelling test with me within my class- for my knowledge.  If you too have this system within your school it is important to know your students.  Know them as a person, reader, mathematician, scientist etc. 


A Treat
A couple of years ago when I taught 2nd grade we developed a reading tracking sheet as a grade.  I have tweaked it over time, and would like to share it with you.  For the love of teachers and for me to remain sane this year as well, I have to know where my students are in terms of reading in order for them to succeed in any subject.  Especially since this is going to be my second year teachinf 5th, I'm using what I know AGAIN for the 5th year.  If it's not broke don't fix it - I guess.  It's my responsibility to teach, and help them learn in any way.

So here it is, it is in  my TN shop for free!

Reading tracker from grades 1 -5. Track your students reading levels. If your school uses these tracking systems this will help you find the correlating level from book to book as well. I usually highlight their first assessment with green, second with yellow, and the final assessment with red. If you want to show their progress in between assessment dates you can always do so.

25 student list allotted
color coded
DRA2
F&P
Rigby


Happy Tracking! :-)

P.S. I ended up with GREAT scores! Pin It

My first Linky Party! Back to School Jitters!

I found this cute linky party from Megan at Teacher Wife. Ms. Jessica from A Turn to Learn is hosting a Linky Party that I we are all familiar with of course. Back to School Jitters!!!

Here are the rules:

1. Place your text over the picture above to talk about your school "jitters."

2. Use the html link on the top of this post to link back to the post.

3. Comment on the two blog posts before yours.

YAYA my first Linky - I hope I did it right! lol 

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An Extremely Excited Monday Made-it!

Well, I checked my blog today (and of course others), and became extremely excited.  I was nominated for One Lovely Blog Award - thank you so much Megan.  You must stop by her blog and check her out.

For this award, here are the rules:
1. Follow the person who gave me the award.
2. Link back to the person that gave me the award.3. Pass to 15 new bloggers and then let them know they have received the award.

Her are some Lovely Blogs that I have nominated to recieve that award as well.
1. Mrs. B Best Mrs. B's Best-  Oh my she had such great ideas, and I have been inspiried already.

2. M - Fashion Craze Learning Days-  She is a very new blogger and has already produced great ideas for all to see.  She is also the sister of Kristen @ Ladybugsteachingfiles.  Great gene pool! :-)

3. Laura -Will Grade for Coffee Laura has great ideas that I would do myself.  Her blog is a SCROLLER!

4. Sarah- Everybody is a Genius!- When I read Sarah's blog I smile just knowing that there are great teachers in the world.  Her knowledge os ISNs (Interactive Student Notebooks) are amazing and she explains her material carefully.

Sorry, I dont have 15 yet but I will soon.

 HERE's MY
Monday Made It!

Well I decided to open a store today! Yipppeeeee
Teachers Notebook!  (I know the Sale is OVER) No worries, they are free downloads.  One is  Place Value chart.  I use it in the classroom for independent work, and I create a poster from it.

Here are some center Signs that I created as well.  They are large good for the walk around eye because they clearly define your areas.  Download, print, and laminate and your good to go.

See you soon!


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THINKING OUT LOUD- This Blogging Thing isn't EASY!

OK, I love to read blogs, and I was sooo interested that I decided to create my own.  However no one has read it but me I think.  So in retrospect no one but me will read this post as well.  I was eager so at first I attempted to post daily, then every two days,then...

There must be something that I am missing!?  Someone in the world of bloggers tell me what it is.  Well
1.  I know that my page needs revamping. 
2.  I need to pick up blogging for dummies
3.  I love teaching and sharing so when I get the  hang of it I will be fine.
4.  I thought RUSH was unnerving.



OK wish me luck!!!!! Pin It

Getting Organized -SM

Well I am late but I had to do a million and one things of course.  I had a fin filled day with my daughter and friends.  we went to Chuck E. Cheese, spent time in the pool, then off to create, and make dinner at the same time.  Dinner was VERY later tonight! lol

Oh guess what I found a Dollar Tree while I was in Staten Island!  Fortunately I didn't miss much and my lovely DEAL$ didn't let me down.

Well today I made/jazzed up my lamp I purchased the other day.  I hot glued decorative card stock after using my circle cutter.  By the way I am have a hard time getting uniformed circles every time.  A little frustrating.  I do like the results, yet I think I will add a solid color as well.

I also managed to add decorative card stock to my new file cabinet from Joann Fabric.  52.99 - 50% off.  It has the great compartment on the top as well.  Its very sturdy, and the color is great.  I have crafts, and card stock inside so far. I may keep this one home and get another - who knows.

  I am working on a couple of file as I type on I got the idea from Ms. B's Best- Expectations.  Great idea, I love this blogging thing. I need to figure out how to add file too. I am going to turn it into a poster/take it to staples to enlarge it.  I usually create my rules with my students however this being my second year teaching fifth grade I know that I need this before hand. (second and third grade does well with that activity)



2. Take care of yourself - nice for mind you business!

 Finally here is the rug that I mentioned yesterday! I am thrilled about this.  I was going to make an outrageous purchase then I spotted this beauty. 

Simple and just what I need!

Well there it is.  I don't go into the classroom to begin setting up until the end of the month, so I have a couple more Monday Made its!!!!!!!

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This has been a very busy week for me.  I am enjoying all the finds that I have so far for the upcoming year.  My bestie came to visit from Maryland so she took some of my time, I enjoyed every minute.  Also being that I am new to blogging, I definitely have to remember to actually blog and not think about it.

I've had so many aversions to the plans this week, I feel like I am in a whirlwind. (lol)  however,ever I managed to go to Walmart, Target again, Michael's of course, and my lovely discount store DEAL$.  I found a great rug at DEAL$ for $10 and a lamp for $10 (white shade) which I love.  A blank canvas. pics soon

Well I had a little change with my material, I am still using Kristen's files, however I have also decided to use some of Ginger Snaps lovely work as well.  Thank you for such a great download.
So I have been printing courtesy of STAPLES (lol), cutting, and laminating like a mad woman for two days.  I make frequent break due to the three year old princess.

I am loving the NEON Editables from Ginger Snaps.  As you can see above this was before all the cutting.  Those are the Schedule signs, table markers, and manipulatives signs.  I loved how I can edit or choose to do what I like with the various shapes and colors provided.  I decided to make the rectangular pieces months of the year.  I also created a 2012 & 2013 year sign.  Sometimes I forget to so that and end up creating one at the 12th hour. :-)

Thie NEON Binder also from Ginger Snaps turned out great!  My Binders are just about ready.  Those lovely Common Core State Standards are safely put inside as well. 

So, maybe I can take a short breather and watch some more Olympics 2012!!!  Michael Phelps, Gaby Douglass, and Ryan Lochte.  Wait I can't forget Jeter, and the Jamaican Princess Shelly Thunder!!!!!  They ROCK!

Monday Made it, here I come!




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