The Test

It's that time of year...time for the big TEST!!  For my 3rd graders, this is their first experience with State standardized testing, which means as their teacher, I have a big responsibility.  Yes, I must prepare them academically, but more importantly, I have to make sure that their first testing experience is a positive one.  So, like many classrooms all over the country, we go into "test prep mode".

I begin at least a month out, usually around Spring Parent Conference time.  I make sure to talk to parents about the test and what they can expect.  I also ask them to write an encouraging note for their child so that when we begin testing, their child has that extra little bit of motivation to help them get through those long days.  In the past, my students have really LOVED these special notes.  Most of the time they have notes from their parent or guardian, but every now and then, a drawing from a little brother or sister makes it into the mix.  No matter who the note is from, the look of pride on my students' faces are priceless.

Another big component of "test prep" is minimizing fears and maximizing confidence.  We talk honestly about the test-how long the sessions will be, what our days will look like, and what types of things will be covered on the test.  They usually have TONS of questions, but taking time to talk these things out usually helps students feel less anxious.

In the weeks leading up to standardized testing, I do everything in my power to give my students as many opportunities for success as possible.  This looks different for every student, but these small moments help build confidence.  Every chance I get, I provide feedback for the things they are doing well, and then help to guide them one step further.

As testing gets closer (next week, for us) I always make a point to read "Hooray for Diffendoofer Day", by Dr. Seuss (and Jack Prelutsky & Lane Smith).  This is one of my all time favorite books that highlights individuality and creative thinking.  My students can connect to the students at Diffendoofer School, who are also taking a big test.  Of course, because they have been taught to think, they succeed.  Awww! 

When it's time to cover the walls, I plaster them with motivational quotes and messages of support.  I want to leave no doubt in their minds that I truly believe in them and think the world of them, regardless of the outcome of the test.  And of course, being mature enough for testing makes you also mature enough for special treats and surprises along the way.

Do you have any "test prep" rituals that help get your students through testing?  I'd love to hear, so share away!  

 

March Currently

Ugh!  Where did February go?  I spent the last week protesting the arrival of March (because, really, what happened to February?!) by pretending it wasn't here.  It didn't work out so well, so I guess I'll finally post my March Currently with Farley from Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

I can accomplish so much more when the T.V. isn't distracting me, and I have way too much that I need to accomplish, so Spotify it is.  I L.O.V.E. the warm weather that we've had lately, because recess and duty is so much more enjoyable when you aren't shivering.  But... warm weather brings with it energetic...squirrely...hyper kids, so I can't help but think that Spring Break can't come soon enough.  Two more weeks!  I want a second weekend to prepare for this week.  I only have my evaluation observation, lesson plans, newsletters, copies, and centers to prepare.  And finally, the mystery answers- What are things that gross you out for $1000, please. 

Looking to procrastinate, or finally acknowledge March?  Link up with Farley. 

Happy Sunday!  

December Currently

Hello, blog world!  Long time no see!  What better way to jump back into the swing of things than by linking up with Farley and a new Currently, so here I go!

It's been awhile...let's see if I still remember how this ol' thang works. 

I'm listening to Sunday Night Football, my dog snoring (this is not a new thing), and an excited 5 year-old talking about Christmas from his bed.  I'm loving my newest teacher-y Christmas décor that we picked up over the summer while visiting Bronner's Christmas Store in Frankenmuth, MI.

 

 

Like many of you, I'm thinking about my ever growing TPT wish list because there is a HUGE Cyber Monday (and Tuesday) sale happening tomorrow!  My store, like many others, will have everything you NEED (ok...want...badly) for up to 28% off when you use the code "Cyber".  Don't miss out!

 

 



I'm so excited about my latest product, Santa Math, which I blogged about last year.  Snatch it up on sale tomorrow and Tuesday!



 

Of course, I'm wanting Winter Break to be here quickly...but not before I finish decorating my tree and putting up the rest of my decorations.  It helps that we only have three short weeks left, and that I will get to partake in my favorite Holiday tradition, which is baking with my Mama!  Most recently, we've up the Pioneer Woman's rolls...like pumpkin cinnamon rolls, and lemon blueberry rolls, and caramel apple rolls.  But we will bust out with the cookie baking soon enough!

