I was trying to find a few good websites for scientific method and science safety. I spent a great deal of time in search for a kid friendly video clip explaining these skills. After researching, I came across a website called Brain Pop. It has many great video clips, worksheets, and other resources for not only science, but other subjects as well. A five day trial membership is given to new accounts. After the five day period, you will have to purchase a membership. It’s worth looking into.
Instead of open house this year, our principal decided to have the students come to visit their classrooms on the last day of pre-planning. Genius!! We can now get to introduce ourselves, receive the school supplies, find out how each student is getting home, and be able to breathe on the first day of school. It is truly an awesome idea. I think the students will be less nervous on the first day because they have already met their teachers. For some of you this is old news and you already do this. However, I am on cloud nine. I hope you all have a great week back (for those of you going back next week)! 
The first day of school can be a very anxious one. Not only for the students and their parents, but the teachers as well. I usually start the morning off by introducing myself to the parents and to the children. I make sure I not only shake the parents hand, but the child’s as well. I can instantly see some relief leave their faces. First impressions are huge with the parents and your students. Mom and dad want to make sure their child is happy and comfortable. While the child wants o feel safe and accepted. This is a great way to lift a huge burden off of everyone’s shoulders.
It’s around this time of year where we begin gathering ideas and inspiration for our classroom. However, sometimes that can cost some money. After teaching for a few years I’ve learned a few tricks on how to save money. Here are a few stores worth checking out for some awesome teacher supplies at a serious discount.
1. Dollar Store: They have a whole isle dedicated to teacher stickers, borders, paper, etc. Not to mention there seasonal things can also help with a new theme!
2. Target: Their dollar section can often have flashcards, dry erase boards, treasure box items, and other school supplies such as pencils.
3. Carpet Stores: Yes, carpet stores! They often sell sample squares of carpet that can be used at carpet time or during activities.
4. Walmart: Wait until school has begun. Walmart tends to have $0.05 folders and other school supplies at a discount.
5. Staples/Office Max/Borders/Barnes and Noble: They give teacher discounts and other incentives. Just bring your school ID. You can get books, staples, and crayons that are already on sale for an additional discount.
The beginning of the school year is nearing. As teachers we need to become prepared. I found a great website that has printable sight words for the students. You can print them out and laminate them for durability. The best part is, they meet the curriculum. These words are the very same words I noticed in the reading series. I don’t have to make them up, type them myself, or even think about them. Check them out and print them for yourself. We all may teach in different states or counties, but words a first grader needs to know won’t change.
Teaching is either a profession you will love or hate. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but has many rewards. With so many grades to teach you have to know what age group or subjects interest you the most. For instance, I know I would not do well in a middle school or high school setting. It’s not that I can’t be an educator for those ages, I just find the little ones to be of more interest. However, I have had friends tell me they can’t deal with the crying, accidents, and patients needed to be a primary teacher. You must find the area that interests you the most.
Here are 10 reasons why being a first grade teacher is so rewarding.
1. You go home with a sense of accomplishment. Teaching six year-olds how to read is a big deal!
2. When entering first grade, the children must move 6-7 reading levels (depending on what they are on when entering first grade) in order to move on to second grade. That responsibility is in your hands and at the end of the year when you see all they have accomplished you being to beam from ear to ear. Because of this you gain a lot of respect from other teachers and your principal.
3. The warm hugs and “You’re so pretty” never gets old!
4. It’s great practice before becoming a parent yourself.
5. Patience! It will be tested and you will see that you were more patient than you thought. You begin to see that these children are your children for 180 days of the year.
6. You form relationships with the students and their parents. You may have a rough encounter or two with a few parents, but many want to support and aid you. They want their child to succeed too.
7. You form a bond with other teachers and staff. Some of my dearest and best of friends I’ve met while teaching.
8. You receive a lot of vacation time!
9. The pay is actually pretty good for only working 180 days out of the year.
10. You are constantly learning whether you’d like to or not. Between the children teaching you things and staff meetings, you will always be using your mind. Not to mention your creative side.
As teachers we are always looking for freebies, discounts, and free items. Since school will be starting back in just a few short weeks, I was in search of some handwriting worksheets that I could print and give to the students for practice. One website I’ve always been able to trust with free worksheets is Super Teacher Worksheets. They have worksheets for both lower case and capital letters as well as numbers. If you interested in printing some of these handwriting sheets, click here.
As for the rest of the site, browse for other great items and free printables. They are organized by subject and grade. However, you must have Adobe Reader to download the pages. Happy hunting!
In some schools, the theme is chosen for you. However, many teachers are given the freedom to choose their own theme. Below are the top ten themes for elementary classrooms.
1. Safari
2. Treasure/Pirate
3. Farm
4. Fiesta
5. Busy Bees
6. Luau
7. Western
8. Sports
9. Monkey Mischief
10. Ocean
I like to think of myself as a very organized person. This has it’s pros and cons. I know where everything is and can get to it quickly. However, I tend to drive my co-teacher crazy at times.
One way I stay organized is by keeping my desk clutter free. One way I achieve that is by having file folders with labels for loose papers. I have a file folder labeled “Copies to Be Made” and another that says “Papers to Go Home.” There is no excuse for any papers to be laying on my desk when there is a place for everything. I bought cute file folders at the Container Store and a file holder or letter bin at Target.
We have just been told our theme for next year is Treasure/Pirate theme. I’m pretty excited for this one. I have so many plans for the classroom. I wanted to make the library a cool place to sit. I plan on hanging grass from the ceiling, adding bean bags, and really making the classroom feel like it’s from an island. I thought about making five groups of desks and naming them after the seven continents. My partner teacher’s desk and my desk will be the other two continents. This way the students can learn their seven continents at the same time. I’ve also come up with a few great bulletin board ideas. The reading board will say “Get Caught Up in a Good Book.” I will also have a net with fish caught in it. Summer has just begun and I am already thinking of next year. I wonder if all teachers do this during their summer vacation.