"New Goals for the Classroom" Or "It will be there on Monday."

I just have about 5 minutes or less to type these 2 posts into 1, so. . .I know it won't be great, but wanted to go ahead and get some of these thoughts out.

I already "failed" at the goal of going to work in my classroom yesterday or today, but
. . .that's because I chose to stay with my kids and be "Mom" every minute I could, instead. So, that's the reason for the thought in my head, "It will be there on Monday." Of course, I would like for it to be cleaner, more organized on Monday,
but oh well. . .it will get there.

I did buy shiny new folders for all of my students and 2 new folder holders for me. . .
I thought they might work as Teacher's Guide holders, but they didn't,
but oh well. . .I'll still use them to help me be more organized, somehow!

I bought lined post-it notes to use to write notes to the aides who work with the students.

I bought the stuff to stick more words up on the word wall, and more things on other walls.

I bought new dry erase markers.

I need to make a goal to not buy things for my classroom.

Gotta get off here, now. . .
to go be "Mom"!

Happy 2010!

Sandy

ELF GLYPHS

I thought these all turned out really cute! This is just 4 of them, but it shows the different ways they could be made.

MAKING MEMORIES WITH SOME OF GOD'S UNIQUE "ANGELS"

These are some of the paper angels made by my students. I have some made by my kids when they were younger, that are a little prettier, made with paint, but I think these are wonderful! We started to try it with paint, but decided not to, in our classroom, with good carpet. I pray for the parents of my students to realize how special their children and these days are.

We did get the apple cinnamon ornaments made. I will post pictures of them soon. They turned out great and smell wonderful!

Today, we had fun making Elf glyphs.

Left the Applesauce at home today. . .Try again Tomorrow for Great Smellin' Ornaments! (after Reading)

Welllll, the "making apple cinnamon ornaments" was not accomplished today, but the students were great about it, and hopefully, it will be a success tomorrow.

I had opened the big jar of applesauce that I bought, so I put it in the 'frig. I had all of my other materials sacked up and got to school with them.

I told the students in the a.m. that we were going to make the ornaments after lunch.

I got all the materials out, had a student reading the directions, showed them the measuring cup, and then. . .I realized. . . I did not have the applesauce! I explained it to them, and told them we would have to wait til tomorrow. I quickly told them that their assignment for the moment was to plan what cookie cutter or self made pattern they are going to use for their ornament.
They were fine with that!!! They all got right to work on drawing out their plan!

Oh, the recipe that I found says
equal parts (start with 1/2 cup each) of cinnamon and store bought applesauce

I tried it tonight, and I don't have a dough consistency, yet. One recipe did say white glue is optional, but if it is optional, I'm not sure why to use it. There are some recipes that you can bake, but if this will work without baking, then that is what I need!
Some recipes say just to dry for 24 hours, some say 3 to 5 days!

The recipe says to knead with hands, then roll with a rolling pin, between 2 sheets of wax paper. Then cut with cookie cutters and make a hole with a straw or pencil. Then, let dry for at least 24 hours and harden.
Then put a ribbon through the hole for hanging.

JUST NOT ENOUGH TIME!

I wish I could sit down and get my thoughts out here everyday, and have them to look back at, because there has been a lot going on in my classroom, but I just don't have enough time to write about it right now.

I am teaching my students READING, READING, READING, MATH, WRITING, SPELLING, GRAMMAR, SOCIAL SKILLS,. . .some fun activities. . .

Tomorrow, we are going to try making Apple Cinnamon ornaments. I hope it goes well.
I hope this last week before Christmas break is a good one.
I do have 2 IEP meetings to get ready for, too.
I better get off here NOW!

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER FOR MY STUDENTS

I am SO enjoying my week with my family!
However, I have whispered prayers daily for my students and their families.
I am praying that they are each safe.
I am praying that they all have some kind of special dinner for Thanksgiving.
I am praying that they will be grateful for something and someone today.
I am praying that someone will be grateful for them.
I am thanking God for each of one of them.
I am thanking God for the opportunity to teach these very special children.

Pretty Coffee Filter Angel Ornament or Shelf Sitter

What You Need:
3 coffee filters
3-1/2-inch foam cone, such as Styrofoam
1 round toothpick
1-inch foam ball, such as Styrofoam
12 inches of 1/4-inch-wide gold ribbon
White thread; hot-glue gun and hot-glue sticks
1 gold plastic ring

Instructions:
1. Center one coffee filter on the top of the cone. Push the toothpick three quarters of the way into the cone and filter. Push the 1-inch ball onto the toothpick to add the head.
2. Center the second filter over the head. Tie a ribbon bow around the neck.
3. Fold the third filter in half and pleat at the center to form wings. Tie in the center with thread. Hot-glue the center of the wings to the back of the angel at the neck. Glue the ring to the top of the head for a halom. or use a gold pipecleaner, and you can attach it in the back and make the halo lift up above the head.

