Classroom Setup, Plus Some Little Miss Muffet

As I've been wrapping my brain around this new way of incorporating more technology into my classroom and making it more 21st century friendly, the first thing I thought about was the way my room was set up.

This year I have 24 students.  For our building and district, this is quite large for first grade.  This is the largest class I've ever had.  I had 4 groups of 6 desks and I hated it.  I hated every second.  I am SO not a put-them-in-rows girl, either.  Don't get me wrong, I liked that they were in groups, but that was kind of the only thing.  Our rooms are kind of small, so I felt like the students and I had no space to maneuver around the room.  It was so cramped and there wasn't any good flow.  Here are other issues I had with desks:

- They kept moving, which means the groups would clump up even more, limiting space EVEN MORE.
- The students would play in their desks when they were supposed to be doing something else because the stuff inside was a constant distraction.  Let's face it...they could hide tons of stuff in there!
- Their stuff could get so disorganized and messy.  They could keep millions of papers just stuffed in there or paper scraps or leftover breakfast (truth.).
- They were crammed right next to each other which meant they had a neighbor practically on top of them that they could talk to!  Arg.

This is what my room looked like before.

So I ditched the desks.  One morning my students walked in and they were just gone.  It's how I roll.  I'm not afraid to change things, even if it's the second day of school, middle of the year, or 2nd to last day of school.  If it doesn't work, change it!  That's my philosophy.  ;)

At first I had NO desks and NOTHING to replace it.  Then I slowly added things as I saw what worked.  I now have 3 tables.  That means I only have enough for about half of my class.  But stick with me...

You'll probably notice I added a black rug in the middle as an extra space for students to sit and spread out.

I also added a couch.

My school also purchased plastic lap desks from Hobby Lobby for the students to use around the room.  They LOVE these things!  So do I!

I also have a crate full of clipboards that the students can use around the room.

One of my fears when I first decided to do this was where to put all of their things.  I just did some reorganizing to make some space!  I had these book boxes from Really Good Stuff, so the students just store their workbooks, textbooks, and folders in them.  I have them numbered with their numbers so that they have their own individual box.  They are pros at finding their things!  They store their school boxes on the shelf underneath when they aren't using them.  During the day they just keep them near their workspace as long as they are out of the way and nobody can trip over them.

The biggest thing about this room layout is student choice.  It's all about what is comfortable for them.  For some teachers, this might drive you crazy.  This might be a little bit too lax and not be enough structure.  I totally respect that.  I read somewhere to think of it like walking into Starbucks to study.  For me, I completely prefer that environment.  I love that they have couches, tables, comfy chairs, high-top chairs at a bar, and traditional tables.  Depending on my mood that day, any one of those might suit my needs.  To be honest, most of my students sit on the floor, on the couch, at a table, and curled up on a rug with a pillow all in one day.  Can I be honest?  Sometimes I work at my desk in my office.  Right now I'm laying on my stomach in my bed.  I feel more relaxed and I feel a little more creative.

Some students need more guidance.  It's true.  You just have to pay attention to your students and help them.  You're their coach.  Their guide.  Their mentor.  Their teacher.  I'm just a firm believer in options.

I'll be back next week to share how our RTI time works, but before I go today I want to share what we did today!

Our first grade does a nursery rhyme study.  I like to take them as deep as I can with nursery rhymes, since they are something they've been exposed to in preschool and in their homes when they are little.  I found a wonderful resource from Teaching In High Heels called Close Reading for Little Learners {Nursery Rhyme Edition}.  I'm sure you've come across close reading, but in case you haven't, close reading is big in Common Core standards.  It's taking the text and looking at what's explicitly written.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Today we looked at Little Miss Muffet.  I popped it up on the screen and we began to dissect the text.  Can you believe this is what they started saying:

"Hey, this is really fun!"

Seriously.  My kids love learning this year.  They love writing.  They LOVE close reading.

We have to teach our own art, so I tied in a quick little spider craft to go along with Little Miss Muffet.  Paper plates, black paint, 1-inch wide construction paper legs, google eyes, and chalk to draw faces...voila!

