The beginning of school in brief:
- I'm loving reading workshop so far. My kids have awesome independent reading stamina, we just need to work on our sit at the carpet for a mini-lesson stamina! Most of my kids have finished at least one book so far and I am finishing up my reading interest interviews. I'm learning so much about their feelings about reading as well as their likes and dislikes.
- We are in the midst of our JA BizTown lessons. Our BizTown simulation is set for mid-September so we need to cram in all the lessons ASAP. This being the second time doing BizTown I am able to better adjust the lessons to help my students get the most out of them in preparation.
- Class Dojo is a hit with my new class. It has really helped me highlight the positive behaviors and acknowledge the kids when they are being rock stars! I especially love "catching" positive behaviors in the students that struggle to make good choices and hearing the affirming ding from Class Dojo.
- I did a major overhaul to my classroom economy system. So far it is much smoother/easier, and the kids are enjoying it.
My goal for next week is to take some photos for a proper blog post. Today I am excited to join in with Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge's Fabulous Feedback Linky!
maestraw left this very kind feedback for the American Revolution Lapbook. I'm so glad his/her class was able to enjoy making their lapbooks and, maestraw, I'd love to offer you a freebie...anything in my store. Just contact me and let me know what you'd like! Thank you for your kind kind words.
Jeanette Rivera left the following sweet feedback for my Healthy Testing Treat Labels. Thanks Jeanette, let me know what you would like from my store! Your feedback is oh so appreciated!
Reading interest interview? This sounds interesting. Do you have a blog post with more details about these interviews?
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know more about the reading interest interviews too...what questions do you ask, etc? Tell us more please?!?
ReplyDeleteMonica and Kris - I guess I know what to blog about next! Stay tuned :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up! I'm off to check out the healthy testing labels!
ReplyDelete:)
Christina
*Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge*
I LOVED being part of this link up the first time it ran. Sadly, somehow I didn't even know about it this time, but on the positive side, it led me to your blog! :-)
ReplyDeleteI look forward to learning more about you, as I'm your latest follower.
Can't help but wonder if this would work with my 8th graders... something tells me, sadly, no.
Mme Aiello @ Teaching FSL
I have been thinking about using class dojo also but wondered how effective it would be if only I can see it on the iPad ...how do u track it?? How are they able to keep track of their progress throughout the day?
ReplyDeleteNatalie, I use Class Dojo on my computer which is projected onto the screen. It isn't always projected, like when I have directions for an assignment on the board, but I try to switch over when I give points so that the kids can see it. I did explain to them that if they hear the good or bad sound they should have idea whether or not it was for them depending on their current actions. I also use my phone as a remote or for when we are out of the room, such as assemblies or specials.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't have a projector you could have the student earning positive points by letting them click on it themselves on the iPad, or you can just announce who got/lost points. I'd make sure the sound is on because those happy dings really helps to refocus some of my kids who may not have been.