A new year is approaching. Holy smokes.....I can't even begin to understand how time moves so dang fast. I really want to slow it down because I have been so blessed with 14 sweet Littles this year.
I know...14! It is utterly crazy to think that I have such a low class size this year. Last year, I had 24 almost all year long. That's overload in my district in WA. I got paid a little more for that 1 extra kiddo, BUT the scars that the class left behind overshadowed the tiny bump in pay. So, with 14, I just want to savor the ability to meet with each kiddo and live a less stressful existence.
I think I just said goodbye to my 1st Grade Littles like a month ago yesterday.
Big Brother just started. Big Brother is synonymous with summer break.
And now summer is beginning to feel like it's going to leave me broken hearted. It's almost over. I am one of the lucky ones that don't go back until the very end of August, but obligations are starting to over shadow my lazy days of sweet summer relaxation. This is me...100%
I am getting excited about my next year as a teacher though. Summer break is that magical time where the anxiety about last years challenges just seem to dissipate and dreams of hope come forth. I hear childbirth is like that. I know not of this so I can only assume that is why people have more than one child :)
Anywho, I love lounging in my pajamas and sitting in my recliner (named Bessie) and pinning awesome, amazing, too cool, ideas to try out/make/implement for the following year. Here are some of my favorites. You can click each pic to go to the spot I pinned it from.
1. Homework Club: Each student's class number is a member of the club at the beginning of every month. When homework is skipped, their number is removed. At the end of the month, those that are remaining participate in whatever reward was designated. Cool beans!
2. Bottle cap letters: I can think of so many ways to use these in my classroom. Building words, sound recognition, partnering kiddos up are just a few.
3. Paper plate border: Holy cow this is cute.
4. Kindness Bulletin Board: I think I might make one of these for the staff lounge....cause the reminder is unfortunately necessary.
Do you Dojo in your classroom? I started this year with a clip chart and by about December it seemed that those same littles that needed reinforcement, where still my repeat offenders. My sanity was waning and I honestly was beginning to wish the year to be over. I still want summer to show up soon, but I have found a way to keep some "on task/ do your best work/I see that good choice" motivation going throughout our day. Class Dojo is pretty amazing and it's free! FREE!!! My Littles love to hear that DING throughout the day and love earning points. Also, it really gives me data on how my behaviorally struggling students are doing compared to their peers. I have 6 students that fit this category this year. 1/4 of my classroom! Here's the breakdown of how Dojo is used in our classroom.
*We earn points for a whole week.
*At 20 points, we earn the choice of changing our avatar. I have read that you can basically change it to any picture, but my Littles love the Dojo monsters and I haven't mentioned anything beyond those. I try to save time where I can! When a Little reaches 20 points, they simply sign their class number on the board and when a time comes that works for me, I call them up to pick a new avatar.
*At 30 points, they earn some sort of treat from me. It could be anything. This week 30 points earns a new pencil with a Dojo character flag (see photo below). But, the prize could be anything really. (candy, extra bathroom pass, homework pass, read with a furry friend during Read To Self, etc)
*On Friday, if the class has earned 90% positive points, we get a class reward. We love 10 extra minutes of recess and GoNoodle and almost always choose one of these.
*On Fridays, we also see who the Dojo point champion is for the week. That student gets some swag to commemorate their accomplishment. They proudly display an award on their desk the entire following week, and their picture and name go outside our door. They love that their Kindergarten teacher or big brother/sister can see them in the spotlight! They also take a note home to share with their families along with a lollipop.
I love that families can join and see how their Little's day has gone. Dojo connects you to families with instant messaging. You can message all the families at once or correspond with one at a time. You can also post pictures to the whole group or personally to families. It really helps track times of when students are struggling and succeeding.
Here is a link to the pencil flags that I made. Make sure to note that I printed them on Avery Address Labels 5160. Class Dojo offers a classroom décor pack to download. I recommend utilizing their amazing FREE resources! I used them to create this resource for my own use. Please feel free to snag a copy if you want :)
Rain! We actually had rain fall last night! Here in WA, we haven't had rain in months. It's been d..r..y, ya'll!
Crazy dry.
My pitiful little yard is a not-so-nice shade of khaki.
But, last night rain fell. According to the weather man, we are supposed to have some more today and tomorrow. This makes me excited. When it rains, the world seems right in WA. Don't get me wrong, I love sunshine. As a transplanted southerner, sunshine is necessary. But, part of the charm of the Pacific Northwest is the rain...drizzle, drizzle, drop!
Now, on to today's post...teacher confessions!
As a teacher, there are some days that feel like I have my shtick together and days where I wonder why what the heck I am doing. I love those days where:
* Lessons go as planned.
