Pirate Loot

On the first day of school I took the children on the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Scavenger Hunt which I purchased from Mrs. Jones Creation Station at the TPT store. When we arrived back in our classroom at the end of the hunt, I had these pirate loot bags in a treasure chest waiting for the kids.

Below is a copy of the note enclosed in the treasure bag. After "plundering" the idea from other teachers, I simply tweaked it to fit my classroom theme.

Photos of Previous Classrooms

Since I have spent the last 2 weeks getting my classroom ready for the start of school, I thought it would be fun to go back and remember preparing classrooms from my past. So here it is... a peek into some of my former rooms - grades 2, 4 and 5! One of the photos goes all the way back to 1995! Can you believe it? I only wish that I had pictures of all the rooms I got ready since the start of my teaching career in 1987!

Getting ready for the first day of teaching 5th grade 2008

Getting ready for the first day of school back in 1995 / Teaching 2nd grade

Open house 2009/ 5th grade



Heritage Hall 2009

Getting ready for the 1st day of 4th grade 2010

Grade 4 Still had that Nautical theme going!

Classroom Photos

 Our Math/Calendar Wall and Beanie Baby Reading and Writing Strategies hanging in the fishing nets above the windows

Two days into first grade and I am loving it!
Thanks to my new teaching partner, Kelley, I was introduced to the world of TEACHER blogs back in June.  Needless to say, I spent the bulk of my summer blog hopping, preparing for my move from 4th grade to 1st. I was able to gather so many creative ideas from educators all over the Internet. Wow... the resources are incredible.!!! Unfortunately, I spent way too much money purchasing lessons, units, fonts, and digital clip art in the process. Oh well... what are you going to do???

Clip chart behavior board, Mr. Munch the shark, and book boxes

Anyway... two weeks ago, after months of becoming emmersed in all things first grade, I finally got the keys to my new classroom -  AKA (PIER 3). Below are a few pictures of what I did have the chance to set up before school started as I prepared to meet my new "CREW". This is the 3rd nautical-themed classroom I have had - Once in 5th, once in 4th, and now... finally in first. I just love how it lends itself to all grade levels and there is just something so fun, yet relaxing about this "boat" inspired theme.

Calendar/Math wall, Listening Center, etc.

Reading and Language Arts Focus Wall

High Frequency Word Wall

Sailor of the Month Door

Door decoration

The bare bones of my bulletin boards

Internet Posting Release Form

Most of you teachers probably have a district or school form for parents to sign to allow you to post pictures or student names and work on your class website. If you don't, but want something in writing to make sure parents give their consent- this form might work for you.

Reading Log

I just created this reading log for the beginning of the year. As the year progresses I will be asking the students to record the title and author, etc. of the books they have read... but this seems perfect for the beginning of first grade. What do the rest of you use to have your students chart nightly reading at home? Please share your ideas.

Click here to download a copy.

Nautical Clip Chart

This past week while blog hopping, I saw several teachers with posts about their behavior clip charts - an idea that I fell in love with. What I thought was especially fabulous was the idea that students had the opportunity to move up the behavior chart not just flip to a warning card or worse. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that the children who are always on task and well behaved are recognized daily and encouraged to go above and beyond expectations by having the opportunity to move UP the chart!

And... even though the idea/concept is SUPER FANTASTIC on its own, some of you super creative teachers took it one step further by tweaking it to fit your classroom theme. There were a few that were just too cute and too clever for words!

Well, that was all it took... and I was on a mission to do the same. Although it took me hours and I was up until 2:00 AM this morning, I am glad you inspired me to create a clip chart of my own to fit my SAILING theme.

Here is a sample of what I came up with. I can't wait to have these printed laminated and put together. I will update the post once I get this done. Click here to download the file.

Tally and Recording Sheets

I finally finished creating these forms which we will be using to record our data during morning calendar. The original idea which inspired these came from  Mrs. Meacham's website at http://www.jmeacham.com/calendar/calendar.htm  If you haven't already visited her website, make sure you check it out.

Download your copy here.

Heidi's Songs

Last week I purchased an amazing phonics CD called Sounds Fun Phonics available at http://www.heidisongs.com/Sounds_Fun_Phonics/SoundsFunPhonics.html. I can't wait to introduce my students to these catchy songs that are certain to help them with decoding and spelling. If you don't already own this music CD, I encourage you to check it out. I created these cute song sheets to go with all the songs on the disc.  Click HERE to download the file.

Thank You for Filling My Bucket

I want to thank the three teachers that left comments on my posts this past week, Tamara Chilver, Miss Eirin, and Miss S. You are all truly "Bucket Fillers"! Thank you for your kind words and for filling my bucket!

Pirate Bears Color Wheel

I recently downloaded these cute pirate bears off Mrs. Jump's amazing blog . I used them today to create this color wheel for my classroom. I designed this document as a  24" X 24" file that I will be taking to Kinko's or Staples to print and laminate.

Click here to download the color wheel file.

Become a Teaching Blog Addict

If you are not currently a follower of Teaching Blog Addict you are missing out! Check out their sight today! It is loaded with amazing ideas and resources for teachers. Click here to visit the site and get inspired!

Reading and Writing Strategies

I finally finished creating my version of the Beanie Baby Reading and Writing Strategies which is currently 44 pages long- Yikes! There are so many great ideas floating around out there - but of course... like most teachers, I have to make some adaptations to ensure it works in my classroom, or with the supplies I have, or to match my theme or color scheme. So thank you to the teacher or teachers that came up with the original Beanie Baby Strategies concept and to all of those who added their creativity to expand on the originals - you were ALL the inspiration for this extended version. Thanks!

Click here to download.