The Teacher's Chatterbox

Building A Classroom Community

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 01:27:00 +0000

Classrooms are actually communities...after all, educators and students spend a lot of time there together....at least seven hours, five days a week. We laugh together, we cry together...we work, play, and celebrate here...we have rules and consequences, we share with others and work independently....everything you would do in a community.

So with that, we need to treat it as it is...

A community needs TRUST, COMPASSION, HONESTY, SUPPORT...just to name a few!!!

So...upfront...at the beginning of a new school year, educators need to get the ball rolling first thing, as far as establishing that community!

Get to know each other.

Share a variety of "getting to know you" activities with your class. Share likes/dislikes, favorites, and such. As an educator, share things about yourself (you don't have to get super personal) so they know your family, favorite color, birthday, fav food, if you have pets, and such.

Procedures

Establish this from the beginning...

MODEL, MODEL, MODEL

and

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE procedures!

Establish rules, rewards, and consequences.

This is a MUST! Your expectations, rules, and consequences may vary from the previous year...because they are a year older.

Set goals.

It's important for students to realize where they are and set realistic goals for the school year.

Be a Bucket Filler

I love this book...and the idea of praising, encouraging, supporting each other!

We all need to be bucket-fillers....and never bucket-dippers! Share this book and provide buckets for students to fill for each other!!!

I hope you have a wonderful year in your Classroom Community!

Enjoy each other. Lift Up each other. Make it a place that is safe for your students...

A caring, compassionate community for all!

Chatterbox Blessings,

No Fake Reading Here

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 23:02:00 +0000

I actually have a poster in my room that says, "No Fake Reading Here". We all have them...you know what I'm talking about.... those students that hate to read so they fake it!!! Here are some signs to look for...

So confession time....when I was young, I didn't like reading...yeah, you read that right....THIS reading teacher didn't love reading!!! I was a good reader...I just didn't like it! I'm not exactly sure why, but I didn't. I remember one day in third grade, we got to choose a book from the teacher's "book cart". I chose a book that had several stories in it. The story I chose was about a girl that visited her grandparents and got to ride a horse. I wasn't a huge horse lover or anything...but I visited my best friend's home, on a farm, often! It was such a different life for me because I lived in town. I loved being on her farm! I remember being so involved in the story when the teacher called time...we had to put the books away. I remember the next time we got to choose a book, I went back to that book to finish it. To this day, I can even recall the story. The next year in fourth grade, I had a teacher that turned out to be my favorite of all time...Mrs. Beth Jackson. I'm still in contact with her today...I give her most of the credit for me wanting to be a teacher! She read to us every day after lunch...I couldn't wait for her to read...that was it! I looked forward to going to the library to check out books...I would ask my parents to even take me to the public library to check out books! So....I think my number one tip is....

Have a variety of books to offer choices for all readers...not just interest...but reading levels, as well! Set aside time for students to have a CHOICE of what they read!

Share your story...if you didn't like reading (like me) then share that! If you did like reading, share why! Connect with your students! This can go a long way!

Offer other things than books! There are lots of other types of text...authentic reading....menus, catalogs, comic books...etc. etc. etc.

Build stamina! Practice this in class! Start off with one minute...then increase...until you reach 20 minutes.

Be patient! Don't give up! It doesn't happen at the same time for everyone...and it might not happen while they are with you....but lay the ground work!

Keep reading/modeling aloud for your students daily! And...never give up! Chatterbox Blessings,

Back To School

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 05:12:00 +0000

The beginning of school is always an exciting time! I've always loved getting my room ready for the school year.

This year, I didn't focus on a theme, which I normally do, but decided to focus more on options for my students.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

I started back last Thursday, and students come back this Thursday. Have you started working on your room? When does your school start? I'd love to hear all about it!

