Take a Peek into 2nd!

Hey Y'all...

So sorry for not blogging in a bit. It's been a few crazy months with school starting and getting into a new house. Teacher Friends, DO NOT. I repeat DO NOT move when school is starting. I hate not starting with everything perfect and in place... but alas, I do need to have a life.

I've joined up with some fabulous people to help y'all take a peek into what 2nd grade teachers are doing in their classrooms. Katie from Pop Into Primary is the master mind behind this and I'm just so tickled to be apart of it. Each week, there will be a new 2nd grade teacher who will share their favorite product from their store and tell us how they use it in class.

First up, is Stephanie Chambers from The Learning Chambers.  Here is a little bit about her... Head on over to her blog to read all about her Reading Response Flap Journals. I CAN NOT WAIT until I use these in my class. These are such a fun and creative  way to get the kiddos excited about responding to their reading.

Turning your Beliefs into Actions

'Action. Action. We want Action. Act-ion.' We used to chant this cheer on the sidelines back in the day.  But I have to sit and think for a second. That was back in the day... hmm. Actually, a lot of days ago. We cheered for action in the game, why am I not cheering for action in my life today? Insert  My sweet friend Whitney from  WithLoveFromTexas.  She came up with this brilliant idea.

Let's turn our beliefs into Actions. It's what I cheered for back in the day, why not make it a present day thing? She suggested that we write down our educational beliefs. Those are the things you are most passionate about. They are the things that get you going-It's the things that make you cry when it happens, puts a smile on your face,  tense up when you see it go horribly wrong, or make your heat glow when you know its going good. So the following our my educational beliefs....

When I collaborate with my team, we try to make our lessons fun and engaging.  We are constantly updating and revamping our lessons to not only be current with the educational trends but also what is current in our classroom. I believe that students learn more and will remember your lesson when you not only connect it with something that are passionate about but also connect it to THEIR world. That's why I'm big and my team is big on Voice and Choice. It allows students to have a voice in their research and a choice on how to present it. Kids will pretend they like it when you do things for them- like printing out their work and highlighting it for them, but if you teach them how to research they are going to get so much more out of it.

This also ties in when my definition of "Fail". From day one I teach my students that Fail is an acronym.... In my classroom it means First Attempt in Learning. We may not get the concept, the lesson, or activity right the first time. That's OKAY! It's natural. But, what makes us successful students and life-long learners is that we learn from the mistakes and try again. I found this great short video called Austin's Butterfly . I showed it to the whole class. We talked about how sometimes our best work is not our first work. I show this to my class at the beginning of each year and will also show it as a refresher after a certain "break"... They seem to really have that 'a-ha!" moment.

Students are able to do this if you, the teacher, truly believe in them. By creating a safe and welcoming environment I have laid the foundation for trust and collaboration. I tell my students that I believe in them and love them every day. Now, don't get me wrong- there are days that some "tough love" comes into play, but they appreciate it. They just want to know you have limitations and boundaries but also that you believe in them and see so much more than what they can achieve.

I think this goes hand in hand with positive reinforcement in the classroom. I do not know about you, but when I was a kid and had a teacher yell at me ( because that never happen. ;) ) I turned off and shut down. I don't want that for my kiddos. I'm also not going to manipulate them either. I won't say, "Well, I just LOVE how Susie is working hard"... and then look at the trouble maker. I won't say "Wow, you colored great."... when they did not. We appreciate the truth and the kiddos do too. I give them honest feedback. " I know you got off to a rocky start, but wow! Look at what you are doing know. Doesn't it feel good? Super proud of you man".

Finally, before this turns into a novel... I believe in using what you got. I'm a bit of a funny person at heart, I like to make up raps and jingles now and again. ... And I use that in the classroom. The kids first think I'm crazy, and for the most part, they are right... But then, I catch them singing it in the hallway or on the playground. The best moment EVER was when a third grade teacher said she was teaching some of my former kids and they all go, "Miss H used to sing and rap for us. Here is one of her songs!" Lawdy, I almost fainted from my heart glowing.

My goal this year is to really turn those beliefs into actions #IamaBeliever.  I hope you join me in this challenge of turning your beliefs into actions. Even if you don't blog about it, simply write your beliefs down. Keep in a place you look often. Let it help remind you and help get you through "those" times.

Till Next Time
Keep it Colorful!!


Continue on to this lovely teacher's beliefs. Teaching Redefined

Back to School : New Additions

Hey Y'all.. It's been a hot minute since I've sat down to type... I do apologize. It's that crazy time of year- Back to School. While I have enjoyed EVERY minute of my summer, I am excited to go back into my classroom and get started on setting up for the school year.

I won't actually go in until the 1st week of August (I say that now.. ) but in the mean time, I have been sketching and reworking just what my room is going to look like. I was pretty happy with the layout last year, but I think I have a few things I would like to change.

I have added a few new things and I can't wait to see how they are going to work in my classroom.

 This 'bad boy' is going to make my stations so much easier. The kiddos were constantly swarming the technology. This is a splitter which allows 5 different headphones into one device.  This is going to be just fabulous for my "Listen to Reading" station and I can't wait to see how the students are going to use it for group projects. You can find it on Amazon here Belkin RockStar Splitter

 I can't remember who directed me to my next addition. But I bough 2 of these chairs. I am all about creating flexible learning spaces in my classroom. I want the students to be comfortable when they are learning. I found the chairs at Walmart. After doing some comparison shopping, it was the cheapest I could find. You can find it here Big Joe Roma Chairs

Finally, this purchase is for yours truly. I do not have a traditional desk in my classroom. I used a kidney shaped table and a 3 tiered shelf to hold my 'stuff'. While it worked, I felt a little cramped and not that organized. "My area" is in a corner so I thought a corner desk would be the perfect solution to allow my laptop and document camera to sit comfortably but also allow some work room. I found this guy at Ikea Corner Desk.

