Well friends, today was a very exciting day in 2nd grade! We welcomed our 2nd new student of the year. I wanted to share some of the ideas we came up with to help make him feel welcome at Cedar Hills!
- Photo Story: A couple weeks prior to his first day, my cooperating teacher and I snapped some shots of the kiddos hard a work as well as some of the classroom. We put these together and created a Photo Story. (If you are unfamiliar with Photo Story YOU NEED TO BE! This is such a great tool that has hundreds of instructional uses!) The text in the photo story said phrases like, "Welcome to your new classroom!" "We can't wait to meet you!" "Classmates hard at work." We added some cheezy, fun music and emailed it off to be viewed. Prior to his first day he already had a chance to see where he was going, see some of his classmates, and know that he was welcomed and we were eager to meet him.
- With both of our new students we "assigned" them a buddy to help them through lunch, recess, specials, etc. EVERY kiddo wants this job!
- I invited to students to come sit on the carpet in a circle. I had them share their thoughts on their first day of school (scared, nervous, excited). I then shared, that in honor of our new friend, we would read a story called My First Day of School. I think another great book would be First Day Jitters. They all love read aloud so much that the new student doesn't feel singled out. They were all excited to listen to the story. :)
- We then went around and shared our name as well as 2 as interesting facts about ourselves. (Had I thought this would be an issue I would have set guidelines and offer suggestions such as favorite food, hobbies, talents, etc.)
Well friends, that's all I have. Learning Fair tomorrow night! Can't wait!
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Blogging FAILURE
I've tried so hard to keep this blog going, but clearly I'm terrible at it. Lesson planning and sleep seem to be my only priorities as of late. Regardless, here's the last couple of months in a nutshell. I'll remember what I can...
Being that it is the last quarter of school, the weather is getting nicer, school is months from being out, full moons, 1st Tuesday of the 4th month in the 2,012th year... whatever it is, the kiddos (at least in my class) are having a hard time maintaining focus. So my cooperating teacher has shared with me some of the incentives she has used in the past to encourage appropriate student behavior.
Being that it is the last quarter of school, the weather is getting nicer, school is months from being out, full moons, 1st Tuesday of the 4th month in the 2,012th year... whatever it is, the kiddos (at least in my class) are having a hard time maintaining focus. So my cooperating teacher has shared with me some of the incentives she has used in the past to encourage appropriate student behavior.
- Card turning. We've always had this one, but lately the number of card turners seems to be picking up (5 today alone). Behaviors that normally get 5,764 reminders now only get a couple, and then students are asked to turn their card. First offense, warning. Second offense, turn your card and send a blue note home to be signed by parents. Third offense, turn your card again, send a note home, and 10 minutes in from recess. Fourth offense, meet with the principal. Luckily, the students seem to shape up after the first card turn.
- We've also always had P.A.T. time, which I think I mentioned in an earlier blog post. This stands for Preferred Activity Time. Students can earn or lose these minutes as a class. The time is then used for Stop Folder time, free time, educational games, read aloud, etc.
- Virtue Stickers. Again, we've always had this. Students can earn a virtue sticker for following the Blue Valley Virtues. This can be done by being helpful at lunch, being prepared for the next lesson, meeting their goals in Math and Reading... there's a million ways. These virtue stickers can then be added up and used to purchase various items (lunch with the teacher, shoes off in class, extra recess time, candy, small toys, 5 minutes with a friend, etc.)
- While students were seated in table groups (which has since been changed due to behavior), we offered dye cut flowers to tables who were helpful to each other, all prepared to move on, working quietly, etc. When a table earned 10 flowers each individual at the table would receive 5 virtue stickers. Doesn't seem like much, but it was a HUGE motivator!
- We also offered computer passes to individual students who were doing what they were supposed to be doing or going above and beyond. These passes were good for 5 minutes on the computer. Kiddos went cRaZy for these!
- We haven't done this yet, but my cooperating teacher said that in the past she has had students earn "petals" as a class. Once they earned a flower full they received extra recess.
