Wow! What a busy first two days! It just flew by! I am excited to start the year with all my new Kindergarten friends! I think I have a good group with a lot of potential! I always forget how little they are and how much practice they need and all the routines we need to establish! Highlights of the first day included a lunch box craftivity from teacherspayteachers. We cut and glued a lunch box together that had the expectations for eating lunch in the cafeteria. It did take longer than I anticipated so we actually had to finish it after lunch. The students LOVED the scavenger hunt of our classroom. I took pictures of the tissues, sink, markers, etc, all the things they need to know where to find. It was so cute to see them walking around the classroom and checking things off the list.
Our afternoon was so long and they lost steam by the end of the day. I think what will be tough is having our reading block in the afternoon. I have tried out my Daily 5 lessons and it was hard for them to stay focused. I think what I had planned for the good fit lesson was well planned. It took a lot of redirecting to keep them focused on the lesson. They liked seeing all my different shoes and they liked the book Dog in Boots.
One of the lessons that was not as effective was a Who Am I? activity page. Students needed to fill in their hair color, boy/girl and favorite color. I modeled and showed them where the words were but it got lost when it was time for them to complete the activity. Next time I will have us all complete each step together. I think I struggle with these types of activities. I find it hard to keep them all together and at the same pace.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Daily 5 modeling
Daily 5 Modeling
On the third day I plan to introduce the first of the Daily 5, Read to Self. We will begin the lesson reviewing the topics of how to read a book and picking a good fit book. One of the key components of the Daily 5 is lots of modeling.
1. Introduce the topic.
2. set the purpose and urgency
3. brainstorm behaviors and create I chart
4. model correctly
5. model incorrectly
6. practice and build stamina (start with 3 minutes)
7. check in and discuss how they did
REPEAT ~ REPEAT ~ REPEAT ~ REPEAT ~
Practice a clean up and gathering signal. I plan to use a bell that I will ding when it is time to clean up. When I ding the bell I usually have students put their hands on their heads so I know they have stopped working and I have their attention. This should be practiced and students should help create an anchor chart about what this looks like and sounds like.
Checking In
Checking in helps students engage in the reflection process. Students should share how they think they did. What went well? What can be improved on. "The Sisters" recommend using a thumbs up, thumbs sideways system. No thumbs down because everyone did something right and it avoids negativity. Students should also hold it close to their hearts. This makes it less obvious to the class how each student did.
Each component should be modeled and practiced repeatedly. It is about forming positive habits. When the students are practice the teacher sits at her desk because that is where she will be working. You don't want to go around giving the students praise because that is not authentic practice. They shouldn't be dependent on praise.
When to clean up?
As soon as the first student becomes off task signal for students to clean up and gather. We want positive muscle memory. They shouldn't be given time to practice wrong. Each day try to build stamina by one minute. It is also recommended to use a stamina graph and show students their progress. This will help empower them on their goal for independence.
On the third day I plan to introduce the first of the Daily 5, Read to Self. We will begin the lesson reviewing the topics of how to read a book and picking a good fit book. One of the key components of the Daily 5 is lots of modeling.
1. Introduce the topic.
2. set the purpose and urgency
3. brainstorm behaviors and create I chart
4. model correctly
5. model incorrectly
6. practice and build stamina (start with 3 minutes)
7. check in and discuss how they did
REPEAT ~ REPEAT ~ REPEAT ~ REPEAT ~
Practice a clean up and gathering signal. I plan to use a bell that I will ding when it is time to clean up. When I ding the bell I usually have students put their hands on their heads so I know they have stopped working and I have their attention. This should be practiced and students should help create an anchor chart about what this looks like and sounds like.
Checking In
Checking in helps students engage in the reflection process. Students should share how they think they did. What went well? What can be improved on. "The Sisters" recommend using a thumbs up, thumbs sideways system. No thumbs down because everyone did something right and it avoids negativity. Students should also hold it close to their hearts. This makes it less obvious to the class how each student did.
Each component should be modeled and practiced repeatedly. It is about forming positive habits. When the students are practice the teacher sits at her desk because that is where she will be working. You don't want to go around giving the students praise because that is not authentic practice. They shouldn't be dependent on praise.
