reader

I think it's pretty important to like reading if you want to be a teacher. 'Cause you will do a lot of it. Of course, you could say that since you read all day at work you really don't want to come home and read anymore.

Crap, my whole theory here is flawed now.

Well, who cares!!

Currently I'm reading Lucky by Jackie Collins. It's a winner. So remember on Saved by the Bell when Zach and Kelly broke up? And Jessie, Slater, Lisa, and Screech all hooked him up with different people? Well he went on these dates. To see a movie. And one of the characters was this girl who chats nonstop about reading. She's read all of Jackie Collins novels, and she suddenly asks Zach, "Have you read Hollywood Wives?" Yes, I know each episode by heart. I quote them often and frequently ask myself, "What would Zach do?" "Course he's a lawyer now on Franklin and Bash now and it's just awful to watch him with other women when he should be with Kelly!

Oh my gosh.

I promise in real life I don't birdwalk like this.

Or do I?

ANYWAY, I started reading Jackie Collins because one of her books caught my eye at the airport when my bestie and I went skiing. I saw the book, immediately recalled the episode of Saved by the Bell where Jackie Collins was mentioned and became intrigued. I came back, went to the library, got all her books, and instantly became a huge fan. Another favorite author of mine is Jodi Picoult. I've read all her books. Ohmygosh I sound like Zach's date!!!!

I think reading is important because it takes you away to another time and place. It also gives you a great vocabulary. But, you could be like me and know TONS of words and use them all incorrectly and mispronounce them. It's really quite embarrassing. And somewhat amusing to those around me.

When you get home after spending all day with 28 fabulous kiddos (that number is debatable) you really want to unwind. Reading a good juicy book is a great way to do it.

Of course to balance it out, you really ought to read some children's books, too. During the school year I do that enough as it is. But during the summer, I try to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to certain children's literature. I've started Al Capone Does My Shirts and I have truthfully laughed out loud reading it. It's pretty funny! I might add it to my Read Aloud list. But I'm pretty exclusive when it comes to what novels I read to my kids.

I read every day after lunch for about 15-20 minutes. It's my most favorite time of the day. My kids write me letters or journals about how much they love the Read Alouds. I really get into it though. Not so much with voices (4th graders can be a little over that sometimes) because using different voices makes me feel silly. I try to read with a lot of expression. And I know when to read super fast and make them laugh, or drag out sentences and make them wait on pins and needles. And it helps that I've read the book so many times because I can look away and make eye contact with the kids and keep on "reading" the story. I'm exceedingly dramatic. Even those days when I have a headache or feel like giving busy work (which of course I never do, right?) as soon as I start reading to the kids, my mood turns around. I secretly want to come home and read to my husband but I think he might get a little freaked out.

It takes a few weeks to read a book when I'm only reading a little every day. So I try to have a brief recap
before I read everyday. Once I start reading a book, I know if my kids are into it or not. First, if they're REALLY squirmy, I know the book isn't a winner for them. Most kids squirm when they're sitting at my feet on the ground. But if I see A LOT of squirming, I know they aren't into it. Also, when I stop reading for the day, if the kids don't cry out, "Nooooooo!!!!!!" I feel like they aren't liking the book. I always feel so evil and mean when I tell them, "I'm sorry, I can't read anymore today!" But deep down I'm squealing with delight because they're so into it.

I have a few books I read every year and seriously get something new from them every time.

First of all, I like to start the year with Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Louis Sachar has some hilarious characters in this book. It's very light-hearted and silly. I use the copy that I read when I was in third grade. The pages are practically tissue so I have to be careful with it. ;o) But this book is adorable and there are a lot of activities you can do with it to start the year off.

Indian in the Cupboard. A Magical Fantasy sort of book. This book gets them every time. The idea that a toy could come to life and you get to take care of it is absolutely splendid. It's highly entertaining to students. And I really enjoy it, too.

Please tell me you've read Holes to your class. I have never seen the movie, though.

This is a fine point to tell you that I refrain from watching the movie version of any book I've read (with the exception of Twilight). I just don't want the movie to ruin my visualizations. Especially if I intend to read the book again. I'm certain that no actor could capture the character like I have in my head. And call me a snob, but I might be the best visualizer ever.

So anyway, I haven't watched Holes. And my kids ask me every year if we can watch it because they loved the book so much. I always make up some excuse why we can't watch it because I don't want to see it! Once, my neighbor showed her class the movie (we have open classrooms) and I BEGGED her to show it when my kids were in pull-outs so that I couldn't see or hear it! Hahaha!! How selfish am I? Anyway, the book is just plain spectacular. And that's all I can say about it.

