Monday Made It - Multiplication Jenga and Freebies!

 

I am linking up with Monday Made It With 4th Grade Frolics.  And I know it isn't Monday anymore - but I have been extremely busy setting up my classroom, completing new hire paperwork with my new district, and shuttling boys to football practice.  Hopefully you forgive me!

Before all the craziness, I was able to complete this Multiplication Jenga project that was on my to-do list.  I was really happy that I knocked this project out because when I looked through the district's pacing guide, I found out that this year they are starting with multiplication instead of place value which they traditionally had.   I like this idea better because then the students have the whole year to master their facts instead of a few months.

You can click the links above to get the template.  I just used these blocks that I bought at Wal-Mart for about $5. 

Here are a few other multiplication freebies for you!

Multiplication Mistakes

Understanding Multiplication Using Arrays

I have over 100 followers!  That means a giveaway starting Friday!  If you would like to donate an item for the giveaway please email me at kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net.  Thank you!

Tell me more, tell me more!!! {A Linky Party}

OK - even though I constantly tell my teenage boys that they shouldn't do something just because "everyone" is doing it (sounding more and more like my own mom everyday), I am joining in on the tell me more, tell me more bandwagon because- well, everyone else is doing it!    :)

1. I have six boys - which leaves to inevitable questions which I will answer below:
                Yes boys, yes 6, and yes we know what causes that and we had fun doing it ;)

2.  I am on the city council where I live. I was the youngest person ever elected and the first woman ever elected.  Another woman was just elected and I am excited to not be alone anymore.

3. I am a sports mom - I get dragged to tons of baseball and football games.  Saturdays = game days or skiing .

4. Hubs and I got married when we were children (not quite, but it has been a long time).  Look at the proof:

We got married in Lake Tahoe which is where I was lucky enough to have grown up.



5.I direct children's theater.   So far we have done: Annie, Aladdin Jr., High School Musical, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Beauty and the Beast, and Lion King.  Here are a few pics from the shows.

Hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about me  - I know I have been enjoying reading everyone's entries in this linky!

My New Classroom - The Before Shot

I got to go into my new classroom on Friday.  This is what it looked like when I came in.  If I had been smart, (and didn't have three of my boys in tow) I might have taken pictures of all angles, but I didn't.  It is much bigger than my old classroom, and I actually have 4 walls instead of a slider thing. 

When I first arrived all of the tables (all tables, no desks in this room) were up against the wall.  I managed to move the tables out and got the computers hooked up before my boys decided that they had enough fun in the classroom.

I love the idea of the tables (no missing work shoved in desks), but I'm not 100% sure how to set them up.  Right now I have three groups of two rectangle tables put together.  I'm not sure if I will keep it that way or not.... Decisions, decisions.

I would love any input or suggestions on the table situation (storage ideas for supplies as well - :) please and thank you!).

Also, since this is the first time that I will have my boys in my classroom before and after school, I would also love any suggestions for keeping them busy while I work.

Thank you! Another Blog Award

Many thanks to Dee at Mrs. B's Nook for this lovely blog award!
Also, thank you to Mrs. Goodwin at ilive2learn ilove2grow! 
Also thanks go out to Cindy from Kindergarten Love.

For receiving this award I have to....

1.  Follow the person who gave me the award.  Check!

2.  Link back to the person that gave me the award.  Check!

3.  Pass to 15 new bloggers and let them know they have received the award. Working on it :)

It is always hard to find bloggers who haven't received awards yet, so I will look for some and will add to this as I can!

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My Top 5 Teacher Must Haves - Linky Party

I'm linking up with Kelley, from Teacher Idea Factory and Rachelle, from Life is Sweet...In Kindergarten. They are both having linky parties, where everyone can showcase some of the resources we have that we simply cannot do without.


Here are my current Top 5 School Resources
 I Can't Live Without...

My Staples Desk Apprentice - my hubby bought me for Valentine's Day because he knows that I am an office supply addict!  You can fit so much into this baby!

I love my Mr. Sketch markers. Here's why: They are great for making anchor charts and even the most reluctant of students is willing to add a comment or an answer when you bribe them with the smelly markers.  Even my 7th graders would jump at the chance to solve a problem if I let them use these markers!


These bulldog clips are an absolute must for keeping current anchor charts on the board!  I think I have a zillion of these because I was always losing them around my classroom.  A few of my students bought me some for Christmas because they could feel my pain :) Love these!