 

I'm hoping to get back on the blog train again, so check back soon for what we have been up to.  In the mean time, link up and share your own 'Currently'!

 

Happy Sunday!





October Currently!

It's October already?!  Where did September go?  Either way, I'm linking up with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for the latest installment of the always interesting 'Currently'.

 I'm listening to Property Brothers...like always.  I love them, and pretty much everything on HGTV.  It's mindless entertainment, and I'm all about it.

 

I've LOVING my 3rd grade team.  Not only do we get a lot accomplished, but they get me.  Not in a corny, soul-sister, type of way, but more of a no-judgment-when-I'm-hangry kind of way, and a listen-to-my-crazy-math-ideas way, and most importantly, a want-to-do-what's-good-for-kids way.  Obviously, these chicks rock.

 

I'm currently thinking about Baltimore in 2 weeks, where I will be attending and presenting at NCTM.  It's like Math Christmas, and I love it.

 

Here in southern NM, we've had a bit of a crazy monsoon season.  With that came mosquitos who are hungry for my blood.  I'm in serious need of cooler weather...or better bug spray.   

 

Like most teachers, I could use a few more hours in my day.  More time with my students, more time with my family, and more time sleeping.  Can someone do something about that, please?!

 

And finally, when it comes to Trick-or-Treat, I'll pick treat almost every time.  Especially if it's an Almond Joy.  Or a Reese's.  Or a Snickers.  But NOT those gross orange and black wrapped candy things.  Yuck. 

 

Happy October!

Five for Friday

I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for a (late) five for Friday! So here are my five random things from this first week back to school!

1. A gecko.  That is what a sweet student lovingly brought to school to show their new teacher.  Said gecko is also what escaped in my classroom and has yet to be found!  Fun stuff!

 

2. My hubby always goes out of his way to make a big deal out of the first day of school.  This year, I came home to some beautiful flowers and an AWESOME personalized Jam Box Bluetooth speaker for my classroom.  Seriously, that thing and my husband rock!

 

 

 

3.  My babies!  My youngest started kindergarten this week and I didn't only cried a little lot.  My oldest started fourth grade and I didn't only cried a little lot.  They both LOVE their teachers, so I'm one happy Mama (despite my tears).  

 

 

4.  Do you know what's fun?!  Running over nails and buying new tires!  You haven't lived until you've bought new tires on a teacher's salary in August...

 

 

5.  The Teachers Pay Teachers Back To School Sale starts tomorrow!!  My cart already has $33 worth of materials in it, and I've only just begun.  You can save up to 28% tomorrow and Monday by using the code BTS13.  What's in your cart?!

 

Happy Weekend!





Classroom Setup Linky Party!!

One of my all-time favorite ways to kill time is to look at other teachers classroom setup, especially during this time of year!  Materials are organized, desks and cubbies are clean, and all those cute supplies purchased over the Summer are on display!  What could be better?!  I've decided to host one final hoorah Linky Party before we all head back to school...so show me those classrooms!

I'll start!  I've posted this pic a few times already, but here is what I was working with:

And here is what I was able to squeak out:

My book quote wall up close...I <3 it!!

Check out what other teachers are up to, and show off your Back-to-School Prep by linking up!

1. Down the Hall in Third	2. Teachers Are Terrific!: My Lab!	3. The Creative Classroom
4. The Balanced Classroom

Or use the new Add link method ?

(Submissions close in 67d 0h 15m)

URL:	(URL of your blog post)
Name:
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August Currently!

August?!  Seriously?!  The same August that signals back-to-school?  The August that means end of summer?  I'm not ready for this!  But I guess I'll put my big girl pants on to link up with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for this months' Currently!



 

Listening:  I feel like this one signifies the fast-track in which I am turning into my Mother.  A ball bouncing in the house now drives me absolutely insane (Hi, Mom!), and I find myself saying the exact same things she told us!  I'm also listening to my youngest crunch his morning cereal, which is a colorful mix of Frosted Mini-Wheats and Lucky Charms.  Yuck.  Finally, the Today Show has taught me how to avoid an awkward hug.  Helpful!

 

Loving:  Yesterday, after a productive 4 hours, I can say that my classroom is done-enough that I won't have to return until our first report day, which is Tuesday, August 6th.  I feel like this one can best be summed up with pics. 

