What the Teacher Wants!

New Rainbow Theme - Class Job Chart

2013-06-18T14:35:00.001-07:00

The good/bad thing about moving classrooms is that you ~~have to~~ get to redecorate your whole classroom all over again!

This year, I've chosen a rainbow theme and I'm soooooooo excited about it! I'm excited to have some fun bright colors in my classroom and play around with sunshine, blue skies, and puffy clouds!

Here is a rainbow themed class job chart I've created to go along with my theme. It will create a super cute bulletin board in your class and help your students take responsibility and feel ownership in the class!

This pack contains the following 16 jobs:

Class President

Vice President

Secretary

Supply Manager

Librarian

Messenger

Pencil Sharpener

Lunch Bucket

Counter Cleaner

Recycle Coordinator

Floor Keeper

Sanitizer

Energy Saver

Paper Passer

Line Leader

Substitute Helper

This pack also includes:

bulletin board header

explanation of each job

4 blank job cards

large and small name cards

Do you need a class job chart to match the theme in your class? If so, leave a comment and let me know which theme and color combos you'd like. I plan to make many different sets of these class jobs this summer!

P.S. Click here to see my patriotic themed set from last year.

All Over Owls {Classroom Decor}

2013-06-13T16:41:00.004-07:00

Are you in love with owls? I am! My great-grandma collected owls and growing up, I always thought she was a little strange. But, as the years went by, owls started to come back into style. :) Now, every time I see an owl in the store, I think of her! Which brings me to the owl decor pack I've been working on! It's perfect for any grade!!! Take a look:

What’s Included? (over 150 pages)
Calendar Months
Calendar Numbers
Days of the Week
Pennant Banner
Table Numbers
Word Wall Headers
Schedule Cards
Birthday Necklaces
Nameplates
Name Tags
Guided Reading Labels
Homework Folder Cover
Take-home Reading Folder Cover
Teacher Note Stationary
Number Posters
Alphabet Posters (Print and cursive)
Color Posters
Jobs
Calendar Wall, Birthday Wall, and Word Wall Header Decoration

Here's me a few years ago (I'm in the middle), loving on some owls! HAHA!

2 Parts of this pack are EDITABLE (schedule and job chart)!

Check out this pack at my TpT store!
On sale this weekend only!!!!

I also made these free Daily 5 posters to match the owl theme. I made them with the CUTEST owl clipart from Graphics from the Pond. Go check her clipart out...it's AMAZING:

Click {here} to snag those!

Top Tips for Teams

2013-06-12T12:48:00.003-07:00

I {Natalie} had a very fun and pretty unique experience last week.

My entire 5th grade team got together and headed to St. George for the weekend.

{For those wondering, St. George is about a 4 hour drive south from where I live/teach.}

Now I've been on some good teams before, and I've been on some not-so-good-teams before, but this year I was on an AMAZING team! Although we do vary in age, we all got along together so well. We loved collaborating, we enjoyed hanging out together before and after school, and we genuinely liked and appreciated each other.

One of our teammates recently bought a summer vacation home in St. George, Utah and invited us all down for a little team retreat. We had a great time swimming in her pool, going out to eat, staying up late, and doing lots of shopping. Needless to say, it was the *perfect* way to start our summer break!
(Read more about our trip HERE or HERE.)

Since this trip, I've been reflecting on what exactly made our team so great, and how six people with different personalities could get along so well with one another.

Tip #1 - Get to know your team & love them.

Find out their strengths.

Get to know their personalities.

Ask about past life experiences that make them who they are today.

Love despite differences in teaching styles and beliefs.

Put aside differences, and develop a genuine love for each other.

Forgive when needed.

Tip #2 - Collaborate & be team players.

Show up to collaboration with a happy attitude.

Assume good intentions from teammates.

Step up and take on extra responsibilities when needed.

Help teammates with projects they're working on.
Be positive with each other.

Tip #3 - Have fun together.

Chat about fun things going on.

