Memory Books

Throughout college and the multitude of classroom placements I had, I was given a lot of advice from veteran teachers or my cooperating teachers.  A lot of the advice given included something about how they had wished that they had done something when they first started teaching many years ago.

Now being a new teacher myself, I don't want to have those types of regrets (so-to-say) of little projects that I wish I had done.  Now is the time, so I better get going!

The first project I started months ago is keeping a journal of funny things that students say.  One of my favorite shows growing up was "Kids Say the Darndest Things" with Bill Cosby (and originally Art Linkletter).  You truly never know what will come out of a kid's mouth.  They are brutally honest and totally hilarious.  When I did my student teaching internship, I decided to start a notebook where I would write down the kiddo's name and what they said.  Sometimes I'd have to explain the context in which they  used it or the conversation it was with.  It's great to read through a few years from now and get a good chuckle or to look through when you're having a hard day.

The second project I just recently started is a class archive in the form of a memory book.  All you need are some pictures and a photo book. 

Here's what mine looks like:

I made a simple cover for the photo book I had laying around.  Cost me nothing and hardly took any time.  Then, I needed to go through and find the photos I had collected over time of my students.  I had my photos printed at my local drug store for less than $2.50.  Super inexpensive!

Here is what my pages generally look like:

I know the photograph looks funny, and that's because I with-held some personal information for privacy reasons.  You get it.  Each page has two 4x6 inserts and a middle section for captions.  The top has the name of the school (since I've moved a bit and I'm sure I will within the next 50 years), the grade level, any special information (special education class, multiage group, etc), and the school year - it looks funny in the photo since I blocked it out.  In the middle section, I put the names of the students as you would see it in a year book (in rows with their complete name).  That of course is blocked out in the photo as well.  Then on the bottom, I put our class photo.  Sometimes I put both a serious and a silly photo, depending on the students.

I've got a nice little collection and I cherish it already.  Getting advice from veteran teachers shouldn't be taken lightly!  I know in a few decades I will have a memory book chock full of great memories that I can really cherish.  If you haven't done this already, get started!  It is such an inexpensive and easy project, especially if you keep up with it each year!

:)  Emily

Student Portfolios

Students lose things.

That's a no-brainer.

Along with countless other social skills that we teach our students, taking responsibility for themselves is definitely at the top of the list.  When I first began with my middle-schoolers, they really struggled being responsible... in all aspects.  If they lost things, it was someone else's fault.  If a paper wasn't turned it, it was their sibling's fault.  If a project was half-finished, it was my fault.  

How could I manage to turn this around?  Well, here's what I started with.

Student Portfolios.

I bought this hanging-file organizer at Target for $19.95.  You could also used a cardboard box but it might take a beating.  This tub has proven to be indestructible as it has been dropped MANY times.  Then, I bought extended file hangers and gave each class their own file.  In addition, each student got their own manila folder with their name and class period on it. I also have a hanging folder of ALL extra sheets from what we've done if a student needs a new one.

At the beginning of each class, they get out their portfolio along with doing their morning warm-up.  It's just a part of our everyday routine.  Everything they have done for the current unit (notes, worksheets, activities, projects, tests, etc) is in their folder.  I keep a running list on the blackboard of what SHOULD be in their folder.  Here is the flaw in my system.  Unless you actually take the work and physically put it in their portfolios yourself, you can't be ENTIRELY sure they really put it in there.  You can direct students to be more responsible, but at the end of the day, they will choose whether or not they will buy into your system and along with that, be responsible.

Every once and a while I'll find some important things in the recycling bin.  Naturally, I'll take it out and find a sassy way to ask students how their paper magically flew into the recycling bin.  I usually get a pretty creative response, which I follow up with a lovely lecture about being responsible.

Another way I use this is that when a student is absent, I put the work they missed in their folder so when they come in the next day, they know what they need to do to catch up on what they have missed.  Sometimes I'll add a note in addition that might say "see me" or "get these notes from a friend".  

This system has worked wonders and students are learning to check for absent work on their own, make sure they have what they need by cross-checking with my list, and they don't need to be told to put something in their folders or take them out/return them to the portfolio tub.

A little closer to self-responsibility and a little closer to my own freakishly-organized sanity.

:) Emily

Be. More. Awesome.

Inspiration

a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation

b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions

c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

I live and breathe inspiration.  I love to share my ideas, thoughts, and talents with others in hopes of inspiring someone.  But most importantly, I love to be inspired by anything - people, ideas, images, music, whatever.  Find something that moves you and use it to your advantage.

So once I became a teacher, I had to ask myself - how can I inspire my students?  Whether they were elementary or middle school, I want to be able to inspire them to be something great, do something amazing, and live in a way that they can spread inspiration to others.  If I can make learning exciting or help them improve, I've done my job.  [Now you know where the title of my blog comes from :) ]

One way I began my "journey" of inspiring students is by having Viral Video Friday.

