Blog Day 28- Essentials For My Classroom

It's getting to that time of the year again...school is right around the corner.  August means that I have to get back in the zone and start thinking about what I am going to do.  As usual, I am linking up with BTL for Blog Challenge Day 28!
So far, (since it's still July) I have found some posters that I want to make prior to the start of the year. Being a special education teacher requires much planning and because I know most of my kids, I know what I need for my classroom.  These two posters are for sure going to be ready for day 1!


My students are in 8th grade and this means I should get them ready for high school and get them feeling a bit more independent with their own learning and understanding.  At times they rush through their work in order to move onto their IXL goals, or fun online game.  Or they have the tiniest mistake in their work and don't see it until they turn it in.  Because my school is a 1:1 school (ipads and computers), students have to retake a quick assessment because they know they submitted it wrong or they have to take out a sheet of paper and show their work.  When the paper is asked to come out, Oh man, it's a sound that you don't want to hear over and over again.  It's as if I am asking them to write a handwritten story for me.  So, hopefully with this poster (left) it will help them check their work and feel satisfied in their trial.
The poster on the right is KEY to a resource classroom.  I think I even want to make mini posters of this to put on their tables to remind them too.  Sometimes kids don't think before they talk and they complain in order to get attention or just don't want to do the work alone.  A lot of my kids know how to do it, but they just need the reassurance and confidence in order to complete the steps.  So hopefully, "I can't" and "I don't know" will be taken out of our vocabulary this school year.


Now, the next idea is just what I am thinking today.  But because I am a huge fan of Pac Man and many of students love video games, I kind of want to do this for my bulletin board, except I have to make it 8th grade!  It will take time but I really love it!









Last, but definitely not least, is this website to help me out a bit and refer to once I get teaching. It correlates with Common Core and will help my students FOR SURE!  The Cornerstone is very helpful.  I tend to drop by it some of the time to help with my reflections.  Math isn't just solving and then your done.  Students need to talk about HOW and WHY they got that answer or WHY it is that answer.  Number 4 is exactly what my classroom looks like.  Students struggle with the content and get frustrated, BUT I am there to teach them new strategies and that IT IS OKAY that they can find the same answer by doing it another way than their peer!  I have a lot of energy in the classroom and I get super pumped when I see my students raise their hand and shake it because they want to share "their" way on the board or talk me through the steps to show the whole class!
I am loving Number 10 as well on this page!  Creating digital math notebooks that explain their understanding.  They can make videos that explain how to do it and share it with others!  Oh yes, it's starting already!  I am getting pumped up just thinking about it!

I feel as though I have shared enough today....I will be back!

What are your essentials so far?

Blog Day 27- Update on My Upcoming New School Year

Good Morning!  I am back BTL, I didn't forget you!  I have been away for a bit due to some quality time spent with my friends and family.  Summer is amazing!  I just recently found out that I will be teaching math next year!  I was going to teach ELA, but some positions have moved around and because I can teach math and enjoy teaching either one, I will be a math teacher this coming school year!  The best part is that I get to teach it with my one of my best friends at school, Meg!

I used to not like math when I was a student.  It was frustrating.  I used to go home and practice with my dad and brothers.  They would teach me different strategies and I would get mad because it was like I was learning it all over again at home.

Once I was in college, I loved it!  I loved that I was taught HOW to teach it.  It all became so clear to me that I just needed to find my own way in seeing it differently.  It was easier to find out what is was helpful for in real life.  Now that Common Core is here and more in depth, I can collaborate with my co-teacher and teach with confidence.  YAY!
For today, I will begin to organize my files for my math classes and make folders in my Google Drive.  I will see my co-teacher on Wednesday to see what we can do to start planning.  I will also start researching some new resources for my small resource math classroom.  8th grade math is intense and I want to make sure I start the year off with clear expectations and flow right into functions!!!  I plan to be more reflective and give more feedback to my students this year.  I want to make sure that they understand where they are in their understanding of the content/skill.
I also plan to work on my classroom management.  Having a small resource class can be challenging because some students work ahead while others are way behind.  I have to differentiate at times in order for students to get closer in mastering the skill.  Ahhhh, as I keep writing, I am getting more excited!!!!

I will miss my ELA co-teachers though.  They have taught me a lot these past few years.  The conferences with kids, the closed reading,  the editing of essays, and much more.  I will still be helping my students with their reading and writing because I will have my own homeroom and my caseload of kids.

I was at the lake house with my friend, Alexis and her two daughters, Kaleena and Delilah.  They enjoy it up there so much.  They swam all day and were so happy to be there.  Alexis does a great job in raising her kids.  I am so proud of her.