Hang out outside of school occasionally.
Try not to take everything too seriously.
Celebrate birthdays and other special occasions.

What other tips do you have for teams?

What qualities do you look for in a teammate?

What do you and your teammates do to have fun?

Teacher/Blogger Meet-Up in Vegas

2013-06-10T16:00:00.002-07:00

I can't even wait! We will be soaking up the sun, going to the I Teach K Conference, meeting "Elvis", and meeting a TON of fabulous bloggers and teachers!

Feel free to share this on your blog/facebook as well. And no, you don't have to be a blogger to attend. :)

Thank you to The Teacher Wife for the cute button!

Don't forget to RSVP for this meet-up {here}

See you there!

Parent and Student End of Year Gifts

2013-06-06T16:49:00.001-07:00

The year is winding down and I went shopping today to gather my gifts for my parents and students! Reality is setting in that the year is almost over. I LOVE my class so much!!! I'll miss them. But... I say that every year. My husband gets annoyed because he says that I say every year that "this class is my favorite". :)

For my parent volunteers, I bought a large pitcher from the Dollar Tree

and a container of Crystal Light.

Click {here} to download

For my students, I bought a box of character Band-Aids,some sticky hands, and one of our readers recommended Sticky Notes. LOVE IT!

Click {here} to download

Borrow Bucket

2013-06-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to stop by and give you a quick management tip. Do you have students who are CONSTANTLY losing supplies (our school buys ALL of our students' school supplies)? I sometimes want to ScReAm when they come up to me 10 minutes after they should have STARTED working and ask me if I have any scissors they can borrow because they lost their pair! :) So, I have created the "Borrow Bucket" that my students can use when they've lost something.

I used Washi Tape on each of the items (scissors, pencils, erasers, and glue) so that I can identify if the students are trying to "hoard" the borrow bucket items. :) I only put pencils in the borrow bucket because sometime (hahaha), I forget to sharpen the pencils in our regular pencil bin. ;)

Click {here} to download!

Am I Too Late to Post This?

2013-05-31T15:47:00.004-07:00

Maybe you can use it next year???

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 traditional schools are already out of school for summer, the weather is great, and we all have "summer fever"...which makes for a little stress on my behavior management. The behavior of my students always takes a slight step back. Since it takes a step back, I guess I'll have to step.it.up! Talking to teachers on my team, they told us that at the end of the year, they start a money management system by giving school money out to students who are following the expectations. Then they have a class store/party {we'll have parent volunteers donate items and their time} at the end where they can buy things. HALLELUJAH! It's exactly what we needed {me and my teammate who works on the same track as I}. So, I ran with it and started creating! I created a packet to explain the money management. I know some of you are out of school already, but print it and save it for next year! This could work for any grade level {I'm using it in 1st grade}.

Here are a few things from the packet...

Instructions:

Parent Volunteer Letter:

Supplies need for end of the year class store:

Signs to help the students navigate {7 total}:

Receipts from the class store:

Labels {use Avery 5160} for your "Wallet" {it's a ziplock your kiddos put their coins in}:

If you would like the labels that go on the ziplock baggies {Wallets}, you must click {here}.

I could not get those little guys to format in my packet!

clipart and/or fonts copyright by Djinkers.com

Summer Bucket List - ABC Style

2013-05-22T20:42:00.003-07:00

Summer is so close, I can almost taste it!

I've got big plans this summer! Plans that involve taking my two sweet kiddos to new and exciting places, plans to meet up with some of my very favorite teacher-bloggers in Vegas, and plans of staying up late and sleeping in as long as possible (with two little kids, the sleeping in thing doesn't mean much... haha!).

Did I {Natalie} ever mention that I'll be moving my classroom this summer and making a pretty BIG career change as well?!

Even though my whole heart is in 5th grade, this coming year I'll be returning next year as the K-6 computer specialist for my school!! I definitely have mixed emotions about this change, but ultimately it will be better for my family. (Less grading, less planning, less stress!) It will be a fun new adventure and I'm mostly looking forward to the challenge that this new position will bring. Plus, I have big plans for my new classroom!