When to clean up?
As soon as the first student becomes off task signal for students to clean up and gather. We want positive muscle memory. They shouldn't be given time to practice wrong. Each day try to build stamina by one minute. It is also recommended to use a stamina graph and show students their progress. This will help empower them on their goal for independence.
Starting the Daily 5
Okay, so I thought I would share what my plans are for starting the Daily 5 in my classroom. I am hoping this will help me to organize my thoughts and get ready for school.I am also hoping to post in few days my reflections on how it went.
Day 1
On the first day of school I plan to start off with a lesson on the 3 ways to read a book. I will ask students if they know the different ways we can read a book ( read the words, read the picture and retell a story). I will save retelling for the next day. Once we discuss how everyone can read because we can all read the pictures I will read the book The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. We will stop on different pages to look at the pictures and see how they help us tell the story. We will make an anchor chart on the ways to read a book. This all I plan to do with the Daily 5 for Kindergarten on Day 1. I will continue the lesson to talk about how each student felt on the first day of school and we will make a feelings poster. We will also make a hand print home to send home to the parents. I also like to give each student a Hershey kiss for a great first day.
Day 2
I plan to revisit the 3 ways to read a book. Today we will focus on retelling a book. We will go through the pages and the students will tell the story without reading the words. We will add it to our anchor chart. We will then move into a lesson on Good Fit Books. I will read the book Dog in Boots. I will bring in different types of shoes. We will talk about what purpose different shoes have (dress shoes, slippers, sneakers.) We will relate this how different books have different purposes (informational, pleasure, poetry.) Then we will talk about interest. We wear different shoes for different interests. It is important for students to read books they are interested in. I don't have soccer shoes because I am not interested in playing soccer. We will also talk about the right fit. I can't wear my dad's shoes because they are too big. I will have students come up and try to switch shoes. They won't be a good fit. We will talk about how not all books are the right fit. I will bring in a technical manual and explain that it is too hard and not a good fit for me. I will then show students what books are in the library and have students share what books they might think are a good fit for them. We will put this book in their drawers for tomorrow. I will also put some books in their drawer for the next days lesson. This will give them some choices. We will also need to establish when are appropriate times to get new books.
Day 1
On the first day of school I plan to start off with a lesson on the 3 ways to read a book. I will ask students if they know the different ways we can read a book ( read the words, read the picture and retell a story). I will save retelling for the next day. Once we discuss how everyone can read because we can all read the pictures I will read the book The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. We will stop on different pages to look at the pictures and see how they help us tell the story. We will make an anchor chart on the ways to read a book. This all I plan to do with the Daily 5 for Kindergarten on Day 1. I will continue the lesson to talk about how each student felt on the first day of school and we will make a feelings poster. We will also make a hand print home to send home to the parents. I also like to give each student a Hershey kiss for a great first day.
Day 2
I plan to revisit the 3 ways to read a book. Today we will focus on retelling a book. We will go through the pages and the students will tell the story without reading the words. We will add it to our anchor chart. We will then move into a lesson on Good Fit Books. I will read the book Dog in Boots. I will bring in different types of shoes. We will talk about what purpose different shoes have (dress shoes, slippers, sneakers.) We will relate this how different books have different purposes (informational, pleasure, poetry.) Then we will talk about interest. We wear different shoes for different interests. It is important for students to read books they are interested in. I don't have soccer shoes because I am not interested in playing soccer. We will also talk about the right fit. I can't wear my dad's shoes because they are too big. I will have students come up and try to switch shoes. They won't be a good fit. We will talk about how not all books are the right fit. I will bring in a technical manual and explain that it is too hard and not a good fit for me. I will then show students what books are in the library and have students share what books they might think are a good fit for them. We will put this book in their drawers for tomorrow. I will also put some books in their drawer for the next days lesson. This will give them some choices. We will also need to establish when are appropriate times to get new books.
