Monday, June 18, 2012

Here We Go!


Well, after hours spent on other talented teachers' blogs, I have decided to take the plunge and start my own blogging adventure. The main reason is because I have been creating several things for my classroom and would like to share these. I also need a place to organize everything and I think this may be the perfect way to start!

I have started reading the Daily 5 book by The Sisters, Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. It is awesome! I have seen the Daily 5 all over Pinterest and blogs so I decided to see what all of the fuss was about. After reading and taking notes over half the book over the past day, I am sold and ready to put this literacy framework into action at the beginning of next year! I have also purchased The Sisters' other book "The Reading CAFE" and can't wait to get started on that one! As a result of my discovery of the Daily 5, I have been busy making signs for students to place clothespins on to identify their choice for the day (I will post a picture when these are finished) as well as some labels for Book Boxes, in which students will keep 5-7 "Good Fit" books, a Daily 5 folder (for self reflection) and their writing journal (for "Work on Writing" time). I have struggled in the past with small group literacy instruction, but it is something that I have thought about every day of my teaching career! I really think the Daily 5 and Reading CAFE will be the answer I have been searching for. I can't wait to get started!



(click each book to go to the official website)

Here are some cute Book Box labels, along with my "First Grade is a HOOT" tags that I plan to attach to a bag of trail mix (NO NUTS!!) for an Open House gift to my students. I will post a picture of the finished project later! :)





I am planning to do an owl theme in my classroom this year. I am really excited about "Owl the Possibilities!" I made some cute little owl tags to hang outside my room that I am planning to put pictures of my students on. These can be used for anything (name tags, cubbie labels, supply labels, etc.) Enjoy!




Ok, one more! I am going to start a "Password" system in my room this year. Each day, a different sight word will be written on the poster and displayed by the door. If a student needs to go to the restroom during class, get a drink of water, etc. he/she will need to read the password first. I had thought about doing this last year and after seeing some "Password" creations on Pinterest, I decided to create my own. Here ya go!




I guess that is all for now. I would love some feedback if you download any of the items I have posted! Thanks for reading! Stay tuned....

3 comments:

  1. Hi Calli!

    Welcome to blogging! I know you will probably be very excited to get a comment and you should be! Starting off a blog is hard. A lot of the time you feel as if you are just talking to yourself! =)

    You have some VERY cute *freebies*! I love your blog design too!

    I am now a follower. Wahoo!

    I'll be back often and I'll be happy to help if you need anything. Your blog is off to a great start. =)

    I would love for you to come and visit me when you get the chance.


    Heather
    Heather's Heart

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks so much Heather!

    Your comment means so much to me and will go down in history as "My First Comment!"

    You are definitely not exaggerating when you say that starting a blog is hard work! I had absolutely no idea! My husband is a computer programmer and writes computer code for a living. I never dreamed I would be doing that! :)

    Anyway, thanks a million for visiting and I will send you the Community Helpers Cooperative Learning cards. I hope you can use them! I took a peek at your blog and can't wait to explore it more!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I was so excited by some of your other *freebies* that I missed the password one....I love it!

    When I first started Google Docs was flagging all of my documents as inappropriate. I had to submit them to be reviewed. I am still not sure why or even what was going on but one day it fixed itself.

    I am jotting your cute blog down on my list of new blogs I love. I'll give you a shout out this summer. =)


    Heather
    Heather's Heart

    ReplyDelete