Beginning of the School Year and Routine Set-Up Part 2

Good Grief, is fall break ever coming to come! It’s been a rough start to fourth grade at our school this year. Lots and lots of drama. You’d think it’d be the kids, but it’s mainly the parents talking among each other (gossiping) and repeating second and third hand accounts of events that their students were not involved in. Be praying for my babies and for my team, we just don’t know how else to handle these parent issues (that need to stay out of the classroom). L But enough of that, let’s get on with the show.

            We finally finished our review unit on paragraphs. Some students totally rocked this paragraph. They included all the important pieces: thesis statement (topic sentence), supporting details, and a conclusion. The pictures will come, I promise. I’ll post them as soon as I finish my bulletin for Evidence of Learning Night. Some of my dear friends have some work to do. We have a lot of friends who are struggling this year. (Borderline below or already below grade level) Oh well, we just really need to emphasize and work on those strategy groups this year more than ever. If anyone has any suggestions or resources you can point me to that would be fabulous. (Anything on writing or spelling would be fantastic.)

            We’ve continued to work on our Daily 3. We even did a short exercise on resources and pulling information from books to support our writing and answers. I think they have somewhat of a handle on it. We shall see during their assessments. Here are some pics of my friends in action.

 

            And on a final note, I have a new product on the works. I am developing a packet for a writing unit—descriptive writing. I will be writing about it and showing sample work of my test run in the classroom. I hope to post the product on my store by the end of next week (I am still editing and making it pretty). I'm hoping the more frequent posting maintains as a trend on my neck of the woods. Until next time, keep up the fabulous work you do in your classrooms. No monkeying around. Those kids are so blessed to have each and every one of you in their lives. Keeping you in my prayers!

 Miss Molina

Beginning of the School and Routine Set-up Part 1

          Oh my goodness, I cannot believe how long it’s been since I’ve posted. I feel like I’ve abandoned some of you. I’ve tried my hardest to post, but I guess that didn’t work out so well. I pray that this school year it is different. So here we going. (Be warned it’s going to be wordy and full of pictures.)

            I totally goofed and didn’t take pictures of my classroom set up at the beginning of the school year. So I’m just going to post pictures from last year’s set up. It is very similar to this year’s.

 

 

 

 

            This year the whole fourth grade team has decided to have a common theme—Around the World. I had purchased a Kids around the World bulletin board a while back, and yay, I finally got a chance to use it. I was able to tie it in nicely with our character trait for the months of August and September.

 

 

            On a different note, I began my year focused on using assessments to guide instruction. I had been using it some last year, but over the summer (as I blog stalked) I came across several posts by YoungTeacherLove on standards based grading. If you have not dropped by her blog, I suggest you do. I also got my shop on and purchased several of her resources to give me a heads start on my assessment based grading and instruction. Here are some links to some of the resources I’ve really found it beneficial.

 

            We started our Daily 3 and Writer’s Workshop strong. The kids are loving the Read to Self piece of Daily 3. They went book shopping (see pictures) and are full into building stamina. We will be introducing Word Work on Friday (woohoo!). Then we did a review on the format of a paragraph. We had a serious conversation about what is a paragraph and what is paragraph format. Then we completed a Stoplight Paragraph. I recalled a post I came across on the internet and used the craft the teacher included in her post. They came out so cute. I’ll try to post some pictures on the second part of this post.

            I am going to wrap up my post with my currently poster. I am linking to Farley’s linky party for the month of October. I’ll explain each statement below the picture.

 

 

                        Listening: To Full Metal Alchemist—I’ve always been into anime and the Asian culture. I am getting my fix by listening to my show while blogging and working on some lesson plans.

 

                        Loving: My Erin Condren Lesson Plan Book. This lesson plan book is the most fantastic thing on earth. I’ve been wondering how I survived teaching without one.

                        Thinking: About next week’s lesson plans. I need to keep up with my lessons planning this year. I have a wedding to attend and I’ve been selected for an accreditation team later in the school year. Planning ahead will be crucial for when I begin requesting subs.

                        Wanting: Starbuck’s Gingerbread Latte. I am addicted to Starbuck’s seasonal lattes. My kids know this and I’ve had lots of treats from them. You won’t hear me complaining.

                        Needing: A Personal Assistant & Trainer. OH MY GOODNESS, the paperwork just keeps piling up. I also need to continue working out if I want to be able to fit into my dress for the wedding I’m attending.