- This isn't related to behavior but, rather, a clean desk. Random times during the year, the "desk fairy" comes around! She offers candy to little boys and girls with clean desks! The students who don't get visited by the desk fairy are very quick to clean their desks... funny how that works. :)
TONS of great suggestions. (On a side note let me just say, I've learned more in this 4 month experience than I have in 4 years at school. Moving on...) After I was observed by my K-State supervisor, she suggested we move the students desks into rows. I know, I know. This goes against EVERYTHING we have learned in Classroom Management (and every other class for that matter). Let me just say- don't dis it until you try it! Students are in table sections of 3 so they can easy talk to their elbow partner or do some think-pair-share. Each table section is half of a row for a total of 6 in each row... if that makes sense. We call each of the sections "wings" and the whole row a "bird." So cheezy. I do it for the children. :) So far the combination of the incentives and desk arrangement seems to be working. It's so hard to regain that focus after Spring Break! Some more random pieces I've gathered during my time student teaching:
- Each month students get a task list or skills packet. When students finish with work they pull their packet out of the Stop Folder and start working! It eliminates the, "What do I do now?" comment... at least for awhile!
- My cooperating teacher also shared that she keeps anecdotal notes in a document on her computer. She types out each student's name and any crucial events that happen throughout the year. This is a quick, easy way to keep some records.
- Today, while observing my cooperating teacher she was having a hard time getting the kids to where they needed to be and doing what they were supposed to be doing. She said, "I'm going to turn around for 10 seconds. When I turn back around, I want everyone to be doing what they are supposed to be doing." LOVED THIS!
- Also during today's lesson, she picked out a student who was doing exactly what she was supposed to be doing (and always is). She had this student show her worksheet to the class and give her a round of applause. She was beaming with pride! These "high flyer" kiddos get tired of the lectures, reminders, teachers waiting, etc. It's nice to pick them out for their good work when possible.
Well, a little update on where I'm at. I'm mostly teaching full days, which I LOVE! It's so great to work with a fun and welcoming staff, kiddos who are always excited to see you, a supportive principal, a great facility, I could go on and on. I do all of the mornings including sharing the learning targets, going over morning work and Language Arts. I'm leading 3 leveled reading groups, which has been a great learning experience in itself. I have attempted to teach Math. I'm trying not to share my hatred of Math and bad habits with them. Thankfully my cooperating teacher is happy to intervene when I feel like am sinking. :) I also teach a unit on Economics, which the kids are overly pshyched about (not complaining).
Okay friends, I'm running out of things to say. Imagine that! Time to do some lesson planning!
Squeezes and Smooches, Miss Lathrop
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Power of Play
I am such a terrible blogger! It's so hard to find the time and energy! Excuses, excuses...
I wanted to write a quick entry addressing "The Power of Play." Thursday and Saturday I had the opportunity to babysit a 4 (almost 5) year old boy. His mom is a play therapist but currently working as an elementary school counselor. I say this because I think her profession had a great deal of influence in her parenting. I. Was. Amazed. This child had no desire to play video games or watch TV (he asked once). He had an imagination greater than any kid I think I've ever seen. (We literally played with bouncy balls for 20 minutes- roll, throw, catch, chase, repeat.) He was active, social, fun to be around, smart... I think this goes to show as future educators and parents how important it is to turn off the TV and the video games. Allow our children time to make up their own games, encourage them to ask questions, and let their creativity flourish! (This is not to say all technology is bad. There has to be a balance. It's easy for kids to watch TV or play video games. Encourage them to do what they may not necessarily choose on their own- read a book, paint a picture, invent something, make their own game, etc.)
Student teaching! Things couldn't be going better. I can officially say, the students have warmed up to me, I know the routine, and I feel very in my element. I'm probably way behind on my portfolio, but as for now, I'm enjoying every minute of my experience. That counts for something, right? :)
Conferences went great! It was such an incredible learning experience. I didn't say much and just took it all in. It was so great to watch my cooperating teacher in action. She always had something positive to say about the students, was good at making data (such as running records) easy to understand, and was quick to supply solutions or interventions for struggling students. I must say conducting conferences is probably what I'm most terrified for when I become a teacher.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day AND early dismissal. Can you say CrAzY kIdDoS?! It should be a fun day though. I made my Valentine's for the students. Super cheap. Super cute. Here's the link if you want to make them: http://theteacherwife.blogspot.com/2011/12/you-make-my-glow-v-day-freebie.html I wrote the students' names (in cursive of course because they're OBSESSED now that they've started learning it) and signed my name. Tape the glow sticks on the back. So easy!