Vocabulary Practice: Making it Meaningful

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 04:32:00 +0000

Gadzooks! I just LOVE words! These are just a few of my favorites! Do you have some words that you just love? So what is all this brouhaha over teaching vocabulary you ask? Well...vocabulary is such an important part of reading instruction! Research says that kids need to be exposed to a word 6-12 times before they actually master the word! Putting words into a center for kids to "work on" just isn't enough! Having them look up words in the dictionary is not only boring, but a meaningless activity! I'm not saying throw the dictionaries out but giving a list of words and having them copy definitions is a waste of time! 1. Some definitions leave the students stumped and continuing to question the meaning. 2. Copying definitions isn't going to help them master a word's meaning. 3. Many words have multiple meanings, so more than likely they are going to copy the shortest definition whether it is the one that matches the meaning you are teaching...or they are going to be asking, "Which definition do I copy?" When it comes to vocabulary practice, there needs to be more!!

But what?!?

Are you bumfuzzled at what to do?

Well, I have some activities that will please even your persnickety students...and it won't cause a great hullabaloo in your classroom!

The following are activities to be done in small groups/centers.

*Roll The Dice*

Students choose a word from a list. The first student rolls the die. Depending on the number rolled, the student will do the following...

1 = define the word

2 = use it in a sentence

3 = say a synonym for the word

4 = say an antonym for the word

5 = draw a picture (use scratch paper or a small whiteboard)

6 = act it out

*Make a Poster*

Provide computer paper, colorful markers, and a list of words. Students will choose a word and write it in big, bold, fancy (or in bubble letters). They must include a definition of the word in their own words. Then they add several pictures to show the meaning of the word.

*That's Nonsense*

Give students a set of sentences. In each sentence, put a nonsense word in place of a vocabulary word. Students have to change the nonsense word to the correct vocabulary word.

*Word Pairs*

Make cards with two words on each. The cards should have words that are related by synonyms or antonyms, or unrelated words. Place the cards in a stack. One student reads the card and everyone writes what kind of relationship the words have or if they are unrelated. Those that get it correct earns a point. At the end of the game, total up the points to see who wins.

*Acrostic Poem*

A focus word is written in bold letters down the page, as shown below...

The focus word is the subject of the poem. Students will write phrases that start with each letter and are related to the word, as shown below...

*Comic Strip*

Students create a comic strip by using several of their vocabulary words. You can create a template for them to use, or fold computer paper to make the panels.

*Four Square (Frayer Model)*

Students use the four square to fill in the info for the word. They place one vocabulary word in the oval. Then they use the boxes to...1. Write the definition. 2. Write a sentence using the word. 3. Write an synonym. 4. Write a antonym.

*Pictionary*

Students fold computer paper to create four boxes on the front/four on the back. In each box, they write a vocabulary word, sentence with the word, and draw/color a picture of their sentence.

The following are activities to be done in a small group with the teacher leading the activity.

*The "W" Game*

Ask students questions that start with the letter W, like who, what, when, where, why, or which.

An example would be:

"What animal might you find in a desert? "

*Tell Me About It*

This activity is very similar to the previous one. The teacher will ask students to tell about things that pertain to their vocabulary words.

An example would be:

"Tell me about a time when you felt triumphant."

I best skedaddle now! I need to see what shenanigans my pups have been up to!

(BTW did you see how I worked my favorite words into the post? lol)

This or That? Classroom Choices

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 05:13:00 +0000

C.H.O.I.C.E.S.

Everyday, there are choices to be made. For the most part, we like to have choices. For kids, it's no different. At my school, students get to make a lunch choice with 4 options. Sometimes, that is even a struggle for a few! Choices and Decision Making go hand-in-hand and should extend the mere daily lunch choice...for several reasons.

I love giving my students a Choice Board or a Learning Menu. The way I see it is this.... 1. They get to make decisions about their learning. 2. They will be more enthusiastic when they see that their decisions matter. 3. I see it as a win/win, because I have certain activities that I choose for them to do, and then they get to make their own decisions also. So I get what I want and so do they! So what are choice boards and learning menus? My choice boards are set up in a grid...a graphic organizer, basically. I have found it works with both subjects that I personally teach (ELA and S.S.) but it most definitely can work for other subjects too!

I usually give nine choices. At times, I give the students a certain amount of choices they must make from the choice board. Sometimes, I have them do it like Tic-Tac-Toe to where they have to do three activities in a row...sometimes, I just say ANY 3 on the board...no particular order. Sometimes, I give them "must-do's" and then they have a set amount to choose.

