What's The Buzz: Easy Holder Folders

Checkout this neat idea for storing flashcards, letter tiles, etc. for students. So inventive!!

What's The Buzz: Easy Holder Folders:

Day 1: Utah Core Academy: Common Core LA Standards Training

Today I started the first day of a four day training dedicated solely to the Common Core Language Arts Standards that the great state of Utah has adopted.  I decided to come on every day and share some of the information or ideas that I have learned from the day's session.

Today we went over the LA Common Core for third grade into some depth and looked at what we were already doing in our teaching practices, and what was new that would need to be implemented.  It was good to see that much of it was what I was already doing.  However, I have learned that I really need to beef of my expectations for my students quite a bit.  This is true for all teachers.  It's time to re-evaluate our current teaching practices. :)

The main focus of this training will be on Writing.

Ideas that I learned today that I liked:

• Thinkpads:  A "Thinkpad" is a notebook (spiral or composition book) where the students will write in for specific tasks.  
• Quick Write:  This is a writing activity that could be done at any point in the day (not during your instructional writing time) where the students write for 4-5 minutes without stopping.  At first this might be a difficult task,  but with time they will build up stamina.  This stamina will help them to be better writers.
• Knew-New-Q:  This is a quick writing assignment where the kids write down what they already KNEW before starting that day, something that they learned today that was NEW, and then one Question they might have.  (This can be set up just like a KWL chart)

The standards for the Lexile range for 2nd and 3rd grade has been bumped up to 450-790.

Really Good Stuff's "Best-Ever Pocket Chart Stand"

This is Really Good Stuff's "Best-Ever Pocket Chart Stand" that costs $149.99:

This is not something I can afford by any stretch of the means.  So I have this wild and crazy idea of having my husband attempt to make something like it.

I found this homemade pocket chart stand on http://www.childcareland.com/ with directions and specs on how to make it:

  

I have taken both ideas and in my head I have merged it into this:

Now if only I can get my husband to make these for me so I can see of it would work.  The only part that I am iffy on is the center support.  I will have to think more on this one.  I have had dreams about this working.  Any thoughts or comments about my crazy idea?

Another exciting Give Away! Check this one out....

Utah Core Academy: Common Core LA Standards Training

I am super excited because I am going to a four day training at the Utah Core Academy next week.  This year the focus is on the newly adopted Common Core Language Arts standards.  I am hoping to get some wonderful ideas from other teachers here in Utah. 

What professional development opportunities are you participating in this summer?

Thinking of Teaching: The Book Whisperer Read Along

The Book Whisperer Read Along- Schedule Has Been Posted

Head on over to Thinking of Teaching to check out the upcoming read along schedule! I am considering joining this read along. Would you care to join me? :)

Teaching Blog Addict: TBA visits Egypt!

Teaching Blog Addict: TBA visits Egypt!: I was so excited to see my blog name listed on TBA's website and FB page. I had so much fun making the picture last night with the necklace, headband, and earring. Thanks so much TBA! :)

Once Upon A Teaching Blog: 50 Followers Giveaway!

Check out this 4th grade teacher's blog and Giveaway she is doing. She reached OVER 50 followers, something I dream about myself someday soon. (I hope!)

Once Upon A Teaching Blog: 50 Followers Giveaway!

The Daily Five: Listening to Reading

I have decided to use my blog as not only a resource for other teachers (someday in the future, I hope!), but as a resource for me as well.  As I find ideas that I would like to implement in my own classroom next year, I will be noting them on here.  Next year we are starting The Daily Five at my school.  I am trying to figure out what this will look and sound like in my own classroom.  This post will be a work in progress and edited as often as I find ideas.

Here are some ideas I have found for my students to use next year for Listening to Reading:

• http://www.storylineonline.net/  Members of SAG (Screen Actor's Guild) read children's stories
• http://www.portlandlibrary.com/kidsplace/tumblebooks.htm  I am hoping that I can convince my school to purchase the yearly license for Tumblebooks.  It allows unlimited access to books by teachers and also by students at home.  What a win-win that would be!!
• Books on mp3:  I currently don't have ANY of these, but I would love to get my hands on some.  I would then purchase a few cheap mp3 players

Hopefully I will find some more ideas!  If you have any that I haven't thought of, please leave a comment!

Finished reading The Daily Five

Today I finished reading the book, The Daily Five.  My school is switching up how we do our Language Arts program.  Luckily, we are switching to the concepts taught in this book.  I am excited for the change!  After finishing reading the book on my iPad today, it left me wondering what now?  I have another two months to help me figure out how to answer that question.  Before next Monday, it is my goal to head out to Barnes and Noble and purchase the next book in this series, which is CAFE.  From my understanding, this book will dive deeper into the "how to implement" Daily Five.

What are you doing this summer to help you get ready for next school year?  Are there any special books on your reading list?  Please share here!

Booky4First: Desks arrangements linky party

Booky4First: Desks arrangements linky party: Checkout how this first grade teacher sets up her desks. Notice the shelves she and her husband built, the way her meeting area is in the center of the room near the whiteboard, and overall just how organized it is. AWESOME!

A great classroom management idea at the end of the year

What the Teacher Wants!: Management Monday: End of the Year Behavior!: "Being in year round school {we're in school until July}, this time of the year is very difficult for my students {and me too}. The tradition..."

Only 4 more days of school!

With only four more days of school left of the school year, I am looking back over all that we have accomplished and planning ahead for all that needs to get done for next year.  I think this would be a wonderful time for my students to reflect back on their third grade year to share with a student entering my class next year and to look to their future.  Here a few activities that I have planned to do with my students to do just that!

Third Grade Top Ten

A Note to the Teacher

Some AMAZING teacher blogs!

Over the past few weeks, I have stumbled across some amazing websites and blogs that have been the fire and inspiration within me to a better teacher.  I thought I would start by making a list of these wonderful places so that you can begin feeling inspired as well.

•  Thistle Girl Designs (The "queen" of cute teacher graphics!) http://www.thistlegirldesigns.com
• Ladybug Teacher Files http://ladybugsteacherfiles.blogspot.com/
• What the Teacher Wants http://whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com
• The Organized Classroom Blog http://www.theorganizedclassroomblog.com
• Lesson Plan SOS  http://lessonplansos.blogspot.com/
• Mrs. Randall's Learning Library http://randalllearninglibrary.blogspot.com/
• Mrs. Pearce's Classroom Website http://www.mrspearcesclass.com

There are more that I will have to come back and add later, but this is a good start.  These are the sites and blogs I have frequented most often in the past few weeks.

Welcome to my new teacher blog!

I have been inspired by some very amazing teachers all around the world.  I figured it was finally my turn to take a stab at this.  My hopes for this blog is to share ideas that I find and make with other teachers out there looking to spice up their teaching. 

Thank you for visiting and I hope someday I will be able to inspire you as well! :)