My New Addiction...

Okay so I have a confession to make... I am hereby addicted to Pinterest! Someone should have told me it was this addicting as every time I pick up my laptop to do anything I find myself going to pinterest looking at cool new ideas for teachers.  As soon as I begin making things (Not sure what grade I'm teaching yet either staying in 3rd or going back to 4th) I will post pictures!

Until then...

Happy Pinning!

Guided Math & Math Stations

During my 1st year of teaching I had a revelation... Why on earth am I giving these poor students these 25 question tests? I didn't think about it at first but I was only making things difficult for myself because I was doing all of the grading and also attempting to re-mediate.

 I changed my game plan and I began only giving my students tests that only had 10 questions.  If a student made less than an 80% they would meet with me and be retaught the skill and then they would have a retest on that following Friday. 

 Needless to say this worked beautifully! I also created a note sheet where I would record the objective & skill at the top. Beside each students name I would write their score ( 8/10) and the date of mastery.  I would also note any mistakes made so even if the student scored an 80% I could still see if there were some sort of pattern of misunderstanding.  I could also send home additional homework on that skill so students could practice at home.

This worked so well for me I was able to use this again this school year with my 3rd grade students.  I loved the idea of having actual notes to discuss with parents at conferences if a low math score came up during our discussion.

I plan on continuing this for years to come because it is very simple and that means math groups change weekly for the most part.  

Now that was my small victory here is the small defeat... Math Centers!

I have a difficult time finding activities for my students to do that will keep them engaged during the 15 minute rotations.  At the end of this school year I created a sheet that contained all center activities and students knew they were to have all of them completed by Friday so that meant that they had to do at least 2 per day.  If any student finished early they knew they were to read silently at their seats. 

I am still looking for activities to add to the sheet to complete the 3 rotations as I would like but after visiting Runde's Room I think I am going to incorporate the math journal as part of center time.  My team also had our principal purchase Mountain Math & Mountain Language for us.  It is a really cool stand up book that has several problems that cover basic skills. It has a basic worksheet to fill in the answers too and students only need to flip the page each week to answer questions with new numbers.

I am not sure if this will help anyone but if so please let me know! If you have something that works wonderful in your classroom during Center time then please feel free to comment!!! 

Keep Them In Their Seats!

At the beginning of this school year I sat down and thought about the things I wanted to do differently from the year before. The easiest most inexpensive thing I did was give my students no reason to get out of their seats! After my year of rambunctious, out of control, 4th graders I was willing to give anything a try in 3rd grade.  So knowing I was going to have my students in groups I decided I was going to place a basket with all the things they needed so they had no reason to get out of their seat unless they wanted water or a bathroom break.

Each group had a small Sterilite basket that I purchased from Walmart. (about 2.50 each)

In each of these baskets I put a "character cup" that was also purchased from Walmart (.98 each).

Each basket then was given 1 of the following unless other wise noted, Kleenex, covered pencil sharpener, hand sanitizer, 2 glue sticks, 2 pair of scissors, a box of crayons, 5 sharpened pencils.

Total out of pocket cost for 5 groups: < $20.00!

I was so excited by this because it truly kept the students in their seats all year long! The students took ownership of this and were sure to be sure that they had their baskets daily and if they ran out of something I was told immediately! The pencils were to be swapped out only if yours broke and they you were to put your broken one in and take a sharpened one. Each afternoon the pencil sharpener would gather all the pencils and then divide them equally amongst the baskets.

 I will definitely be doing this again next year. The baskets held up great aside from the bottoms becoming dirty because they are white and the pencil sharpeners also broke but most students had their parents get them one because they knew they couldn't get up and use the electric sharpener after 8:00am.


Please try this with your students if you find they won't stay in their seats and you will see a big difference!

Maria

New Finds

I have somehow stumbled upon a few wonderful blogs that I now follow and I am all beside myself to try some of the things they are doing/sharing! The one thing that has me intrigued the most are the math journals found at Runde's Room. When I saw the post for yesterday I was floored and I have been reading up on them ever since. Since I don't know if I am teaching 3rd grade again or if I am going back to 4th grade I can't really begin to plan and also our state is adopting the Common Core Curriculum. I am sooooooo anxious to try these math journals I almost want to just create one as a sample! If you use math journals in your classroom and you view this post please share! I would just love to learn more!!!

