The snake that nearly got me fired
Enough said.
Disclaimer: I have had proper reptile identification classes, therefore, can properly identify snakes indigenous to our state. I do not advise picking up wild animals. Please do not try this at home. LOL If you do, first make sure you have health insurance coverage.
~ Tara
Why I Gave Up Having a Class Library
I'm not a hard core, you can't read in my class kinda gal. But I have given up purchasing and maintaining a classroom library. Not without having many reasons. So if you are a new teacher or a veteran teacher considering giving up an elaborate classroom library, here are few of my personal reasons for giving up a classroom library.
Here's a cute picture of my adorable little girls. So you'll understand that reading is extremely important to me and for students to have access to.
#1 Our fifth grade classes are departmentalized. That means, I teach Social Studies and Non-Fiction reading through Social Studies activities. We do partner work, word work, simulations, and a multitude of activities that involve reading. We don't have a lot of room in our schedule for students to do a bunch of free reading. Do they free read, ABSOLUTELY! The early bird kiddos get anywhere between 10-30 minutes first thing in the morning. When we have crazy schedules because of assemblies, 1/2 days, etc. it provides the perfect time to curl up with a great book or do an off the wall read aloud.
#2 Our Librarian is so fan-flippin-tastic I can't compete. She stays up to date and lures kids to their reading death! I can't compete with that. Kids can locate so many similar books when they find an author or series they absolutely LOVE! I can't maintain up to date books and magazines while keeping classics in stock.
#3 Students need to stretch their legs. It's a nice little walk to the library. Think about it. Some kids try to get out of class to go to the bathroom. I'd much rather them ask to leave to go get a book.
#4 Back to our Librarian, did I mention she is the bomb-diggity? When I let her know what our next big Social Studies topic is, she gladly pulls every book I could possibly use. I keep all the ones I want to use for mini-lessons or read aloud and display the rest on the board. When students finish early, they can select books they are interested in reading surrounding out general topic. This is also an opportunity for me to display books I have purchased in the past for student use.
#5 I have surrendered my book sets to other homeroom classes. Thanks to The Book Whisperer and Readacide. I believe if I go back to teaching reading, it will be totally renovated by all the new Daily 5 and reading workshop ideas that are out there.
#6 They walk away. That's right. I'm not accusing students of keeping books or taking them home and never returning them. Nope, the books literally get up off my shelf and walk away. Never to return again. I've always assumed they were in the wrong grade level and hitched a ride to 6th grade, they wanted to go back to fourth grade, or meandered into math class where they could relax and party on the shelf. Whatever the reason, the books felt my room was too uncomfortable for their liking.
Actually, one time a parent returned 15 books at the end of the school year, Her daughter had been collecting them in her bedroom all year.
#7 I could never find a correct system for shelving them that worked for checking books out. By author, by genre, by Title.... Even with all the Pinterest ideas out there. Therefore the books felt they could walk away because they weren't being properly cataloged. So you see, they walked away because I couldn't make them feel organized and at home.
#8 Our reading teacher is a Book Whisperer! I mean it! Our most reluctant readers are readers! This reason should actually go right along side reason #2. Kids will bring their free reading books into all their classes and try to steal away to their mystery story, comic adventure, or far away island. Let's just say, if student enthusiasm was part of our standard 6 these two ladies would have mastered their goals. These kids are reading because they enjoy reading. How many kids walk away saying that?
#9 I love that the kids go to the library.
I love that the kids know how to use the library.
I love that the kids love the librarian.
I love that the kids want to check out multiple books.
I love that kids want to read, read, and read!!!!!
#10 Students are responsible for the books they check out. That's right. They are locked in to the students' name and school account. You betcha hot dollar they will return them.
#11 I still love and incorporate book projects. Recently we broke off into Revolutionary War Projects. Lots of reading and lots of Librarian LOVE!
#12 No worries for me, laminate a hall pass and let them read!
~ Tara
Here's a cute picture of my adorable little girls. So you'll understand that reading is extremely important to me and for students to have access to.
