New Room, New Grade Level ~ Need Your Help

Good morning,

I have made a concerted effort to stay away from school during the month of July.  Of course I have spent many hours on Pinterest, at Target, and at home planning, shopping, collecting, PRINTING (I have spent an undisclosed amount on printer ink :/), thinking, and creating, but NO SCHOOL ~ only the "fun stuff"!  I needed a break after such a challenging school year and the loss of our precious Daddy.

However, I just returned from a family reunion in West Texas, and although it is still July, I am ITCHING to get into my classroom.  I am not only changing rooms, but am making a change from 4th (after 7 years) to 2nd grade.  I am extremely excited for the new challenge, but I would love some advice from you expert teacher bloggers out there!

Basically, I have a mess of a junked up room right now.  It is not as large as many I see out there, and it has NO CORNERS to work with.  I will of course have a library, but I had just redone it by level for my 4th graders last year...  
What I need to know from you is:

What are the HAVE TO HAVES as far as bulletin boards? 
Do you think I should organize my library by level or by genre?
What advice to you have about seating for 2nd graders?

I'll just show you the space and the JUNK and you just let the advice flow =)

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

As you walk into the room, this is what you see (Back section = computer area)

Turn slightly to the left and this is a view of the back (sink in back corner).

Shot of side windowed wall - I need new curtains, but can't sew - HELP!

The back wall - class library will go there - thinking about some low bookcases?

Other side wall - 2 doors...one to hall, one to "2nd grade team pod" and those hooks take up the WHOLE WALL!!

Looking toward the front wall from the back

As you can see, we have tables instead of desks (hate it :/), and we have cubbies that can be moved.  I use primary colors (heavy on the red and blue).  I will have a "Superstar" theme.  Give me all the ideas and advice you can muster.

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Monday Made-It (not actually made on a Monday...)

Monday Made It with 4th Grade Folics

I'm linking up with 4th Grade Frolics for another "Monday Made It" - even though all of these projects were made Friday before last with my daughter and her roommate.  They were over "helping,"  It was TONS of fun!  Here is the messy "during" picture:

We didn't get nearly everything done I planned, but here's the AWESOME "after" pic: =D

I am certain I do NOT need to even talk about the crayon art - it's everywhere, and we had a TON of fun creating the 3 you see here, plus two more not shown! WARNING - THIS CRAFT IS ADDICTIVE!

For our next project, here's a little inspiration from Peace, Love, and Learning:

 

Here are my materials (scrapbook papers and foam clocks from Target $1 Spot and "stick-on letters" from Hobby Lobby):

 

 My finished product (Sorry about the glare...) ~ LOVE IT:

Our next project, was inspired by Miss Knight's Khronicles.
Brain Feelers Reading Comprehension Question Sticks!!

 

And here are mine that my sweet daughter made (There were so many we used 2 cans, which means they can be used by 2 small groups!):

Isn't she the BEST to help her momma,with a smile on her face)!

TaDa!  Those little "feelers" make me happy! =)

Next up, inspired by cincy nanny, (If you can get over the fact that they are slightly creepy looking...) I think they're adorable and they're worth a try.  I'll try just about anything to keep those kiddos' eyes on the text!

 

 So...here are MINE (How 'bout that Duck tape on my can?):

 

We also made these, so my kiddos are not going to EVER have the chance not to know what to write about - lol - YEA!

And some like these found at First Grade Fresh - YEA!

 

Finally, I have REALLY been wanting to make class journals modeled after the ones all over Pinterest like these at Delightful Daily 5 Cafe: 

 

FINALLY ~ Here are mine:

I

Again, my 2nd graders will ALWAYS have somewhere to turn when they are not sure what to write.  I am really hoping these are well-used.  I plan to occasionally ASSIGN them to write in one of these during "Work on Writing" ~ a few times during the year, maybe once per 6 week period.  I used fonts and some of the clip art from DJ Inkers and clip art from Thistle Girl Designs.

Well, you can see we were a busy three-some and we had so much fun!  I hope some of these inspire you to spend work alone or spend some time with a daughter, niece, friend or whoever.  We might as well have some fun while we create all of these "Masterpieces." Happy "Making"!

FINALLY - A Custom Blog Design!

A HUGE THANK YOU to Leslie at Sweetie Baby's Custom Blog Design for my new
look!  I love it!! 

I had every intention of learning how to customize my blog this summer, but Leslie was able
to make all of the elements of my blog and INSTALL it for me at a VERY reasonable price!  She
has been a jewel to work with -- taking all of my likes and dislikes into account. 

So...grab my new button and let's get crackin' on this new teaching 2nd grade thing! ;)

I Think I Might Be ADHD...

I know there has been quite a bit going on in my life lately, but I am thinking more and more each day that I might have ADHD.  A lady of my age probably should have figured this out by now... Do any of you feel this way?  I used to be pretty organized and I long so badly to be that way again, but...

