teacher tip- THE BEST dry erase erasers

I know, I know. You’ve heard that these are the best thing since slice bread for those dry erase boards. 

 

But what if I told you, you were wrong?

What if I told you there is something better out there and will last you YEARS!?

 

These! These are where it’s at, my teacher friends! 

 

 

These microfiber ‘dusters’ are 1000x’s better and will have you tossing those make up pads in the trash like I did. Still a Dollar Tree find so cost effective, but they actually work and will last you years!

 

Simply remove and toss the handle part of the duster and give each of your students (or they can share) a microfiber eraser. 

💙They are bigger so it becomes quicker and easier to erase. 

💙They are soft so they don’t scratch your boards. 

💙And they are washable! I take mine home at the end of every year and toss them in the wash. My class set has been going strong for 3 years now! 

 

So, if you are looking for something to upgrade in your classroom this year…. I dare you to toss those make-up pads and give these a try! You won’t regret it!

 

teach. create. love life.

 

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emergency bag

Have you ever gotten to work and begin to question whether you applied deodorant that morning? Well, that was definitely me this week! But I didn't have to worry for long...

If you are a teacher, then this is a must have for your classroom!

Inside my desk drawer you will find an emergency bag. This simple little bag has come in handy several times over the years (or just this week) and is always one of the first things I put together at the start of the year.

 

What you fill this magical bag is up to you, but here is a peak into mine…. 

 

Deodorant- for whether you forget to apply in the morning rush, or you need a refresher after recess.

 

Advil- self-explanatory… especially this year!

 

Hairspray and Hairbrush- picture day, meeting, windy day, a case of lice…. 

Hair Ties- bad hair day, bad day, mask making you hot?

 

Safety Pins- I cannot tell you how many times students and coworkers have needed these over the years.

 

Mouth Wash and Dental Floss- freshen up after that lunch break or before a meeting

 

Chapstick/Lotion- Winter weather? Too much hand sanitizer or washing?

Money- snack or soda machine emergency 

Band-Aids- hang nail, papercut, or uncomfortable shoes

 

Not pictured- feminine products 😉

 

The key is to also remember to refill when you have used something, so you don’t find yourself stuck. 

**AND if you are a Teacher Mom with your child with you at school....learn from me this week with Red2 having some dental pain! Add some children's Tylenol and allergy meds to your bag as well.

 

Do you have an emergency kit in your classroom? What is a must have in your bag?

teach. create. love life.

 

 

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returning safely to the classroom during covid-19: masks and movement

Welcome to week 2 of our discussion on how to return safely to the classroom during Covid-19.

While I know many of us are starting the year virtually, some of us are facing the reality and fears of face-to-face. My goal through this series is to help other’s find solutions to problems- sometimes through simply asking questions to help you think through what will work in your rooms. Please remember I am NOT an expert on Covid-19 or on teaching during a pandemic. Your own school, administration, district, etc. needs to be the primary source to guide you in making decisions that keep you and your students safe. 

This week we will focus on masks and movement within the classroom.

 

Masks:

 

Problem- Where do we store them? / How do they keep track of them? / What about lunch time?

 

Solution- The BEST answer I have come across for this, and is actually quite simple, is the use of lanyards! In a lot of schools today students are already wearing a lanyard daily as they have to have a student ID. When students are not using their masks (maybe they are at their seats, have shifted to a shield, or are at lunch) they simply fold them in half and use the earpieces to clip them on. 

 

I would also suggest adding a simple and small element to this idea. If you have been teaching for any amount of time (especially at the elementary level) then you have probably experienced the child that comes back from lunch wearing their entire meal or milk carton. Now picture the mask attached to the lanyard….it has now become a napkin or is soaking wet. Or, it’s just hanging there rubbing and touching all dirty surfaces. 

Simply add a small sandwich bag to the lanyard and they can place the mask in there to keep it dry and clean. 