Having said that.. let me present to you my 'ABC's of Summer' bucket list!

Cute rainbow scallop frame: Ashley Hughes

Rainbow letters: LittleRed

I invite you all to download my editable ABC's of Summer template and post your very own summer bucket list on your blog! Leave a comment with the link to your post here, so we can find you and see your fun plans. Also, please link your post back to this one as the original source.

YAY for summer!!
I linked up with A Modern Teacher!

Narrative Writing, Charlotte's Web, and Glasses

2013-05-21T19:32:00.002-07:00

I'm SO proud of my students' writing! They really are doing so great. I almost get teary eyed thinking about it and then I remember that even though they are ready for 2nd grade (and that makes me sad for them to not be in my class anymore).... summer break is almost here and I'm READY for that! ;)

Yes it's the end of the year and YES we are still writing, learning, and meeting standards in the CCSS!

We read this book (because we already read Miss Nelson is Missing):

I mean... how FUNNY is this?!?!??!

Download the writing paper and pre-write page {here} and {here}

We are just about finished reading Charlotte's Web for our read-a-loud and my kiddos are OBSESSED! They love it so much, that 3 of them checked it out of the library so they could re-read it. :) So cute! As we've been reading, we've been talking a lot about the different characters. I have been using Abby's Charlotte's Web unit a lot, too (that's where the picture cards came from)!

Then, I had my students decide out of Charlotte or Wilber, who was their favorite character. This was a *TOUGH* decision for many students! They wrote about that character and why they were their favorite (opinion and informative). Then, they made a simple paper-plate craft.

Click {here} to download the writing paper

And I shared this on our Instagram (@whattheteacherwants) for today's #teachertalktuesday and I was worried! But... people liked my glasses! I was worried that they made me look too old. My hubby says I look "sexy". Um.. that's sweet and no you can't get out of doing the dishes just for saying that. ;)

9 Days Left...

2013-05-19T17:15:00.003-07:00

Wow!! Only 9 days left for me!!

{Rachelle is in year round school and still has a whole month left...sadface!}

Here's an end-of-year memory book I've been working on for my 5th graders. It will be great to use as a mini yearbook and a way for students to reflect and remember the all the things we've learned this year!

This is a 12 page document that has been formatted into a pamphlet style in order to save on paper costs. (I don't know about you, but our school is majorly low on paper right now!) When copied on both sides, and folded down the middle, this book will only use 3 pieces of paper per student.

Here's a glance at what's included:

*Cover Page

(2 options - one in color and one in black and white)

*My favorites

*Self portrait and paragraph about me

*My teacher page

*Autograph pages

*A year of learning

*Top 10 memories

*Favorite field trip

*A letter to myself

This pack will be on sale for tonight and tomorrow.

How many days of school do you have left?

Any big plans for summer?

End of Year Favorites

2013-05-13T18:29:00.002-07:00

Do you hear that? It's the end of the year is knocking on your door. :)

It's that time of year (for SOME of us...not me)!!!

Would you like a fun way to countdown (with balloons), some crafts, writing ideas, and more???

I've made a packet that is full of end of the year fun! This alien/space themed packet has lots of fun activities for you and your kiddos to take a walk down memory lane and then get ready for the next year!

Here's a little craft/writing activity we'll do {It's adapted to any grade...they fill in the grade}:

Click {here} to check it out!

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End of the year behavior problems? Enter in Bieber and Skywalker:

Or perhaps you like the more "kid-friendly" pictures of these two. How adorbs:

Read more on this FREE end of year behavior tool {here}!

***********************

What about a fun freebie to reminisce about all of the things you've taught your kiddos the past 9 months?

Download this {here}

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And do not forget to post on your Instagram and use the hashtag #teachertalktuesday

It's tomorrow!!!!

Check Out These Items!