My Scotch laminator and I have become best friends this summer as I am laminating mad with all of the decorations and games I am making from my blog stalking and Pinterest addictions.  My only peeve - my Wal-Mart in town has been sold out of the sleeves for the past two weeks and I am seriously worried that I might run out before my laminating spree is over :(  And even though I have promised hubby that I am done with most of my back to school shopping, I may have to sneak a few boxes in tomorrow when we go into town.

My pencil sharpener!  I think I've mentioned before that I HATE the sound of the pencil sharpener - so this was a life saver!  It is so quiet I think I might let them sharpen all day long (well, not really).  I was given a free one to review - (GIVEAWAY coming up - hint, hint) and I LOVE it!  I am thinking about buying a few for my teacher friends for Christmas (shhh!) - so worth it though!

What products and resources can you not live without? 

Come and link up, too!  I can't wait to see your ideas!

Popcorn Sight Word Game - FREEBIE

Luke has been getting anxious watching me make preparations for the upcoming year.  He is much more excited about the things I am making for third grade (now that he is in first) than he ever was when I was making 7th grade math things.  Pre-algebra doesn't have the same cuteness factor I suppose. LOL!

Not wanting to leave him out, I printed out these popcorn sight words on yellow card stock and made a fun game to practice his sight words.

We cut them up and put them in a sand bucket because we couldn't find the popcorn container that I had bought last year at Target (it is probably in someone's toy box).  You put the cards in and then take turns pulling them out and reading the word - BUT... if you pull out the POP you have to put all of your cards back in the bucket.  We set a timer on my iphone to determine the winner.  He loved it!

I had forgotten that I had made this game awhile ago hoping to play it with him, but I was glad I found it because now my wheels are spinning with ways that I could change it up for third graders. 

* Multiplication
*Addition/Subtraction Review

Any other thoughts or ideas?

Kiss First Day Jitters...Goodbye Linky Party!!!

I am joining Mrs. Saunder's Lovelies with her Kiss First Day Jitters Goodbye Linky Party.  The purpose of the linky is to alleviate those first day jitters with a checklist of all of those procedures you want to remember to teach your new students.  It is always a challenge to leave your well trained students from the year before to meet a whole new set who don't know what your expectations are.


Here are a few of the things I need to remember to teach:


1. The class rules - I will be using the 5 from Whole Brain Teaching (Google it - AMAZING)
        1. Follow directions quickly
        2. Raise your hand for permission to speak.
        3. Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.
        4. Make smart choices!
        5. Make your dear teacher happy!


2. Pencil rules - I HATE the sound of the pencil sharpener, so I keep tons on hand for them to exchange.


3. Lining up and hallway expectations.  I am a stickler for not disturbing other classes.


4. Lunchroom behavior - when I student taught in elementary we ate with the students for the first week to model expected behaviors. If my new school allows this I will do it again.


5. Daily 5 procedures.


6. Beginning of the day procedures - I like to have the students work on something when they come in to make that transition to this is class time.


7. Morning Meeting Procedures - I plan on incorporating this in this year, so I will need to teach the expectations for greeting, sharing, morning message, and group activity.


What are your beginning of the year procedures?  Link up!

Get Ready For Back To School With a Vision Check-up

When we went to Luke's physical for football, he was referred to have his eyes checked, so we quickly made an appointment for him, and I am so thankful that we did!  He has 20/50 vision in one eye and 20/100 in the other eye!  I had no idea his vision was so bad, and I am really glad that we got him glasses before he started first grade.  I am supposed to wear glasses myself, but have been terrible about it.  Seeing Luke wear his all the time has really helped me to wear them as often as I should (which is all the time).

No more squinting across the room with my kiddos telling me, "Mrs. Malloy, you need to wear glasses!" when I can't see the board.

Have you gotten your eyes checked for back to school? 

If not, you might want to check out this deal from Sears that I just got in my email:

SEARS OPTICAL CELEBRATES AUGUST’S NATIONAL EYE EXAM MONTH BY GETTING FAMILIES READY FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL

 

 

WHAT:           Sears Optical founded National Eye Exam Month in 1989 to build awareness about the importance of eye health and annual eye exams. During the month of August, as you are getting your family ready to head back-to-school, Sears Optical reminds you to make an appointment for an annual eye exam.