Now I am watching my two cousins who are more like my niece and nephew.  I watched/babysat them since I was 15.  Elizabeth (14) and Jerry (12) are hilarious and silly kids.  They are typical teenagers who love their devices, snacks, sleep, and any game that is available to play.  We went to go see the movie, PIXELS, last night.  We enjoyed it very much.  A little silly, but cool!

What are you up to!?

Blog Day 20- What Am I Grateful For?

There are so many things that I am grateful for:

I have had a wonderful Summer and have spent so much time with my family, especially my extended family.  Thanks to my cousins, I have had a peaceful Summer and have made some great memories.

I am grateful that my sister-in-law is expecting her third child in February!!!

I am glad to spend some time with my cousin Jerry next weekend.  He just turned 12; I feel so old.

My mom and I have a close relationship and I am always grateful for her time and support.

Blog Day 17-Poetry

Good Morning!  As I sit here in the early AM at Starbucks, I am getting some inspiration for my poetry blog today.  As usual, I'm linking up with my girl, BTL.  

Here are my brainstorming notes:

Embrace the atmosphere

Listen to the sounds

Look at the people

Smell the brew

Touch the table

Starbucks in the AM

chitter chatty baristas

shhhhhhhhooooo goes the brewing

click and clank keys in a hurry

Stir, wipe, cover it, and go

Where Do We Go From Here?

Where is the love I ask

Where is the time you ask

I have embraced a different life now

and you haven't even begun to ask for it back

Time is the enemy

How long will it take until I am with you

Keep on hoping

But I may

I may...

Try and smile while I'm away

I hope you get it one of these days

Just grow

Then I will come back and lay

Happiness is finding yourself

Have you found that yet?

I keep hearing you say 

Find it, find it, you don't need help

Blog Day 15- A Beginner in training...

Teaching with the iPad

Some of you may know already, but this coming school year I will be teaching with an iPad.  All students will have their own iPad instead of a laptop.  I have learned some new apps to help students show their understanding, but they aren't JUST for learning the information.  They are made for them to enhance their learning.  I am still curious to see what expectations need to be met for typing an essay though.  My 8th graders write two research papers and type other essays all year.  I am not quite sure how we will tackle it.

Options are:
Speech to text and then the students edit that work
purchasing keyboards (not all students can afford or buy them)

Any advice?

Blog Day 13 blog- Maintain

Linking up with BTL today as usual!  Love!

Maintaing Teacher Balance-

How does she do it?  Some of my friends love to listen to my stories about school and then when I'm done they say,"I don't know how you do it."  It actually makes me feel accomplished and more motivated to work harder.  This is how I get by:

1.  Waking up and putting a smile on your face really helps.  I am not a morning person at all and I love to sleep, so smiling helps me get going in the morning and stay positive.

2.  Packing my lunch, school bag, and picking out my outfit helps as well. It saves so much more time in the morning. Plus, I can get to school earlier sometimes or even stop at Starbucks for a tasty beverage.

3.  When my patience is on "E" during the school day, I take a breath and and try to chill out.  I turn off half the lights (students love that) so that it creates a more relaxed environment, I share a story with my class before a warm up (something fun or try to make them feel like they are in on a secret), and last but not least I maintain by having the students turn and share.  It's awesome to see students collaborate within the co taught room and the resource room.

4.  Getting to bed early is helpful.  It makes such a difference to go to bed earlier. Mom a night owl, but if I just go and lay down earlier than usual I realize how tired I am and will fall asleep.

5.  I also try to do something in the middle of the week so that I am not so drained during the work week.  I go for a dinner or just have a friend visit and talk about non-work issues.

6.  Yoga, yoga, yoga!  I have been doing yoga at home now instead of the studio.  My monthly charge
was getting a little too much.  I still go once in a while and enjoy the atmosphere though.  But in my
house I have an extra room to workout in.  Awwww yea!

7.  Not going to lie but I write IEP's while I watch my favorite movies. It's background noise that I know, its nice to take a break and laugh even though I know what happens, and it doesn't make as stressed or worried.

8.  Last but not least I talk to my mom who listens well and gives her words of wisdom on a daily basis.   Thanks mom!

How do u keep it together?