2013-05-08T18:58:00.001-07:00

The teacher appreciation sale over at Teachers Pay Teachers is now winding down. Only a few more hours to save up to 28% off of cute and educational resources for your classroom!

{The sale goes until midnight in Hawaii - so there's still some time left!)

Here's one more peek at some of the items you might want to add to your shopping cart tonight!

Rachelle's TPT Store:

1. Rockin' Review 1st (Common Core)

2. A Unit About Bears

3. Take a Bite Out of the Common Core

4. 1-2-3 Spell With Me

5. Substitute Survival Kit

6. Rockin' Review Kinder (Common Core)

Natalie's TPT Store:

1. Poetry Pack

2. American Hero Book Report & Wax Museum

3. Heart-shaped Mother's Day Gift

4. Geometry Basic Training

5. Student of the Month Awards

6. American History Graphic Organizers

Thanks so much and happy shopping!!

P.S. Brownie points will be awarded

to anyone who leaves a comment

telling us which resource you purchased

from our stores during this sale.

Teacher Appreciation Sale!!

2013-05-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

We LOVE shopping!!

My wish list is FULL and I need to move those items over to my cart so I can save up to 28%!!! Use the code TAD13 at check-out, too!

This Rockin' Math Review for 1st grade is full of fun activities and games to review the 1st grade math Common Core!

Also available for Kindergarten teachers!! All activities are aligned to the kinder Common Core!

This 66 page document is a great supplemental resource for your geometry and measurement units. It is tied to the Common Core for grades 3-6 and contains many resources to teach linear geometry, polygons, and geometric measurement. It includes teaching posters, graphic organizers for math journals, geometry activities, and practice problems.

It would be great for the end of year to re-teach what you've taught and also to get students ready for next year!!

If you still aren't sure what your students should give to their moms this Mother's Day, I suggest you take a look at this! This heart-shaped book is a great writing tool and will make every mom happy!

We hope you join us for this year's Teacher Appreciation sale!! It's a great time to buy end of year materials, and also to stock up on things you want for next year! At 28% off, this is a GREAT time to buy!

Instagram Apps

2013-05-05T17:35:00.003-07:00

With the success of Teacher Talk Tuesday (#teachertalktuesday on Instagram), I thought I'd show you a few of my favorite apps to make my pictures unique Instagram!

First up... you want to know how to do this?

It's one of my favorite apps called BubbleFrame. You can even add words to your pictures, if you'd like! There are also a lot of cute backgrounds to use.

Many of you wanted to be able to show a few pictures in one Instagram post, like this:

I use the app Frametastic, but really there are tons of great apps for this one!

Sometimes, photos I take on my phone, don't quite crop or fit like I want them to, so I use Whitagram. It's a great app, too!

Whitagram basically adds a white (or colored) border to your pictures to make them crop properly.

Head over to Apples and ABC's because Michelle has some GREAT Instagram info for you, too!!!! Love her!!!

Next week... I fill you in on my favorite photo editing apps! And in case you missed on our Facebook, how to make 2 Instagram profiles, you can click (here).

Rockin' Math Review Centers {Kindergarten CCSS Aligned}

2013-05-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

They are FINALLY finished!! I heard you, people! You wanted the kinder version of my review math centers for 1st grade. Sooo... here they are! :)

The Rockin' Math Review has a center game for just about every part of the Common Core State Standards in Kindergarten grade Math (some of the standards are to be measured orally and so I couldn't make a center game for them). This is a great way to review everything your students have learned in math all year! With a fun rockstar theme, your students will love review their math concepts!

Included in this pack:
I Can Posters (kid-friendly directions)
Common Core Alignment
*Key Me In (Counting & Cardinality)
*Counting Jam Session (Counting & Cardinality)
*Pitch Perfect (Counting & Cardinality)
*Concert Compare (Counting & Cardinality)
*Star-Worthy Spinners (Operations & Algebraic Thinking)
*Problem Solving Serenade (Operations & Algebraic Thinking)
*Guitar Star (Operations & Algebraic Thinking)
*Keyboard Count (Numbers & Operations in Base 10)
*Play that Funky Music (Measurement & Data)
*Data, Drums, and More (Measurement & Data)
*Singing and Spinning (Geometry)
*Shape Stage Action (Geometry)
*Shape Playlist (Geometry)

Click {here} to check out the kinder version! It'll be on sale today and tomorrow.