                        Trick: SmartSeat App. This app is fabulous. You can do seating charts, take attendance, and it will even do random selection for any games. If you have access to an iPad, I suggest you look into it. Here is a link.

            I guess I’ll give more information on part 2 of this post. And of course, I’ll include some more pictures of student samples. Until next time!!!

 

Miss Molina

December Currently and Christmas Reflection

I know that I'm a little behind, but here's my December currently for Farley's monthly linky party and a small Christmas poem in honor of all those precious angels lost over the weekend.

Here's a beautifully written poem in honor of heaven's newest angels. 

Twas 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38, when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate. 

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. They could hardly believe all the beauty that they saw there.  They were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.  “Where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.  “This is heaven,” declared the little boy.  We’re spending Christmas at God’s house.” 

When what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their Savior, the children gathered near.  He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.  Then He opened His arms and He called them by name. 

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring, those children all flew into the arms of their King. 

As they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, One small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.  And as if He could read all the questions she had, He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of Mom and Dad.”

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below.  He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.  Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, “Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”  “May this country be delivered from the hands of fools.  I’m taking back my nation.  I’m taking back my schools!” 

Then He and the children stood up without a sound. “Come now my children, let me show you around.” 

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.  And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, “in the midst of this darkness, I am still the light.”

Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

November Currently

I promise that I will get back to posting on a regular basis soon. Until then here is my November Currently which I'm using to link up with Farley over at 'Oh Boy Fourth Grade.

Getting My Act Together, Blogging, and Currently Link

Hi everybody,
    Well it's official I am so behind on my blogging it's not funny. I keep telling myself that I need to sit down and get a post done. Hasn't happened until now! HURRAY!!! I apologize for the long post, but I want to share a couple of things happening in my room. Just in case it becomes a century before my next post.
      
       Since the beginning of the school year I've been dying to link up to Tara's Monday Linky Party over at 4th grade Frolics. Yeah, wishful thinking. I guess I'll share some of my new goodies that have been a hit with the students and their OH SO HAPPY TEACHER.

Mod Podge is a teacher's best friend.

My new favorite toy get your own here

Got this idea from 4th grade Frolics

This has been the biggest motivator for students to complete and turn in homework on time. I got this from Ladybug's Teacher Files.

      

            I hope that on my next post I'll discuss how Daily 3 is progressing in my class. I'll also try and post some new activities and even some Smart Notebook Lessons. I'll leave with my Currently Link for October.

Miss Molina

I'm Back and Currently Linky Party

Hey Y'all,
       I am back!!!! I finally carved some time out to get a post done. It's going to be pretty basic. I'll be catching up on some of the crazy fun things going on in my room in the next couple of post. Be prepared, they will be long. I am joing Farley's Currently Linky Party over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.  Check it out. I'll be back tomorrow with classroom finds and activities.

 

 

Miss Molina

Non-fiction Reading

This quarter I am trying to focus on getting my students to read more non-fiction books and texts. Something that has really helped is gathering a collection of children's magazines (sports, science, nature, etc.). I have these available to students during Read to Self time. I know they are enjoying themelves flipping through the magazines, but I felt that I needed evidence that they were not merely flipping through pages. I made the executive decision that I would focus our reading literacy station on non-fiction reading. I generated a worksheet that students will use to respond to two articles of their choice from the magazine they're reading. I kept it pretty basic. I am making this sheet available through my TpT store. If you want to check it out just click on the picture, and it should link you straight to the product page. I will keep you posted on how this goes. Later y'all.

- Miss Molina

Finally I'm able to post again!

I am so sorry I haven't been able to post in so long. I've been working on a final project for grad school. It has literally taken over my spare time. Hopefully, over the weekend I'll be able to post some school related ideas. Until then, let the countdown towards the end of the school year begin.

Miss Molina

Home, Sweet Home!

Hey ya'll! Well it's official, my kids are finished with all their standarized testing. PTL!The poor things were so tired by the end of last week. They came in a little rowdy today, but we only have 3 more days before break. It's completely understandable; they are dying to be out for break. As am I. Well since we haven't been up to much I decided to give you a little glimpse of my home away from home. I took the opportunity to take these after my kids left on Friday. I have a couple of little helpers that are just as OCD as I am. Bless their hearts; they are a big help when it comes to keeping our room clean. I hope you enjoy. Hopefully, I'll be able to post some interesting activities the kiddos may be up to.

