Teacher Toolbox

I have seen these popping up on my pinterest feed.  A colleague made one a few years ago, and I love it.  These toolboxes are a great way to put a lot of your supplies in one place.  If you are like me, you have supplies in drawers, cups, bins, and well.....just all over your desk!

Well I bought my box Sunday night, and I fixed it all up that night.

The box:
I bought the box from Lowes.  At our home depot, you could only order them online.  I got the 39 drawer unit.  There was also an 18 and 22 unit (they were out of the 22).  I have a lot of stuff, so I went with the 39.  It was less than $20.

The labels:
There are labels you can buy from teachers pay teachers, but I had some time, so I went ahead and created what I needed myself.  I found a great blog where a teacher posted her box. Mrs. Rojas blogspot is a great source.  She also provided a link to her free labels.  I borrowed hers, and then created the rest of what I needed.  Here is a link to a google doc with my labels.  Due to font issues, the google doc does not have the same font I used, but the boxes are the correct sizes.  You can change up the font and the labels, and make it your own.

I printed my labels on colored cardstock.  I then used some decorative edge scissors and cut them out.  I used the template of the boxes and cut colored boxes from different scrapbook paper.

Putting it together:
Before I taped the labels down, I created a pattern with my colored paper.  I decided where I wanted my items, and I affixed the labels to the paper.  I used double-sided tape and put my labels on the colored paper.  After putting my labels on the colored paper, I then taped them to the drawers.  I used double sided tape, and you cannot see the tape in the drawer.  With all the drawers, I was able to have multiple drawers of the same thing.

I am so happy with how it turned out.  Although, I don't like to spend a lot of summer time planning for the next year, I love to make crafts.  This was a great project.  I am ready to get it in my classroom and get all the drawers filled.  I know it will keep my desk clutter free.  (Well I can hope)!

Happy toolbox making!

Desks instead of paper

We start every class period with a bell ringer.  The students will have 2-4 problems that they must begin working when they come in the room.  After the bell ringer, they will do a quick one question quiz which reviews some concept we have previously discussed.  The quiz must follow the four step plan of: Read, think, solve and justify.

Of course, we have papers that they can keep the work organized, but this year I like to throw in a little different bell ringer every now and then.

One morning, I handed each student a dry erase marker when they walked in the room.  On the bell ringer screen, I included a box that stated to answer the bell ringer by writing on the desk with the dry erase marker.  I heard several gasps and "REALLY?"  They got to work and enjoyed the activity.

I typically give 2-4 minutes to complete bell ringer.  We usually switch papers and grade it.  On this occasion, we weren't really able to switch papers, so I told them to go on a field trip to somewhere else in the room.  This not only allowed them to get up and move, but it kept their attention.

After checking the bell ringer, they wiped off the desk and got ready for the quiz.  Most of the desks wipe off very well.  A few of the desks have a little different laminate, but a disinfectant wipe got the marker right off. Once the quiz was completed, they went on another field trip to somewhere they had never been before.

The kids really took to this.  I have thrown this in about once a month.  A few weeks ago, we had group work for 3 days, so each day I allowed the bell ringer and quiz to be done this way.  It provides a change-up and it helps to keep the kids excited about what the class may hold.

This was an example of one desk after the quiz.  I had all the kids take a trip to this desk to see what I look for in a justification.

It is great to give the kids a little surprise, and this surprise was FREE!

Happy Desk Writing!

Open and Closed

I just made a new name plate for my desk (or in front of my elmo).

Cook is not a very long name, so I had to add a little filler.

I added some inspirational words to the back, so I will constantly be reminded all day.

The extra block is double sided.  One side says "open", and the other side says "closed".
Most of the time, I will be Open, but it is nice to provide that visual to the kids so they know if they can come ask me for help.
When it is test time, Mrs. Cook is closed for questions and help. When I do cooperative learning groups, I want the kids to ask each other questions, so this would be a good time to be closed, as well.  :)

I am happy with how it turned out!

In two more weeks, we will be open for business!!!

Happy opening!!

Decorating my classroom

At the end of last year, I finally started throwing a BUNCH of stuff away.  Being in the same classroom for eight years, makes it easy to just push stuff under the table and forget about it.  I am busy from the time I get to school until the time I leave.  Cleaning my room just goes by the wayside.  Now, don't get me wrong.  My kid's area is always picked up and cleaned.  My desk.......that is another story.  I tell the kids that I know where everything is, so they should never doubt that I am organized.  :)  I know I should do a better job of keeping EVERYTHING tidy, but I would rather spend my time teaching my kids as opposed to making sure I have a perfect classroom.  With a family at home, I don't want to stay at school until midnight every day, so I opt to just make sure I have organized stacks on my desk and everything else is pushed under the table.

At the end of the year, I ended up with three large trash bags full of junk.  I had to go up to the school a few weeks ago for a few meetings, so I spent the time between meetings in my room.  WOW!  I have always said I needed to spend a day in my room just cleaning.  It is amazing how much I have thrown away.  I have three trash bags, a few boxes and some broken shelves in the hallway.  I know our cleaning crew is not happy with me.  I will bake them some brownies when I come back to school.

I got the table out of my room, so that MADE me go through everything under it.  I found an old bookcase in an abandoned classroom, so now I have shelves!!!  WOOHOO!!!!  I am not finished with my room, but man it sure looks better and bigger without that huge table in the back.

I love making things, so I just made a wreath for my door. We are the Gladewater Cubs and our colors are orange and black. I love how it turned out.

The letters have a white glitter on them.  I am sure little fingers will never touch my letters, so they will always have the glitter on them.  :)

I will add other pics of my classroom once I have it all ready to go!

Happy decorating!!!