These are very simple and expensive to make with children, but very beautiful. I made them 10 or more years ago, and they are still beautiful today!

Go to http://redswriting.blogspot.com/2009/11/twoc-christmas-accent-craft-no2.html

for more fun Christmas crafts.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Yay! Thankful Thursday. . .my new favorite day of the week.-well, one of my favorite blogging days, anyway!

I am joining Sonya @ Truth 4 the Journey
http://truth4thejourney.blogspot.com/
and Iris @ Grace Alone
www.eph2810.com/thankful-thursday/thankful-thursday-life-4/
Iris' theme, for the 2 week old post that I somehow got to this morning was Trials. . .
James 1:2-4 (She posted verses 2 and 3 in ESV, I'm posting 4 also, using NIV.)
Consider it pure joy my (sisters), when ever you face trials of many knids, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I am also thankful for "trials of many kinds". I so want to be mature and complete, not lacking anything!
This week, I am thankful for. . .
1. the "drama" at work that is definitely developing perseverance, and hopefully maturity and better relationships.
2. the support from the school administration. (hopefully).
3. the help that I have gotten from paraprofessionals.
4. the privilege of getting to teach special children and the experience of working with their parents and teachers.
5. the joy of being a team with my husband, the love that he and our children give me.

What are you thankful for this week?

P.S. ! Iris's theme for THIS week is really LIFE. I am so thankful for the gift of life. There are so many all around us who have so much more serious health problems than we do, or have lost loved ones.

COMMUNICATION. . .a part of everyday life!

I have so much to share on this post that I don't know where to start. I need to be grading, (A LOT of grading) putting grades in the computer and finishing lesson plans, but I need to type out these thoughts in my head, too.
And. . .the dryer just buzzed. . .gotta go keep the laundry going, too.
And, type up a class newsletter,
go to evening church,
put new students into special ed. computer system, work on IEPs, . . .
and get to bed at a decent time, . . .
but I want to type out these thoughts in my head, and hopefully someone else will benefit from me sharing with you some things that I was reminded of last week.

First, I don't have a classroom aide, but I have 2 aides who come in my classroom with the one student that they are hired for, and 2 aides that I share with overloaded 1st and 2nd grade teachers. I am really working on my communication with them. I had an incident that had me in tears first thing Wed. morning, and then in the office with the principal and 3 of the aides. I think the one situation is better now, but. . . another one to work out.

Then, on Thursday, I went to a Special Ed. Teacher's Training, by the state department. One of the best parts, was a session that they just added on, by a parent of a grown special ed. student. This parent is on staff at the Oklahoma Parents Center that trains parents to advocate for their children and work together with the schools.
I really appreciated her reminders of family stresses, parents' needs, educators needs and Communication Buildrers.

Finally on Friday, that seemed a little more like a Monday, with a few incidents that happened with students and parents, I needed those reminders!

Family Stresses. . .
Lack of time to do what needs to be done
Keeping track of appointments
Managing the child's behavior and emotions
Financial burdens
Fear of the unknown
Loneliness

Communication Builders
Be a good listener.
Wait your turn to speak.
Try to understand each other's point of view.
Focus on a person's strengths rather than weakness.
Check for clarity and understanding to make sure you do not misinterpret anything being said.
Be aware of your body language.
Be open minded.
Give your full attention to others.
Speak up when you have an opinion or a question.
Focus on the present.
. . .
. . .(I missed 2 of the points. Hopefully, I will get them later, but wanted to go ahead and post.)
Pick your battles.
Always remember to thank people.

What are you learning? Leave me some "comment love". : )

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. . .BOOKS ARE FUN

It's Week 6 of my friend Keelie's 12 Weeks of Christmas blog party with lots of great posts and great give-aways every week. Past week's have included great craft ideas and recipes. This week's topic is SHOPPING. . .not my favorite part of the season, but some other participants have written really fun posts about the joys of shopping! I do like to do some shopping in stores with my husband, but I also am always able to find some of the best gifts by just going in the workroom at the school that I teach at. (always. . .every year. . .there is always a BOOKS ARE FUN display, no matter where I'm working. ) It's not just books. There are all kinds of really good gifts.