* Students are engaged.
* The copy machine plays nicely.
* Student growth is palpable.
* Something sold on TPT.
* Appreciation flows from admin.
* etc.....
Yeah, I kinda love those days!
Those days make the others bearable!
Unfortunately, I don't live in Pleasantville 24/7 and reality isn't always glamorous. In an effort to keeping it real, I am going to share with you areas that I don't feel so good about....my Struggle Street issues!
* I am a perfectionist. This is my worst enemy! I am not a perfectionist in every way (Hello, extra poundage!), but I honestly think that I am insecure about so much of me that I try too hard to have some things seem perfect. It drives me bonkers to have a messy classroom. My skin crawls if I make a chart that isn't cute. Symmetry is important. Color coordination is a must. Lesson plans are detailed (imagine hours of planning!). I could go on and on, but let's just say that this consumes too much of my teacher brain. I do plan to work on this during this coming school year. It just causes stress. I have to learn to let go and just "be" more than not.
* I am an introvert. Please know that this doesn't mean that I don't like people. On the contrary! I love people...well most people....ok, some people. It does mean that I feel anxiety around a lot of new people. I don't like to be put on the spot. I love getting to know people, but I DON'T want to have to do that as a warm up activity at a meeting. I would much rather sit and have lunch with someone and get to know them. I love my co-workers and that really is what keeps me at my current school. Being an introvert means that I crave/need/require time to chill to recharge. I know that this isn't really something that I can change about myself, but it is something that I have to be aware of in order to work with others. Know yourself!
* Tracking data.....I know that this important. I know this. I just wish I was better and more consistent with this practice. I *KNOW* where my kiddos are, but I struggle with a system of keeping track. Every year, we have new curriculum requirement, testing methods, district mandates, Principal wishes, and what my heart says is best for kiddos. With all of that, I sometimes get lost. Honest!
* Balancing home and school is difficult for me. I tend to throw myself into one or the other. During school, I am all about school. During the summer, I am all about home. This is something that I MUST work smarter at this year. I work in an urban, low-socioeconomic, highly diverse, and transient school. We have major behavior issues....EVERY YEAR! My school has been considered low performing for several years. My colleagues and I are only there because we 1) Feel called there 2) Love our students and 3) Adore each other. It's a hard place to teach. Because of this, I invest myself. I know that won't change. Investing in my students is part of the reason I love teaching. I need to practice leaving school at a decent hour most days. Possibly dedicating one evening a week to stay later. I also want to lesson plan during the week so that my weekends can be for my hubby. He is so extremely patient and loving. He deserves me on the weekend.
I hope that you all have a lovely Saturday. I also pray that you find yourselves on Success Street more times than Struggle Street this coming school year. I want to end by sharing my current favorite artist and song with you all. Many times, I feel as if I don't understand things that are going on in my life. I can't see the BIG picture. I struggle with trusting God...I know it's sad and crazy to admit that....But it's true. Hopefully this song can minister to your heart if you are in the same boat as me.
Sweet Summer, oh how I love you! Let me count the ways:
1. No alarm clock needed
2. Bathroom privileges....all teachers know what I mean :)
3. Movie matinees
4. Lunch dates
5. Big Brother, Food Network Star, and Rookie Blue
6. Pajamas or comfy clothes ALL.DAY!
7. Watching Periscopes from teachers that I adore..... @elementaryshenanigans
8. Zero learning targets or criteria of success displayed, needed, or thought about
9. Traveling
10. Seeing my momma and daddy (I live in WA and they live in MS :( )
11. Watermelon, plums, cherries, and peaches
12. Crafting
13. Netflix marathons
14. Reading for pleasure
15. Lesson plans are not needed
As much as I love the sweet little ones that I teach, I can honestly say that summer break makes me a better teacher. I tend to invest most of "ME" during the school year. I have trouble with balance.
I don't know about you but the Sunday blues are hitting me on Saturday...Boo....Hiss! I love my Littles, but I love being at home too.
I finally typed up my lesson plans. Even though I had planned out the gist of next week before winter break, it still took so.much.time! But, who am I kidding, it takes a while each time. I have the craziest schedule and piecing together what works takes time. Math is the only solid block of time that I have without an interruption. And, our principal has had a grand idea to switch that up at the end of January. I am trying to be positive about the change, but it's just "one more thing" in a long line of responsibilities.
Anywho, I thought I would share with you some things that have been inspiring or making me happy me lately on pinterest etc.
