Editable Files

I wish I had more pictures to share but I'm knee-deep in end of the year testing and those pictures wouldn't be pretty.  16 days people!!!  I'm busy thinking of ideas for reading response for students to do while I'm testing.  We've done some book reviews and this foldable idea I got from the Mailbox magazine awhile ago. (I'm all about the no prep!)




I tried my hand at some labels.  Pretty cool with tons of options for the classroom.  I used them on my Teacher Appreciation Gifts (coming soon!).  This is my first Editable file.  I'm pretty proud of that and it is extremely EASY to do.

1.  Make your file - in this case labels
2. Save as jpg.  In Powerpoint, it saves every slide as a picture.
3.  Open a new Powerpoint and insert the pictures with text boxes over top where you want the editable parts to be.
4.  Save again!  I saved mine as Powerpoint because you can't lift the graphics it makes the clipart safe. :)


Don't forget to enter my Giveaway! Only a few days left!




a Rafflecopter giveaway




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Five For Saturday?


fiveforfriday

1.  We only have 17 days left!!!  It's hard to believe its that close but the kiddos are getting squirrely!  

2.   We just finished our adapted fairy tales and I didn't even get any pictures :( I'll try to have them up soon. I'm so proud of them for all their hard work!  

3.  We are moving onto poetry next and I found that the magnetic poetry can be done online!  I think that could be a center or a trip to the lab I love that stuff!  I found some other awesome poetry resources online - here!


4. My Erin Condren Giveaway is still going on! Check it out here or click the pic! Seriously, who doesn't need a teacher planner in their life!


5.   Just for Giggles!  Found these and laughed out loud, gotta love those moments!


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FYFF- Mrs. Mathis' Homeroom

First- Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win $25 off a Teacher Planner by Erin Condren!
 



Welcome Mrs. Mathis from Mrs. Mathis' Homeroom
Shoutout for Canadian bloggers!

Mrs. Mathis' Homeroom

Introduction:
I have been a substitute teacher for almost 6 years now. Teaching jobs in Ontario are very scarce right now, so I feel very lucky to even be able to do this. I had a long term contract for 8 months last year, in Grade 3 and 4 and I've discovered that being a regular classroom teacher is very different from being an occasional teacher. I loved every minute of it. I am qualified to teach from Kindergarten to Grade 10 and I currently work for two school boards, one French and one English.

Best Tip for Management:
I am a very organized and structured person by nature. I have found that being consistent with students is definitely the best thing for class management. When students know exactly what to expect and the boundaries are set early on, the school year goes by much more smoothly. Come up with class rules and consequences together with your students and have them sign a contract. Send the contract home for parents to sign as well. That way, there are no questions when a student breaks a rule and is given a consequence for it. Students learn to know what to expect from you and what is expected of them.

Must Have School Supply:
A label maker!

* I second that- I absolutely LOVE mine!

Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)
Second Grade Nest http://secondgradenest.blogspot.ca/

Teaching FSL http://teachingfsl.blogspot.ca/

Chalk One Up for the Teacher http://chalkoneupfortheteacher.blogspot.ca/

How to stay organized?
Being organized is in my nature. My desk is always clean and clutter-free (I HATE clutter) and I think it helps in reducing my stress. I write everything down (on my large desk calendar, my day planner and personal planner). As a class, we take a few minutes at the end of the day to clean up the classroom and put everything back in it's place. I have a file folder on the corner of my desk and in it I place everything I need for the next few lessons in folders for each subject. I have rubrics for EVERYTHING and all my subjects are colour-coded. I do some filing and paper work every single day, that way it doesn't pile up on me.
Stress Management Advice:
The first month of school, I figured that I showed weakness if I asked for help. Boy did I struggle! I had no idea how many of my colleagues were willing to sit down with me and walk me through writing long range plans and help me build a literacy program! Don't be afraid to ask for help and accept it when people offer. We can all learn from each other and it's been my experience that teachers love to share ideas! Don't reinvent the wheel when it comes to lesson planning! If it's already created for you, use it!
Interview Tip:
I have been on many interviews and have learned to be myself. Go prepared with answers, but don't worry if you have to take a couple of minutes to answer a question. If you honestly don't know the answer, say so and add that you're interested in learning more about it and ask where you can read about it. Stay calm, relaxed and smile a lot. Try to make them laugh. It helps to have a professional portfolio (a series coming to my blog soon!) with you to refer to while answering questions.

