Back to School Blogger Exchange

 Only the most amazing ladies could coordinate a secret blogger exchange! What a treat it was to get this package in the mail!

My lovely friend Kay over at On the Trail of Learning really made going back to school a treat.   Look at all the goodies she got me!

Check it Out

Thanks again Glitter and Glue and Ms. Smith for hosting such a rewarding event!

Now off to get some sleep before the 1st day of school!  

Did I mention I am starting the year as a 4th grade teacher..Ive been interviewing candidates to replace me so that I can switch over to Literacy Coach..What a crazy ride. 

*Amanda

August Currenlty

Hallelujah its August!  I fully enjoy summer break but I am SOOO ready to get back into the swing of things.  Farley's Currently Linky Parties are for sure a major part of my monthly routine :)

I have to say this song makes me feel like I could tackle anything!

I tell you it's an obsession :)  I bought the erasable gel pens, then the highlighters, now I found the markers.  I'm ocd when it comes to being able to erase, so I SUPER love these. So much in fact I ordered them from Amazon and they are shipping from Japan!

Crazy stuff happening in my career right now.  In May I applied to be a Literacy Coach in our building, less than a week later the position was filled and I didn't even get to interview.  No big deal we snagged an amazing coach from Texas and she was way more qualified than I.  

Finished setting up my classroom yesterday for my brand new fourth grade rock stars...not much left to do...except at 3:45 I got a call to interview for Literacy Coach on Monday!  Our lady backed out of her contract last minute!  Guess I may have to pack up all my hard work for a different position this year...I'll keep you posted.

On to the important stuff..back to school must haves...

Sticking with a theme here..these babies have not left my side since I snagged them at target!

I can only wear flats these days, but Kohls has all the shoe candy I can handle right now

 

Last but not least I am a huge lister...I think I may need an intervention.  These post its make my life complete.

If you want a heads up on a fabulous affordable planner...check out my post here.

Can't wait to see what your up to..head on over to Farley's Place!

Monday Made It July 8th

 I'm still not able to get into my classroom and I've got to plan and pack for two big trips this week, plus put together a two day professional development presentation.  Oh and attend a day of training in between :).  

So I've been tinkering around with silly stuff, like redoing my toolbox to better match my color scheme.

 I used scrapbook paper and these super helpful pos it labels (garage sale for a quarter)!

I also painted a wooden bookshelf black to match the other furniture in my classroom.

Oh my goodness I must explain why I'm so late in linking up today.

 This morning I saw this little beauty sitting on the curb and I just had to rescue her.  :) A fresh coat of paint and now she will fit right into my classroom.  

Last but not least in prep for my travels to Florida I snagged this rolling brief case.  It was a little plain and the handle was broken.  So one staple gun and a cute scarf later Viola!

The cute Chevron backgrounds are courtesy of Collaboration Cuties bubble gum pack!

*Amanda

Giveaway Galore

Head on over to Tori's Teacher Tips...she's having an amazing giveaway where you could win an Erin Condren planner!

Head on over to check out how SUPER FAB this planner is.

While your out and about stop by Fourth Grade Flipper for a chance to win a $50 gift card

*Amanda

Throwdown Thursday 7/4

I'm linking up (a day late) with  I'm Lovin Lit to discuss how I make learning more interactive for my students!

This is an area I have definitely grown in during my teaching career.  I rememebr the very moment that my thinking began to change.  During an evaluation my principal suggested that after I posed a question to the group, have the students turn and talk in partners.  I thought she was cray cray, but I tried it.  It was then, that the switch occurred, I went from a giver of info, to a facilitator of learning.

Now my students sit in heterogenous groups of 4.  A high, med, med low and low kiddo make up each group..that way there is a support system built in.  They have a shoulder partner and a face partner to interact with at all times!  I have explicitly taught them how to appropriately work with a another person.. greetings, departings and where your eyes and attention should be!

I also use a bit of technology to keep them engaged.  However, the interactive piece comes into play with these little "activvoters" on their desks at ALL times.  They are connected to the interactive white board at the front of the room.  My little rock stars text in answers, answer multiple choice questions, and my favorite check for understanding!

At the beginning and end of each lesson they rate how well they understand the learning target.  That way I know exactly who to target as I teach, and who to pull for small group to reteach. 

My school also has iPads for students to use.  One of my favorite new (free) apps is Popplet. You can use it on a computer also, but not in safari :(.  Even if there are only 5 iPads available  (we share) I can have them work as a team to build a graphic organizer to organize their thinking related to the lesson at hand. Each student makes a contribution.   Here is an example of one below (not one of mine)

So what do you do to keep things interactive in the classroom? Link up with Erin and share your ideas.
*Amanda

Saturday Snapshots on Sunday

I'm linking up with Miss Nelson for a quick photo glimpse into my weekend.

Lots of fun outside as its only been in the 90's...unheard of this time of year.

During nap time I got a little reading done!

I also snuck off to get my hair done...Oh how I hate how my face looks in photos

And that's my Saturday folks...hope you had a good one.

*Amanda

What I'm Loving Wednesday..July 3rd

Most importantly I am LOVING summer. I've had time to myself...but not too much :)

I found this little gem at Walmart yesterday on the clearance aisle!  You can also order here from Ebay!

This band slides over your notebook or planner to hold your spot, but it also has a cute little pen holder built in!  It's put out by the Smashbook company but it fits my planner just fine :)

I never have a pen or pencil handy, and this solves that problem!

As you can see I have my favorite new erasable  gel pens hooked in there now.

I also picked this little cutie up on sale at Kohl's a few weeks ago!

So perfect to hold all my teacher supplies (planner, iPad etc). And it stands up on its own!  I hate bags that fall over as soon as you set them on the floor.   I noticed Sears also has it for sale online(it was cheaper at Kohls)!  Click here to check it out.

I'm also lovin a new blog I found...Mrs. Z and Company

She made this cute button to share :)  Follow her on bloglovin and it's yours to use!

What are you Lovin?  Link up over at Glitter and Glue

* Amanda