3. This isn't an inspiration, but I love Taylor Swift and this mashup is crazy good! I *puffy heart* love it!
4. If you stuck with me for this long, I turned my next inspiration into a freebie for ya. Such a simple idea. I plan to use this as an "I'm Done" activity. I am always looking for something easy and manageable for my fast finishers. {original source: http://www.wellnurturedplantsandpillars.com/2012/07/17/summertime-math/ }
And my Freebie version for you can be downloaded from my TPT store. Click *HERE* to go get it now.
Happy New Year, Friends! I sure hope that your very first day of 2015 has been a little slice of awesome. My day was filled with lots of happy. Finally, the Mr. and I saw Annie. As a child of the 80's, Annie is a very fond memory of mine. The Mr. has been sick and finally his work schedule and his nose blowing, coughing, aching head was ready to see it. Better late than never. Don't let the face fool ya. He was excited too, but goofiness is a more predominate trait! He's a softie :)
We loved the movie! I had heard that it was "cheesy" and "not so good", but I must say that I enjoyed it! It was cheesy in the right spots and I happen to love most varieties of cheese. I think I will probably download a few tunes from the soundtrack to play in class. Cause in first grade you know it's a hard knock life...
It was a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest...Cold, Clear and GLORIOUS sunshine! The mountain was out and gorgeous!
I am a MS girl at heart and couldn't let the day go by without eating black eyed peas. My momma couldn't believe that I didn't have any "greens" on my plate for money in the new year, but I hate don't like them. The Mr. was a happy boy with his New Year plate :)
And now my CURRENTLY:
Listening ~ My hubby is a Crimson Tide fan. He grew up around family from Alabama and has loved them since he was wittle. Me on the other hand, I just love listening to him root and kick and cheer and grunt. It's all endearing.
Loving ~ I didn't love that the Mr. was sick, but I have loved being home. I love baking and crafting and watching TV and doing nothing. It's been pretty ding dang awesome! I am thankful that I have a few days left.
Thinking ~ I cannot believe that it is 2015! I honestly feel like time is set on super speed. I.don't.like.it.one.bit!
Wanting ~ I really need a new purse. I hope to rectify that want this weekend with some needed retail therapy. I'm picky. And cheap. Hopefully, I can find something that will fit the bill.
Needing ~ I need to type of my plans and make sure that I remember what my team and I discussed doing when we get back. I just don't wanna! I am procrastinating big time.
Yes ~ I will blog more. I will also eat healthier and move more.
Maybe ~ I will try not to stress about work, but it's hard not to. I am never done. The current situation at my school is stressful: low income families + low test scores + high stakes testing + changes to curriculum midway through the year....It makes for a less than desirable situation.
Wish ~ I would love to learn how to create clipart. I doodle all the time and would love to convert that into digital product. We shall see :)
If you made it though all of that, thank you! I pray that you and yours are blessed in this new year!
I must admit that I am not ready for summer to end. I keep reading other blogs about setting up the classroom and I have to keep reminding myself that I have almost another month left of summer break. It is the perk of going through the middle of June. I am slowly beginning to think about next year and what I want to try with my new Littles. I think that is one of the biggest blessings about our job...the chance to be innovative on a regular basis. I love the feeling of possibilities. I love that we can reinvent what didn't work last year and keep what did work.
So, I wanted to share with ya'll a little freebie that just added to TPT tonight. It's something that works for me and I wanted to share it. It's a way that I communicate with students and parents that missing assignments have consequences. My Oops sheet helps me relay that to my students and their families.
It is a quick (yes QUICK) sheet that students complete before going to recess if they didn't bring their homework. I know some of you might be of the notion that students need recess and I do to. I just also believe that actions have consequences. I also understand that most of my students don't have active parents at home helping them with their homework each night. My school has over 75 % free and reduced lunch. My school has over 30 languages too. But, my Littles all speak "recess" and "get this signed by your mom or dad." And again, it is QUICK! You simply tell the student what number to add to the math facts on the sheet and have a copy of the spelling words handy. If you think that you would like a copy, visit my TPT store (click HERE) and snag yourself a free copy :)
My name is Christy Holder and I am an email hoarder. Admitting you have a problem is a step towards fixing it...right?
I just spent over an hour in my school email account. I went through over 2500 emails stretching back to 2011. Yep...over 2500 emails. Since 2011. I seem to always tell myself that I might need that email or I'll delete them later. Well, 2500 emails and 4 years later, I finally did it. I had kind of gotten used to the 4 Friday morning emails telling me that my mailbox was becoming to large. I mean 4 emails. To tell me that my mailbox was too large. 4 emails that added to the already overflowing mailbox. Emails like these:
Do you get these too? Sure, I deleted some throughout those 4 years, but clearly not enough. Or regularly. But, it's done now. My inbox is only showing 11 emails that seem (right now) pertinent to next year.