Before:

After:

  

Thinking:  Today and Tomorrow, I'll be attending MC2 ELL Conference: Achieving in Mathematics for All Students in New Mexico.  There are so many fantastic presenters and topics to choose from, I don't even know where to start! 

 

Wanting:  Just a few more weeks of Summer!  I say this every year, but the Summer flew by, I just want a little more time.

 

Needing:  Coffee.  Enough said.  

 



 B2S Must-Haves:  A new planner to help stay organized, which I already have and LOVE, colorful pens (I <3 Ink Joy and Sharpie Pens), and labels for everything. 

 

 

I'm off to get my coffee!  Happy Friday! 





Back to School Goals

My summer is grinding to a halt, and I can hardly believe that teachers report back next Tuesday!  I've been working away in my classroom, and can't wait to post up pictures to share what all I've done...but that will have to wait!  In the mean time, I have linked up with I {Heart} Recess to set some Back to School Goals.  So here we go!

 

Personal:  We eat out WAY too much, especially when school starts back up.  It's usually so hot still, and I'm tired, and the last thing I want to do is cook dinner, but my wallet (and waistline) says otherwise.  I just need to suck it up and do it...and then I will have left-overs for lunch the next day! 

 

Organization:  Last year, our District moved to a Standards Based Report Card that required proficiency to be measured for every 3rd grade Common Core Standard.  While all of my assignments and assessments are standards-based, I struggled to find a manageable way to keep up with it all.  I'm working on it.  Any suggestions?!

 

Planning:  I don't know about you, but in my classroom, it seems like Science gets booted to the curb whenever time gets tight.  I'm making it my goal to plan for more hands-on Science learning because we all know how much the kids L-O-V-E it!

 

Professional:  I'm currently taking an online Stanford math class about how people learn mathematics.  If I can successfully finish it, I'll consider that quite an accomplishment, because we all know how much extra time teachers have at the beginning of a new school year!

 

Students:  My goal in this are is to inspire a love of mathematics.  I hope I can wrangle them in with fun real life math projects, then keep their interest peaked with all the tricks I have up my sleeve!

 

Motto:  Let them be little!  I've shared this on my Facebook page, but something strange happens to my beloved kiddos between 3rd and 4th grade, and often times, 3rd grade is the end of the "little" kid stage.  So it is my goal and motto to let them be little.  We will have recess.  We will read silly stories.  We will learn lots and encourage each other along the way.  We will have fun at every turn.  We will make lifelong friends and play hard. 

 

What are your Back to School goals?  I'd love to read all about them!     



Back to School Freebies!!

If you're anything like me, you've been spending your time lately crying thinking about back to school.  I'm always excited about a new school year, but I can't help but feel a pinch of sadness for the end of Summer vacation.  But what better way to cure your back-to-school blues than with tons of FREEBIES!!!

I was so fortunate to be included in the Back to School Free-books, which are filled with tons of FREE resources aligned to the Common Core for all grade levels.  What I love most is that the standards are listed on each page, so you know exactly what you are getting!  Click on the pic and links below to snatch up your freebies!  This one is my favorite...are you shocked?!?! 

 

 

 

CCSS K-2 Math Free-Book

 

CCSS K-2 ELA Free-Book

 

CCSS 3-5 ELA Free-Book

 

CCSS 6-12 Math Free-Book

 

CCSS 6-12 ELA Free-Book

 

CCSS 6-12 Science Free-Book

 

CCSS 6-12 Social Studies Free-Book

 

Happy downloading!   

M.I.A and Leibster Award!

I have been M.I.A. as of late because...well, it's Summer!  That, and I spent the last two weeks on a fabulous family vacation.  We spent time with family, played the days away in lakes, and loved every minute of it!  But with the end of my vacation comes the (almost) end of my Summer, as we return to school in two short weeks!  I stopped by my classroom yesterday for a few hours to get a head start on unpacking, and this is what I am up against:

 

 I like the new neutral wall color, as I previously had what I lovingly referred to as "1950's Hospital Green".  However, I was overwhelmed by all that I had to do...so I chose to do next-to nothing!  I'll post up later about my progress, stay tuned!

 

In the mean time, I've been nominated for the Leibster Award by Janet at Live, Love, Laugh, and Learn in Third Grade, Carrie and Caitlyn from Table Talk with C&C and Colleen at Tales from 3rd Grade! 

