Class Donations

We all know Dollar Tree is a teacher's best friend.  But when shopping at the Dollar Tree supplying a classroom can still be expensive!  The program I teach in went from unlimited ordering to $300.00 a classroom (tax and shipping comes out of that)!

With expenses being so high it's time to BEG!  There are several ways to go about this.  You can always try grants.  I have had 3 Donors Choose projects funded.  This is good for bigger items or items from a teacher supply store. Last year I got 3 personal CD players for my listening center.  The kids love these!  You can start the process at www.donorschoose.org.  I have also received Pets in the classroom grants the past 4 years and intend to apply again this year.  There are several options on their website.  The first year is a larger amount to get you started and get your pet all set up. Following years you can apply for sustaining grants to replenish supplies and replace pets if needed. Applications are available at  http://www.petsintheclassroom.org/.  These are just a few there are many more including some offered by local community organizations.

Another option for small items, like construction paper, class treats, glue sticks, etc is to ask parents.  I have done this several ways. One simple way is to send home a wish list.   I have also had a Giving Tree where I wrote the requested items on leaves.  The parents take a leaf and return the item. I have a wish list on the class webpage and also one at Classrooms by Walmart.  This is a new program where you can create lists for parents to view and purchase items.  You can find this at https://classrooms.walmart.com, This year I plan to ask parents to lend a "Helping Hand".  I will have  hands with the requested items for them to take at Open House and Back to School Night.  I created a pack for sale at TpT store with hands and Thank you note to thank parents for donating.  You can view this at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Donation-and-Thank-you-Pack-792737.

However you choose to supply your classroom, I hope you get lots of goodies!

Dollar Tree - July 13

I stopped at the Dollar Tree again today.  I found some magnetic buttons, now I need to think of a Pete the Cat activity to use them with! The kids love Pete the Cat!

Back to School Tips

I know you don't want to think about it, but...
Face reality summer is flying by way too quick, before you know it you'll be heading to school to set up your classroom!  Whether you're a veteran teacher, a new teacher or changing grade levels the beginning of school can be very stressful.  Here are a few tips and resources for organizing and managing your classroom.

#1 What do you want the class to look like?

• My class is The Byrd's Nest!
• I wanted my classroom to be colorful and cheerful, where there is a lot of interaction and a warm feeling.  Once you have a vision you can decide what you want it to look like.

#2 Make a Plan.

• What will you do before school starts? Will you call, send a post card or letter to introduce yourself? Does your school have an Open House?  What do parents need to know before school?

#3 First Impressions are lasting, so plan how you will greet students and their parents.

• Be yourself.
• Make the day fun!
• Get to know your students.
• Allow them time to get to know each other.

#4 Decide what your behavior expectations are.

• Read alouds are fun - David Goes to School by David Shannon is good for establishing routines.
• Let students be a part of rule setting.
• The Rules Rap by Dr. Jean is a great song for establishing rules.  http://www.drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2005/08_Aug/rulesRap.pdf
• Post rules for students to see.  Visual ones for young children.

#5 Practice expectations.

• Practice walking in the hall, playground expectations, moving from center to center, cleaning up or changing activities.
• Practice makes perfect and if you don't get this under control during first few weeks of school, it will be a long year!

#6 Be consistent with behavior expectations and consequences.

             

I have used several behavior plans. 

•  Currently I using Class Dojo, it's a website were students can earn points, both negative and positive. It's free to use, you can check it out here: http://www.classdojo.com/
• I have also used a Stoplight pocket chart, with stick for each student. 
• Whatever you use, be consistent!

#7 Take a tour

• Take a tour of the classroom and school.  Visit the office, cafeteria, playground, bathrooms, etc.

#8 Some favorite websites

• www.starfall.com
• http://www.crawfordthecat.com/
• http://drjean.org/
• http://www.literactive.com/Home/roadtoreading.asp
• http://www.abcya.com/
• http://adventuretofitness.com/

More Inquiry Resources

Great blog post about using science notebooks with Inquiry lessons. Also includes step by step directions for Inquiry lessons!

NCAEE - It's Elementary!: Inquiring Minds Want to Know
ncaee.blogspot.com
http://www.ncaee.blogspot.com/2013/07/scienceinquiry.html


This has some printables to use.  I didn't explore this one too much.
http://smarterscience.youthscience.ca/

Measuring with Jack and The Beanstalk

Thought I share something I used in class this year.  After reading Jack and the Beanstalk we were working on measurement.  I found a letter on Pinterest and adapted for my use.  I made a recording sheet to go with it and several templates of the Giant's footprint.  Student then found things that were longer, shorter and the same length as the Giant's footprint.  Were their measurement exact? No, of course not!  Did they get the idea of measurement? Yes, they did!  With more practice their measuring will be more precise!  Here's a link to my measurement pack TpT 
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Giants-Footprint-Measuring-Pack-735847

Just found this post about bean counters on Dr. Jean's site.  This would be a great non-standard measurement tool for this activity!  

Read more about bean counters at:  http://drjean.org/html/monthly_act/act_2011/03_Mar_css/pg05.html