Teacher Planner Happiness

Summer may have just started, but I received my 2019 - 2020  Erin Condren teacher planner yesterday.  This will be my fifth teacher planner from Erin Condren. Writing my plans out in this just  brings me joy.  I love using technology, but not for my weekly plans.  I also like looking at past years' planners to see what notes I left about what worked and what needs ditched. 

The communication log is great to keep track of parent discussions.  My electronic communications are saved via e-mail or app.  This is great to write down those face to face meetings. 

I have to say that I loved the new update last year where the weekly plans are right after the calendar month.   I used to feel like I was always flipping from the full calendar spread at the front to my plans at the back.   Above I have August and then the September dates, but there are August dates in between.  
My planner starts in August and ends in July.  We start school mid August and end in May.  If I choose to do summer school then I will use the June dates.  
I will be purchasing stickers to add to my planner this summer.  Once I have those I will update the looks. 

Desk Organization

Back to school has been quite busy.   I always forget how much time the start of the year takes.  New students learning new routines.  Now that those classroom routines have been established and things are running smoothly it is time to make sure that everything continues that way.  

One thing I started a few years ago was The Desk Detective Team.   Every few weeks or when I see that many desks are starting to get a little messy The Desk Detective Team makes a surprise visit after school.   Students will receive a Desk Detective Card on their desk and a little treat if their desk is neat and tidy.  I usually put a sticker, piece of candy,  or a reward card on their desk.    This gives an incentive for others to get their desks looking nice for the next surprise visit.  

Click to download for free



I know many like the Desk Fairy idea, but 3rd grade boys just didn't get as excited about seeing the Desk Fairy idea.   Boys and girls both enjoy having the The Desk Detective Team visit.   

Flash Freebie

If you would like to grab my new 1st Grade Math Dictionary head over to my store at Teacher's Notebook and follow my shop. From 6pm - 8 pm cst today you can then snag this item free! The dictionary contains 172 pages of 1st grade math terms and problems for the students to solve. Students are encouraged to work cooperatively with one another to share answers and ideas.

Telling time  

Commutative Order Property of Addition 

Tally Chart

I have the students glue these in a notebook so that throughout the year they can look back and review the terms.  

Free Back to School Links

It is Friday and many freebies are being posted.  

Magischool Magiland  is hosting a linky party with many free ideas and items for back to school.  

Well Nurtured Plants and Pillars have also posted their freebies.  This is a homeschool board, but I saw many ideas I could use in my classroom too.  

I hope everyone can find a few things to get ready for back to school.   

Kellie 

What's in Your Cart? Linky Party

It is time for TPT back to school sale. The Speech Room News has created a linky party to show what everyone has in their carts for the big sale. 

Remember TPT gives 10% off using the promo code BTS14 and most shops an additional 20% off.  Combined this equals out to 28%.   Provide feedback for those items to earn credits to more items later.  Almost like having a bonus coupon for your next shopping trip! 

What is in my cart right now.  

First off is 

Nonfiction Reading Unit for Common Core Standards  by Ashleigh.  

I have purchased a few of her products over the years and have never been disappointed.  She takes her time and delivers a wonderful product. One of the products I purchased last year is The Common Core Math Assessment for 3rd Grade.   

Next in my cart is the Power Reading Workshop by Laura Candler.  This is an e-book to provide a guide to reading workshop.  I'm making that full jump this year.  This will help me along that journey.  

I purchased the Classroom Goal Setting around December last year.  It was great to get the students learning where they are.  I think this product will go with the other product to help students set their own reading goals.  

An item from my store that I think is really useful is my Interactive 3rd Grade Math Dictionary.  The students have their own vocabulary dictionary to look back and review throughout the year.  For each vocabulary term there are examples for the students to complete.  Majority of the items have the students work in cooperative groups for great math discussions.  

My cart is a little empty right now, but by Monday I am sure I will have found many more things that will help me through this school year.  

Happy Shopping! 

Kellie