 

 



 

To accept the nomination, I have to do the following:

1.  Link back to the blogs that nominated me
2.  Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers
3. Answer the questions posted by my nominators
4.  Share 11 random facts about myself
5.  Create 11 questions for my nominees
6.  Contact my nominees to let them know I nominated them

I am choosing to nominate the following blogs that I follow and love, but I have no clue if they have fewer than 200 followers:
Real Teachers Learn
Teachers are Terrific
Mrs. Stanford's Class
Third Grade is the Place to Be
Thirsty in Third
Trendy in Third

The questions I was given are below, and I copied and pasted some of my answers to the questions that were the same. 

 

Janet's questions:

Where do you teach?  I teach 3rd grade at an elementary school in southern New Mexico!
How long have you been teaching? This is my 5th year teaching.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?  Definitely teleportation!  I love to travel, but don't really like the trip getting there.  I'm usually too excited to enjoy the ride there, and am too anxious to get home on the way back...I'd rather just teleport!
What is your favorite weekend activity?  Spending time with my family.  And shopping. 
What is the funniest thing you caught a student saying?  Oh, man!  There are so many to pick from.  Off the top of my head, recently, regarding 'school shirt Friday', a student told me, "Is Friday the day where teachers get to dress-up like regular people?"
What are you reading this summer?  Lots of mindless magazines (Real Simple, Food Network), Beyond Good Teaching, and whatever pops up as free on my Nook!
If you were granted 3 wishes, what would you wish for?  World peace, good health for my family, friends, and I, and lots of money.
What is the most exotic place you've travelled to?  Probably Cozumel, Mexico.  It had white sand beaches, warm water, and all the fancy coconut drinks you could handle!
Do you have any pets? If so, how many and what are their names?  I have a black lab named Coco, who is the epitome of me in pet form.  I love her to pieces!
What is the best advice you ever received?  Greet your students with a smile everyday because it may be the only smile they see.   
What is your favorite thing about teaching?  The best thing about being a teacher is the impact you get to have on the students in your classroom!  I love that "ah-hah" moment for kids when the pieces finally fit together, and the look of pride on their little faces.  I also have frequent "ah-hah" moments, as they teach me something new each day!

Questions from Carrie and Caitlyn:
1. What is your favorite grade to teach and why?  3rd grade!  The kids still love school and their teacher, and the content is fun.

2. Tell us about your pet.  If you don't have one, what would you get and why?  I have a black lab named Coco, who is the epitome of me in pet form.  I love her to pieces!

3. What is your favorite blog (besides ours)?  I love Miss Math Dork and The Pioneer Woman Cooking Blog

4.  What is your favorite musicians and have you seen any of them live?  I love Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Jason Aldean.  I've only seen Jason Aldean live, but I've seen him twice!

5.   What is your favorite children's book?  My favorite children's book is "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" by Judy Blume.  It's silly and relatable.  I read this book each year to my class, and without fail, it manages to hook in reluctant readers who then seek out and read the other Fudge books. 

6.  What is something new you've tried in your classroom that worked really well?  I recently introduced a super-simple 'come together' attention getting signal that can be used by both teacher and students.  When you are ready to come together, simply raise your hand.  Students know (because we practiced lots!) that this means finish your thought and raise your hand, also.  As more hands go up, the conversations die down, and soon, it is quiet!  Works like a charm.

7.  Where would you go on your dream vacation?  Somewhere tropical.  Warm weather, white beaches, good food, and family. 

8.  If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?  Definitely teleportation!  I love to travel, but don't really like the trip getting there.  I'm usually too excited to enjoy the ride there, and am too anxious to get home on the way back...I'd rather just teleport!

9.  If you could create your "dream" school, what would it be like?  Money would be no object, and it would be a true 'community' school with resources for families, like pre and post school care, skills training for adults seeking work, and English Language and GED courses for parents.  It would be large, bright, with lots of storage, outdoor learning labs,  HUGE classrooms, class sets of iPads, and happy, dedicated teachers.

10.  What are your favorite movies?  I'm a cheesy romantic comedy fan, so "Sweet Home Alabama" is my favorite.

11.  What do you like to do in your spare time for fun?  I love to spend time with my family and friends.  I also enjoy cooking and yoga.  