(11 feels so good!!!!)
I admit that it felt soooo good to push delete on some emails about certain students. You know the ones that made you question your calling. The ones that your spouse prayed for you to have patience to deal with on a daily basis. Those. It was like a cleansing :) Now, I need to go through my personal email account because unfortunately, I didn't leave my email hoarding at school each day :)
Friends, Lori from Teaching with Love and Laughter is having a wonderful giveaway. Visit her site to enter to win a new classroom rug :) I have my fingers crossed cause Lord knows my classroom rug has seen better days.
I am in LOVE with the Mother's Day gift that my class did this year! A friend of mine teaches K and she shared a photo on FB the other night of the candles that her Littles were making. Instantly I knew that this was our craft for our moms too! I purchased small white pillar candles at Dollar Tree. You could possibly get them cheaper. I didn't have time to shop around for the best deal. Today the Littles decorated a small strip of tissue paper. It was very little prep work. :) I had already cut the paper to the size needed to fit around the candles. You will want to cut the paper smaller than the height of the candle. It's easier to maneuver that way. You will also want to make sure that they have paper underneath the tissue paper. The marker WILL bleed through the thin tissue paper! We used regular old Crayola markers to decorate our paper. Tonight, I wrapped the tissue paper around the candles and used my blow dryer to slightly melt the candle. This allowed the tissue paper to adhere to the candle. It was easy. I used the low setting and it worked like a charm. It did take a little bit of time, but it was worth it.
Well, I just haven't been a consistent blogger this year! I have good intentions, but goodness gracious, I just have been lacking in the motivation department.
One of my Littles is quite the handful and after a day with him, I almost always feel like kicking my feet up and having a glass of wine.
I hope that I can be a more regular with my posts. I have a lot of ideas that I want to share. Some school related and some not. I will start with the not :)
I bought a frame at Goodwill for $3.00 a couple months back. I finally got around to making a bulletin board out it. After a little spray paint and attaching some free cork that I was given, my board is finished. I also have been into all things burlap lately. Here are a couple of my projects:
As for school, I created a Winter Word Bank for my Littles to access during Writing Workshop. Head *HERE* if you want to pick up your copy.
In my room, we have been spending a lot of time learning and practicing the count on strategy. Most of my Littles can do this, but I still have a few that struggle with holding on to the larger number and counting on. They are counting all. Here's something that we are doing to practice this skill:
The big number cards came with my Math Expressions curriculum and they have the number on one side and the dots on the back that correspond. I just used our whiteboards for the plus and equal signs. We start out by telling an addition story problems. Then 4 students create the equation with the cards. My Littles love to be the "one" chosen to solve the equation. They must:
We also have been using this little game in our math intervention time this week. It's called Odd and Even Sum Snakes. One partner has even numbers and the other has odd numbers. They take turns rolling 2 dice or 1 die and 1 number cube and add them. When they use the number cube it is easy for them to practice counting on :) Anywho, the idea of this game is to X-tinguish all your snakes with X's :) I laminate my boards and the Littles use dry erase markers. Grab you free copy here!
And Lastly, here is our finished schema chart about pumpkins. After reading several informational texts about pumpkins, we added our new schema in the form of leaves. The Littles seemed most impressed that there are in fact BLUE pumpkins. They thought that was super cool.
Listening: The wind has been blowing like crazy all day! I am so thankful that we haven't lost power. But, I live in western WA and it is that time of year that this (and rain) happens a lot. One of my facebook friends put it best: Goodbye sunshine. See you on July 5th.
Loving: I love TV. My newest favorite is the show The Blacklist on NBC. James Spadder plays bad oh so good! He is a criminal mastermind that is working with the FBI to catch the worst of the worst criminals.
Thinking: My sweet hubby's birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year. I don't know what I will get him. Ideas?
Wanting: Next week's lesson plans completed...no explanation need :)
Needing: Cooking breakfast on Saturday morning is a tradition in our house. I don't do it any other day unless it's a holiday or my parents are visiting. I also cooked lunch too. Now, my kitchen needs to be tidied up. I hate doing the dishes. My hubby usually does them if I cook, but poor thing had to work this afternoon. I'll get to it in a bit....
A Yummy Pin: Chocolate Gravy...I know some of you might be thinking WHAT?!?! I grew up in MS and I love chocolate gravy. I love it on biscuits or dunking a doughnut into it. It is really delicious! This pin says that you could eat it with eggs...I wouldn't suggest it. That sounds gross! But, it is a great accompaniment to a wonderful carb of your choice. Here's the link to the pin :)
