Back to School with a Bang!

School started with a bang this year people!

The mother of one of my students passed away after battling breast cancer for less than a year.

Another child threw up on the floor (which is naturally carpeted) twice as we were preparing for lunch on a nearly 100 degree day.

I thought I forgot the code to our class ipad cabinet.  But alas, I set the code wrong.  (forehead slap!)

Our school copier broke down on the first day of school, and the second, and . . . too many times to count.

Roto Rooter also had to be called the first day of school . . . thankfully not to my room.

And it's been so hot the last few weeks that I seriously wonder why I shower in the morning and bother to do hair and makeup.  By ten o'clock I'm a hot mess!

In spite of it all, I have to say our new principal is aMaZiNg!!!

I'm piloting a 1:1 ipad classroom this year!  Woot woot!!  (I'd love to hear your favorite apps.)

I have a nice group of kids in spite of the reputation that has preceded them since preschool and kindergarten.  I lucked out, let me just tell you.  The other two classes have some real stinkers.  And while I have a few pips of my own I think it will be a good year.

I have lots of things to share but haven't hung around to take pictures because of the heat so please be patient.

How have your first few weeks gone?

Back to School Game

I created this back to school game using the "I have Who has" model.  However, I wanted it to be a cooperative group game since there will be some kids who can't read as well as others and/or new kids to our school.  So instead of individuals getting a card or two, I will put the kids in small groups (probably 3 depending on class size...that is unknown still.)  You'll notice the cards say "We have" instead of "I have" and each group must read their card in unison.  (Before beginning the game, I will have groups practice reading their card together.)

This game would only be used after I have introduced certain areas and procedures in our classroom and school since some of those things are included.  It also incorporates rule review and the names of specials teachers.

My classes in the past have always liked playing this type of game and enjoy me timing them each time we play to see if they can go even faster than the previous time.

Because this is something you would need to personalize for your class and school, let me know if you are interested and I will email it to you.  The font I used is smiley monster from Kevin & Amanda.  My class rules are from Whole Brain Teaching.

Back to School I Have Who Has