Math Vocabulary Cards - Freebie

I've been busy working on my computer today.  I'm trying to finish a few things that should be ready to post on Teachers Notebook and Tpt in the next couple of days. During what I would call a "Pinteresting" break, I spotted the math vocabulary cards that I meant to post earlier this week. They were a bit buried on my disaster of a desktop.  Oops.

I have big plans to have math vocabulary posted in my classroom this year. The vocabulary cards that I included in this document are based on the suggested list from Debbie Diller's Math Work Stations book.  You can click on the image below if you'd like to download them.

Back to work I go...

Book Review - Your Child's Writing Life

When I was first asked to review Pam Allyn's newest book, I had no idea that I'd be moved to tears before the bottom of the first page. The book is called Your Child's Writing Life: How to Inspire Confidence, Creativity and Skill at Every Age.  Ms. Allyn's new book inspired me as a parent and as a teacher.  You can click on the image below if you want to check it out on Amazon.

My favorite quotes from the book:
"Let us influence our children to fall so in love with words and stories and ideas that they can't help but want to put them somewhere, like little treasures."  Words are treasures to me (thank you mom/dad and the fabulous teachers that fostered my love of words), but I want my students to view words as treasure too. 

"This is the secret of how to raise a writer: be a dedicated listener."  This quote struck me because I have been recently frustrated by parents who do not put their technology down, look their children in the eyes, listen ... and ultimately show them that what they have to say matters.  With that being said, I will also confess that I am guilty as a parent and a teacher of the same thing on occasion... although I make a huge effort to listen expectantly when a child is talking to me.

Ms. Allyn describes the following things that teachers (and parents) will want to read about:

The Writing Pillars - I'm going to use these pillars to help me plan my writer's workshop lessons this year.

1. Stamina
2. Creativity
3. Fluency
4. Phonemic Awareness
5. Organization

The Five Keys
W - Word Power
R - Reading Life
I - Identity
T - Time
E - Environment

Chapter 3 in this book describes the writer's ladder.  This section describes the top 10 stages of writing development and suggests writing activities and books to use at each stage.  As I was reading, I quickly scribbled down several "must do" ideas for my classroom. She even gives you ideas of things to say to your child/student when you notice certain things in their writing or about how they "approach" writing tasks. Ms. Allyn dedicates another full chapter to how to help children who struggle with writing. 

Overall, this book is so helpful that I'm pinnin' it on my Books Worth Reading board on Pinterest!  It was just the inspiration I needed to help me re-think writer's workshop in my classroom.

Happy Thursday!

New Blog on the Block

Jenn from Life of a Kindergarten Teacher just started her own teaching blog!  Stop by to welcome Jenn to the world of blogging if you get a chance. Tell her Kimberly sent you.  Welcome, Jenn!

Pictures of Progress in My Room

One of the things that I love about blogging is that it is really mostly a "positive" experience. So, I don't normally complain via my blog... but good golly Miss Molly was it HOT in my building today! We do have air conditioning, but it is currently broken. I went prepared with my summer hair (a big fat messy bun), a fan and lots of water. I spent most of the day filing and organizing my file cabinets (5). There is nothing pretty about my file cabinets (yet)... so I won't bore you with those.

I still have a lot of work to do, but I took a few pictures to share. I'll start with the before pictures of my room in the condition it was left for summer cleaning.  All furniture is removed in the summer, but our AMAZING custodian puts it all back exactly like you want it for the next year if you leave him a map.  He is fabulous! 

View from door - before picture.

view from my small group table - before picture

reading area  w/my new curtains - I made them myself

One  of my leveled book shelves - in the reading corner but hard to see in last picture

My new mobile in  the reading area.  I made this to match the new colors in my room.

my new magnetic board -love mod podge!

the back view of my fancy clipboard

my once old now new and fancy dismissal clipboard  - front

math work stations

I don't have a fancy display, just a list posted here.  I like to save as much wall/cabinet space as possible for anchor charts and student work.

I use large craft sticks w/student names in the library pockets.  I will probably change/add a few jobs.  I don't have a ton, because I like the students to be responsible for their own "jobs" in many ways.

I'm still busy sewing, cleaning and organizing.  The rest of my room is still a mess, but I will take more pictures soon.

Time to link up and/or visit TBA to share/see more classroom photos!

A Blog for All Teachers

If you don't know about Teaching Blog Addict (TBA)... you should. 
Being a TBA member (which just means I follow the site) and
being a TBA author has truly changed my teaching life.
I have made friends from all over the country and a few from far away lands as well. 
I feel inspired and privileged to be part of such an amazing group of educators!

TBA is a blog

created by Tamara (from Teaching with TLC)

authored by over 70 teachers

with amazing

helpful

inspiring

creative

ideas
resources
and tips

for teachers

for parents

and homeschoolers

and especially for teaching blog addicts!

Teachers rock!  TBA celebrates the good things about teachers by showcasing the creativity and willingness to share that bonds teachers together.  Stop by TBA to become a follower or just to visit if you already a follower.    You can click on the image below to visit the Teaching Blog Addict site.  Please spread the word to your friends, fellow teachers and/or blog followers about TBA!

Saleabration!

Ok fine, I made that word up... but isn't it a great combination of sale/celebration!?!?

I am having a Back to School Sale at my Teachers Notebook store! The sale starts today and will run until Aug. 2 (Tuesday). Everything in my shop is 15% off! Remember, you earn points when you shop at Teachers Notebook.

Tpt is also having a sale of their own this week! You can use the code B1T1S for 10% off your Tpt purchases from Aug. 1 - 4. You can view my Tpt store by clicking here.

I've already done a little shopping for myself.  Now, I'm off to search the sale ads for the best deal on Sharpie markers!  Happy Shopping!

Giveaway Winners!

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter my giveaway! 

It was so fun to have so many visitors stopping by in the past few days! 

Thanks again for entering the giveaway!

Don't forget... all items in my Teachers Notebook shop are on sale for 15% off for the next few days.

(July 31 - Aug. 2)