Back to School Staff Development

Today was my first day back at school and I'm so excited about two pieces of staff development I received.

 

First,  we learned about Writing in Science.   It goes beyond having students prove what they learned and having them explain what they've learned by using content specific vocabulary.  It covers a variety of Science topics and includes material lists, step by step directions and a CD-ROM that even provides example videos.

 

 

Next,  our principal purchased Stemscopes, which provides awesome Science lessons based on state standards.   Besides the lessons are vocabulary cards,  concept songs, interactive games,  and cross content activities for Reading, Math and Writing.

 

 

 

What staff development is your campus providing this year? What staff development would you like? What staff development can you do without? 

Back to School Activities

One of the things I absolutely LOVE about back to school is getting to know my new students. Most of them I've seen in the hallways since they were in kindergarten and many are younger siblings to students who have already been in my class.  I want back to school ice breakers to be meaningful, because I use the information I get from them during the school year.


One thing I want kids to learn from day 1 is that I use food very, very often to teach concepts. Because I may not know about food allergies until it's too late, I like to start with the Skittles Ice Breaker.  It's very much like the M&M Ice Breaker out there, however, I use this because is friendly to students who have allergies to chocolate.




















Another activity we do is the All About Me individual inventory.  It gives me basics about my students that I will use during the first few weeks of school.  The most difficult blank students will need to fill is their birthdate.  Since our campus is in a developing community, many students may know the name of their street, but not the house number and they feel the pressure when there is something they need to fill out that they don't know the answer to.

 

 

I also like to do some goal setting with my new students.  Nothing too in depth, because that will come later in the year.  I just want to help them focus on a new school year.  I do this with a simple goal setting page that they can work on independently and share with the class.

 

 

 

I also love to begin a time capsule that we'll take out at the end of the year and place in our year books. It's fun to see how their cursive signature has changed as well as their simple favorites that they were so sure about at the beginning of the year.

 

 

What activities do you like to have your students work on at the beginning of the year?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Back to School Routine: Spelling Contracts

Setting daily and weekly class routines is a must in any classroom.  Especially when teaching in a collaborative classroom where students with learning disabilities are learning along side regular education students.  This can get a little sticky when working on Writer's Workshop, because some students need more attention than others.

An easy weekly routine that requires little maintenance is the use of Spelling Contracts. 

Teacher Pay Teachers

 

 

All that I need to update is the date, spelling words and Word Hunt labels.  Contracts are handed out on Monday and collected on Friday.

 

 

What does your spelling practice look like?

Hollywood Back to School Theme Posters and Activities

Last year my classroom featured a STAR theme since our state test is called the STAAR test.  This year I wanted to change things up a little without having to totally redo my classroom.  After doing some Pinteresting, I've found my "Pin"spiration and got creative.  I've created the following items to add to my classroom décor.

STAR Hallway Behavior Poster

I wanted an easy visual that would help my students remember my expectations for their hallway behavior.  This was also a super easy way to incorporate the Hollywood theme.

Movie Ticket Noise Levels Poster

 

I also created a movie ticket style Noise Levels Poster that I can refer to before turning students loose on work.

 

I've also created some back to school get to know you activities that can be done with a independently, with a partner and with a small group.

 

 

Back to school activities

 

 

What is your back to school theme?  What are your favorite back to school activities?  Your can find these items in a Back to School pack or individually at my Teacher Pay Teachers Store.  Don't forget to follow me!



Back to School Must Haves

Now I know you've already made your back to school shopping list.  Likely you've already purchased most of those necessities and have filled every nook and cranny of your classroom with them. 

Lorraine over at Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies contributed to 2013-2014 Back to School Must Haves emagazine.  According to Lorraine all contributors are incredible teacher bloggers who have terrific recommendations for all sorts of must haves!


Check it out now! 


What are your back to school must items?

If I only had minions!

I have to say that I'm very proud of myself,  because I've crossed 5 things off of my list to create. Granted I have about 8 more things to create that will be a little more time consuming. ... like my new iHelp job chart and the a Habit of the Week visual.  SIGH....I will get there,  but I wonder if I should add minions to my back to school shopping list....

Back to School Ice Breaker: Skittles

Using food always gets the attention of my students, but using CANDY is a fool proof way to keep their attention. Even quite kids are sure to participate if it means they get to eat candy in class. 

I love using Downeast Teach's -MM-Game, however, there's always the kiddo that can't eat chocolate.  I've adapted the activity to use Skittles.   You can find it at Getting-to-Know-you-with-Skittles.

 I can't wait to use both this school year!