I have been posting interview questions on my blog in a 6 part series! This is Part 5 of 6! 



LOVE this series!!
Advice for first year of Teaching:
Believe it or not, I didn't become aware of sites like Teachers Pay Teachers and of teaching blogs until the summer AFTER I was done my contract. If I had known about it before, I would've been able to find TONS of resources and I wouldn't have had to spend so many hours creating things that were already out there! Take advantage of what people have to offer! Eventually, you'll be able to offer them just as much!
Great advice once again! Don't forget to fill out the form if you want to be featured! :)

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Poetry Tech Tips!

First things first: check out my giveaway that went live TODAY!  Click the pic for more info!


Ok- so surviving has been my tactic for the last couple weeks and I have finally kicked myself in gear!  Whew taking over a classroom at the end of the year is intense but glad I'm finally getting a hold on it.  We are starting a new poetry unit soon and of course I was looking for resources to share and help the students out. Here are some FUN online resources to help you out!

1. Magnetic Poetry- yes that fun stuff I wish I could play with has online versions and you can save! What a fun project that would be!


2. Poem Comprehension

Free Interactive Reading Comprehension Games for Kids

3. Poetry Splatter- like Mad Libs but poetry.  I love that it is sorted into categories of words!

RIF Reading Planet

I found some great TPT resources as well, let me know of some your awesome ideas for poetry!


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Erin Conden Giveaway

So I'm sure you know how much I love to be organized: to-do lists, stacks, calendars, and of course planners.  I'm in LOVE with Erin Condren....all the stuff is adorable.  Not just that though- so practical and cute and they have literally thought of everything!




Its like a teacher/organizer/colorful person's wonderland!  Truly....I could spend endless amounts of time on their website.  They have amazing life planners with calendars and built in to do lists, and tabs, and stickers.  One thing I love most about most of their items is that they can be personalized.  That little touch, makes your organizing so much more cuter and fun :)

Here are some pictures: (*Just a notebook but I plan on ordering the *NEW* Teacher planner ASAP once details are finalized about my job next year!)

Super big calendar! WITH STICKERS!!
Zip pocket with complimentary labels!!


cover of my notebook!  Love the colors and perfect for a soon to be newleywed!  The thick plastic makes it durable





           If you are frequenting their website like me you may know: They are launching their new teacher planners at the end of this month!  Yes they can make organizing and teaching cute and fun!  These are so incredibly popular for teachers because they can make your life so much easier!

Here are some of the awesome 'NEW' features that come in the teacher planners:

*Awesome Covers (colorful and sturdy!)
* Usable Pages (Sub info, Events, Class information)
*Checklist (literally every teacher's dream)
* Year at a Glance 
* Calendar Pages
* 42 weeks of lesson planning pages (plenty big- size is definitely a factor!)
*Pre-printed stickers for the calendar!
*Seating Chart
* You name it...and literally it is in there!  Such a fantastic way for teachers to stay organized and be cute + it is all in one place!


You have a chance to win a $25 OFF their brand new teacher planners!  Use the rafflecopter with lots of chances to win! Make sure to share with more people for even more chances!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



7

FYFF- Mindful Rambles


This week we have Rae from Mindful Rambles! I love her take on things!


Introduction:
I have been a teacher for 7 years. The first 4 years of my teaching career, I was an Early Childhood teacher, primarily with Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten students. After receiving my Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities, I began working at a therapeutic day school for students with behavioral, social/emotional, and neurological disabilities. At this school, I have worked with students grades 2nd - 6th. My current classroom consists of 3rd and 4th graders. I always knew I wanted to be a special educator, and I am so glad I found my calling in life! I don't know how many others (other than teachers!) can say that.

