Let the Color-Coding Begin

As I begin to wrap my head around how I want to organize my "stuff" for the new job, I know this much is true:  it will all be color-coded!  That shouldn't surprise you one bit!  Head on over to TPT to grab this simple freebie!  

Cheaper Than Therapy

Must.find.job.  While waiting for new job postings to pop up, I'm creating up a storm!  It helps keep me focused and sane.  I'm cranking out new labels for my entire classroom library (all 27 banker boxes worth), a mini-calendar set, and a new word wall!  I decided to do fiction labels in one color, and non-fiction in another because sometimes the little darlings forget.  For my word wall, I made the vowels pink and consonants green to help the kiddos keep that straight.  The mini-calendar is a work in progress.  I'm hoping to use a big oil pan to make a place for our calendar, schedule, clocks, weather, etc.  

Now I just need a classroom to put all of it in!  Here's a sneak peek!  Nothing too snazzy, just a facelift!

I've turned down some opportunities for 5th grade interviews.  Call me crazy, but I'm not passionate about teaching fifth and I don't want to take an interview slot from someone that might be the perfect fit for some soon to be fifth graders.  Faith...and deep breaths.

A Free Gold Nugget for YOU!

It just wouldn't be very nice of me to tell you all about my homework routine and not share any of my resources with you.  So I share.  For free.  My last two novels posts were all about my homework routine.  If you read them, and you're interested in giving this system a try, then you have just hit the jackpot.  You know organization has a special place in my heart, so I reworked my files just a bit so that I can share them with you.  

OMGracious.  EVERY.PAGE.IS.EDITABLE.  You read that correctly.  FREE AND EDITABLE.  Woot!  Shout it from the roof tops!   Hop on over to grab this FREEBIE.  

This is a PowerPoint file so that you can completely customize it.  You'll need a little knowledge of PP, but nothing too extreme.  You might want to insert/delete/resize rows or columns, change font, and replace some text. I put notes under each slide to explain and offer tips.

Two fabulous artists granted me permission to use their graphics in an "unsecured" document.  The polka dot background is part of a FREEBIE from Mrs. Mac's TPT store.  I encourage you to download the freebie and leave her feedback.  The black and white stitched frames are part of a FREEBIE from Jena Hudson's TPT store.  Go download and tell her thanks!

I know this system isn't for everyone, and that's ok with me.  I just wanted to share the resources I have just in case you want to give it a try! 

What are you waiting for?  Go download and create your own homework binder! 

My Homework is Done!

Let me guess.  You've been on the edge of your seat waiting for this post?  Let's just pretend I'm right.    If you need to catch up, read this post first.  It gives an overview of my homework packets, how they are organized, and how they are differentiated.

Copying:  I keep a homework binder each year.  What's in this snazzy binder?  Glad you asked!

-My check/note sheet, which I'll talk about in the next section.

-A copy of the last few packets.  I scan each packet before I copy it so that I have a soft copy on my computer, but I keep a hard copy of the last few weeks in case I need to reference it or run another copy.  

-My complete list of what reading passages have been used.

-Pre-printed Missing Homework slips

-3 pocket dividers (one for each homework packet level).  This is where I stash pages to use in future packets.  If I have 6 spare minutes, I'll hop on SuperTeacherWorksheets.com and try and get the grammar page picked out and printed for the next packet, or work on my spiral math page.  If I'm using a challenging page (for my above level group) and an on-grade level page (for my on and below level groups) , I'll be sure that I print 1 challenging and TWO of the on-grade level.  This way I have one grammar page to put in each level's pocket divider.  Some might say this is a waste of paper but it's for my sanity's sake.  It makes copying the packets much easier for me when each packet has its own 6 pages..

When it's time to run the packets, I put all 6 of the pages for each packet in the same order.  I put a small code on the top of the front page to denote level.