Books Are Fun, Ltd. is the world's leading display marketer of books and gifts. Books Are Fun is renowned for offering the world's best hardcover books, gifts, and educational products at savings of up to 80% off retail prices. Our book fairs and book displays have become known as "North America's Most Popular Employee Event," supplying innovative, premium quality products to corporations, schools, hospitals, and early learning centers throughout the United States.Books Are Fun has established a longstanding reputation for wholesome, uplifting, family oriented publications. Our formula is simple. We buy huge volumes of the world's best books and gifts directly from top publishers and manufacturers, and sell those products at deep discounts directly to end users through innovative display marketing events. We take it one step further by donating a percentage of the proceeds in books or cash to the sponsoring school or to a designated charity.

If a BOOKS ARE FUN salesman does not come to your place of employment, you can go to http://www.booksarefun.com/

If you didn't come here from Keelie's Red Writing blog, you must go there, now!

http://www.redswriting.blogspot.com/2009/11/twoc-shopping.html

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH ANGRY CHILDREN?

I have several students who have anger issues, but especially 2 brothers. How can 7 and 9 year olds be so angry already? I know they do have reasons to be angry, but they can not take it out on other students or school staff. What are some ways that you deal with angry students? How can I help turn these boys and others around? How can I make a difference in their lives?

NaBloPoMo: Set an Example. . .Write Every Day!

http://www.nablopomo.com/

I'm joining other blogging buddies in the challenge of posting every day in November. I thought it would be easier to do it on my other blog, because I already have daily topics for that one. I decided to try to do both, so actually, I'll be posting twice every day!

This one may be a little shorter, but I'll try to write something every day. I am just going to begin Daily Journals with my special ed. students today. Most of them have journals in the general ed. classes, and don't write in them. So, I'm going to try to help them write something every day.

I am going to journal in class, too, to set an example.

So, I will add to this post tonight.

Have a Marvelous Monday!

Sandy

Planning for this week. . .Tryng to Make A Difference!

This story is one from the 3rd grade reader that I am going to try to read to all of my students this week. Most of my students do not have a "traditional" family, but I hope that they will still get the point, that I try to tell them all the time, that they are all special and loved, and that if they have difficulty with something, to keep trying.

Planning for this WILD WEEK!

the week before. . .Halloween!

I don't get into Halloween a lot. I have worn a witches' costume before.

I painted "I'm Bats sbout BOO. . .KS" on an orange sweatshirt with a bat and ghost painted on many years ago, and wore it many years.

I have accumulated several cute Halloween ceramic and wooden decorations that I took to my classroom last week. I almost put them back in the box, thinking we don't need any more distractions, but the students and aides all got very excited, so they are very beautifully displayed in my classroom.

The students are hoping that I'll put some of the items in my treasure box, but Mr. Hammock says No.

So, tonight, at Wal-Mart, I picked up a few really cute, dollar items and a roll of tickets. I'm going to start giving out tickets, and let the aides give out tickets, too, for a drawing on Friday. And, I'll continue the concept with other weekly or monthly drawings.

I also bought a new Witches' hat with feathers on it.

Tomorrow, at the beginning of our reading time, after going over each group's vocabulary and spelling words, and setting the stage for the books, I am going to read aloud:

Wild About Books,

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type (which is the story in the gen. ed. 2nd grade reader for this week, and I have the actual book)

and

KIDS

I have one IEP meeting tomorrow, 3 on Tuesday, and several more that I need to get ready for and schedule.

All of the students, except ones who did not make 80 for their conduct grade on their report card, are going to the Pumpkin Patch on Friday, so I will be staying at the school, with those who do not get to go.

I will just have to remember the days that I went as a Mom and as a Girl Scout Leader!

Happy Halloween Week

to all of you!

I hope it's not too wild!

Sandy

Week 3 of TWOC, Keepsakes for Students to Make

Along with Reading, Writing and Math, we are still decorating pumpkins and talking about Fall in our class. We're not doing Christmas projects yet, but I am posting this now, to get in on my friend Keelie's 12 Weeks of Christmas, Week 3, Accent Craft.

She may have had a more elegant accent craft in mind, when she chose that for the theme for this week, but I think she has several participants who are into the simple, child made crafts.

So here is my contribution for this week.

Be sure to go check out Keelie's Blog party and when you can find the time, go back to read all of the posts for Week 2-Memories and Traditions and Week 1-Lists

I have a child's handprint craft book somewhere, but don't know where it is right now.

