So glad that I found this linky party at Tunstall’s teaching tidbit…what a great idea!
Here are the rules…
Product– My favorite product that I have created is my Jan Brett unit. I love her because her books are so colorful and the characters are so well developed. She ALWAYS writes back when we write her letters and the kids love illustrating along with her videos. There is so much to study and learn with Jan Brett because she is so much more than just an author and illustrator. I enjoy reading the excerpts to the kids about how she researches and learns about the animals that she writes about. She interlaces culture and theme so well in all of her books. So, this would have to be my favorite unit so far.
.JPG)
Area– My classroom library. The kids love to go in the library and get a book and cozy up on the couch. They also love to crawl under the counter and listen to a book on the pillows. My Dad built me the shelves and I am able to store a lot of books. Sometimes, I even curl up on the couch and take little rest while they are in gym or library 🙂
Signals– I can’t remember where I got this idea, but it has made a HUGE difference with my students blurting out just anything. It has also helped with kids running up to tell me that they have to go to the potty or interrupting a story. When they put their finger up, I know that it means they have to use the restroom and I can just nod my head and they can get up without disrupting the story or the other students. My favorite signal is the “Me Too” sign. If one student says they have a dog, then you get to hear about every student that has a dog as well as whose grandma’s neighbor had a dog that once got a stick that ran away to the circus (that’s made up but you know what I mean if you are a K-1 teacher) and so on…
The Me Too symbol is a visual way for all students and myself to know if they also have a dog or have some connection to a dog. You can get the signs I have displayed in my classroom by clicking on the picture or here.
Sane– I have a couple of things that I enjoy doing that help me stay sane. First of all, Monday night is Bachelor night. I love to sit on the couch with my hubby and watch it. Even though it is completely unrealistic and ridiculous…I can’t help it!
I am also a spin instructor and this helps me because I LOVE it! I also like getting to pick my own music and teach to grown ups who listen (for the most part 🙂 I do this a couple of times a week as well at running and hot yoga. If I didn’t do physical activity at least once a day, then I wouldn’t be able to keep up with all the energy that’s in my 20 five and six year olds!
Link up with this fabulous linky party…have a great Sunday!
Hi Elizabeth! I will have to check out your Jan Brett packet. We study her in January and basically all I do is read her stories and we discuss. It would be great to have cute organizers and activities for it! I love your signals! I printed them already and will start on tomorrow! I can’t wait, especially for the me too signal! Thank you so much for sharing!
:)Kim
Your library looks oh so cozy! Thanks for sharing your signals. I am always looking for unique ones 🙂
Catherine
The Brown-Bag Teacher
Can’t wait to watch The Bachelor as well! I’m a new follower!
Seusstastic Classroom Inspirations
adorable blog! I visited yesterday. Can’t wait to follow you!
WOWZA!!! I’m loving your classroom library!! I had an amazing classroom library when I taught intermediate days, but my kindergarten “library” is pretty pathetic. It’s definitely on the top of my list for next year! I popped over from the Hall Pass linky…I’d love if you’d check mine out! 🙂
Amy
Happy Teacher Heaven