Collecting:  I have a homework turn in bin for kids that want to turn their homework in before it's due on Tuesdays.  Prior to the kids arriving Tuesday morning, I mark off the kids that turned it in early.  Kiddos have to turn in homework at the back table by their cubbies as they unpack first thing in the morning.   I stand there and mark them off as they turn them in.  If I need to walk away for a minute, I put the check sheet on top of the pile that I have marked through.  The kids are trained to just add to the stack.  My check sheet acts as a divider so I know where I left off.  If a kiddo doesn't have their homework ready to turn in, they take a Missing Homework slip, fill out what packet number, tape it in their planner, and then show me.  The Missing Homework slip has to get signed by their parent.

Reviewing:  I purposely select homework pages that are going to be relatively easy for me to check.  I don't put any kind of grade. None.  I just circle things that are incorrect.  If the entire page is correct, I put a smiley face or check mark so they know I looked at it.  If I notice that something in particular really tripped a kid up, I make a note on my check sheet so I can make a point to re-teach the concept with that kiddo and provide some extra practice.  Notes on my check sheet also allow me to look for trends or students that could be retaught together.  I do take the time to write each kiddo a short note in regards to their homework on the front cover slip.  I always put something positive, and if needed, I add a comment about where I see room for growth.

Redo & Homework Helpers: There are NOT enough hours in the day.  But since I believe in homework and I want my kids to take it seriously, I HAVE to follow up with their mistakes.  Sometimes we use 5 minutes here and there, and sometimes we set aside 20 minutes because so many people had similar mistakes on a concept. Sometimes I take two minutes and drop in during lunch.  Sometimes I hop outside a few minutes before school starts.  Sometimes I pick a few kids that "got it" and like to help others, and invite them to having a working buddy lunch where they help each other with my support.  We make it work.  To make sure that someone doesn't slip through the cracks, I keep track on my check sheet when I pass homework back that needs corrections.  Some kids have to keep it clipped on the side of their desk so it doesn't "mysteriously" go missing.  

One last note.  I train kids at the beginning of the year to code assignments in regards to how THEY felt about it.  It is good insight for me.  It's amazing when a kid marks that something was too easy, but they have a ton of mistakes.  Too Challenging is coded TC,  Just Right is coded JR, and Too Easy is coded TE.  They know to put the mark in the bottom right of the page and circle it.    

It's intense, I believe in it, and it works for me.  Suggestions for improvement?  Ideas?  Did I inspire you to try something new?

Making the Most of Homework

Planning, differentiating, copying, collecting, correcting, and even some nagging..... My homework routine use to be a major stressor.  It has come a LONG way.  Though it's still not perfect, it works for me, the kiddos, and their families.  

The Gist:  It's a weekly packet.  I don't try and make it "fun" or "cutesy", but I do make sure it's pertinent, doable, and something we've covered.

*If you're new around here, I like to share my DUH moments for the benefit and enjoyment of others.  When I first changed over to weekly packets, I ran them Monday through Friday.  No bueno.  If I didn't have the packet ready by the time I left Friday for happy hour, I spent my Monday morning acting like a maniac trying to get my stuff together and pushing my co-workers out of the copy line.  Not a good way to start the week. Also, kids that forgot their homework on Friday often "got away with it" because I didn't realize it until the end of the day.  To make it even worse, do you think that kids that forget on Friday after being reminded on Thursday are going to remember on a MONDAY? Ya, right.  Insert mega face-palm DUH moment.  Hand them out on Wednesday and they are due on Tuesday.  That gives ME Monday and Tuesday to do last minute prep if needed, and it gives me Thursday and Friday to nag remind them to turn it in or sit and help some of my lovelies through it.  Know what else?  That gives families a weekend to work on it.  Brilliant.  Weekday evenings can be jam packed with sports, church, meetings, etc.  This Wednesday to Tuesday schedule gives them 7 days to pick from.  I have received so much positive feedback from parents about this schedule, and who doesn't love happy parents?

Phew.  This is going to be a long post. 

Bueller?  

Bueller?

Planning:  I follow the same format each week.  This consistency makes it easier for parents to know what's expected and so much easier for me to pull packets together.  

