Pete the Cat Class Book Idea

Oh...my...word... I have been SO busy I have not visited blogland for days!!! Please tell me everyone else has been swamped and I didn't miss too much?! Between working super-hard on training my sweeties on how 1st graders are SUPPOSED to act, Back-to-School night, attending my middle school son's BTSN, keeping up with custom blog design orders, and everything else family life throws at me...how's a girl to find her blogging time?? For now, the answer is stay up past her bedtime to share one thing we did this week.

My students (like all of yours I'm sure) LOVE Pete the Cat!  I think the MP3 of the author reading/singing it is awesome if you haven't tried that. TOTALLY adds to the experience! I have not bought the new book yet but I will when I get two seconds!

I decided it would be fun to write our own class book based on this story. To make it quick and easy I just used a clear view binder. I was so busy I didn't even add a cute border...egads...that is just plain wrong!! I uploaded a version without my name on it here if you'd like it.

First, we brainstormed a list of new things Pete could step in and the color his shoes would turn. Then, I gave each student this sheet with a picture of Pete already drawn (by me, it is Pete-ISH as we say in my room) and asked them to draw the large pile of bananas (or whatever) he was stepping in. Finally, they filled in the sentence frame with their food and color. They could copy the spelling off our chart or try to write the sounds they heard like we have been practicing in writer's workshop. The most original idea: Tofu! If you'd like a copy of this page click here.

 watermelon

I did another activity with Pete the Cat but you'll have to wait to read about it because this teacher tends to get a tad GRUMPY when she is sleep deprived.

Partner Compare/Contrast

My teammate Robi shared this great compare and contrast lesson to introduce thinking maps and encourage partner work.

First, I modeled using a circle map to brainstorm facts about ourselves. Some suggestions were age, family members, pets, favorite color, food, activity and physical attributes such as eye and hair color.

Then partners looked at their circle maps to find what was the same and what was different. They completed double bubble maps comparing themselves. They did a great job!

As they were working I went around and took a picture of the partners. Make sure you have them switch places so their picture will match up with their names on the double bubble when you put them up on the bulletin board!

Not only was this a great lesson on compare/contrast and thinking maps but the partners got to know each other better.

I'm off to find a chick flick to watch while I rework my Back-To-School Night presentation for the parents on Tuesday! I feel like I need a vacation already...not a good sign!

One week down

One week down and things are starting to come together.  I started a behavior plan for my most challenging student and he is showing improvement. The class still has a hard time working quietly but they were able to write silently today once they realized I was serious! They are doing great with Daily Five. We are up to 9 minutes of stamina.

One of my favorite activities to do the first week is a directed self-portrait. The paper has the head circle for them but they draw everything else. They outline in black sharpie before I give them the oil pastels. I leave them up all year and they really add personality to the room.

 I am always amazed at how diverse the development can be in one classroom.

Love the messy hair and red in the corners of his eyes. What details!

This one looks just like him!!!

I have a lot going on so sadly my blogging (posting and reading) has been lacking.  I hope to get back in sync soon. I saw a new blog group by my faves (Cara, Abby, Deanna, etc) started and I will have to go visit soon but right now I have to go to bed!

My first few days...

 3 days down and I am exhausted! Many of my students came from a class that was not a good experience (think teacher breakdown, many subs, student who should be in Special Ed kicking and running wild, etc) and unfortunately they have behaviors that I now have to try to break. Someone told me they were on the phone in that room last year and the other person on the line asked if they were in Chuck E. Cheese!

The first day I had a boy defy me. He seems to have a problem with authority. I've NEVER moved someone's clip down the first day!

A little later I gave them Magic Playdough. I made homemade play dough and them made a hole and squirted 5 drops of food coloring in, then covered it back up. When they knead the dough it is supposed to change color to show they will have a great year. Guess who's didn't turn? Yep, the boy who had defied me. What goes around comes around kid! Of course I gave him an extra one so his would turn too but I was grinning a little on the inside.  I got this idea and the poem from someone on proteacher last year. If you know who will you let me know? Click here to get the labels that I stick on the baggie.

 I am trying to focus on the many cuties I do have instead of the behaviors that are trying me.

I will say I saw improvement yesterday so I think my firmness is paying off....it just makes it a little less fun. I miss my sweet class from last year.   This class is also a lot lower academically too so it will be quite a ride. And did I mention I am EXHAUSTED?!

Hope you are all doing well with your start to the year!

Classroom Pics and My Birthday

It's my birthday!  I worked hard to get all ready for our first day back TOMORROW (YIKES) so I didn't have to go to school today. My family is making me a special breakfast as we speak.

Room Pics!

In California, our classrooms open to an outside hallway. Growing up in the Midwest I thought that was weird at first but now I love it!

Star of the Week board I posted about previously

Love my fabric bulletin boards with Eric Carle trim.

Can you say boy heavy?  I have a feeling this year is going to be a doozy.

CAFE & Daily 5 board

Calendar wall

Whole brain teaching rules at the top
Click HERE to get a copy of these rules.

Library

Small group table & my desk to save space!

Group listening (I also have individual cd players) and writing supplies.

Writing & Word Work

Pet corn snakes. The kids take them out to recess!

Math Tubs (still need to finish laminating some new ones)

Last year's class was GREAT about this. Instead of tattling they would say, "May I talk to Megan? We had a problem at recess."

Okay...I'm off to spend some time with my family. I will be making Magic Playdough later so I'll be back to post about that!