Every Friday, I show my students a video on YouTube.  I try to find something age-appropriate with a subliminal message.  Since I teach middle schoolers, those videos typically include music or humor.  They love both equally.

Here is where I tell you my secret weapon.  Not only are these videos funny, but they are adorable and so very motivational.

It is my honor to introduce to you, Kid President.  

Just look at that smile.

This is the most adorable, wise-beyond-his-years, inspirational kid I've ever seen.  He's a 10-year-old in a 40-year-old's body.  He is attempting to make the world "less boring" and has produces numerous videos that his brother-in-law filmed and edited.  They rock.  He gives a lot of great ideas, including to be a "YES" man, spend your time dancing instead of hating, don't stop believing, if what you are doing doesn't make the world better you shouldn't do it, and be more awesome.  The way  he inspires you to do these things is not only unconditional, but so very cute and catchy.  He makes me realize that those times where I'm feeling down or negative, that I've got so many more reasons to smile and be happy.

Here is his YouTube channel: Kid President Videos

Here is his website: http://kidpresident.com/ 

If you haven't been inspired, gotten a huge smile on your face, and felt a huge sense of warmth in your heart, you must be missing something.  My students LOVE Kid President and ask on a daily basis if we are going to be watching a new video of his on Friday.  Not only have they learned something from him, but they look up to him.  That is inspiration.  Big time.

Please remember.  It's everybody's duty to give the world a reason to dance.

Emily :)

My "Student Toolbox"

One of my first "tough lessons" as a middle school teacher was that anything.... I repeat ANYTHING is fair game for the taking in your classroom.  Even if you have your name printed on a tape dispenser in gold leaf... that doesn't mean it won't be taken or wrecked.  Pencils?  Gone.  Pens?  Gone even faster.  Pencil sharpener?  Probably ruined in a few days.

Okay, maybe that is a little harsh.  But honestly, I was shocked within my first week how my supplies were used, abused, and taken in my room.  Within two days the fresh pack of 24 pens I put out for *borrowing* in the *extreme case* that a student forgot to bring something to write with was GONE.  It was horrifying.  Not only because my students didn't recognize or respect that they were not theirs for the taking, but because I quickly saw dollar signs flashing before my eyes thinking about how many pens/pencils I would have to buy to replenish (and how often) if this was how quickly they would be used.

I quickly sought out advice from veteran middle school teachers to see what they did about this issue.  Almost all of them told me that I shouldn't lend out pencils or pens at all because they won't be returned.  I think they were subliminally telling me to not trust anyone, as if my life depended on it  However, when kiddos show up with nothing to write with for the entire 85 minutes that I have them, what am I supposed to do?  I tell them to ask a friend, but typically there are no extras laying around because for some odd reason my middle schoolers don't see the importance of bringing more than one pen/pencil (if they bring on at all).  Making them sit through an entire block without something to write with (thus not participating in the activity, project, or assignment we are doing) doesn't seem productive or motherly... since I feel like mothering is a part of my job as well.

After much debate, I came up with a plan that I implemented within my second week on the job.  

I present, my "Student Toolbox".......!

I bought the tote at the dollar store.  I created the label that says "Please feel free to BORROW supplies from the toolbox.  All items must be returned after use.  Thanks!"  I explained to my students that these were my supplies that I am giving them the privilege to use, and in order to keep that privilege they need to respect my belongings.  I compared the use of this toolbox to them having a friend over in their own bedroom at home.  Of course their friend will use their things (bed, toys, video games, music, etc).  To hit it home further, I asked my kiddos what types of things they would expect their friend to do (return things, treat them nicely, respect them, etc).  Set it up very nicely.

Here's what I put inside the all-magical "Student Toolbox".......

Pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, stapler, tape, scissors, hand sanitizer, and a ruler.  Eventually, I put funky colored duct tape on each pencil and pen so I would KNOW when a kiddo was using one and they would feel further inclined to return them.  Also, it would hopefully decrease the crime rate going on my classroom.  Basically everything students would need for the usual class.  Extra supplies like coloring supplies and what not are kept safely tucked behind my desk.

I also implemented one more expectation with the supplies.  If students borrowed a pencil or pen, they had to, in return, leave me something of value such as a dollar, phone, school ID, shoe, or MP3 player.  Something I was sure that students wouldn't leave the room without.  I added a red basket next to the toolbox called the "Swap Box" (sorry, I forgot to take a photo!) where they can put the item they are exchanging with me for a pen/pencil.

Both the toolbox and lending system started out beautifully.  Of course, some of them slip through my fingers and I've lost a few pens and pencils, but most have stuck around.  Most of the supplies have remained in tact, with only a few minor injuries.

Although I haven't been able to ingrain the importance of being prepared for class to all of my students, I have hopefully taught them something about respecting property and returning what you borrow.  Maybe.

For now, I'll stick with my magical blue toolbox.

:)  Emily