Already Planning for Back to School

I know I just posted about being on summer break, but I cannot help but to start thinking about next year.  This is something I always think about near the end of the year/summer.

I was cleaning out my files and I have started compiling the forms that I use to manage my classroom.  I have decided to turn it into an EDITABLE document to share with you!  While this pack is not just for back to school, I refer to it that way because at the beginning of the year is when I prepare the forms for the year and TRY to get ahead.  It does not always work, but every year I try.

Anyway, I am sharing my forms and I will add to them as I find more in my files.  You can check them out here!

Here is a sneak peek:

Summer Break Here I Come!

Oh my has so much changed since my last post!?  Let's see where to start.  I got married in March, bought a house in April, and graduated with my Master's Degree in May.  Can you say busy!?

Now that summer break is here, I am ready to HOPEFULLY, get back to blogging and adding some new goodies to TPT.  I was looking through my store and I realized that some of my products could probably use a little TLC.

Since I will have a little more free time, I am hoping to start reading for pleasure more and get back to blogging.  I am sorry that it had to take the back seat while I was busy planning a wedding and finishing my Master's Degree.

But, I am back and I hope to be back for good.  So here is to a happy summer break for all the hard working teachers out there who deserve a little time to themselves (at least a week--I know teachers still work over the summer, but don't forget to give yourself time to relax) after giving all they have to the children.

Useful Blog Links

I am collecting links to useful information for back-to-school time.  I love reading about how other teachers organize themselves in the classroom.  Here are some useful tools and ideas I have found from other teachers!

Using Google Forms for Data

Schools Out for Summer! SALE

School is out and that puts me in the mood for a sale!  I also added a few FREEBIES.

My task cards are all 15% off until Saturday! Grab 3.OA.1 for free here!  If you like them, you can grab 3.MD.4, 3.MD.8, and 3.NBT.2.

I have added a line plot practice sheet for free.  Grab it here!

3.OA.1 Task Cards {FREEBIE}

I love task cards!  I use them in my classroom all the time.  The students are interacting and engaging in learning and having fun.

I use them with a Kagen Structure called Fan-N-Pick.  I modify it for my students.  Most of my tables are in teams of four students.  So they take turns with the roles.  After each task card is completed, they rotate seats and thus change their role.

1-Read the task card and make sure everyone understands the card.
2-Restate the task card in your own words.
3-Answer/complete the role card and explain your thinking.
4-Check the answer/task and explain the thinking.

Once I started this activity, my students ask to play all the time.  I love it because it is not a worksheet and they are actively learning and working on social interactions.  For accountability, have them write their answers on paper and turn it in to you.

Grab your FREE copy of 3.OA.1 Task Cards HERE!

How do you review standards?

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!