The Angel and Reindeer that I did with my children used their feet for the body.
I haven't found directions for my favorite one that I did with them when they were little.
I used felt. It was the shape of an ornate ornament and then their handprint was cut out of a different color of felt and glued on to be the design on the ornament.
I will post a picture of them when we get out of storage.
Just have to go ahead and post this to get in on Week 3 of Keelie's 12 Weeks of Christmas
@ http://redswriting.blogspot.com/2009/10/twoc-accent-craft-1.html

3 Easy Christmas Ornaments to Make:

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

These are simple ornaments to make, and they turn out really cute! You'll need to help your little one hot glue the pieces on, but they can be glued on with regular craft glue if you'd like.

To Make Your Own Ornament:

Items you'll need:

Brown felt or foam1 pipe cleaner, cut into two equal pieces

Wiggly eye

Ribbon

Bell

Small red pom pom

Small white pom pom

"Deer" tag (see below)

Pencil or marker

Scissors'

Craft glue or hot glue gun

Hole punch

Directions:

1. Trace your child's hand on the brown felt or foam. If you use brown felt, try to find the stiffer kind (sold at craft stores). If you cannot see the pencil tracing, use marker or a light colored crayon. Cut the hand out.

2. Turn the hand upside down so that the thumb now becomes the reindeer head, and the other four fingers are now the legs. Punch a hole near the top of the "back" of the reindeer (where the wrist would be on the child).

3. Slide the piece of ribbon through the hole, and attach a gift tag to the ribbon before tying it on. On my gift tags I write: Happy Holidays from your "Deer", and have them sign it underneath. Make sure to include the year on the tag.

4. Using the photo as a guide, glue the red pom to create a nose, and the white pom pom to make the tail. Glue on the eye. Bend one half of the pipe cleaner to create the antlers and glue them on. Slide the bell over the other pipe cleaner, and bend it around the "neck" to make a collar. Glue the pipe cleaner across the back.You're done! Enjoy this cute reindeer.

Handprint Angel
Directions:1. Paint your child's hand with the paint, and have them put one blue handprint in the center of the paper. Wash his or her hands and have them add a yellow handprint on each side of the blue handprint to form the wings (see photo).2. Paint a flesh colored circle above the center handprint. After this circle is dry, paint or use a black marker to draw a face.3. Using the thin gold ribbon (wire ribbon works best) create a halo for the angel and glue it over her head.4. Write or glue this saying on the back:

HANDPRINTS
I know you wipe some away,

But these handprints

Were made to stay.

So keep them forever,
A treasure they'll be.

A special "I Love You,"

For you from me.

Snowflake Handprint

Items You'll Need to Make Your Own Ornament:

Craft Foam

Scissors

Ribbon

Pencil or marker

Snowflake shapes

Child's photo

Directions to Make Christmas Ornaments:

1. Trace your child's hand onto the craft foam and cut

2. Glue the snowflake shapes onto the fingertips. You should be able to find foam snowflake shapes at your local craft stores, but if not, you can always cut shapes out of a heavy card stock paper.

3. Glue your child's photo onto the center of the hand.

4. Glue the hanging ribbon to the back of the middle finger.

5. Attach this saying to the bottom of the hand on a piece of craft foam or paper:

My hand is like a snowflake
Unique in every way
Please keep it close to your heart
I'll be grown someday

OUR FUNERAL FOR "MR. I CAN'T"

Today was THE day for OUR FUNERAL for "Mr. I Can't"

I got the idea from one of the 4th grade teachers, when my youngest son was in 4th grade 6 years ago. She got it from a story in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. I have been doing it with my students every year that I have taught since then. I'm always not sure if my special ed. students are going to get it, and I thought I might not do it this year, since I'm at a Primary school. I decided that with a lot of explanation from me they could get it, and my 2nd and 3rd graders DID get it. . .I think. . .I hope!

I mentioned it to them last week.

Then, 2 days ago, I wrote on the board and told them:

Announcement:

"Mr. I Can't" died this morning. We will bury "him" on Thursday. We can not say "I can't" anymore.

I explained to them that we weren't burying a real person. It was the "thought" of "I can't" that we were burying.

I sent a newsletter home yesterday, telling the parents about it, and asking if their children had black or dark clothes, to have them wear them to school today.

This morning, I gave each student a strip of paper and a pencil. I asked them to write their name and the words I can't on the paper. If they wanted to write something specific that they had said I can't about, they could.

