Monday Made It: Teacher Binder Information Sheets

I'm linking up for Monday Made It with 4th Grade Frolics.  

                                                    


My plan for this Monday didn't happen as I had intended.  I woke up this morning with a dental emergency!  I had to start my day off at the dentist's office... not my idea of a good time!

I had to switch up my plan for today's Monday Made It.  What is it they say about the best laid plans?  I decided to work on some of the informational sheets that I will use in my teacher binder this year.

In Massachusetts, we have teacher evaluations that are based on standards.  I'm in the process of creating easy to use forms to help me with keeping track of evidence for these standards.  Do you have a similar evaluation system?

You can purchase a set of my informational sheets at my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

This product features an easy to use forms for any teacher!
You'll find:
-  Communication Log -- keep track of contact with parents
            **My plan is to put one for each student in my teacher binder.  I found great tab sticky notes at
                 Target for $1!
-  TEAM Meeting -- record notes from any grade level, IEP, Data or Staff meeting for future reference
-  Student Information Sheet -- parents fill out pertinent information for your quick reference
-  Accommodations At A Glance -- record information from a student's IEP, 504 or CAP for easy use
-  To Do List - 2 versions of a to do list, sticky notes fit in each box
         ** I put this page in a page protector at the front of my binder.  It helps me to stay on top of my to do
              list!

I'd love any feedback about the product!

Some Thoughts for New Teacher Thursday

Yesterday, I went to my local teacher store to pick up a few things for the upcoming school year... this was the earliest I have EVER been.  My student teacher from last year (who has been hired as a teacher at another elementary school in town... lucky them!) asked me to help her with what she really needed.

Not to brag, but I'm kind of an expert on being a new teacher.  Haha.. I've actually taught 1st through 4th and even though I wasn't a brand new teacher with each move, it felt like I was in some ways.

So I remember that feeling of being so excited that I finally had a classroom, but also being so overwhelmed by what I really needed for my classroom... one of everything??

I spent some time brainstorming what I think are some important things for new teachers to consider.  Remember to give yourself a break!  You don't need to do it all in the first year.  

What New Teachers Might Need:

o Mailbox System

o  What will you use? 

§  Traditional mailbox system

§  Shoe storage (This is what I use because it is sturdier than the cardboard)

§  File box

o Organization System

o  Daily folders or bins or drawers

o  Master copies:  binders or folders?

o  Will you use a file cabinet?

o Plan book

o  Buy or create yourself (PowerPoint, Word)

§  I love creating my plan book myself.  This way you don’t have to rewrite your schedule in and you can tailor it to fit your needs. 

§  Will you make a teacher binder?  Definitely worth the effort!  I’m tweaking mine soon, I’ll update you on the newest version!

o Grade book

o  Buy or create yourself (PowerPoint, Word)

§  Again, I create my own grade book.  I don’t have to rewrite the students’ names.  I can set it up any way that I want. 

o Theme or rotate seasonal decorations:  Will you have a set theme for the year or will you change it depending on the season?

o  Monthly calendar for room (will you do this?)

§  date cards for calendar

o  Schedule cards:  pocket chart or on board?

o  Borders

o  Bulletin board paper

o  Accents

o  Bulletin board displays

o  Letters for bulletin board

o  Nameplates

o  Labels for hallway hooks or lockers

o  Job chart

o  Pocket charts?

o Discipline/Classroom Management plan

o  Whole class? 

o  Individual? 

o  Small group?

o Communication with parents

o  Daily binder?

o  And/or weekly binder?

o  Find a way to communicate the positive as well as concerns

o Supplies

o  What does your school have available?

o  You will always need:  glue sticks, pencils, erasers, scissors, folders

o Sub folder/binder/tub

o  Make sure that a colleague knows how to find it

o Plan for arranging desks

o  Groups?  Rows? 

o  How often will you change it? 

§  I always change at the beginning of the month.  This doesn’t mean that I won’t move someone that needs it. 

o IEP Accommodations Cheat Sheet

o Will you have another adult in the classroom? 

o  What space do you have that can be theirs?

o  Will you set aside supplies for them?

§  I have created Teacher Toolkits in my classroom.  These are two caddies specifically with supplies for teachers in my classroom.  

What do you think new teachers need?    

My First Monday Made It

I'm so excited to be doing my very first Monday Made It with 4th Grade Frolics!                                            

                                            

I haven't gotten into making stuff for school quite yet... I have about 6 weeks of vacation left.  So I decided to take on an easier project for my first Monday Made It.


Last year I typed up lyrics for songs that the kids liked, and printed them on neon cardstock.  This year I am remaking the lyrics.  I used Powerpoint and I created Wordart for the lyrics.

Then, I printed them on the full sheet labels...one of my favorite products!!  Now I'm mounting them on black cardstock... another one of my favorite products.

Now I'm off to cut and stick!  No pasting and no taping!  

How was your Monday Made It?  

First Teachers Pay Teachers Freebie!

It's here....

My very first Teachers Pay Teachers product!   I've created Rock Star bookmarks that feature grade levels on each bookmark.  They are in color (as seen below) or black and white for easy printing.  Grab one for yourself while they are free!

Thanks!  I'm hoping to add more to my store soon  :)

New Teacher Thursday: Classroom Theme Ideas

Having a classroom theme is a great way to tie everything together in your room.  I've been teaching for 9 years now, but I've only had a classroom theme for the last 5.

When I first started teaching I didn't know about classroom themes when I first started out.

When I went to the teacher store to set-up my first classroom, I was too overwhelmed by all of the choices.  Does that happen to you?  I love teacher stores, but it can be very hard to make a choice about decorating when you get your first job.  You just feel so excited and eager to start...  I wanted everything that I saw in the store.  My room ended up being a hodge podge of themes, and most of it was seasonal.  Having a seasonal theme puts the pressure on you to change things often.  It wasn't until I saw a colleague's themed classroom that I realized the possibilities.

