Five For Friday

  1) Creative Day!  We had a blast today.  Every so often we have an art day (not the whole day, but a chunk of it).  I set out a few projects and ideas, supplies, and then I let the kids create.  They have to have their work for the week done, but other than that they have free reign on what projects to do and how many.  I also let them create their own.  They can use the supplies to invent!  I love it, and it proves to be one of my best classroom management tools.  Why?  Because it gives me time to listen to their stories, help them, and give them attention.  It is during these free art sessions that I get ideas for what books they might like to read, what is going on in their little lives, and they get my full attention in a comfortable art setting...PRICELESS!

 

2)  I LOVE library time.  With so many schools pulled in so many directions I feel so blessed to have a little chunk of time each week for my firsties to pick books and read in a setting that is different and wonderful!  Without it I would never capture little gems like these two reading Pete the Cat!

3)   A white T-shirt and jeans has saved me so many mornings.   After making breakfasts and lunches for the fam, making sure cheer and basketball clothes are packed and ready for after school activities, making sure homework is packed, and trying to get out of the house by 7 a.m. the white t-shirt and jeans combo has saved me!  

4)  Movement Math!  Each day I try to plan some movement into my math program.  The kids absolutely love and need it.  Hard concepts require fresh oxygen to the brain.  I'm putting together my units now for TPT and the power points with all the goodies.  They will be out soon.  Below are some of my firsties moving around the room trying out the Take From 10 Strategy.

5)  From the Best School in the Universe, one of the best teams. I absolutely LOVE where I work.  All the teachers dress up together as a theme. This year our first grade team dressed as the Solar System since we just finished our NGSS Unit on Earth's Place in the Universe (I'm the earth).  We have a spirit of collegiality in the school and I feel so grateful to work with such talented people. GO ROBO.