Makerspace Freebie!

We LOVE having maker time in my classroom. It is always a Fun Friday activity for my students or a STEM activity! As a new teacher, I have not always had a lot of resources or known the best way to organize those resources...

SO today, a couple weeks before starting year 3 of teaching (woohoo!), I decided to organize my disaster of a craft closet--it was over flowing after two years of collecting. However, the biggest issue I had with my craft closet was that my students had no access to it--not because I did not allow it--but because I was the only one who knew what was in there! 

Drum roll please.....!!!



The labels with pictures will allow my students to be independent makers throughout the day. I've had these Sterilite containers for two years now and they have held up nicely! You can find them, here.

I encourage YOU to start a Makerspace in your room--but keep in mind, every classrooms Makerspace is different. For all I know, this might not end up being the best fit for my students. That's really up to them! Some Makerspaces have no labels and no rhyme or reason. Did you know genius' have the messiest work spaces?! ;) Keep that in mind! I, however, am Type A--so we are going to start with this and see how it goes with my first graders! 

In an effort to really encourage you, enjoy this FREEBIE: Makerspace Labels. Even if you don't need the labels, reading through the materials will help you realize the materials to start a Makerspace are already all over your classroom :)



Happy Teaching!!




It's August and that means...BACK TO SCHOOL!

Hello everybody! I am back! After an amazing month in Ireland, I am home to enjoy some family time (now with a Masters Degree! Pretty exciting!!). August is one of my favorite months because the weather is beautiful, family parties are happening, and lots of back to school prep is going down! You might think I am crazy for saying that but I love getting organized and excited for the new school year. It's a great time to reflect on past years and how I am going to do things differently (and better). 

What better way to start our Back to School month than with a Freebie?



Grab my Editable 2016-2017 Calendar for free (holidays included). I like to keep the calendars that I send home plain and organized so parents do not get overwhelmed. As always, please do not hesitate to let me know how I can customize or improve this product for you :) 

Here are some projects I'm working on right now to prepare for the school year:

1.) Updating/cleaning/organizing our classroom website

2.) Updating/cleaning/organizing the files on my computer--this is by far the most refreshing. It is so easy during the busy school year to send files to a miscellaneous folder. This is my time to go through and completely organize those files (and promise myself that I will keep things organized throughout the year!).

 
Pretty beautiful so far, right?!

3.) Some form of Professional Development for myself. If my goal as a teacher is to encourage students to be life long learners, then why wouldn't I practice what I preach?! Each summer I like to step outside of my comfort zone and attend a Professional Development or take a class. Last summer, I became a Google Certified Educator (I suggest all teachers try it!! Awesome class/program). This summer, I am participating in a HyperDocs bootcamp. It is a 4 week course where we actively engage in activities/conversations and create our own HyperDocs for our classroom. HyperDocs are essentially a 21st century, innovative, digital worksheet. As a first grade teacher, I certainly won't jump ship and get rid of all worksheets (motor skills people!!!). I think HyperDocs could be a great way to enhance my small group instruction by creating a HyperDoc center where students complete differentiated activities that can be shared with peers, parents and myself. If you'd like to read more about what HyperDocs are, visit this site. 

4.) Something crafty--hmm I haven't decided what I am going to do for this yet. I need to get on Pinterest...I always love to work on some sort of arts and crafts project for my classroom (whether it be a decoration, a piece of furniture, alternative seating, etc.). It is a good way to clear my head and take a break from screen time :) I will keep you guys posted. Any good ideas?!

Well that's it for now! What do you do during the month of August to prepare for the school year?

I look forward to sharing all of my planning, products and programs with you this August! It is going to be an awesome 2016-2016 school year! 

It's August and that means...BACK TO SCHOOL!

Hello everybody! I am back! After an amazing month in Ireland, I am home to enjoy some family time (now with a Masters Degree! Pretty exciting!!). August is one of my favorite months because the weather is beautiful, family parties are happening, and lots of back to school prep is going down! You might think I am crazy for saying that but I love getting organized and excited for the new school year. It's a great time to reflect on past years and how I am going to do things differently (and better). 

What better way to start our Back to School month than with a Freebie?



Grab my Editable 2016-2017 Calendar for free (holidays included). I like to keep the calendars that I send home plain and organized so parents do not get overwhelmed. As always, please do not hesitate to let me know how I can customize or improve this product for you :) 

Here are some projects I'm working on right now to prepare for the school year:

1.) Updating/cleaning/organizing our classroom website

2.) Updating/cleaning/organizing the files on my computer--this is by far the most refreshing. It is so easy during the busy school year to send files to a miscellaneous folder. This is my time to go through and completely organize those files (and promise myself that I will keep things organized throughout the year!).

 
Pretty beautiful so far, right?!

3.) Some form of Professional Development for myself. If my goal as a teacher is to encourage students to be life long learners, then why wouldn't I practice what I preach?! Each summer I like to step outside of my comfort zone and attend a Professional Development or take a class. Last summer, I became a Google Certified Educator (I suggest all teachers try it!! Awesome class/program). This summer, I am participating in a HyperDocs bootcamp. It is a 4 week course where we actively engage in activities/conversations and create our own HyperDocs for our classroom. HyperDocs are essentially a 21st century, innovative, digital worksheet. As a first grade teacher, I certainly won't jump ship and get rid of all worksheets (motor skills people!!!). I think HyperDocs could be a great way to enhance my small group instruction by creating a HyperDoc center where students complete differentiated activities that can be shared with peers, parents and myself. If you'd like to read more about what HyperDocs are, visit this site. 

4.) Something crafty--hmm I haven't decided what I am going to do for this yet. I need to get on Pinterest...I always love to work on some sort of arts and crafts project for my classroom (whether it be a decoration, a piece of furniture, alternative seating, etc.). It is a good way to clear my head and take a break from screen time :) I will keep you guys posted. Any good ideas?!

Well that's it for now! What do you do during the month of August to prepare for the school year?

I look forward to sharing all of my planning, products and programs with you this August! It is going to be an awesome 2016-2016 school year!