1st grade version Kinder version

It's May!! {Behavior Freebie}

2013-05-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on and summer will be here before we know it.

Unfortunately our students know this too. My students came to school this week with a b-a-d case of summer fever!! While discussing said summer fever with my co-workers, I mentioned something about wanting my students to behave the way they know they should even when I wasn't looking.

And thus this poster was created...

{Download for free from my TPT store: HERE}

I hope this poster will be a good reminder to students to take control of their own actions and to be good even when they think no one is watching.

* * *

Also, a GIANT thank you to everyone who participated in our first ever

#TeacherTalkTuesday

on Instagram!

In case you missed our pics, here they are again:

<<Rachelle in her cute new office!>>

<<Natalie's two favorite drinks: water & Dr. Pepper!>>

THANK YOU and we hope to see you next Tuesday!

Instagram Fun {Teacher Talk Tuesday}

2013-04-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

It'll be an Instagram party every Tuesday!

So here's what you'll do:
1. If you have a blog, share your instagram username on your blog and use this image to tell your followers about #teachertalktuesday {just right click on the instagram button and click "save as"}. We are hosting a linky party to kick off our "Teacher Talk Tuesday!" Link up at the bottom: with a blog post, sharing this image, your user name, and a couple of your favorite Instagram photos, if you want!
2. If you don't have a blog, PLEASE still join us on Instagram on Tuesday for #teachertalktuesday

Here is a little Instagram 101:

*It is like Facebook, but with only pictures (used mostly on smart phones)

*You can make your profile private if you want

*You can make write a caption under your picture and comment or like photos

Here is our home page:

Some favorite pictures:

My new office

Great ideas in my student's writing!

So join the party, and link up here or with Apples and ABC's, so we can easily search each other! See you Tuesday on #teachertalktuesday!

Follow Michelle on Instagram:
@applesandabcs

Reviewing the WHOLE Common Core Math!

2013-04-25T09:55:00.001-07:00

YES! That is just what we will do the last 2-3 weeks of school (review the whole CCSS math)! Because we don't have official standardized testing in 1st grade, I like to review the last 2 weeks of school to help my students remember what we learned and to get them ready for 2nd grade.

Here's what I've done (and it's taken me soooooooooo long to do- I even cried TWICE!!!!)... I have made a review center game for EVERY STANDARD in the 1st grade Common Core Math (some games cover multiple standards). I know... I am CRAZY! But, my students needed some fun ways to review and so I have been working on this for WEEKS. This would also be a GREAT review for your 2nd graders at the beginning of next year.

There are 18 centers!

Included in this pack:
I Can Posters for each game
Common Core Alignment pages

Problem Solving Serenade {problem solving}

You’re a Star {missing addend}

Pop Star Properties {add/subtract properties}

Star-Worthy Spinners {add and subtract}

True of False {equal/not equal equations}

Pitch Perfect {missing addend}

Key Me In {counting within 120}

Number Playlists {place value}

Concert Compare {comparing numbers}

Rockin’ Mash Up {double-digit addition}

More and Less Jam Session {10 more/less}

Musical Add Up {double-digit addition with place value}

Play that Funky Music {Measuring}

Measuring Musicians {Measuring}

Time to Rock {Time}

Data, Drums, and More! {Data}

Singing and Spinning {2D and 3D}

Fraction Stage Action {fractions}

This will be on sale today and tomorrow only! Snag it while you can!

Click {here} to check it out

Leave me some love so that my tears are worthy of something. HAHA! Who cries while making centers? I did! It was a long process, ok? Forgive me!

