The Pink Sharpener is in!

Ummmm,
 Seriously, how cute is the new pink pencil sharpener from Classroom Friendly Supplies?  As if it's not great enough that it gets the BEST pencil point ever, but pink?!  I mean, WOW!  I need this guy!  Even if I did just get mine in the mail, I clearly need a pink one.  Don't you?  In case you're ready to buy, here's a link that will get you 5% off of yours.

But, if you'd like to win one, go to Mrs. Leeby's Blog and enter!  Good luck!

Recovering my old, ugly desk chair - a tutorial!

This week, I saw the best idea on instagram.  Lessons with coffee posted a pic of her desk chair that she recovered using only a screwdriver - and not to turn screws, but to shove fabric...  

So this is a tutorial on how I made my own!

I decided this little puppy

needed a makeover.  

In keeping with my nautical theme and absolute chevron obsession, I chose this pretty little blue and white chevron from Hobby Lobby (love that place).

Unfortunately for me, the bottom piece of my chair required stapling.  Thank goodness I have recovered my dining chairs a bunch of times and already have one.

Unfortunately, I could not find a flat head screwdriver, so I used a butter knife!  LOL, no, don't laugh!

To get started you'll need:  
fabric, about 1 and 1/2- 2 yards
a flathead screwdriver (or butter knife)
possibly a staple gun

1.  Cut your pieces of fabric slightly larger than the top and bottom pieces of your chair.  You can always trim excess as you go along.

2.  Lay the fabric on a table face down and put the seat on top of.  Work your way around the chair pulling tight and stapling.  I recommend fan-folding so you don't end up with a crease on the top (see pic)

3.  For the top piece, put the chair back on the ground.  Using your screwdriver, shove the fabric between the seat and the plastic part on the back.  I did the sides first, then the bottom and then the top.  The bottom was the trickiest.  One problem I had was that not much extra fabric would for between the seat back and the plastic back.  I just went ahead and cut off some of the extra fabric.

Here's the finished product!

This whole process took about 20-25 minutes.  If you try it and post and instagram pic, tag me:  I'd love to see your creations! @adventuresinwholebrainteaching

Another Whole Brain Rules Freebie

I am so excited to have a new partner for this coming school year.  She's pretty great.  She was my ling term sub when I was on maternity leave.  She also was a LTS as my partner at one point in time too.

I was telling her aaaaaalllll about how super-fantastic-amazing WBT is, and she wants to give it a try.  So, as a little help, I made these posters for her classroom.  She is doing a black and white theme with pops of color, so I landed on these cute polka dot backgrounds, threw in some clip art and chalkboards, and VOILA!  So, if you'd like to download them, you can do so on my TPT for free.  If you download them, I ask that you please leave feedback and follow my lil' ol' blog here!

Here's a sneaky-peeky at these posters;

Happy Teaching Friends!

My New Pencil Sharpener

OK, I finally broke down and ordered the amazing pencil sharpener from Classroom Friendly Supplies that EVERYONE and their mama adores.  I am a super-strict, psycho-nazi, dictator, have issues letting kids sharpen their own pencils.  The first step is admitting the problem, yeah?

In the past, I have not allowed kids to sharpen their own pencils (I use a trade-in system), have not allowed colored pencils, have not allowed kids to use anything other than Ticonderoga #2s, among various other rules.  

But, 

    but,

       but....

I am willing to give them another shot.  So, I have ordered this fabulous sharpener.  AND, I am sharing this link that will allow you to get 5% off your order.  Did you know they have free shipping?  I heart free shipping.  Now, go get yourself one!

I ordered the blue one, what's your favorite color?

Monday Made It

Classroom prep is in high gear!  Well, from the comfiest spot on my couch.  I can't actually get into my room right now as it is being used for some very special kiddos who are having a great week at camp... I can't get in for another 10 days, so for now, I am busy whittling away on the computer.  On to what I made!

This post is about my Classroom Jobs.  I know a lot of you have many classroom jobs, or even a job for every kiddo.  I used to do that.  I found the changing of jobs something I forgot to do, and some of the jobs were just titles - 'trash administrator' was one of my jobs.  LOL!!!  I also had kids who didn't like certain jobs and by Friday, they just weren't pulling their wait.  Bring in....  the one person job chart!  Yep, that's right.  Kind of like "one ring to rule them all"....  there is just one job in my class (and they get to pick a helper).  Last year, I had a patriotic theme for the big election, so I had a class president.  Each morning I would announce the president (we went in alphabetical order up and down the class list).  They would pick their VP and do EVERY SINGLE JOB that needed to be done.  Errand to run?  President.  Roll to take up?  President.  Library books to return?  President.  You get the idea.

Since my theme this year is nautical, I will have a captain and first mate.  This system worked out SO well for me last year.  If you're having a tough time with your jobs, try this!

And, here's the poster I made for my new 'jobs chart'!

The big empty space at the top if for their photo.  I take a pic of each kiddo on the first day, print them in B&W and clip them together.  I hang the stack from a pushpin and put one up each day.  I also laminate this poster and write in the boxes the kids' names.  Wipe off each day and start again the next! Anyone else have a creative jobs chart they use?  Feel free to post a link to your blog in the comments!

New 5 Rules Posters - Nautical Style!

The most basic part of Whole Brain Teaching are the 5 Rules.  You don't need any more than these perfect rules.  They cover EVERYTHING!  I really could even just go with #4 & #5, but at least this gives more details to the kiddos.

What are the rules?  They are:

I love that its not just "Follow Directions."  You know that one little special friend who follows directions, but in the slowest manner in the world?  We've got him covered!  When anyone in the class is breaking the rule, you don't call out the rule-breaker, giving them their sought after attention.  Nope.  Just announce to the class "rule #1" and they will parrot back "Follow directions quickly!"  Problem behavior is now in check without having to embarrass someone or give attention to the negative attention-seeker.

Now, there are times where I have the kids working in groups, and I let them know, don't worry about this rule.  But for the most part, I expect them to work quietly, listen quietly, etc.  If someone breaks the rule, again, just say "Rule #2" and the class quickly responds with the rule.  That goes for ALL of the rules.

I didn't use this one until part way through last year.  I had some 'wanderers'.  You know those lovebugs who need a new pencil ever 12 seconds, or a tissue every time you ask a question?  I have silent signals for every reason you want to get up!  I just keep speaking or doing what I'm doing, look them in the eye and nod or shake my head.

"Is that a smart choice?"  You know you say it all the time.  This covers hitting, biting, yelling, etc.  The catch all rule!

If teacher isn't happy, nobody is happy!  I tell the kids that I do a much better job keeping them happy when I'm happy!  For me, humming and whistling are in this category.

To grab a FREE copy of these posters for your classroom or home, visit this link!  This will take you to Teachers Pay Teachers, but don't worry, it's FREE!

By the way, this adorable ClipArt and Paper is from Clementine Digitals.  They have unbelievably adorable papers and clipart!  Visit their Etsy store here!

Summertime prep work

Ah, summertime.  The time when teachers have nothing to do except sip coffee or diet coke and catch up on their soaps.

LOL!

More like the time when teachers are busily and frantically gathering supplies to decorate, searching for new plans to coordinate with new standards, reading books about how to be a better teacher, slaving away in the classroom stapling, cutting, tying and taping!

This summer I have tried to keep to the former.  I am only now getting into the swing of things to prep for the year.

I took my first trip to Hobby Lobby and the Dollar Tree today.  I tried to limit myself to >$20 at each store.  I did quite well.  Here are some things I picked up that I am thinking will be useful...

1.  Baskets - I can never have enough baskets.  Here are 5 sturdy guys with handles.  I plan to use these for word work stations or other center-type materials.  I will add some ribbon to dress them up.  These were $1 each at Dollar Tree.

2.  Stackable plastic bins - for things like post-its, stickers, dye-cuts, letters, numbers, etc.  (I swear I would NEVER put my chocolate stash in here ;-)  Also $1 each at dollar tree.

3.  Mini-trash can guys....  I have no clue what to use these for yet, but I think they'll go with the balls below.  Again, $1 a piece at Dollar Tree.

4. Balls!  I bought 2 bags, with 10 balls each.  They're not bouncy type balls, just plastic.  I may write brain breaks on them, or student names.  Maybe I'll write different categories on them for word work and let the kids make a list of words for that category...  for example: long a words... $1 per bag

5.  Princess Crown!  I pinned something on pinterest this past year where a teacher wore a crown when she was busy with a group or student and could not be bothered.  I tried something similar with a chicken hat I had, but I'm sure you can imagine how funny a teacher is in a chicken hat.  The ids cracked up all the time, and visitors thought I was nuts. Clearly, I will look more sane in a crown!  Ignore my make-up-less face please!  $1 at Dollar Tree (score!)

6.  Cute notebook and coordinating folders...  You know, for taking notes!  $1 each!

7.  I saw a tutorial for making a fabric bunting banner.  I think I can do it.  Here are my supplies!  I'll post a pic when done if it comes out decent...  From Hobby Lobby

 That's all from my shopping excursion today!!  Will post pics later of my finished products.

Teaching Challenging Students Conference

I had the immense pleasure of attending my 1st Whole Brain Teaching Conference today.  It was awesome.  Although most of the topics covered are already well-underway in my classroom, I took great satisfaction in seeing a large group of fellow nerds who don't mind giving up a Saturday educators who are also interested in growing as a whole brain educator.

I will be posting about this wealth of knowledge over the next few days.

I attended the conference with another awesome teacher from my school.

Here we are with THE Chris Biffle himself.  

He was our presenter for the day.  Why learn from the rest when you can learn from the best?!

I feel very excited to walk in to school on Monday and whole-brain-teach-my-little-heart-out!

For many of you, you probably have a variety of behavior management systems in place - I know I do (see my Gold Tags post from before).  I want to review this idea in my own room, and suggest you take a look at your own as well.  Coach B. tells us this great anecdote: when you're teaching, its like fishing in a pond.  You're fishing for kids who are paying attention and engaged.  What motivators are you using for gaining their engagement?  He related like this -

There's a pond over here, and the motivator is 'making your parents proud'.  Guess what?  No fish!  How about this pond over here, the motivator is 'you'll make more money one day'....  aaaannnddd.... NO FISH!  But this pond over here, the one marked: "less homework" and the other one marked "more recess"..... now THOSE are ponds are well-stocked with the fish!  Be sure you're dangling the right carrot in front of them!

A little inspiration

Hey Whole-Brainers!

Or Should I say "Class-Class-Class?"

Did you know there is a FREE Whole Brain Teaching Conference this weekend in beautiful, sunny, So-Cal!  Huntington Beach to be exact!  I will be going (as long as I secure some child care)....
Super-exciting!

If you haven't already like Whole Brain Teaching on Facebook - go now!


And.....  how about a little video inspiration?  If this video doesn't make you wanna go out and WHole Brain Teach everyone, I don't know if you're in the right place.

Happy Whole-Brain Teaching Folks!

Language Arts Using a SmartBoard in my Classroom

I heart technology in the classroom.  It's kinda my 'thing'.  At my school, I'm definitely a go-to gal when your printer is broken (turn it on) or your computer is broken (again, did you turn it on?) etc.  But I am also very interested in using technology to reach the kiddos I have a students today.  A few years ago, my school jumped into the SmartBoard world and bought those for every class at our school.  I super-sparkly-pink heart my SmartBoard.  It was broken for a few weeks and I cried every day, had a mental breakdown, barely managed to get along without it!  I create a LOT of my own content for my SmartBoard using the Notebook software.  It seems like a lot of work, but each week, I pour through my TE and make a lesson for the week for Language Arts.  I include all of our sight words and spelling words for the week, as well as journal ideas, oral language activities, grammar, stories, poems, etc.  Each day, I just open that weeks file and continue where we left off the day before.  I did this all the 1st year I got my board, and now I have it all done.  FAB!  Here's a sample page that has the kids drag the sight word to fill in the blank:

You can download a copy of the notebook file for Harcourt Trophies Theme 4, Week 7 here!  I'm pretty sure you will only be able to open/use this if you have the Notebook Software installed on your computer.  You will also need a Smart Exchange (free) account.

I heart gold tags

Do you guys know about The Teeny Tiny Teacher Blog?  Love her.  Love, love, love her.  And I completely stole her idea this year!

If you don't know about gold tags, read this post here by Teeny Tiny Teacher.  It's great.  It will change your life.  OK, maybe not the whole entire thing, but at least a small part - behavior management.  Do away with the whole red green yellow system.  DO IT!  I'm telling you.  Amazing.  My kids are doing oh-so-well this year with gold tags.

Yes, I do Fun Friday.  Do you?  I teach at a FAB private school that really allows me to structure my classroom schedule how I want and really lives with the motto: "Work hard, play hard."  So, we have Fun Friday.  My little peanuts really 'go for the gold!' and love to get a gold tag.  And what does that earn them?  First dibs on Fun Friday choices.  That's it!  Really!!!

Be sure to check our Kirsten's post above!

Class Jobs - Class President

In the past, I have always LOVED doing classroom jobs.  I have tried it every way to Sunday and back again.  I have done a few jobs, with some having the week off: didn't really love that.  I have done a job board where everyone ALWAYS had a job...  love this, but two problems always arose: 1.  Coming up with 20 jobs that actually had a purpose and weren't just 'figure-heads' & remembering to change them in a timely fashion.

I know there are about as many ways to do class jobs as there are teachers out there.  But, this year I have tried something new.  I picked this idea up from someone on Pinterest.  If anyone can recall the source, I'd so happily credit/link them!  But I'm at a loss....

There are just a few jobs I really NEED, like, can't do without someone to help pass out papers, someone to hold the gate open for the kids by the pool, someone to be the line leader, someone to sit in the 'special chair' during SSR.  So instead of assigning these all as separate tasks, I just let 1 (or 2) kids do it all!  Yes, all of those jobs!  I change the student daily, that way everyone gets tons of turns!

Every day, we have a CLASS PRESIDENT.  The president picks a vice president, and those two kids do all of the little jobs that arise during the day...  running notes to other teachers, taking the roll up, etc.

I am sharing here my poster that I use for this.  I took a picture of each student holding a flag (very presidential, no?) and change the picture every day.  I go in number order so the kids know when it will be their turn.  If they are absent, I skip them for the day and let them have their turn when they get back.
I have laminated both pages and just pin a new pic up each day and write in the name of the prez & VP.  The kids LOVE this and there hasn't been a single complaint all year.  I am loving it!