End of the Year Organization

Is it already that time again?

Yep. It's time to declutter, reorganize, and pack away the teaching tools.

And unfortunately for me, this year I have to put a bit more work into my organizing and packing because I'm moving schools.

Last week I went through my classroom materials and said goodbye to anything that I haven't used in the past two years. I had a ton of teaching supplies that were handed down to me by veteran teachers that I never put to use. I have set aside an area of my room for anything that needs a new home.


Next I went through and cleaned all organizers, threw away anything that wasn't worth keeping (dull tipped highlighters, dry erase markers, broken crayons, etc.), reorganized my classroom library books, and started packing similar items into boxes.

This week my goal is to label all of the boxes and bring them home to store until I can move into my new classroom. It is sure to be a loooooooong week full of packing.

There are only 8 more school days until summer for me. I keep reminding myself that I can do it.

Have fun with your kiddos and keep a smile on your face even through the end of the year clean up and packing.

100% Club

For the past three years, I have had the 100% Club as a part of my classroom. Though I cannot take credit for its creation (Creator: Mrs. Jennifer Barrett), I am delighted to share this free and motivating tool that I have had the pleasure of using in my classroom. The 100% Club is made up of students who score a 100 on an assignment, or for those students who show 100% effort on their independent work. Each time a student earns a 100 or 100% effort on their independent work, they receive a blank 100 to decorate (see below). Before handing the 100 to my students, I write their name along with the assignment name on the 100. The students use their creativity to decorate their 100. I then hang their 100s around the classroom. By the end of the year, my room is covered with student decorated 100s. This is just a simple, free way to congratulate and recognize my hardworking students. It also adds a bit of color to the room.

Here are a couple of photos of the 100s in my classroom.

Grab a copy of the blank 100 to use in your classroom here.

Hope you enjoy, 

Stick Pick: iPhone/iPad app

I have stumbled upon the most amazing iPhone / iPad app I have found for teachers: Stick Pick! It is an app that provides an easy way to promote equity, build higher order thinking skills, and support your English Language Learners in the classroom.

Check it out for yourself!

Classroom Library Linky Party

Amy, over at Literacy and Laughter, is hosting a linky party on classroom libraries.  Be sure to head over there to check out all of the other great photographs of how teachers organize their books in their libraries.

Here are a few pictures of my classroom library. 

Red baskets contain nonfiction books separated by genre.
(Biography, Autobiography, Informational sports, informational science, informational social studies, informational animals...)

Clear baskets contain fiction book separated by genre.
(Realistic fiction, fantasy, traditional literature,
historical fiction, mystery, poetry, picture books...)

Book recommendation bulletin board
inspired by Beth Newingham

I have to say, I am pretty addicted to buying books for my classroom, just like most of you. There is no more room for any new chapter books and no more space for even one more book basket. I guess I'll be buying a new bookshelf this summer because I know library will continue to grow.

Classroom Mascot... How cute is he?

Meet Spike, our classroom mascot. I first fell in love with the idea of a classroom mascot from Angela Bunyi years ago. I found this particular plush doll from a local teacher store. He's called an UglyDoll. There are so many cute ones out there.  We've had Spike in our classroom for two years now, and my students absolutely love him. For Valentine's Day, Spike received a card from almost all of my students. He reminds us of important events, reteaches important concepts, and always has a kind word. The kids know that I have a terrible memory, so I always forget birthdays...but Spike never does. He's a lifesaver. Did I mention that I teach 5th graders? 


My students aren't too old for dolls, and I bet yours aren't either.


Keep Smiling...it's Friday!