I wish I could remember what has happened the past couple weeks, but it's all a blur. I'll check my old lesson plans and repost next time...
Well friends, dinner time.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
I wanted to write a quick entry addressing "The Power of Play." Thursday and Saturday I had the opportunity to babysit a 4 (almost 5) year old boy. His mom is a play therapist but currently working as an elementary school counselor. I say this because I think her profession had a great deal of influence in her parenting. I. Was. Amazed. This child had no desire to play video games or watch TV (he asked once). He had an imagination greater than any kid I think I've ever seen. (We literally played with bouncy balls for 20 minutes- roll, throw, catch, chase, repeat.) He was active, social, fun to be around, smart... I think this goes to show as future educators and parents how important it is to turn off the TV and the video games. Allow our children time to make up their own games, encourage them to ask questions, and let their creativity flourish! (This is not to say all technology is bad. There has to be a balance. It's easy for kids to watch TV or play video games. Encourage them to do what they may not necessarily choose on their own- read a book, paint a picture, invent something, make their own game, etc.)
Student teaching! Things couldn't be going better. I can officially say, the students have warmed up to me, I know the routine, and I feel very in my element. I'm probably way behind on my portfolio, but as for now, I'm enjoying every minute of my experience. That counts for something, right? :)
Conferences went great! It was such an incredible learning experience. I didn't say much and just took it all in. It was so great to watch my cooperating teacher in action. She always had something positive to say about the students, was good at making data (such as running records) easy to understand, and was quick to supply solutions or interventions for struggling students. I must say conducting conferences is probably what I'm most terrified for when I become a teacher.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day AND early dismissal. Can you say CrAzY kIdDoS?! It should be a fun day though. I made my Valentine's for the students. Super cheap. Super cute. Here's the link if you want to make them: http://theteacherwife.blogspot.com/2011/12/you-make-my-glow-v-day-freebie.html I wrote the students' names (in cursive of course because they're OBSESSED now that they've started learning it) and signed my name. Tape the glow sticks on the back. So easy!
I wish I could remember what has happened the past couple weeks, but it's all a blur. I'll check my old lesson plans and repost next time...
Well friends, dinner time.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
This and That... Here and There...
Sheesh! It has been a long time since my last post. I've definitely been VERY busy and VERY tired! The good kind of course. :) I come home each day exhausted and beyond ready for my life to start. Grown up life is hard to adjust to compared to having class from noon-4:00! Here's some highlights from the past couple of weeks...
I absolutely LOVE how many opportunities there are for students to learn and discover on their own without direct teacher instruction. This has been most apparent in Math. The lesson we're currently working on is mass. Prior to that, we did a unit called "Cubeland." (Look it up if you haven't heard of it. GREAT unit for teaching volume and height.) Each of these units has allowed students to try things out and figure out methods that work the best. Students are much more engaged and interested when this is the method of teaching used. Definitely noted for my future classroom. :)
Subject change... We found out yesterday that we will be getting a new student! Woo hoo! Should be fun. :) I'm interested to see if they are ahead or behind our students.
Yesterday the students played a concetration game for Block 10 +/- 9. An amazing Saint 2nd grade teacher from another school made fancy PowerPoints for the Smart Board to go along with this unit (and many others). The students were so excited! They broke off into teams (evens against the odds). Their goal was to find an addition problem and its matching solution. I love to see them so excited about learning!
A strategy my cooperating teacher uses in her classroom is P.A.T. which stands for Preferred Activity Time. Students can earn and lose minutes throughout the day. At the end of the day students can do an activity of their choosing. This may include working in their stop folder, reading silently, listening to a read aloud, free time, etc. It normally ends up being about 10 minutes we squeeze in sometime at the end of the day. This is such an easy strategy to implement and a great motivator for the students!
