Expectations with Literature

During the first weeks of school, I teach behavior expectations incorporating character and community building.  Several of my favorite week-one lessons launch with children's literature. 

Self-Control

My Mouth is a Volcano! by Julia Cook

After reading, we discuss the difficulty Louie had with self-control (waiting to speak, although he really had something to say),  This is the perfect opportunity to use what I call 'The Bubble Lesson", with credit to Mr. Justin Smith at TeacherTipster.com   

Character Building

The Way I Act  by Steve Metzger

While reading this book, I list the character words (such as persistent or compassionate) on a chart. We then 'translate' them into kid-friendly terms.  I like to translate in a different color next to the word.  When students have a decent understanding of the "way we act", I display the following Class Promise (discovered on Pinterest).  We'll be reciting this promise each day at the beginning of our class meeting.  Love it!

CLASS PROMISE

I promise to treat my classroom,

And its people with respect.

I promise to solve problems,

And always try my best.

I promise to tell the truth

And take responsibility.

I promise to never give up

And be the best person I can be.

I promise to participate,

And fun with what we do.

I promise to learn a lot

And help others learn too.

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids  by Steven Covey

Another chance to reinforce character, reading one short story a day.  Each story has a moral, such as Be Proactive.  Added bonus, there is a cute little worm hidden in each illustration.  I have seen a lot on TpT about this little treasure book, most are great follow-up lessons involving students making connections to the text and writing. 

Welcome back to school !

~Andie

You can be the one!

Screen Saver = Time Saver

My apologies for the Tuesday Tech. Tip so late in the day.  Our students started school yesterday, so I/we have been busy with the "start up" of a new school year. Week one is always sooo exciting!

To honor the idea of offering a useful tip that makes life a little easier, this evening's tip is a quick and effective one.  Originally, I saw the organizational idea on Pinterest.  Use the screen saver or background to number devices/computers. 

I have thought for other possible uses:

• How about using student names on a certain computer?  That way, their saved favorites are always there for them.
• How about reserving a computer with the screen "Open for ___________" ?  I have used this one to reserve a spot for Reading Counts (or A.R.).
• How about having sight words, vocabulary, or short messages scroll across the screen saver?  At our school, this also prevents the computer from locking out a user (because it isn't at rest).
• How about differentiated desktop choices?  Perhaps the background color could match your group's color.
• If you're lucky enough to have eReaders, but lack memory on the devices, how about sorting the downloaded books and labeling the screen with lexile # range or reading level?

If you've tried an idea, or have a new one, we'd love to hear from you! 
~Andie

Calendar Math

When I taught first and second grades, I loved doing calendar! It was predictable, it was repetitive, and it was wonderful! Students got so much out of it...it was a daily routine, and after a while, they almost didn't need me there! I chose a leader each day, and they knew exactly what to do.

Since I have been teaching third grade, I have always had a calendar up in the room, but we don't really "do calendar."  So, I thought I'd try it this year. At the beginning of the year, we are going to start out really simple.  I will have a worksheet that they will work on when they come in each morning, and the number of the day will just be the number of days we have been in school.  Click on the image below to download the worksheet.

For money, students will try to come up with different ways to make the number, and I will have them demonstrate on the board with magnetic coins/bills.  For multiplication, I plan on introducing a lot of vocabulary...arrays, factors, product, multiples, etc.  We will write all of the different ways to make the number using multiplication on sticky notes and display them on the board. I really think this is going to make a huge difference when we actually get to the multiplication chapters in the book.

I struggled with starting off with such simple numbers...just 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 the first week.  But, I want to see how much they already know.  If it is too easy, I will adjust accordingly.  I may start adding a larger number based on the date (For August 5, 2013, I could make the number 8,513.)  Again, this is the beginning of the year, and we will see how it goes.

Do you do calendar with upper grades? I'd love to hear some ideas!

~EJ

Things have changed...

Digital Backgrounds

My last two technology posts have been about filling in frames and letters with backgrounds. You can find a lot of great backgrounds on PowerPoint, but sometimes you might want something a little different.

I get most of my backgrounds from three places that I absolutely love.  Remember, if you are using any of the backgrounds for items that you are selling, be sure to check out the store policies on commercial use.

1.  Moo and Puppy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/mooandpuppy)

This Etsy shop carries absolutely gorgeous backgrounds! Whether you are using them for school or for your digital scrapbooking at home, you are sure to find something that you love. Many backgrounds come in a set with 33 different color choices, and they are VERY reasonably priced.

2.  Pixel Paper Prints (http://www.etsy.com/shop/pixelpaperprints)

This is another Etsy shop with adorable backgrounds. Some are sold in sets with only backgrounds, while some come with cute clip art sets. My favorites from this shop are the owls and the black and white spring digital paper set.

3.  Thistle Girl Designs (http://www.thistlegirldesigns.com)

This is one of my favorite shops for so many things! Not only do I love the backgrounds, but the clip art is just precious! It is made for web design, so you can't make the clip art too big, but it's perfect for smaller projects.

* If you're looking for frames that would look awesome in front of the backgrounds, my favorites are the "Retro/Vintage Photo Frame Clipart" from My Clip Art Store (http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyClipArtStore).

Enjoy!!

~Ella Jane

Teachers Are Learners Too