I like Bud, Not Buddy. It's historical fiction so I can pull a lot from it. The young man in the story is extremely witty and very brave. And at the end, there's a huge twist that the kids never see coming. I love to watch their jaws hit the floor when I get to a certain chapter.

Bridge to Terabithia is one that I go back and forth with. I always read it but some years I do a novel study with it and let them have their own copies. Some would argue that it's somewhat mature in its content about friendship and loyalty. But mostly, I love that it shows children being....children. Pretending. Playing outside. Looking beyond the outside of others and seeing the good inside. Dealing with things they don't have the capacity to understand or the vocabulary to express. It's so realistic. And every year I let some tears drop at the end. As I read to them a certain part of the book, I keep one eye on the page and the other on them. If I can really get them deep into the book while I'm reading, their faces will change with every word. As soon as I hear the sniffles, I know I've got them--hook, line, and sinker. I usually have some parents contact me because their child comes home with heavy hearts from that book. But it's SO. GOOD. At the end of the book I have the students write a letter. The letter is from Jess, written to Leslie. And I won't say too much in case you haven't read it, but the letters these kids write are astounding. It's amazing what a child will walk away with.

I have to get to Number the Stars every year. It's a quick read and it's historical fiction so I can--again--tie in a lot of lessons and activities with it. The kids are always on the edge of their seat when I read this book. And I could probably sit all afternoon and listen to their predictions. This novel is perfect for discussing how good readers make predictions. It comes so naturally with this text. And most of the time the kids aren't correct---so it's a great opportunity to talk about when our predictions don't happen. My favorite thing is to be wrong when I make predictions! I love being caught off guard and surprised!! =)

Perhaps my most favorite book to read is Maniac Magee. In fact, I could probably write an entire blog post about it. I choose books to read aloud that I remember from my childhood. But this book was introduced to me by a friend. So the first time I read it was as an adult. I laughed, I cried, I yelled, I smiled. The book does it all. There are so many incredible lessons to be learned from this book. But mostly I like to use the main character, Jeffrey Magee, as a role model. Because he has so many heart-rending things happen to him in this book and he's still the most respectable, honest, admirable child character I've ever read. And he's really clever and quick-witted. If you haven't read this book to your class, you might read it alone first. There are some heavy themes and weighty expressions used which make it an absolutely phenomenal story--but can make others get a little uncomfortable. Every year--it never fails-- I have a parent show up to check a kid out or help with an activity and they come in at the worst time. It'll always be when the bully is attacking Maniac and using some malicious language. I have to assure the parent that in context the words are absolutely necessary. The author, Jerry Spinelli, captures moments and feelings with words like an artist. I usually feel like I'm there with Maniac through the entire story. I feel what he feels. Although it's fiction, deep down I really want to think like Maniac. Jerry Spinelli has written a character that will stay with you forever. Not sure what I mean? Go read it. You'll understand. But beware, it's too good to read just once.

I think I have successfully defined a teacher as a reader with this post. I don't know how many people will read this, but I hope at least one person can walk away from this and read one of those books. And know how important it is to READ! If I didn't read like I do, I probably wouldn't write like I do. It's that engrained in me.

On a lighter note, I am really proud of the USA Ladies Gymnastics team at the Olympics tonight! They are nailing the vault!

Night Night!

bargain shopper: @ Wal-Mart

Who knew Wal-Mart would start carrying teaching supplies? I saw some stuff years ago at Wal-Mart but honestly haven't seen them since. But that might be because I haven't looked. I've been doing my grocery shopping at Kroger since I moved to NLR three years ago. I love Kroger. Or Krogs, as I call it. It's more value for the way you live! <---I like to throw their slogan into everyday conversation.

Anywho, Wal-Mart. While getting school supplies for myself, I saw some cute things! And each thing was only 88¢ so of course I had to buy it.

 I liked this Homework Schedule they had. They claim it's dry-erase. But I don't trust them. So I'm just going to laminate it. It's funny that I'm using it because I usually have to do EVERYTHING in my Hollywood theme. But never fear! I might still incorporate some Hollywood in this thing!

 These folders came in packages of three. I threw them in my "to be laminated" pile but realized that they are already pretty durable! They'll be for me at my desk anyway.

 I used to hang posters each day with the schedule. Then I started writing it on the board everyday. So now I'm back to the posters. I bought 5 of these---one for every day. I'll probably laminate them though they too claim to be dry-erase. I was thinking of writing assignments or objectives out next to them, but I don't know. I'll figure all that out when I get back to my classroom.

