#technology

I feel like I should confess, I am a bit of a tech-nerd!  I enjoy using iPads in the classroom, and also am fortunate enough to have a SMARTboard in my classroom.  Incorporating and using technology in the classroom comes very easy to me.  I have created many SMARTboard lessons and I am also a SEE (SMART exemplary educator).  If you are not familiar with, or have had the opportunity to use a SMARTboard in the classroom, then holy cow!  It has really revolutionized the way you can incorporate technology into the classroom!  It adds an element of novelty and excitement to the lessons, not to mention how interactive you can make lessons!  I have planned and given many, many trainings on all things technology-related in our district, from iPads to SMARTboards to using QR codes.

Remember my beach behavior bingo??  The class reward is posted above using a QR code!  The kids are so excited to scan it when we earn our first bingo! 

So of course my job board in the classroom is 'tech' related, even if it isn't actually using technology!  I call it my iHelp board, and I have uploaded a version to my TPT store!.  This week the kids worked on creating their 'apps' and we laminated them to use as our job board pieces.  The can create anything on their app that they feel represents them or that they like.  I always get a wide variety of pictures and each one is unique, just like each student.

A colleague of mine is brand new to teaching, and to help him get started I created these tech theme word wall letter cards on little mp3 players!  These are also available in my TPT store.

Classroom Behavior 101

I have to admit one of my least favorite things to do is teach and teach and teach and teach and teach again those classroom rules each year. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of these little angels came to school ready to learn, respectful, polite, and obsessive rule followers?? BTW, I have 2 of those students living with me at home, and maybe it's not all it's cracked up to be ;)

But EVERY teacher knows that Classroom Management sets the tone for your entire year and it is THE KEY to having a successful year! Children need to know the expectations in your classroom if you want them to be successful for the school year. Here are a few of the tools I use with my second graders:

 The Rainbow Clip Chart

 I know that there is some controversy about this chart--comments akin to 'would you as an adult want to have to move your clip in front of your co-workers?' But honestly, I love that the students have the opportunity to move back up, and also that those students behaving appropriately are rewarded by moving up.  My original chart uses scrapbook paper for the backgrounds, my TPT version has the backgrounds included.   I have created quite a few of these for fellow teachers, and love coming up with the wording to go with the themes!  You can purchase my beach theme chart here!

 Beach Behavior Bingo 

 This is my absolute favorite item I introduced last year, Beach Behavior Bingo! The kids are so into it, I also include a QR code that holds our reward for when we finally get a bingo. Plus it works on reading and identifying 3 digit numbers (Common Core tie in!). The rewards are fun (code for FREE) things like pajama day, class move, bubble gum party, etc.  Here is a version I have on TPT!  Check it out, I even have it on sale for back to school.

Cool Tools Book

Lastly, our school uses PBIS to help with classroom management.  We teach Cool Tools to help set expectations for each area in the school.  I have created this writing activity to go along with your PBIS lessons.  In my classroom I have the students complete the top of the sheet, our three words are Responsible, Respectful, and Ready.  Then they write a few sentences explaining how they are following the '3 R's' in our school and draw a picture to go along with it.  I also have my students include our school creed.  I included a fill in the blank in my TPT version.  

First Day!

Today was our first day back to school!  It's always such an exciting day, even for teachers.  I am in the lucky position to be teaching in my kids' elementary school, and this year was extra special since I was off to second grade along with my son... can you tell he's super excited??

I also sent my dear daughter off to middle school today.  It was the very first time we have not gone to school together since she started going to preschool 8 years ago!  It was quite a milestone for both of us, but she did great!  Here she is with her fully decorated locker, complete with a chandelier.

Overall, it was a great first day in my class.  We spent a lot of time getting to know, drank some jitter juice, and learned some procedures!  Can't wait for tomorrow!

The countdown begins

I've spent the past few weeks working in my classroom.  #teachershavethesummeroff?  I like a little change every year in my environment and I've just about got it right.  I will be sure to share pictures this week of it all done!  I've been searching for some perfect pieces to add that extra special touch to my beach themed classroom, but I just couldn't seem to find it!  So...of course, I created my own!  Wood frames, printer, and modge-podge and help brainstorming with my mom, #creativityishereditary!  I am so excited with how they turned out and I can't wait to find the perfect spot in my classroom.

Here's the most exciting new!  I have my Teacher Pay Teacher's store up and running.  I hope you will take the time to follow my store.  I am working on quite a few new things and hope to get them up there in the near future.  In the meantime, you can get these cute posters for FREE at my store.  While you are there please become a follower!

And we are at 10 days till the kids are back!