Exhibit A:  I have the materials for several Pinterest projects around the house and a few projects even started, but seem to not be able to sit down and focus on one at a time.  I WANT TO DO THEM ALL!!!

Exhibit B:  I clean, decorate, and organize like some kind of crazy person - at home and at school!  I start working in one area. I see something that doesn't belong in the area where I am working.  I pick it up and take it to its proper "home".  Before I know it, I am working in THAT new area - oh my...I eventually get back to where I began...sometimes...

Exhibit C:  I am reading at least 4 books, no 5, no 6, oh, I'm not sure but more than 1 book.  I have books EVERYWHERE (Some, I am certain, would call it an obsession.)  Here are a few of the books I am reading now.  Would any of you like to tell me which to sit down and finish? Please? ;)

Professional Reading:

Finishing The Daily 5 from last summer...
and  Teach Like a Champion

 
In my bathroom right now:  

        A Return to Love






On my Kindle, being read, but not finished:



 
Wild and
 The Energy Bus 

Believe me, there are others, but I think you get the idea...  I think I would understand more if they were not good books, but they are all AWESOME, AND I HAVE RECENTLY BOUGHT MORE!!!  I'm overwhelmed and am not the world's fastest reader, cleaner, decorator, etc.  Any advice or help is appreciated, as well as any "ME TOOs" out there so I don't feel quite so crazy - lol
Anyway, I'm going to get back to Wild, which I was reading before I got sidetracked by the computer.  ADHD?? I don't know.  What do you think?
 =) Beth 

Duck Tape Mania

So.. I've caught the "Duck Tape bug" - I know I'm a little behind :)
You start with a trip to your favorite superstore to purchase just a "few" rolls of  duck tape.  A few of these rolls are for the Duck Tape pens my niece and I are going to make when she visits. (Yea for Pinterest projects!)

See..just a few - lol  Even Texas A&M  Duck Tape!!!

I found this cute "EZ start" type and decided to try it too.

1st project - time for a Clipboard Make-over

Before:  Boring and Marked-up

After:  FUN!! =)

Next, add a matching fluency phone (My sweet husband is making me a class set for my new 2nd grade classroom.)

How fun is this??!! =D

Thanks to Pinterest inspiration from: Classroom DIY 

So, grab some duck tape, get inspired, and have a FUN-FILLED Week!!

Thanks to Tara at  4th Grade Frolics who encouraged me to link up with her Monday Made It Linky. Check out all of the awesome ideas shared there!

Where to Begin?

I literally don't know where to begin this post.  I have put off writing it for so long, because I just do not know where to begin.  However, I told myself I will NOT give up on this blog!!!  So here goes...

As my previous post explained, 2011 was quite a year!  Well, 2012 began with all of the best of intentions and most positive thoughts, but life continued the barrage of challenges: 

The new Texas STAAR Writing test was quite a challenge for all Texas 4th grade teachers.  Being departmentalized and teaching 65(ish) students, added to my challenge.  We did the best we could and while I think the "test" results were ok, the writing growth for our students was AMAZING.  I hold true that it is ridiculous to judge a child's writing based on a standardized test.  One of my students was taking the test the week after his father passed away... Was he really supposed to perform a the top of his ability?  Just one example and enough said on that topic...  Good news is my students loved writing FAR more and had far more "tools in their writing tool kit" by the end of the year than they did at the first of the year and I am very proud of them! =)

On a very sad note, the last 2 weeks of school, my father, who lived in a nursing home because he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, took a fall and broke his leg.  This caused all sorts of other problems in a chain reaction that sadly and unexpectedly ended his life.  Thanks to an INCREDIBLE teaching team and school faculty and staff, I was allowed to be with him the entire time he was in the hospital, and afterward was able to help with funeral arrangements and be there to support and be supported by my family.  I sincerely did not worry about school during that time, because I am so blessed with teachers who are friends.  Some even drove 6 hours to attend his funeral!  I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude for all they did for me and my family during one of the most difficult times of my life.  I miss my Daddy.  Though I did not live right near him, we were very close.  He taught me so much, and above all else loved me unconditionally.  I am so proud to know he is with Jesus now, but I will never not miss him.  He is one of the biggest sources of inspiration in my life.  I am certain I will write another post soon in his honor.

Lastly, after 7 years of teaching 4th grade, with 3 teaching Writing exclusively, I knew it was time for a change.  I am excited to say I will be teaching 2nd grade next year in my school!  This is going to bring it's own challenges and OMG, I HAVE TO CHANGE ROOMS, but I am thrilled for the opportunity!  There are many, many things I will miss about 4th grade and I can see returning there, but it will be so much fun to see younger readers and writers.  I am going to learn SO MUCH!  It will also be fun to teach Math & Science again :)  My hope is to inspire the teachers of younger grades to take writing as seriously as the other subjects and to inspire them to ENJOY teaching writing!