The Daily 5
I am switching to the Daily 5 this year! I am very excited! With school only a few days away I am spending some time rereading the Daily 5 book by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. I have read Part 1 and I thought I would share my thoughts! I am also hoping to make a Daily 5 tab on my classroom website to share with my parents about why I am using this, this year.
Why did I switch?
I love the fact that the Daily 5 is about spending time reading and writing. In order to be a better reader and writer you need to spend time reading and writing. The Daily 5 eliminates the busy work and worksheets and drills down to the importance of reading. I discovered the Daily 5 through pintrest and reading some blogs about it. I really liked these two quotes:
" We teach and practice skills until they become habits and default behaviors" (this is to remind ourselves to slow down and do it right, practice, practice, practice....Also, for parents to understand our pace for the beginning of the year)
"We know each class is different, and we spend at least 20 days building community, defining and practicing behaviors, building stamina, and assessing the needs of this particular group of children" ( I think a great reminder for the beginning of the year)
What is the Daily 5?
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Daily it is a reading and writing system. Students rotate through 5 components while you work with guided reading groups. Here are the 5 components:
Read to Self
-the best way to become a better reader is to practice each day with books you choose on your just right reading level.
Read to Someone
-reading to someone allows for more time to practice strategies, helping with fluency and expression, checking for understand, hearing your own voice and sharing in a learning community.
Work on Writing
-just like reading, the best way to become a better writer is to practice every day.
Listen to Reading
-we hear examples of good literature and fluent reading. We learn more words and thus expand our vocabulary to become better readers.
Word Work
-correct spelling allows for more fluent writing. This speeds up getting our thinking down on paper.
Why is the Daily 5 so great?
-student driven
high student engagement
meaningful reading and writing
authentic reading and writing
majority of the time is spent reading and writing
I leave you with this last thought on the Daily 5:
PURPOSE + CHOICE = MOTIVATION
This is something that is stuck in the back of my brain. If we want students to actually be working during the time we are doing guided reading they have to want to. If we can explain the urgency and why we need to write and pair that with choice the students will be motivated. I want to know that my students are getting something out of what they are doing. I want class time to be effective. Daily 5 lets them choose what they are going to work on, what books they are going to read, and that makes all the difference! I am way pumped for Daily 5!
Why did I switch?
I love the fact that the Daily 5 is about spending time reading and writing. In order to be a better reader and writer you need to spend time reading and writing. The Daily 5 eliminates the busy work and worksheets and drills down to the importance of reading. I discovered the Daily 5 through pintrest and reading some blogs about it. I really liked these two quotes:
" We teach and practice skills until they become habits and default behaviors" (this is to remind ourselves to slow down and do it right, practice, practice, practice....Also, for parents to understand our pace for the beginning of the year)
"We know each class is different, and we spend at least 20 days building community, defining and practicing behaviors, building stamina, and assessing the needs of this particular group of children" ( I think a great reminder for the beginning of the year)
What is the Daily 5?
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Daily it is a reading and writing system. Students rotate through 5 components while you work with guided reading groups. Here are the 5 components:
Read to Self
-the best way to become a better reader is to practice each day with books you choose on your just right reading level.
Read to Someone
-reading to someone allows for more time to practice strategies, helping with fluency and expression, checking for understand, hearing your own voice and sharing in a learning community.
Work on Writing
-just like reading, the best way to become a better writer is to practice every day.
Listen to Reading
-we hear examples of good literature and fluent reading. We learn more words and thus expand our vocabulary to become better readers.
Word Work
-correct spelling allows for more fluent writing. This speeds up getting our thinking down on paper.
Why is the Daily 5 so great?
-student driven
high student engagement
meaningful reading and writing
authentic reading and writing
majority of the time is spent reading and writing
I leave you with this last thought on the Daily 5:
PURPOSE + CHOICE = MOTIVATION
This is something that is stuck in the back of my brain. If we want students to actually be working during the time we are doing guided reading they have to want to. If we can explain the urgency and why we need to write and pair that with choice the students will be motivated. I want to know that my students are getting something out of what they are doing. I want class time to be effective. Daily 5 lets them choose what they are going to work on, what books they are going to read, and that makes all the difference! I am way pumped for Daily 5!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Classroom Craziness
Kindergarten is a Hoot!