So let's use Reading as an example.

Novels are a big part of teaching reading for me. With that, we do lots of vocabulary, reading skills, projects, and such. There are some activities that I feel that are best to teach, reinforce, and provide good practice than others, so those are the ones that I intentionally choose. However, the other choices I provide for them to make choices from aren't just "busy work". They also lend themselves to reinforcing concepts/skills that I've taught. Granted, some are just "funner" than others...and FUN is GOOD!

If you want to create your own choice board....then I would recommend the following.

If you are going to choose some and let them choose some, make sure the ones YOU choose reinforce the skills and lend good practice for them!

Activities should be differentiated so there is something for everyone!

When having them take a "tic-tac-toe" approach, put the activity that seems the funnest in the center space.

If you'd like to try some choice boards or learning menus, but you aren't comfortable making your own just yet, then you can pick up this one for FREE at my TpT store... here.

I sure hope this has helped someone!

Summer Blessings,

Flexible Seating: Potential Problems & Remedies

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 21:35:00 +0000

As addressed in my last blog post, flexible seating in the classroom is a big topic these days. Some might ask what is wrong with traditional seating. My answer to that is NOTHING. Nothing is wrong with it! However, some students just do better with something more flexible.

Most students start out their school experience in a traditional seating arrangement. For some, that's all they ever know. So if you choose to go the flexible seating route, you might have questions as to how your students are going to do in a new type of setting. I totally get that!!!

When thinking back to when I first started centers....I was actually doing it before most people in my building. So when I got a new class of students, many weren't use to them already. What I did (and what most of you that have centers already do now) is model and practice for at least three weeks! If you have been successful with centers, then you already know the importance of getting that established from the get-go. Rules must be established, stated, restated, modeled and practiced. Procedures must be in place so students know where and how to get them and put them back.

I think the same is true with flexible seating! I think starting out in traditional seating then modeling, practicing, experimenting, etc. is the way to go. You need to get to know your students. Maybe you don't need any wobble chairs but need several wiggle cushions. Maybe you need to lower some tables or maybe you don't. Like I said in my last post, some of my students that were quick to try out a wiggle cushion or a wobble seat found that they didn't really like them. They were a hinderance to their learning, and they recognized that. Some that thought a particular type seating wasn't going to be what they needed, but they tried it and found out differently. Then there were some students that tried different options and went back to the traditional desk. Students need to know where particular seating is kept and where to put it back. They also need to know the rules for using each option.

So, here are the potential problems that I see when I think of using flexible seating.

*kids need structure and consistency

*using the seating inappropriately (which can cause safety issues or disruptions)

* arguing over the seating

*some students have IEP's

So in order, I'm going to address possible remedies (that I see) for each.

*Have a regular place for each kid to start with. Then if they need to stand or get a wiggle cushion, they may do so. I want to have whole group teaching as part of my class, so I want students "together" to get that whole group lesson! Then when they work independently, they may need to move to the floor on a yoga mat, or stand up at a countertop.

*As I stated earlier in this post, there must be rules established when using flexible seating options! Modeling and practicing at least three weeks is going to set the tone for the rest of the year! It is well worth using that time to get it well established and thwart as many problems as you can! If someone decides they won't follow the set rules, then they give up their right to a choice.

*Let students try out different seating options so they can see firsthand how they do with them! As I stated before, some will think one thing but after actually trying it, they will think differently.

*Some kids have preferential seating in their IEP's. Collaborate with SPED teachers for each individual student that might fall into this category. If something is in their IEP then it is not only important, but it is legal!

There you have my concerns and solutions to flexible seating. Things are ever-changing, and what works with one student (or even one group of students) may not work for another, as I stated in my last blog post. So I may encounter new problems with which I'll need to find a solution. You just never know...but I do know...you just have to be flexible :) and find out what is best for your students!

I made up a set of flexible seating posters if you find that that works best for you.

You can find them here .

Thanks for visiting!

Enjoy some sunshine and those that you love!