I started with a sports theme for the first couple of years.  It takes a while to build up a theme, especially on a tight budget that comes with the first couple years of teaching.  I thoroughly enjoyed building a theme for my classroom.  I began by searching through the teaching material catalogs and finding all of the sports related items (accents, borders, bulletin board sets, rugs, Student binders, etc.). I really loved my sports theme, but I ended up moving on with the same grade level for several years.

                                                                So I needed a new theme....

Three years ago, I picked a new theme.  I choose Rock Star for my new theme.  I absolutely love this theme and have spent the last couple of years adding to it.  For now I'm sticking with it.  I love this theme and the kids seem to really enjoy it too.

There are so many choices out there for themes.... Hollywood, Jungle, Beach, Under the Sea, and more!  What's your pick?  Do you stick with one for the whole year or do you change during the year?

Some Tips for Finding a Teaching Position

I will start off by saying that I am by no means an expert on this subject.  I've just had a lot of experience with looking and interviewing for positions.  This is the first year that I haven't had to worry about switching schools or grades.  I've been the swing person for so long, that I never thought this day would come.  This summer, I actually got to participate in interviewing candidates for the 4th grade teaching position at my school.  It was an interesting experience to be on that side of the table.

I don't know how competitive the teaching job market is in other states, but, in Massachusetts, it is fierce.  Schools receive hundreds of resumes for one open position.  I'll tell you a strategy that has worked for me in the past.

When I graduated from college, I immediately started looking for a job.  I got some great advice from a veteran teacher that has served me well.  She suggested that I look up all the schools in the surrounding areas on a useful site http://www.greatschools.org/.  I used the site to compile a list of schools that were within commuting distance.  Next, I created customized cover letters for each school.  I then mailed my application packet (cover letter, resume, and letters of recommendation) to all of them.  I also sent my materials to all nonpublic schools  - Catholic, charter, and etc.  I wasn't picky!  I wanted to get a chance teaching somewhere!  My first job was at a Catholic school, and it provided me with  wonderful experience.  I actually was hired ONE week before school started... so, you never know!

It seems like a lot of people are given the advice to mail it only to the superintendent of the school system.  I would suggest mailing it directly to the schools, too.  It's worth it to spend the extra money on stamps!

Here's why...      

I actually got an interview (which eventually lead to my first public school job) by mailing my packet directly to a school.  I was the principal's first call when he found out that he would have funding for another first grade position.  Who knows if he would have called me if I had been in the middle of a giant stack sent from the central office.

One last suggestion; don't cross off or rule out any school because you think it is too far or for some other reason.  The job market is so competitive right now that you have to be open to any possibility.  You never know which school might be the best fit for you until you try!  Happy job hunting!

Summer Reading: What books are you reading this summer?

One of the things that I love about summer... and there certainly are many... is that I get to read!  I don't know about you, but during the school year, I never seem to have time to read for fun.  The summer becomes this magical time full of hours with my toes in the sand a good book in my hands.

Sadly, this summer, there hasn't been too much time with my toes in the sand because of the weather, but I've definitely still had a good book in my hands.  I've probably finished about 10 books already since the end of the school year.  I enjoy light reading...my brain needs a break and I just want to be entertained.  I spend time in the summer catching up on all of the James Patterson books that I miss throughout the school year... Man, are there a lot!  I'm waiting for a few more to come into the library.  So, now I'm starting a new series.    

                                                               

Today, I just finished Divergent by Veronica Roth.  I really enjoyed it.  I  originally ordered it through my Scholastic Book Club to see what all the fuss was about.  Which is what I tend to do... Hunger Games, Twilight, Harry Potter... I find these series to be easy, fun and entertaining reads.  I was not disappointed by this book!  I can't wait to read the next one in the series, Insurgent.  

                                                                 

But... I'm on a self-imposed hiatus to get some work done.  I have 3 classes that I am taking through a long distance course, and I've completed one of the courses.  I have two more to do and ZERO motivation.  My plan is to hopefully buckle down and finish a course this week.  I am working on my class on Inclusion. 

 I'm off to find my motivation!  Before I go, I have to ask, what are you reading??  For fun? For school?  Leave a comment below!  

So it begins...

Hi Everyone!

       Welcome to my blog!  I can't believe this is my blog..wow!  I've been a "blog-stalker" for many years now, and have decided that it is now or never to start my own.  I would never have taken this step, if it wasn't for some gentle pushing from friends and colleagues.
                                                             
                                                                              So....  

        Currently, I am a fourth grade teacher in a town outside of Boston, Massachusetts.  This will be my 9th year in the classroom (10th overall - 1 as a Title One).  I've taught 1st-4th, but have taught 4th for the last 2 years.  I truly feel that 4th grade is where I belong, as it feels like home.

           I love creating materials and organization strategies on the computer to use in my classroom.  I'm also very inspired by Pinterest, which you will be able to see in my classroom pictures (coming soon!).  I'm kind of a "Pinterest-stalker"... sensing a theme here?  ;)  

           I'm hoping this blog will be a way for me to connect with teachers across the country.  The Common Core gives us the opportunity for sharing on a new level.  I know that I will learn a lot through this process.  I realized from stalking all those wonderful blogs, that I need to work on taking more photos of my school stuff.  I'll be adding that to my to-do list!   So bear with me, and I hope you come back to check in soon.

Here's a shameless plug...  I am in the process of setting up a Teachers Pay Teachers store, so stay tuned! For now, make sure to follow me on Twitter (@4thGrRockStars) as well as on Instagram (4thgraderockstars), Pinterest (4thgrrockstars) and like my page on Facebook (4thGradeRockStars)