Maria

3rd Grade

3rd Grade was WONDERFUL!  I felt like I was truly in my element this school year and  I am sad to see it go.  I had a wonderful group of students and I am so proud of them! I am not sure if I will have another go at 3rd grade since my principal has mentioned the possibility of me moving back to 4th grade but we will see! I am on assignment for God and wherever I am needed is where I will go!

Hmmm...

Just yesterday I was thinking about my grade school career and the teachers I had. They never seemed stressed and we rarely heard them complain or grumble about anything.  We were taught well and we were disciplined. Not to mention our teachers taught our parents, cousins, aunts & uncles.  So the question came to me what changed that teachers don't love their jobs unconditionally anymore? It's rare to find teachers that have been teaching long enough to retire and most are seeking early retirement.  As I  pondered these thoughts it became clear to me that the US education system doesn't really care so much for the children as they say they do... concern is solely on how good does our school / school system look when those glorious test scores surface.  SMH it truly makes me sad that our educational system has come to this because what it causes is added tension among staff and added stress on the teachers.  It's hard to teach when in the back of your mind the only thing you can think about is how much you have to do, deadlines, iep's, pep's, test scores, etc. 

I would love the opportunity to teach stress free like my teachers did...at least once would be nice. 

I made it!

Hello all, I know I've been missing in action since January but I am back and I am pleased to say that I made it! I'm going into my second year teaching and I have to tell you God always has a way of working things out.  I am still at the same school and although several of my colleagues have transferred to other schools and my principal did the same I am really looking forward to this school year.  I don't feel like I am going to have to compete for the attention of the administration I am going to have the opportunity to shine and show the new principal what I am capable of.

I am also teaching a different grade level this year (3rd grade) which I was honestly nervous about at first.  Now I am really beginning to get excited about with school starting in about 2 weeks.  Hopefully I will have lots of great things to post this school year...

Ciao'

Funny...

So I read this the other day when I was working on my new website for my students & parents.  I wanted to put this quote on my "blog profile" there but it contained too many characters...go figure.

I laugh every time I read about it but I swear it applies to so many professions not just the ones listed.

If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job.  ~Donald D. Quinn

I love it...especially the part about having different needs and some who don't want to be there...

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year all!

Kinda sad it got here so quick...my winter break is officially over!!!!!! We had snow for 2 days in December before school was out so we lose our workday for January 3...(super sad face) I've had to go in to the school this weekend to do work to make sure I am all ready for my new beginning.

I have my mind made up that I am going to be the absolute best teacher I can be.  So with that being said it's gonna mean that I am going to have to put in some extra work during the week/weekend to be beyond prepared for what's in store.

I need to make some heads turn at my school so I've created a new website for my kids & parents to access so we will see how this goes.  Wish me luck and if you have any ideas please feel free to leave em'!

Ciao'

What in the world is Elf on the Shelf...

So the other morning my students walk in all talking about how the "elf" came to visit them last night.  I'm clearly confused and thinking they are playing a prank on me until today.  My bestie from school shares with me that her 2nd graders are all obsessed with the "elf on the shelf".  Naturally I look at her like she's insane until I realize that this is a book with a stuffed toy elf and they get to name it. Their parents are clearly invested in this prank because these kids don't even believe in Santa anymore because of their elf that writes them notes and hides and leaves them gifts in which they have to respond by letter as well.

Boy times sure have changed...

www.elfontheshelf.com

Second Thoughts

It's been a while since I've written anything for the blog but I honestly haven't had the passion to want to do so.  I'm going to try my best to post at least once a week because I think it will help me to express some of my feelings about my first year as a 4th grade teacher.

I swear I would have never thought it would have been like this.  Especially being we were all taught to ask what is your support system like for your new teachers. Sad to say I didn't get to ask that question because I wasn't hired to work at my school I was moved there.  Well now I know their support system sucks! My mentor was our for about a month because of her father's death which I don't blame on her because even though he was sick can you ever truly prepare for a loss like that? I don't think so but I did assure her upon her return that I was fine and that she shouldn't be worried about me but she needed to focus on herself and take some time to get herself back in her groove.