Summer Blessings,

Flexible Seating: Trend or Best for Students

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 22:14:00 +0000

Flexible seating is all the CRAZE in classrooms right now! More and more teachers in my district are embracing this concept in their classrooms....some are just getting their feet wet while others are going all in.
So, as you continue to read, just remember this is MY take on the subject. This is from what I've done and what I feel!

If you have been in education for a while, you have seen things come, go, and then pop back around, many times with a new name. Many of us don't want to just go with the trend, instead we want to make sure it's what's best for our kiddos!

I'm a big proponent of meeting each student where they are, and working from there to meet the goals. I also know that what works for one person doesn't always work for another. Heck for that matter, what works with one group of kids doesn't always work with another. Some are in different places academically, physically, emotionally, etc. Some learn better by writing things, where some need more visuals, and so on. So why couldn't students' seating-needs be different too? Now, don't get me wrong...I don't think a hokki chair or a wiggle cushion is going to change everything....our teaching and thinking have to change too! We have to get away from the "eyes forward, sit up straight, feet on the floor" mentality! When I'm reading at home, I'm not doing that! I'm in my comfy chair with my legs propped up reading....understanding...enjoying my book! Of course when I'm teaching a lesson, I want all eyes and ears! That's a given! Up until now, I have had a few flexible seating options and this is what I've seen. There are some kids that think they want a particular seating...say a wobble chair....but when they try it out, they realize that doesn't work for them. While another student that tried the same thing, loved it! I had one student last year that needed the wiggle cushion. And then....I had students that tried some alternatives and went back to their regular desks. So if you want to just try a few options....or you want to go all in....My thought is to do what is right for you and your students! Not every teacher....child....classroom is the same...so fit it to YOUR needs!
In my next post, I will be discussing some things that I see as potential problems (and how to remedy them)...and some things that are a MUST when using flexible seating. I hope you'll visit again!
Until then... Summer Blessings,

2 and 1/2 years

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 23:34:00 +0000

Two and a half years is a long enough break, don't you think? LOL What have I been doing during that time?

Well... I bought a new home, and with that there was moving and work to be done outside of school hours. Then, our family got not one but TWO new additions...I have two new grandbabies six weeks apart. Well...and life in general...
So, I'll be starting my twenty-second school year in the public school system in 2019-2020. With the next school year, I am planning on changing up some things in my classroom. I have taken some summer PD that has inspired me to try some new things. I plan on sharing those things on my blog, so I hope you will check back to hear all about them.
I hope you enjoy the remainder of your summer...and I encourage you to think outside the box at ways you might reach your students better in the coming school year!
Chatterbox Blessings,

A Love For Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 18:22:00 +0000

Teaching reading is my passion. As a child, I didn't like to read a lot. I was a good reader but when it came to chapter books, I think I just couldn't keep my attention on it long enough. Now, I love to read, and I love to teach reading! When Reading First was the "in thing", I was asked to help write the grant for my school. Having a strong reading comprehension program with rich language and vocabulary is a must, however, grant-writing isn't really my forte'....but I digress. I came across so many strategies that worked well in my class! The kids loved them and actually got excited about learning!

We all learn in different ways, and kids are no different. We, as educators, need lots of tips and tricks in our teacher toolboxes! As you know, when you get kids involved in their learning...talking with their peers...getting hands-on... and doing activities other than just paper-pencil, they are going to be more enthusiastic about learning! Personally, I get GIDDY (probably more than I should...lol) when I find new strategies to use with my kiddos! You do have to model and practice partner/group activities just like you would for centers so guidelines are established and practiced, and mastered so students can be successful...but you already know that! :)

So that's why I created this huge reading and vocabulary strategies packet. There are 80+ pages and it was a real labor of love for me! Everything is right in one place to pick and choose what works best with our students. Each one is tried and true. Of course I have my favorite go-tos.... Anticipation Guide,Carousel Graffiti, and Appointments for reading strategies....

and Pictionary, Word Bump and Paint Chip Vocabulary for vocabulary. Perhaps you are needing some new ideas, as we all do! I'd love for you to check it out. You can find it HERE.

