I missed several of my linkies this week. I'm not gonna miss five for Friday. :)
Click above image to link up.
Click above image to link up.
We spent most of the week in Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. It's a great place - CLEAN & family friendly!! We stayed at Lake Rudolph in a cabin with family friends.
Our summer has been RAINY! We had 4.5 inches of rain in one day! The kids were troopers and we made the most of it as you can see from all their smiles. :)
The bottom right photo is on the way home...tired but happy pups.
I enjoyed unplugging and not doing anything school related. (okay...I did surf on my phone a few times because I'm an early bird.)
One of my goal's is to start a TPT store. I made some baby steps last night when I Teach What's Your Superpower - Megan Favre (also A Bird in Hand Designs) started a 20% off sell. She designed my blog and I LOVE her stuff. I'm pretty sure the Ava Mini Set was inspired by Target Dollar Spots' current stationary items. :) I, also, signed up to be a seller on TPT. Now, I just have to figure out what to use/create as my first free and paid product! (click photos for link to item)
I have a clip chart dilemma. We are a PBIS school and use a coupon system. Last year, I started using Class Dojo. I loved it, the kids loved it, and the parents loved it. I give the kids a "cougar coupon" for every point they earn to make things simple on myself. This year I want to try having an only positive clip chart. You know cut off everything after the "ready to learn" part. I do want to keep the clip chart so the kids can move up and keep track of points. I've been researching on blogs but the more I do the more I'm unsure what to try. :)
Any ideas? Suggestions? Thank you!!
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| Class Dojo! |
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| I bought this one so I can make it my own. :) |
My classroom is coming along...slowly. Here's my last pile!! It's huge. Luckily, I have the best Aunt in the world and she is coming Sunday to help me sticker and sort all these additional books to my library. I am thinking of keeping a pile or two for the kids to sort...
I have two weeks before school. It's time to start planning my lessons! A new binder always makes that more fun and this one sparkles! I had no idea I "needed" one until I let myself go to Target alone. :)
 Click above image to link up. We spent most ...){kind=link}
I love class dojo but haven't ever went fully "all in" with it. Maybe this year! I was also considering cutting off everything below green on the clip chart this year as well. I saw on someones blog that they did that and the kids couldn't put their clip on "ready to learn" until they had come in the room and did everything they needed, including their morning work. I really liked that part and having to show that they were ready! Eek, I don't know...can't believe summer is almost over!
ReplyDeleteMoore to Learn
I like the idea of using the clip chart for attendance as well as giving the kids ownership over being ready to learn! Thank you!
DeleteGood luck creating your first products! :) I love class dojo! What if you left the insides of the clip chart blank and each week the kids set the goals for the week-- they choose the point range for each color... might help if the kids are getting into a rut! Enjoy the last weeks of your summer!
ReplyDeleteKatie
Inquiring Our Way Through Third Grade
Great idea!! I'm so glad I started blogging. It's PD from home 24-7. :)
DeleteAwesome!! I love that you just went all in an started a store!!! I will be sure to check it out! I use PBIS and Class Dojo in my class! I made a little Dojo Store for the students where they can get rewards! It works great for them. Also, there is nothing like new notebooks/binders to start your plans in!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! My kids love our Dojo Store too. Their favorite is eat with the teacher. :)
DeleteHi Carol, looks like you had a wonderful time on your vacation! I wish you all the best as you start to create, I am a newbie, I just started in February, but if I can help you in any way don't hesitate to email. I love your idea of just a positive chart, last year was the first year I did the clip chart with the six sections, I like the idea of just keeping it positive. I will be interested to hear how that goes. Have a great weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I'm already confused about the fonts and clip art. I need to just sit down and read the emails/ebook from TPT. I won't hesitate to email you for help. That makes me feel better already. :)
DeleteCarol- the first pic with your kids is adorable! Congrats on starting your store! I went all in as well and started it this week! I can't wait to start following your store and check out some of the products!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of transitioning off of a clip chart this year and might have to try Dojo- I did it when I taught 4th grade, but did not stay consistent with it. I am so interested to hear how it goes for you.
I will keep the blog updated with how it goes. It's nice that we are on a balanced calendar. We have two weeks off at the end of every 9 weeks which gives me time to change things up if they aren't working.
DeleteWhen I used a clip chart, I had kids finish their morning routine (backpacks, lunch choices, etc.) then put their clip on Ready to Learn and we had four levels to move up. Now I only use class dojo and a super improvers wall (via whole brain teaching) because it keeps everything positive with absolutely no "walk of shame" to the clip chart. I have to say that I am so jealous you have a "last pile"! I go back August 3rd and haven't been able to get to the room yet. I'm a TPT newbie too, but I've found an incredible amount of support and encouragement. I'm looking forward to seeing your creations!
ReplyDeleteI like changing it to a super improvers wall. I have dabbled in whole brain but not gone all in...
DeleteI am required to have something in the room that the kids can see so my goal is to make it as positive as possible this year. We go back on July 27th. eek!
First of all, congrats on becoming a TPT seller!
ReplyDeleteSecond of all, I struggled all summer to come up with my behavior management system. Just remember that if what you come up with doesn't work out, you can always change it. I considered class Dojo, but since it is my first ear teaching, I decided to go with something I am a little more familiar with my first year. Class Dojo is on my bucket list for future years. I want to figure out a way to make it work perfectly with my schools behavioral system as well.
Third of all, organizing my classroom library has been incredibly difficult. I have two large tubs filled with books and I know I will be getting more from the school. We use AR and right now I am stuck on how to organize the library... by AR level or by topic? Or both? It's all complicated and confusing in my little new-teacher brain. I am probably making it harder than it is. I just want the kiddos to be able to easily find books they are interested in while also knowing where too look to find books on their level. *sigh* I'll figure it out eventually.
It took me a few years to figure out my library. Plus, I have changed grade levels and been a coach. I like the system I have now - I just wanted to spruce it up. I will post a bit about it when I'm finished. My kids seem to love and use the library more when things are by topic. You could sort by topic but then sticker the books for AR level. ?? Good luck with your first year! How exciting! You have a great point of view and you are right - don't be afraid to change things if they aren't working or to get the kids input before you change something. 9/10 they are on the same page with you. :)
DeleteIt's so exciting that you're starting your TPT journey. It's a lot of fun and kind of addictive. Your blog looks great. That top photo of the kids making silly faces is my favorite! I have a love/hate relationship with clip charts. They work well unless you have a student who TRULY CANNOT use self-control. Then, I hate clip charts. I think this upcoming year is going to be a no clip chart year. I'm about to start reading Whole Brain Teaching for Challenging Kids and I'm hoping it gives me some kind of brilliant solution!
ReplyDeleteJan
Laughter and Consistency
WBT for challenging kids...I need to look in to that one. I have used some WBT but it doesn't click with me. I will follow your journey as well. :)
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