Edmodo for Small Groups

     Tonight I'm trying to work on things that take my mind off the fact that I start school in a week and my new school building isn't open yet. To stay calm, I've decided to get all of my internet spaces cleaned up and ready for the new crew. I'm not sure how many of you are using Edmodo, but it is awesome. I've used it with my 5th graders for a few years now, and I'm really starting to see some of the possibilities. I love that I can invite students to certain "groups." This makes it so easy to keep content focused for each group.

     This past year, I used Edmodo to make a district mandated world cultures research project a bit more interesting. Students were in teams to find research on their chosen culture. Then I set those teams up on Edmodo. 

 

Once students received their invite code, I asked them to share information they found on their edmodo page. The kids really enjoyed it. Here is a sample of some of the things the students shared. 

Some of the groups even started sharing as if they were members of that culture. The kids said this was the best part of the project. I have to admit, I did too. My email was flooded with their updates and posts, but I didn't mind. It was great to see them so excited to find resources! 

In addition to the groups, I like to subscribe to RSS feeds for the different groups. My math group has a problem of the day come through, reading has word of the day, etc. My small reading groups also have assignments posted for workstations.  I also like that I can join teacher groups and learn new ideas for the classroom. Does anyone else use Edmodo? I'm hoping to use this so much more this year, and I need some fresh ideas. Especially since I'm going insane waiting to see my new room!

Who's In For Recess?

Every day of my teaching life I have been playing, "Who gets to go out for recess today?" about 5 minutes before it's time to head out. You would think that after 9 years in this profession I would get tired of the frustration and chaos that surrounds me as I do it. There were days we were so late because I couldn't find my clip board to check who owed me nonsocial recess (kids may have to be active at recess, but they sure don't have to be social). This year I have vowed to keep calm and plan for recess.

I'll use it just like those behavior management systems floating around out in cyberland. Names on clothespins, everyone starts out on "I'm ready", and as things happen throughout the day ( i.e. no homework, behavior, etc.) the kids can just move their clip. This will be posted at the door, so I can just call the names to line up. 

Fingers crossed that it will work! Oh, if you like it, click {here} for the FREE download. Be sure to leave me a comment if you do. 

Math Makeover

    Since I'll be flying solo this year, I've been giving a lot of thought to how I want to teach. The subject that is consuming most of my thoughts is math. I am in need of a serious math makeover. 

     My teaching partner and I have simultaneously taught math for the past 4 years. Each year we brainstormed new ways to reach all of our learners. We use interactive notebooks, brain based learning, the standards and the district mandated curriculum; the list goes on and on. Still something wasn't right. We sometimes felt like bad stand-up comics when we were teaching. *crickets*I tried to figure out the source of the problem; little background knowledge; tired after lunch; too close to recess; How about d.) none of the above? They're BORED! Bound by standards and a curriculum that doesn't match, it's nerve-wracking to disseminate so much information and hope for the best.

       Thus the need for my makeover. My dream is that the students have some huge problem to solve throughout each unit. I want to integrate other subjects if possible, but if I could at least get math and ELA standards in, I'll be happy. I want my students to WANT to learn the math so they can complete their task. I want them to be excited and engaged, and I feel like the "notes, process, extended thinking activity" way just isn't cutting it. The students are consistently coming into 5th grade with less and less FIRM background knowledge, so I need a spark. I've been obsessing over this for weeks now. 

      Fast forward to today. I've been tied to Teachers Pay Teachers for the past 4 days, and I came across Wise Guys. They are my new heroes. They have some of the very units I've been thinking about. They are going to help me turn my makeover dreams into a reality for now. First on my list to buy is the Problem Solving Design Zoo Math Challenge Common Core Standards.  Check it out if you have some time. I think my kids will love it! 

     If you know of any other resources, let me know! Until then, I'll be glued to the computer!

 

Classroom Help!

Starting this school year is producing more anxiety than any other year of teaching. Here's the scenario; teaching with a co-teacher for 8 years, moving to a new building, in a classroom ALONE, new building hasn't opened yet, I might have 2 days to move in to my new room before school starts. I'M FREAKING OUT! 

I've never really had a theme or lots of decorations in my room because it's just never been high on the priority list when there are two people sharing a room. We were lucky to fit all of our stuff in it. Now, however, I want to add my own touch to my new room, but I have no idea where to start. I don't even know what my new room looks like! Any ideas or help out there? Anyone else feeling the same?

I Love Etsy!

This is completely unrelated to my own teaching, but it may help some parents or preschool teachers out there: In a few weeks my 2 year old will be starting preschool, so I was asked to bring a nap mat sheet. Since I couldn't find any in stores, I started scouring the internet. My search proved to be fruitless, as all I could find were polyester blend white sheets that were ridiculously overpriced once shipping was calculated. I knew I had one hope though...Etsy; And boy did I find the perfect cover. I was so thankful that Cindi at SewManySheets  was able to hand craft one for me. It is beautiful and 100% cotton. The best part is I paid less for it than the others I came across online. If you're looking for one, definitely check out what Cindi has to offer. She has the most adorable pillow case dresses as well!

Gifts for my new students

For my daughter's 2nd birthday, I wanted to add just a small personal touch, so I decided to make some water bottle labels. I searched for them online, but I was shocked at the price. So here was my attempt at DIY water bottle labels. I made them as a Word document, and then just cut out the labels and taped them to the water bottles with clear packing tape. I was impressed with the end result.

 

 I started thinking about some new and inexpensive welcome gifts for my students and this is what I had in mind. I figured I could add each student's name and place them on the desks for the first day of school.

Click here to download the word document for free

Newbie Blogger

Okay, so I finally worked up the courage to try out this whole blogging thing. Like many of the blog authors I've followed, I've been thinking, "What could I possibly have to offer?" After reading the posts from so many teachers out there, I realized we all have so many different ways of thinking, and maybe I do have something to give back. So, here's my first step out into the world of sharing my craft of teaching.