As always, I appreciate you stopping by! It does my heart good to share and connect with other teachers! Chatterbox Blessings, Rebecca

Whew! Just In Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 23:03:00 +0000

I've been working on this....however, I forgot to get it uploaded!!! I wanted to have it uploaded for Halloween...and I barely made it! But this sweet story is good for anytime!

You can have it here...Hope you enjoy! Chatterbox Blessings, Rebecca

Anticipation...It's Making Me Wait...

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 03:27:00 +0000

If I close my eyes, I can go back in time and think about how I felt as a child on Christmas Eve...Oh the Anticipation! Sometimes if my family was going on a trip that required several hours of driving, my parents would pack the car the night before, and we'd get in bed early. Around 3 or 4 a.m. we would be carried to the car to lay down in the back-seat-turned-makeshift-bed on the road...Oh the Anticipation... And then there's that yummy ketchup.....

Ok....so now I'm really showing my age! LOL
My point is....that anticipation really gets you excited for the things you love! So, why not get kids really excited about a story?!?!?!
I love to use Anticipation Guides before reading (even though you can use them during and after reading too).

Anticipation guides stimulate students' interest in a topic and set a purpose for reading.
They teach students to make predictions, anticipate the text, and verify their predictions.
They connect new information to prior knowledge and build curiosity about a new topic.

When preparing an anticipation guide, think simple for younger students. Write four to six statements about key ideas in the text. When I make mine, I have a place for them to choose if they agree or disagree with the statement before reading...and then the same for after reading.
Begin by Modeling! Introduce the text or reading material and share the guide with the students. Model the process of responding to the statements and marking the columns.
Read each of the statements and ask the students if they agree or disagree with it. Provide the opportunity for discussion. The emphasis is not on right answers but to share what they know and to make predictions.
Read the text aloud or have students read the selection individually. If reading aloud, teachers should read slowly and stop at places in the text that correspond to each of the statements.
Revisit each statement during Closure.

Here's a good video of a teacher with her whole group during an Anticipation Guide. You could also use a guide in a small group setting, as well.

Anticipation...Is it making you wait???
Chatterbox Blessings, Rebecca

ABC's Aren't Just for Littles!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 01:16:00 +0000

I love alphabet books! Actually, I collect them! If you think that these wonderful ABC books are just for babies, toddlers, or littles, I'd love to share with you how I use them....in my 4th grade class! FOR VOCABULARY

I adore Graeme Base...and Animalia is an amazing ABC book! The illustrations alone will keep you busy for hours!

They are just STUNNING!

AND....the rich vocabulary in this book is a must for older students!

FOR ALLITERATION

Alliteration is so much fun...think tongue twisters! We loved trying those out as a kid...ok, so some of us still do...tee hee

Alphabet Soup is a book with gorgeous illustrations. When Otter moves, he throws a housewarming potluck party. 26 friends (animals...one for each letter of the alphabet) are asked to bring something for that letter to put into the soup. Sweet book with sweet pictures!

THEME STUDY

When doing a theme study, bring in alphabet books....there are a ton out there!

Work your way through the alphabet as you learn about your theme!

Michael Shoulders is another author and illustrator of alphabet books. I have had the pleasure of meeting him, when he visited our school!

FOR CREATING and IMAGINATION

OMG! I love this book! Liza loves her crayons so much....

but when she draws all over her wonderful blank canvas (unfortunately it was her wall) she gets her beloved crayons taken away for the day....so, she is left with using her imagination and creativity to fullfill that need for color.

LOVE this book!

FOR STUDENT AUTHORS

Create a class alphabet book! Choose a theme, assign (or have students pick) letters. and create! You can do the same thing with a class alliteration book!

ABC CENTER

Really? An ABC center in upper grades? YES! Of course! Get a three ring binder. Add a page for letters A-Z. Whenever students come across things that start with a certain letter, they add it to that page of the book.

Then when you have the ABC center out for use, they will choose a certain subject (i.e. on the "W" page they might choose George Washington) and research the subject. My kids love this!

So...if you teach older students, and you haven't thought about it before....

Take out those Alphabet Books...and put them to good use!!

