Organization

In my past 6 years I have always struggled with keeping extra copies of work for those that need one.  In the past I have always kept a few extras in a hanging file folder by subject.  If a student needed another copy for some reason, they would look in the extra folders. 

I am continuing this practice, but have added another idea.  I make a digital copy of my daily work and then staple 1 copy of each assignment or activity we did that day.  This includes tests, field trip notes, etc.  I have a basket on my desk that I keep the packets in.  It is very neat and very easy to find past work.  If for some reason someone lost a whole day, or week, or whatever the reason is, it's all right there. 

It has saved me lots of time running back and forth on my lunch break trying to get a copy here and there.  I will definitely do this again next year.

Interesting Resource

 I came across an interesting resource.  I haven't fully explored the website, but I've seen a couple of the things.  It's called GoNoodle.  It is a brain break website for classrooms.  You have to register, but it is free.  I have watched a couple of the dance/aerobic type brain breaks.  My students have really liked using the few that I've used.

Here is the link:

https://www.gonoodle.com/

Book Clubs

I have a huge passion for books and reading.  About 6 years ago I decided to start a book club collection.  I order books off of my Scholastic Book Club every month for my collection.  I order the 1 dollar books and then save up my coupons and order more expensive ones as well.  I have over 100 titles in my book club selection.  I have 6 copies of each title.

In the earlier grades many teachers do book clubs.  Most have parents that come in to run to reading club time.  Since my students are a little older I decided to try it without parents.  I began by grouping my kids into fluency alike, and interest alike groups.  This went very well.

In my selection, I have books from a 1st grade level up to 8th grade level.  I allow the groups to pick a book with a little monitoring from me.  I help pick books around their reading levels and offer selections that I think will be motivating.

One thing that I have changed this year is the size of my clubs.  Previously I have had 3 - 5 students in a group.  I have seen that they have a more difficult time agreeing on a book with a larger group.  This year I made my groups with 2 - 4 students.  The selection process is going better already.

During book club time I just have the kids read.  Reading for pleasure is the main purpose of my clubs.  I want the students to read great books for fun.  I don't give them tests, worksheets, or any other thing that they have to do.  Instead I just watch them enjoy books.  Once in awhile I have them to an in class project that is related to a skill that we are working on.  A recent example is a cause and effect assignment with their books.

The students value this time very much.  They often ask if they can read extra.  I currently have 2 groups of girls that go to the library during lunch to keep reading their books.  It's a great thing for me to add to my day if we have an extra 10 minutes here and there.  I love my book clubs!

Reading Genres

Every month I assign a different reading genre.  My intention is that I will expand my students' ideas of what they love to read.  In the beginning of the year I always get a little grumping from parents and students.  By October or November I usually get feedback that the students have found another type of genre that they love to read.  I started in September with realistic fiction.  October was mystery, and November is historical fiction.

In the beginning of October I brought a bunch of Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Scooby Doo, A to Z Mysteries, Calendar Club, etc. books to our circle.  I did  a book talk on the different types of books.  Then I allowed them to select a book of mine, or one of their own.  I provided time in class to read that mystery book.  I was very happy to see that most loved the books!

Now that it is November, I went to the library and got about 60 Dear America books.  I went through all of the titles and did the same selection procedure.  One of my boys read his book 2 times this weekend.  He was starting for the third time yesterday, so I dug through the pile and we found another.  There are so many different subjects.  He is reading the war books.

It's very fun to motivate them to read.  In fact today I gave them the choice of iPad time or their realistic fiction books.  Many chose the books!

Grouping Strategies

I have been trying to use different grouping strategies this year.  In the years past I have used a few grouping strategies and repeated them over the year.  It feels a little boring when I do pairings that the students have done before.

I have found that different grouping strategies take very little time to prepare and are motivating for the students.  I also notice that the students are less likely to respond negatively when they find their partner when using these fun strategies.

One strategy that I used was an idea I found on Pinterest.  I picked up 30 paint chip samples from a local paint store.  I picked 2 each of 15 different colors.  When I needed the students to form into working groups I had them draw a paint chip from a basket.  Then along with their reading book, they traveled around the room until they found the matching color paint chip.  Then they read together with their partner!

Another grouping strategy I used was the same process, but different items on the cards.  I googled monster images and then printed 2 of each kind of monster.  The students found their moster alike card to begin working in groups.

I continue to keep finding more ways to group students.  The possibilities are endless!

Triumphs and Challenges - Entry 1

My challenge this week is a small number of kids who don't hand in their work on time or at all.  I have homework charts, involve Special Ed. teachers, and use a planner.  The problem is that even with me or another teacher handwriting a note home and attaching homework each night, this does not mean that the completed work will get into the basket the next morning. 

I came up with a homework book for those that need a little more monitoring.  I use a word document that I have saved on my computer for students who miss work.  I just fill it out and print it for as many as are missing.  I decided to also use this for a daily record of work completion. 

I made a book using a three ring binder and I print off assignments that are due.  Then I have the students who need the help hand all of their work in on  my desk in their own basket.  At the beginning and end of the day, we go through this basket and check off in the book that all assignments are in.  It is easier for me than to go through all of my other papers or work looking for just a couple. 

I just started this week, so we will see in a couple weeks how this is working.  Here is what it looks like...

Since I referenced my homework sheet, I'll use that for my other positive thing.  I type in the assignments given and then print them off for each absent student.  Then I staple the homework on the sheet and write the date on the front.  This is a very clean and tidy way for the students to come back to their missing work.  It helps me because I don't have to hand write a note for several that are absent.  It also helps focus them on where to start with the work.  Here is what it looks like...

Another thing that is going well is a way I have motivated my students to read chapter books.  I gave each student a piece of paper and had them decorate it with their name.  Then I put the names inside my cupboard doors.  Each time they finish a book, the student and I have a really short book chat so I know they read it. Then they place a post it note by their name.  They are so excited to use post it notes!  At first I was worrying myself with how long the book was, or other things.  Then I realized... who cares - they are reading!!!!    Here is a picture of one of the cupboards.  These are the chapter books read by two students.  Remember it's only October!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writing Idea

Earlier in the year I wrote a letter to my students introducing myself in detail.  I typed the letter, but addressed them individually to each student.  I told them things that I thought they could relate to, such as a story about my dog and what I like to do in my free time.

Then I gave my students time to reply.  I was pleasantly surprised when they kept asking for more time.  The letters that I received back far exceeded my expectations.  One of the letters is 4 notebook pages long!  In reading the letters I got a good look into what is important to each student.  I also realized that I found a very motivating writing assignment.  With this success, I will be adding these letters to their writing folders.

I am now thinking of times where I could extend this idea.  Maybe I will try it again after winter break or other times where I know everyone would have a sizable amount of time to write about.