I put all of the pieces of paper in a small, plastic, instant tea canister.

This year, I found a tombstone at a garage sale, that a lady had painted R.I.P. on. It would have only been 50 cents, but when she found out it was for school, she gave it to me.

I added:

(Rest in Peace)

Mr. I Can't

Buried Oct. 1, 2009

We buried the canister right outside my window, and put the tomb stone in the ground.

I told the students that we can say "I can't. . .yet" or "I will try." or "I will learn", etc., but no more, "I can't!"

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Thankful Thursday! Yay! with Sonya at http://truth4thejourney.blogspot.com/ and
Lynn at http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com

Today, as a teacher, I am thankful for

1. the school where I teach.

2. my principal.

3. my Assistant Principal.

4. the paraprofessionals that work at the school.

5. that my students and I are burying "Mr. I Can't" today!

I hope that you will join us in Thankful Thursday today!

Have a Blessed Day!

Sandy

"I Get To" Tuesdays and a Plea for Time Management Tips

"I Get To" Tuesdays
The thought behind this is to list a few things that could come under the category of "Ugh...I have to (you fill in the blank)". However, Leslie at Writing for the Lord (click on the title to go to her blog) wants us to look at these "have to's" as blessings of "I get to". We all take for granted such things as our health, jobs, family, friends, etc. and sometimes don't appreciate them or see them as blessings as we should. So here are a few things for me this week.

I get to meet with parents and grandparents who do care enough about their children to come meet with me, a teacher.

I get to take time to eat lunch with a student, when his paraprofessional is not there. I often don't stop to eat lunch. I really do feel better, when I do take time to eat a little something, and especially feel better after taking the time sit with this very thoughtful student.

I get to walk a fairly long distance from one end of the school to the other end and back, an average of 4 times a day. At least I am walking some and getting some exercise. I'm thankful that I can walk.

I get to spend some one on one time with my students testing them. I don't like being out of the classroom teaching for any reason, but I do like being with my students one on one. I don't really like testing, but I do want to learn more about where each of my students are in their learning.

What are your "I get to" blessings this week and also. . .

would you please take time to share with me some of your time management tips--teaching, homeschooling and homemaking.

I would really appreciate your comments.

Thank you!

Sandy

THANK YOU JEN FOR THE AWARD!!!

Jen at Following the Footsteps, http://shaemata.blogspot.com has given me this award! I only have 4 followers to this blog, and only 15 on my other one at http://sandys-scriptureandprayer.blogspot.com
I am so grateful for this award.


Here's what I have to do!
USE ONLY ONE WORD!
It’s not as easy as you might think. Thought I could do it without the hyphens, but I couldn't.
Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on.
It’s quite tricky to use only one-word answers!
Once you have filled it out ~~~ be sure to pass it on to 6 of your favorite bloggers and alert them that they have been awarded!
Have fun!
1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Straight
3. Your mother? Servant
4. Your father? Sensitive
5. Your favorite food? Strawberries
6. Your dream last night? School
7. Your favorite drink? Strawberry-Lime-Dr. Pepper
8. Your dream/goal? Legacy
9. What room are you in? Kalyn's
10. Your hobby? Blogging
11. Your fear? loss
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? following. . .
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren’t? Skinny
15. Muffins? banana
16. Wish list item? house
17. Where did you grow up? TexasandOklahoma
18. Last thing you did? Pregnancy-Center-Open-House
19. What are you wearing? skirt
20. Your TV? on
21. Your pets? none
22. Friends? Christian
23. Your life? Blessed
24. Your mood? Happy
25. Missing someone? Kalyn
26. Vehicle? New
27. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
28. Your favorite store? Cato's
29. Your favorite color? Green
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday
32. Your best friend? Jeff
33. One place that I go to over and over? School
34. One person who emails me regularly? Alyssa
35. Favorite place to eat? Texas-Roadhouse

Thank you, Jen!! Your blog is definitely Over the Top too!!

Now I am going to pass this award on to:

Keelie at Red Writing
Sasha at Lemonade Makin' Mama
Diana at To Everything a Season
Norma at Norma Jean's Journaling
Collette at Jesus Loves Mums
Pam at You're Gonna Miss This

HOW MANY SUNFLOWER WREATHS CAN A CLASSROOM HAVE?