Blog Day 12- Sunday Letters

As usual...I am linking up with BTL today for the Blog Challenge.  Yes, I did miss 5 days, but I made up for it my own way.  The following letters below are for the things in life that are just easier to write down than say out loud (I think)



Dear Mill Lake and Family,
I miss you so much!  I wish I could be there on the beach right now.  I miss our laughs, our dinners, and most of all the beach!  I will be back in a week exactly!  Kara and Lily-  MISS YOU GIRLS!
Much Love-
City Girl


Dear Apartment,
Thank you for your patience.  I know I don't know where to put that rug or that table, but I will soon figure it out!  I will stop moving things around once I love how it looks!
Love-
Miss "everything is in it's place"







Dear Loan Forgiveness/Fed Loan,
I told you I signed up for electronic billing and payments!  Why do you keep sending me your own letters in the mail!  I get usually four statements/document/survey a week.
From-
a young frustrated woman






Dear Villanova Pizza,

Thank you for letting me come back and be a part of the business.  I enjoy helping you out and working some nights in the Summer.  Attention New phone girls- You are doing a great job by answering phones, taking orders, making orders, cooking pizzas, cutting pizzas, boxing pizzas, welcoming customers in, and so much more.  I helped train you a little here and there for the last two days, but today, YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN!  Good Luck and stay cool!
Love-
Villanova Girl for life


Dear Xfinity/Comcast,

Please don't have me on the phone for so long when I call next.  Help a girl out and give me some internet access for a reasonable price!
Thank You-
Hopeful Customer


Dear Bed,
Thank you for the wonderful well rested nights you have given me.  I missed you while I was away and it was so worth coming back to you and leaving the beach.  I wish I could bring you to the beach! hahahaha!  Because I have been sleeping without a TV on to fall asleep to, I have been sleeping even better!
Love-
Christine


Dear woman at lunch,
I just want to say thank you again for your compliment yesterday.  It really brought a smile to my face and it brought me to pay it forward in a way.  I used positive praise the rest of the day and complimented others on a job well done!  It helps so much to stay positive and generous towards others!
Sincerely-
Christine (the woman with the nicest smile)   :)



(A woman at lunch yesterday was across the room from me and when I got up to leave, she came over to me and said I had the nicest smile and beautiful white teeth.  Happy!)

Who are you writing to today?

Blog 7-11 I have missed you Blogger

I was.....

Finally, I am back!  I left my lake house and came back to reality.  Summer isn't over though, I will be back there soon!  It was nice to be in the car and feeling ready to get back.  I walked in the door and jumped on my bed (I really did) and then was ready for a nice hot shower with regular water.

As I turned it on and let the water run I realized there wasn't any HOT water!  Ugh!  I guess we had minor flooding and the pilot went out and my neighbors didn't light it up for me.  So, I had to wait for them to come and home and let me know how to because it's one of those electronic ones.  Don't judge me, I did go down there and check myself and pushed a button a few times, but nothing happened.

After my sad moment life still went on...

I have been home and visiting friends and still redecorating my apartment.  I have these teal rugs in my living room and they are a bit much.  I am going to have to shop and find something else.  I also cleaned my kitchen real well and rearranged the counter tops.  It's amazing how different it looks and feels when you move your coffee pot to another section of the kitchen.  :)

I am also working at my old stomping ground, Villanova.  I worked there in high school and on my college breaks.  I like to help out my boss, Lisa.  She has a lot of new employees that need help.  So I am putting my teaching sense to good use by training some of them.  It gets hot after working there a few hours, but it's fun and I love it!

This upcoming week I will be attending some professional development.  I will organize the times and dates tomorrow and get pumped up for those!  Woo hooo!  I will be teaching with an iPad next year and there are still some apps that I want to know about.  I also will be teaching my own resource class and I would like some more tips for classroom management.


As far as more PD for the Summer....I am still relaxing!  I am going back to the lake house in a week and will continue to read, blog, and stay connected!


Link up with Michelle for the Blog Challenge!

Blog Day 6- Mockingbird

Still linking up with BTL for the July Blog Challenge.  Thanks Michelle!
I am going to blog about a book called, "Mockingbird" and a little bit about Autism/Aspergers.

I am halfway through and absolutely love it.  It is like you are in the mind of the main character, Caitlin.  Caitlin is an 11 year old girl who has Aspergers and her brother just passed away.  It is written in her point of view and there are times, as a reader, you laugh out loud and you start to tear up.  This book references an all time favorite book of mine, "To Kill a Mockingbird" which makes this read even more fascinating and hard to put down.

My friend, Clair, recommended the book to me and she believes that every teacher should read it.  As a teacher, you may forget sometimes how students with autism or Aspergers really think.  Remember: literal.  For example, in the book Caitlin's teacher says, "How would you feel if you were in her shoes."  Duh, that doesn't make sense to individuals who are on the spectrum.  Later on in the chapter, Caitlin tries to understand how it is to be in her father's shoes and literally puts on his shoes.   Expressions don't make sense unless the expression is taught to the individual and is practiced using it in their vocabulary.
I have worked with many kids and students with autism and it is a lot of work to stop and think and use what you know (strategies, communication, and patience).  At the same time, these students can light up your day with the silly things they say or their knowledge on a particular subject/topic.
As a teacher, I have learned that you have to try and see what they see.  Not literally.  Try and see how they see the world.  They may not seem like they are on task because the sound in the room is taking over their thinking, or the smell of lunch being ready can totally stop the students focus.

