iPad Mayhem

I have tried so many different procedures for storing our iPads and headphones when not in use.  Needless to say, I have YET to master this dilemma. I set aside two cubbies to designate for these supplies and THIS is how I picture it to work........

Well, THIS is actually as good as it usually gets!!

I am now off to search iPad storage ideas on Pinterest!!! lol

Also, while we're talking about technology....One of our report card standards for writing is that they explore digital tools to produce and publish writing. We have taken this standard very slowly, but have loved using the Paint Game on www.abcya.com.  I know a lot of you use this website, but I never really considered using the Paint game until a co-worker suggested it. My students love it and think they're just playing a game.  We began the year by just playing with it. I required for them to type or write their name and to attempt to spell something.  Here's a few of their works. Oh ya, we printed these pages out from the game and formed a class book.

We've recently been working on Silent E words, so I thought it would be fun to make a new book of nothing but these type of words. I thought they did a great job. Here's a few....

Center Organization

Organizing your centers is one of hardest things for teachers, but can be one of the biggest pay-offs if you take the time and just do it. I'm going to show you how I have my math, word work, and writing centers organized.

Before I begin, I have to stress.......This was not all done at once! It has taken me a couple years to work up to this. Just focus on one center this year or one aspect of this organization system. You will continue to tweak your system as you grow professionally and finally reach a point of contentment.

I begin by using a table/chart to provide a visual and guide that I will house in a binder and use for easy changing of centers.

I have these charts made for each center.

Once I have chosen what activities that I want in that center for that time frame, I place a copy of the chart and all materials (that can fit) in a plastic envelope with a label of the dates covered. I have designated a specific color to each center. My writing center is black, math is red, and word work is blue. 

Once these plastic envelopes (purchased at Dollar General for $0.50 each!) are stuffed and labeled, they are placed in a storage tub that is labeled with the month and placed above my cabinets until needed.

You will find different activities that you like better and will constantly adjust your charts, but the overall system is in place and pretty easy to use. My goal is to have it so organized that my student teacher can pull down a tub and immediately know which tubs to replace when and with what materials. My third grade daughter helped me switch out centers last school year on Fridays and it was a piece of cake! My focus can now be taken off the stress of center changing and on to something else! lol

I have included a copy of my center activities for the first half of the year, along with a blank template for you to begin creating your own! ;)

Click HERE

Freebie Friday!

First, just a few random things that I love! This is the new bulletin board design made by my co-teacher. I love it!

Also, I wanted to share my new organizational tool for storing all  a few of my zippered bad games and such. I love it! It's so handy to turn and grab an activity to work with my kiddos at my teacher table. As the year moves along, I'll just trade out the bags for some new ones. I used a small curtain rod, the large Command hooks, and medium sized binder rings. (I believe 1").

Now, on to my freebie! We have been doing DINOSAURS this week (which I also love)! Last year I made these for my freebie!

This year I made some cute little sight word dinosaurs that you clip clothespins on to spell the sight word. (They look really cool with their clothespin spikes!) I also made a few small letter sequence dinosaur puzzles. I hope you enjoy and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Flash Freebie for 24 hours!

Do you need some thematic binder covers? These come with matching spine inserts and tub labels. Today is such a beautiful day that I decided to post them free for the next 24 hours. Enjoy!

Click on pic above to get yours!

Mission Organization

My goal was to organize my classroom closet and I think I'm just about there!!!

BEFORE

AFTER