It's Owl Good!
I though I would take some time to share my word wall. I redesigned my word wall this year. I read a post on pintrest that describe what is best practice for word walls. Each letter should have its own box. Students are better able to focus in on boarders. In Kindergarten each letter should also have a picture to help associate the sound. If a student can't remember a letter name they may remember the picture. I spent some time hunting for cards that I liked. The one thing I didn't do yet is make the vowels a different color to help them stand out. I think I will use highlighter tape to do this. (Now I just need to find it lol.)
I knew I had to make it my own and add my own owl touch. (Well that and because the teacher next door made a fabulous picnic themed word wall!) I used brown tape from AC Moore. Quite a fiasco when I ran out of it and need 2 feet more and had to drive out of my way to get it.) I used green boarded and added leaves and owls to make if feel like a tree. I really loved the way it turned out. I think it is adds a creative touch to my word wall without making it too busy for the kids.
This year I decided to move it closer to the ground so the kids have easier access to it. Last year I had it up high on a bulletin board and I felt like the kids couldn't interact with it. I also felt like I had done a better job using the word wall when I worked in York. We really spent time using it with the kids and practicing our words. The students were able to read and write their words.
One of my favorite games is the flyswatter game. I split the students into teams. Each team has a member come up to the word wall. I then announce a word. The first person to swat the word with their fly swatter gets a point for their team. The kids really love the friendly competition.
Another thing I do with the word wall words is to practice using them in sign language. I find that the movements help the reach the kinesthetic learners. It is also a way to make it meaningful to the advanced students. They can already read the word but now they can practice signing it. The students like to watch me go to aslpro.com and look up the words. I really enjoy learning the sign language too!
This year I decided to move it closer to the ground so the kids have easier access to it. Last year I had it up high on a bulletin board and I felt like the kids couldn't interact with it. I also felt like I had done a better job using the word wall when I worked in York. We really spent time using it with the kids and practicing our words. The students were able to read and write their words.
One of my favorite games is the flyswatter game. I split the students into teams. Each team has a member come up to the word wall. I then announce a word. The first person to swat the word with their fly swatter gets a point for their team. The kids really love the friendly competition.
Another thing I do with the word wall words is to practice using them in sign language. I find that the movements help the reach the kinesthetic learners. It is also a way to make it meaningful to the advanced students. They can already read the word but now they can practice signing it. The students like to watch me go to aslpro.com and look up the words. I really enjoy learning the sign language too!
Hoot, Hoot Hooray!
I have been busy bringing owls into my classroom! This has been a long week with inservice, moving boxes for construction and waiting to set up my room until they wax the floors and clean the carpet. Thanks to the Teachers Pay Teachers gift certificate Crystal got me for my birthday I purchased and owl theme set that has really brightened up my classroom!
This is my calendar wall. I have a weather frog, days of the week, 100s chart, place value pocket chart, schedule chart and calendar. Here are some close ups!
This is my schedule chart. The kids really thrive on routine. They love to know what is coming next and what are day looks like. There are tons of cards to switch out for changing schedule. I love the owls and polka dots theme!
I really wanted to post the days of the week this year. I had a few students who struggled with this concept last year. I think being able to see the words will help reinforce the concept. I plan to point when we sing the Days of the Week song. I will also move the owl each day.
I have also posted the months of the year for the same reason. I think it is so cute that the owls are dressed up for all the different holidays!
Next I have my weather frog. I have had this set laminated and ready to go for 3 years. This is the first time I am finally using it. The first grade teachers are using it to show the kids if they need to wear a jacket for recess. This will alleviate the 5,000 questions about if they need to wear a coat. I loved Jessica Tirko's idea of whole punching the outfits to slide onto the push pins. This makes it easier to mount to the wall!
This is my schedule chart. The kids really thrive on routine. They love to know what is coming next and what are day looks like. There are tons of cards to switch out for changing schedule. I love the owls and polka dots theme!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Papers, Papers, Papers
This weekend I took some time to finally finish filing all my papers. I started at the beginning of the summer but I got sidetracked. I knew I needed to finish if I wanted to get my fiance to help me carry it into school. I know he was getting tired of school stuff taking over our apartment. This is the before picture.