Mother's Day Writing Project {And Gift!}

2013-04-21T23:24:00.002-07:00

Something about Mother's Day always seems to stress me out. As a teacher, I'm always searching for the perfect gift for my students to make for their own moms. This year I am super excited because I finally have a project that I think students and moms are going to love!

If you're looking for a fun and new Mother's Day gift idea, this heart-shaped book is a perfect option because it is a super cute and easy way to let your students' moms know how much they are loved. Also, this activity ties perfectly into the Common Core ELA writing standards for opinion writing!

There are 5 different cover choices. I included 2 different color combos, as well as 2 colored-ink saving options. The black and white outline can be printed onto scrapbook paper.

14 different writing prompts have been included, plus 2 blank heart templates. You can use all 14 choices, pick and choose which writing prompts you would like to print, or have your students pick the prompts they would like to use.

{Here's an example of what the pages look like.}

~~Would you like to win a copy?~~

~~Leave a comment telling me what your mom's name is and one thing you love about her. First two people who have a mom with the same name as my mom will win!~~

~~(Please leave your email!)~~

Congrats to Liz who won my Mother's Day Writing and Gift pack! Her mom and my mom share the same name... Sue! I'm also choosing Alison and Monica as winners since their moms have the same name as my mother-in-law... Linda. If you didn't leave your email, please contact me so I can send you your prize!

Also, you've got to check out this great giveaway from our sweet friend, Ashley's blog! Go now because it ends on soon!!!

TGI...Saturday!

2013-04-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

We had a super fun Saturday today!!

We met up with Lindsey {aka The Teacher Wife} and had a fabulous little lunch date at The Cheesecake Factory.

We also *had* to do some shopping while we were at the mall.

We all had fun at the buy-one-get-one-half-off sale at Francesca's.

And Natalie got some perfume and makeup at Sephora.

Overall, it was a great day! We loved chatting about all things blog related.

We're glad we all live so close together.

{We live within one hour of each other!}

Did you know...

We {Rachelle and Natalie} were sorority sisters in college!

We also did student government together!

We do not teach at the same school.

We live and teach about 20 minutes away from each other.

We've been blogging together for two and a half years.

We either email, text, or message each other {almost} every night.

We love getting together as often as possible.

Seeds and Plants GALORE!

2013-04-19T15:09:00.001-07:00

This week was full of lots of science fun!!! We integrated some writing into this week, while learning about seeds!

This week we've watched lots of BrainPOP Jr. videos. Seriously.... if your school doesn't have a BrainPOP subscription, they totally should (It includes BrainPop, BrainPOP Jr. and BrainPOP ESL)! They are great to use to introduce or reinforce any topic. And the best part???? If you have a subscription, you can view all the videos on your iPad and it has the subtitles. So, I can use it for Listen to Reading during Daily 5.

We talked about how seeds spread and we read this book. I laugh every time I read the title. It just sounds so SCANDALOUS! :)

We then made these seed flip books:

Click {here} to download the flip book

We watched the BrainPOP Jr. on soil and then we made Soil Snacks!

I use:

Pudding (mud-button layer)

Graham Crackers (sub soil- middle layer)

Oreo (top soil- top layer)

Gummy Worm (anywhere!)

After eating our delicious Soil Snacks, we surveyed our classmates and filled out the graph:

Then, we wrote a how-to:

Click {here} to download the Soil Snack pages

Next up, this cute craftivity from Amy!!! I've always called mine Soil Snack, but I love the sound of Dirt Puddin'! ;) I just wish I had a cute southern accent like Amy!

National Poetry Month

2013-04-17T20:06:00.002-07:00

April might be halfway over already, but you still have time to celebrate National Poetry Month. My Poetry Pack is a perfect way to help you get started on teaching poetry!

It will walk your students trough 11 different types of poetry showing descriptions and examples of each.

At the end, students can collect all their poems in their own little poetry book.

