Flipping File Folders

It's been a few but life has been busy. Finally was able to get a more complete and consistent schedule for my kiddos, including centers, read-aloud's and assessments. It's been very hectic, but things are going really well! My kiddos are great, and they really work hard for my approval. 

I've really been working hard to develop myself as an authority figure. I think something that has really helped is for the first two weeks of school I was mainly a very "sweet" teacher. I barely ever changed my voice from high-pitched and happy. However, now when I give my "stern" voice, it kind of surprises the kids. Helps the kids be able to stop, and judge their decisions upon my tone of voice. 

Now, as I've been playing on pinterest, I've seen lots of concepts on file folders for each subject. For those who don't know the concept, this will usually look like this:

Classified Mom

They may be used as a game, incentive system, tracing activities, etc. However, I wanted to make a file folder for my kids that was personalized for them, and were great representations of their hard work. 
So...I created my own version of...

Flippin' File Folders!!
For Language Arts, Math, and Behavior goals. 

What's on the front:  Student's trace-able name, blank handwriting lines, a blank behavior chart, and expectation images. 

Everyday, my students walk into class and grab their file folder and a (VERY IMPORTANT) overhead projecter fine-tip markers. 
           - this is important because these markers are NOT dry erase. They are   
             used for overhead glass..so its not easily wiped away without water. 
             They are also very fine and feels similar to a pencil. 

They sit down, facing our morning meeting, and trace their name, and write it independently. 

What's inside (left): Word of the day blank blank lines (one for teacher writing, one for student writing), pocket of sight words, blank line
What's inside (right): Alphabet chart, pocket for number flashcards, blue circle-empty red box- green circle, blank line, number line. 

During my morning meeting, we go over a word of the day, or an important vocab word. Inside, I would have already written the word with a FELT TIP MARKER (comes off with a finger wipe). They will trace my word, and copy the word under the lines. 

During language arts- when we go over sight words, the students will have their flashcards in a little pocket attached to the folder.  (If you want to get really snazzy, laminate different pockets depending on different lists, and velcro a spot for it in the folder. All the kids have to do is find their color and attach the pocket everyday, make it a little more personal). 

During math- we are soon going to be adding and subtracting numbers. The circles are for manipulative placement, and the box is for the + or - symbol. And of course, number writing is another goal that is worked on with the blank line. 

 What's on the back:  A stop sign, and a happy symbol. I'm not completely sold on this, i did it more as a cop out. I wanted a visual symbol of stopping a behavior without using my voice. I also love visual representations of facial expressions, however my kids do not really struggle with that. 

But...i wanted to use it as a sight word or number flash card pile collector for ones they got correct and incorrect. Still a work in progress, but we'll see

Special note on the folders:
The whole thing is laminated except for the pockets

I have a ring clip full of visual representations of break choices. When the teachers fills up their behavior chart (on the front) with dry-erased stars, they have a 3 min break represented by images on the ring clip. 

The file folder was a special project I've developed and I'm kind of excited about using it (consistently) beginning next week. 

Great Workbook Find!

While I was working at summer school this year (as an IA), I went to Walgreens to buy some personal school supplies. Just post-its, pens, and the like. As I was browsing down the aisle for some stickers, I found this great workbook full of colorful, clear, and bright exercises in math, and language arts. And it was HUGE! There was a such a range of exercises, i picked one up for the 1st grade class I was working with. We didn't end up using it and I've thought nothing of it...

This year though, I have found it is probably the best workbook I could have ever gotten. For 10 bucks! It's called: 

The SchoolZone Big Workbook Series 
http://www.schoolzone.com/

The first one I purchased was the Pre-K one (not pictured), but it is red. It especially makes me happy that each book is predominately a primary color. Makes it very easy to say "the blue book" or "the orange book". 
But as you can see, I budgeted out the $20 to to purchase the 2 further books. My kiddos' levels can all be summed up on the prek-1 grade level. I'm okay with spending $30 on 960 pages to fabulous material. 
And what COULD be really cool, is the books all come with an online code. I'm not quite sure what it access' us to, but if it's anything like the quality of the books...I'll be one happy customer! 