#1 Our fifth grade classes are departmentalized. That means, I teach Social Studies and Non-Fiction reading through Social Studies activities. We do partner work, word work, simulations, and a multitude of activities that involve reading. We don't have a lot of room in our schedule for students to do a bunch of free reading. Do they free read, ABSOLUTELY! The early bird kiddos get anywhere between 10-30 minutes first thing in the morning. When we have crazy schedules because of assemblies, 1/2 days, etc. it provides the perfect time to curl up with a great book or do an off the wall read aloud.
#2 Our Librarian is so fan-flippin-tastic I can't compete. She stays up to date and lures kids to their reading death! I can't compete with that. Kids can locate so many similar books when they find an author or series they absolutely LOVE! I can't maintain up to date books and magazines while keeping classics in stock.
#3 Students need to stretch their legs. It's a nice little walk to the library. Think about it. Some kids try to get out of class to go to the bathroom. I'd much rather them ask to leave to go get a book.
#4 Back to our Librarian, did I mention she is the bomb-diggity? When I let her know what our next big Social Studies topic is, she gladly pulls every book I could possibly use. I keep all the ones I want to use for mini-lessons or read aloud and display the rest on the board. When students finish early, they can select books they are interested in reading surrounding out general topic. This is also an opportunity for me to display books I have purchased in the past for student use.
#5 I have surrendered my book sets to other homeroom classes. Thanks to The Book Whisperer and Readacide. I believe if I go back to teaching reading, it will be totally renovated by all the new Daily 5 and reading workshop ideas that are out there.
#6 They walk away. That's right. I'm not accusing students of keeping books or taking them home and never returning them. Nope, the books literally get up off my shelf and walk away. Never to return again. I've always assumed they were in the wrong grade level and hitched a ride to 6th grade, they wanted to go back to fourth grade, or meandered into math class where they could relax and party on the shelf. Whatever the reason, the books felt my room was too uncomfortable for their liking.
Actually, one time a parent returned 15 books at the end of the school year, Her daughter had been collecting them in her bedroom all year.
#7 I could never find a correct system for shelving them that worked for checking books out. By author, by genre, by Title.... Even with all the Pinterest ideas out there. Therefore the books felt they could walk away because they weren't being properly cataloged. So you see, they walked away because I couldn't make them feel organized and at home.
#8 Our reading teacher is a Book Whisperer! I mean it! Our most reluctant readers are readers! This reason should actually go right along side reason #2. Kids will bring their free reading books into all their classes and try to steal away to their mystery story, comic adventure, or far away island. Let's just say, if student enthusiasm was part of our standard 6 these two ladies would have mastered their goals. These kids are reading because they enjoy reading. How many kids walk away saying that?
#9 I love that the kids go to the library.
I love that the kids know how to use the library.
I love that the kids love the librarian.
I love that the kids want to check out multiple books.
I love that kids want to read, read, and read!!!!!
#10 Students are responsible for the books they check out. That's right. They are locked in to the students' name and school account. You betcha hot dollar they will return them.
#11 I still love and incorporate book projects. Recently we broke off into Revolutionary War Projects. Lots of reading and lots of Librarian LOVE!
#12 No worries for me, laminate a hall pass and let them read!
Now that you have endured my grammatically challenged thoughts.
Free Library Passes!!!!
~ Tara
Photo Dumping or What? American Revolution and more
Sorry in advance.
I haven't been on in a while so I decided to do a little photo dumping tonight. You're welcome:)
This is our pre and post assessment for the American Revolution. There is a wooden box of tea, crown, lantern, Declaration, Constiution, sugar, lobster, coins, Thomas Paine's Common Sense and more. Students are able to take an assessment on 5 items they can write about that deal with the American Revolution. It makes a great pretest because students don't know much about these items beforehand. I love this kind of probe because students really have to dig into more than a simple fact to explain an object and it's significance to the Revolution.
Oh, and a quill.