Speaking of motivators... students also can earn virtue stickers for demonstrating the "Blue Valley Virtues." These include self-discipline, acceptance, perserverance, compassion, respect, honesty, responsibility, kindness, and cooperation. They'll do anything for a virtue sticker! These stickers can be redeemed for various prizes and rewards at the end of the month.
I guess I should also give an update on what I'm actually doing here! I'm going over morning work with them along with the learning targets. I'm GRADING. I'm also helping out with spelling pre/post tests. More GRADING. I do some of the Vocabulary and Social Studies lessons as well. Did I say GRADING?! My cooperating teacher has done a really great job of easing me into everything and making sure I'm comfortable. How could I forget... GRADING?! Let it be known, I'm loving every minute of all of it. :)
Well friends, I have 3 dozen muffins to make for seminar tomorrow. Say a prayer for me... I'm cooking! Stay posted. I'll be doing an Economics lesson soon! Eek!
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
I absolutely LOVE how many opportunities there are for students to learn and discover on their own without direct teacher instruction. This has been most apparent in Math. The lesson we're currently working on is mass. Prior to that, we did a unit called "Cubeland." (Look it up if you haven't heard of it. GREAT unit for teaching volume and height.) Each of these units has allowed students to try things out and figure out methods that work the best. Students are much more engaged and interested when this is the method of teaching used. Definitely noted for my future classroom. :)
Subject change... We found out yesterday that we will be getting a new student! Woo hoo! Should be fun. :) I'm interested to see if they are ahead or behind our students.
Yesterday the students played a concetration game for Block 10 +/- 9. An amazing Saint 2nd grade teacher from another school made fancy PowerPoints for the Smart Board to go along with this unit (and many others). The students were so excited! They broke off into teams (evens against the odds). Their goal was to find an addition problem and its matching solution. I love to see them so excited about learning!
A strategy my cooperating teacher uses in her classroom is P.A.T. which stands for Preferred Activity Time. Students can earn and lose minutes throughout the day. At the end of the day students can do an activity of their choosing. This may include working in their stop folder, reading silently, listening to a read aloud, free time, etc. It normally ends up being about 10 minutes we squeeze in sometime at the end of the day. This is such an easy strategy to implement and a great motivator for the students!
Speaking of motivators... students also can earn virtue stickers for demonstrating the "Blue Valley Virtues." These include self-discipline, acceptance, perserverance, compassion, respect, honesty, responsibility, kindness, and cooperation. They'll do anything for a virtue sticker! These stickers can be redeemed for various prizes and rewards at the end of the month.
I guess I should also give an update on what I'm actually doing here! I'm going over morning work with them along with the learning targets. I'm GRADING. I'm also helping out with spelling pre/post tests. More GRADING. I do some of the Vocabulary and Social Studies lessons as well. Did I say GRADING?! My cooperating teacher has done a really great job of easing me into everything and making sure I'm comfortable. How could I forget... GRADING?! Let it be known, I'm loving every minute of all of it. :)
Well friends, I have 3 dozen muffins to make for seminar tomorrow. Say a prayer for me... I'm cooking! Stay posted. I'll be doing an Economics lesson soon! Eek!
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
Monday, January 9, 2012
Introduction to Miss Lathrop!
What a fabulous Monday it has been! Today I presented my first lesson- an introduction of myself. I tried to come up with something fun and active instead of just sharing information. I showed the students a PowerPoint of myself. (If I was talented enough, I would post it). Each slide had a question, such as, "What is my favorite team/food/color?" or "How many siblings do I have?" or "What animals do I have?" etc. Followed by four images of the item discussed in the question. Each image has a number next to it. The number next to the image corresponds to a corner in the room. The students go to that corner in the room (which I labeled) that they think is the correct answer. The next slide reveals the answer to the question. The students in the correct corner receive a "1 point" token. The student with the most points wins! The kiddos absolutely LOVED it! (The even loved my silly little paper tokens!) They spent lots of time deliberating and coming up with the perfect answer to describe Miss Lathrop. :) In the end we had a four way tie. Success? I think so!
