I can't believe that I only have one day left of student teaching. Now comes the stress of looking for a job. I'm hopeful, but also realistic that budget cuts may prevent me from finding a full time position for next year. I'm really hoping to be able to drop my resume off with some principals in the next few weeks before school lets out.
Alright, back to what I wanted to share.
First, I wanted to share the picture of my award that I received. I blogged about finding out that I was nominated and won the award a few weeks ago. I went to Louisville with my dad on Tuesday afternoon for the awards ceremony and snapped this picture on the way home.
Next, I uploaded a new document to TpT. A lot of people have been buying and liking our Turn Over Cards. I chose to make a set that has students convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions. I think these sets could be used in a fourth, fifth, or sixth grade classroom. Click the picture below to head over to the product page for more information.
Last, I wanted to share the small gifts I put together for my kiddos in my first grade class. I bought sidewalk chalk at the Dollar Tree and then put two pieces of chalk in each sandwich bag. I then attached this cute little poem that I found through Pinterest. Each child will receive one bag with the poem and two pieces of sidewalk chalk. {Click here to go to the post with the free poem download.} I also purchased some popsicles to enjoy during our outdoor recess tomorrow.
It has been a long, but good week. I'm joining in with Doodlebugs Teaching for Five for Friday again this week.
1 - First up, I had my solo week for my second placement this week.... Man am I tired. (But on one note, one of the little cuties went to my cooperating teacher and asked if she was going to teach again. When she said yes, he looked at her and said "Oh darn" {melts my heart}).
2 - We started our study on plants this week. I made a need/have/give anchor chart with the students over the course of a couple of days. They surprised me by how much they already knew about plants. They came up with everything on the chart, with a little guidance that plants need space.
Here's a picture of the chart we made: (if you click on the picture, it takes you to the blog that I was inspired by - found through Pinterest)
Here's a video I used to help students remember the parts of a plant. I also made up some movements for the students to use this song as a brain/movement break during our Daily 5. I found this video on none other than Pinterest.
Here's another video I used to help students remember the needs of a plant. The kids had fun singing this song and repeating it over and over again.
The last video we watched was a recording of The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. Someone has uploaded a video of the book pages with the audio of someone reading the text. We used this video to introduce how seeds travel - wind, water, people/animals.
We wrapped up the week by planting marigold seeds for the students to observe the growth of a plant. We also watched the Magic School Bus Gets Planted Video on Discovery Education.
3 - In math, we worked on geometry. We talked about defining attributes and non-defining attributes. We made an anchor chart of 2-D shapes.
We also talked about the differences between polygons and non-polygons. We did a shape sort to create an anchor chart about polygons and non-polygons. I had some shapes sorted on the anchor chart prior to the lesson and had students help me figure out the rules/attributes I used to sort. I wrote the attributes as they were mentioned. I also told students that I remembered that I sorted the shapes into polygon and non-polygon categories and wrote those titles at the top of the chart. Then, all students were given a shape to determine where it belonged on the chart under the polygons or the non-polygons section.
We also used marshmallows and toothpicks to build shapes. Thanks to TpT, I found a fun handout for students to record their shape during the lesson. Click the picture below to go to the TpT freebie.
4 - We had our circus day in first grade. The kids had a blast! We made clown hats using images found on Google and long strips of construction paper. We read circus books. We completed math and literacy centers from my Circus Themed Math and Literacy Centers.
5 - The last thing I'd like to share is not school related. I have enjoyed watching my little brother play baseball recently. He's a senior in high school who starts for the baseball team. He has recently set a record for the most triples during the high school career at our high school. Last season, he set the single season record for triples. To say I'm a proud big sister is an understatement.
Whew, I was long-winded today. I'm glad you made it through that long post.
As promised, I have updated the fonts and formatting on the three common core math assessment packs that are posted in our TpT store. I have reposted these assessments, and notified everyone that has purchased the packs since their original listing. Currently, I have assessment packs for kindergarten, first grade, and third grade math common core available. I'm still working on fourth grade and hope to get both fourth and fifth grade posted prior to summer break (so, before June 1). Click the pictures below to be taken to items available for purchase.
I am willing to give one of each assessment pack away to someone who follows our blog, follows our TpT store, and leaves a comment with their name, email, and which assessment pack they would like a copy of (K, 1, or 3).
Boy, oh boy... This spring break has absolutely flown by. I can't believe we go back to school in a few days... Anyway, I'm linking up with Doodlebugs Teaching for Five for Froday again this week.
1 - First up, we loved the Daily 5 workshop last weekend, and would recommend to anyone considering going. I can't wait to get my own classroom to implement some of the wonderful things I learned at this workshop. I have to say, The Sisters make you laugh and truly enjoy your experience at the conference.
2 - We haven't shared this with too many people, but after the conference we had some sad times in our house. We made the tough decision to put our 16 year old dog down on Monday. I never knew how attached I'd be, and truly how much she impacted our family. We miss her, but she's in a much better place now.
3 - I spent the week doing pretty much nothing, and it was excellent. I did finish my lesson plans for my solo week, and emailed my cooperating teacher and supervisor about lessons they'll be observing next week.
4 - I looked into applying for positions within my school district, but can't apply quite yet since I haven't graduated. This is probably a good thing since my résumé is nowhere near up to date or ready to submit for a job application. Does anyone have any suggestions for a first year teacher's résumé to help them get hired? Any help is appreciated!
5 - Last, but not least, I have decided to go in and reformat my Common Core Math Assessments. Currently, I have them posted for kindergarten, first grade, and third grade. I have been working on fourth grade, but have come to "writer's block" and can't seem to finish. I have gone back and reformatted with newly found fonts and graphics. I hope to repost the current common core math assessments this weekend and take down the old documents. Be on the lookout for an update when the assessments are updated!
Over the weekend, we went to Chicago to attend the Daily 5 workshop. It. Was. Wonderful... We went with Sarah's second grade team. We had a blast. Here is a picture of us, with The Sisters, and Flat Longhorn (the mascot at Sarah's school).
Even though it is spring break, we are both still working hard on things for school. I am working on lesson plans and items to post to TpT. Sarah has completed her lesson plans and is now working on stuff for grad school.
I can't believe it's already April 10 - that means I only have two more weeks of student teaching after spring break. And then it's graduation. Then, I'll be looking for a full time position for next school year.
Our schools aren't on spring break until next week. So this week cannot end soon enough.
To help with my boredom before spring break, I have been busy creating a few freebies for you. The first is a buzzing about math packet with three worksheets that are common core aligned. These sheets come in a PDF file. Click any of the three sheets below to be taken to the download.
I also worked on some posters to go along with Daily 5 and CAFE. These posters are not endorsed by the Sisters. I created a set with monster graphics for my cooperating teacher. I also created a set with bug graphics and a set with bee graphics for other teachers on the first grade team at my placement school. Click on the pictures below to grab these freebies.
I hope you enjoy these freebies! Please wish me luck as I work on finishing this long week before spring break!