My grade level stinks...That's about all I can say about that.  I find out things at the last minute which leaves me feeling unprepared and anxious.  I have a great relationship with most of my parents but there are a few that I'd rather not deal with ever again in life.

I hate math stations...they seem pointless to me but hey somebody thought it was a good idea so I'm just gonna run with it.

The one thing that makes me hate school the most now is the disloyalty among my peers.  Everyone is worried about themselves especially our principal.  I honestly think next year he is gonna be gone and we are going to be in for a rude awakening because he is so laid back we have no true structure.  We don't turn in our lesson plans for review. We don't have grade level meetings anymore.

Now the final drum roll.................................................................................................................................

Due to our budget (county) there is going to be a lay off of about 300 positions.  So that feels like all of the 1st & 2nd year teachers are outta here... I pray not because I need my job but I can't say that I didn't think about this happening.

Ciao'

Knowing There Is Hope

So just when I thought things couldn't get any worse one of my students showed up Thursday morning before the  benchmark exams and said Ms. B I really thought you could use this because you're awesome...then she handed me a glass apple with a golden stem and leaf...I teared up for a moment not knowing what to say. So I sit it on my pc desk and the other students walk in and begin to start their day. As they see the apple I hear one student say, "So she really did bring the apple". I laugh to myself thinking how they all were discussing things nice to do for me and the surprise that someone actually followed through.

Dream Achieved

Getting my Footing...I think

So I feel like I'm finally getting my footing as a teacher; I really feel like I'm finding my "groove".  I love all my students but I have about 4 that if I could get them to change their ways I would have the "ideal" classroom! So I told my students since we have been deemed the "bad class" that from now on we would show everyone that we weren't and that we could be the "amazing" class.  I read them the book how full is your bucket and explained to them that even when you are having a bad day you shouldn't let it effect others.  We went over our rules and we picked them apart to insure that everyone had a full understanding of what our classroom rules were.  The students know that when I say give me 5 I need their full attention whether it be in the hall or in the classroom.  I am praying these minor changes will make the rest of my year easier because I can honestly say my first 9 weeks as a teacher was hell.

I'm Baaack!

Sorry I've been away for so long but this teaching thing is INTENSE!!! I can honestly say student teaching didn't prepare me for this.  Some days I feel like I've made a mistake other days I wonder why i didn't become a teacher sooner.

The group of kids I work with are a doozy! I love them all for their individuality and their personalities but I have a few that I often question their home lives... It seems like Mom & Dad don't discipline them at all.  I can be in the middle of a lesson and if I have to call someone out about playing with something in their desk he will be my echo... I have another that is so happy to be a kid he's always trying to do something to keep everyone laughing & smiling; his mom is totally on board with me but it doesn't really seem to phase him because when he comes back the next day it's like nothing happened...I have few who think they are better than the other kids, and then I have those that just think the rules don't apply to them.  I was so shocked that these kids have no manners, when I call their names a few will say yeah?! like I'm getting on their nerves.

None of the kids say yes ma'am which to me is strange "only because I was raised to do so"

They refuse to pay attention while I'm giving directions and it is truly to the point where I find myself repeating myself so much I second guess what I might have said.  Just yesterday I was giving a spelling test and I looked up and a few of the kids were just staring off in space and weren't even taking the test!!!!!

All of my classroom management tactics haven't worked and it's like whenever someone tries to give me a suggestion I hate being that person saying well I've done this or I've done that but it's true...

I pray everyday that the kids will listen and retain all the info needed because being a first year teacher (being black) and working at this type of school where the parents are mostly well to do ... makes things hard for me.  I want my kids to do an amazing job on the bench marks & eog's but I'm terrified that they aren't and I'm going to be the blame..

Complacent

So the wait is over...I received a phone call about 1:30 pm with choices for my new assignment.  I made my choice and I am luckily still in the 4th grade.  I had a very emotional morning because even though I wasn't there long I made some great friendships.  It was sad knowing I had bonded with so many people to only find out that I won't be working with them like I thought I was.  The experience has been bittersweet...