Best Tip for Management:
Consistency and routines! I can't stress enough how beneficial consistent expectations and predictable routines are to a functioning, manageable classroom, especially for students with disabilities. I have routines for every single part of the school day, starting with our morning routine, and ending with our dismissal routine. We have set routines for our transitions throughout the day, and have clear, consistent rules and expectations we expect students to follow. Allowing for some predictability throughout the school day makes my life as an educator easier to manage, and helps my students succeed, both behaviorally and academically.

Must Have School Supply:
Velcro! Couldn't survive without it!
 
Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)
http://clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.com

http://www.technologytailgate.com

http://helloliteracy.blogspot.com

http://www.ladybugsteacherfiles.com

http://autismtank.blogspot.com

http://littlemissorganized.blogspot.com

http://thebrownbagteacher.blogspot.com
 
How to stay organized?Organization has always been a personal struggle for me. I have my own executive functioning challenges, so this is constantly on my mind. However, because of my own disability, I want to be able to support my learners to succeed in this area. I am highly motivated by ensuring my kids get the skills they need to improve their own executive functioning challenges (which ALL of my students suffer from). As a student, I was not given this level of support, and I struggle every day in my own life.
That being said, I am always looking for the best way to organize my life. I still have not found a fool-proof system, but I am working on it. I take advice from colleagues, fellow bloggers, and experts on organization, and tweak as I see fit. For example, I know that I need a place for everything. Everything in my classroom has a place and a label. This is not only beneficial to me, but especially to my kids. This also helps students with independence. I need to schedule times after school for me to put everything away, file all my papers, and clean up the room. Otherwise, things get out of hand quickly.
The system I am currently using for my lesson plans and basic teaching materials is an accordian folder/binder combo. I keep my daily plans in my accordion folder, organized by the subject and then put into subcategories by day. I then attach my weekly plan to my binder portion. Inside my binder are my unit plans, standards I am working on, my unit calendar, assessments, checklists, future plans/ideas, etc. So far, this system is working for me, but I do still need to remind myself to use it. Hopefully it will become second nature sooner!
My advice to you: keep at it. Find what works for you. This may take a while, especially if you don't have a large organizational tool box. Listen to strategies from others, but tweak it so its most helpful for YOU! My teaching mentor keeps reminding me that it took her years to figure out the best system for her (and I tried her system...didn't work for me!). Have patience, but keep trying. You will get there :)

 
Stress Management Advice:
Exercise, eat right, get enough sleep. Oh yes, and take your work home with you! I know this seems counterintuitive, but it doesn't make any sense to pretend that you don't. When I say take your work home, I don't mean your lessons. I'm talking about all that emotional stress that comes with being a teacher. For me, working at a school for students with trauma and behavioral difficulties, coming home and crying due to stress or sadness is just a day in the life. I have seen my own kids injury themselves, relieve their traumatic experiences, and have such severe, unmanageable behaviors that they have been hospitalized right from my school. I would be lying to you if I said I just left those feelings at work. It is not natural.
You need to find a support group of listeners, so that, when you inevitably come home in tears, whether it be due to a scary restraint you witness/were a part of, a really stressful interaction with a parent, or a lesson that didn't go as planned, you have people to fall back on, to cry to, to talk to. If you don't, you will keep all of those tough and stressful feelings inside, and that is no good for anyone!

Interview Tip:
Come prepared -- with questions! Of course you need to do your research. Look at the school/center's website, find any articles that reference the school, and learn about the community involvement. However, what really stands you out above the crowd, are the questions you ask. Maybe the school boasts about technology in the school. Ask about what specifically they use, do they encourage teachers to use technology, how do they feel about incorporating social media in the classroom, etc. Maybe you don't know a whole lot about how to incorporate technology into your classroom. Ask about opportunities for professional development related to incorporating technology into your class. Specifically ask questions as they relate to YOUR interests. Also, I suggest asking questions that relate to you being at the school for a long time. For example, ask about opportunities to move up in the school.
 
Advice for first year of Teaching:
I wish I knew that it doesn't get easier. I know that's not a popular thought, but it's true. The teaching doesn't get easier, the organizing doesn't get easier, the stress doesn't get easier -- you just get better. But even that takes a long time to achieve. Like I said before, I'm STILL struggling to find the best method for organizing. I STILL work very long hours at work, and still come home and do more work. I am better able to teach on my feet now, but that came with many years of putting the time and effort in to making quality lessons (I still put many, many hours into my lesson planning...but if something doesn't go as planned, at least I have my teaching instincts to fall back on!).

