Sound and Light Waves NGSS 1st Grade

So excited!

First attempt with NGSS.

So much fun!!

Each Light and Sound have a Student Activity Book cover, parent letter, informational text and activities.

 There are at least three explorations for each topic, reflections, and core ideas.

It ends with students designing forms of communication using light and sound.

Perfect!!

Find it here.

Improving Student and Teacher EXPECTATIONS...Back to School Ideas!

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I am so sorry for the late notice but we had a death in the family and I have been gone.

This summer I took time to REFLECT on what IN MY OPINION are the ABC's of Successful Teaching.  I like reflect on past experiences because reflection provides me with a vision of where I want to improve in the new school year and what I have found to be successful. 

 I am a firm believer that without change there is little growth. 

For BACK TO SCHOOL I want to review for you my thoughts on EXPECTATIONS.

It has been proven that a teacher's expectations can affect the way a student learns or behaves.

A teacher who believes in their students has a positive attitude and presents challenging material which together boost academic achievement.

Let's take a look at suggestions on how we can improve our expectations about every student in our classroom.

As you read through this blog there are several activity pages.

FREE

Grab them here.

1.  Find out what they are all about.

Get to know your students as individuals.  What do they like?  What are they good at?  

How do they feel about school and learning?

By getting to know each student we are able to let relate to them as an individual so they feel important and valued.

These are some interest surveys I use at the beginning of the year that give me a start.  They are leveled to meet all student needs.

2.  Allow students to set goals for themselves.

  This allows students to get involved in their own learning process and achievement.

Each Monday morning we take a few minutes to set a goal for ourselves.  

I set one as well so the class sees me working to improve also.  The first few times you do this you may have to help students with suggestions but after a few times you will see they really work hard to set and meet THEIR goals.  On Friday I hand back their goal sheet and they evaluate their progress.  

Some weeks I collect these and write a note on the back to each student letting them know how proud I am of their efforts. 

I allow students to pick the same goal more than once if they feel they need more practice.

Keep goals simple and attainable.

Sample goals:

Improve my math facts.

Work on my penmanship.

Practice ending sentences with periods.

Reading more when I finish my work.

Raising my hand before I speak out.

3.  Play games with your students that allow for conversation.

I love this game.  It is simple and really allows me and the other students to get to know each other.

I like to partner students.  At the end they answer the sheet provided that shares one thing they learned about their partner.  We then share these with the class.

This can be played over and over as long as their partners are different!!

For students to succeed they need to know they are appreciated and respected.  Let your students know that YOU BELIEVE IN THEM and YOU KNOW THEY CAN DO IT!  

One step at a time they will reach SUCCESS!

Here are some products I have found successful for "back to school" and setting an environment to "get to know each other" and "set goals".

Many ideas are available here.

These help students see their growth and set goals.

Filled with ideas.

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An InLinkz Link-up

This is a MUST read for every teacher!

Find the article here.

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Positive Reinforcement Cards...Behavior Management Idea!

What a joy you will have CATCHING your kiddos modeling positive behavior and what fun they will have working to earn their BEHAVIOR CARDS!

When the student collect their BEHAVIOR cards I like them to check off what they have earned.

It is a good visual on what they need to work on for THEM and for ME!!

There are 30 POSITIVE BEHAVIOR cards.

The cards need to be copied, laminated, and cut.  

A baggie is needed for each student to collect their cards in.

I post the BEHAVIOR CARDS in a pocket chart.

They are easily accessible and easy to read.

I then take a picture of each student.

I designate a whole bulletin board to this but you could use pocket charts as well.

Throughout the week students earn cards.

I love that they are visible and it is easy for me to try to keep them even so that all students feel valued.

At the end of the 2 weeks the cards are removed and placed in their baggie.

We take them home once a month BUT that is up to you.

V\Find it here.

Welcome Back Treat Tags...Staff, Students, Parents!

Each year I like a little something on the students desks for Open House and for that first day.

Here is a collection of tags that are sure to bring a smile to their face.

I also like to include items for my team and support staff who I work with that are simple and inexpensive.  These fit the bill!

And for that special parent who helped set up the classroom or volunteered there is something for them too!

Simple DIY!

You need ribbon, a printer and the item you are preparing.

Enjoy...

Find it here.

Sub Notebook

This is one of the first things I prepare each year!!

Once it is in place I feel comfortable that should something come up and I do need a sub, I am covered.

It is editable which means from year to year I can change the information to meet my classroom needs.  I use plastic sleeves to put information in and I use the pencil cases for attendance/lunch information.

Don't do your class list too soon.

Changes from the central office are for sure!

And don't make any changes!!!

I use the class schedule page as a lesson plan.

I always prepare ONE day to keep in the folder.  That way if an unexpected absence comes up I have nothing to do.  I run the copies and place them in the folder.

It is helpful for subs to know your class rules.

I also include in the sleeve positive and "please remember" notes to send home.

In the front of the notebook I put stickers as well as name tags.

These are helpful...pass out, kiddos put names on , wear them.

Then there is a page for the sub to leave me notes..who was absent, who was helpful, who was not cooperative, and curriculum feedback.

Finally I plan a day.

If I know I am going to be absent I can include that but otherwise I have a day planned and copies of activities run off.

This packet contains enough for 5 days in Word Work, Writing, Mathematics, Reading, Eye Openers.

They are differentiated for meeting all needs.

Find it here.