I love this idea. Reflect on the week. What are five great things/activities that I want to document or celebrate?
Saw this idea from Jill's blog: Marvelous Multiagers and she found it on Taylor's blog: Baking...Crafting...Teaching, and I want to do it also.
1. Math time is really coming together. Lesson, and then 3 rotations (teacher, seatwork, and hands-on manipulatives). Loved being able to make the concepts more difficult or easier as needed. And by Thursday, the students were really getting the rotation as well.
2. We had two birthday parties this week. On Tuesday we celebrated my aide that is with us during writing, and today we celebrated a sweet little girl. It was very fun and meaningful.
3. Writing minilessons: This week we focused on leaving spaces between words and today when we were writing our birthday letters a girl who has been struggling with remembering spaces raised her hand to show me that she remembered her spaces. You should have seen her beam. Lovely.
4. The smile on a sweet boys face as he realized that he can use his knowledge about letters and their sounds to read words and sentences and books. Another beam. More lovely.
5. Several times this week I had to remind myself (outloud, in front of the children) to keep my composure. So much work, but I did it! It has really helped that each morning our star helper has lead our entire class in a stress relieving activity (star, drain, balloon, pretzel).
6. Saw several kids wearing their t-shirts from last year. Today when I told him I liked his shirt another boy from our class last year told me, "you remember--it was from our school family." They still remember what I called them. Smile.
I might be able to go on, and on and on. I am feeling so grateful tonight. To have completed another week. To know that the students have a four-day weekend (I only have a three-day weekend). To start watching my boys play fall soccer. To know that my husband has a meaningful job (two of them actually). To know that I am loved and that I love.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Parent Information Night
I love singing along to the radio or a CD. Even if I don't know all the correct words.
Driving home today, listening to my current favorite song, singing at the top of my lungs, and I only knew 1/4 of the words. Still, I had a blast. It totally makes me smile to do this because it drives my husband and sons crazy and I can really only do this if they are not with me. They wish for me to sing the words correctly. But I don't know the words and I want to sing to the amazing song.
Monday was day nine of this school year. And that night was Parent Information Night. (I think I like "People, I'm Nervous better"--I saw that one on a blog, A Teeny Tiny Teacher.)
The evening started out with our principle talking to everyone who showed up. We were in the gym. After she gave a few all school bits of info, we split into classrooms.
I don't really like this part of the job, but I hoped that this starburst idea would help my confidence. I made these treat bags for the parents to eat while I talked. (Idea from A Teeny Tiny Teacher.) She said that if we give them food, they can't ask questions (and I look like a great teacher).
The first session went ok. The room was full. I talked fast. I didn't have a list of what to cover (and should have--remember to do that next year). But I think it went ok. Not one parent ate their candy. My plan to fill their mouths did not work. But they still did not ask questions. Until they were leaving. One parent asked about Mountain Math. Now everyone was listening again. So I spent several minutes talking about the wonderful review that comes every week.
The second session had 5 people in it. Much more intimate, but scary, I couldn't hide behind so many people. Covered most of the same topics, had one question about books (that I remembered to say in the first session, but forgot in the second), and still not one person dipped into their candy. The most memorable event in session 2 is that some parents who were finished with their session stood outside my door and had a LOUD conversation with lots of laughing. I had to stop talking to go and shut the door.
I wasn't very creative. Basically I showed what our reading log will look like (to start later), what our everyday take home folder will look like (to start later), and a few items from my ABCs of Mrs. Bartel's Class. Here is a link to what it looked like this year. ABCs of Mrs. Bartels Class (when I tried the link it comes out all wonky, but at least you get the idea).
Certainly glad it went well and that it is over for now.
Driving home today, listening to my current favorite song, singing at the top of my lungs, and I only knew 1/4 of the words. Still, I had a blast. It totally makes me smile to do this because it drives my husband and sons crazy and I can really only do this if they are not with me. They wish for me to sing the words correctly. But I don't know the words and I want to sing to the amazing song.
Monday was day nine of this school year. And that night was Parent Information Night. (I think I like "People, I'm Nervous better"--I saw that one on a blog, A Teeny Tiny Teacher.)
The evening started out with our principle talking to everyone who showed up. We were in the gym. After she gave a few all school bits of info, we split into classrooms.
I don't really like this part of the job, but I hoped that this starburst idea would help my confidence. I made these treat bags for the parents to eat while I talked. (Idea from A Teeny Tiny Teacher.) She said that if we give them food, they can't ask questions (and I look like a great teacher).