I amazingly carried the very full bin to my car despite the fact that I was in pain, which turned out to be me having my appendix removed that night! O the dedication of a teacher!
I like to use the accordion folders for my filing system. I have a folder for each subject, math, language arts, social studies, favorite authors and books, and themes and holidays. I started by sorting everything into piles. Then I made the tabs to go along with each topic. This way when I need to teach something I can go right in a pull it out. I found this to be helpful with moving schools and rooms and such. It is a portable filing system. It was also nice that I could take it home this summer and work on it while I was watching TV.
I also have two filing crates. I use these to store file folder games. I spent a lot of time this summer laminating and assembling the games. I put each topic in it's own hanging folder. This way it will be easy to access throughout the year. Now I just have to remember to use them. Here are my files all neatly organized and put away!
I amazingly carried the very full bin to my car despite the fact that I was in pain, which turned out to be me having my appendix removed that night! O the dedication of a teacher!
I like to use the accordion folders for my filing system. I have a folder for each subject, math, language arts, social studies, favorite authors and books, and themes and holidays. I started by sorting everything into piles. Then I made the tabs to go along with each topic. This way when I need to teach something I can go right in a pull it out. I found this to be helpful with moving schools and rooms and such. It is a portable filing system. It was also nice that I could take it home this summer and work on it while I was watching TV.
I also have two filing crates. I use these to store file folder games. I spent a lot of time this summer laminating and assembling the games. I put each topic in it's own hanging folder. This way it will be easy to access throughout the year. Now I just have to remember to use them. Here are my files all neatly organized and put away!
A Few of my Favorite Things
I feel like this blog really helps me feel like I am being productive. I spent a full day in my classroom yesterday and I am still not sure I got anything done. But when I stop and slow down, I realize I have really accomplished a lot.
I love using my bell in the classroom. One of my beginning of the year procedures is to teach the kids to stop and put their hands on their heads when I ring the bell. It is a great attention getter and they all know what to do. I decided this year that I needed to jazz my bell up. I bought the pink rhinestones on sale at AC Moore and voila! It's now super cute and fits my personality!
Another project I have been working on is getting my room ready with my owl theme. Outside the door I put up polka dot border and felt owls I found at Micheal's. This is the first year I thought to put boarder around the window but I think it gives it a nice touch. I also hung up my welcome owls. I had them above the door but I thought it was too much! (although can you really have too many owls?)
And my final favorite thing for the day is my caddies. I ordered these from really good stuff. Each student gets their own section and it all snaps together and apart. I spent about $100 dollars to have enough for 20 students. It is kind of a lot but I have a classroom budget and the other caddies drove me CRAZY! The students had a community section to share for crayons. Well, half way through the year we could never find green or red. Or they would lose their pencils. I am hoping that with having their own section the responsible kids won't have to deal with the messy ones. We shall see. I hope it won't be too big on the tables.I am so excited to try them out this year! I haven't decided if I am going to keep them different colors or make a red table, blue table, etc.
Another project I have been working on is getting my room ready with my owl theme. Outside the door I put up polka dot border and felt owls I found at Micheal's. This is the first year I thought to put boarder around the window but I think it gives it a nice touch. I also hung up my welcome owls. I had them above the door but I thought it was too much! (although can you really have too many owls?)
And my final favorite thing for the day is my caddies. I ordered these from really good stuff. Each student gets their own section and it all snaps together and apart. I spent about $100 dollars to have enough for 20 students. It is kind of a lot but I have a classroom budget and the other caddies drove me CRAZY! The students had a community section to share for crayons. Well, half way through the year we could never find green or red. Or they would lose their pencils. I am hoping that with having their own section the responsible kids won't have to deal with the messy ones. We shall see. I hope it won't be too big on the tables.I am so excited to try them out this year! I haven't decided if I am going to keep them different colors or make a red table, blue table, etc.
