Testing Already?!

Well, I am into day number 11 and we have just completed the BOG3 test. I am not sure how I feel about testing the students this early when I barely know their names! I understand that we need to get a baseline for reference, but if that is the case, couldn't we test at the end of 2nd grade? just a thought . . . For now, I will go back to teaching my fun Arnold Lobel unit. The kids enjoy it and it teaches them how to compare works by one author. Tomorrow, it is back to Frog and Toad!

Scholastic Calendar

Once again, scholastic has the resources that I love. Check out this year long calendar that will have something for almost everyday! I love you scholastic! http://ow.ly/nzJBo

Great thoughts!

This was a great resource a teacher-friend of mine found. check it out at: http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/ten-secrets-to-surviving-as-a-teacher/

More from scholastic.com

Back-to-school Tip #2: Create a classroom library that is a special place for your students. “...think of the library in your room as the heart of effective literacy instruction." — D. RAY REUTZEL AND PARKER C. FAWSON (2002) A classroom library should serve five major functions: 1. Support literacy instruction 2. Help students learn about books 3. Provide a central location for classroom resources 4. Provide opportunities for independent reading and curricular extensions 5. Serve as a place for students to talk about and interact with books Some teachers put their library front and center, making it the focus of their classroom. Others set aside a special corner for their library, where students can enjoy some quiet reading time. Either way, the idea is to entice children and foster their love of reading. Organizing and Labeling Books A typical classroom library contains a variety of books, both fiction and nonfiction, leveled for readers of different abilities. The way you set up, organize, and label your library can help students make better, more appropriate book selections (Reutzel and Fawson, 2002). It also helps students return books to the right place, saving you time and keeping the area neat. It’s also a great idea to have separate section of labeled books, where each book bin may be labeled from A-J for example. Scaffolding the books allows the children to make smarter reading choices. Creating a Special Space Personalizing the classroom library area such as adding some pillows or comfortable chairs enhances the space and encourages students to become more active participants in the library. My Personal Classroom Library For my classroom library, things are a bit different. I have over 1,000 books in my classroom library. They take up an entire wall of space; that is 3 bookcases and a little more! Since my focus is reading, I feel that this is necessary. In my library, I have materials rangins from early readers (Step into Reading Books) to 5th/6th grade readability (Harry Potter book #7). I have 1 1/2 bookcases dedicated to non-fiction as well. All of my books are labeled with a little sticker on the front cover that says "from the library of Nancy Walters." This ensures that my books are returned to my classroom, even if it is a year later! I also have a neon sticker on the back of the book. This is the basket label. It tells the kids where to put the books when they are finished with them. All of my baskets of books have colored genre labels. I found them on pinterest last year. (When I locate them again, I will repost.) Buying books for my library is a year round process. Mostly I buy gently used books. This way, when they fall apart, I know that I did not invest a lot and they are easy to replace. I have found that my local library sells their discarded children's books for $0.25 - $0.50 each. This is definitely within my budget! Happy Reading!

Back-to-School Tip

I just LOVE the scholastic website. They are always updating it with tips, trends, freebies, and advice. Check out their page for tip #1. I completely agree with mapping out the layout of your classroom. This helps you plan and organize at the same time. Remember that a well-planned classroom helps with organized classroom management! http://teacherexpress.scholastic.com/articles/back-to-school-tip-1/?eml=TXP/smd/20130717/SITE/txtl/Facebook//BTSTip1///// Enjoy!

Upcoming Appreciation Days

If you are like me, the smell of new crayons simply says, "time for back to school shopping!". Our local retailers are offering us teachers an appreciation day full of discounts and freebies. This is what I have found so far: Office Max - Saturday, August 10, 2013 - Monday, August 12, 2013 Staples - Saturday, August 10, 2013 from 9 am - 12 pm Big Lots - Saturday, August 10, 2013 I am still trying to find out when Office Depot is having their teacher appreciation day. Make sure that you have your teacher ID so that you can take part in these wonderful deals! Also, most office supply stores will let teachers purchase more than the listed amount in their sales fliers, so get that ID ready! Happy Back-to-School Shopping!

Amazing Animals

Most people dread going back to work after Winter Break.  I just love this time of year.  This is when I teach one of the most fun units.  I call it "Amazing Animals." During this unit, the students get to self select stories from the Anthology about animals.  They read them and respond to them.  They get to select different regions to study, read, and respond to as well.  Finally, they select different animals to research and report on.  This year, I will have 80 different animal reports.  I am very excited! I have created a rubric for grading these reports.  The students will have a 10 page animal report with illustrations to accompany each page.  I am excited to see how my third graders will attack this task!

During this time, I transform my classroom into a library of non-fiction animal texts.  I borrow from my school's library and the local public library.  The students will also have access to laptops and desktop computers. I just love this unit!!!