-Front of 1st page:  There is a small section at the top for their name, classroom #, the date range, what they thought was the most difficult with their signature, AND a place for parents to sign saying they "reviewed" their child's homework and what THEY think their child struggled the most with.  Below this information is a grammar assignment covering a previously taught concept or a very short writing assignment.

-Back of 1st page:  This is the reading passage.

-Front of 2nd page:  The questions/assignment that go with the reading passage are on this page.  I am NOT A FAN of putting the story and questions front to back.  It isn't ideal when you are trying to get students to show proof and go back to the story.  Running the story on the back of a page and the questions on the front of the next page put them side by side.  This is ideal and so much easier for these little kids.  Just another one of my DUH moments.

-Back of 2nd page:  I put a short math assignment that reviews the most currently covered concept.  No more than 10 questions.  

-Front of 3rd page:  This alternates between social studies and science, and it's usually on the most current topic.  

-Back of 3rd page:  This is always the most time consuming on my end, but I think it has the highest value.  I make a spiral math review with 6 questions.  I've tried saving myself some time and finding something on TPT to purchase, but it just hasn't worked.  As their teacher, I'm the one that knows exactly what past concepts are the tricky ones for them, and I know just how to word them.  This page is so personalized to MY kiddos.  I have a template, and after 8 years of 3rd and 4th grade, I've got quite the bank of past questions to choose from.  These are 6 challenging questions.

Differentiating:  Remember when I said my system isn't perfect?  Just wanted to remind you.  Having leveled homework packets was a goal of mine for YEARS.  About 3 years ago I finally felt like I was in a place to handle this.  I do 3 levels: above level, on-level, and below.  I differentiate the reading passage/questions, math concept review page (not the spiral), and sometimes the grammar.  The science/social studies and the spiral math page are the same for everyone.  To make differentiating easier, I highly suggest you find resources that you can use throughout the entire year, whether it be a book to photo copy from or a subscription to a website.  For homework purposes, I really like SuperTeacherWorksheets.com because it is SO easy for me to differentiate.  The reading passages are sorted by grade level and most of the math and grammar have an easier or more challenging version available.  It's $20 a year.  Worth it!  In a perfect world, I'd have a high reading/on level math and vice versus, but I don't.  Shame on me.

Since this turned into a novel, I'll save Part Deux for another day!  What does your homework system look like?  Does it need a makeover?

Let's Get Organized: Part 3

I live for organization, that's no secret.  If that's news to you, I'll forgive you when you start acting like a true fan and read each and every one of my previous posts AND take notes.  Sure I like cute organization.  But do you know what I LOVE?  Organization that is visually appealing AND functional.  

Imagine this:  Stuff is thrown all about.  The cabinet is now empty.  Ah, a fresh canvas.  Half way to victory! Hours of sorting & labeling later, you step back to admire your newly "organized" cabinet that has cute labels and bins and colors.  Done.  It's euphoric.  You take a picture, post it to social media, and your teacher friends go gaga.  Heck, it looks so good that people are Pinning the picture of your cabinet.  Does this sound familiar yet?  Ok.  Fast forward a few weeks.  The picture-perfect cabinet isn't so perfect anymore.  It lasted until you had to actually start taking and putting stuff away that lives on that pretty little shelf.  Damn.  I CANNOT be alone in this. What went wrong?  It looked so good?

But was it functional?  Did you take into consideration: 

Frequency of use? 

Accessibility of items?

Item height vs. bin height so you can take something out without pulling the entire (heavier than you planned) bin out?

Can you remember what is in each bin?  Were they sorted in a meaningful way?

Do the labels fall off?

Now you understand just how deep this obsession runs through me.  You can probably imagine how hard it is for me when "someone from above" gives me a planning tool that I have to use.  There I am sitting in a meeting, drinking my coffee, passing notes with my neighbor, minding my own.  Then I hear about this magical form.  My body tenses.  The grip on my coffee gets a little tighter. My breath gets heavier. There might even be a nostril flare.  Yikes. That last one is a tad embarrassing to admit.