The first session went ok. The room was full. I talked fast. I didn't have a list of what to cover (and should have--remember to do that next year). But I think it went ok. Not one parent ate their candy. My plan to fill their mouths did not work. But they still did not ask questions. Until they were leaving. One parent asked about Mountain Math. Now everyone was listening again. So I spent several minutes talking about the wonderful review that comes every week.
The second session had 5 people in it. Much more intimate, but scary, I couldn't hide behind so many people. Covered most of the same topics, had one question about books (that I remembered to say in the first session, but forgot in the second), and still not one person dipped into their candy. The most memorable event in session 2 is that some parents who were finished with their session stood outside my door and had a LOUD conversation with lots of laughing. I had to stop talking to go and shut the door.
I wasn't very creative. Basically I showed what our reading log will look like (to start later), what our everyday take home folder will look like (to start later), and a few items from my ABCs of Mrs. Bartel's Class. Here is a link to what it looked like this year. ABCs of Mrs. Bartels Class (when I tried the link it comes out all wonky, but at least you get the idea).
Certainly glad it went well and that it is over for now.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
P.I.N. and a Package
Last night was Parent Information Night at school (P.I.N.). More on that later this week.
I got a package in the afternoon.
Can you guess what was inside?
Sunday, August 26, 2012
The Best Pizza and Green Olives
Pizza is comfort food for me. Not Little Caesars or Pizza Hut. Homemade.
Now that it is not as hot, I can make it again. We have a bit of a break from pizza in the summer. It is too hot to eat much, or much hot food that hasn't come off the grill. I've seen recipes for grilling pizza, but have not talked my dear into trying it.
So Saturday I got to make homemade pizza. It sure tastes good after not having it for a while.
Growing up we had it often on Saturday nights. I like having a night all planned out what to eat. And everyone will eat it.
I make 2 pizzas. One for the boys to share and one for the parents to share. Theirs has cheese and pepperoni, and ours has cheese, pepperoni, and half jalapenos and half green olives. Yum. The jalapenos are for for my dear, and I get the olive side.
This pizza is half decorated, made my dear stop putting on the cheese so I could snap a photo of such a delicious entree.
Eating green olives is my favorite since childhood. When we gathered with my mom's family there was always a bowl of green and black olives. I left the black alone, but would not stay away from the green.
This summer on our vacation I spent the afternoon and evening with my aunt and girl cousins. I had never seen such a big bowl of green olives. And my cousin would fill her plate with about 30 olives at a time (I noticed twice, if she did it more I did not see). Right then and there I knew I had been limiting myself and would not any more.
Now I eat olives. As I made supper the other night I thought it would be nice to munch some olives. I finished the jar. After placing the olives on the pizza above I ate some olives out of the new jar.
I think having olives in the fridge is going to have to become a necessity, much like milk.
Now that it is not as hot, I can make it again. We have a bit of a break from pizza in the summer. It is too hot to eat much, or much hot food that hasn't come off the grill. I've seen recipes for grilling pizza, but have not talked my dear into trying it.
So Saturday I got to make homemade pizza. It sure tastes good after not having it for a while.
Growing up we had it often on Saturday nights. I like having a night all planned out what to eat. And everyone will eat it.
I make 2 pizzas. One for the boys to share and one for the parents to share. Theirs has cheese and pepperoni, and ours has cheese, pepperoni, and half jalapenos and half green olives. Yum. The jalapenos are for for my dear, and I get the olive side.
This pizza is half decorated, made my dear stop putting on the cheese so I could snap a photo of such a delicious entree.
Eating green olives is my favorite since childhood. When we gathered with my mom's family there was always a bowl of green and black olives. I left the black alone, but would not stay away from the green.
This summer on our vacation I spent the afternoon and evening with my aunt and girl cousins. I had never seen such a big bowl of green olives. And my cousin would fill her plate with about 30 olives at a time (I noticed twice, if she did it more I did not see). Right then and there I knew I had been limiting myself and would not any more.
Now I eat olives. As I made supper the other night I thought it would be nice to munch some olives. I finished the jar. After placing the olives on the pizza above I ate some olives out of the new jar.
I think having olives in the fridge is going to have to become a necessity, much like milk.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Writing With the Littles
Last spring I was so nervous about teaching math. Which led me to reading a book over the summer and then I felt much better about my understanding of teaching math. And now math time is shaping up pretty well.
I don't feel like I did a good job teaching writing last year. I have never considered myself a writer. All summer long I saw reviews for the book No More, "I'm Done!" I was so busy with other books that I just didn't get around to it.
However, when I placed my recent Amazon order I stuck that book in my cart (it was only $15). When I finally opened it up to read I was trilled with the ideas and practical tips on how to teach writing to the little people who are just beginning to learn about sounds and words and punctuation.