 

To make mine, I added a small piece of duct tape to the corner so it would reinforce the plastic and it wouldn’t rip as easily. I then hole punched it and hooked it to the lanyard. I opted for the slide to seal bags so it would be easier for younger kids to use. Names are also visibly displayed so there is no mixing up masks. 

At the end of the day, I would suggest having the students keep the lanyards at school. This will ensure that they aren’t going home to add germs or get lost. The students will (more than likely) be wearing their masks out for dismissal, so you won’t need to worry about them needing to clip to the lanyards. When storing them in the classroom I would suggest utilizing their toolbox or having clips (spread decently apart from one another) to hang them from.

 

Problem: Students aren’t wearing their masks correctly or taking them off correctly.

 

Solution: As with the start of every year, and more than ever with this year, teaching procedures is going to be a must! You will need to teach them the correct and incorrect ways to wear (modeling this will be great fun) and how to fold their masks in half so the clean side is facing in. 

 

Movement: 

 

Problem- Entering/Leaving Room

 

Solution- This is going to have to be well planned/rehearsed/explained event. This is also going to take longer than in previous years. 

When I think about this, I picture a scene from a wedding. The wedding planner is at the door of the church and when a bridesmaid gets to a certain point, they tell the next one to go. You are basically going to have to become the wedding planner for when entering the room. And more than likely, it will be that the students need to enter and go directly to their seats until you can come in and monitor further movements. 

 

 

Problem- Restroom and Drinks

 

Solution- If they have taken their masks off, they will need to put them back on before any movement. 

Restrooms will probably remain a very similar procedure as in previous years. If you don’t have a restroom in your room, you will need to think about how many you send out at a time and making sure you have sanitizer for when they reenter (because we know how handwashing goes at school). If you do a group bathroom break you will need to think about spacing while waiting and sending in fewer kids at a time. Again, following up with sanitizer maybe a good idea. 

Drinks however are another situation. Kids really need to be bringing bottles from home, and if they need more throughout the day they can fill the bottle. Drinking from a fountain needs to be off limits unless you are able to greatly sanitize after each use. So maybe think about getting some plastic cups (or extra bottles of water) that you can have on standby if someone forgets theirs for the day.

 

Problem- Lining up

 

Solution- This year, having a number/line order will be key! This is a way to reduce the number of contacts students have and can help with contact tracing. I suggest having marks on your floor (tape or other such things) so kids know where to stand. When not in the classroom, teach students how to place their arms in front of them to make sure they have a good 2-3 feet between each other.

Most of these are dry erase and you can write their numbers on them to help.

purchase here

 

Problem- Carpet Time

 

Solution- Spacing and is going to be the key to everything this year, and again having seating charts/number order. Depending on the size of your room, having carpet time may not be feasible anymore once you spread your desks out. If you do still have the ability, then using dots similar to the lining up stickers will help students know their place. 

 

You can read about previous ideas for your classroom library and supplies by clicking here.

 

Again, I would love for this to be a team effort. If you have ideas or concerns, please share them in the comments below. 

 

Next week we will tackle centers/small groups and classroom jobs. If you’re enjoying this series, please show some love and become a follower! 

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returning safely to the classroom during Covid-19: classroom libraries and supplies

First let me say this; I am not an expert.

I have never taught during a pandemic or anything like what educators are going to embark on this year. 

I do have 16 years of teaching experience in grades K-4. I have a bachelors and Masters degree in Elementary Ed. I have worked all but one of those years in Title 1 schools. 

With that being said, this blog series is my effort in creating solutions most teachers are worrying about. A way for us to hopefully work together and support one another. 

 

This week I am going to tackle the classroom library and supplies.

 

The Classroom Library-

 

Concern: Multiple students perusing the shelves at once. 

Solution: Create scheduled ‘shopping times.’ 

-Be specific with expectations and even set a timer (because we all know we have those Looky-Loos that will take all day). 

-Schedule them throughout the entire week and only allow 1 shopper at a time.

-Think about germs with this as well; Will you have them use sanitizer first? Will you have students wash hands after? Will you spray Lysol on books before the next one? Will you spread the student shopping times way out to allow time for germs to ‘disappear’?