And if you use them already, I'd LOVE to hear how YOU use them!

Chatterbox Blessings,

Rebecca

Who Is In Times Square?

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 21:11:00 +0000

So, the first nine weeks has come and gone. I have the sweetest bunch of kids in my homeroom and in my Block 1 and 2 classes! With starting in July however, I was ready to see Fall Break arrive! The first week of break, I traveled to New York City for the first time with my bestie. It was an awesome trip! Before the nine weeks had ended, I started preparing lesson plans for the first week after break. Every year, we read The Cricket In Times Square. The kids always love it, as do I! So with going to New York on the break, I decided that this novel was what I would be teaching when returning from break.

I worked days and nights on a new Novel Packet for this book.

During my second week of break, I put together the things that I had acquired while in New York City to share during this novel study. I am so pleased with how it turned out! Today, was our first day back, and we began this novel. The kids are already loving it. I knew they would! So, if you teach reading, then you will want to pick up this novel packet. It is geared toward 3rd-5th grade and you can find it here. If you do purchase it, please let me know what you think, because I put my heart and soul into creating it! Chatterbox Blessings,

Rebecca

Two Years....Really? Break Time Is Over!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 07:49:00 +0000

Wow! Has it really been two years since I've blogged here? How does time slip away so quickly? My goal is to to blog regularly through the year, so we shall see how that goes. I will strive to do my best!

So...I'm going into my nineteenth year in the public school system, with this being the third year for me in fourth grade. I adored third grade....guess that's why I stayed fifteen years before switching grades. I taught second grade two years, but I was ready to move up then. With a fourth grade position available, luckily I snagged it! I'm excited to see what this year in fourth grade has to offer!

As summer comes to a close (I start back in two days, students in nine...) I have begun to gear up for the upcoming year....you know...visiting all my favorite websites, shopping at the teacher store, looking for deals, and of course clothes shopping! lol

So, for my first blog here in two years, I thought I'd just share some of my favorite things for preparing for back to school...so grab a drink and let's get started...

PROTEACHER

I have been frequenting ProTeacher since 1998! It is an amazing place to be to get new ideas, make friendships, ask questions, vent and much, more! Check it out ::HERE:: if you've never visited! Be sure to sign up...it's FREE!

INTO THE BOOK

Ok...so this one is my new found favorite!

OMG! SCORE!

This site is for both teachers and students! There are tons of resources, games, songs, books, lesson plans, and more for lots of reading strategies. You can be sure I'll be putting this site to good use!

APPS

These are some of my favorite apps to use with my students. I especially love Google Classroom! If you have access, you must check it out if you haven't already!

KAHOOT!

What a FUN way to review, practice, or assess what you've taught! The kids love it, and they can sign in anonymously!

So what sites or apps are your frequenting as a new school year approaches?

Chatterbox Blessings,

Rebecca

That Time Again...

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 03:11:00 +0000

...for CURRENTLY!

Not only is it already AUGUST but I've already been back in school two weeks!!! So this is what I am doing... CURRENTLY... Listening: to Titanic...for the hundredth time...I love this movie! Loving: It's the weekend! Thinking: Summer came and went too fast!!! Wanting: I get to see my grandgirl next weekend! Yay! I miss her so much!!! Needing: I need to finish up my lesson plans for our first full week of school for students. {I have to say that I love planbook.com!!!} My 1st day was July 21. Students' first day was July 29. So what are you currently doing? I can't wait to find out! Be sure to check over at Farley's to see what everyone else is doing!
New School Year Blessings, Rebecca

Boxes. Boxes. EVERYWHERE!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 04:45:00 +0000

So, at the end of the year, I found out that I would be moving to fourth grade for the 2014-2015 school year. Since I had just had my car accident...I had to have others help me move to my new room... Today, we began inservice...and I walked into....

THIS!

And THIS!

And THIS!!!

Now...REWIND...

I was so ahead of the game for this year....planning a CiRcUs theme for my second graders...

made purchases, printed posters, banners, nameplates...etc. THEN I found out about the move to fourth grade.... SO... I racked my brain all summer on my new fourth grade theme... thinking Circus might be a bit immature for them...but I couldn't make up my mind... But tonight...I think I have it... DRUMROLL PLEASE............

