Busy, Busy, Busy

Over the last three weeks I have been BUSY! I have started a lot of different things in my classroom. My second grade kiddos are keeping up and I am so proud!

Here is just a list of some of the activities going on in our room:
1. Math Journals- I love reading the students explanation of why or how to do a problem
2. Writing- At my current school we teach a very specific English curriculum. The students are finally getting a chance to write. They are loving every minute!
3. Cursive- My kiddos are learning the basic cursive strokes. I see them doodling EVERYWHERE!
4. Math- 4 and 5 digit addition and subtraction! They are doing a wonderful job at learning this hard task.

This just SOME of the stuff keeping us busy. I can tell that they are excited for the holiday and I cannot wait either. Who doesn't want time off school to eat cookies and give presents?

As I am preparing for the holidays in my classroom I have decided to read The Mitten by Jan Brett. I know that this book is challenging for some of the students but I believe that they will be engaged. I have created several worksheets to accompany this lesson and you can purchase them by clicking under the picture below! I can't wait to see how my students react to this amazing story. (I may just have to print the worksheets in red and green as well!) How are you celebrating and teaching Christmas in your room?

Click HERE to purchase your copy for $1.50 today!

Mayor Hubble is in Trouble!

I have found that the current reading curriculum wasn't quite challenging or engaging enough for some of my students... students who at the end of October were reading at the end of the 2nd grade level! 

Even though it is extremely important that they read the same stories as their classmates in order to retain the same phonics skills, I wanted to make sure that they continued to stay engaged. So, today I started Literature Circles. The kids were so excited (don't tell them, so was I!)

With just four students I choose a novel that I thought would keep them engaged. When browsing through Scholastic Book Clubs I found some perfect books... INCLUDING: 

I have a couple Weirder School books in my library but this one looks like a blast. I can't wait to see how the story unfolds. 

 Today I passed out the student's Literature Circle Journals (click the title to buy them for $1.00). We talked about the jobs and started reading. I created the schedule below but did not complete it... I'll keep you posted on my success. If you have any ideas or have done lit. circles, I would LOVE to hear from you! 

Literature Circle Schedule

20 minute rotations/ 2 days a week = 40 minutes a week

Day One:

1. Assign Jobs- allow the students to review the instructions for their job during the week 

            *There are four jobs and each students will receive a new job for each chapter.

TIME:  2 minutes

2. Read Story- Round Robin Reading, Sticks-each student reads a page until

            *The goal is to read one chapter in 15 minutes. However, this may take longer at first

            *The teacher can start by reading a page to demonstrate fluency and expression for the students

TIME: 15 minutes

3. Student Practice-work on assigned jobs

            *Students will have to complete the rest of the job during their free time

TIME: 3 minutes

Day Two:

1. Story Map

            *Pass out stick notes. Each student will be assigned the task of writing down the story elements:

            Every Time

            -beginning

            -middle

            -end

            Alternating:

            -main idea

            -setting

            -predictions

TIME: 10 Minutes

2. Student Presentations

            *Each student will have 2 minutes to present their job

            *Then the teacher will discuss anything important that may have been missed.

TIME: 10 Minutes 

Where Is the Time?

Do you ever feel that you are running out of time? You have a to-do list that grows and grows and grows. I dream of the day where I become the teacher that has everything planned and does not have anything new to create. (Unfortunately, that will never happen.) When I start one project, my mind goes a mile a minute and I think about 20 other projects. Balancing teaching and graduate school keeps me busy and never seem to find a way to get ahead of the game. I got lucky and had two days off school last week, but did that help... NO! Why? Because I kept taking on more projects... They never stopped.

However, I have three things that I was able to finish with some extra time and the start of my fifth class.

The first project I tackled was a basic Weather Journal. For one week, student's have to observe the weather, temperature, and clouds. You can grab this freebie at my store, just click the first image below.

Click here! 

The borders came from Graphics From the Pond http://frompond.blogspot.com and the fonts came from http://www.kevinandamanda.com/fonts/freescrapbookfonts/. (I forgot to include a page with these credits.... SORRY!)
 

The second project I created were literature circles. I am getting ready to teach my students how to use them this coming week, and will post a specific blog next week! You can grab this mini unit for just $1.00 at my store also!

Click here to purchase this mini unit!

The third project that I created was a reusable Story Map. I was inspired by many Pinterest users. I will post a picture once it is laminated! I plan on using it with my literature circle groups! 

After I took a break from assignments, I am back to them.... I love my class (despite the countless hours of work).

Celebrate Good Times... C'mon!

When I began creating items for TPT, I set a sales goal... I REACHED IT! I am hoping to become quicker with my creations and keep them updated. But for now:

Click the picture above to receive your discounted items for the next 3 days (10/10/2012-10/13/2012).

For Sale: Energy All Around Us

It has been a crazy four weeks with my kids! I only have 16 but it feels like 37... has that happened to any of you? Oh well, I still love them!

I finally finished my first science unit... Energy All Around Us. It is 30 pages of worksheets, activities, quizzes, and a test. 

Click here to purchase your copy!

I am off to fold laundry, grade some papers, and complete some graduate work... and watch the Steelers!

Currently Creating!

I am currently creating "Energy All Around Us." This year, I want to become a stronger science teacher and involved my students in more hands on activities. I am excited to see them improve and become engaged. Here is just a tiny sneak peek:

I am so excited to create light sources (thanks Pinterest)! Hopefully I will finish my packed soon... I start teaching Science on MONDAY! YIKES!

How do you engage your small scientists?

Set Up... FINISHED!

Even though it is my second day of school...my  SET UP is COMPLETE!

Here  are some pictures of my 2012-2013 classroom1

My word wall is on the far wall. The pegboard now holds center bags (coming in a later post... I promise) and the white contact paper is dry erase! Can't wait to start buddy reading and word works!

This is my Writing Center. You can find the supplies at my TpT store! 

Behavior Chart...Thanks Pinterest Users! 

Morning Meeting Corner. Once again thanks Pinterest! (I love my crate seat!)

Teacher Time...this is where I meet with my students during Guided Reading Groups! 

My Corner! Before the clutter began...

Star Student Board...

Library! (Picture above and below)

I apologize for my lack of blog etiquette. This summer I was busy preparing for the year, vacationing and completing a class. 

I will post soon! I am excited to share my first week experiences with only sixteen.... that's right SIXTEEN students!