First Day of School and jibjab

The first day of school is behind me.....PHEW!  I love coming in and meeting my new kids, and I always know it is going to be a GREAT year.  I do not like going over the rules and procedures.  Why can't they just know what I expect?  It sure would make it so much easier.  :) 

The day was a great one, but I am exhausted.  My little boy started kindergarten today, so I was thinking about him all day; my feet were killing me (since I had to wear real shoes again); and my throat is sore since my portable sound system won't be shipped until the end of this month (I  miss you little microphone...If you have never used a portable microphone system in your room, I strongly encourage it.  They are the best thing ever)!

We hit the ground with understanding the high expectations I have.  We are an aligned department, so by the time they get to me, I get to fine tune them.  Hit them hard and tough at the beginning!  I have incorporated some new things this year, so I am hopeful that it will make me a better teacher.

Tomorrow, my kids are going to be put in their houses (thank you Ron Clark for the wonderful idea).  I have set up my groups based on the "Star" theme.  My houses are Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Nashville, Times Square, New York, and Broadway.  They will get to earn points as a house and we will have contests. 

I paid the yearly fee and joined jibjab.com.  This is the best!  I created a video using myself, Candy, and one other math teacher.  I showed it to my kids today to show them that we will have fun, but we will also work hard.  They were laughing and wanted to watch it again!  I am thinking about creating a video for each class each week.  The kids who have turned in their work will be eligible to be in the video.  I think they will really like this.  Here is the link to our little video: 

http://www.jibjab.com/view/edO6RIVFMHyYLL4C

The fee is only $12 for the year.  Be careful.  They are not all appropriate for kids.

I hope everyone has a great beginning to the school year.  Look into jibjab.  The kids will love it, and you will enjoy watching them laugh!

Happy jib jabbing!

STAAR Teks Checklist

I needed something to use to help me keep up with the teks when I teach them.  After I give a mini assessment on a tek, I always know which ones are weak and which ones are good, but I of course must have documentation.  Each year, we are always being piled on with extra things to document.  Don't get me wrong, teachers must know their students and the strengths and weaknesses that come with the class, but why must we make EVERY teacher go through the same procedures.  Some teachers need to go through extra steps in order to truly know their kids.  Many of us know our kids frontwards, backwards, and every other direction, but if we ask one person to do this documentation, we must ask them all.  I completely disagree with this philosophy, but I do as I am asked (I do give my opinion when I am asked too).

Back to the topic.....sorry.... 

I use a CPS (handheld clicker system) in my classroom.  Each day I give the kids a multiple choice question in which they click in their response.  I also give a 5 question mini assessment over particular concepts, as well (not each day).  The feedback is instant, and the kids love it!  I needed something I could quickly write down my mastery percentage for the tek.  When it comes time for me to fill out all the forms, I am always going back through the program and backlogging.

 Not this year!  I have created these forms (available in my tpt store), and I will keep them in a notebook right beside my laptop.  When the results pop up, I will write it down.   I think I will have 4 tabs.  I will document for each class individually and all my students as a whole.  Now, I won't need to go back digging for all my documentation. 

I have also created a set for 6th and 7th grade, as well.  I think I will share this with the other math teachers.  If it works for them, they can use it.  I by no means am trying to give them more work.  Some already have a system in place, and if something is working, don't try to create more work!

For each grade level, I have the breakdown of the number of readiness and supporting questions tested per reporting category.

For each grade level, I breakdown each tek as to readiness or supporting.

For each tek, I have a place to put the date(s) taught/retaught, and a place to put the mastery date, %, and source.

To get your own set, go to my tpt store.

6th grade checklist in tpt store

7th grade checklist in tpt store

8th grade checklist in tpt store

I wish you all a great beginning to a wonderful year!

Inspirational Posters

I found these great posters/sayings on Pinterest.  I have printed them on colored cardstock to hang in my room.

Before You Speak:
I created this in different ways.  This is the one I am going to hang in my room.

Idea from pinterest:   http://pinterest.com/pin/248472104411933133/ 

I am also thinking about making smaller ones and laminating them.  I will tape them on the corner of each desk.  This poster is great in all aspects of our lives.  Think how great it would be if people would actually THINK before they speak!

7*UP lifting Reminders:

Idea from pinterest:   http://alittlecrafting.blogspot.com/search/label/YW 

I am going to hang this up in my classroom.  I think I am also going to make a copy for each of the other math teachers.  I will give them this and a 7 up when we meet next week before school starts.  I think it is always great to give little pieces of encouragement!

Voice Levels:

I really liked this visual reminder of what voice level the students should be using.

Idea pinned from:   http://mrspetitesteachingpassion.blogspot.com/search?q=voice+level 

 I am going to print out the poster with all 6 listed, but I am also going to print out each level on a separate poster, as well.  Depending on the activity, I will post which voice level they should be using.  I can just remind them what number they should be using.  The colors are a great visual!

Listen:

This one holds so much meaning!  The only way anyone can ever truly listen to someone is to be quiet and try.  I made this a few different ways too.

New Hall Pass

I love pinterest!  I was looking for something new to do for a hall pass.  I put one together today.

I started with a piece of wood (left over from the crate seats I made for my son's room.
I used modpodge and put two pieces of scrapbook paper on the wood.
I used some stencils and glow in the dark paint for the words.
I attached some ribbon.  We are the cubs with orange, black, and white as our school colors.
Last night, I was making little pom poms for my sister's baby sprinkle coming up, so I made a few for this, as well.
I spray painted some clothes pins (I have extras that I will keep in my drawer).
When the kids need to leave, they will pin the pass to their shirt.  If they break or get lost, then they are cheap to replace.

I created little signs for each pass:  office, restroom and conference (going to another class, etc).
On the back of the clip, I wrote the destination.
I love creating things, and I am excited to put this in my classroom.