My new class theme will be Hollywood/Movies... I've already started finding a ton of stuff! We have all day Wednesday and Thursday in our classrooms...NO meetings...Yay! I can't wait to get started on my new fourth grade classroom! Well...what theme are YOU using this year??? Back To School Blessings, Rebecca

I'm Back....

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 16:53:00 +0000

From where you ask...

From a car accident...to losing our beloved furbaby, Maggie Bleu...I've been out of sorts for a bit. There have been good times though, and I cherish them more than ever! Now I'm back...and SO happy to announce that I will be teaching 4th grade this coming year...and only teaching Reading/L.A. and Social Studies...JUST MY FAVS!!!! So...I'll be stalking more fourth grade blogs but will not forget all of my other blog reads, as you all have such wonderful, creative ideas! I have two weeks left of summer vacation...Yeah, you read that right...2 weeks left! Inservice begins on July 21 and students come back July 29. I'm excited about my new 4th grade team...will miss my 2nd grade team terribly...and look forward to what the new school year holds. I'll be back to blogging regularly soon...I've truly missed it! Enjoy the rest of your summer!!! I'd love to hear when you go back to school! Many Blessings, Rebecca

March Currently

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 19:55:00 +0000

Here we are...in the third month of 2014 already...and time for another Currently! Since this is my second post for the day {ooops}...I'll get right to mine... Listening: Impractical Jokers...I know it isn't a secret how I feel about these guys! The reruns are as funny as the first time they air...love them! Loving: My Spray Tan...the first one I have ever gotten. I wanted to try it out before our spring vacay just to see what it would look like. I'm very pleased! I can't wait for my next one...because it will mean it is vacation time!!! Thinking: Evaluation this week...yup...gotta love having these again even after teaching 17 years! NOT! lol Wanting: Spring Break to HURRY UP! Only TWO more WEEKS!!! Needing: Spark!!! I haven't drank any today, and I'm needing a caffeine fix! lol ??????: We get to make up our own answers...here's mine...Cinderella, Splash Mountain, Family...Can you guess what they have to do with??? Leave me your guess in a comment! Thanks again, Farley for hosting this for us! I'm off to do some blog visits!
Chatterbox Blessings,

Rebecca

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 19:01:00 +0000

We've all grown up with the wonderfully, whimsical characters of Dr. Seuss. What smiles and laughter he has given to children, of all ages, over the years...and his books just keeping giving...and will continue to give!

Thank you Theodor ~Seuss~ Geisel

...and...

Happy 110th Birthday!

We are celebrating Dr. Seuss and Read Across America this week. I've got my hat ready! I'll post pictures of each day's events! I can't wait!

Chatterbox Blessings,

Rebecca

❤ Feel The Love ❤

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:10:00 +0000

Hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day! My kiddos had the best time creating and celebrating the ❤❤❤!

Our story this week was The Valentine Bears. I created a cute packet for this sweet story by Eve Bunting. Our Valentine week was cut short with TWO snow days...which no one seemed to mind! :) But we did have to spend a lot of time on Valentine's Day doing some necessary crafting that we missed out on those two days.

Thankfully, we had already taken all the pictures for our parent/grandparent valentine! So all we had left was to assemble them!

They turned out SO cute!!! AND...

FILLED WITH...

LOTS OF...

❤♡❤LOVE❤♡❤

We also made Valentine mail bags for our valentines...

We used hearts to create...

the CUTEST designs for them!

Then we PARTIED

...the afternoon away! Then...Mrs. Wrinn went home to her Valentine to celebrate her 27th wedding anniversary! Hope you enjoyed some time with your sweet students and you special valentine! ♥♡♥Blessings♥♡♥

Rebecca

❆ ❈ ❆ Got Snow? ❉ ❈ ❆

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 03:59:00 +0000

Or better yet... Got a Snow Day?

WE DID! In fact...we got TWO!!!

That is very rare for us to get out for snow...and two days in a row??!!

WOW!!!