Here's a glimpse into our interactive notebook. This is available on my TPT store, or you can find plenty of great ideas and resources out there. I have really enjoyed creating materials that fit perfectly into my style of teaching and allow multiple ways for students to learn.
Yes, I'm the horrible teacher they talk about that taxed the children to sit in chairs. But, let's be fair, shall we? They only have me for 70 minutes and they get their money back in the end.... after they rebel. I have put a decree on my door for the last two years about taxes as we are learning about the French and Indian War and the beginning of taxes. Somehow, those smart little whipper-snappers learn about the Sons of Liberty really quick and fashion their own petition. I love it!! Taxes, chairs, students saying "Long live the King" and me with my crown on. The kids collected 50 signatures on the petition in a half day. I could go on and on about this, but it truly is a great learning experience! They secretly love the chance to rebel while having a little fun.
A closer look into our notebook.
I haven't been on in a while so I decided to do a little photo dumping tonight. You're welcome:)
Oh, and a quill.
Again, have a great night! Tara
Boston Massacre Crime Scene Take II
Here's how we set up the crime scene and how it played out with the children.
Here are a few more pictures to share with you about our crime scene. Students were just beginning to settle in class. It was a dreaded MONDAY, yikes and oiiii. It was a dreaded MONDAY before Thanksgiving break... even more groans and squalls. Anyhow, I was trying to think of something that would be a meaningful, memorable experience (since, let's face it... I have to be at school and some of them are taking an early vacation). Not to mention the barometric pressure was LOW and it was raining outside. Raining like CATS and DOGS!! Not a chance of letting them run off their red dye infused candy off during recess (don't blame me, I didn't give it to them)!! Anyhow...
So I wandered onto Pinterest where alas, did I find an amazing teacher who talked about setting up this simulation. But, as you know, that's all I had to go on. So for the entire Sunday afternoon, I began thinking of different items or symbolic representations that might have been around at the time. I also, being a science Olympiad coach, had a roll of crime scene tape! Waaah- lah!
I jazzied up some printables, evidence bag labels, FBI envelope top secret cover, top secret letter from the president, made FBI Agent badges, and so much more.....
Labored intensely for an hour prior to block 1.
Block one entered. I could tell they were excited to learn them up some history for the day.... YAWN.... NOT!!!!! So I told them to sharpen extra pencils for their 200 question history test on the American Revolution. Yep, you got it! That woke their sorry little butts up.
I'm just kidding. I really have a bad sarcastic sense of humor, if you couldn't tell.
Now.... what's this? A TOP SECRET MESSAGE ON MY DESK? FROM THE... WHO? THE PRESIDENT? HE wants us to WHAT? And yep, FBI badges and an official report. They were hook, line and sinker. I escorted them down to the room where the crime scene was blocked off with Caution Crime Scene Tape and personally checked badges for entrance to the scene. Did a little explainin' and let them go. I helped as needed, however, I didn't have to redirect any of them! Any, not one!!
With the exception of a little hunting and gathering, you can pick up this unit for a low cost on my TPT store. Have a great night teacher friends!!!
~ Tara
Boston Massacre Crime Scene
Well first of all, it started on Pinterest. That's how it always happens, right? I was so excited to find what I was looking for only to realize it was just that, a great picture from an amazing teacher.
Nothing else.
Well not entirely.
She had great descriptions of what and how she did it all. But I wanted more! Where were the printables? Where were the cheat sheets? Then it dawned on me... Make them, so I did. Now, when I actually have my computer I will go in length how I elaborated on a relatively limited idea and really developed it into a much bigger two day unit. But until then, you'll have to be happy with a few pictures.
In the directions for the colonial money I mentioned to print in black and white and stain in coffee. My ink was running out and it looked naturally old... what are the chances? I had my amazing daughters crumble up the money and letters really good to give it the old, rumpled up money look.
