Opinion Writing

Upon beginning our first opinion piece this year, my kiddos needed some (a lot) of guidance getting started.  I found some suggested sentence starters and created these cards.  I'm planning to hole punch them and keep them on a ring to use for the next time. (and the next time, and the next time, and the. . . )

In my opinion. . .

I have to say that. . .

I’m sure. . .

Others must agree that. . .

Clearly. . .

New Year --- New Beginnings!

Ok, well I'm trying again to start with this blog. Really, how do all of you do this so well and keep up with a classroom and family?  I am constantly amazed at how efficient teachers can be, kudos to all of you!  (and seriously if you have an tips I would love your input). 

Last year I switched to a new school and took over a classroom from a teacher who had over 40 years in the classroom.  This is what I walked into---

 

 

After many days, fabric, and staples, I now have this ---

 

Anything look familiar?  Gotta love Pinterest!

 

Hope to share some student work soon---we are working on a flip book of American Symbols and some opinion writing using Duck, Rabbit.

 

Thanks for visiting!

 

 

Wow--What a week and it's only Tuesday!  Just when I think I'm getting into a routine, interruptions abound.  The bookfair is this week, Grandparents' Day celebration, reading benchmarks, and if that is not enough, parent/teacher conference day is Thursday.YIKES!

Oh well, so it goes. 

I am still trying to figure out this blogging thing---I think I successfully added a follow button.  Next I'll try to upload some photos.  (When I'm feeling brave, that is)

Smiles to all~

Just checked in with What the Teacher Wants and I know I'm late (today is Tuesday), but thought I'd share my new management idea.  I do the colored cards, but this year I have a pretty good group of students and their behavior isn't all that bad, so I thought I'd try a reward system to encourage participation and attentive behavior. So. . . I've given each student a "bank" and start them off with 5 pennies.  Student can earn additional pennies for their "bank" by giving good answers, staying on top of their game, etc.  I'm also toying with the idea of taking pennies if students exhibit poor sportsmanship or bossy type behaviors (which I've noticed with some).

When students reach $1.00, the classroom store will open and students can purchase pencils, erasers, grippers (which for some reason this group is crazy about), stickers, etc.

I'm hoping this will not only encourage great behaviors, but also help with teaching money! 

Sorry no picture (yet) of the "banks" but they're just small plastic containers with lids. 10 for $1 at Dollar Tree!!

Ok, well I'm trying had to get in the swing of things.  Teachers report to school on Monday for a full week of PD! Then the kiddos come the following Monday.  I want to post some pix of my classroom, but so far I haven't made the time to down load into the computer then upload to here---but. . . soon! 

Also, having a hard time locating the foam blocks I want for dice!  Will try an out-of-town trip tomorrow---if I'm successful I will post pictures for sure! 

Well, here it goes!  I have been toying with the idea of blogging for quite awhile and after following stalking several of the fabulous blogs out there, I decided to go for it.
I don't know how often I will post and I will need to figure out how to upload pictures and ideas but for now----at least----it's started!