By the way, please check out my TpT store. I have only a couple of things up there, but they've been pretty useful. I hope to post some more over break. Several needed a lot of revamping. Talk with you soon.

Pictures of my Castle



Fairy Tale Genre & Classroom Beanstalk

Wow! I am so sorry I've taken so long to post. Can't seem to have enough hours in a day! Well here's what we've been up to. We discussed fairy tales as a reading genre. My kiddos were really good at remembering the terms protagonist and antagonist from our narrative writing lesson. Since we can never practice our writing skills enough we had a cute writing activity to go along with our fairy tale lesson.

First, I peaked the students interest by putting up a beanstalk in the room. I pieced it little by little. You would never believe how many times I heard them say to each other, "I can't wait to see what that's all about. Betcha's gonna be good." Hearing this made me giggle inside. Here are some pictures of the assembly of the beanstalk.
 

(Day 1)

(Day 3)

(Day 5)

Next, I read several fairy tales stories to the kids during the week to go along with the unit. It really got them into the unit. I also strategically chose some "broken" fairy tales from The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. Those kids were rolling on the ground with laughter. Noticed how I said strategically; I made sure the chosen stories went along with what we already covered. We didn't have enough time to read them all.

Finally, we read Jack and the Beanstalk on Friday. I read the story but didn't read the ending. Then I gave them their assignment. They were to create an alternate ending to the popularly known ending of this story. I mean who would have thought they would react with cheers and fist pumps. Ha! Once they were finished they got to share their endings. The class voted on which were the best ones, and these were clipped onto the beanstalk. The kids left telling the next group how much fun they had. I am attaching a link to the writing page I created. Let me know what you think. Talk with you soon! ;)

(Final days of Unit)

Alternate Ending Writing Page

Upper Elementary Linky Party

Wow, oh, wow! This news totally made my day. I am always trying to find blogs that are related to the upper elementary grades. Don't get me wrong the lower elementary blogs are just precious and helpful, but there isn't anything like reading about teachers who are dealing with the same adventure. So if you are new to blogging or just want to know what the "Big Kids" are up to link up--join the party. And many thanks to Lorraine for putting this together. Be sure to check out her blog Fabulous Fourth Grade Froggies; it's beyond fantastic.

Miss Molina

End of the Quarter Madness

Have you ever felt like you are participating in a mad dash at the end of the quarter. It certainly has felt that way for me these past two weeks. In between grading my fourth graders fabulous short stories and getting my grad school coursework done I am ready for Spring Break. Let the count down begin.

I have a couple of cute material posted on my tpt store. If anyone is interested just click on the link to go to my store page. Hopefully, I will have some time to develop other material to post soon. Enjoy!

Character Analysis PowerPoint with Flocabulary video link

Irregular and Regular Verb Game

Behavior Incentives

I am trying out something new in my classroom. It seems that as the warmer weather has begun to set in so has the talking bug. I found this idea on Pinterest, and I just had to try it. I was able to get the master copies from The Lemonade Stand Teachers tpt store. This is an incredible blog which I enjoy reading on a daily basis. I am excited to see how it does with my kiddos. Here are some snapshots of what I'm using. Its not the best quality.

                                                    (click on picture to see download page)

Looking Forward to Reading Across America Day Part 2

Wow! I cannot believe that it has been two weeks since my last post. Well, thankfully our Read-a-thon went great. The kids were really into their reading and were super excited about their certificates. It was such an encouragement to see both boys and girls excited about reading. We'll have to see if we can keep this excitement until the end of the school year.

Looking Forward to Read Across America Day

For the past week or so my students and I have been discussing the importance of literacy in our personal lives. This conversation couldn't have come at a better time. Tomorrow my monkeys (as they like to call  themselves) will be participating in a Read-a-thon in celebration of Read Across America and to celebrate one of our favorite silly authors, Dr. Seuss. It is a great opportunity for students to see first hand the value of literacy and learning. I hope my kiddos have fun but are able to become more intentional when choosing books to read and setting time aside to read.

Miss Molina

This is the very first post to this blog. In this blog you will find out weekly about the many adventures of a fourth grade teacher. This blog will also provide descriptions of various fun activities that fourth graders participate in through the year. I hope that you will find it beneficial as I am finding it to be therapeutic.