A Peek at my Room
It's time for the final countdown (you should be singing this!) I have been trying to make a dent on the never ending to do list. With the craziness of construction and school starting in two weeks I feel like I am spinning in circles. I have completed Kindergarten assessments and put together a binder to keep all the data in. I am excited about picking my class list but I am still waiting to put names on things, in case there are any last minute changes. I thought I would share a few things I have been working on in my classroom.
This is the new shelf my dad gave me to put up in my room! It's going behind my desk when I rearrange my room. I am hoping to be more organized this year. On the top shelf I have a magazine file for each day of the week to put my copies in.
Thanks to pintrest and teacherspayteachers I bought this supply organizer at Lowes (only $16.99). I haven't quite finished filling it yet with all my supplies but I thought I would snap a picture. I know it drove my assistant crazy last year when I would shove all the supplies in a big drawer!
Another organization idea I am using is to use this 3 drawer organizer for all the papers that are constantly sitting on my desk. It will be easy to temporarily store them as Copy, File or Laminate. I may make the labels cuter later on but after working for hours I threw this together.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Goodie Bags
Next I needed to decide what I would fill them with. I found this cute poem about the goodies in the bag ( ateacherstreasure.com ) I edited it to fit the treats that I am going to fill it with. I also called it Kindergarten is a Hoot to go with my owl theme! I am excited to finish them and get is all set and ready to go! I can't believe school is 3 weeks away!
Owl Decorations
I was away for the weekend in the mountains and now I am back and ready to get busy. On Tuesday, I met with the new Kindergarten teacher and it seems like she will be a great addition to our team! While I was at school I got busy with some things in the classroom. I forgot to take pictures though so I will post more later.
At home, I have been working on some owl decorations. I made these cute lanterns to hang from the ceiling. I saw it on pintrest (Dollarstorecrafts.com )so I can't take credit for the idea. I bought the paper lantern from the dollar tree. I painted them to the colors I wanted. I used scrapbook paper for the wings, ears and feet. I then cut tissue paper to layer for the tummy. I think they turned out pretty cute! (Although part of me thinks they look a little bit like chicks, lol)
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I also wanted to dress up my Box Tops for education container. Again, thanks to pintrest (learninginwonderland.com) and the other bloggers out there I found a great idea. I printed and owl off from the internet and then taped her to the container. I used decorative packing tape to add the polka dot boarder. I then (feeling a little guilty) used some box tops to decorate the container. I think it will add a nice touch to my owl theme and hopefully encourage the kids to send in their box tops!
At home, I have been working on some owl decorations. I made these cute lanterns to hang from the ceiling. I saw it on pintrest (Dollarstorecrafts.com )so I can't take credit for the idea. I bought the paper lantern from the dollar tree. I painted them to the colors I wanted. I used scrapbook paper for the wings, ears and feet. I then cut tissue paper to layer for the tummy. I think they turned out pretty cute! (Although part of me thinks they look a little bit like chicks, lol)
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Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Take Home Folders
Tonight I spent some time getting my take home folders ready. I use the plastic 3 prong folders from Walmart (50 cents.) They are very durable and lasted the whole year. This year I got fancy and printed the labels of the computer. It only took me a few tries to get it right! The one side says, "left at home" and the other says, "right back to school" I then used hand print stamps from Michael's to stamp on each side.
I also printed labels that said "Money and Notes Pouch." I stick these on a plastic pencil zipper pouch. I found that it worked really well for parents to send notes, lunch money, book order and other things in to school. It was also great if I was writing a quick note home. This way I knew it wouldn't get lost. It was such a hit this year that some of other teachers at school are using this idea.
I can't take all the credit though, it was passed along to me and then I found it recreated on jmeacham.com/beebooks.htm. It really had some great ideas on what else you can add! I am also using the ABCs of Kindergarten from her website! I used a cute owl name tag on the front. I am going owl themed this year. I think I will also add some owl stickers to dress up the pouch. I had to use black this year because Target was picked over by the time I got to the 49 cent sale! That's what I get for spreading the word! :P
I will also add one or two page protectors for information for the parents. I am thinking the ABCs of Kindergarten and the class schedule. Things they will want to have reference to. I am still working that part out. I also put a blank calendar each month in the back. The students have to color in their behavior for each day. It is a great way for the parents to see how their child is doing and the students take such pride and getting greens or purple. I will post another day about my behavior system. I think that is all for now!
