Amazing Day Back!

Happy Near Year everyone!

I had a fantastic day back with my 5th graders. I was a little nervous about returning. I have anxiety about preparing my students to the best of my ability for the PARCC assessment here in Louisiana. I know my students will do the best they can, and some will get it and some won't. I'm definitely frustrated with the PARCC assessment and our benchmark assessments. However, I believe in my students! I will teach them not only how to take these types of tests, but how to tackle comprehension questions, vocabulary questions, and writing prompts. I've been preparing my students all year. We've been focusing a lot on comprehension, text-based writing, and research projects.

Although I had a lot of nerves about the upcoming test practice, I really enjoyed seeing my students faces today. I was so excited to hear about their winter breaks. I assigned new seats to my students, so I did a team builder. I had my students do a Round Robin and share 3 things they received for Christmas, 2 things they enjoyed doing, and 1 thing they enjoyed eating. The kids loved it! We also went over their project requirements and read more from Number the Stars.

We are almost finished with Number the Stars. I'm not going to test them on the book any longer. We are on chapter 12. Once we finish the novel, I've decided to do a timed writing. The students will get to choose from three prompts relating to the novel. They will also be able to use the book to provide evidence for their writing.

Along with the enjoyment of seeing my students, I was also so excited to see some of my fantastic coworkers! I don't know what I'd do without my ELA cohort, Cheri. She is such a great friend, mentor, and teacher! I was also so glad to see my 5th grade team and any more!

I hope you all had a wonderful start to your new year and 3rd 9 weeks!

Five for Friday- This is so Random

This has been a very busy week!

     Back to School night was Tuesday night. It went really well. We had a great turn out. I definitely have some anxiety when it comes to public speaking. I know you're asking yourself, "How can she be a teacher?" Well, teaching and talking to kids is much different than adults. Nonetheless, it went very well. My jitters settled after the first group. I really enjoyed getting to know the parents.

This awesome purchase came in the mail this week! I love it! It's such a life-saver when it comes to turning in work! I teach three different class periods, so this helps me stay organized.

I also turned my old turn-in tray into a lost and found box. Kids are always leaving their books and papers in my room.

A super sweet student gave me these flowers this week for no reason at all! How sweet is that?

I've been reading this fabulous book! I have ADD, and now I know which type I have. This book is utterly fascinating. If you are interested in some of the things it discusses check out my post below on  Classroom Strategies for Students with ADD. Also, check out Dr. Amen's website {HERE}!

And a random selfie, because I'm exhausted from this very long week. I am not really sure what else to write. haha I have a lot of papers to grade and lesson plans to write this weekend!

Night! Night!

Five for Friday- Back to School!

 This has been a fabulous first week at A.C. Steere!

All of my kiddos performed skits on school rules. They had to perform a skit of what it looks like to NOT follow the rule as well as what it looks like to follow the rule. This is a picture from my third period class. 

Today we worked on our Friday Five (The Daily Five) for the first time.

Students working on a journal entry of their choice.

Reading to someone using a science fiction passage and answering comprehension questions

Vocabulary journal writing- Students had four words to look up and answer questions about.

Loving my hall passes! My students have taken really good care of my classroom materials! You can find this at SparkledWhimsy on Etsy. 

I added a larger carpet over my computer wires, and I moved my little carpet over the Internet cable. My computer wasn't getting wireless, so my hubby hooked up my computer with an ethernet chord.

I received this fabulous gem from PandSMonogram in the mail today! I can't wait to wear it next Friday!

Happy weekend everyone!

First Day of School

Today was the first day with my students. I had a blast getting to know them. I am so excited for what this year holds for us. My students are excited, diverse, and so much fun! I love getting to joke around with them. Through all the fun we managed to get a lot of housekeeping done today as well. We put together our binders, went over important papers, touched on our rules and procedures, and even had time for a quick team builder!

As the students entered my room, they began working on a "Fakebook" page. The kids loved this! I found it on TpT for FREE!
Here's what it looks like:

Today we also had a Ring the Bell Ceremony at A.C. Steere. Our school has a bell tower on loan from a U.S. Navy ship. School board personel from our parish and other important people in the school district came for the ceremony. You can view all the pictures from The Shreveport Times {HERE}. 

Here are a couple images from my first day at Steere! (Photos form The Shreveport Times)

Teaching some procedures

Putting together our binders

Have a great night!

Meet and Greet and Find Your Gator Seat

Meet and Greet night was a huge success! The 5th grade team had a great turn out. I got to meet some amazing students and the sweetest parents. Two students even stayed after to help me pass out some materials for tomorrow. All my nerves about tomorrow have ceased. This will be a great school year! We will all work so hard to achieve our goals! Can't wait until the morning!!!!

There was so much to do before everyone arrived, so I forgot to take a bunch of pictures before hand. I took a few after.

A sweet parent made homemade fig jam for me! How adorable is this!?

I had cookies and candy set out for my students. Thanks to Heather Roan for making these! Anyone who knows me, knows I am not a cook! haha

I had my Contact Information Magnets set out next to a sign in sheet. Parents loved this idea! 

Next year all 3 5th grade teachers will make one big one! 

I'm sorry I don't have more pictures to share with you.

Have a great evening! I will be hitting my pillow early tonight! :)

Back to School TpT Sale!!!

Y'all! School is starting for me in 10 days! Get ready for school by visiting TpT! Many sellers are joining in on this back to school blast off sale August 4-5th!