This magnetic board was actually 97¢ and not in the school supplies section. But I figured I could use it for my estimation station or something. It's pretty scratched up though. They had a dozen or so of them lying haphazardly on a shelf. I dug around and tried to find the least scratched. Also, I really struggled with this purchase because it won't go with my Hollywood Theme at all. Probably I should just get over it.

Anyway, it's 104° outside and I'm trying to spray paint some plastic bins in the garage. What terrible timing I have. So I'm going back out to finish!

Love you long time, blog!

bargain shopper: @ Dollar Tree

Yesterday I wanted to beat the heat and get out early and find some new classroom library tubs. I'll pause here to say it was the 3rd hottest day in Arkansas' history yesterday. I think it got to 111°F.

Anyway--classroom library tubs-- I went to Dollar Tree first since they tend to have the best little tubs. But I'm trying to find yellow so it makes my search difficult. Anyway, that has nothing to do with this blog. The point is that I ended up in the teacher's section at Dollar Tree and basically went berserk. Here are my awesome finds!

These are labeled as Word Wall Spinners, but I'm going to use them for my Working with Words part of Daily 5. I bought 4. I'll probably stick two in storage in case the other two get destroyed

 I found some foam cubes. Who couldn't use these? They have a TON of them. I'm going to use them in my Estimation Station for sure, but I know they'll be used in lots of other lessons/activities.

Dollar Tree had these magnificent handouts that I couldn't pass up. 24 in a package. I can use them in 4th grade for sure, but maybe I can use them this next year in third. I got two packs just in case ;o) They also had the skeletal system--another one for 4th grade but possibly for 3rd?

While grabbing the handouts, I noticed this activity:

 I'm going to use it the week of election. They only come in packs of 15 so I've got to go track down another package somewhere!

 Last year I handed out Diplomas for my kiddos on the last day of school. I also gave a mini speech for each kid, saying something nice about them. It was really a positive way to close out the school year. Last year I found certificates at Mardel. They were generic "Certificate of Completion" awards that I filled out to say they are done with 4th. But these I found at Dollar Tree are WAY better, include a string to tie them up like a scroll, and the wording is more appropriate! They've got stars all over them which is perfect for my classroom theme!

 I found some posters--some I've already got in my classroom but are all torn up, so I bought some new ones. This time I'll laminate them! I got 6 posters for $3--they came in a two pack.

 I challenge my class each year to pass 100 AR tests before the 100th day of school. This is a class combined effort. I found this cute banner that I can laminate and reuse for this year's challenge!

 

This thing depressed me. It's for the last month of school. A countdown wheel thing that spins. I got it because it's only $1 and I'll probably keep it behind my desk ;o)

 I thought this banner was cute so I bought it... It's a tool theme---it has character words with lovely things written beneath them. I'll hang this by my bucket fillers display. Something about "tools to use to fill buckets" or something of that nature.

 Once again I bought something for 4th grade---but when I find these things and they're only $1, I figure, what the heck? These are flash cards that you've got to cut apart. I'll separate them by region (Northeast, Southwest, etc.) and have the students match the state to the capital. It'll be useful when they take their Map Tests and need to study.

 I love cutouts. You never know when you'll need them though--IF ever. But I like to stock up. Plus there's 30 in a package so they'll last me forever!

 On the first day of school I take pics of the kids--they are dressed like celebrities--with feather boas, sunglasses, hats, etc. Every year I do something different with the pictures. This year I know at least one thing I'll do. I'll use these frames to make a display of their pictures in the room! Or I might attach a clothes pin to them and use them to hang student work.

 Please tell me you already know about Dollar Tree's super awesome stickers. They are pretty much the only ones I use. So I stocked up on them. This year they added stickers with messages like "please follow directions" and stuff (see pic above) and I thought that was rather clever since I end up writing those phrases a million times on papers.

I am so excited about these clocks! I saw an idea on another teacher's blog where she put big clock faces up in the room with important times like when school starts, dismisses, and lunch. I was going to do the same but print off some. But I found these!! I bought a bunch in every size in case I come up with something brilliant to use for the other sizes.

 They had these sentence strips--three colors in a package. I'm laminating them and using them on the board where I write their assignments everyday. I will probably also use them with the clocks.

