Teacher Talk Tuesday!

I am happy to participate in day 2 of Teacher Week! I probably need to take some of my own advice here, but these are the biggies:


1. You never know who is listening so keep the teacher/administration bashing for after school hours! No, I'm kidding. You should NEVER teacher/administration bash. Period. Someone always hears and no one likes a Negative Nancy. 


2. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Take it from me people. If you feel like you have too much on your plate, don't volunteer to take on more because you think you are being nice or because you think you have to. Cause that's what I always do, and it just causes me more stress! Know when to say no! (Nicely of course.) 


3. Do be prepared for all of your lessons planned for a said day. The day you are unprepared will be the day an administrator comes in to observe you. I know from experience. =) Not a cool feeling. 


4. Collaborate with your teammates instead of trying to reinvent the wheel! It will save you SOOO much time and effort. Your social life will thank you later. 


5. Give all of your kids a chance. I can't tell you how many times someone has looked at my new class roll and said, "Ohh....you got (insert name here.) That sucks," or something to that effect. You may be surprised how that student can make a different impression on you or how well you actually get along. This totally happened to me this year and my friend has been a complete sweetie and one of my favs so far! 


6. Be consistent with your classroom management and use positive reinforcement as much as you can, especially when dealing with those high flyers or red zone kids (whatever you call those little boogers in your school!) 


7. Ask for help! Don't think you are going to be Teacher Wizard and that you can wave your little wizard wand and viola, your problem is solved. It's okay. Everyone needs help sometimes. 


8. Always have an early finisher routine or activity for students to go to when they are finished. I don't have to tell you that all of your kids will work at different paces and that you will always have students who finish early! I recommend posting something on the wall so kids always know what is expected.


9. Take things one thing at a time. You will likely be doing an insane amount of Professional Development and training for different programs. Just take a breath, and take things one step at a time. Remember: You're not a Teacher Wizard! =)


10. And for heaven's sake, have a glass of wine when you get home to unwind and put your mind at ease! 


** I'm realizing that I DEFINITELY need to be taking more of my own advice....especially number 10. haha jk

I.Am.Obssessed.With.Pinterest.

Can we just talk for a second about how amazingly awesome and inspiring Pinterest is!? LOVE IT. And I don't mean love it like you love your cool zebra striped pencil. I mean, like I LOVE it! 

I have been taking soooo many fabulous ideas from Pinterest since I started (about two weeks ago). I know, that's an insanely short amount of time to fall in love, but if you know about Pinterest already, then you totally understand and don't think it's creepy or weird. 

So, I may have stolen some cool ideas from other Pinterest posts to use in my room. Here are three things I have stolen (from Pinterest that is) and adapted to my classroom this week: 

This really fun Scientists tree map (Thanks Abby at the Inspired Apple):

This anchor chart about how to make good book choices! I can't remember who I first saw do it, but I have seen several versions of this!

This awesome activity to teach relative location! Thank you to Jenn at Finally in First for this fabu idea! After I read "Me on the Map," by Joan Sweeny, we used Google Earth to zoom in to where we live! As we zoomed in, we added more information to our little visual flip book rings. 

In conclusion, if you aren't on Pinterest, get your butt over there and check it out! You will be amazed at how the creative juices you may not have known you had inside you will start flowing!! 

Teacher Week 2011

Tell us a little something about you...

Let's see...I grew up in Greenville, South Carolina and I would never move away, unless it was to a Caribbean Island somewhere! I have a sister and two brothers. My mom is my hero. I also have a pet fish named Indigo. He was purchased as a reward for my class last year and he got to come home with me for the summer. =) He is a permanent resident now!

How long have you been teaching?

This will be my fifth year teaching. I taught fifth grade for 2 years and have been teaching 3rd for the last two years. I am currently still teaching third grade and I absolutely love it! They're still sweet and cute and they crack me up constantly, however, they can still function mainly on their own without too much crying and shoe tying. (God bless you primary people.) 

You might not know...

That I am obsessed with anything about tornadoes! Since I was a child, I have had dreams about tornadoes consistently. I have always enjoyed watching shows that feature their awesome power. My mom and I always talked about one day going on a tornado chase with professional storm chasers! 

What are you looking most forward to this school year?

I am most looking forward to our new literacy program - Reading Workshop and what it could mean for our students. Of course, I always look forward to the new school year. New kids, new challenges, new experiences, and new learning for me as a teacher. 

What do you need to improve?

I need to improve my desks organization. I have a hard time keeping handouts organized and they usually just find a random place on my desk and then when I need it 5 minutes later, I can't find it. I also need to be better about grading papers on time! I know, it's awful to say, but sadly, true. 

What teaching supplies can you *not* live without?

1. Velcro dots - I use them for EVERYTHING! 

2. Duct tape - They even have cool colors and prints now!

3. My Promethean Board - I think this goes without saying...

4. Labels - I use them in all shapes and sizes and I put them on EVERYTHING!

5. My document camera - I toggle between this and my pro board constantly throughout the day! 

Can't wait for tomorrow!!

A for Assessment

A Crucial Week in the Life of an NQT is hosting a Linky Party for your favorite way to assess students.

Check out some of the ways I assess students!

Get Ready to Blog Hop!

It’s teacher week at Blog Hoppin’. Just think of all the inspiration that will be going around! For more information, hop on over to blog Hoppin and check it out!

hoppy hoppin'