-If they need an additional shopping time because they complete a book or it isn’t the right fit, create a system for your room. Will it be as simple as them raising their hands and then you create a list? Will they place a sign on their desk to let you know?

 

Concern: Returning books to shelves with germs on them.

Solution: Create a bin for students to return them to and allow time for quarantine. 24-48 hours with a possible light spray of disinfectant should suffice. You can find the above poster as a FREEBIE in my TPT store or by click here. 

-Please keep in mind that everyday students may need to return books, and more than one return bin may be needed. 

-Create an expectation and routine for how this is done. Reducing student movement in the classroom will more than likely be our new norm. 

Will you collect those books at the end of the day by walking around with the bin yourself?

Will you just monitor them one at a time with their masks on?

 

 

 

Supplies-

 

Concern: Classroom shared supplies such as white boards, clip boards, and markers.

Solution: Those classroom supplies that we used to house in one location, are now a thing of the past. Students will now need to house all ‘classroom teacher-owned items’ in their own desks. This will keep movement in the classroom (and sanitizing of supplies) to a minimum. If you do not have desks in your room, utilizing a bin from the dollar store or crates may contain the items for you. 

 

Concern: Mixing up items between students. 

Solution: LABEL, LABEL, LABEL! If you can stick a label on it, DO IT! Whether it is their actual name or an assigned number in class, this will be pertinent to making sure things do not get shared. Pencils (using washi tape is a great way or simply using a sharpie to write on them), textbooks, glue sticks, dry erase markers, cubbies, book bins, etc. 

 

Concern: Housing personal items from home- such as backpacks, water bottles, and lunch boxes.

Solution: It is going to be imperative that we keep these items separate. We can no longer have the big bin to place these things in or set them on the counter. I’ve never been a fan of hanging backpacks on chairs (it’s messy, they can easily access things they shouldn’t, they are trip hazards), however this will be my solution this year. Using hooks (unless spread out well) will allow them to touch one another. Using cubbies (my usual go-to) allows for some separation but touching can still occur, and student interaction will be high at arrival and dismissal. Keeping them at their seats will allow them to keep their lunchboxes and water bottles safely secure as well. 

 

*As with the start of any beginning of the year, expectations/rules/procedures will need to be taught. Obviously, district and school mandates need to be followed first and foremost. 

 

As we embark on this new world of masks, shields, 6 feet apart, desks, no group work, plexiglass dividers, and whatever else gets thrown at us… we need to work together. 

Like I said at the beginning, I am not an expert at teaching in a classroom during Covid-19. If you have ideas, suggestions, or worries…. Please leave a positive/helpful comment below to add to this ‘discussion.’

 

teach. create. love life.

 

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classroom decor- tropical, blue, and Lilly inspired

Decorating my classroom is one of my favorite hobbies. 

My theory is, my students and I (probably) spend more time there than at home...so I may as well make it nice!

And as my years of teaching have added up, my decorating style has evolved, and I allow it to become a creative outlet...hence why I make my own now. 😊

This is my newest one to hit my TPT store

Being a Florida Girl, I LOVE to bring in the tropical bright colors and wildlife into my classroom. With a watercolor flair and nod to Lilly Pulitzer, this EDITABLE classroom decor pack will sure to be a student favorite. 

In this classroom decoration pack you will find 

-an upper and lower case large alphabet to display, 

-along with a smaller one that can be used for a word wall. The word wall alphabet features a turtle icon on the vowels to make them stand out. 

-There are also 2 design layouts to choose from for subject area buntings. 

This tropical blue turtle design also includes 

-EDITABLE name tags in 2 designs, number posters (1-20), 

-calendar pieces (months, days, and 2 sets of number designs that have an EDITABLE section), 

-Sterilite organizing drawer labels, 

-pencil labels. 

