Fun in 4th- Linky Party!

Fun in 4th Grade is having a linky party to give advice to new teachers. Here are my words of wisdom.
*Try not to get caught up in the drama at school. The 1st person who comes to you and talks about other staff member is the number 1 person you cannot trust.
*Email your parents once a week with what is going on the classroom. They love to know what their kids are learning about at school.
*Be flexible!
*Have a back up plan if something doesn't go correctly!
*My most important piece of advice is to remember you have a life outside of school. That can be hard to follow.

Word Wall or No Word Wall

Next year I am teaching 2nd grade but it will be a gifted cluster class.  Not all the kids will be gifted but they will be high to middle ability.  Last year I used a regular 2nd grade word wall.  They got 5 words a week.  They wrote sentences in a notebook on Tuesdays.  I'm not sure if I should keep my Word Wall.  I'm not sure if they words will be too easy for them or if I should keep it has a reference.  Another thought is turning it into a science and social studies word wall.  What do you think?

Second Grade Shenanigans!

  Second Grade Shenanigans is having a giveaway!  Head on over there and check it out! She creates awesome 2nd grade units.  I can't wait to use them!

Snack Ideas- Linky Party!

Mrs. Bainbridge is having a Linky Party about snacks. Check it out!




For snack I have my kids bring in their own snack everyday. Most of them bring something small to eat and drink. I have rules about the right type of snack. There is no candy, cookies, or anything super messy. They eat during Guided Reading and Daily 5 time. They are supposed to eat and work at the same time. I wish it always went that way. Last year I had one kid who could not bring in a snack so I gave him one each day.
I've thought about doing the calendar thing but I worry someone would forget snack and kids might not like the snack for that day.
I'm curious to see what others say!

Back to School Blog Party!

Effective Teaching Articles is hosting a party with freebies and prizes EVERYDAY from August 1-5!  Go by and check it out!  You won't want to miss the awesome goodies!!!

1 month

One month from today I will be sitting at school in Back to School meetings. That means I have 1 month to enjoy the rest of the summer with my babies but also get my room ready.  Right now it's a bunch of boxes.  I see all these blogs and pictures on PT of summer school projects and classrooms that are done.  I like ahhhhhhhh I need to get on it!  I know it will all get done and it will look good!  BUT I need the behind the scenes to be organized.  I will have all these papers from last year to put away.  I wish I could bring the babies to school and work in my room.  I could but I don't think they would last long in their stroller.  If I put them on the floor to play I would get NOTHING done!  So right now I am going to try not to stress!

New Thoughts..New Year

I'm excited to start a new school year. I love getting ready and setting up my room.  We got painted this summer so I have lots of work to do!  Everything is pushed to one side of my room.  Here are my thoughts for the new year:

• I'm teaching the gifted cluster class.  I need to step up my game.
• I am going to be the Math Lead teacher of my school so I need to try and motivate the staff and get familiar with other grade levels math curriculum.
• Last year I didn't use Kagan as much as I usually do.  This year I want to use it much more.
• I'm starting a blog on my website with the class.  I'm excited to see what they post.
• I also want to manage my time better during breaks and after school.  I love to talk and have fun but it puts me behind.