I'll have to admit, one of my biggest weaknesses is an antique store. I just can never pass up a jar of buttons. What's up with that? Anyhow, I was sure I had some gold buttons. They symbolize all the nice bells and whistles the British Military had apart from the colonists pieced together uniforms. Students had all kinds of ideas about how these fell off.
I was caught red handed (I mean blue handed)! I alternated different fingers to identify the British soldier that fired the first shots and the dead colonist's finger prints. The kids in all their crime scene work detected my blue fingerprints and asked if I framed the shooter? Haha
We aren't allowed to have any facsimile of weapons at school (great thing, I'm not complaining) but I really had to improv for this one. I used a dollar store tip of a plastic butter knife and told the kids this represented a bayonet tip that was broken off in conflict.
Wooden Club. There are two main versions of the Boston Massacre; was it provoked or were the colonists innocent? Would wooden clubs and stones have made the evidence more clear for a trial? Absolutely.
This is charcoal from an aquarium kit. I must confess, I am a teacher hoarder. I'm getting better thanks to my awesome buddies. However, I can't pass up boxes of stuff that "I might be able to use one day" all stuffed inside going to the trash. Normally, I'm the teacher who has what you're looking for:)
Goodnight all you fabulous teachers out there!
Nothing else.
Well not entirely.
She had great descriptions of what and how she did it all. But I wanted more! Where were the printables? Where were the cheat sheets? Then it dawned on me... Make them, so I did. Now, when I actually have my computer I will go in length how I elaborated on a relatively limited idea and really developed it into a much bigger two day unit. But until then, you'll have to be happy with a few pictures.
It was absolutely amazing to see all the ideas about the torn blue fabric. Some students even connected the different weapons saying they were torn from a bayonet and the colonial money fell out. Great detective work kids!
Goodnight all you fabulous teachers out there!
Patricia Polacco Reads Thunder Cake
One of my favorite authors reads her book Thunder Cake. It's everything I imagined with her reading her own book. One of my favorite books of hers is Pink and Say about the American Civil War. I'll warn you it's a tear jerker.
~ Tara
~ Tara
Why I Broke Up with Office Depot
Why I broke up with Office Depot:
After 11 long years, I finally called it quits with my teacher, class, extracurricular activities, supply distributer. I have been faithful and feel there hasn't been any wrongdoing on my part. I came to make my usual purchase of composition notebooks this year. Yes, I teach about 100 awesome and sometimes smelly fifth graders. I equally attempt to keep them engaged in class by using interactive note-booking techniques. Composition notebooks are great for this because they are tough mudders and can take a beating all year. Usually, they are $.25 which is why I was elated when I found out they were only $.10. Yes, I scored the mother load!!!! "But the limit is 3" friends would say. Nahhhhh, they always let me do repeat purchases for teachers. Hah, was I fooled.
I can in and stocked up and proceeded to ask for a manager. Teachers are always causing trouble as they slink up to the counter and ask for a discount. (You don't see other professions asking all the time for a discount do you? Nope) But teachers think they are special, or at least I do. The manager on duty proceeded to tell me it wasn't possible to purchase that many at the discount price. I asked why not? I had always been able to in the past. I explained it wasn't allowed to be added to our supply list, blah, blah, blah... he rudely replied.... "Ma'am, WE HAVE TO SAVE SOME FOR THE CHILDREN!" Wholly SNAPS- ARE YOU FOR FREAKIN REAL? I then turned into Madea and asked, "what do you think, I'm going to go home and COLOR in 100 NOTEBOOKS?? It is for the children, in fact, I'm saving parents a trip or they would be buying these notebooks." Short story shorter, we went a few rounds, I was really trying my FBI techniques on him trying to get him to budge. He said I was, "taking away from their bottom line." I told him they wouldn't take anything out of his paycheck if he scanned my products 33 times. it went on and on. At the end of the day, I am a terrible negotiator, I lost. But here's the catch. Nothing would have taken from the bottom line. I have purchased thousands of dollars of supplies yearly for our recycling program, science Olympiad, field trips, and basic school bulk orders. Ink recycling has gotten harder and harder, until I realized. I didn't need Office Depot. They were using me, I could be just as happy with Staples or Wal-Mart or EVEN ( I shudder) ONLINE ORDERING.... So you win Office Depot, I will not bother you or even scream at other shoppers as they enter your doors. I will take the higher road and take my butt to Costco or Staples! See YA!