Here's a little preview of what's in the pack:

And, before I go, I have a super sweet story to tell you all. My students have been working on their poems for a little while now and we've had many conversations about how poetry is great way to let your emotions out.

Yesterday morning when my students came to class they were all telling me about the tragedy in Boston. One of my 5th graders raised her hand and said, "Remember how you said that poetry is a good way to let people know how you feel? Well, can we write poems about how we feel about Boston?"

Such a sweet thought and great way for students to express their feelings of grief and sadness towards all those affected in Monday's bombings. Just another reason why I love my 5th graders. :)

iPad Teacher Club: Management

2013-04-15T19:15:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd share a little song I teach my students when we first get the ipads out at the beginning of the year! Maybe you can use it. I also use Heidisongs great rules poster that you can find {here}.

Click {here} to download the song poster

If you have a student who is really struggling with following the expectations and NOTHING seems to work? What about a Technology Treat (aka... iPad time!)?

This behavior contract allows the student to earn stickers and once the chart is filled out, they can play the learning game on the ipad for 5-10 minutes. It WORKS!

Click {here} to download the song poster

My favorite app for them to play during this time is the Teach Me app. It is a paid app but it's SO worth it! I bought the 1st grade version and it's a bit too easy for my kiddos, but is great for my kiddos that need a great deal of intervention. Look into buying a grade above what you teach.

We are thrilled to share our *newish* blog design with you all. We wanted to keep our look the same, but add a few professional looking touches.

We love Lindsay from Happy Potamus Designs and have been happy to have her do some work for us on more than one occasion.

What do you think?

Like the new look?

New Blogging Friends

2013-04-10T16:58:00.001-07:00

I got to travel to California for my spring break and had such a fabulous time taking my two little kids to Disneyland for the first time! It was an incredible trip and I'm so sad that it's already over.

While in Anaheim, I got to meet up with one of our sweet blog followers, Stacey from Ray of Kindergarten Sunshine.

Stacey lives in Anaheim and teaches kindergarten at one of the inner city schools in LA. When she heard I was visiting the area, she invited me out to get some ice cream. We went to Joe's Italian Ice and had a wonderful time and ate some yummy galati. We spent the night talking about teaching, blogging, and Teachers Pay Teachers. We also found out we have a lot in common and continued talking about babies, church, and even fun things like cute iPhone covers.

(This cute girl let us try a bunch of the yummy flavors and then came out to take our picture.)

I just love the blogging world and love how it connects teachers from different parts of the country. Learning about different teaching styles, sharing curriculum ideas, and talking about student success is such a wonderful part of this teacher-blogging world and I'm so happy that I can be a part of it!!

(This picture is just too cute for me not to share. This is my adorable, almost-3-year-old, Camden. He LOVED Disneyland... can you tell?!)

Now... where should I vacation next?

;)

Writing Conferences

2013-04-08T16:37:00.001-07:00

So, my sweet friend Carmen asked if I had blogged about my writing conferences and I realized that I NEEDED to do that! So, this one is for you, Carmen!

Because I do Daily 5, I like to check their writing folders once a week and have a writing conference with my students. You might do something like this for writer's workshop. I'm doing guided reading during Daily 5, so I don't have writing conferences right then. I have writing conferences during their morning work (which is journals in my classroom), I meet with 5 students each day (2 minutes each). I like to do it QUICK and make their writing conference more about celebrating their writing than telling them what to work on.

I use this form {click the picture to download}:

And I keep them in {this} binder:

Here's a pretend example of what the sheet looks like:

So.. basically my students write during work on writing and when they are finished, they put their finished page in the side of their 2-pocket folder that says "finished" (then they start a new one). If the bell rings before they finish, they stick it in the side pocket that says "unfinished".

Easy-Peasy-Lemon-Squeezy! When I'm ready to have a writing conference with them, I call them to my back table during morning work and I quickly read their pages. I remind them what goal they should have been working on and I make a new goal with them. I ALWAYS celebrate lots and lots. I really want to build confident writers!