I like forms…that are functional and easy on the eye.  Sometimes you just have to play the game and fill out the darn form.  But other times, you recreate it, share it with the decision makers and convince them to use your version, and make the world a happier and more organized place.

I'm currently working on streamlining my long-term planning process & forms.  I want them to be easy on the eyes AND functional.  I don't want them to just look good and use all kinds of crazy expensive ink to just sit in a binder all year and never get used. I want them to help ensure all standards are taught.  I want them make following a timeline easier. I want them to help marry "cutesy" thematic units & standards.  I want them to have a natural flow and to make weekly lesson planning less stressful. Can I get an Amen?    

Wanna peek?  Ok.  But it will cost you.  Seriously.  I need some input.  Don't just ooh and aah, leave a comment with some functional advice/input.  Pinky promise?  

I've helped numerous co-workers with mapping out year-long curriculum plans. This type of planning isn't for the faint of heart.   It's time consuming up front.  It's hard work.  It feels repetitive.  But, in the end, it's totally worth it.  I'm typing up detailed instructions/guide lines to go with my forms because I want more people to be able benefit from them.

Here are my thoughts:  I'm making these forms so that they can be printed out & written on, or typed through PowerPoint.  I included space for planning out 6 "subjects".  If you don't teach science and social studies every day, maybe you use two boxes for reading.  One for whole group and one for small groups.   I'd rather have more room to plan out core subjects than an entire box for handwriting….that's why I went with 6 areas.  I decided not to make this a colorful file because this lady knows black ink is way more economical. What are your thoughts?

Icky Sticky Germ-Fighting Freebie

OMGerms!  We've probably all been there.  You know that moment when you're in the office and one of the secretaries super heroes points to one of your classroom passes because one of your "tinies" left it in the office during one of their "emergencies".  All you can think to yourself is, "I AM NOT touching that thing!"  I've tried lots of hall pass systems.  Meh.    

Then I found THIS PIN.  Well, duh.  Mega face palm.  It was love at first sight! Where has this been all of my teaching life?  My kiddos don't have to carry it, they don't have to set it down in the restroom (barfo) and then forget to bring it back, it doesn't dangle from a ribbon around their neck so they can play with it….

I went to my local super store and purchased some inexpensive badge holders and clips.  It was a small investment with a huge payoff.  Check it out!

You're in love, right?  Well, since it's just about Valentine's Day, and you are all so lovely, I'm sharing this editable file with you.  I expect chocolate and roses in return. 

I printed them on card stock, laminated, and put them into the badge holders.  D-O-N-E.  To help me keep track of where kiddos are, I have small bottles of sanitizer that are color-coded that they put on their desk while they are out of the room and conveniently use when they return.  Mine have different color pumps, but you could decorate the outside with Washi tape, ribbon, etc.  This is a quick way for me to figure out where they are by just looking at their desk.  

Head over to my TPT store and grab this sweet freebie!  Don't forget to leave feedback!

2, 4, 6, 8….Well, Duh!

Eight years ago I had a palm hitting forehead DUH moment.  Well, actually, I have them quite often with all of the brilliant ideas I see on blogs and Pinterest, but I'm choosing this one to share because it is so stinkin' simple.  

Do you number your kiddos at the beginning of the year in order of your alphabetized roster?  Of course you do.  We all do.  Sometimes they line up in number order, or you arrange their papers in number order to see who hasn't turned theirs in, and then you keep them in number order to make it easier to add grades to the good ol' grade book.

Do you ever get *blessed* with new students in the middle of the year?  Of course you do.  We all do.  It's stressful!  …..AND now your number order is off.  You had 24 kiddos and now you have to give newbie number 25 even though he fits alphabetically between number 7 and 8.  As if this previous statement doesn't scream it loud and clear, I'm totally type A. You'll put your papers in number order, enter them into your grade book, and THEN realize that you forgot to adjust for #25 that should really be the new 8.  Ugh.  Ain't nobody got time for that!  The teacher in me cringes at this blatant grammatical error, but it's too fitting to leave out.

