Monday, July 29, 2013

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Roll Out the Red Carpet... We Are Going to Hollywood!

I am so excited to have finally finished my Hollywood reading and writing workshop unit! This unit is so much fun for the kids and for the teachers. I'm planning on starting it the second week of school, so I will post lots of pictures and ideas. The unit teaches the 2nd grade character standard as well as narrative writing. Also, if you are a Georgia 2nd grade teacher, we will be teaching the Georgia historic figures as "Georgia Stars". I also will incorporate a movie making aspect to the unit as well. The parents always love coming for the "Movie Premier" and see thier kids win "Oscars"! 



If you are interested, you can grab the unit here!

I Was So Close...

I almost did it... I almost survived the month of July without buying school supplies! Oh how the primary colored displays and crisp new notebooks call out to me... Buy me! Buy me! Well, I really did make it until yesterday. But I do have to say once I let loose I went a little crazy! 
Here are some of my buys:
Is this cute or what? It is a vinyl curtain from Ikea ($14)! We can't hang curtains, so I'm not sure what it's purpose is going to be, but I just couldn't leave the store without it!
Speaking of IKEA... I also couldn't leave the store without this orange polka dot rug. The best part is that it was only $19! 
My next stop was Hobby Lobby for this really cute chevron fabric. I can't wait to see my bulletin boards this year! 
Last but not least... Mod Podge! Why? I don't know, I just thought I needed it. Maybe one of my crafty friends will teach me how to use it! 
(Hint, hint Mrs. Bell)

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Who Dunnit?

Imagine a crime scene in your classroom... Now that would totally get 2nd graders ready to learn! Here is a preview of my Detective/Mystery Unit study. Use questioning and inferring strategies to make your kids active learners. Check out this fingerprint analysis activity!
If you are interested in the unit, get it here! And don't forget to check back for updates... While teaching it I'm sure I will be adding tons of more materials and classroom examples! 

Monday, July 22, 2013

What is your classroom management method?

My instructional coach introduced me to this amazing website called ClassDojo. It's a behavior management system all online! The students are able to earn points with positive character traits (and take away points for not so great character). Instead of passing out points, or bucks, or whatever system you might use, the kids hear a "ding" from the computer or see it on the interactive board. Better yet, it will send parents an email weekly with a behavior update. But just wait... the best part of all is that it has an app! Yes, an app that you can download to your smartphone or ipad to update behavior points instantly! Can't you see yourself walking down the hallway passing out points for good behavior?
If you are like me and think this is the greatest invention since spam, just click the link here and get started!

Roller Coaster Unit!

I've been working, working, working on a new roller coaster unit for my upcoming 2nd graders. I'm really excited about my attempt at fully integrating project based learning and what it will do for my little learners. Here is a vocabulary poster for the new unit:

Be sure to check out my tpt store here for the unit in a few days! 

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Candy Experiment on the First Day? Is she CRAZY?

I've been getting so excited for the first week of second grade! I'm so pumped that my first days of school will involve candy and experiments! I know... I know... I must be crazy, but it will be memorable!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Binder Covers Anyone?

What teacher doesn't have a million binders? I made some cute binder covers in polka dot and chevron to help keep us organized! Just add your initals or subject area. I even got some team spirit and included a red and black UGA cover and my favorite ORANGE and BLUE Auburn colors. Hope you enjoy the freebie! Binder cover freebie

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Are you ready for... Back to school?

I feel like I've been running around like crazy preparing to go back to the second grade classroom! I love second grade, but you know how it is changing grade levels... My most recent creation is labels. I LOVE labels! I will have labels in all different sizes ready "just in case". Here are some chevron labels I've been working on:

Here's a link to the chevron primary colors labels freebie: chevronwriteonlabelsavery5163