Big Bootie!

My wonderful brother taught me a new game to play...It's a little confusing to explain, but tons of fun to play.
One person is Big Bootie (BB). The person to the left of BB is #1, then #2 and so on until you get back to BB. Everyone says the chant and then BB says "Big Bootie # ___ (any number that is represented)" Then the # BB chose has to say their number and then the next person keeps it going. Watch this video or Read these directions

The chant goes
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Big Bootie Big Bootie Big Bootie. Oh yeah. Big Bootie. Big Bootie number _____"

I really don't know how to explain this well on paper (or screen), but the kids loved it. It took some time to learn, but the students got way into this. They were moving their entire bodies to the chant and having a blast.....this is going to be one fun filled year.....

Meeting Circle

Due to the Responsive Classroom training I went to this summer, I decided to try my morning circle with chairs this year (instead of sitting on the floor). This took a lot of modeling today and practice, but it went really well. I felt that the chairs had a more sophisticated feeling to them and that they helped students stay focused during our mini lessons. Also, moving the chairs around during the day gives students an opportunity to get up and move. I can tell that moving chairs will be something that we will have to use reminding language for, but overall I think this strategy may actually improve my teaching! WaHooo!

(so for those of you who haven't yet noticed, today was a really good first day)

This Is Why I'm a Teacher

So the start of back to school was a little rough for me. I was feeling very apprehensive about all the work facing me this year; I am now the upper grade science lead and with this position I have also earned a spot on the SIP team and a science intern, I am also helping with Girls on the Run, taking the lower DRA class, having a new teacher observe in my classroom and participating in TESA. Needless to say I'm a little stressed with all the meetings and requirements headed my way (not including regular school stuff). I started to wonder why I was doing all of this. Well I got my answer on Friday during open house......that's when I got to meet my upcoming students. I had so much fun meeting them and getting to learn little bits about them already. I cannot wait to get started. I could not have asked for this reminder at a better time. I'm still worried about how I'm going to get it all done, but the students helped me remember why it's worth it.

Goodbye Like, And, Um & Uhh....

So during the RC training I noticed that our instructor never used um, uhh, and or like to pause the conversation/instruction. If you've never done this before try now...see how long you can have a conversation without using these words. You may be able to do it for a short while, but not consistently all day (and if you can don't rub it in). I want to remove these words from my vocabulary, but I'm having a hard time. It takes a lot of conscientious brain power. Wish me luck!

Responsive Classroom

I'm attending a RC workshop this week and I absolutely love it.
I did a lot of RC in my class last year, but this workshop allows me to perfect my craft and build my base knowledge. If you don't know about RC please, please check out their website. Also if given the opportunity go to a workshop. I've had the best instructor: Mike Anderson. If you're looking to improve your teaching technique, or think you could do things better you must check this out. Many of you may already be doing these things, but this programs helps teachers to focus on more than just curriculum.

Mathletics

A friend of mine used this term the other day and I absolutely loved it.
He said he wasn't very mathletic...How many of our students feel that way?
I hope to build an excellent group of mathletes this year using guided math (basically math workshop or math menu). Just thought this word was too cute not to share.

Guided Math 101

So I'm in a summer reading group for math. We're reading a book by Laney Sammons (2010) Guided Math. It's a lot like guided reading and if you've ever done math menu you'll have the gist of the book. I like it though. Good refresher.

Summer School

So I'm teaching summer school....it's a lot of fun, but I just don't have enough time with the kids.
Friday they have to take a post test, to see how much they learned and how well I taught them. When I informed them that they would be taking a test they got very worried and stressed. I told them that it was more to see how good I was doing than how well they are.....the reply I got was, "You're doing a great job! We just don't get it."
I cannot wait to get to work with these kids this year. They are such a fantastic group! Should be fun!

I miss you

I miss you blog......
I'm sorry it's been so long. I didn't mean to neglect you. I hope to start giving you attention again, but it may have to wait until next year. No offense, but my students, grades, family, friends and sleep are more important.
I promise so give you love and attention again. Just hold out a little longer......