Classroom Pics

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6+1 Traits of Writing

This week I have been taking a class about integrating reading and writing instruction using the 6+1 Traits of Writing . It has been an awesome class so far and I have really learned a lot. I'm not sure if other people have taken as much from it as I have because I am still very new at teaching, but I have gotten so many great ideas and cannot wait to try them out!

A few things I have learned (and may very well try to do):
1. Do not question your kids about what they read. Well, do, but not like this: "What happened first? Then what? Then what? Who did this? Who did that?" Blah, blah, blah. All that shows you is that they read the same durn book you did or that they can listen well.
Instead, ask questions like, "What can you infer from reading this? Why do you think that? What strategy did you use? How did that help you to make meaning?" Etc, etc, etc. Isn't that fabulous? You know what else is great about it? There's really no "right or wrong" answer per say. There's just what ya think and why ya think it. LOVE it!
2. Teach kids (and how sad is it that we have to do this, but teach them) that they can just write. Not write a certain amount of sentences. Not write to fulfill a prompt. Not "is this right or wrong?" There's no "am I doing this right?" There's just "write! Write to your heart's content!" Oh. I LOVE it!! I cannot wait.
And, what about those reluctant writers, you ask? Well, I say, tell them to write whatever pops into their heads. You hear a noise in the hall? Ok. Write that. You hate writing and you think it's dumb? Ok. (sad face) Write that. You wish all the pencils in the world would run out of lead so you wouldn't have to write again? Ok. Great! Write that!! Now we're getting somewhere. Gah! I cannot wait!!
3. Guided reading- something I have always dreaded... why? Because. It is BORING! lol Boring to teach, boring for the kids, boring. But, I am PUMPED to do this guided reading. I can take about 10 to 15 minutes and a few kids, have them read silently, have some "whisper read" to me, take a few notes here and there, ask a few questions, and move on. I know what I need to work on, they got to read a cool story, and all is well with the world.
4. I don't have to do guided reading every day. Fabulous? I think so! I can switch between guided reading, reading conferences, and strategy groups. Oh!!! I am soooo exictied!!
5. I learned that I don't HAVE to finish a book. Isn't that great? Now, I know it sounds like some sort of sin. Not finish a book? WhAt?! Um, yeah ladies and gentlemen. You do not have to finish it. I mean, we've all been there: kids are looking at you with glazed expressions, you're realizing there are still 8 more LONG and wordy pages. they get the point you're teaching. You've made connections, inferences, whatever it is you're teaching until you're blue in the face... so PUT THE BOOK DOWN! Yes!! Put it down! and then say, "this book is called blah blah blah and it will be in the classroom library for anyone who wants to finish it during independent reading." Yahoo!!!!!

So, I'm learning alot. I'm happy with it. I'm thrilled with my new job. I can't wait to start! Hallelujah! Life is GOOD!

I've Decided to be a Bucket Filler

I've been doing some research and I really like the "bucket filler" idea. However, the idea of keeping up with a bucket for each child is a bit overwhelming for me... so, I saw somewhere that a teacher had one for her class and I LOVED that idea. So, I stole it. If I could remember where I saw the idea of the class bucket I would gladly give credit where it is due. But, I don't remember. 

Anyhow, the bucket says, "When the time comes that we can fit no more, a tasty treat we'll have in store."

I am super excited!!

Things for the NEW Classroom

I made this last night. I am so excited! 

This will go above our agenda (which I plan to put 

in a pocket chart). It goes along with one of the 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Professional Development

I went to a professional development training on Thursday and will also attend one on Monday (tomorrow) and one on Tuesday. To say that I felt completely at home would be an understatement. I was welcomed and literally laughing about 5 seconds after arriving. I am so excited for what this year brings!

I met four of my five teammates on Thursday. They are AWESOME! I had actually already met one (the team leader) at the interview and had emailed/spoken to on the phone another teammate. They are all so nice and funny and seem to truly love their jobs. I am so excited!

I realize that this job is different than the one I just left and has many different requirements. There are many challenges before me, but I am excited for the challenges! I say, "bring 'em on!" I can do this. I am ready and willing and excited to do this!

Third grade will be different, but I will be teaching workshop style (which I LOVE) and am already getting things organized and ideas flowing for next year. I will have a little more freedom about how I want to teach things and will be able to write my own lesson plans. I am a little nervous about writing my own plans, but am also excited about getting to plan everything on my own. I also know that these great ladies will be happy to help me and I know I will get through it.

All that being said, I know I am going to really miss my team last year. I will miss my kids from last year. I hate that I will not get to see them grow and change. I hope that next year I will be able to have that experience with the kids I have this year. We shall see.

The Thing about a Job Is...

The thing about a job is that jobs come and go.

I was let go from my school this year due to budget cuts. However it all worked out because I now have a new job teaching at a school closer to my house.

Last year I taught second grade and this year I will be teaching third grade. I am excited and nervous and have tons to do to prepare for this coming school year!

Wow!

I had nothing to really write about planned for this summer, but have now been inspired by other teacher blogs while reading the summer lists at Littlest Learners. What an awesome group of ambitious teachers! So, I decided to change my mind (hey, a girl can always change her mind) and make my own list to share.
Personal Plans:
1. Get my house organized.
2. Meet my newest nephew.
3. Plant some flowers in my yard, dig up old ugly bushes and put in new ones (or watch my husband dig them up and then I'll put in new ones. lol), and remember to WATER the things.
4. Paint my china cabinet. I cannot wait to give that thing a new lease on life!
5. Buy and install a doggy door on my screened-in porch.
6. Work at my summer job and enjoy it.
Teacher Plans:
1. Make more file folder games.
2. Plan for reader and writer workshops. (And read up on the best ways to do that.)
3. Look for and carry out good ways to organize my classroom library.
4. Make these awesome reader's response cards I saw on someone's blog (and I am so sorry I do not remember who right now).
5. Pre-make displays for bulletin boards, etc.
6. Find a system to better organize student work (I am so horrible at that).

Seems like plenty for now...