 

During the back-to-school season, Sears Optical customers can take advantage of special offers for the entire family. Adults and kids are able to receive two complete pairs of eyeglasses made with Ultralight lenses for $99.

 

 

WHEN:           Now – September 11^th

 

 

WHERE:         Sears Optical Stores Nationwide

To find a store near you visit www.searsoptical.com

 

 

DETAILS:       Families across the nation are preparing for back-to-school and annual eye exams should be part of the routine. 80% of what children learn comes through their vision and undetected vision problems can lead to learning difficulties.

 

Eye exams are important for adults as well. Many vision-threatening eye problems such as glaucoma can be treated and prevented if discovered early enough.

 

With over 50 years in the eye care industry, Sears Optical is the expert in family eye care. With experienced opticians and quality brands with a great frame selection, Sears Optical is the one-stop-shop for all your family’s vision care needs. Make an appointment with your eye care provider to schedule an eye exam for your family today.  

Disclosure: I received NO compensation for this post - I just thought I would share the information :)

To Do Before School List (Linky Party)

I was stalking reading a few blogs this morning when I saw Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies' To Do Before School List Linky Party.  She mentioned that there were only four weeks left before she heads back into the classroom to decorate because she officially goes back on August 20th, but never has time to get stuff done in her room because of staff development and meetings.

As I read this I had a mini meltdown of sorts because you see we go back to school on August 20th - as in kids are there, school has begun!  I go back on the 10th!  WHERE*HAS*MY*SUMMER*GONE???? and full panic mode I*HAVE*A*MILLION*THINGS*TO*DO still.

Deep breath - if I just make a check list of things to do I will be fine.  Oh Fabulous 4th Grade Froggies you are brilliant and I definitely need to link up!

So without further ado, my to do list:

1. I need to set up my Word Study spelling notebooks.

2. I need to set up my reading brain books.

3. Rocket Math Folders. -I will post on this when I make them :) 

4. Set up Whole Class Journals like the ones I have been seeing around the internet and pinterest world.

5. Map out basic curriculum for the year.

6.My teacher's binder.

7. Print out labels for notebooks and folders.

8. Organize and label my classroom library.

9.Daily 5 and Cafe - (the posters, the anchor charts, the  pensieve, and I still haven't decided what to do about book boxes!) I either want to do this setup or something more like the ones from Really Good Stuff. I've seen the idea about using ice boxes from Wal-Mart which are $1.88 each but I'm not sure if they are tall enough.


10.Finish multiplication Jenga game I started eons ago.

11. All about me pages for our class book. Including filling my about your teacher page.

12. Class Schedule.

13. Library Check out system.

14. Set up math centers.

15. Birthday Bin with goodies.

16. Clipboards (I need to buy more and want to make a cute basket for them).  I wanted to decorate the boards themselves as well - but looking at this list.... uh... on second thought maybe not.

17. Parent Welcome Letter

This list is definitely going to be a work in progress because I know I am forgetting something! 

Versatile Blogger Award

Thank you to Lori from Homemade First Grade  for my second blog award! I was also nominated by Callen Rhoads from Mrs. Rhoads' classroom!  Thank you ladies!

Here are the requirements for accepting this award:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you. Thank you Lori!
2. Include a link to their site... Check!
 3. Include the award image on your blog...Check!
 4. Include 7 random facts about yourself:

1) I will be a third grade teacher in the fall. I was a 7th grade math teacher prior to getting my new job!

2) I have six boys - yes all boys and yes all six are mine. They range in age from 6 to 19.

3) I am currently serving my second term on the city council where I live.

4) I direct children's theater.

 5) Teaching is actually my second career - I was once a accountant, but wanted to spend more time with my family.

6) I am really short - 4'11".  My 7th graders' favorite assignment was - "Is the average 7th grader taller than Mrs. Malloy?"  Sadly that answer is - yes.  I am looking forward to working with 3rd graders - I may have a height advantage. :)

7) I might be extremely slightly addicted  to blogs!

Back to the Rules of the award:

5. Nominate 15 other blogs for this award ( I am working on this and will include more shortly.) There are a lot of bloggers who have already gotten this award!



My nominees are:

1. Fierce in Fourth
2. 3rd Grade Troops
3. Moore News - Hoppin' Into Second Grade
4. Heads Carolina, Tails Alabama (Love that song!)
5. Bee Teaches
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6. When nominating, be sure to include a link to their site...see above.
7. Let bloggers know they have been nominated.