Links if you want to see more of Rae:



http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rae-Ann
http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/RSchauer
https://twitter.com/mindfulrambles


Thanks Rae- some really great tips!  Remember to click the link at the top if you want to be featured :)





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It's all worth it....

Well I've almost made it through my first week (tomorrow is Friday- that's close right?!)  After hours and hours of practice going over expectations and routines...I finally feel like we are heading in the right direction - slightly but I'll take it.

I started a class incentive to help (fingers crossed) with working on our procedures and routines.   We just earn a letter to spell a EXTRA RECESS for our reward.  We'll see how long it takes. Seemed to work today so once again I'll take it!

I did get this note today to put everything in perspective.


Made me smile :)  
Even though I feel like I'm being really mean, I guess I'm still doing ok!

Hope your week is going well !  

1

End of Year Insanity!

Sorry for being a horrible blogger lately!  Getting back in the swing of things and starting my second maternity leave has been a whirlwind to say the least.  I'm trying to fit in my expectations while teaching so we can get through the rest of the year and that is proving to be rather tiring :(

I do have some very exciting things coming up on the blog - especially later this month, you definitely wouldn't want to miss this!  So make sure you are following!!!

While I'm getting my life organized and together, anyone have any great ideas/links for the end of the year.  I thought about a countdown but I need something super easy to manage and wouldn't take up too much time!  I'm really needing ideas for second grade.  Leave me some comments - please if you have some great end of year activities that you do!

3

FYFF- 2 Peas and a Dog


This week Kristy from 2 Peas and a Dog has advice: 




Introduction:

Thank you for considering me for your teacher feature.

I have been teaching for five and half years in Ontario, Canada. I started my career in a Special Education classroom and have moved into teaching rotary subjects. Over the years I have taught many different subjects including: Library, English, Math, Science, Health, Computers, Geography and History to both Grade 7 and 8 students.


Best Tip for Management:

The best classroom management tip is to get to know your students. They are not just a name on a class list. Greet them at the door when they arrive, and send them to their next class with a good bye at the door. Students like teachers who can relate/make connections between curriculum and topics of interest to them.

Must Have School Supply:

Sticky Notes and Highlighters

Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)

http://teachingisagift.blogspot.ca/
http://middleschoolteachertoliteracycoach.blogspot.ca/
http://theautismhelper.com/

How to stay organized?

I write my day plans in pencil and then finalize them in pen. I also photocopy all of my sheets for a unit at the same time. That way I do not have to run to the photocopy room daily. I have photos of my organization system here:

Stress Management Advice:

Network with other teachers both professionally and socially. It is important that you keep up your hobbies and passions even when the marking and planning load seems to be the size of a cruise ship.

Interview Tip:

Practice and rehearse your answers to common interview questions first in a mirror, then in front of a peer who can provide constructive feedback.

Advice for first year of Teaching:

Start brainstorming report card comments early and keep really detailed anecdotal notes to make writing learning skills easier.


* I had to write report cards for my long term subs and this is definitely some great advice! There are some great books out there as well to help with this!

Want to check out more of Kristy, here are some links to her blog, Pinterest, store:

2PeasAndADog Blog

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/2peasandadog/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2peasandadog/ 
TPT Store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/2peasandadog 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2peasandadog




Want to be featured?  Click on First Year Friday Form at the top! I'd love to have you! 






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Giveaways!

So I start my second maternity leave and got a chance to sub there today...it was rough.  I've subbed in what seems like quite a few classrooms and never had a day this tough before. I'm really going to have to beef up my strategies for management apparently after I was so spoiled with my last class.  
Any help for controlling a class at the end of year would be appreciated!!! or just general well wishes!

So I'm so excited to show off my new product.  You know from reading that my last class had some trouble with writing so this was a project that we did- Mystery Writing!  It was so fun! 
They loved getting to be creative and getting a chance to put the clues together!  Check it out....

