Technology in the Classroom! Oh my!

So I am sure that you have heard, but the end of the year test is now online.  That means, I need to be using technology for everything so that students have a chance to get to learn how to use the computer before the testing.

This past week, we started with the basics and tried to do what we do on paper, on the computer.  So I uploaded some documents and they were to download them to their laptop (we share carts for the classrooms) and had to annotate it just like we would on paper.  Considering the technology issues and this being their first time to try it on their own (I have modeled several times), they did a pretty good job.

I think coordinating with the other teachers to share the laptops was one of the harder parts.  I noticed they struggled with some things more than others.  For example, they were able to get on the computer independently, but once they were logged in, they forgot what I had showed them.

So of course, we went through the instructions again and then again with individual students.  Once we all had the document open, a majority of them were able to annotate it based on my instructions.  They were also given written instructions as well, so they could refer back to each task.

I am still looking through the annotations (they had to submit it back to me), and I have to say, I am very impressed with them!  Now that we got annotating down, our focus for next weeks text is dragging and dropping on the computer to put things in order or in a category.

While it takes time to get set up, each day we do it, I see more and more students logging on independently and getting right to work, which by the way, is a teacher's dream!

How do you use technology in the classroom?

Super Bowl Weekend!

As most of you know, I am blogging from Phoenix, AZ!  And guess where the Super Bowl {Grab My Football Math Here} is this year!?  It has been crazy with all the extra traffic and excitement.

I wanted to let you know of some of the new items I am working on.  Since my 1st grade homework bundle {Grab it Here!} was such a success, I am working on a 3rd grade version {Grab it Here!}.  I currently use it in my classroom and both students and parents love it!

On the same subject, I have uploaded my new math word wall cards.  They come with definitions and pictures so the students can easily remember {Grab it Here!}.

Lastly, since it is now officially February, be sure to grab my Valentine's Day Print and Go Pack and my February Writing Pack!

Happy February!

P.S.  Since I am feeling so warm and fuzzy this month, if I can 150 people to follow me on TPT, I will throw a sale with giveaways!

New Classroom

Here are some pictures I have taken and never got around to sharing.  I am so bad a keeping up with my blog lately.  Anyway, as most of you know, I transitioned from special education to 3rd grade regular ed this year.  Man was it a change, but I have to say, I love it.  Not that I didn't love special ed, but this is a different kind of love.  I find myself still using my sped tools and I love how I get to use both.  Fortunately, I get to teach next to the sped teacher and we get to chat all the time.  It is awesome.  I love my job, even though I spend 80+ hours a week on it.  Anyway, on to the pictures.

By the way, please check out http://www.gofundme.com/msbendersclassroom

Okay, so I only have one picture on my classroom on the computer, but I promise I did take more.

Monthly Summer Post

I AGAIN have been bad about posting.  It is so hard to find time in the summer.  I have been busy moving and I am going to be traveling.  Here is the update:

I am officially teaching 3rd grade next year.  So, if you have any MUST HAVE resources and/or ideas, PLEASE share.  I have been on Pinterest looking for ways to set up my classroom.  I haven't been able to get in the room yet, but when I do I will be sure to take pictures.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer break!  It is HOT here!

Schools Out for Summer Sale!

In honor of summer break, I am holding a sale on my TPT page.  Be sure to check it out!  What are your plans for the summer?

I am changing grades next school year, so I am working on finding 3rd grade materials.  I would love your suggestions!  With that said, I am working on creating 3rd grade level math homework.  I have posted my first page as a FREE sample.  Let me know what you think!

Happy Teacher Appriciation Week!

It's the start of Teacher Appreciation Week!   I love this week.  It brings awareness to everything we do!  I love the gifts, but that is not my favorite part.  I love all the sales that stores offer to teachers.  They recognize what we do and show their appreciation with a sale or coupon.

 

Of course we already spend our own money, but when you can get more for less, that is even better!  So I am sending you off to add to that HUGE wish list of yours on TPT to prepare for the mad dash tomorrow (although no mad mobs at TPT sales)!

 

Organization

Since I am starting over in a new classroom next year, I want to set myself and my students up to be organized.  I have been all over TPT and Pinterest looking for ideas.  I have some that I currently use and will continue to use, but I want it to look cute and be functional.  So many teachers have figured out how to do this and it totally inspires me to do the same!

I have completed my first major project for next year and that is my classroom rocking chair.  I just love frogs!  So, I had no choice but to paint my rocking chair green!  Here's how it went:

A good rocking chair that is not a glider is hard to find at a fair price.  So off to Craigslist I went.  I found this beauty for $15 and my awesome boyfriend went to pick it up for me.  Yes, he is a keeper!

Then, like I said before, I needed it to be green.  So I went to the store and bought two cans of spray paint (which they happen to have in the exact shade I wanted) and a tarp.  After about 45 minutes of painting and a few hours later for drying, I got this!  I think it looks way better than the original!



Then of course, I wanted my name on it, but how would I get those perfect looking letters?  Off to Pinterest I went and guess what?  There is a Pin for that too!  I printed my name in the font that I wanted in Word.  Then I took a pencil and traced the letters onto the chair.  The pencil left a mark so that I could take a paint brush and see where the lines were to paint my name.  Drum roll please...

I covered my name, but you can see the font.  I can't decide if I want to add anything to it, but this is where I am at with it.  How exciting! 

Next thing is organization.  I don't know how I want to organize my things and my student things.  I am off to blog hoppin' again.