Newbie Blog Hop

One of the things that I love about blogging is not only writing my own blogs but reading all of the blog posts from all of the amazing bloggers out there!  So, was excited to join this newbie blog hop from Grade Three is the Place for me.  She has an amazing blog and you will definitely want to check out her posts, especially this one about teaching grammar mechanics - love it!


So the rules of the hop are, answer the following questions, then link up!


    1.  what state you are in Nevada

    2.  your current teaching position I will be teaching 3rd grade in the fall.

    3.  your teaching experience I taught 7th grade math prior to this.  I did my student teaching in 4th grade.

    4.  when you started blogging I started THIS blog in June, but I have been officially blogging since 2006.

    5.  share a blogging tip / blogging resource My blogging tip would be to write about the things that you love or that interest you.  I've noticed that the best blog posts are the ones that show the writer's passion.  Write about your favorite book, your best lesson, or even your pet  cat - if your passion shows through, the readers will love it!

Can't wait to read everyone's intros!

A few giveaways!

I really want one of these.  I mean really, really, really want!

I could use it to help my kiddos practice their fluency, to assess their thinking, and to use for parent teacher conferences so that the parents can hear their child in action during school.  The best part is that it is wireless, requires no batteries, and can be downloaded to your computer!

Luckily Teaching With Love and Laughter is hosting a giveaway!

There are several ways to enter, but the giveaway is over in 6 days - so head over and enter!

AND...


Ms. Lindsey from Lovin' Kindergarten is celebrating 100 followers with a great giveaway!  I am offering up a winner's choice from my own TPT store, and several other bloggers are offering prizes as well.

#1 Winner's choice of 1 item from my TPT Store!

The Daily 5 Book Study Chapter 6 -My Notes

I am participating in the book study at  We Read, We Blog, We Teach.

Chapter 6 Work on Writing and Word Work

During the Work on Writing session, students work individually or with a partner on the writing of their choice.

When introducing the Work on Writing component, the Sisters suggest teaching a mini-lesson in which you model what the students should do when they get to a word that they do not know how to spell.  This is so important so that you are able to meet with small groups or conference with students without a line of students interrupting to ask how to spell a word. I also plan on having a frequently asked word box for the students to refer to as well, and I will introduce this box during this first lesson as well.

Word Work is an area that I would like to get better at.  When I did the Daily 5 as a student teacher, my lead teacher was using Words Their Way to teach spelling.  When we tested the students they ended up being divided into four different spelling groups which was quite difficult to keep up with.  I am thinking about using the approach suggested by Beth Newingham instead.  I will post later to show you what that will look like in my classroom as I finish it up!

Must Have Picture Books

When I first saw the Teacher Wife's Must Have Picture Books post and linky I knew that my Amazon wish list was going to explode because I LOVE pictures books! I also love giving people picture book reading ideas - I am usually the person that my teacher friends ask when they want a good book recommendation for teaching a certain skill or just for finding a book that their kids will love.  Here are a few of my faves:

Pete the Cat is one of my all time favorites!  I just love the beat of the song that goes with it along with the idea that Pete the Cat never gets upset when his beautiful new shoes get dirty - he just keeps going along singing his song.  I think it really teaches a great lesson about resilience. If you want to hear the book and the song - you have to check out the video below - its how I first learned about this book!

The second book on my list would be Knuffle Bunny.  After you debate how to read the first word (is it "nuffle" or "ka-nuffle"? LOL) you will just love this cautionary tale by Mo Willems about a little girl who loses her beloved stuffed friend.  The illustrations (real pictures mixed with drawings) are amazing, and both kids and adults can relate to the fear (for both the child and the parents) when a beloved friend is lost.

And my list just would not be complete without EVERY Skippyjon Jones book.  Thank you Kohls for choosing these books this year!  I love the vocabulary, the play on words, and the inference practice to be had with the Spanish words used in the series.  And as a mother of boys, I can totally relate to this naughty boy cat with a wild imagination!

If your own Amazon Wish list needs a bit more added to it - be sure to check out the other posts at the linky! 

Win a $50 Gift Card From Target!