I've been watching a lot of TedTalks videos.  I have to keep my mind working this Summer!  These are quick and helpful each night as I am still trying to relax but enjoy some quality info.
This video is very interesting. Wendy Lampen speaks how she sees the world.

Enjoy the video and share any of your experiences or resources below!

Blog Day 5

I found this quote and it basically sums up what I am feeling today...

My point is, there are a lot of people in the world. No one ever sees everything the same way you do; it just doesn't happen. So when you find one person who gets a couple of things, especially if they're important ones... you might as well hold on to them. 

Blog Day 4- July 4th

Saturday Skinny

Hello and Happy 4th of July!  I hope everyone is planning to have a fun day with friends and family! I know I am!  I got a sneak peek at fireworks across the lake last night, that was nice.

Linking up with Michelle and trying to think of the gossip that I can share.  I have been bragging about my fun in the sun here in Michigan.  Our group/family is doing a huge dinner tonight.  My cousin Michael is making a hog, I believe.  He cooks very well!  

Yesterday we shared good ol' Portillos with the everyone.  My mom and sister-in-law brought up the food from Chicago and everyone was real excited to make their beef sandwich!  Yum! 

While I am not a the beach, I have been putting my 31 order together and have been catching up with the latest re-runs of Full House!  Oh yes, I said Full House.  My friend lent me her series set of it!

Well, I must get up and get moving!  I am done with my coffee and breakfast.  I am next to take a shower in this crowded house!  Talk to you soon!

Peace and Love

Blog Challenge Day 3

How do I use social media in my classroom? Today I am linking up with Michelle and sticking to the challenge in July.  I can do it!

I have been teaching in a 1:1 district meaning that each student has a laptop/ipad to enhance their learning.  I have super fun stuff in the last few years like:

-student blogs (they love to see each others blogs and give recommendations, I get to read their reflections, use of strategies, and the best part is that they get to keep it after they graduate to continue blogging!

-google forms and docs (students and teachers are able to share their work and it's easy to give feedback)

-I also use twitter to post certain events or lessons when I try to remember to carry my phone with me.  Hopefully next year I will share more on twitter with my easy access to my ipad in the classroom.

Don't judge for the short list right now.  It's July 3rd and I am on vacation with my niece and nephew who are literally sitting on the table as I type.  

Day 2 Blog Challenge- Books

I am arriving a little late to the daily blog, but I am here and ready to blog!  I am linking up with Michelle today (Big Time Literacy).  The point is to blog everyday!  I am totally excited for it!

Today marks day 2 and inspires me to write about my book or book club.  I have been keeping up with my goal so far this summer.  I have read two books and onto my third right now.  Check out my goodreads if you would like to be my friend!  I love reading reviews after I am done with a book and see what others think.  I just finished these two books below.  They are total opposite books though.  Nice and easy to read on the beach! :)

Funny, thoughtful, and wacky

creepy, crazy, and suspenseful.  

Don't read alone in your house or for sure not at your lake house at midnight!

I have never been a part of a book club.  I would like to though.  It would help me finish faster than usual.  I could get more books read within a year too!  

Next book that I will be reading is a classic-  The Thornbirds

My mom's recommendation.  She said it was her favorite book growing up and she's read it three times.  Theres a movie too!  BONUS!

Anyone want to share what they are reading this Summer?  

Peace and love

Blog Challenge Day 1

Hello and Happy July!  Today marks the two year anniversary of Big Time Literacy!  I am beginning my blog challenge and linking up with Michelle everyday!  Wooohoooo!

Today's Blog is to introduce yourself, but I feel as though you may know me.  You can learn about me on my "About" tab if you want to know more.  As of right now though, I am still in Michigan at my lake house and have a special visitor with me, one of my best friends, Rocky and her two kids, Layla and Jonathon!  

We had a cloudy day yesterday, but still made time at the beach.  Today seems to be starting off a little cooler than expected, but it won't stop us!  My plans for the 4th of July is to stay up here and party on the beach, go for boat rides, and enjoy more family time!

This blog is to help me stay reflective within my personal and work life.  I like to share ideas, resources, and stories.  I hope to use my blog to stay positive each day and find happiness.  I am working on making ME happy.  Since it is still Summer, you can try and enjoy what I am up to, but once I start working I will share more with what I plan on doing inside the classroom.

I am also going to link up with Farley and share what I am currently up to!

What are you up to?