100 Days SMARTER!

We celebrated our 100th day of kindergarten on Tuesday. I wasn't sure we would ever get there with so many snow days. 😊 We made books about being 100 and 100 things, we made hats, a 100 item snack, a snack with doughnuts and twinkles, a necklace with 100 front loops and LOTS of fun! Oh and... Our cuties came dressed like they were 100 years old. Cutest thing EVER!

Thankful and Blessed!

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving Break so much!!  We did actually work at school this afternoon after church but the rest of break was spent with family or preparing for Christmas (that would be Black Friday all night shopping). In November, we began our World Tour. We spent time in Mexico, Sweden, England and France. (Not REALLY in the countries but learning about each one for several days.) We had a fabulous English Tea... See pics below! In December, we will continue our traveling adventures in Italy, Australia and Germany. The week before break is spent on elf projects and Polar Express! 

As you know, if you have read about us, we are very close friends and much more than just teaching partners. In all honesty, Kelly and I are really more like sisters than friends. Our kids are like cousins and we choose to spend time together as often as possible. Kelly makes me a better person... not just a better teacher. 😊 Okay, okay... I will stop with the sap. We spent our third Thanksgiving in a row together this year with our families. It is pretty awesome to teach with your best friend but it is even greater to share holidays together. We are thankful and blessed!

Read to Self... In progress!

We began our quest toward Read to Self this week. Every teacher seems to have a different starting point in the introduction of literacy centers. In Our Smart Community, we start with word work (2 weeks of 5 rotations), then writing and theme, then we work on Read to Self. We introduced last week, watched a video of a first grade class in action and worked on our T chart with expectations. To say our classes were excited hardly describes it. They couldn't wait. So far... We have built 5 minutes of stamina and we will add more tomorrow! They did an awesome job! 

We have been modeling how to track print since day one. It is so exciting to see our little ones practicing! 

5 minutes zoomed by... So on task! They beg for it... We start off with a collection of books in a wide range and add as necessary. Students will also be making their own leveled readers as the year continues!

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Classroom Tour 2013

HOLLA!!!!!! Our rooms are *almost* finished!! Meet the teacher is still a week away and THIS HAS NEVER OCCURRED!! Last year at this time, we were not so patiently waiting for clearance to move into our new school. We had 3 days to prepare for kids and unpack. Kelly and I have NEVER been this far ahead but we are LOVING it. I am so excited to be able to enjoy the next 2 days with my girls and not worry about school!! We *might* like zebra print a lot! Our rooms are almost completely organized… we are in the process of preparing informational packets for parent night and meet the teacher. Enjoy the Tour!

 

 

Oh how I love the 7 Habits... ideas for a habit tree and a freebie!

So… like 5 years ago, I participated in a little book club after school. We read and discussed Leader and Me. I gotta tell ya… I LOVED IT IMMEDIATELY! Creating leaders one child at a time starting in kindergarten, yes please…SIGN ME UP! My school began implementing pieces of the process and this year, we will begin with our beautiful mission statement posted in our main foyer. I *might* be a little excited!! The easiest way to get your feet wet is to read the book and start using the vocabulary with your students. You can slowly build by teaching the habits, setting goals and creating a data notebook. I have had a tree for the last few years, I use data notebooks and teach the vocabulary. My kids set personal and academic goals for themselves. It is AH~Mazing! Today, I spent a few hours in my classroom. NO one was there except me and I won’t lie. I LOVED the alone time and I got A LOT done, including my new and improved Habit Tree. I am sharing this freebie with you… there are two versions: Plain or Zebra. J I have a couple of 7 Habit type products in my little shop if you are just getting started. If you have questions… please ask. J