Classroom Management Tip: Silent Signals

Back to school is upon us, and if you're anything like me you've already had the infamous dreams about the unruly class of 50 that has you pulling your hair out within 5 minutes of the first day. Stress not, teacher friends! Here's a quick management tip to help keep you sane and to keep interruptions like "Miss, can I use the bathroom?" to a minimum.

July Currently

I'm linking up with Farley for her July Currently.

Listening to the fan blow and trying to keep the house cool. That's Florida in the summertime for you!

Loving having all of this time to work on my blog. There are so many things I want to post about, but don't want to over-do it! Starting with anchor charts and getting organized. Plus a little face-lift for the blog was well over-due!

Thinking today is the day the dogs get a bath. Might help cool them off too!

Wanting something cold to drink from Starbucks. I've recently discovered their secret recipes and am having so much fun trying new flavors! Have you tried the Orange Creamsicle frappuccino? Order the strawberries and cream frap, but sub orange mango juice for the strawberry. AH-mazing!

Needing a fun July 4th manicure. I'm seeing so many cute ones on Instagram and Pinterest! Red, white, & blue mani here I come!

4th plans include fishing at the pier, packing a picnic, and watching the fireworks downtown with my honey. Can't ask for anything better! 

Now head over to Farley's page and link up with your own July Currently! 

Anchor Charts: Character Analysis

Yesterday I posted some anchor charts for you in regards to starting out the school year with narratives. So, I'm sticking with that theme today in getting into one particular aspect of narrative elements: characters.

Across grade levels readers are responsible for getting to know their characters deeply, to walk in their shoes. As intermediate readers, our students need to be able to grow ideas about the characters in their stories. To be able to predict what the characters will think/do later in the story, and to notice when their characters are acting out of the ordinary. They need to be able to understand and explain why their characters are behaving in a certain manner and what causes characters to change.

Here are some ideas to get you started with analyzing characters:

Anchor Charts: Narrative Elements

Between your trips to the beach or the movies, I'm sure you're spending parts your summer vacation thinking about going back to school in the Fall. During Reader's Workshop at the start of the year my friends learn about stamina, choosing Just Right Books, and we spend lots and lots of time in narratives. We learn about narrative elements and getting to know our characters. These anchor charts may help you in planning where to start in August or September with your readers.

Times, they are a'changin

Well friends, it is past due for a little updating. Not only does the blog have a new look thanks to Blogaholics Designs, but it has been FOREVER since a true blog post (my apologies!!). Life has been super busy down in the Sunshine State as I've recently moved to a new city which means also finding a new school to call home. I'm happy to announce I'll be joining the ranks as a fourth grade teacher after spending several years with my fifth grade friends.

With the move of course comes packing up the classroom. While packing up, I snapped pictures of all of my anchor charts. I figured I'd save my sanity by recreating my favorites and tweak them for my new fourth grade friends.

I'll be sharing a few of my favorites by content area or skill. Feel free to use and tweak to fit your needs!

-Lindsay

Test Treat day 2

Day 2 of testing is upon us, so here's another treat idea for your kiddos and their hard work! Since Easter is right around the corner, and it's hard to walk into any store these days without getting slapped in the face with Peeps, chocolate bunnies, Easter baskets, and plastic eggs, here's a holiday themed treat to encourage that hard work your students are putting into their state tests. Click the template below to download the file. (Original idea from Pinterest)

Good luck on day 2! 

Testing Treats

FCAT starts tomorrow for my kiddos, and if you're anything like me you're hoping to give your students one more little boost before they start testing their little hearts out. Here's an idea you can try!

I made this printable for you to use if you'd like something to share with your kids during testing season. (Original idea from Pinterest, unknown source) 

Best wishes to your students!