DIY: Learning Target Frames

DIY: Learning Target Frames
I was on Pinterest yesterday and saw ANOTHER cute idea for framing learning targets/objectives.  I've been wanting to make these frames for a while, but just haven't gotten around to it.  So, today I decided to make my own.  Here's my inspiration from Pinterest which is explained in detail on the blog My Own Twist on Things.



Here's what I used to complete this project:

5    8 1/2 x 11 black frames from the Dollar Tree

5    Color coordinated pieces of 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook paper

5    Pieces of white cardstock paper cut to desired size

Sticky letters (black letters from craft store & others from Dollar Tree)

Black fine tip marker
Adhesive squares

Here's a close up of each of the frames and then the final project.



Here's my final project!! (Not too bad for a beginner!)

My Teacher Always Says Linky

My Teacher Always Says Linky

 





My friend Tammy over at Forever in First is hosting a linky. 
If you've never read Tammy's blog, I HIGHLY recommend it.  She always writes interesting and thoughtful posts and shares lots of great ideas!!  Join this linky if you have some sayings you would like to share.

Here are some of the sayings I use over and over in my classroom.

"Stop whining and start shining."

We've all had students in our classroom that like to whine about everything we do.  As soon as the whining starts, I say in a nice teacher voice, "Stop whining and start shining."

It always seems to work!

 

"Treat others like you

would like to be treated."

I use this saying often.  I think it's important for kids to think about their actions or words in this context.  How would you feel in someone did/said this to you?

 

"You have a brain, so use it."

Some kids like to let others do their thinking for them.

(No explanation needed:)

 

"Instead of saying I can't how about

saying I'll give it a try."

I try to teach my kids to replace "I can't"

with "I'll give it a try." 

Can't Hold Us In School

Can't Hold Us In School!

Hi Friends! 

"Can't Hold Us In School" is the title of a video that the Wilson Middle School teachers & staff in my school district put together as a way to say goodbye to some staff that are leaving and to welcome summer.  I thought they did a great job!!  Enjoy!

 

What a fun staff!!!!

Flyswatters...SPLAT!

SPLAT!  SPLAT!  SPLAT!

It's that time of year again.  The flies will be making their way to your neighborhood to bug the heck out of you very soon.  If you are in need of a new flyswatter, check these out.  I found them at Walmart and picked up a couple for a sight word recognition game my students like to play. 

Here's how I use them in my classroom.  I have sight words posted on a pocket chart.  I divide the class into two teams.  One student from each team stands in front of the pocket chart with a flyswatter.  I call out a sight word.  The first student to swat the word earns a point for his/her team.  I have a small class, so kids gets several turns in a short time. There are lots of variations of this game.  If you use flyswatters in your room, I would love to hear how you use them.

Listening Center

Hi Friends!
I can't believe it is May already!  I have 15 days of school to go and year 27 will be complete!! 

Today I would like to share my Listening Center area with you and some tips on making it run smoothly.  Here's a picture of my Listening Center materials.

As you can see, I use a 3 tier metal shelf with the books & CDs on the top shelf. I usually have anywhere from 6-8 books & CDs in the tub at one time. Each book/CD is stored in a plastic baggie.  I purchased most of my books & CDs from Scholastic.

The headphones on the second shelf are WIRELESS and I can't tell you how much I LOVE the listening center now because of this.  NO MORE TANGLED WIRES!! 

The third shelf holds the CD player.  I have labeled each of the buttons on the player with numbers, so the kids know which button to push first, second, etc.  I spent a lot of time at the beginning of the year teaching EVERY student how to operate the CD player and the headphones.  It has really paid off.  I rarely have someone ask for help. 

  

My students love going to the Listening Center every day.  I love it because it's wireless!!!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Hi Friends,
Happy April Fool's Day! 

I can't believe it's April already!  Where did this school year go?  If you are looking for a easy and cheap April decoration for your classroom, here's an idea for you.  We all know the saying, "April showers bring May flowers," right?  Well, pick up some colorful umbrellas from the Dollar Store/Dollar Tree and hang them upside down from the ceiling.  Here's a picture of mine hanging in my classroom. 

Student of the Week

Hi Friends,

Today I'd like to share how my school recognizes our Students of the Week.  First of all, each classroom teacher chooses one student a week based on any criteria they choose.  It can be behavior, academics, character traits, etc.  The teacher fills out a form that states the child's name and the reason he/she was chosen.  The form is turned in to the principal who reads the child's name and reason for being chosen on the intercom on Monday morning.  The Student of the Week gets to go to the office and choose a small prize (coloring book, pencil, crayons, markers, folder,etc.).  The principal sends a certificate home to the parents of the child, so they know their child was recognized.  We also have a Student of the Week bulletin board in the hallway next to the office where each student's picture is hung when they are chosen.  The principal picks a Staff Member of the Week as well.  We do this every week of the school year.

In my classroom, I give my Student of the Week a certificate and a special sign that hangs on his/her chair for the week. (Target $ Section)  I also have a Student of the Week poster that I fill out with the child's help.  This is done in front of the class.  The Student of the Week gets to wear special "star" glasses as he/she helps to fill out the poster.  When we are done filling out the poster, the kids get to ask the Student of the Week questions.  Most questions start like this, "What's your favorite...?"
The Student of the Week must answer in a complete sentence.  For example, if a student asks, "What's your favorite kind of pizza?"  The Student of the Week must answer,  "My favorite kind of pizza is pepperoni." This is a great opportunity for kids to practice asking questions and answering in complete sentences. 

My kids love being chosen as our Student of the Week.  I believe EVERY student has something special that he/she can be recognized for at school.  Here are a few pictures:)