I also printed labels that said "Money and Notes Pouch." I stick these on a plastic pencil zipper pouch. I found that it worked really well for parents to send notes, lunch money, book order and other things in to school. It was also great if I was writing a quick note home. This way I knew it wouldn't get lost. It was such a hit this year that some of other teachers at school are using this idea.
I can't take all the credit though, it was passed along to me and then I found it recreated on jmeacham.com/beebooks.htm. It really had some great ideas on what else you can add! I am also using the ABCs of Kindergarten from her website! I used a cute owl name tag on the front. I am going owl themed this year. I think I will also add some owl stickers to dress up the pouch. I had to use black this year because Target was picked over by the time I got to the 49 cent sale! That's what I get for spreading the word! :P
Hello! Blog World!
Hmmmm....where to start? I am new to this whole blog thing but I thought I would give it a try! I absolutely LOVE teaching and I thought why not write a blog about my experiences?
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Amanda Peiffer and I am a Kindergarten teacher. I have always wanted to be a teacher, it seems to run in the family! I never knew I wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher until that is where I ended up! I used to say in college that I didn't want to teach kids that were taller than me (I'm only 5'2") and I didn't want the baby Kindergarteners. Boy was I wrong, Kindergarten is absolutely where I am meant to be and I may start acting like one if you try and move me to a different grade (LOL).
My first teaching job was in the York City School District and my principal just seemed to know that I was meant for Kindergarten. I was part of a great team and learned a lot. My heart belongs to the city but unfortunately due to the economy and budget cuts I was furloughed after two amazing years. I spent an entire summer applying for jobs and two weeks before school started I moved from York to State College. I am now teaching at Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania Charter School. I was never quite sure about charter schools but this one is great fit for me. In Kindergarten my students are learning Chinese and Spanish everyday (they have to teach me! that's how good they are!)
Now I am heading into my 4th year of teaching and I have spent the summer working with my amazing partner in crime Crystal to get ready for the school year. We have revamped the curriculum are diving into some new things and redecorating. That is where the blog comes in. I thought I would share my process as I tackle new challenges such as using the Daily 5, starting math stations and math journals and making my room soooo owl themed you feel like you are walking into a forest! :) Hopefully I stick with this and share all my ideas and maybe get some from you too! PS I am addicted to pintrest and TeacherspayTeachers!
I hope your day is abfab (absolutely fabulous)!
~Amanda
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Amanda Peiffer and I am a Kindergarten teacher. I have always wanted to be a teacher, it seems to run in the family! I never knew I wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher until that is where I ended up! I used to say in college that I didn't want to teach kids that were taller than me (I'm only 5'2") and I didn't want the baby Kindergarteners. Boy was I wrong, Kindergarten is absolutely where I am meant to be and I may start acting like one if you try and move me to a different grade (LOL).
My first teaching job was in the York City School District and my principal just seemed to know that I was meant for Kindergarten. I was part of a great team and learned a lot. My heart belongs to the city but unfortunately due to the economy and budget cuts I was furloughed after two amazing years. I spent an entire summer applying for jobs and two weeks before school started I moved from York to State College. I am now teaching at Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania Charter School. I was never quite sure about charter schools but this one is great fit for me. In Kindergarten my students are learning Chinese and Spanish everyday (they have to teach me! that's how good they are!)
Now I am heading into my 4th year of teaching and I have spent the summer working with my amazing partner in crime Crystal to get ready for the school year. We have revamped the curriculum are diving into some new things and redecorating. That is where the blog comes in. I thought I would share my process as I tackle new challenges such as using the Daily 5, starting math stations and math journals and making my room soooo owl themed you feel like you are walking into a forest! :) Hopefully I stick with this and share all my ideas and maybe get some from you too! PS I am addicted to pintrest and TeacherspayTeachers!
I hope your day is abfab (absolutely fabulous)!
~Amanda
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