I'll be back Wednesday with an exciting post/announcement!!!

A New Direction

Raise your hand if you're finally finding your groove for the 2014-2015 school year?  Raise your hand if you're still trying to figure it out?  For me it depends on the day.  ;)  I'm truly starting to feel a lot better about the year.  Now that I'm getting settled into my routine, I have so much to share about what is going on in my classroom!  I'm hoping you'll find it as interesting as I do.  :)

This post is going to be all background as to my thoughts over the past several months, what I've found so far, and what my plan is.

A few random thoughts from my oh-so-random brain:
1. I'm not a huge fan of whole-group teaching.
2. I love, love, love small groups.
3. Too much to do, not enough time.
4. I always want to incorporate more technology.
5. Math has been the most dry to teach (for me...I know it can be so much better and so much more fun...).

Let's rewind to sometime last year.  I started entertaining the thought of math groups/guided math/math centers.  Sadly, I only had 35 minutes to teach math last year.  This year isn't too much better, but I have about 45 minutes this year.  I'll take it!  :)  With such limited time last year, the thoughts just were just fleeting.

Then we had this past summer where I started thinking about my ideas a little more seriously.  It was going to be my professional goal this year to implement some sort of guided math.  Even if it was one day a week, I was going to make it happen.

Enter August and I was completely overwhelmed with trying to readjust to school.  Preparing my room, making copies, lesson plans, hosting a student teacher, having a new aide, learning about my students, SLOs, professional growth plans, RIMPs, baseline assessments... the last thing on my mind was trying to implement something new.  Especially with a student teacher teaching, it just wasn't a good time to throw something new at her.  ;)

Then my principal showed us something that she saw at a local principal's meeting.  Before I watched it, my thought was, "I can't possibly do one more thing.  I can't even do what I'm supposed to, let alone something new."  But then the wheels started turning, the sparks started flying, and I couldn't help myself but to jump all in.

I want to share the videos of this local teacher so that YOU might be inspired, and so that you know where my inspiration came from.  This is what sparked it and this is the root of what is currently evolving in my classroom.  I take no credit of where she has already paved the way.  :)





I also found a short article comparing the differences between a 20th century classroom and a 21st century classroom.  I love it and it helps give me a vision and direction on how I want my classroom to make a turn for the better.

You can access the link by clicking here.

Now, I will say there are plenty of obstacles and things that I have to wrestle with in my mind about what makes sense for myself, my students, my building, our community, and all of the nuts and bolts (space, length of school day, available resources, etc.).  So this whole thing is evolving on a day-by-day, minute-by-minute basis.

I really hope you'll stay tuned as I show you how this is looking!  I've already started changing things and within a week's time, my classroom is drastically different.  I truly can't wait to share!  :)

In closing, I want to give you a sneak peek about something exciting that's happening!  This is all I'm leaving you!  ;)

September Currently

I have officially made it through my first week of school!  And my class is the SWEETEST.  They are SUCH a great group!  I have a lot of advanced kids, which means I need to figure out how to challenge them this year.  I have my work cut out for me!  So now that the beginning of school is out of the way, I have some new products up my sleeve that I think you're going to love!  I'm going to work on one today and hopefully start the other one later this week.  Stay tuned!  ;)

But TODAY is SEPTEMBER!  Already!  That means it's time to link up with Farley at Oh Boy Fourth Grade! for Currently!

LISTENING:  I sure do love listening to my family at home in the mornings.  It feels like a Saturday with waking up whenever, eating cereal in bowls, and watching cartoons.  Makes my heart happy.  :)

LOVING: I KNOW I am not the only one excited about fall!  I have to admit, I started burning Toasted Apple Butter in my Scentsy on Friday because I just couldn't help it.  I love seeing all the fall scents out and all the fall displays in stores.  Now if the weather would just cool down a tad...

THINKING: My house was totally neglected during my first week back to school.  We are in desperate need to get the laundry done and this place cleaned!