Its purchases like these that make my teacher heart-happy, happy, happy. I am really excited about this new year and looking forward to bringing you into my home away from home.

Tell next time- Keep it Colorful!!

Half Way there... Ohhh Ohh Livin' on a Prayer

Hey Y'all!

So 15 days days... 15 days to go!!! What on Earth am I talking about? No, it's not back to school stuff. I actually did something I thought I would NEVER EVER in a million years do. I am currently in the process of Whole 30. I have major commitment issues when it comes to diet and exercise.  I'm the type that starts and goes three days in and then I'm out. I'm a girl who likes to eat. I like to eat a lot. I think it's part of my German Heritage. And no, I did not get the Heidi Klum German genes. I was blessed with the  Streusel loving genes.

Anyways, for the past 15 days it has been no dairy, no carbs, no sugar, and no ... alcohol. Let's just say 4th of July was a bit of a challenge, but I made it. One of the main reasons why I chose to do this was because of my MAJOR tummy issues this past year. There were days I could hardly walk while teaching and I'm a teacher who is always on the go! I literally collapsed one day and had to play it off as if I tripped, which my kids were not surprised with, because they know I'm clumsy. So after multiple trips to the G&I doc and 2 scopes later, she said no more gluten. I still was having tummy trouble. I decided it was time to restart my gut.

I'm actually feeling like I've never felt before. I do not think there are words to describe it. I am so much more in tune with what I am putting in my body.  I'm conscience about portion sizes and balancing out my meals with proteins, veggies, and fruit. It is not as hard as I thought it was going to be... as they say in the book, "child labor is hard... this is not." Day # 3 I wanted to quit... But, something dawned on me... I really was feeling better...What if I give it a few more days... and that mentality just kept going. Soon, I lost track of the days and if it wasn't for the forum (or as I like to call the Cheerleaders) that I joined I would not remember what day I was on.   So, If I can get through 15 more days, I've done something I've never done before when it comes to a diet-FINISH. So till then, I'll be 'living' on a prayer'.

Periscope.. the next big thing?

Oh my goodness!! I am beyond giddy at the moment. I was surfing the Facebook (FB) feed and noticed something on Periscope. Have you heard about it? It is a FREE (my favorite word) App that allows you to live stream. A lot of people have been raving about it. The biggest idea is to help with branding and getting your store name out there.

Then I started brainstorming.. What if... I live streamed during a field trip? What if I live stream during an assembly, What if I live stream while I am teaching a concept ? The possibilities are endless.  I just downloaded it and plan to play around with it today. My biggest goal for this next school year is to have the parents in my class feel as if they are in the classroom. This tool could really help me achieve that. Of course you will need Social Media parent permission slips signed, but this app could have some really great potential in helping me to just that-connect more with the parentals. Here is a great tutorial on Periscope. Periscope Tutorial

I just joined myself and am quite excited about this adventure. You can find me @PolkaDotPencil  which is the same handle as my Twitter. Instagram is a little different it's @polkadottedpencil. Can't wait to collaborate!! 

What ideas do you have? 

Make Over Madness Week # 4: Follow Frenzy

Week #4 of the #TPTSeller Challenge is here.

Thank you to the fabulous ladies thirdinhollywood, teachcreatemotivate, sparklinginsecondgrade, and peppyzestyteacherista for putting this all together. I can only imagine the time it took. You ladies are all so inspiring. I am always looking forward to your posts.

First things first. I have to give a MAJOR shout out to my friend, mentor and coworker Monica at the megownssecondgradesafari.

It is because of her I started on this crazy journey. Two years ago, I was a forced transfer. Not only was it my first year but I was teaching in a completely different grade. Unlike the horror stories I heard about being a forced transfer, she and the team took me in under their wings. They helped me navigate the uncharted waters that your first year brings.  Her guidance was and still is priceless to me. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and her insight and mentoring allowed me to be me. She was there for me when I needed advice and helped me through some crazy experiences. More importantly,  she allowed me to share my ideas, even if they were outlandish and crazy. I was always on TPT searching for fabulous things when she was the one who said, "Why don't you create it yourself?". So, Monica... Thank you for believing in me and helping me through this journey.

These three fabulous ladies are so inspiring. Each time I get a ping that they have finished a post, shard on IG, or blogged I can not wait to see what is in store. Sliding into First, Sun, Sand, and Second Grade, and Shaking It Up With Mrs. Shannon

Back to School Shopping and Shark Week

I am so glad that "Back to School" shopping is during Shark Week. Right now, I feel each time I get online to check my email, a flyer for "Back to School" appears  Or  searching for something and  out of no where  those 'BtS' prices appear in an add. All of a sudden, the soundtrack of Jaws starts to  plays. It is as if it is warning me. "STAY AWAY, LILA!". "DONT GO NEAR THE MARKERS".  You don't need the penny deals... Back away slowly. It's COMING! Its COMING! ITs COMING!!!!

  Most people get excited about Back to School shopping. I used to . I love the smell of new pencils. Smells like success. Then I realized it only means one thing- Summer is almost over. Mrr. I also know that if I start going now and rejoicing in the back to school deals, then I'll want to go up to my room. Which means 4 hours later I will be doing stuff like organizing, taking down bulletin boards because I spent hours sketching my new one,  that does not include sitting out by the pool and finishing up my summer reading list. Last year,  even the janitor at my school told me I was at the school too much.   So I promised myself that the last week of July is when I will go shopping.  Does anyone else have this reaction or is it just me?

Here is also a reason why you should not go into the Back to School sales, I mean water.  Shark Attacks Funny