Lastly, in this fun and brightly colored pack you will find 

-posters to take First Day of School pictures of your students (2 designs and pre-K through 6th grade),  

-EDITABLE watercolor turtles that you can type your students names onto for the classroom jobs

-Classroom job signs that are EDITABLE as well 

-A behavior system that is completely EDITABLE so you can tailor it to your style

-and EDITABLE binder covers that will keep you organized and stylish

Creating classroom decor that is fun, bright, and friendly for students is one of my passions. I hope you love this new design as much as I do! If you'd like to check it out or purchase click here. 

teach. create. love life. 

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teacher tip

Teacher budget is real and a struggle!
Especially when just starting or it’s the beginning the year when you are filled with envy of all the postings on FB and IG.

One item that can be costly, but is highly needed- white boards!
Purchasing a class set of white boards can definitely leave your wallet a little lighter, or take months/year’s of saving to get.

What if I told you I got 32, 12” square boards for less than $13?!

What’s the cost friendly and highly effective trick???....Shower board from
Home Depot!

Home Depot is wonderful about cutting things for customers!... And more than likely when they see you approaching with the shower board they will know exactly what you need (because nothing screams Teacher like a person wanting shower board cut)

This Home Depot employee was amazing! He took his time and measured carefully each time before cutting. The whole thing took less than 10 minutes!

While some people think these don’t last as long, I beg to differ. My last set I had for 10 years and were still in great shape. I actually gifted them to a new teacher because I bought ‘real’ white boards with a gift certificate. Let’s just say I was very disappointed and they ended up in the trash before the end of the year.
And the teacher that I gave mine to...still going strong for a total of 15 years now!

So with that being said, here’s to hoping this is the last set I have to purchase during my teaching career! 🥂🤣😜

teach.create.LOVE LIFE

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Reflection: Part 1 Assessment

Every year teachers in my district are faced with creating a Professional Development Plan as a way to grow and as a piece of our evaluation. 

This year I decided to focus mine on assessment. Specifically

-How could I improve how I monitor my students' learning in a more effective manner?

-Providing my students with high-quality, constructive, and timely feedback on writing assessments.

So to start with I read this book:

source

There are some major eye-opening statements and facts presented throughout the book. 

-Visions behind assessment:

  OLD: Assessment to grade student learning and hold them accountable 

  NEW: Encourage students to play an active role- actually making important instructional decisions as they learn

I feel that I am currently living in the old vision (and my county) as much as I/we want to live in the new vision. I struggle each year with trying to find ways to make the students active in the learning process. I don't know if it is their age that limits this (seriously, how much can a 7-8 year old put into making important instructional decisions!?) or my old-school ways (or control issues;) )

I would LOVE any tips or suggestions if you have effectively moved into the 'New' vision!!

-There are 4 reasons to assess:

    1. verify student learning 

    2. decide how far an individual has progressed and    what should come next

    3. how to assist an individual 

    4. to motivate students to invest the time and energy needed to learn.

#4 really connected to me because I don't see motivation in my students any more and I need to find a way to connect their assessments to a motivational piece.

- Stiggins makes many mentions to the emotional connection that is made by students when learning and succeeding. I found this to be quite profound:

"The beauty of learning is that it is the pursuit of something that is elusive but attainable- a constant array of occasions for hope. The belief that success is possible is critical."

We can no longer rely on the old-school methods of using the F as a way to motivate. It doesn't. It beats the child down and gives them no hope. Now, this doesn't mean don't give F's, but after a failure we need to find ways to allow the child to feel some success that is a direct result of his/her own efforts. 

- Bringing educational assessment into the twenty-first century with three practical changes:

   1. Teachers must also use assessment in their classroom to help students learn. (not just for judging) 

     2. Abandon the belief that intimidation can work as a universal motivator. Learning success is the only viable universal motivator. (The F doesn't work)

   3. The quality of our assessments must improve at all levels. (teachers, administrators, and district personnel must be trained and qualified at creating assessments at the classroom level)

There is no beating around the bush with the place assessment has in today's educational world. How we create it, use it, and inform students about it IS something we can control in the classroom. 