Don't forget to like my Facebook page to have a chance to win yourself a copy! I don't have too many likes - so you have a good chance ;)

Next, Mrs. Rios is having a fabulous giveaway and you have a chance to win my Static Electricity Stations!  It runs through Saturday with some SERIOUSLY great prizes!



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To do....to do.....

Well if you are anything like me and have 86 million things going on right now you will definitely appreciate this post! I am very Type A, possibly the most Type A person I know, hopefully I'm not the worst though - I just have to stay organized or I feel like my life falls completely apart. 



How do I do it?!  My favorite tool has to be a to do list.  Yes this may seem oldfashioned in some ways but I seem some benefits:
1. Writing it out helps me remember
2. Crossing things off feels good (as oppose to deleting or checking off on computer!)
3. I can fit it into all parts of life and not just teaching!

First I'm very fond of my monthly calendar from Staples - it is a life saver as I'm always planning weeks and months ahead but from day to day I like to rely on a to do list as oppose to planner.  Lately, I've been looking for more resources and decided to share what I have found.  Since my to do list now has categories (wedding, grad school, regular school, personal, monthly....)  I'm searching for better organizing.  Take a look at what I found and see what works for you.
 
Busy TpT Teacher's To-Do Lists
AWESOME To Do lists -  FREE and it has categories!! One of my faves!

        More Lists, Lists, Lists
Great FREE lists! 
   This list I made awhile ago but LOVE because of the categories and cuteness (as you see, I've had this problem for a long time).  Click the picture for a FREE copy. 
 
Great for post-its (who doesn't love those?!)  FREE download from a great blog!
 
 

How do you stay organized??! What is your best tool for keeping everything together?  


1

FYFF- Luckeyfrog's Lilypad!

I'm so excited for our guest blogger this week!  I have read her blog and have gotten so much advice!  Especially for first year teachers!  She even had a fabulous series!

Luckeyfrog's Lilypad
This week Jenny from Luckeyfrog's Lilypad has tips for you!




Introduction:

Hi! I'm teaching 3rd grade this year. Last year I taught 2nd in my own classroom after two years as an interventionist. Science is my favorite subject to teach, and I love integrating science and social studies across the curriculum!

Best Tip for Management:

An amazing teacher once told me that the best classroom management plan is a great lesson plan, and I completely agree. If kids are engaged and they have something to focus on doing at all times, it leaves very little room for misbehavior.

But that's not enough on its own!

I also think it's important to be consistent, but also to give kids a chance to redeem themselves after misbehavior. You don't want a kid to get to 'red' and then give up for the day. I really like the clip chart for this, but there are plenty of ways to do it!
 
Must Have School Supply:

Chart paper! I couldn't teach without anchor charts.
 
Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)

 
Sunny Days in Second Grade

3rd Grade Thoughts 

Fun in Room 4B

How to stay organized?

Staying organized is my biggest challenge, but I use a teacher binder and a customized lesson plan format to keep myself organized. My lesson plan pages save me SO much time, and the teacher binder helps me keep important things out of piles and easy to take with me.

Stress Management Advice:
Don't be afraid of a schedule that will help you plan and copy some things ahead of time. For instance, my homework follows the same basic format each week, so it's easy for me to plan and copy it weeks in advance and save myself some stress later!
Interview Tip:

Research the school's website beforehand. Look for ways that your experience can match the things they already do and the challenges they already have, and practice weaving these into your answers. (I like to do this out loud in the car on the way there.) This can also help you come up with questions to ask at the end of the interview, too, and show that you have a real interest in THEIR school, not just any job!
 
Advice for first year of Teaching:

I wish I knew it was okay to rely on a schedule and not have EVERY lesson be an all-star. Routine is okay, as long as the routine activities are good ones, and it will give you enough time and energy to do the amazing lessons once in awhile.
 
Thanks for the amazing advice Jenny!
You can find more of Jenny by checking out her links below:
store: http://teacherspayteachers.com/store/luckeyfrog

*She has some GREAT FREEBIES at her store!
facebook: http://facebook.com/luckeyfrogslilypad

* She just wrote a great post about how to set up your own FB page :)
 
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
I started my own FB page and am looking for friends if you want you can follow me here!
 
Don't forget to check out this awesome freebie collection! Happy Birthday TBA!
 
 

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