A Hodge Podge of Updates!

So it's been forever since I've blogged! Here are some updates of what's happening in our classroom!

My classroom library has lots of books in it. So many chapter books that it was kind of overwhelming for the students to pick their "just right books". Instead they were spending so much time at the library as "fake readers". In an effort to make the task of selecting a book easier for the students, I decided to reorganize the library according to level. This was quite a task, but I had the help of my amazing student teacher!  Each book was labeled with an AR label (includes title of books, book level, book quiz number). We then used used a hole punch to make vinyl stickers of each color. The stickers were then put on the spine of each book according to their level.

Next....We just started our unit on plants. All of my bulletin boards are full so I don't have any room to post vocab words. I devised a plan for that..... I took a rectangular planter and put foam on the bottom. Next, I took stakes and glued them to little rectangular wood pieces. I also purchased a roll of dry erase paper and glued a piece on each wooden rectangle. (All supplies, besides the planter were purchased at Michaels.)

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! The students in my class are well on their way to earning their ice cream party! Here are the ice cream sundaes they are building.

Next up, AR! This nine weeks, the students are working to meet their individual AR goals. When they meet the goal, they earn a cookie and drink. After their goal is met there are additional rewards. (I found that if they only have to meet their goal then they usually shut down after they achieve it. So we keep working as hard as we can the whole nine weeks.)

My TpT Bite into a Good Book Poster & Cookie Jars



Finally, these were too cute not to post. Way back in February I came across an AWESOME idea! (Forgive me please, I can't remember whose original idea it was...someone please tell me if you remember so that I can give her credit.) I love, love, loved this "When I'm 100" writing and picture idea. My students loved it too. Here are just a few of their creative ideas.  :)

Notice that the apron says "Born to Cook"!

I love the parted hair, eye brows, and missing teeth.

What's Poppin' Give Away!!!!!!

One of my fav bloggers (Abby from the inspired apple)  has created a new activity..... Enter to win in ths great give away. :)

 

New TpT Files

I've recently added a few more things to my TpT store. Check them out....

Author's Purpose Animal Cracker Writing

Author's Purpose Fish Writing 

State Testing Motivational Sayings

How to Blow a Bubble Writing Paper

Grade 3 Everyday Math Unit 8 Resources


Happy PSSA testing to my fellow PA bloggers! We're 3/6 done!

Dr. Seuss Reading Cafe

First of all...please forgive me for not posting for a whole MONTH!!! I really missed my blogging buddies! This post is really late, but file it away for next year.

This is the second year we had a Dr. Seuss Reading Cafe. It turned out wonderful. The kids did such an outstanding job. Each child in the classroom had a job (waitress, host, chef) in making the Reading Cafe a success. Parents and relatives were invited in to enjoy a delicious "meal" in our cafe. The waitress/waiters "served" (read) the guests a book of their choice from out student created menus. 

Download the TpT files here. 

 

Camp Measurement

We've been learning about capacity, length, and weight. Last week we had "Camp Measurement" Activities. You can find all of these activities on TPT.

Fishing For the Right Unit of Capacity

Students used a magnetic fishing pool to "fish". Once they "caught" a fish they put it in the correct boat. For example, bathtub would go in the gallon boat. When studying capacity, we also traveled to the "Land of Gallon". This week we will be making Gallon Frogs! (My colleague found this awesome activity!)

 

 My Own Can of Worms

Students had to go "digging" for worms to use for fishing. Without looking they dug through a pot of "dirt" (shredded brown paper) to find a worm. They would then place the worm in the correct can (the unit of length).

 

Filling up on Flies

This activity was by far the students' favorite. They used party blowers that had a piece of Velcro attached to the end to "catch" a fly. After the fly was caught, they put the fly onto the frog with the correct weight (tons, pounds, ounces). 

 

 

 

The first five people to comment sharing activities for measurement (capacity, length, or weight) will receive this unit and the Land of Gallon FREE!!! :) (Be sure to include your name and email address in your comment!)

Go Steelers!

"Pittsburgh's going to the Super Bowl!"

 Last week we had a Steelers pep rally! The kids wore their Steeler gear and brought their Terrible Towels. 

 

Dr. Seuss Reading Cafe

Last year we did a Dr. Seuss Reading Cafe in our classroom! it was a huge hit! I'll post pics and ideas soon. I'd love to know how you celebrate Read Across America or Dr. Seuss. Please share! :)