Monday, June 30, 2014

Monday Made-It

This is the first time that I have ever participated in something like this. I've been working on organizing my classroom materials, so I've made lots of labels that I'd like to show off. (If there is any interest in them, then I am willing to upload them to TPT.)

First up are my library labels. The scalloped labels will go on the left and right side of each shelf, and the long labels will go at the front of the shelf. The labels correlate to Accelerated Reader, since we use AR at our school. I am very proud of these labels, and I can't wait to see them on the shelves in the fall!
This is what my classroom library shelves looked like this last year. I put file folder labels on the outside of the shelves, but they did not stay well. I used name tags to label the inside of the shelves, but I want to paint the shelves black next year, so I needed new labels.

Here is a sample of how  the labels will be placed on the shelves. The long labels will be visible at the very front of the shelves, with the books behind them.
These are all of the labels. I made series specific labels for series that last year's students really enjoyed and for which I had many of the books.

Next up are my group tub labels. I am going to try having table groups this year. I will start with 5 groups of 4, but if I get more students, then I will move up to 6 groups. These tubs will have a folder with papers and worksheets that the students will need. They will also have some extra pencils, erasers, and tissues. Lastly, I bought small containers for the students' crayons that will also be kept in the group tub. I won't be letting the students have pencil boxes in their desks-at least not at the beginning of the year. (If I upload these labels, then the font will be different because I do not have a commercial license for this font.)

There is one of these signs taped to each side of the tub.
All of the group signs. There are two of each sign.

I also made Center Signs. I purchased 2nd grade math bags from TPT. I printed and laminated math bags for the entire year. I created these signs to clearly label the centers. I placed one on a clear box, but I also bought a colorful 10 drawer cart. I haven't decided which containers I will be using for the math centers.
 This is an example of how the center signs will be placed on the box. The labels are too wide to fit on the sides of the boxes. I will probably make some long labels for the sides of the boxes, too.
Here is an example of all 10 of the center signs. Aren't they cute?

I also made a rules sign. I will place it on the inside door of the classroom. I will also use the PDF to project the rules onto the board. I got the rules that I will be using from here: Smart Classroom Management. (I won't be able to upload this sign to TPT because the black frame is a font that I only have a personal license for.)





Well, that concludes my Monday Made-It. I am going to try to link up with Fourth Grade Frolics. Maybe I will be back next Monday with some new projects.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Always Learning

I am a 2nd grade teacher. I am about to start my 2nd year teaching. I am also taking graduate classes for a master's degree in elementary education. After I take a comprehensive exam in the fall, I will have a master's! I am halfway through my last graduate class right now, and I could not be happier about that. Actually, I am already thinking about getting another degree...

I have been using my time off this summer to do some research and get prepared for school in the fall. I have a to-do list that is almost fully checked off! I have been a busy bee. One thing that I am interested in doing a lot more of this year is using small groups. I had a lot of success with small group reading instruction. Also, my students' favorite part of the day was the math centers in the afternoon during our math interventions. I've printed and laminated over 250 pages for Common Core aligned math centers for the whole year! However, we are starting with a new math curriculum this year and I haven't even seen it yet. I have no idea how the lessons are set up, what order the standards are taught in, or anything else.

Here is a new blog about guided math. I will be following it to see if I want to implement guided math next year. Bonus: the bloggers are 2nd grade teachers!





Check back on Monday for a Monday Made It post!