Boo!

Teaching is a joy - especially when you have the humor, overall awesomeness - and creativity- of my co-workers!
Thanks for the Boo's! 

We Are Good Sports!

This week we wrote about our favorite sports. The goal across the board for the class is writing complete sentences. 

Let me just say - periods - #TheStruggleIsReal

I am very proud of their work this week. 

All of my students made gains in writing! 

Snakes and Toads!

Following up on yesterday's post about some great response to literature - poor Annabella!

 

Responding to Literature

We are having so much fun delving into Jack this year. My students have learned some fantastic vocabulary and phrases - Snakes and Toads! - and have really become adept at sketching and writing about literature.

Jack is definitely not a typical 2nd grade book but I am chunking it and scaffolding so that it is meaningful to each student.

10 minutes to read.
10 minutes to sketch.
10 minutes to write.

Take a peek at some of their latest sketches and responses...

Some of these students are still six years old! 

High expectations for all, y'all!

Rock Those Super Powers!

Get ready, Gotham! 
The freeze is over!

What!? We Have Tests Today!? YIPPEE!!!

It's all in the mindset. 

I start the year early trying to make tests sound like a fun thing - almost a treat! Hey - kids buy in quick because they are anxious to show me what they know and excitement is contagious! We set the temperature in the class, yes?

I don't think other teachers believe how happy my students get about testing - but they do. Gotta love 7 year olds! And you gotta love appropriate tests that really assess what was taught. Oh, that's another topic for another day...

Ahem.

This fall I'm psyching myself up the same way!
Hello, National Boards!

After finishing Components 1 and 2 of the NEW and improved National Boards process, I'm working on Component 3 this year! Yay, yay!!

Are you interested in upping your game?  Becoming a more self-reflective teacher? Learning more about yourself and your practice? The National Board process has changed - A LOT! But - you can dip your toes in and be part of their field test.

Want more information on field testing? CLICK HERE!

Authentic Writing

We are so excited to get to know our Texan pen pals this year and to write for an authentic purpose! My students were able to guess their state, y'all - and only with a few clues!

This last week we received their awesome letter and super-cute brochure - and now, our first letter to them is on its way!