Start of the School Year and Daily 5

Whew.... the start to every school year is so exciting, while also very exhausting! I have loved building community and getting to know all of my students in my class these past few weeks. We have had a lot of fun and also worked really hard at practicing our routines and procedures. Of course I couldn't get thru it without the best team possible! :)

Check out some pictures of our classroom with our flexible seating:

We started our first week at school by getting to know each other by playing some fun games. We also got to know each other by having each child make an All About Me Pennant and All About Me Math Person

The first couple of weeks we spent 22 days diving deep into our Daily 5 literacy centers. Each day during our literacy block students participate in Daily 5 center choices (read to self, read to buddy, work on writing, word work, and listening center). While students are working in these centers they are also reading in small groups with me as well as playing on iRead (a personalized  program we use on the computer which specifically targets students at their current reading level).

The first center we introduced and practiced was Read-to-Self. Each day we built our stamina by practicing. Check out our anchor chart on our expectations:

My students came up with whole body movements to help them remember the expectations for read to self. Check out their video:

Here are some students reading to their self: 

The next center that we introduced was Read-to-Someone. Check out our anchor chart with our expectations:

The third Daily Five center that students participate in is Listen-to-Reading. Here is our anchor chart as well as some students participating at listening:

The forth Daily Five center that students participate in is Word Work. In Word Work they can choose from a variety of different activities that help to practice their spelling patterns as well as sight words. Here is our anchor chart, center choices, and students working together.

The fifth Daily Five center that students participate in is Writing. In the writing center students have a variety of different activities to choose from to practice their writing. Here is our anchor chart, center choices, as well as some students working together:

As I stated above, while some students are participating in Daily 5 choices some students are working in small groups with me. During this time we are working on their reading goals and writing. This is one of my favorite parts of the day because I am able to specifically read with each child and meet their needs.

The last component is technology. This year our school was fortunate to get many more technology devices. Our classroom now has 6 iPad's, 3 laptops, and 3 desktops. Here are few students interacting with our iRead program on devices:

That's it for now! Thanks for checking in to see how learning is going in our classroom and come back soon! :)

Classroom Management

In our classroom just like any other classroom we have a few class rules. Here are our class rules:

We will follow directions quickly.
We will treat others with kindness.
We will keep our hands, feet, and bodies to ourselves.
We will use inside voices and walking feet. 

Throughout the day we also use a clip chart to monitor behaviors throughout the day. A clip chart is a great tool that allows students to be rewarded for positive behaviors while discouraging negative behavior. 

Everyone will start on green at the beginning of each day, and clips can be moved up and down throughout the day based on behaviors. Clips will  have a number, but not a name.
At the end of the day students who are on green or exceed expectations  will earn punches on a punch card that can be redeemed for coupons. Coupon Examples: Stinky Feet (no shoes), Homework Pass, Show and Tell, Pet Shop (bring stuffed animal to school), etc. 

Below are the explanations for each color on the clip chart. 
Pink- Super Student: The Super Student level is reserved for outstanding behavior. A student who reaches this level will earn a special note home along with their punches.

Purple- Great Job: Students can move to the Great Job level
for continuing to display good behavior. You should be very proud of your child for reaching this level!

Blue- Good Choices: Students will move to the Good Choices level for showing that they are making the right behavior decisions! Ending the day on this level is great!

Green- Ready to Learn: Every student will start the day on the Ready to Learn level. This level is a good one to be on! It means your child is meeting the basic classroom expectations. 

Yellow- Think About It: A student will be moved to the Think About It level as a warning about his/her behavior, and a reminder to follow the rules. At this point, the student will have an individual conference with the teacher to review expectations.

Orange- Teacher's Choice: Students who continue to display poor behavior can move down to the Teacher’s Choice level. Here, the teacher can decide if there should be a logical consequence, or if another conference is needed. Logical consequences can include, but are not limited to: apology letters, reflective recess, separation from another student, loss of classroom privilege. 

Red- Parent Contact: When a student moves to the Parent Contact level, the teacher will notify parents via note or phone call. A visit to the Principal’s office might also be in order. 

Here is a picture of our class clip chart: 

At the end of the day, those students whose clip is on green or above will get a punch on their punch card. Once a student gets 10 punches (or 10 days of great behavior) they will get to choose a prize from the prize coupon book. 

We keep all of our punch cards in this hanging chart: 

Here is a picture of our prize coupon book: 

 Some of the prizes that students get to choose from include: 

This classroom management tool seems to be very successful in my classroom. I enjoy using the clip chart because it allows the students to clip up and down throughout the day. 

In addition to individual punch cards and prizes we also have a class reward we are always working towards. That is called our "Gem Jar". We use are gem jar to collect compliments or great whole class behavior. Once we have earned 20 gems we earn a class prize (voted on by the class). The kids love working together to earn these prizes. 

Thanks so much for tuning in and seeing how classroom management and positive rewards work in my classroom. Have a great weekend! 

Summer Adventures

How is it that teachers go back to school on Monday!?!? I cannot believe how quickly this summer has flown by! I have LOVED sleeping in (or as late as I can with a toddler), watching the Today Show every morning while staying in PJS till 10:00, days spent at the park and pool, and of course our little getaways. Here is a peek of some of the highlights of my summer:

1. Weekend away with our small group friends at Lake Nottley

2. Trip to Cancun

3. Girls trip to Mobile  and of course a quick stop in Auburn

4. Family Aquarium Visit

In my spare time I have also managed to read a couple of books, another favorite thing that I enjoy doing during the summer! Here are the books I finished this summer:

1. The Daily 5- can't wait to use all that I learned in the classroom this year


2.  The Girl on the Train- very suspenseful


3. The Matchmaker- great easy read


4. Moms on Call Toddler Book- my go-to book for Ansleigh



Have you read any good books this summer?

Well that's it for this post. Stay tuned this fall to see what is happening in my classroom!!