Here's an example of a page from the kindergarten book, and one that I'm very excited to use. Not only do these two pages help her with spelling the word "ring", it also helps improve her fine motor coordination, and handwriting! It's just fun, and perfect in the mornings/times when they haven't joined me yet. 

It really is awesome!

Teacher baggage!

Today was our back-to-school night. I must admit, I'm pretty proud of myself. I'm usually very nervous about communicating with the parents, but it actually went well. 2 of the 3 parents I met with tonight both said I was the "best", and other teachers heard them raving about me as they were walking away. Maybe I do have a knack for parent communication, I never actually had a problem with it before.

Here is a few of the things I was able to show the parents. 

This is a pic of the monster-glue-dot project we did. This was one of the first things we did together, and it was a great way for me to understand the level of cognitive functioning my kiddos had. This is actually hanging outside of my room now. 

This ones my "great work" wall. Now, there are a few more things on there, but you get it. But i just love the watermelon trimmings. I have a thing for that color combo...def a future teacher room theme for me :) 

I'm still learning how to do everything, like the new grading systems, math and reading programs, and more. But I'm learning, and working hard. 

Also began grad school classes again last week...if I can continue to devote my weekends to the homework, and my weekdays to work-work, then I think I'll keep having a good handle on the situation.

Finally, thanks to my wonderful mother, I recently got a new tote for lugging all my stuff to work. I keep bringing tons of binders, notebooks, and reading materials home (often, not reading it in the end), and ending up feeling kind of strained after a few trips. However, this new vera bradley bag is amazing! So many good side pockets, so I dont have to take my purse if I didn't want to. It's perfect. THANKS MOM!

One of these days, I'll remember to take pics of the actual cute things I've been creating. 

Personal experience Wednesday!

Things were good today. Exceptionally good! I feel as though my students absolutely adore me, and I them! They really listen to what I say, and I can almost always get them to follow directions (almost to a fault) because they want to do well. The problem is the actual processing of the information. They really are some good kiddos though! 

To get a little personal: 
During my math lesson, I was having trouble getting a student to complete a group activity. However, after some time...and with some positive reinforcement..she readily got up and began the activity. At that moment, in walked my principal with our cluster (small section of a county) superintendent! My principal got to see a fabulous smartboard math activity that really challenged, but entertained the kiddos! The timing couldn't have been more optimal, especially because the principal seems to have a bond with this particular student (similar to mine, however MUCH stronger!). 

Later, after an already amazing day,  I received this email: 

Emily, Thanks for the great visit today. Dr. was so impressed that your kids were already doing work and learning using the Smart board. You did a terrific job, and I really appreciate all of your eforts with our special kiddos. :) 
Thanks, 

What a wonderful thing to come home to! I feel so happy that I've found something I'm really good at. And I feel so relieved that my principal is still looking at me favorably! 

More to come tomorrow, I'm exhausted! 

First day with the kiddos! Helpful hint #2

Today was the first day with my kiddos, and boy...it was definitely an experience. I found I wasn't quite as prepared as I originally thought I was. I had to change my plan of attack a lot sooner than I anticipated. But something tells me that's how life is a special educator. 

But I also began the process of lesson building and implementing my behavior plan. It was really fun! My kiddos are all really excited for the prospect of their "future party". More detail about that will come when I've actually begun planning it. 

But I have a great space to work in..and I've come to find that the helpful hint #2 is:

Not having a lot is not necessarily a bad thing....especially when you are teaching special education. Nothing made me more happy then when my kid was throwing things around...and I realized that she couldn't actually break anything. That and she was struggling with finding things to throw. 

Below is the promised reading station picture:
 I'm contemplating painting it and making it a project for my kiddos. Splatter paint, hand prints, or actually something educational (nah). 

Isn't it cute? I think it could really be a fun space to work and play. Again, I'd like to paint it, but it was a weird glaze over it...idk. But notice how their are compartments on the bottom? Perfect for big books!

This is just one of my many flip charts (thank god) that I inherited from many friendly teachers. This one is going to be centered around spelling and sounding out letters/memorizing the order of the alphabet. The blue one behind it may be used for the math cents, or I may use it for a completely unrelated reason. Not really sure yet.

Either way, this year is looking good!