I promise this wreath will look a lot better on my classroom door, or my bulletin board or somewhere in my classroom, than it does on Kalyn's closet door. I just had to go ahead and post it tonight, to get it in for Keelie's Fall Wreath Party at

http://redswriting.blogspot.com/

You still have maybe 44 minutes to hurry and join in on the fun, too!

I was so happy that I had just enough of both of the Sunflower ribbons left to make this.

On this wire hanger wreath, after shaping the hanger, I first wrapped it with the off white ribbon that I got at a Garage Sale for 10 cents. Then, I hot glued the off white Sunflower ribbon all around it. Next, I weaved a Sunflower garland that I already had all around it. Then, I made a bow with the transparent gold Sunflower ribbon. Last I made a hook with some of the off white ribbon.

HAPPY FALL/AUTUMN!

P.S. I think I just decided that I'm going to switch this with the one that I had hanging in my Sunflower bathroom that has Fall leaves and a pine cone, along with Sunflower ribbon, and take it for my classroom, so that the students can see the Fall leaves.

No More "Morning Meeting". . .Gotta Teach 'em to Read!

Well, the Morning Meeting was fun while it lasted. It was good in a lot of ways, but it was time to discontinue it, and begin immediately starting in seperate Reading Groups.
The school that I am now teaching at is a Reading First school. We use Harcourt Grade Level Strategic Intervention Series.

Have any of you used this with your special ed. students?

JOY in the CLASSROOM

Just some quotes that will hopefully make you smile:

To be able to be caught up into the world of thought--that is being educated.
Edith Hamilton

The teachers who get "burned out" are not the ones who are constantly learning, which can be exhilarating, but those who feel they must stay in control and ahead of the students at all times.
Frank Smith

We teach what we like to learn and the reason many people go into teaching is vicariously to reexperience the primary joy experienced the first time they learned something they loved.
Stephen Brookfield

TEACHING: the earth doesn't move every time, but when it does, what a RUSH!
Cameron Beatty

Students learn what they care about . . .," Stanford Ericksen has said, but Goethe knew something else: "In all things we learn only from those we love." Add to that Emerson's declaration: "the secret of education lies in respecting the pupil." and we have a formula something like this: "Students learn what they care about, from people they care about and who, they know, care about them . . ."
Barbara Harrell Carson, 1996, Thiry Years of Stories

This post is to celebrate Teri Lynne's 100th post at http://pleasingtoyou.blogspot.com

TEACHER SWAP

Yesterday was the day for the 4th installment of Jen's Back to School Teacher Swap at Following the Footsteps. Her blog is listed over on my list of other Teacher Blogs.The Teacher Swap is still open for the weekend, so please go over to get more ideas and to link up with your great ideas.

These are two of my favorite read aloud books.

A Froggy Fable was great to read on the first day of school, because it's about adapting to change. I also have the Kid's version of Who Moved My Cheese, and like it a lot, too.

The author's website for A Froggy Fable is http://www.johnlechner.com/

The author's website for Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen is

http://www.wedolisten.com/

This site has free color, printable posters to go with this and other books, by Howard Binkow.

Something that I am able to do this year, that I haven't done before is have a

"Morning Meeting" with my class. I have all of my 2nd and 3rd graders and one of my 1st graders together to begin the day. We go over the calendar, listen to a book, share, and get instructions, before going to the tables to work. We meet back there on the rugs after lunch to go over the calendar again and get instructions for math, and then I also meet my kindergarteners there. I have had students tell me that they are enjoying this, and I am, too.

BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYERS

Today, has definitely been a Mama Moments Monday, and I was so glad to see the title on the LPM blog, "Back to School Prayers". http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/
Josh began his second year as a teacher in the classroom today. He is at the same disrict, but in a different position, so in a way, it will be a first year again. I am praying for him. I trust that he is going to have a great year.
Kalyn left for college last Thursday. We went to take her a few things this weekend, and to be with my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew, after they moved my niece into the same college with Kalyn. We only got to see Kalyn for a few minutes on Saturday, and a few minutes on Sunday. She was stressed with a busy schedule. I am praying for her. I also trust that she is going to have a great year.
Jase has completed 8 days as a sophomore in high school. It is so different from this time last year. Instead of being in turmoil over the move, he is a Christian leader at his school.
Our nephew Caden, had his first day in middle school, in a new town, today. I am praying for him.
Our nephew Zachary,will have his first day of high school on Wednesday.
Melanie will have her first day of college classes on Wednesday.
Our nephew, Camden is in 1st grade.
I am so thankful for my new job, my students, and all of the staff that I work with. I am in contact with so very many students and families with special needs that I am praying for.
I may add more to this post later.
PLEASE, comment to let me pray for you and your children.

