Happy New Year!!!

 

2012 was a great year. I learned a lot about things that work and things that don’t. I decided to make things easier on myself (and consequently more fun for the kids), by implementing more technology in my teaching! It was scary at first, but I realized it really saves time and it’s more engaging for them.

First of all, rather than paper journals, the kids are using “Kid Blog” to record their thoughts and feelings. Let’s face it. Blogging is the new journaling anyway.

Next, I’ve been using www.spellingcity.com for my students to practice and take their spelling tests. There are lots of activities they can do on “Spelling City” to learn the words – meaning, pronunciation AND spelling. It’s fun for them and a quick and easy grade for me!

Last (but not least), I have been allowing my students time to practice their typing skills on “Type to Learn”. They need practice typing. Too many of them STILL hunt and peck on the keyboard! AHHHH!!!!

I hope 2013 brings lots of excitement and wonder into your classrooms and your hearts. We’re starting our research projects. So be looking for some research lessons soon. In the meantime, check out a figurative language lesson, get your students’ papers organized into a ELAR notebook, or get ideas on how to use literacy stations by going to:

Teacher’s-Pay-Teacher’s Store:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/I-Heart-Middle

-and-

Teacher’s Notebook Shop:

http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/IHEARTMIDDLE

I have New Year’s Sales going on NOW!!!!

 

 

Check out the HUGE Turkey-Sized Sale!

HUGE Thanksgiving Sale!!!

Thanksgiving

Hello, Thanksgiving!

We spent the past 2 days making "Thankful Turkeys". On each feather, they listed something for which they have to be thankful. At first, they struggled to come up with more than a handful of things. Then, when I reminded how fortunate they are to have all the luxuries they do, they began to think of things I hadn't even considered! One little girl said, "Love." I hadn't thought of love. Perfect.

We are writing one major paper per 6 weeks. The 1st 6 weeks we wrote a personal narrative. The 2nd was a persuasive essay. Now that we're into the 3rd 6 weeks, they're writing a reflective paper, in which they'll respond to literature they are reading in Reading class. They will be asked to make emotional connections to the conflicts in the story and how they connect to the characters.

We have barely begun our literacy station transitions. The students seem to enjoy the various activities and frequent changes throughout the class period, and it gives us (teachers) the opportunity to conference with each student about their writing and other skills for which they need extra attention.

I'll share how they are going in a few days, once we're worked through the kinks. I think it's going to be a great thing!

Happy Turkey-Eating!

Enjoy Teacher's Notebook sale (below) and combine it with mine to receive:

55% off!!!!



55% off Teacher's Notebook Sale!




!<iframe width="220" height="320" frameborder="0" src="http://www.teachersnotebook.com/widget/IHEARTMIDDLE/sale"></iframe>

2nd 6 Weeks

Well, the 1st 6 Weeks if officially behind us! I feel a sense of relief. It was rocky. Now, going into the 2nd 6 Weeks, I know my students' names, where they sit, what period they're in, etc. I am learning their strengths and weaknesses. I can tell a sub who he/she can count on for help and to whom "special attention" is required.

Suggestion: I have made file folders on my desk. They are color-coded and labeled for quick and easy access. I have a file folder with my SpEd students' names. They have a Hall Pass for Content Mastery that these kids can use when they need extra help on a test/assignment. I have a different folder with rosters for each of my classes. I have another that holds all the bell schedules for specified events. These are also color-coded. For instance, on early release days, we have an adjusted bell schedule for dismissing at noon, and on assembly days, the bell schedule is adjusted a little differently. It's good to have these printed and ready.

I just created a figurative language item on TpT and TN. It has notes for the different types and 2 worksheets with answer keys. Grab 'em now!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Notes-and-Worksheets

http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/IHEARTMIDDLE/figurative-language-notes-and-worksheets

Happy Teaching!

The 1st 6 Weeks is Fading...

It's not in my rearview mirror yet, but it's fading.... FAST!
I have gotten my feet wet in this new school, and we're off and running. My students and I have learned our new surroundings, and we're getting into a routine.
We started out the year by reviewing the parts of speech and re-visiting the writing steps. We are now working on making our sentences a little more complex, so that our personal narratives are not choppy. They flow nicely and tie ideas together with good transitional words.

I'm working on a lesson that provides rubrics and checklists for self-evaluation and peer-editing. Be looking for it in the nexr few days!!! In the meantime, check out some of the graphic organizers I have in my TpT Store & T.N. Shop!

Now, I need to get to work on my literacy stations! AHHH!!!

Happy Teaching!

Falling For Fall

Cooler temps, rain, falling leaves...they are all signs that change is near, and it gives me a burst of energy! I can already see visions of candy corn and pumpkin goodies dancing in my head!

I need to get in my attic and pull out all my Fall decorations to get me inspired to create some fun, Autumn lessons!

While I work on those, check out these FREE flahscards I made on www.Quizlet.com to review those Latin and Greek Roots and Affixes!

Latin Roots:
http://quizlet.com/13637382/familiarize/embedv2/?hideLinks

Greek Roots:
http://quizlet.com/13637636/familiarize/embedv2/?hideLinks

Latin and Greek Prefixes:
http://quizlet.com/13638462/familiarize/embedv2/?hideLinks

Latin and Greek Suffixes:
http://quizlet.com/13639035/familiarize/embedv2/?hideLinks

My TpT Store:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/I-Heart-Middle

 -or-

My Teacher's Notebook Shop:
www.http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/IHEARTMIDDLE


Grab "Roots and Affixes Bingo","Back-to-School Forms and ELAR Activities" and "Things I Learned the Hard Way: Classroom Management Ideas..." to review those back-to-school objectives and MORE!!!

Happy Teaching!

Back to School!

Hi, Teacher Friends!

I'm back at work...at a new campus...in a new school district...and I LOVE IT!!!

My students are so super cute, and I adore them already! They want to give hugs, and they are helpful and respectful. It's heaven! I know we're in the honeymoon phase, but I hope it stays this way! :)

I've had very little time to create new lessons, but I have been putting to use my station rotation schedule that I have on TpT and T.N. I also plan to use my ELAR student notebooks item, and I've used lots of stuff from my Classroom Management product to get my classroom organized. I hope you can use these! They saves lots of time and energy down the road!

Link to my Teachers-Pay-Teachers Store:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/I-Heart-Middle

Link to my Teacher's Notebook Shop:

http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/IHEARTMIDDLE

Don't forget the Roots and Affixes Bingo game! I'll be using that in a few days to review my students:

http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/IHEARTMIDDLE/roots-and-affixes-bingo

Good luck this year!!!!

Happy Teaching!
Brande :)