Welcome All Stars!

Our year is off to a spectacular start.  Like most of us teachers always say, we forget how tiring the beginning of the school year can be. 
I ended up with just a straight second grade this year.  The numbers kept on growing, so another first grade teacher was hired.  That's a wonderful thing.  We have been looking for student numbers to grow in our small rural school district.
The kids have been getting to know each other and becoming quite the experts at the "Read to Self" rotation of The Daily 5.  It sure helps that most of the students were familiar with The Daily 5 from last year.
I have also been trying to use The Daily 5 Concept in math too.  We learned some new math games and problem solving this week.  The headings we are using are Strategy Games, Fact Games, Numbers Games, Problem Solving, and Paper and Pencil.  Poison seems the most popular game so far.  All it requires is 13 of some kind of object.  The students take turns taking 1, 2, or 3 blocks.  The last block left is poison.  I love hearing how the kids are learning to be very strategic with this simple game.
I would like to intoduce a few more games tomorrow that require dominos.  Oh yes, the mystery disappearance of all my dominos.  I'm sure I'll find them after I need them.  Thank goodness for wonderful, sharing colleagues.:)
Tomorrow is Friday, and I am looking forward to teaching the students about "Good Fit" books.  I've seen the lesson done with different sized clothing or with a variety of shoes.  I usually incorporate the shoes in one way or another.  Choosing "Good Fit" books takes a lot of practice.  Usually the struggling reader will try to stuff a bunch of chapter books into their book box too. 
Like I said, we will be practicing our reading skills A LOT this year!!!

August Rush

Oh yeah! It's already August, and I feel this rush to try and accomplish much of what I should have done gradually throughout the summer.  However, we've been doing a BIG remodel in our house and that has made it difficult to focus on anything else.  I am so happy that I can see a light at the end of the tunnel though!! It is difficult when you are operating without a sink, dishwasher, and appliances for a while.  It makes you appreciate these items too.
I am slowly getting my thoughts and ideas together for the exciting new school year.  Our theme is "Random Lake All Stars."  I've been printing posters, creating schedules, and buying some fun thematic decorations.  My biggest challenge will be to teach a 1/2 combo class this year.  I know it will be an awesome experience, but I just need to devote a little more time to planning than what I am use to.  I will also be implementing Daily Math along with Daily 5 for reading. This is going to make it SUPER EASY to teach two different grade levels.  This grouping allows me to tailor teaching to meet student needs.
I also am excited to teach these wonderful kids how to use some neat tech tools.  I love watching kids get excited about teachnology and learning!

https://www.thistlegirldesigns.com/shop/

Summertime

Our Chihuahua Chillin' in the Sun

Wow, time really has been flying by!  It's already the end of July.  We've been very busy remodeling our kitchen and living room.  It's VERY exciting.  I am also starting to get excited about the new school year too.  Our new theme this year is "Random Lake All-Stars."  I have slowly been coming up with ideas for our theme.  Many of my ideas come from othe teachers' great ideas. :)  I utilize ProTeacher quite a bit.  I also love going to the networrk to get more ideas for Daily 5 reading and math, especially Daily Math since I will be starting to use this format this year.  I have received many ideas, but still think I need to shape math to fit my students' needs.
I think working on the Core standards for math with my team will help out quite a bit too.
I also applied for a grant this summer and am hoping to receive word about it by the end of August.  It would require some travel and collaborating about technology , so I am quite hopeful and excited.  Not only that, but it would be with professors and pre-service teachers.  How fun and what a SUPER opportunity.
Otherwise, I am SO enjoying the quality time I have to spend with my husband and family this summer.  Quality time means just "Being with." 
I hope that you are having a very productive summer too!!

Summer Break!!!

Yay, it's summertime and I'm ready to continue my running journey.  In the summer, I'm able to leisurely run, without a timeframe to fit into.  I can run and run and run.  The sign clearly shows how I feel about running.  Yes, my husband tells me to vary my workouts, but why?  Running gives me such satisfaction and enjoyment, not to mention it's a great stress reliever.

I don't like to race, but I have planned on running a half-marathon in August.  I know I can do that with relative ease.  I run on an average of about 6 miles at least five times a week already.

RUNNING ROCKS!!!

***More posts to follow soon.  I plan on makig a lot more entries than I did when school was in session.  School is ALWAYS so BUSY!  I can finally take a breather.  Phewwwww.



Today we had our last "Snazzy Snack," and the kids were so excited.  There's just something about food that attracts the students' excitement. 

The school year is winding down and there already is a lot of reflecting going on in my head.  It is amazing how every group of students is very different.  As a teacher, this makes the day a lot more challenging and exciting too.  What makes each child tick?  What are their interests?  Am I able to instill a love for reading and learning?  Will they continue their learning journey in the summer? 

I can only hope that they do! 

When I taught in California, the year-round schooling helping out with the continuation of the learning process...one month off, and three months on.

Teaching definitely is an art that takes a lot of tweaking.  It is a very rewarding profession!!!

April Showers Bring....SNOW?

I can't believe that I am looking at snow!  We are suppose to be warming up and getting ready for all spring has to give us.  My daffodils and tulips are waiting to appear and it is still around 32 degrees today.  Brrrrrrr.  This shall pass and before we know it, summer will be here! Yay!!!

As the school year slowly winds down, I realize this year has brought a lot of challenges and triumphs.  It almost seems like we were just starting the new school year yesterday.  The Daily 5 and CAFE menu, for reading, have been a wonderful success this year.  Technology has brought an enthusiasm to almost all the Daily 5 rotations.  The kids blog for work on writing and they use Tumble Books, BrainPop Jr., and Raz-Kids for listening to reading.  The Mimio Software allows the students to practice their spelling and word wall words on the computers and interactive board, while Spelling City reinforces their spelling skills in many fun and interactive ways
This has even transfered to student-learning at home!  I often receive emails with spelling words submitted in creative and colorful ways.  They also attach spelling certificates for me to see.  Students also frequently blog at home!
My hope is that the kids will continue this learning journey throughout the summer too.  I found out that I will be taking on a new challenge next school year too.  I will be teaching a 1, 2, 3 multi-age class.  It definitely will be a wonderful learning experience!  I will be observing classrooms with the same format later this school year.   I look forward to any feedback that you have for me too!