WANTING: Our gym has been closed since Wednesday for their annual deep-clean.  I'm so appreciative that they do this, but going 6 days without the gym being open is almost more than I can handle!

NEEDING: Being a 4 day week, that already makes things a little condensed as far as lesson plans are concerned.  We also have a day and a half of AIMSWeb testing this week, so I just need to come up with some plans for tomorrow, Thursday afternoon, and Friday.  I'm going to be starting writing workshop this week, but I definitely need to come up with a few other things.

3 TRIPS: Fiji just looks gorgeous and I'm a sucker for the beach, I've been DYING to visit Vermont in the fall, and I love the south and Charleston seems to have plenty of southern and plenty of culture!

I hope everyone has a great week!  I'm putting together some blog posts about our RTI process that I'm hoping others will find helpful.  And make sure you visit Farley's blog to read other Currently posts!  See you soon!

A Boost of Encouragement As You Head Back to School

I have a sneaking suspicion that not all teachers are excited to go back to school.  Maybe I'm wrong.  But I don't think I am.  For those of you who are insanely excited and giddy to head back, some teachers envy you.  They wish for those days where heading back to school was thrilling and invigorating.  But some years...some years are just hard to go back.  It's not that you hate teaching.  If you did, you probably wouldn't go back.

Maybe you had a baby recently and will be heading back after a glorious summer with your little infant.

Maybe you have a baby and toddler at home (like I do) and you hate to see those precious moments go.

Maybe the morale is down at your school.  Nobody wants to be there.  Your admin is tough, they don't understand, they put too much pressure on you, they don't understand you, nor do they care...about any of it.  Just test scores.

Maybe your district is struggling.  Financially, they've hit rock bottom.  You're dealing with bare bones for staff.  Your plate is full.  You don't know what the year will bring.  Will you even have a job at the end of the year?  So much is riding on levies, bond issues, whatever you call them.

Maybe you've recently lost a loved one.  It's too soon.  It's all you can think about.  The last thing you're thinking about is school.  All you can think about is someone that's no longer with you.  And it's hard.

Maybe you just sent your child(ren) off to college.  Your house will never be the same.  It will be so quiet.  You'll wonder and worry about them.  You'll miss them.  You can't wait until the next time they're home.

Maybe your teaching team is tough.  You don't always see eye to eye and they don't want to listen to you.  You feel left out.  You try to be nice, but for some reason you feel like an outcast.

Maybe you're going through a divorce.  Life is just upside down.  You don't know what to think or feel.  You're frustrated, upset, angry, depressed, and so heartbroken.

Maybe your best friend at school took a job somewhere else.  Maybe they retired.  Maybe they left teaching.  You feel lonely stepping back into your school.

Maybe you're dreading the busy schedules.  The packed planner.  The grading.  The meetings.  The events.

Maybe you're broke.  Summer utilities, vacations, school supplies, and unexpected things that chewed up every single penny.  You feel like you can't get off on the right foot because you can't afford anything you need for your classroom, let alone treating yourself to a new first day outfit.

Maybe you look at your class roster and know that your class will be a challenge.  You're tired just thinking about it.

Maybe there's just too much left to do at home.  Too much summer to be had.  Too much time to enjoy with those you rarely get to spend time with (or not enough time) when school is in session.

Maybe, just maybe, you aren't ready to go back.  If you're like me, you might even still be worn out from last year!  ;)  You feel terrible about it and you *WISH* you could hype yourself up for what's to come.  But you just...can't.

Friends, it's OK.  No, really.  Every year brings something new to the table.  Some years you're eager with anticipation, other years you're filled with dread and sorrow.  It happens.  Don't beat yourself up over the fact that you aren't "into it" yet.  It might take going into your classroom and working, it might take looking around on Pinterest and some blogs, or it might just take showing up and doing the thing.  I'm hoping and praying that we all find our niche this year and are truly blessed.  We honestly have one of the most incredible jobs.  Let it be your safe place.  Let it be a time where you focus your thoughts and energy elsewhere.  I'm not saying that life might not be hard anymore, but sometimes when we do something else, we forget (even if just for a little bit) our struggles outside the walls of the school.  And if your struggles are INSIDE the walls of the school, it might take YOU being the light in a dark place.  Not an easy task (and quite honestly, it can be harder than anything else), but I'm a true believer that we are placed where we are for a reason.  No one ever said it would be easy.  But it's where we are called, at least for a season.