My class is in charge of collecting recycling bins for the school. A task I gladly volunteered for. They wear lanyards with some "recycling star" tags on them for hall passes. Now that I found these awards, I can send them home with the kids who help me. ;o)

And lastly, homework passes. Please don't ask my opinion about homework because I will give a huge soapbox lecture about it. But lets just say I really like homework passes. I give them out a lot for rewards, gifts, etc. I got another package for my birthday treats this year (tip: sit down at the beginning of the school year and write them all out, then grab them throughout the year as you need them-I also give the summer birthday kids theirs immediately when school starts). I saw the fall/Thanksgiving themed passes and snatched them up. I usually try to send the kids home with a free book (that I get from Scholastic) over Thanksgiving break. I'll put a homework pass in there as a bookmark and let them spend it when they return. ;o)

So my trip was amazing. I also found some border, bookmarks, and other goodies that I didn't put on here. I was so excited! My husband didn't even blink an eye when I told him I spent $75 because he knew I got 70+ things!

Yay me!!!! Thanks Dollar Tree! (I just inadvertently rhymed there).

creator: noise-o-meter

I saw this idea on Pinterest. And of course I had to take the idea and change it to accomodate my classroom theme! It's a Noise-O-Meter and I titled it the "Celebrity Buzz." I designed each piece in Powerpoint and Microsoft Word, using Phillip Martin's graphics.

After I printed them, I used my paper cutter thingy to cut them apart. I love the paper cutter. I bought it when I was student teaching and it has been the best tool ever!!

 

I used scrapbooking paper and attached each piece using spray adhesive. Here's an idea, use a pizza box so you won't make a mess!

I let them sit before I went off and laminated them. Unfortunately when I laminated them, two stuck together. I had to cut them out of the laminating film and redo it! I was so angry!!!

Anyway, I used a hole punch and punched holes in all four corners (except for my bottom piece).

I used some burlap string (?) to weave them all together.

 

I made a loop at the top so I could hang it in my classroom.

I like the way I weaved it all together. It lets me move the pieces up and down the string in case I need to. To tell the class what the buzz should be I found an arrow (I used one from another poster I had) and an old clothespin.

I used E6000 to glue them together. And of course I used a clamp to apply some pressure. I just adore my little clamp.

After it dried, I had my arrow ready!

Whoo Hoo!!! My Noise-o-Meter is complete!

 

I couldn't get the turned version uploaded. But you get the idea!

creator: shared writing journals?

The above question mark is because I don't necessarily know if that's what these are called. But I made them!!!

The idea is to keep them in a basket as an option for the Daily 5 Work on Writing section. Section? Portion? Option? Time slot? What the heck are they called?

Anyway, the students read the prompt on the cover and write in the journal. It's left for others to read as well.

Anyway, so you start with composition notebooks. I got these colorful ones at Wal-Mart last week for 50¢ a piece.

So I found some writing prompts on TLI (our module test creator). I chose both 3rd and 4th grade prompts. In case I end up back in 4th grade. I typed them up all pretty and added clip art (I used http://www.pppst.com/clipart.html). I printed and cut them:

 Next I Mod-Podged them to the cover. After about half an hour I applied a top coat. I continued to add a coat every 15 minutes or so. I feel like they need to be extra durable.

When it was all said and done, I have five journals to add to my "Work on Writing" basket!

You can purchase my prompt cards on my TeachersPayTeachers Store here.

Have a creative day!

beginner

Despite the name of the title, I am not a beginning teacher. I have taught for five years. Though some would say that only 5 years of experience is still a beginner.

But when I define teacher I think of the word "beginner." Because every August we are beginners. Actually some are beginners sooner than that because we get moved to a new grade level.

This blog post is called beginner because I'm beginning this public blog. For the public. For me.

I'm also beginning a new chapter by moving to teach third grade. I've been teaching 4th grade for the past five years.

Today is a Sunday. I'm watching....wait... let me hit info....Contact with Jodie Foster (I had to hit infor again to see if I spelled her name right).

I moved my computers to the man cave den so that it could stay cooler. It was 106° yesterday here in North Little Rock. My weather.com app tells me it's 97° (it's 12:50pm) right now. It's supposed to be around 103° today.

Why the heck did I tell all that.

Oh yeah, because I moved my computers.

Geoffrey (my husband) told me that if we could hook up a feeding tube I wouldn't have to move until school starts. I considered this. But I don't have access to a feeding tube (or a catheter for that matter) so I can't exactly make that "dream" a reality.

Probably I should pause to make sure you understand that I was just kidding there. I forget that my texts and emails can be deceiving. I tend to be somewhat sarcastic. But I don't think I'm very good at it because everyone believes what I say. Or perhaps I AM very good at it.

Or I'd be an excellent actress.

Oh, I think I found another word to define "teacher."