Must Haves For Teaching Math

Must Haves For Teaching Math

Math is so much easier to teach (and to learn) when you have resources to use. I am a firm believer that learning math is best done with hands on activities and lessons, rather than just doing worksheets. Don’t get me wrong, I think worksheets provide valuable practice but there has to be more than…

Stop Buying Tissue Paper Flowers!

Stop Buying Tissue Paper Flowers!

I beg you to STOP buying those tissue paper flowers. Yes, you can buy them everywhere and they are convenient to throw in your shopping cart, but please, please, PLEASE stop. They are super easy and cheap to make. I am going to show you how you can make your own and in any colors/patterns…

Getting Ready for Back to School – Day 3

Getting Ready for Back to School – Day 3

I feel like I was very productive today because I got a lot of little things crossed off my to do list. That is always a great feeling. I still don’t know what I will be teaching so I can continue with getting those things done that aren’t planning for a specific grade. The first…

Getting Ready For Back to School – Day 2

Getting Ready For Back to School – Day 2

Today I tackled my filing cabinet. I call it “tackled” because it was a DISASTER. There was still stuff in there from the previous teacher and I just grabbed my files out of boxes and shoved them in the drawers the night before school started last year. EVERYTHING was mixed together and every time I…

Clutter Free Desk

Clutter Free Desk

All last year I battled a cluttered desk. I would have piles of papers on my desk waiting to be put somewhere. Once I marked students work they went into 2 piles — Completed and ready for duotangs or Corrections to be done. These piles would get in the way and make my desk look…

Teachers Funding Public Education

Teachers Funding Public Education

I don’t normally write political posts on my blog but in light of our current union strike I knew I had to write this one. I have heard many times that teachers knew what they were getting into when they decided to become teachers so we should be happy with what we have. Part of…

Trouble with Colours

Trouble with Colours

Some of my students are having troubles remembering the colour words, both how to read them and to write them. I created these signs to hang in my classroom and so far they are working great. Students know where they can look if they are stuck on a colour word! I love the Melonheadz Kidlettes…

Seeing Dots

Seeing Dots

I just realized the other day that it seems like dots are my new chevron. The last few things I have made for my classroom and most of the bulleting boards I created for back to school all have polka dots on them. Here’s the proof: I saw somewhere (please let me know if this…

Seeing Dots

Seeing Dots

I just realized the other day that it seems like dots are my new chevron. The last few things I have made for my classroom and most of the bulleting boards I created for back to school all have polka dots on them. Here’s the proof: I saw somewhere (please let me know if this…

Too Late?… I Hope Not!

Too Late?… I Hope Not!

Well what can I say…this school year start up has been hectic. I am not sure if you remember but I was hoping for a job teaching Gr 4/5 back at the school I have been at for the past two years. I didn’t get the job 🙁 I had to pull my big girl…

Too Late?… I Hope Not!

Too Late?… I Hope Not!

Well what can I say…this school year start up has been hectic. I am not sure if you remember but I was hoping for a job teaching Gr 4/5 back at the school I have been at for the past two years. I didn’t get the job 🙁 I had to pull my big girl…

Finally done!!!

Finally done!!!

Well my first week is over and my book bins finally came in. I didn’t get my classroom library completely finished until Friday evening (you can see the time in some of the pictures) and then madly took pictures before I had to rush home to make dinner. Ugh (or any other disturbing noise you…

A Little Bit More – Day 2

A Little Bit More – Day 2

I popped into the school again today to get a little bit more setup in my room. Once again I did more talking than I wanted to so progress was slow. I think I need to go in after 10pm to avoid talking to people 🙂  So here is a little of what I did…

Back To School Expo

Back To School Expo

 I am super excited that the Back to School Expo is almost here. On August 25th, FIVE fantastic teachers will be presenting to help you get ready for back to school. Topics include decorating your classroom, using technology in the classroom, reading success, creating a positive environment with back to school activities, and how to…

Classroom Set Up Day 1

Classroom Set Up Day 1

Yay, I finally went into my classroom to start setting up today. My dining room was starting to get overtaken by stuff that I had to bring to the school so I thought it was time to head into the class. This is the first year I have taken any pictures of the set up…