This was exactly...

what I was referring to in an earlier post. When school starts...BANG...time goes by so quickly. We've been in school for almost a month. I've been so busy I haven't blogged at all. So, if you are following and looking for something, please forgive me - I am a teacher, too!

ONLY THREE WEEKS!

There are only three weeks left of summer. What should I be doing to prepare? How can I fit into my schedule all of the things I didn't complete thus far?

- After the summer thinking, I'm sure you've decided what you need to
purchase for your classroom. Go shopping!

- Clean your classroom! Put things in order so you'll be ready for open
house. I love my read alouds in monthly baskets. I bring a new month
down and read all books before placing it back on the shelf.

- Enjoy these last three weeks. Spend time with family, friends, and
co-workers. You'll be very busy soon - take advantage of this time!

Whole Brain Teaching!

I discovered something new last week. Chris Biffle presented a one day workshop on Whole Brain Teaching. The information was riveting and I think will be wonderful for classroom managment and new teaching techniques. Check out the website at:

www.wholebrainteaching.com

You can register as a user and get FREE downloads. The great part about this website is that everything is free. Now that is something to consider with the economy as it is. Check out this site and go out there and TEACH!

The Excitement begins...

to build! As July approaches, I begin the countdown to school beginning again. Our school begins mid-August with Open House/Meet the Teacher on the first day back. So, what does that say - your room has to be ready before they arrive! The excitement has already arrived!

I've found a couple of websites that I found helpful and thought I'd share with all of you:

www.swlauriersb.qc.ca/schools/crestview/ls/Teacher/Teacher_Theme_Units.htm

This site is filled with good ideas. The theme units were unbelievable and I loved the resource!

www.internet4classrooms.com/classroom_organization.htm

I use this website often with my SmartBoard, but had never checked out the organization page. It gives lots of tips for all grade levels.

As you begin to think about school starting, please ponder the following: Why do you teach? How can you make a difference in the life of a child today? Until next time...

Summertime...This is the time to...

After you have closed the classroom door and rested, it is time to start planning for next year. Here are some questions to think about:

What worked well last year? Do I want to use that idea again?
How do I want my children to learn? What techniques will I use to make this happen?
What can I prepare now that will make it easier for me later?
What changes can I make in my room arrangement, delivery, technology,
classroom management, or other areas that will net the best results for my students?

Beginnings...

I love to blog. I love to teach first grade. So, I thought I would combine the two and create a resource for first grade teachers to use throughout the year. Just another tool in the toolbox of teaching. I hope you enjoy the blog - please stop in often to get new ideas, share your own comments, and keep the first grade line of communication open!