Fractions

Fraction Freebie

But, I need some help--I have created this game in Power Point and saved it as a pdf.

I then uploaded it into Google Docs.

Now the problem............When I open it the background only shows in the upper left hand corner, does anyone know how to fix this or tell me wht I'm doing wrong.

When I click on the download original it is fine,  puzzling........

Light Bulb Moments and Award

I had a little girl have a light bulb moment today and not only was I proud of her, but she was proud of herself. 

I have had a long and stressful week and have been feeling "kinda" down.  After a meeting recently, in which we talked about ways to encourage and boost self-esteem in students, I decided to present her with a LIGHT BULB AWARD.

Feel free to download it and try it in your room.

Pencil Cans

     Anyone else get tired of the noise and mess of students digging all over for the red grading pen or high-lighter that you gave out earlier in the week, or the constant hand in the air asking if they can sharpen their one and only pencil?             Well, I do!!!               I have had pencil cases of all sizes, shapes and makes, but just hadn't found anything that I loved.  This past weekend, we enjoyed a 3 day weekend due to MLK Day and my lovely, wonderful, crafty, awesome sister covered these cans for me.  I took them to school on Tuesday and attached them to the desks with a Velcro dot and WALLA--so far so good. I gave every student a new pencil with a name flag on it, a red pen and a high-lighter, it was like Christmas.
     The next thing I did was start pulling a name (Popsicle stick) out of a can every day and if I feel like the student has done a good job of behaving and participating throughout the day he/she gets a jem to decorate the can, if the student didn't do such a great job, I tell them if it was a boy or girl but that is it, no name.  I got this idea from Mr. Coley's website, I think he called it "Secret Seat" and let me tell you----the kiddos will remind you if you forget----they want to add that bling.  The first picture is my can, I have only done this for 3 days so one student doesn't have all of those jems yet.  It warms my heart when they say "Can we take these home at the end of the year?"  The little things in life :)



Projects

We made snowflake banners even though we don't get to see snow in Florida.

                                                           

                                                    

                    I Love Creativity

A fun day with Turkeys.  We were able to talk about symmetry, designs, shapes, patterns, and all while the kids were having a great time.

Bad Kitty Reading

This past week we have been working on alliteration and idioms.  The kiddos have had a great time creating their own booklets.  Click the picture below to get a copy.



Lovin' Some Great Classroom Tricks and Treats

Denise at Yearn to Learn is having a Linky Party--Join in and show everyone your favorite quote.

10 Day Count

Florida does something known as "The 10 Day Count", basically every school reports the number of physical bodies sitting in a classroom and then decides if teachers should be added or taken away.  Well......., 2nd grade is low in bodies so I was told yesterday that I would need to pack my room and I would be placed in a school with high numbers.  As of today I still haven't received a phone call telling me where I will be placed or what grade level-----UGH

I am so frustrated and exhausted that I decided to stop thinking about school tonight and focus on something fun  :)  This is the sample Christmas Card I made.  I think I will make them for this years list.

Classroom

Years ago "somebody" (that couldn't have been a teacher), came up with the open-classroom concept and then realized it was too noisy and distracting, but there just isn't a good way to fix it.

Until now---------------I bought a shower curtain to use as a decoration in the classroom and  by accident decided it would be better as a make-shift door.

The students love to open and close it, and it does provide the much needed blockage from the distracting hallway.

 And a picture of my bathroom passes

This is an awesome little girl that I would love to have in my class

ABC's of Summer

I made this booklet to use the first day of school.  I think it is good for students to explore the fun they had and it is a way to get to know them better.

ABC's of Summer

Well, this week I have been at the school working on the classroom 4 out of 5 days.  I thought things were beginning to look a little better and I was starting to see some "clear" areas, but......I then decided to move 2 shelves around and the classroom resembled a tornado within minutes.  I started the process of organizing and putting things away---AGAIN.  There is still work to be done, but I am feeling better about starting work on Monday.  I do miss the schedule and routine.  This past summer has been relaxing and enjoyable with a trip to Indiana included.  I love my family and visiting them is a joy.  This weekend I will try to get last minute classroom things done and start a sleep schedule (looks like it, huh?) Pictures of the classroom coming soon.

Making Reading buddies

My mom helping me sew

New to Blogging

For the last couple of weeks I have been looking (stalking) other bloggers and decided I was ready to take the plunge.  I am so new to this that I don't have a clue if this will post or what I am doing and will just have to watch and wait. I love what I have seen and decided that I really think I could also add to the wonderful world of teaching.  I will continue to explore and hopefully you will be patient if I make mistakes or break a "blogging rule"