I was talking to some friends who were feeling down and negative (um, my life story a lot of times, let's be honest).  In a rare moment of positive thoughts, I was encouraged to make a set of teacher notecards to keep on our desks to lift us up throughout the year.  It was a glorious idea and I whipped it up within a couple days.  So if you need an extra boost of encouragement, head on over to see my Positive and Encouraging Teacher Notecards.  There are 100 notecards (60 positive and uplifting quotes, 20 Bible verses, and 20 Christian quotes) for you to print and keep near in your room.  I have mine sitting right by my computer.  I got a $0.95 acrylic frame from Wal-Mart and it works perfectly!  You can even use a fun or pretty 4x6 frame (hello, Hobby Lobby!!!!).

Another idea is to print them off and pass them out throughout the year.  You might notice when someone else needs a little boost.  Just cut one out and write a little note on the back. 

Or you could go REALLY crazy and tape them all over your desk area!  If you do that, I'll need a pic.  ;)

Teachers, you've got this.  Just take a deep breath and know that it WILL be ok.  Don't feel guilty if you're not ready.  You will be.  :)

A Quick, Easy Way to Line 'Em Up!

I'm linking up with Bright Ideas today to bring you a really simple way to line up your students.

This year I will be using numbers for the first time.  I feel like numbers are everywhere in my room now!  Including...my floor!

I don't know about you, but my students argue ALL. THE. TIME about where they stand in line.  I've tried line leaders, I've tried cabooses, I've tried special helpers.  My students have fought with each other over where to stand in line.  They cut each other, tattle, cry...I even had students MISS RECESS because they wanted to be first in line, so they'd line up on the playground and just sit there to ensure that they got the spot they wanted!  I don't know what it is.  My famous line is, "We're all going to the same place and we'll all get there at about the same time.  IT DOESN'T MATTER."  Sound familiar?

So this year I though, "I'm done."  No more arguing.

I bought calendar numbers from Lakeshore Learning and used clear contact paper to stick them to the floor.  Easy peasy!

Now there's no more reason to fight and miss recess!  They each have their own spot.  It's visible in the classroom to help them learn where to go.  It should be so easy for them to find their number and stand there.  I teach 1st graders, so we won't have to waste any time trying to line up in numerical order and figure out who is in front of each kid and who is behind.  I'm so excited to see how smooth these transition periods go when they have a specific spot in line!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram if you don't already!  I'm constantly posting pictures each day!  :)  You can follow me at "sarahlynnkirby".

There are TONS of bright ideas out there today!  Make sure you take a look around and visit the other blogs to see their tips and tricks!  I *LOVE* reading these and find so many easy, fantastic ideas!  Happy Saturday and Happy Reading! ;)

An InLinkz Link-up

Using Formula Canisters for Storage

Y'all.  This is my FIRST Monday Made It.  Seriously.  I can't believe it took me this long to link up.  So are you ready to see what I made?  I'm linking up with Tara over at 4th Grade Frolics!  If you need some good ideas on getting thrifty/crafty/artsy, check out all the links!

I'm a mom of 2 sweet, darling boys.  My oldest son is 3 and my youngest just turned 9 months.  Sweet. as. pie.  A little biased?  Probably, but they seriously melt my heart.  I nursed my youngest for the first 5 months.  After that, we switched to formula.  If you use formula you know 1.) how expensive it is and 2.) how often you buy it!  So I figured I might as well get some use out of all these canisters that keep piling up!  Hello, reuse!

I have an atrocious cabinet full of random craft items in my classroom.  There is so much stuff in there and half of it is still in little bags or spilling into drawers.  I decided to keep my formula canisters and use them as storage!  So here's how to do it...