TEACHER SWAP @ FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS & TEACHER GIVE-AWAY @ CLASSROOM CONFESSIONS

Yesterday was the day for the 3rd installment of Jen's Back to School Teacher Swap at Following the Footsteps. Her blog is listed over on my list of other Teacher Blogs.
The Teacher Swap is still open for the weekend, so please go over to get more ideas and to link up with your great ideas. This week, she is asking for pictures of your classroom, or even a classroom you have had in the past.

Also, Camille at http://classroomconfessions.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/back-to-school-musings-and-a-teacher-themed-giveaway/ has a great giveaway.

TEACHER SWAP

Yesterday was the day for the 2nd installment of Jen's Back to School Teacher Swap at Following the Footsteps. Her blog is listed over on my list of other Teacher Blogs.

The Teacher Swap is still open for the weekend, so please go over to get more ideas and to link up with your great ideas.

From the others who have already posted, I guess that yesterday was also Jen's birthday. I hope it was very happy, that you have a great weekend, and a great year, Jen.

Someone else posted a great idea for sending forms home that the parents can use when they need to write a note.

I'm going to share something that a lot of teachers do in some form, but if you haven't seen it, you need to.

The link is http://www.teachingheart.net/moosebooks.html

When I taught at a school with Bulldogs as the mascot, I made Bulldog Binders.

I was debating whether I was going to use this with my students this year, and have decided that I am. My students are going to have their

Leopard Folders or Binders.

I have not decided yet, if I am going to use folders or binders. I have to decide today for my students to get them on Monday. Binders last longer, of course, but can be a little bulky for some of the students I am going to have. The students do love having them. The parents don't always continue to look at them every night like we ask, but I do still want to use them.

Ours will include

our class handbook with the student's schedule, our class rules, rewards, consequences, a note about homework/reading, and my contact information;

a reading log;

a parent/teacher communication section with blank paper;

a pocket for papers to take home and to return papers;

maybe a zipper pocket for supplies

I know other teachers who have already begun school came home tired like me last night. I hope that you will find the time and energy to join us and share some ideas!

IN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTIONS/COMMENTS AND ANTICIPATION OF TOMORROW. . .

Thank you Patty, Rebecca Jo and Jen for your comments and encouragement.

The students begin tomorrow. I won't have a full schedule, to let them get settled in their regular classes, but I will see all of my students tomorrow.

I was planning to write more, but now I don't know what I want to say.

This is the verse that I shared on my other blog this morning, so I will share it here, too.

Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

Verses for Tomorrow:
Proverbs 13:3 and 10
He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Colossians 3:12, 15 and 23
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

First. . .and second "official"days of work. . .

I wanted to post last night, but was too tired. I am too tired today, too, but took in a lot that I want to share with you.

First, "the bulletin board" was finished last week, and I will get a picture posted tonight or sometime, soon. Not that it's anything that you really want to see, but I like seeing other teacher's bulletin boards.

Now, to yesterday, my first "official" day. It was a great day, even with the surprise of finding out in the AFTERnoon that Meet the Teacher night was last night. It was okay, because I did have my room ready enough to greet parents and students, and only 2 of my 30 students stopped in. I was very glad to meet those two boys and their parents. One very adorable boy with Down Syndrome didn't want to leave my room.

The workshops that our school is offering this week are:
Crisis Response Team,
the computer program that we are using for Lesson Plans, Grade Book and other record keeping,
School Health Issues
Students in Poverty,
Autism Early Signs,
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting,
Crystal Darkness (drug abuse awareness),
"Mrs. Martha Washington" historical presentation,
Understanding Tax Free Annuities


My Prayer today:

"O Lord, how majestic is Your name,
when I, in awesome wonder, consider all of heaven and earth, all of your wonderful creation, I just want to praise You!

Dear Lord, I repent of my sins and thank You for Your forgiveness.

I acknowledge that You are with me today, and will be with me in everything I do.

I pray for all of my new co-workers. I know that some of them have very personal things that they are going through. I just lift them up to You.

I pray for my students and their families, that You will relieve any apprehensions they have about school.

Dear Lord, I pray for myself that You will continue to help me in every thing that I do.
Please equip me to do this job You have called me to do.

In Your Name I Pray

LETTER FROM MR. DOBBS, SUPERINTENDENT AND MY PRAYER FOR A POSITIVE YEAR!

