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