1.  Grab as many formula canisters as you can or need.  Select your color spray paint.  I got this spray paint from Walmart in Sea Glass.

2.  Peel off the labels.

3.  If you use the Similac canisters, the lids were kind of tricky to get off.  I found the best way to do it is to lay it on it's side on the counter and push down.  Pull the lid off.

4.  To remove any leftover stickiness from the labels, smear some peanut butter over it!  It works like a charm.  Let it set for a few hours and then just wipe it off with a paper towel!

5.  Lay out all the lids and canisters outside in a well-ventilated area and spray a couple coats on until you have your desired look.  I decided to spray paint the lids and canisters different colors, just to make them a little more fun.  :)

6.  I used my Silhouette Portrait to cut out vinyl letters to stick to the front of the canisters.  You could also use a Cricut or simple letter stickers.

7.  Then I stuck the letters on once the canisters were dry and put them together!

I filled all of my canisters with all sorts of little odds and ends!  They turned out so pretty!  :)

I'll be back on Saturday with a bright idea post!  ;)

The Next Step in Guided Reading - Chapter 6 and a FREEBIE!

This was a loooooonnnnnnggggg chapter!  Considering I teach 1st grade, the majority of my students are not at this level.  Every once in a while I'll get one or two, but a lot of this just went in my memory bank in case I ever switch grade levels, tutor, or move into a different position.  I still really enjoyed reading this chapter!  What did you all think?

1.  What part of the reading caught your attention?  Maybe it's something you never thought about.  Maybe it's something that you've been trying to get a grip on.  Maybe it's something that you've never heard quite they way it was put.

I noticed that with the fluent level, a large majority of the focus is on vocabulary and comprehension.  I knew it would take a hard look at comprehension, but I wasn't expecting the heavy emphasis on vocabulary.  But it makes so much sense!  Vocabulary is always a skill that can be taught, no matter what level a person is on.  Even adults can refine their vocabulary skills!

I was also captured by the VIP strategy.  A lot of my higher readers struggle with identifying the most important parts.  They get so caught up in the details that they miss the bigger picture!  I like the idea of having the small sticky notes on hand so that they can flag it when they read it.

2.  How do you already incorporate this into your guided reading routine?  There's probably at least some part of the chapter that you're already doing!  Tell us about it!

Even though my students aren't this high, we still focus a lot on comprehension.  We will occasionally stop during our reading and check our comprehension.  We also have a chat after reading the book about different aspects of the story.  I typically try to ask a lot of green (literal) and red (inferential) questions.

3.  What is something new you want to try next school year?  How do you want to make your guided reading time better or what new things do you want to try?

I want to try and incorporate more yellow questions when we discuss the book.  Some of my higher groups could totally handle this.  I also love the idea of the reading notebooks for vocabulary recording, comprehension notes, and guided writing.  I probably won't have the opportunity to use this a lot since I teach 1st grade, but I'm glad I read it so that I know what to do in case I have kids at this level!

4.  What are some resources that you ALREADY HAVE that you can use to teach what you read about in this chapter/section?

I have these retelling cubes that I love!  I actually use them with all of my groups.  Retell a Story Cubes

For nonfiction, I just wrote some simple questions on large popsicle sticks and put them in a cup.  The students draw one out and answer the question.

5.  What are some NEW resources that you want to get or try to use to teach what you read about in this chapter/section?

Reading notebooks are the biggest thing I'd want to have on hand during fluent level groups.  Staples has a deal on notebooks for $0.17!  I got 24 for $4 and some change AND free shipping!  You should really snatch them if you think you'll use them!  This is seriously a great deal!

Staples Notebook Sale

I put together a little freebie for you all today!  Remember those green, yellow, and red questions?  Well, I made a little question card ring for reference during your groups.  You can make one for each student, have one at your guided reading table, or have it on hand for YOURSELF to remember what types of questions to ask!  :)  Click on the following link, photograph, or picture to download!  Enjoy!  :)

Traffic Light Questions

See you next week for the LAST chapter of The Next Step in Guided Reading!  Woohoo!