So...I'm not sure what direction this blog will go, but for now I will keep the name "Inspired Writing Teacher," as that is still my passion.  I welcome any tips, comments, advice, and prayers! 

Have a Marvelous Monday!!!
HUGS,
Beth

Loyd Smith (Daddy) atop "Rodeo" - one of his favorite horses.

Loyd Smith -- WWII veteran U.S. Army

Happy 2012

2012 Action Plan

Happy 2012 to my blogging "family." 

I must admit 2011 turned out to have some unbelievable challenges for me, my family, and my fellow teachers.  A new superintendent, along with more budget cuts to education, have made our jobs overtake our lives!  Well, I have worked, and worked, and worked, and...well, you get it.  I worked so hard I had little time for some of the other important parts of life.  I had become so burned out and had nothing to give to anyone else. 

One of the lessons I am learning at my ripe old age is I have no other choice but to prioritize - not one of my strengths.  I became so engulfed in my passion for teaching students (while following all of the rules that come along with that) that every other part of my life took a back seat.  I have become unhealthy physically and mentally and am going to find my way in 2012 to a balanced life. 

I am one who goes "all out" when I get something into my head, and I won't lie - I am slightly scared that I will put so many pressures on myself for this "balance" and how it is "supposed to be" that I will end up becoming discouraged and give up.  This is where #1 up there on my list comes in.  God is #1.  No matter what "pops up," personally or professionally, I MUST go to God and look for His guidance. 

The 2nd item up there is "Write" and I am doing that right now.  I love the blogging community and have received "Freebies," ideas, and inspiration all over the place.  I have, therefore, not blogged out of guilt numerous days, actually months, because I don't have as much technology "know how" as many of you and it takes me so long to figure it all out on my own. 

This year, I will "write," since the definition of "blog" is:  : a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer; also : the contents of such a site.  THAT I can do and should be doing, since a Writing Teacher should um, WRITE!  Therefore I will write in this blog, as I am inspired.  I may not offer as many "Freebies" as I would like in order to repay you all for the ones you provide to me, but I will learn and in time will become better at that.  I so enjoy sharing and believe we are better teachers when we do so. 

I realize the lack of freebies could cause me to have fewer "followers," but that is just how it will have to be.  Do we all really want followers who want nothing but free stuff?  Hmmm... I must take it slowly.  After all, the teaching is important.  For those of us also preparing students for high-stakes tests this Spring, things could get hectic at times - lol.

So, please know I am here to support each of you, and I am learning as I go.  I am committed to this blog, but will most likely do more "writing" than creating until summer rolls around again.  Ahhh, summer...what a wonderful thought!

Long Time No Blog!!

Good Sunday evening everyone, from your long-lost Inspired Writing Teacher...
If I began to describe all that has kept me busy since my last post, part of it you would not believe, and part of it you would say, "Yeah, ME TOO!!!"  Anyway, I will not be promising you more regular posts, because that is simply not a promise I feel I will be able to fulfill this school year.  However, I am here now and will continue to check in as often as I can for sure.  I already look forward to next summer, when I can become a "regular" blogger again :)

WOW!!  What a busy, busy school year!  Our school district has gone through some pretty serious changes this year, due to new state testing in Texas, a new superintendent, etc....  Many changes are good, and many are unnecessary in my opinion, but that's probably why I'm not in charge around here :)  I am exhausted at the end of each day like never before.  I am getting in some good lessons, but my organization has turned into a mess... :/ 

I have a few pics to share of "Crazy Hair Day" (during Red Ribbon Week) and our recent "Funeral for Dead Words."  The kiddos really got into it!!  They have become BIG ENORMOUS ("big" was sadly "put to rest") thesaurus fans lately! :)

Writing in our Writer's Notebooks on "Crazy Hair Day"

They've got their rubrics handy :)

"Crazy Hair Day" Author's Chair Sharing

Many overused words "died" and had to be "Put to Rest".

We pulled out Roget's and other word class word books to find synonyms.

Each student had a different colored pen to document participation.

It was a sad day.  These "coffins" held the overused words.

We held a funeral procession around the school.

We made a giant circle outside, where a teacher read a "eulogy."

Many students paid their "respects" with flowers.

A time to say good-bye...

Our TEAM, most students, and many other staff members, wore black!

Best part - it was a surprise on HALLOWEEN!!!  It was a ton of fun and a day our students will not soon forget!  Their word choice is better for sure! 

I will come back another day and share a copy of the "eulogy" we used.  It is on another computer.

I hope you all are having a wonderful autumn thus far.  I am grateful for finding this wonderful blogging community with so much support!  Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Writing!!!

=) Beth