Chevron

So recently I've been creating little things for my classroom. Yep, even though I have no idea what grade I'll be teaching...or if I'll even have a job in August...but I like to be prepared. I guess you could say I'm a little excited about getting my own classroom. Just a little bit.

Anyways, like the blog post says, Chevron. Chevron everywhere. I downloaded some chevron paper and I've been going crazy with it. My behavior clip chart is chevron. My "Where are you?" board (idea from Second Grade Style/Pinterest) is chevron. All my teacher organization binder covers? Chevron. That's all I've made so far because I don't want to get too specific since I don't know what grade I'll be teaching. Why is chevron so appealing? I hope it's still "in style" in August?!?! Does anyone else have a chevron addiction like me?

Also, I want to get a laminator. Most schools have them in the teacher's lounge or workroom but I think it would best to have one that I could keep in my classroom or even bring home if I wanted to. I've been eyeing this one. It has good reviews and it's only $30. Any of you teachers have any experience with it?

Teaching Books Wish-List

Even though I have graduated from college, I still feel like I have a lot to learn about teaching. After I graduated in December, I bought several professional development books off of Amazon...aaaannnnddd I've already finished them. What can I say, I love learning more about how I can help my future students get the most out of learning in my classroom. I decided to start an Amazon Wish-List filled with teaching books I want to buy and read over the summer.

Here are some of the ones I'm most looking forward to reading:

• The Daily Five

The Daily 5 is something that I have experienced in many classrooms that I've been in, however I have not done much research into it. Also, since I've never had my own classroom I've never gone through the steps of implementing Daily 5 in my classroom. This book will be just what I need to learn more about the process so I'm ready to start it with my own classroom (hopefully) next school year!

• The CAFE Book

I must admit, I have no experience with the CAFE system. I have not seen it in any of the classrooms I've been in. Which is why I want to read more about it!

• Math Work Stations: Independent Learning You Can Count On, K-2
  
  
  
  I really like the idea of a Guided Math/Math Work Stations approach to teaching math. Not only is it a great way to differentiate, it keeps kiddos moving around the room and not sitting at their desks. Since I'm hoping to teach in the K-2 grades (hopefully 1st), this book is a must-have for me!

• Literacy Work Stations: Making Centers Work
  
  You can never have enough Debbie Diller. Seriously. You can't. I'm always looking for new ideas for literacy centers. This book will be very helpful as a new teacher because it goes through how to set up and introduce work stations to the class. Awesome!
  
  
  I have several other books on my Wish-List but these are the ones I'm planning on buying very soon. Any other books you would recommend for a new teacher? Have a great weekend!

First Grade Subbing Experience

On Tuesday I subbed in a first grade classroom and oh my goodness, I loved it! The students were so, so sweet and helpful. This was my first time at this school which is always a little scary. You never know what the "vibe" of a school might be. Luckily everyone I came in contact with at this school was very friendly and welcoming. The students worked very hard and we got everything accomplished. YAY! I left a note to the teacher letting her know that I'd love to sub for her again in the future and left her my contact info. She ended up texting me later to thank me and say that she will definitely contact me when she needs another sub. YAY! I'm so glad I have a foot in the door at that school because it would be great to work there.

On Monday and Tuesday I have a sub job in 2nd grade at a different school. This school is a magnet school so I'm curious to see what it's like. I've never been in a magnet school before. 2nd grade is my 2nd (ha) favorite grade level. I love getting the opportunity to go to different schools and see different grade levels. To me it's so important that I see as many schools that I can so that way when jobs start opening up I will know which schools I want to apply at!

I hope everyone has a Fabulous Friday!!

Reflection

I suppose it is time to begin updating this blog. In October I finished up my student teaching in 1st grade. That same month I finished up my college courses and in November I began a long-term sub job in the 3rd grade. I definitely learned a lot during that long-term sub job. It was my first time being in a 3rd grade classroom. I loved those 3rd graders but I do not think 3rd grade is the grade for me. I missed the little ones too much! I'd pass by kindergartners and 1st graders walking in the hallway and I would think AWWWW I MISS YOU. I went out of my way to talk to them just to hear those little voices. I missed it so much!

After graduating and finishing up that sub job, I'm sort of stuck in the in-between. Other sub jobs are starting to come in and although they are day to day and not long-term, I am still excited. This Wednesday I have a job in a 1st grade classroom in a school I have not been to but is supposed to be excellent. I can't wait to be back in a classroom with a group of firsties. 1st grade is definitely my favorite grade to teach so my fingers are crossed that a 1st grade teacher is retiring or moving or something! However I'm going to enjoy getting to experience other schools and classrooms. This will let me decide what schools I'd love to work at and what schools I should avoid.

As soon as I get a teaching job I plan on creating things to share with all you other bloggers. So many of you have given me such great ideas to use during my student-teaching and long-term sub job! I want to be able to give back to you! Not saying my stuff will be amazing...I'm not sure how some of you create such cutesy stuff. But I hope that at least 1 or 2 of you will find my resources valuable!

Under Construction

Please excuse the huge mess. I attempted to change up my template then realized that I had no idea what I was doing. :)

I am currently a student teacher in a 1st grade classroom. I'm receiving my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education in December of 2012. This blog will be dedicated to my adventures as a substitute teacher, my first year of teaching...and beyond! :)