And last but not least, here are my answers to Colleen's questions:

1.  What is the best thing about being a teacher?  The best thing about being a teacher is the impact you get to have on the students in your classroom!  I love that "ah-hah" moment for kids when the pieces finally fit together, and the look of pride on their little faces.  I also have frequent "ah-hah" moments, as they teach me something new each day! 
2. If you could choose to any two consecutive months as "summer" break, which months would you choose?  I'd stick with June and July, as those are the two hottest months where we live.  Recess is no fun when you spend more time sweating than playing, and we all know how pleasant a classroom can smell with 25 sweaty 3rd graders in it!
3. What is your favorite vacation spot?  Based on my most recent experience, my favorite vacation spot is Michigan in the summertime.  My family is there, the lakes are amazing, and the weather is much better than ours here in New Mexico.  It feels like home :-)
4. What is your favorite beverage?  Iced coffee, sweetened with a little bit of cream!  Yum!
5. What was the last song you listened to?  Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"
6. What is your favorite tv show?  "Property Brothers" on HGTV
7. Mac or PC? PC
8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?  I'd love to live in a big city like New York or London, but I think the appeal would wear off quickly.
9. What is your favorite meal to eat?  Carne asada tacos with lots of cilantro, lime, and guacamole.
10. What is your favorite grade to teach? 3rd grade!  The kids still love school and their teacher, and the content is fun.
11. What are you reading this summer?  Lots of mindless magazines (Real Simple, Food Network), Beyond Good Teaching, and whatever pops up as free on my Nook!

11 Random Facts about me:
-I love to cook but HATE cleaning up.
-My husband and I have birthdays that are one day apart.
-If I wasn't a teacher, I would be a chef.
-I HATE scary movies.
-Math is my favorite subject to teach, and because of this, I try and integrate all other subjects into math.
-I only found out about Teachers Pay Teachers last Summer.  You wouldn't know that based on the amount of money I have spent there, though!
-I really like tattoos.  If I wasn't a teacher (and wasn't so indecisive), I'd have tons!
-Mexican food is my favorite, and I can make some mean fajitas.
-My vacations usually center around the new and delicious food I can find there.  I'm noticing that many of my facts revolve around food...not surprising!
-I have been known to cry at sappy commercials. 
-Colored Sharpies and baskets are my FAVORITE classroom supply.

Questions for my nominees:
1.  Why did you decide to become a teacher?
2.  What is your favorite subject to teach, and why?
3.  What is your favorite classroom tool or supply?
4.  What item could you not teach without?
5.  What is your favorite read-aloud?
6.  Do you have a theme for your classroom?  If so, what is it? 
7.  What is your favorite meal?
8.  What piece of advice would you offer to a first year teacher?
9.  When do you start back to school?
10.  How long does it take you to set up your classroom each year?
11.  Did you (or will you) take a summer vacation?  Where did you go?

I can't wait to read the responses from my nominees!  Happy blogging!



New TPT Favorite!

Have you ever bought something on Teachers Pay Teachers that you absolutely love?  Of course you have, but I'm talking L-O-V-E, love, keep a picture of it in your wallet love (kidding...maybe), so cute you don't want to use it love.  Last week, I bought this exact product from Miss Math Dork.

I had been eyeing her Perfect Personalized Planner for a few weeks.  I saw it first on her blog, and have had it in my TpT wish-list for awhile now.  Last week, I finally bit the bullet and ordered my own, because every teacher needs a planner.  She quickly sent me the Google Doc to fill out, and we were off.  Within hours, Jamie was sending me proofs of covers to look, which totally floored me!  Within 24 hours, she had created this beautiful creature:

She was so accommodating, even taking last minute tweaks I had.  Needless to say, I followed the directions she included on her blog, and sent it to Office Max to be printed that night!  I chose to put glossy cardstock front and back covers, and it came out perfectly. 

 

It has 2-page calendars, a place for notes and my to-do lists, product and blog ideas, TpT stats, and a year-at-a-glance calendar. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, it came out great.  I L-O-V-E, love it, and would highly recommend Miss Math Dork and this planner.  It is easily my most favorite purchase from TpT, which considering how many things I've bought on there, is saying a lot! 

 

What's your favorite TpT purchase?  Feel free to share links in the comments, I'd love to see some of your favorites!