Actually...today we were suppose to get up to four inches...and we got NOTHING!!! But school had already been cancelled....in the afternoon, it started to snow...HUGE flakes but it was too warm to stick. Then it rained after that. This evening...the snow finally started again and began to stick! Yippee! And we got the call that we were cancelled tomorrow! Yippee!

The only thing is...we were going to finish our Valentine Photo project so they would be ready on Valentine's Day. We'll be a little pressed for time on Friday...with our party...but we can let something else go in the morning to get them done. They are too cute not to finish!

So....now on to the present things at hand...

♬ ❇♪❆♫ "Do you want to build a snowman?" ♬❉♪❄♫

Stay warm and safe!

Snowy, Winter Blessings,

Rebecca

100th Day, Chromebooks, and AdvoCare...OH MY!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 00:18:00 +0000

My 2nd Graders are 100 Days Smarter!!!

We had the best time with our 100th Day!

We made 100th Day Headbands

Did some things in 100 seconds

Made a gumball machine with 100 gumballs

And did some fun out-of-your-seat activities in 100 seconds.

Then another day, was chromebook training. We are so excited to get our chromebooks, and have lots of activities coming up to use them with!

And Mrs. Wrinn finished the AdvoCare 10 day cleanse this week...and started on days 11-24...with 6 lbs. lost, no more hot flashes, and tons of energy! Despite the cold...and snow...with NO snow day even...it's been a GREAT WEEK! How has your week been?

Chatterbox Blessings,

Rebecca

GOOD GOLLY GUM BALLS! It's the 100th Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 00:33:00 +0000

Isn't it exciting when that 100th Day gets here!??!

One of my all time favorite books to read for the 100th Day is Lester Laminack's Jake's 100th Day of School. If you don't have this book, then you need to get it for your collection! Lester's words are always thoughtful in his stories, showing the care and compassion of others. This book is always included in my 100th Day classroom celebration!

BUY THE BOOK HERE!

I just finished a new pack, "Let's Celebrate 100 Days" just in time for my classroom celebration coming up this week. This pack comes with a cute "100 gumballs" craft! When is your 100th day? Head over to my TpT store if you are in need of some new ideas for your 100th Day. You can check it out here.

100th Blessings,

Rebecca

Making Our Own Braille

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 03:29:00 +0000

Today, my kiddos made their own Braille...they were super excited about this! They worked so hard and careful to punch out all of the dots so they could start using it. It was a huge success with everyone! If you missed my last post about Helen Keller...then be sure to scroll down to yesterday's post to see what we have learned and been doing in correlation with our story, Helen Keller.

BTW...this activity is simple to make! Just print the Braille out and give everyone a copy.

They will turn their paper over to the back and punch each dot through with the tip of their pencil {make sure pencils are sharp and stress to them not to punch hard!}

Voile'...Braille!

Chatterbox Blessings,

Rebecca

Living In Darkness...Focus on Helen Keller

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 03:08:00 +0000

Helen Keller...

What do you think of when you hear that name?

Some might think of words like blind, deaf, mute...

and that would be true.

However, what I think of is...

STRENGTH * COURAGE * DETERMINED * AMAZING

I have taught about Helen Keller for quite a long time, and it seems that each time, I learn something new...something amazing. This lady was really something!

Watch this rare footage of Helen and her teacher, Anne Sullivan.

Warning: It will probably bring tears to your eyes!

And though she never saw...she never heard...she did finally learn to speak. Watch this!

Simply AMAZING, huh!??!

This week, our story from our Journey's reading series is Helen Keller.

My second graders have really enjoyed learning about this remarkable woman....so many questions...It's been awesome.

Here is an activity that we did today.

It is from my Helen Keller pack that you can find in my TpT store.

My students really got creative with their ways of communication...since they couldn't "hear", "speak", or "see".

We have been learning Braille and Sign Language, as well. My kiddos can sign several words and are working on finger-spelling their names. We have located a lot of Braille in our school and in our community, that we never noticed before.

And so...I leave you with this quote from Helen Keller herself...

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched -- they must be felt with the heart."

Many Blessings,