Saturday, August 27, 2011

How Do You Differentiate Instruction in Your Classroom???

Well, I have survived the first two days of school. Cute little kiddos have been welcomed into their new home away from home. I was worried about getting everything ready by Open House but as always it came together.

Now for the true reason for this post. I am currently working towards my master's degree and have an action research project.  The topic is Differentiating Literacy Instruction in Kindergarten. I know that all you wonderful teachers out there have ideas and strategies that 'wow'. Could you please share with me what works in your classroom? I will be forever grateful!!!!

Have a great school year and thanks for making a difference in the lives of children!!!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Pirate Back to School Board

Well, friends, I don't know about all of you but this time of year makes me feel a bit cockoo for Coco Puffs!!! Thursday was my first day back to work and the kiddos start next Thursday. Our Open House is Tuesday and GOOD GOLLY!!! trying to get ready for that event is a bit hectic! I worked in my classroom Thursday and Friday from 7:30am until 6:00pm and went back this morning for 3 hours! I might as well take my toothbrush and PJ's and just camp out! Y'all know how it is, we could stay FOREVER in our classrooms and find something to do.

Today I was able to get my hallway bulletin board up and ready. I wasn't sure what I was going to do but with the help of Dollar Tree and my thinking cap I came up with the board below. I know that this is the first impression that many parents have of our school and I want to make it a good one. So friends, what do you think??? Does it need something else? I am open for suggestions.

Also, I wanted to see if any of you that have kids are feeling as guilty as I am right now. I feel bad for my boys and my hubby. I hope they won't need too much therapy when they are older because their mama was always at school! 
 The brown paper looks like a treasure map and says Mrs. Wagner & Mrs. Gibson's K Treasures and then lists all the students' first names.
PS-These pics were taken with my phone and only half of the hallway lights were lit. Sorry for the bad quality.


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Guess What I Am Doing Tomorrow Morning???

Oh my goodness, y'all!! I am so excited about an opportunity that I have tomorrow morning! Two friends of mine cohost a nationally syndicated radio show, The Ace & TJ Show, and have ask me to sit in as the girl cohost tomorrow!!! I am so flippin' excited I can't stand it! Anyone who knows me will tell you I have this crazy obsession with celebrity gossip and anything pop culture. I have a ridiculous amount of knowledge on useless info like movie titles, TV show, and actors.  Even though I am excited I am also scared to death! I mean I can entertain a class full of kinders but this makes me nervous.  Please pray for me! If you want to listen to the show, it is on every weekday morning 6am-10am. If they aren't in your area, you can listen online and they also have an app. Their website is http://www.acetj.com/. Wish me luck!!!



Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Exciting News!!!

Teacher friends, I just heard some exciting news and I had to share it with you!!! Please check out either The First Grade Parade HERE or The Inspired Apple HERE. Cara and Abby have put their noggins together for a fantastic idea! Check it out!!!

The Inspired Apple                             

Monday, August 8, 2011

Back to School Spin a Graph

Well friends, the countdown is on...I have to be back to school (for real) next Thursday.  I am already beginning to feel the anticipation and excitement that comes with this time of year. Am I the only one who has these feelings? Any who....I was playing around and created a Back to School Spin a Graph activity. The idea is to attach a paperclip to the center of the circle with a brass brad. Have students spin the paperclip and color the corresponding block on the graph. Students will continue to repeat this step 9 more times. You can find this activity Here.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Feeling Crafty!!!

While blog stalking recently, I came across a cute idea from Abby at The Inspired Apple. My classroom theme is 'Pirates' so I wanted to make a banner with fabrics that would go well with the theme. Honestly, I can create bulletin boards and things like that but 'sewing' is not my thing. Thankfully with the help of Abby's detailed instructions, this no sew project turned out pretty darn cute.  Here is a picture of one of the strands. I actually made two. I will post more pics when I have my classroom complete.  Have a great weekend!!!

Please excuse the basket and my hubby's golf bag in the pic.

 I can't wait to swag it across my classroom!