Are you ready for it?  Can you handle this?  Instead of numbering your kiddos 1, 2, 3, 4, number them 2, 4, 6, 8.  Now you have room for a newbie and you can give them an odd number where they fit alphabetically. Minds blown. BOOM.

I also wait until a few days into the school year to assign the numbers to kids because inevitably my roster changes during the first few days of back-to-school.  

What palm hitting forehead DUH moment sticks out in your mind?

Let's Get Organized: Part 2

If you've read my post Let's Get Organized, you know I think EVERYTHING needs a home! Think about all those cute seasonal downloads you make on Teachers Pay Teachers.  Maybe it's a unit on nouns, but it's covered in Valentine's Day clipart and you want to remember to use it next February. Oh, and what about those seasonal craftivities centered around holidays or famous people?  Surely I'm not the only one that's ever had a mini-melt down trying to figure out where to file things away.  Right? Right?

Just a little secret:  I DOUBLE FILE lots of things.  I know, I know…brilliant!  Maybe you want to remember to use those Valentine's Day themed noun activities next February, but you also want a reminder in your noun files.  Try printing the file cover page and storing that in your noun files as a reminder.  If the cover page isn't enough, print 4 pages/sheet so you have an overview of the activities. Maybe you have a kiddo that needs some extra noun practice even though it isn't Valentine's Day.  

To help you get organized, download my FREEBIE!  These Monthly Seasonal Labels will help ensure you get the most bang for your buck out of all of your resources by getting organized!

P.S.
I've even been known to triple file on occasion. 

Let's Get Organized

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Everything has a place. It's in my blood.  I just can't help it.  It's my mom's fault.  Color coding is therapeutic.  I'm not ashamed!  After 8 years of being in the classroom and my obsession healthy relationship with TPT, I've accumulated quite the collection of teaching materials.  Have I ever mentioned the Air Force moves us every 2-3 years? See, I have to be organized!  Oh, and I've been hired TWICE on the morning of Meet the Teacher, mere days before school starts.  Again, I have to be organized!  It makes packing & unpacking way less stressful AND it helps me use all of the great stuff I have.  

Storing all of this in an organized way was soooo necessary for me.  In years past, I've realized after a unit or holiday that I had THE PERFECT LESSON already on hand, but had forgotten about it. Does that ever happen to you? You know how the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."  I've tried filing cabinets, tubs, binders, digital, etc. and I finally decided on a combo.  I use tubs to store my stuff.  For example, I had a fraction tub. Within each tub, I had a binder or two full of all of my printables, formatives, and centers in page protectors in order.   I keep all of my manipulatives, games, books, etc. for that concept in the tub.  

With the introduction of CCSS, I needed to do a little re-arranging so I decided to bite the bullet and make a coordinating AND adorable chevron set of binder & tub labels that used CCSS lingo.  I tackled math first.  Also, I don't have all of the CCSS memorized, so I wanted quick reference sheets that would be handy & stored with each tub.  Remember that whole "I move every 2-3 years" thing? I figured I won't always be teaching the same grade level, so in addition to 2nd and 3rd grade CCSS labels, I made labels for every possible math concept I might ever teach at the elementary level….yeah, SEVENTY-ONE additional labels.

Maybe it's time for a picture or two!

Adorable, easy to stack, see through, and roomy! 

Binder on bottom, books, manipulatives, stuff, and CCSS reference sheet on top.

These sit inside the tub at the very top.  It's the EXACT CCSS language.

The front of the binder has an OVERVIEW of that CCSS.

I wanted this to work for other teachers as well, so I made skinny spines, fatter spines, full pages, half pages, editable pages, etc.  Interested in my 2nd & 3rd Grade Math CCSS Organization set?  Don't forget there are full pages, half pages, and spines for the 71 other math topics too!  Here's a good look at what you get!  

I might have had a *few* cups of coffee in order to accomplish this!

Happy organizing!