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

Can't ever be too organized...!

By now you have probably noticed that I like to be organized.  Okay, let's be honest, I'm obsessive about my organization.  If I lived closer to the Container Store, I'd probably be broke.  Good thing it's over an hour away!

Being an organizational freak-of-nature, my daily classroom operations are a bit easier.  I've noticed that teachers tend to be good organizers and planners, so it seemed to be an even better match to go into this career field.

Another tool that I've discovered is the fantastic uses of three-drawer organizers.  You can find them at any Wal-Mart, Target, Shop-Ko, etc.  They fit any 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, which happens to be very handy for a teacher.

I've already showed you one way I used them, to create a daily organizational tool box for papers (to be graded, filed, copied, etc).  You can see that post if you click here.  

I already have a paper tray holder for each of my classes so they are separated and don't get confused.  But when you're preparing ahead of time for the week, it's hard to keep each day separate.  Instead of having a giant stack of freshly copied worksheets, activities, quizzes, etc, I like to keep them together for the proper day I'll be using them.  Here's what I made to help with this organization: 

All I needed to buy was two organizers (about $7 each).  I labeled each drawer and freshened it up with some cute school-themed scrapbook paper.

Some people might think it's overly organized, but I try to get as much done in the little free time that I have.  My hope is to get ahead and have the next week generally planned before I leave for the weekend.  These drawers help me keep things separated and remember anything special I need for a certain day of the week, whether it be a permission slip, letter to send home, papers to hand back, etc.  

Find what works for you and run with it!  

:)  Emily

Spiced-Up Venn Diagram

One of the things I look forward to as a young teacher is finding ways to put a new spin on old techniques.  Spice things up a bit.

Instead of handing notes or worksheets out everyday like a robot, I like to create different types of notes. Last week I had the kiddos make a brochure about South America which served as their notes.  They also made a flip-book about the four layers of the rain forest.  Still notes, but disguised as interactive activities.  My students seemed to really enjoy it, and didn't see it as notes.

Last year I tried a fun interactive activity with my fourth graders.  I was teaching a unit on fairy tales (and realism vs. fantasy) and we read the book, Cendrillon, which is the Creole version of Cinderella.  The story of Cinderella is so well-known that it was SCREAMING for a compare & contrast activity.

Venn diagrams are wonderful.  They fit a multitude of Common Core standards and can be used in any subject.  Of course I would have my kiddos create and complete a Venn diagram.  But how could I make it more exciting?  

Here was my solution:

You might have seen this idea floating around cyberspace.  But did you actually give it a shot?  It is a very inexpensive, fun way to engage students in a critical thinking activity.  I bought a pack of paper plates for about $2 and got well over 50 plates (which is what I needed for a class of 25 kiddos).  How cheap?!

I decided to make it a little easier on my students and stapled the plates together the night before.  It only took two staples per diagram.  It would save you time, as the teacher, to have them do it themselves.  I know would be easy enough to do with fourth graders, but I wanted to prevent any time delays.  The older they are, the easier it would be as well.

Next, I created the template above to show my students what they needed to do.  They had to get two colors and trace a circle for each side.  Then I had them label one side "Cendrillon" and the other "Cinderella".  Of course there was also a label for the center, too.

My fourth graders really got into the activity.  They used different colors to represent different ideas or the separate stories.  Here are a few fun examples:

It's amazing how much fun a typical activity, such as comparing and contrasting, can be when you put a little creativity into it.  Students love it, and sometimes don't even realize they are doing school work.  You can spice it up even more by giving a prize or reward for the student who comes up with the most ideas.

Whatever you do, make it more interesting!  The hum-drum of class can get boring for students.  Put yourself in their shoes and try to come up with activities or lessons that YOU would enjoy learning yourself.

Emily   :)

Resolution to the Great Debate...

So, as I promised you... The solution (or at least progress update) to my great seating arrangement debate.

First, I should make my frustrations clear.  I don't have a problem arranging seating CHARTS.  As I told you, I'd like to think of myself as a fairly advanced seating chart-maker.  I could probably earn an award for it.  But, in my new classroom, I'm struggling with the seating ARRANGEMENT.  [Meaning, how my desks are arranged.]  Did I mention that my room has those annoying desk-table combination where the chairs are already attached to the desks?  Yuck.  It makes it much more difficult to arrange desks, considering students can only get into their desks comfortably from one side.

I digress.

So last week I told you I was going to try a new arrangement.  In my small, narrow room, my options were limited.  To complicate matters, I've got over 25 urban-area seventh graders in most class periods.  First things first, grouping the desks was not an option.  I asked six... yes, SIX, veteran teachers who have taught inner-city seventh grade for at least ten years each.  They all gave me one piece of advice... STEER CLEAR of GROUPS!!!  

Advice received.  So what to do?  Well, here's what I did:  

I moved the desks from individual rows [see previous post] and put them into rows of pairs.  Does that make sense?  I carefully chose two students to sit next to one another (I typically paired a male and female, one high performing and one low performing, or I put ELL students near one another).  I also made sure there is at LEAST three feet between the rows of desks.  If I could I would have put a twenty foot wall or a moat with alligators, but that probably isn't school appropriate.  

Here's another look at it.  You can see how much space is between the desks:

Beautiful!  Look at all that nice space!  And please, ignore the hot mess at the back of the room.  I have neglected to tackle that space at this point because my time is dedicated more to shaping the curriculum. Besides, the kiddos face the front (away from the mess) anyways!

Anyways, an update on my seating arrangement change.  So far, it has been fantastic!  It's worked beautifully with all of my classes with the exception of one.  Putting more space between students and pairing them with another has been great.  I made sure to put loud and talkative students next to other students who will keep them at bay and quiet.  In addition, I put students who need help and more direction with students who are good leaders and high performers.  It is a wonderful system!  It's so simple for me to have students complete a task with their "elbow partners" since they are already sitting next to someone.  Before, students had to move their desks or get up and walk somewhere else. This is all ready to go!

My next project I want to tackle (yes, before the hot mess I call the back of my classroom), is finding a solution to one of my talkative classes.  This new seating arrangement has proven to be the missing piece to the puzzle for my other classes.  However, there is one "sore thumb" and I'm struggling with my noisy class.  There are so many students who have outbursts or dramatic personalities that I'm struggling to find corners for them all.  If you're up for sharing, I'm up for suggestions.  

For now, I'm crossing another "to-do" off my list - a seating arrangement solution!  Hopefully my trial may help you solve your own seating arrangement debacle.  

:)  Emily