Calling Plays in 2nd Grade has hit 100 followers and in honor of that occasion she is giving a way a gift card to her favorite store - Target!  I am practically getting goosebumps thinking of the amount of damage careful shopping that I could do in the Dollar Bins with a $50 card!  If you would like a chance to win, head on over and enter!

National Ice Cream Day Freebie

In honor of National Ice-Cream Day, I took my youngest Luke out to enjoy some ice cream.  All of the other boys had plans with their friends so we made it a date!  We had a great time talking math - he had just learned about the concept of infinity and he was arguing that the last number should be the last number to be named.  Fun talking math philosophy with a 6 year old!

Anywho, in honor of National Ice-Cream Day, here is a math journal freebie for you!  Enjoy!If you have any issues downloading, email me at kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net and I will help you out!

You Scream for Ice Cream Math Journal

Award - Liebster Blog

I was honored to be nominated for the Liebster Blog award by Emily at 2nd grade Mon-"Stars"! which made me happy because I love her blog and I was happy that she noticed little ol' me!  

I was also nominated for this award by Kaitlyn from Smiles and Sunshine.

This award highlights blogs that have under 200 followers. Here are the rules for it:

1. Copy and paste this award on your blog.

2. Thank the giver and link back to them.

3. Reveal 5 other bloggers and let them know by commenting on their blog.

I am happily awarding the Liebster Blog Award to:

1. Rock and Teach

2. An Open Door

3. Reaching for the Top

4. Ms. Jones' Junction

5. The Resourceful Apple (because we have the same taste in classroom decor! LOL!)

Go visit these amazing blogs!

Hot Dots Giveaway!

I have been wanting to get Hot Dots forever, so I was excited to see that Yearn to Learn was having a Hot Dots giveaway! Head on over and enter to win your choice of 2 individual sets of Hot Dot cards and one Hot Dot Pen courtesy of Educational Insights!

A Fun Day at the Ball Park! (With Freebies)

My youngest three sons attended a baseball camp put on by the Reno Aces, our local minor league baseball team. Tyler has attended for the past two years, but this year was the first year for Cody and Luke.

Here are the three of them walking across the parking lot towards the stadium.

 

You can tell how excited Luke was!

There was a sign welcoming the campers.

The boys enjoying the dugout.

They loved meeting their favorite players!  And Luke won a catching contest and won an autographed batting glove used by Adam Eaton during a game.  Luke hasn't taken it off yet! LOL!  Not bad for a rookie.

The best part was what happened at the game that night - they gave raffle tickets out if you donated food or money to the food bank. Look at the prize we won! It was an amazing day at the ball park! Thank you Reno Aces!

 And to thank you for reading through this long off topic post fun family filled adventure, here are a few baseball themed freebies for you!

Morning Meeting

One thing that I really missed when I was teaching middle school was the idea of a morning meeting.  When I student taught in 4th grade, my mentor introduced me to the idea of the morning meeting, and I felt like it really helped build relationships with the students.  It is definitely something I want to include this year, but I wanted to beef it up a bit with some academic content as well.

I recently ordered these books from Amazon:

I also ordered Morning Meeting Ideas Grades 3-6 directly from the responsive classroom site because Amazon was sold out, and I didn't want to wait - I'm impatient like that.

From what I've found on-line like this sample chapter from Morning Meeting Ideas Grades 3-6 morning meeting includes:

1. A Greeting

2. Sharing

3. Group Activity

4.A Morning Message

The sample chapter also gives a list of things you might want to have to incorporate the morning meeting.  I really love the way Mrs. Bainbridge keeps a tub of supplies handy near the morning meeting area.

 3rd Grade Thoughts also has some great thoughts on morning meetings!

As soon as I read the books I ordered I will post with more ideas that I incorporate into our daily routine.

I also found this video from the Teaching Channel which demonstrates a version of the morning meeting.

Have you incorporated a morning meeting into your school day?

Reading Assessment

 Mary Howard, the RTI guru herself, recommends using running records weekly to assess the lowest 20% of your students and every three to four weeks for the rest of your students.  Here are a few resources to use:

The Teacher's College Website has a ton of Benchmarks for all reading levels that you can print off and use.  I know I will definitely be printing out a ton of these!


You can print out the running record sheet pictured above here.

 Here is a reading strategy use checklist to keep track of all of your students' strategies.

Here is a word identification reading assessment with Pre-Primer to 4th grade level words.

How often do you assess your students' reading progress?  What do you use?