After the game, I had the students fill out this worksheet so I could get to know them as well. Some of the kiddos answers were absolutely precious!
Getting To Know YOU!
I finally feel like I'm grasping routines, procedures, schedules, etc. I'm getting to know the kiddos and their personalities better which always make things more fun. Today, we also started reading groups. This will give me the opportunity to meet kiddos from other classes. In one station we read/will be reading The Littles. Another station the students did Rainbow Spelling. The students write their spelling words in marker alternating colors (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). Such a great idea! At the third station, the students worked on decodeable text with "The Clean Team." This was a small little "book" the students read then answered questions along with it.
In math the students are doing a unit called "Cubeland." They work with cube math manipulatives to create different "plans." They can then switch them with other classmates. (There are a TON of other activities that go with this unit... I'll share more later.)
The students are also finishing up their New Years people. The ones that have finished look so cute! They worked very hard writing out their New Years resolutions. These were then pasted on large pieces of construction paper. They then added faces, mittens, New Years hats, etc. I'll try to take some pictures and post later.
Early dismissal tomorrow! Looking forward to talking with some other 2nd grade teachers in the area and swapping ideas. Time to write my letter to my parents!
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
After the game, I had the students fill out this worksheet so I could get to know them as well. Some of the kiddos answers were absolutely precious!
Getting To Know YOU!
I finally feel like I'm grasping routines, procedures, schedules, etc. I'm getting to know the kiddos and their personalities better which always make things more fun. Today, we also started reading groups. This will give me the opportunity to meet kiddos from other classes. In one station we read/will be reading The Littles. Another station the students did Rainbow Spelling. The students write their spelling words in marker alternating colors (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). Such a great idea! At the third station, the students worked on decodeable text with "The Clean Team." This was a small little "book" the students read then answered questions along with it.
In math the students are doing a unit called "Cubeland." They work with cube math manipulatives to create different "plans." They can then switch them with other classmates. (There are a TON of other activities that go with this unit... I'll share more later.)
The students are also finishing up their New Years people. The ones that have finished look so cute! They worked very hard writing out their New Years resolutions. These were then pasted on large pieces of construction paper. They then added faces, mittens, New Years hats, etc. I'll try to take some pictures and post later.
Early dismissal tomorrow! Looking forward to talking with some other 2nd grade teachers in the area and swapping ideas. Time to write my letter to my parents!
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A Quick Post With A Few Fun Ideas...
I have to hurry and do this before my computer overheats! Eek! Clearly, I'm too broke to afford a new fan sooo let's make this snappy!
So today was another fabulous day. It's fun getting to know the other teachers. I know I've said this before, but everyone is seriously making me feel SO welcome! I jotted down a couple notes in my planner today about some ideas I've seen that I've absolutely fallen in love with. It probably sounds like I've never been in a classroom before. Every time my cooperating teacher shows me an idea or a system they've worked out, all I can reply is, "Oh how fun!" or "I love that!" or "Great idea!" I've honestly never seen or heard of a lot of this before. It really is all fun and great and I love it! :)
- Heads down: The kiddos were super chatty and restless today while my CT was giving instructions. After trying to get them to stop talking with no success, she instructed them to stop and put their heads on their desks. I've literally never seen something so effective and amazing in my life! The kids stopped what they were doing, took a little breather, and in 30 ish seconds sat up completely quiet and ready to listen. GENIUS!
- Sit on your pockets: When the kids sit on the floor for Smart Board or read aloud many of them are up on their knees or rolling on around. She frequently tells them, "On your pockets please!" This is a friendly reminder for the students to sit on their pockets (or bottom). So cute.
- Notepads: I've saved the best for last! At the beginning of the year the 2nd grade teachers had notepads made with the students in their classes names on them. There are boxes for writing the assignment names (up to 3 different assignments) at the to, as well as boxes next to the students' names for check marks. When an assignment is complete, you can check it off next to their name. I seriously can't believe I haven't seen this before! They have also made notepads for their "mom helpers." It has boxes along the left side and blank spaces on the right. The teachers can write in what they need help with that week. The moms can checkoff what they accomplished. Simple, easy, effective. I realize I've done an awful job explaining...