My new location is not far from my home which is a plus! The people all seem extremely nice and I am very happy about my decision.  The only thing that worries me is that the upper grades are departmentalized and that means I have MATH.  Nope don't like that at all because Math has NEVER been my strong suite.  Oh well no turning back now looks like I'm going to be doing homework too, just to make sure I know what's going on!

New pics coming soon...

oh yeah the room was already decorated because the A.L teacher was going to be teaching 4th if they didn't get a teacher and she decorated...I don't like it but don't wanna make changes right away because I don't wanna step on any toes! What do you think?

VEXATION

VEXATION

Part of Speech:	noun
Definition:	irritation
Synonyms:	aggravation, agitation, annoyance, bother, chagrin, disquiet

I got a call today that I will NOT be teaching at the same school...I will be moving all of my things out of my room on Friday but I don't know where I will be moving them to...Luckily I signed my contract so I have to be placed somewhere but who knows where...School starts Wednesday...

That is all...

The Moment You've All Been Waiting For...

Here Ya Go the Pics of my room minus student desks!!!

Enjoy

About a Week Away...

So I know I've been missing for a while now but I have been really busy in my classroom! (feels good to say my room ;o)! ) I ended up having 12 bulletin boards:

1. Schedule/Calendar
2. Essential Questions
3. Baseball Behavior
4. Who's Pitchin' In - Jobs
5. Parts of Speech
6. Problem Solving
7. Math
8. Character Traits/Manners
9. Social Studies
10. Science
11. Word Wall
12. AR All stars

Thank God for my CRICUT! I don't know where I would be without it!!! I still don't have my student desks yet but I have everything organized just how I want it.  The only thing I'm playing with is if I should move my desk so that I will have access to the pc that is awkwardly placed at the front of the room near my white board. Even my library looks fantastic! (thanks to the dollar tree for the cute book baskets)

After I finished all of my room decorations I had literacy training which was pretty good until the last session on Thursday which I refuse to comment...Friday I received my "contract" and my benefits package which was great because now I really feel official...The week ahead is going to be pretty interesting tomorrow I have a training called Number Worlds, Tuesday -Thursday is Right Start Training and Friday is my first official teacher workday followed by a meeting with my benefits specialist @ 4pm. Whew! Wish me Luck!!

The Journey Begins...

As of Aug 2 my new school was open so I now have the opportunity to set up my classroom! I went to the school as soon as I woke up that morning and was there by 9:05 (the school opened at 9:00).  I went to my room which is 121 and looked around.  I had about 7 tables a few chairs, a rolling white board, and a few book cases etc.  Note I said no student desks...no teacher desk... before I can do my bulletin boards which by the way I have like 12 ;o) I need to arrange my furniture.  The acting principal is ordering furniture for me so until then I have a semi empty room.  It's so different seeing the room now as it is actually mine before it was just a room. I'm so excited and ready to put my cricut to work!

I Made It!

So Thursday, 7/22 was my last day at --- I am so relieved that I don't have to go back there again! The policies were outrageous which is why I was soooo ready to leave.  My team gave me a great send off I got some $ for school shopping, a delicious cake from Ganache, and lastly my manager surprised me with an IPod Touch as a going away gift.  I couldn't believe it, she and I have always been extremely close but I would have never thought that she or anyone else at that place would have thought enough of me to buy me a gift like that.

As much as I hated the company I am really going to miss some of my colleagues and they know it because when they each said their piece about me they cried and I did too.

Now it's time to plan, plan, plan for this new gig lol! I'm so excited I'm almost nervous... bought a few things today for my room and it makes me feel great that I can say that I'm actually going to have a room.  Too bad I can't shop more b/c I'm covered in hives from my tetanus shot! Went to the doc yesterday and I'm taking loads of allergy meds but they aren't cleared up yet.  So I'm covered in small bumps and they itch! some weekend oh & not to mention my A/C on the passenger side of my car is out and believe me it makes a big difference!! It will be fixed in the am.

Other than that my weekend has been pretty good...and yes I made it!