Thanksgiving Mayflower Suitcases

This year in my second grade class we read a sound story about the first Thanksgiving and watched a short video on the mayflower.  Later we made suitcases and decided what eight things we wanted to take with us on the Mayflower.  They turned out so cute.  Check out the pics below!

Click on the link to download printable copy!
Mayflower

Social Contract and Travel Binder

We created our class social contract this last week using the capturing kids hearts method.  Students worked in groups to answer four different questions regarding how we are going to treat each other in our classroom.  Everyone signed the contract and we posted it in our room!  

I started Travel Binders this year, which are working great.  It is a great way to communicate to parents and keep the kids and myself more organized.  Have received some great feedback from parents.  Pictures are attached, as well as some of the forms I used. 

Social Contract

Travel Binder

Cover Page

Travel Binder Cover Page

Travel Binder Expectations

Open House!

Last night we had open house!  I was so excited to meet all my new 2nd graders and catch up with former students.  I am starting my fifth year teaching this year and can't believe how fast the time flies.  Looking forward to a great year!

All About Me Letter!

This is a copy of my all about me letter to give to my students at open house!  So excited to meet all my new kiddos!

 

All About me Letter

Homework Calendars

September homework calendar complete:  Click on the link below to download!

 

September Homework

Daily Five

Here is a great resource for starting the Daily Five and the CAFE!  Click the Link Below.

Daily Five for Dummies

Crayon Wreath Complete!

Here is the final product of my crayon wreath.  It was a very inexpensive project and I can't wait to hang it on my door.  I placed the 8 in. hoop inside the 12 in. hoop so there is equal spacing and then laid the crayons along the hoops.  Glue them down, and tie the ribbon on the two crayons you want to be the top.  Personalize with stickers.  Thanks to my mom for all her help!!! 

Materials:

Box of 64 Crayons

Hot Glue

12 in. embroidery hoop

8 in. embroidery hoop

Stickers

Ribbon

Stickers are from the scrapbook section at Hobby Lobby

Mom is positioning the crayons!

Adding Bling!

Ready to glue

Finished Product

All done!

Leaders are Blooming!

I have finished my leadership display.  The only thing left to do is put the kids pictures from the first day on the flowers!  I got the scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby which matched the letters and flowers I picked out at Mardel perfect!!!  I am really excited about how it turned it out!  Here are some pics:

Here are some more classroom pics:

New Crafty Project!!!

I am working on making a crayon wreath for my classroom.  Here are some examples of what I am trying to make!!!  I am not the most crafty person but am giving it a shot!  Total PINTEREST ideas!

Leaderhip Roles!!!!

This year I am going to have my kids sign up for leadership roles every Friday in addition to our class jobs.  The students will be trained on these roles and understand the important leadership skills it takes to hold those positions.  The students who go all week following our social contract and have had no comments in their behavior folder will get to sign up first.  

Click on the link below to download a copy of my leadership roles sign up sheet.



Leadership Roles

Journal Idea for a Sub!!!!

Found this great journal activity on Pinterest to use when you know your going to be absent!  So Cute!

Click here to print!

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5ShRWSplHHGaEVLdnBZdi1yUnc

"Leaders are Blooming"

I have chosen my leadership display theme.  "Leaders are Blooming."  I will have the kids work displayed on various floral scrapbook paper with their cute little faces on flowers!!! Pictures to come soon!

Leadership Theme

This year on campus we are keeping our Leadership theme across grade levels.  As teams we are going to put up leadership displays outside our classrooms.  I have been bouncing around a couple ideas.  Let me know what you think:

"Leading with Passion"

"Learning to Lead"

"Finding the Leader Within"

"A Leader is a Dealer in Hope" -Winston Churchill

"Lead and Inspire"

"Example is Leadership" -Albert Schweitzer

 “Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.” -Bill Bradley

If you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them!  Here are some more class pics!

Doorway

Class Library

Class Library

Book Boxes

Class Library

 

Back to School!

With two weeks of summer left and I am in the process of getting ready for the new year.  Classroom set up has begun and little by little things are coming together!  I don't think I would survive without my guilty pleasure pinterest.com.  It has given me so many great ideas for my classroom this year!  Check out how its coming:

Seven Habits posters

Computer Area

Class Jobs

Reading Corner

View from the front

Writing Center

Social Contract Wall

Welcome!!!!

 I am going to attempt to keep a blog this year to share and showcase all the wonderful things happening in my classroom and my life.  I am new to the blogging world so bare with me. 

Here's a little background on me:

I am in my fifth year teaching in Leander ISD at Bagdad Elementary and have taught Kindergarten, two years of third grade and am starting my second year in second grade.  I love second grade, the students are so creative and so eager to learn.  I am currently working on Masters in Educational Administration through Lamar University, and will graduate in December 2013.  From there I hope to gain a position in administration in LISD.  I am originally from Denver Colorado but have grown up in the Austin area.  Most of my family lives near by and we get to see one another often.  I enjoy many hobbies and love a good book.  I have a dog named Bella who is like my child, she keeps  me on my toes!  I feel very blessed to be apart of such a wonderful school district and work with such a wonderful staff. 

My Little Bella!

Me and my sister Alissa!