Well this has clearly turned out longer than intended. Off to grade! (Whew! That's fun to say!)
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
So today was another fabulous day. It's fun getting to know the other teachers. I know I've said this before, but everyone is seriously making me feel SO welcome! I jotted down a couple notes in my planner today about some ideas I've seen that I've absolutely fallen in love with. It probably sounds like I've never been in a classroom before. Every time my cooperating teacher shows me an idea or a system they've worked out, all I can reply is, "Oh how fun!" or "I love that!" or "Great idea!" I've honestly never seen or heard of a lot of this before. It really is all fun and great and I love it! :)
- Heads down: The kiddos were super chatty and restless today while my CT was giving instructions. After trying to get them to stop talking with no success, she instructed them to stop and put their heads on their desks. I've literally never seen something so effective and amazing in my life! The kids stopped what they were doing, took a little breather, and in 30 ish seconds sat up completely quiet and ready to listen. GENIUS!
- Sit on your pockets: When the kids sit on the floor for Smart Board or read aloud many of them are up on their knees or rolling on around. She frequently tells them, "On your pockets please!" This is a friendly reminder for the students to sit on their pockets (or bottom). So cute.
- Notepads: I've saved the best for last! At the beginning of the year the 2nd grade teachers had notepads made with the students in their classes names on them. There are boxes for writing the assignment names (up to 3 different assignments) at the to, as well as boxes next to the students' names for check marks. When an assignment is complete, you can check it off next to their name. I seriously can't believe I haven't seen this before! They have also made notepads for their "mom helpers." It has boxes along the left side and blank spaces on the right. The teachers can write in what they need help with that week. The moms can checkoff what they accomplished. Simple, easy, effective. I realize I've done an awful job explaining...
Well this has clearly turned out longer than intended. Off to grade! (Whew! That's fun to say!)
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Day 1: Check!
Whew! What a day! It was weird getting up before the sun and wearing something other than my jammies all day! Definitely couldn't have been a better first day though. I met TONS of faculty and staff who all made me feel very welcome. However, it will definitely take a while for me to get all of their names down. :)
My cooperating teacher is incredible! It was fun seeing her in action. I've already gathered lots of great ideas and resources for use in my future classroom. The kiddos are awesome. I'm really looking forward to building relationships with them as the semester goes on. I have my very own "teacher desk" as well which is exciting!
I was very impressed with the school and the principal. Everyone is very professional (more so than what I've seen in other schools). The teachers are required to write the daily "Lesson Objectives" on the board. This is to ensure that the students, principal, and anyone who may walk in the room, know what is being taught. LOVED this! Instrumental music is playing in the background as the students walk through the halls (never seen this before either). This is a cheesy thing to mention BUT I was very impressed with their after school procedures for students who get a ride home from their parents. K-5 signs are hung on the outside walls. Each grade gathers in front of their grade sign. Students have to stand behind the red line. Parents pull around the circle drive to pick their child up at their assigned grade. It was amazing how seamless and effective this was!
Well friends, that's all I have for today.
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
My cooperating teacher is incredible! It was fun seeing her in action. I've already gathered lots of great ideas and resources for use in my future classroom. The kiddos are awesome. I'm really looking forward to building relationships with them as the semester goes on. I have my very own "teacher desk" as well which is exciting!
I was very impressed with the school and the principal. Everyone is very professional (more so than what I've seen in other schools). The teachers are required to write the daily "Lesson Objectives" on the board. This is to ensure that the students, principal, and anyone who may walk in the room, know what is being taught. LOVED this! Instrumental music is playing in the background as the students walk through the halls (never seen this before either). This is a cheesy thing to mention BUT I was very impressed with their after school procedures for students who get a ride home from their parents. K-5 signs are hung on the outside walls. Each grade gathers in front of their grade sign. Students have to stand behind the red line. Parents pull around the circle drive to pick their child up at their assigned grade. It was amazing how seamless and effective this was!
Well friends, that's all I have for today.
Squeezes and smooches, Miss Lathrop
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