So I called customer service and someone who knew very little English tried to help me... I asked for a supervisor in customer service....30 minutes of... So what is you problem again? I don't understand. Really?
I'm so thankful for all the kind strangers that offered to purchase notebooks for my students and all my family and friends that have been stealing from their bottom line to get what the kids need! Thank YOU SO MUCH!!!!! Where is Tyler Perry when you need HIM?
After 11 long years, I finally called it quits with my teacher, class, extracurricular activities, supply distributer. I have been faithful and feel there hasn't been any wrongdoing on my part. I came to make my usual purchase of composition notebooks this year. Yes, I teach about 100 awesome and sometimes smelly fifth graders. I equally attempt to keep them engaged in class by using interactive note-booking techniques. Composition notebooks are great for this because they are tough mudders and can take a beating all year. Usually, they are $.25 which is why I was elated when I found out they were only $.10. Yes, I scored the mother load!!!! "But the limit is 3" friends would say. Nahhhhh, they always let me do repeat purchases for teachers. Hah, was I fooled.
I can in and stocked up and proceeded to ask for a manager. Teachers are always causing trouble as they slink up to the counter and ask for a discount. (You don't see other professions asking all the time for a discount do you? Nope) But teachers think they are special, or at least I do. The manager on duty proceeded to tell me it wasn't possible to purchase that many at the discount price. I asked why not? I had always been able to in the past. I explained it wasn't allowed to be added to our supply list, blah, blah, blah... he rudely replied.... "Ma'am, WE HAVE TO SAVE SOME FOR THE CHILDREN!" Wholly SNAPS- ARE YOU FOR FREAKIN REAL? I then turned into Madea and asked, "what do you think, I'm going to go home and COLOR in 100 NOTEBOOKS?? It is for the children, in fact, I'm saving parents a trip or they would be buying these notebooks." Short story shorter, we went a few rounds, I was really trying my FBI techniques on him trying to get him to budge. He said I was, "taking away from their bottom line." I told him they wouldn't take anything out of his paycheck if he scanned my products 33 times. it went on and on. At the end of the day, I am a terrible negotiator, I lost. But here's the catch. Nothing would have taken from the bottom line. I have purchased thousands of dollars of supplies yearly for our recycling program, science Olympiad, field trips, and basic school bulk orders. Ink recycling has gotten harder and harder, until I realized. I didn't need Office Depot. They were using me, I could be just as happy with Staples or Wal-Mart or EVEN ( I shudder) ONLINE ORDERING.... So you win Office Depot, I will not bother you or even scream at other shoppers as they enter your doors. I will take the higher road and take my butt to Costco or Staples! See YA!
So I called customer service and someone who knew very little English tried to help me... I asked for a supervisor in customer service....30 minutes of... So what is you problem again? I don't understand. Really?
I'm so thankful for all the kind strangers that offered to purchase notebooks for my students and all my family and friends that have been stealing from their bottom line to get what the kids need! Thank YOU SO MUCH!!!!! Where is Tyler Perry when you need HIM?
Back to School Sale and Awesome Behavior Management Books
Select the Back to School Sale image above and it will direct you to my store. But don't stop there. So many amazing teachers have their store discounted for a total of 28%. So, make your list and check it twice.
ALSO, here is a set of books I have had my eye on and now's your chance to win them....
I have heard wonderful reviews of these books and I just can't wait to get my hands on them this year. Hopefully, out amazing Librarian can get them so our whole school has access. And what is even better, a local teacher (who is just AH-MAZ-ING) wrote these books. They even have activity guides. So if you are a huge fan on incorporating positive behavior management systems, you need to get these books right away before the school year begins.
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