Quotes from the beginning of the school year letter from my Superintendent:
"The best way for us to accomplish this (have an even better year than last of shaping young minds) is to work as a team and support one another. One thing I am asking my principals to do is support everyone being positive and to discourage people from talking negative about other people. I do not want or expect our staff to say negative things about other staff, if you cannot be positive, silence is golden.
Remember the Old Chinese Proverb:
'A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.'
We need to be sure our mark is a plus, not a negative."

Dear Heavenly Father,
My soul praises You.
I repent of my negative thoughts, that come out in my facial expresions and words.
I acknowledge that You are here to help me.
Dear Lord, I am so blessed. There are ones that I know and so many more that You know, that are in hospitals today going through very difficult times. I lift up Carla and Rick Clement and Keith and Judy Beasley to you.
Dear Lord, my heart is praying to you to help me fill it with praise and positive attitude that will come out in my words, smile and attitude.
Dear Lord, help me to always be kind, not rude.
Dear Lord, please equip me to teach the young minds that will be entrusted to me this year. Help me to guide them. Help me to love on them, and to reinforce appropriate behavior.
Thank you God for how you are blessing me!

BULLETIN BOARD, step #2, and the whole room

step #2-Put the background material and border on.

The material that I bought at the Antique Store, just hoping it would maybe fit. . .
did fit the bulletin board perfectly! It is gray, not usually the color I would pick, but I think it is going to work great for the background to look like the sky, and to be a calming background.

I am really having fun getting the room ready. . .trying to make it a pleasant learning environment for the students and for others to step into.

I bought a soft brown chair cushion, tied it onto a yellow chair, for my chair at the circle time area. (think Sunflower)

I think it's really neat that I just happened to decide on the Sunflower theme, and it seems that someone has chosen that for the whole building decorating theme also!

THE BULLETIN BOARD-Step #1

Ironing the material. . .
I am not much of an ironer. I just finished ironing the material that I bought for the background of my bulletin board, then I had to fold it back up! I don't even know if this going to work. I am working on creating a special bulletin board.

ABOUT ME-EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

I graduated from East Central University in Ada, OK with my Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education in 1985. That Spring semester, I did my student teaching-1/2 in 1st grade and 1/2 in special ed.

I began teaching special ed. in 1985. I stayed home with each of my own children at different times since then. This will be my 15th year to teach. I taught 11 years at 3 different schools in Oklahoma and 3 years at 2 different schools in Texas. This year, I am back in Oklahoma, at a different, great, really small town school, 15 minutes away from my home.
The years that I didn't teach, I taught my own child (preschool) and/or substituted.
Last year, I substituted at every school in Durant, OK the first half of the year, and worked the second half as a one-on-one aide for a very smart, special 7th grade male student. I enjoyed it very much and would have wanted to continue doing that this year, except that God gave me this new job.
I am now excited and getting ready for the new school year.

I received my Masters in Special Education in 1994.

Sunflower Glyph

Something that isn't in my Sunflower unit book that I'm going to do.
This is will be a great project to get to know each student and to have a great art project on the wall that is also a Language Arts project, and each one will be different.

Materials:
orange, brown, green, yellow construction paper
circle template (head)
petal template
stem template
leaf template
sunflower seeds
glue
scissors

Head:
Do you have pets?
Yes-Cut a brown circle.
No-Cut an orange circle.
Place it at the top of the stem.

Seeds:
What # month were you born in?
Place that many seeds on the head.

Petals:
How old are you?
Cut and place that many yellow petals around the head.

Leaves:
How many brothers and sisters do you have?


Glue the Sunflower parts in place.

THEME FOR THE YEAR-SUNFLOWERS

SIMPLY SUNFLOWERS,K-2, Lasting lessons Mini-Fun Themes
Reinforces Reading First Components

I bought this little book a year or two ago, and haven't used it, yet, but it seems perfect for this year.
I will be teaching special needs children, 4 years old through 3rd grade, in a nice school, in a small town in Oklahoma.
Now, I have just about gone crazy buying everything Sunflower that I can find to add to the decor of my room.
The Teacher store that was suppose to be open til 3 today was closed when I stopped by at 2. So, I drove on down the road, and stopped at an Antique store that had some really great things to decorate with.

This theme isn't just to decorate my room.

I am going to emphasize the fact that The head of the Sunflower turns to face toward the sun throughout the day. . .students should turn to face toward the person speaking throughout the day! Also, I want to try to help my students' self concepts and positive attitudes, by telling them to stand proud like the Sunflowers.