Teacher Knows Best

RTI stands for Response to Intervention. It is slowly making its way across the states. We were given the training just this year. It seems overwhelming and impossible at times, but it does seem to show gains and improvements in our students achievement and behavior.

Time? This seems to be the question everyone is asking. After speaking to the professionals at our training I got a better understanding of how and what should be done. The students that are struggling will be placed in small groups, what we often call safety net groups. They will see you approximately three times a week and should not exceed 5-6 students at a time. These students are considered tier 2. For example, you may see them Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for about 15 minutes. If that does not seem to be enough, you  one on one, you can up the student to tier 3 which is more intensive. That student will now see you not only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but also Thursday and Friday. You may spend more time with them and frequent group work activities. Tier 3 should not exceed more than 1-2 students at a time.

When? I have seen teachers do this first thing in the morning for 15 minutes (this is when I did it as well) or during science time. We are unable to use reader’s workshop, math workshop, or writing during this time. We are also not able to withhold them from recess, resource activities, or other school activities.

I had a very hard time with this new adjustment, but it does seem to be working. It takes much more planning and patience, but my once failing student is now passing with a C and we are only a few months into school. I’m hoping he can at least receive a B, however, a passing grade is nice too! Share your frustrations and concerns. Maybe we can all work together and share our ideas.

I found this incredible website with discounts, promo codes, and other items listed for teachers. Some of the coupons can be printed and used and restaurants, stores, and other retailers. Check out the website below!

http://www.myeducationdiscount.com/

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)!

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.

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.

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.

We are on our last week of school. Isn’t it funny how the last week of school seems so distant? It’s a mere five days a way and yet it seems like that Friday will never come. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my job. However, I could use some much needed rest and vacationing.

Our end of the year party we decided to go with a ice cream sundae theme. We gave the children three choices. One of them being an ice cream sundae theme and the others a picnic theme (hotdogs, finger foods, etc.) or dessert theme. Apparently, the sundae idea won them over. If you have any ideas on how you are going to end the school year, feel free to share.

I recently found out that I am looping up with my first graders. This excites me because it is something new for me, not to mention I absolutely love my students. With that to digest, I was also told I will be teaching different subjects and new curriculum. I am flooded with excitement, but also very nervous. I’m leaving the grade I new so well for a grade I have never taught. I have a feeling this summer will not be as relaxing as I thought. I have several things to brush up on and research. I have to make sure the classroom is set up differently, that it looks “older”, the arrangement is different, the list could go on and on. However, the good news is, looping has shown to be beneficial to the students. Research has proven that students have less anxiety, the teacher is more prepared, and create long lasting relationships (trust) with your students. Expectations, rules, and rituals are no longer an issue. Your students know what is expected of them and so on day one of school, teaching can begin immediately.

I found a great article that was research based and discusses many benefits of looping. Check it out below.

Looping: Supporting Student Learning Through Long-Term Relationships

I love celebrating a student’s birthday with them. It not only makes them feel special, but let’s them know that you care about them. I usually have the class sing them happy birthday, I give them a card with some treats, a birthday pencil, and a birthday badge. I also let them be a special helper for the day. How do you celebrate your students’ birthdays?

I will begin an author study on Chris Van Allsburg in just a short few weeks. I’m very excited because he is a very talented author and illustrator. Some of his famous books (Polar Express and Jumanji) became featured films. This is my first year completing an author study on him, but I am very excited. In the past I’ve done author studies on:

Kevin Henkes

Tomie dePaola

Leo Lionni

Dr. Suess

Eve Bunting (Does not have her own website)

Laura Numeroff

Jan Brett

Patricia Polacco

All of these authors are well known and have many great books published. Several of them also have websites that you can visit for author study information. Many have printable worksheets, information on the author, games, etc. If you are interested in one of the authors above, click on their name and visit their site.