We (my students, my aide and me) started writing in this manner on Monday. What a beautiful time in my room.
I start with a mini-lesson. Then we have a quiet ten minutes for writing (either drawing our ideas, or writing labels or sentences, or a combination of both). Next is time for conferencing, telling our stories and adding to our stories. We work all the way to lunch, which is often another 30 minutes. And they are truly working.
One day this week the mini lesson was reading part of a Richard Scary book. I showed how he draws lots of pictures, labels the pictures, and then writes a sentence about it. Then I modeled this drawing/writing and sent us (because EVERYONE writes during the quiet ten) off to write. I have a piece of classical music that is 9 minutes long, and we know that we are writing during the music and can talk and share when the music is off.
Stories were written about birthdays, castles, a trip to Paris, families, and me.
On Fridays our writing time is trumped by Art with the art teacher. One sweet little girl asked at lunch time when we were going to have our writing time (which had already passed). I explained that we won't have writing today because of having art. You should have seen the disappointment in her face. I said to her, "you must have had an idea in your head for what you wanted to write about today." She nodded yes.
Wow! Other kids were also disappointed. Yippee, I have helped to create a class that loves to write. Who would have ever thought that would happen? Not me. But it makes me so happy.
Now my task is to stay ahead of them and teach them and move them along in how they write. Better get back to that book today.
I don't feel like I did a good job teaching writing last year. I have never considered myself a writer. All summer long I saw reviews for the book No More, "I'm Done!" I was so busy with other books that I just didn't get around to it.
However, when I placed my recent Amazon order I stuck that book in my cart (it was only $15). When I finally opened it up to read I was trilled with the ideas and practical tips on how to teach writing to the little people who are just beginning to learn about sounds and words and punctuation.
We (my students, my aide and me) started writing in this manner on Monday. What a beautiful time in my room.
I start with a mini-lesson. Then we have a quiet ten minutes for writing (either drawing our ideas, or writing labels or sentences, or a combination of both). Next is time for conferencing, telling our stories and adding to our stories. We work all the way to lunch, which is often another 30 minutes. And they are truly working.
One day this week the mini lesson was reading part of a Richard Scary book. I showed how he draws lots of pictures, labels the pictures, and then writes a sentence about it. Then I modeled this drawing/writing and sent us (because EVERYONE writes during the quiet ten) off to write. I have a piece of classical music that is 9 minutes long, and we know that we are writing during the music and can talk and share when the music is off.
Stories were written about birthdays, castles, a trip to Paris, families, and me.
On Fridays our writing time is trumped by Art with the art teacher. One sweet little girl asked at lunch time when we were going to have our writing time (which had already passed). I explained that we won't have writing today because of having art. You should have seen the disappointment in her face. I said to her, "you must have had an idea in your head for what you wanted to write about today." She nodded yes.
Wow! Other kids were also disappointed. Yippee, I have helped to create a class that loves to write. Who would have ever thought that would happen? Not me. But it makes me so happy.
Now my task is to stay ahead of them and teach them and move them along in how they write. Better get back to that book today.
Monday, August 20, 2012
My Teacher Must Haves
Today I am linking with Blog Hoppin' for my Teaching Must Haves.
Actually this is a good topic, because I'm not quite sure what my must haves are. I change my mind, my schedule and how I do things to much that I wonder what I will write today.
Last year an aide that worked in my room said that she loved coming in my room. She never knew what to expect because each day may be different. And she was ok with that and liked that. She thought it meant that I was always learning and trying new things. I think it meant I was trying to survive my first year in general education.
Anyway, what are my must haves?
1. My composition notebook that has kept my notes, dreams, ideas about first grade since I learned last spring that I would teach first grade. I'm pretty sure I will make another one for next year, no matter what grade I teach. I love it.
2. Diet Rite. I've decided to go caffeine free (as much as I can), but I still like fizzy drinks at lunch.
3. My friends and coworkers to bounce ideas off and be silly with.
4. Professional books. Whatever is new to me or a classic. My newest I started reading on Saturday and I am HOOKED. It is
Actually this is a good topic, because I'm not quite sure what my must haves are. I change my mind, my schedule and how I do things to much that I wonder what I will write today.
Last year an aide that worked in my room said that she loved coming in my room. She never knew what to expect because each day may be different. And she was ok with that and liked that. She thought it meant that I was always learning and trying new things. I think it meant I was trying to survive my first year in general education.
Anyway, what are my must haves?
1. My composition notebook that has kept my notes, dreams, ideas about first grade since I learned last spring that I would teach first grade. I'm pretty sure I will make another one for next year, no matter what grade I teach. I love it.