"Day-to-day classroom assessments can do more to build or to destroy students' confidence than any other schooling intervention. As it turns out, students' level of confidence links directly to how hard students try and, therefore, how much they learn."

Sorry to get all PD on you, but I wanted share some things I've read, learned, and tried this year with you all. This book is compelling and has made me reflect on the assessments and feedback given in my own classroom. 

Stay tuned for Reflection part 2- How I changed my writing instruction to allow the feedback my students need.

teach.create.love life.

~Jenny~

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Get Your Teach On!

WOW!

One word.

Not a fancy word.

But a strong enough word.

WOW!

A word, that pretty much sums up my feelings on the Get Your Teach On Conference.

Monday, March 7 I had the pleasure of skipping school attending the conference presented by THE Hope King (and Deanna Jump- she’s amazing too, but I didn’t attend her session)!

My teaching partner in crime, Rachel, and me!

My mind is still trying to digest everything that Hope had to share with us. I find that since going to the conference, I am constantly reflecting on this year and how I can make changes for next. How can I implement what she shared into my teaching world? How could I engage my students in this lesson?

I’ve already had the chance to implement some ideas since the conference and it was exhausting AMAZING for both my students and me (I’ll share more on that another day).

I would like to share some takeaways I had from the conference….

(Just incase you’re on the fence as to whether you should attend the 2! Day conference in Texas this summer… which, by the way, you will be even luckier and get to see THE Amy Lemons present as well!)

 

The world's.worst.photo of me EVER! But it's with THE Amy Lemons ;)

ENGAGE

This quote was displayed at the beginning of the conference:

“Provide an uncommon experience for your students and they will reward you with an uncommon effort and attitude.” –David Burgess, Teach Like a Pirate.

My memories from school were the ones that engaged. Projects, hands-on, songs… They stuck. They helped. They made me want to do my best.

Today’s kids need engagement more than ever. They live in a world of technology AND testing. We need to work harder to keep their attention, engage them, and make them want to do their best.

Does this mean that every day is a trip to Disney World in your classroom? No.

>>Choose your most difficult standards and make them the most engaging.

>>Find the balance: fun, energy, and excitement = rigor, content, respect

>>Get off your seat and move your feet! Give them a reason to never forget.

Build Relationships

NEVER underestimate the power of relationships. This is just as important as the engagement!

You spend 6-8 hours a day with these kids. For an entire YEAR. That’s longer than they spend with their parents (and longer than you spend with your own kids). You want them to like you (as much as you want to deny it).

If you want them to trust you, If you want them to step outside the box, If you want them to give it their all….You have to build the relationship. Yes, even with the most difficult one ;)

Maybe it is YOU

Reflect on you….more than likely if your kids are having an issue, than it’s you.

This is still a hard one for me to swallow. I believe it, but it’s also hard to admit. Connect it to your own personal life/relationships- it’s always hard to realize and admit your part/wrong doing and how it effects the other person.

But think about it- You’re tired/sick? How do your kids act that day? You woke up on the wrong side of the bed? How do your kids act that day?

Teachers are human. We are allowed to have bad/off days, but realize and understand the effect it has on your students.

So….

>>FIRE IT UP! Be the ENERGY! Smile, Passion, Enthusiasm

>>Be unpredictable. Schedule is good, but so is spontaneity! Keep your kids on their toes and always wondering, “What is she/he going to do next?”

>>Go for it! Don’t miss the moment!

 

THE Hope King engaging us!

Kudos to you if you made it all the way to the end! That was definitely one of my longest ramblings blog posts.

There is sooooo much more I could share, but then I would be giving away too much for the people waiting to go.

And if you can’t make the journey to TX to watch them in person, then become a Hope King (Elementary Shenanigans) follower. She is wonderful with sharing sneak peeks on Instagram and letting us into her world at RCA on Periscope.

And when your efforts to try to be different and engage are met by negative people- Don’t let them steal your joy! Be the teacher you would want to have or your children to have.

teach.create.love life.

~Jenny~

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