Which one? Where is it?

It is probably just me.  BUT I have a ton of picture books that I want to use for instructional purposes but then can't find them when needed.  Normally, a month later or prior that "particular" book is spotted, but not when needed.

SO....I started putting them in the filing cabinet with the appropriate subject.  Their placement was rushed a couple years ago when I was moving rooms.  Therefore, I confess they were basically shoved in some spot in the general area of the subject to which they went.  "I'll have time during the year to deal with it." I told myself.  😂HAHAHA!!!😂
   Then the next year I moved again and this time the room was under construction until the week prior to returning. THEN as any elementary teacher know....It is not organization time....It is put stuff somewhere to survive the year time. Again, telling myself, "I'll get to it during the year." AGAIN....NOT DONE!

This summer, I am making the time to go through those filing cabinets.

YES!! I love to be organized!! 
Why? 
     I do not like the feeling that I don't know where things are or the time it takes to search.  

HERE WE GO!
Step 1. Go through files and ditch unneeded items.  






Step 2. Find the picture multitude of books scattered throughout.








Step 3.  Have a brilliant idea! I am sure others have known to do this but for me, it was a "Why didn't you think of this before?!?!" moment.
   
I don't know about you, but I hoard "leftover" labels. 

Perfect!
Just what was needed.




Step 4. Label the books for which subject and concept they will be used.


Step 5. File them with the other items for the same concept. 



VOILA! The books are tagged and ready for use.  I look forward to a spectacular year of educating young minds using the best of my resources!

How do you organize your picture books or other non-worksheet type resources? 

Kim

Classroom Theme 2017

I don't change the "theme" of my room every year.  BUT this year, I just needed a change! Maybe because I wasn't changing rooms or grade levels for the first time in 6 years.  I also had the same 2 themes (superheroes or extreme sports) for the past 7 years. I looped with two classes (4th grade to 5th grade) twice, hence the need for 2 different themes.  I wanted the students who were in my room two years in a row to have something new to look at.  BTW side note...I LOVE LOOPING!!

After much thought and discussion within Encouraging Teachers Facebook group, I decided on a modified Emoji classroom theme.  Modified because I simply could not see a classroom full of smilies all year round without it being a bit much.  There are LOADS of items on TPT for emoji classrooms and through Creative Teaching I found some borders.  They also have a couple sets for the classroom. However, as previously stated, I didn't want it to be all yellow circle faces.  I am not against smiling. Just thought it was too much of one thing. Here are pictures of what is up in my room.

close up

Brag Board (closet)

This is for our exit tickets. I choose a few to tweet.

check in and out area

 

Tech BB

Jobs 

Thanks for taking a peek into my room.  Since, I had to create many of these items, I decided to share my Emoji, Tech, App Classroom Decor on TpT for others who might like them.  

click on title above in order to link to this product


What are you doing to spruce up your room this year?  

Kim

Classroom Differentiation in Small Bites - What is and is not?

Differentiation started out as a way for teachers to teach their highest learners, much like accommodations are for the students on IEPs.  Many misconceptions have arisen through the years.  This poster addresses the principles that I find important in differentiated instruction.  It by no means covers it all. It is meant to give you a glimpse into my viewpoint as I start this series.

Please, feel free to copy, pin, or pass along to other instructors.

 What would be on your differentiation is and is not list?

Kim

February is on its way!

I have been given the opportunity to speak at our Nebraska Association for Gifted this coming Feb.  It is just as one of the break out sessions.  My nerves have been on high alert since the announcement earlier this month.  There is a FANTASTIC Facebook page ....  Encouraging Teachers... of which I belong.  I asked the members to let me know what they would like to know about the subject of differentiation.
   

DRUM ROLL.....teachers want to know....
       * Time management
       * Managing independence while teaching small groups or     individuals
       * make, take and use items
       * What to do about the unmotivated gifted students?  Boredom?
       * How to get other teachers of same students on board or working together?
       * teaching independence
       * ways to monitor independent work
       * keeping "superiority complex" at bay
   

Tall order!!

I will keep you abreast of how it is going and think out my ideas here as well.

The questions and some pleas for information bolstered my thoughts about this not forgotten but definitely on the FAR back burner blog.
It is my intent....with prayer and commitment...to start writing regularly on my blog in order to get ideas flowing about how to truly have a classroom where EVERY student learns and accomplished all they can each day, each quarter, each year.  Another tall order!

I found it easier to comment and give thoughts towards questions they asked.  So, I have only a few followers, but I hope you ask questions about how to differentiate.  That will spur this blog along.

A little Freebie..

I was just printing my new cards for next year's schedule. I decided that I wanted a few extras and decided to share them with my fellow teachers.   Here you go! ENJOY!!!