2. Diet Rite. I've decided to go caffeine free (as much as I can), but I still like fizzy drinks at lunch.
3. My friends and coworkers to bounce ideas off and be silly with.
4. Professional books. Whatever is new to me or a classic. My newest I started reading on Saturday and I am HOOKED. It is
5. Hopefully soon I can say the iPods that will arrive shortly to my room. I want to put audio books on for "Listen to Reading," what else could I use them for?
Check out other Must Haves.
I think more may be added to my list.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Pencil Sharpener Woes
I'm in a new to me classroom this year. Love the windows. Love the space. Not loving the pencil sharpener.
Tuesday I decided I had better get on sharpening the pencils that go in the "Welcome" bags. Tried to use the electric pencil sharpener that came with the room. I plugged it in, turned it on and nothing. I tried several different outlets, and combinations of switch positions. Still nothing.
Then I went to the hand crank sharpener. It wouldn't even crank. Panic.
I was wishing I had ordered that fancy sharpener that has been all over blogland this summer. Bummer.
So, I trotted off to my old room and begged my friend to use her crank sharpener. It worked good enough. But 2 of the brand new pencils were 5 inches long when I got done sharpening. So disappointing when a brand new pencil gets "eaten" by the sharpener.
When I got home that night I got on my computer and ordered a lovely red pencil sharpener for my classroom. :)
I was expecting a long wait. It comes from Pennsylvania.
What a surprise in the mail on Saturday! A box from Classroom Friendly Supplies. I tore it open right away (not really, I used a knife to cut the packing tape, but you get the idea, I was excited).
Then I grabbed several of our sad pencils that were in our jar at home and decided to try it out. First time, I was disappointed. It wasn't working. (It or me?) Tried again. Still couldn't figure it out.
Next I decided to look for directions. None were included. Now what. This has GOT to work.
Oh, the thing pulls out, and then the gripper, and more stuff. Now I get it. The directions must be pretty confusing, so that is why there were none. But now I get it.
This sharpener is more of a demonstration to learn than follow written directions to learn.
See the uniform sharpness? Love it. No pencils were eaten during this learning process.
My son says "this is the best pencil sharpener ever. Definitely."
He is not kissing the pencil. He is blowing off the almost non-existant pencil shavings.
He is lobbying for a sharpener like this for home (or just him). And says that he will never use a different pencil sharpener again.
Now we are really ready for Back to School. Look at that marvelous row of perfectly sharpened pencils.
P.S. I have not been paid to say any of this.
P.P.S. Usually sharpening pencils gives me a sick feeling in my chest. The noise, the wonder what the pencil will look like when I am done. No more. This was even relaxing. I didn't have to think at all (once I learned).
Tuesday I decided I had better get on sharpening the pencils that go in the "Welcome" bags. Tried to use the electric pencil sharpener that came with the room. I plugged it in, turned it on and nothing. I tried several different outlets, and combinations of switch positions. Still nothing.
Then I went to the hand crank sharpener. It wouldn't even crank. Panic.
I was wishing I had ordered that fancy sharpener that has been all over blogland this summer. Bummer.
So, I trotted off to my old room and begged my friend to use her crank sharpener. It worked good enough. But 2 of the brand new pencils were 5 inches long when I got done sharpening. So disappointing when a brand new pencil gets "eaten" by the sharpener.
When I got home that night I got on my computer and ordered a lovely red pencil sharpener for my classroom. :)
I was expecting a long wait. It comes from Pennsylvania.
What a surprise in the mail on Saturday! A box from Classroom Friendly Supplies. I tore it open right away (not really, I used a knife to cut the packing tape, but you get the idea, I was excited).
Then I grabbed several of our sad pencils that were in our jar at home and decided to try it out. First time, I was disappointed. It wasn't working. (It or me?) Tried again. Still couldn't figure it out.
Next I decided to look for directions. None were included. Now what. This has GOT to work.
Oh, the thing pulls out, and then the gripper, and more stuff. Now I get it. The directions must be pretty confusing, so that is why there were none. But now I get it.
This sharpener is more of a demonstration to learn than follow written directions to learn.
See the uniform sharpness? Love it. No pencils were eaten during this learning process.
My son says "this is the best pencil sharpener ever. Definitely."
He is not kissing the pencil. He is blowing off the almost non-existant pencil shavings.
He is lobbying for a sharpener like this for home (or just him). And says that he will never use a different pencil sharpener again.
Now we are really ready for Back to School. Look at that marvelous row of perfectly sharpened pencils.
P.S. I have not been paid to say any of this.
P.P.S. Usually sharpening pencils gives me a sick feeling in my chest. The noise, the wonder what the pencil will look like when I am done. No more. This was even relaxing. I didn't have to think at all (once I learned).
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