Book Bin Labels

I created these labels for my book bins.  Feel free to print these for your own use:

It's About Time!

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I can't wait to get into my boxes of books and begin the process.  We found this great online resource to scan and organize our classroom libraries.  The best part is it's free and so simple to use.  You just scan each book, and this program creates an online database.  No more keeping track of which student has which book.  Plus, there are many other tools at your fingertips.  The next step is organizing the book bins...

Anchor Charts

Here are a couple of anchor charts I intend to use in the reading area.  I found the inspiration on pinterest.



Phantom Tollbooth

I can't wait!  We are adding this classic to our class novel selections.  I truly enjoyed reading this delightful book.  Norton Juster is such a gifted writer who takes the reader on a great adventure.  His clever use of literary devices entertains the reader from beginning to end.

Here are some handouts I plan to use.  You can click to view in a larger format and print:

We're Moving!

Well, for the third year in a row, I am moving classrooms.  This time I will be moving into a new building.  We are combining the 5th & 6th grade and now calling it "Middle School".  We are moving into the Fine Arts Building, so lot's of remodeling is underway.  Here are pictures of my room as it looks now:

 



Notice the paint colors on the wall?  I have no idea what colors they are going to choose.  I believe that three walls will be a gold, maybe like the color next to the whiteboard.  The wall with the two windows will be painted an accent color.  Will it be orange, green, or blue?  It is looking like orange since there are three shades of orange on that wall. 





Well, it took me a while (a few years), but I finally have pictures to share of the completed room.  

The Beginning

In my quest to get on that proverbial technology train, I figured the best way to start was by creating a blog.  I love the idea of a class website, so I figured this is the next best thing.

My true intention of this blog is to practice my writing skills since I will be teaching writing next year.  Although I have taught writing before, it has been a while.  I will admit that I feel a little intimidated having my "writing" viewed, read, and critiqued, but don't all writers feel that way to some degree?  If I am going to ask my students to practice, enjoy, and gain confidence in their writing, I need to do the same.

What's to come...

• My Writer's Pensive: a notebook that will be used to teach and model writing. 
• Creative writing projects: lessons I intend to teach throughout the year.
• Reading Café:
• Classroom transformation:
• Useful technology tools I intend to use: