School and the City

I have found that with this particular class, the least-loved subject is writing. In fact, when I say it is time for writing, many of my students GROAN... It makes me cringe!!  No matter how fun I make the writing prompts, I still have a select few that hate to do it.  After doing some research, I made a few changes, and now my kids LOVE writing workshop time.  First,  I showed this video clip of a Lucy Calkins interview. I started it at about the 1:25 mark. It really got my students thinking about how they can use their words to make a difference and the fact that their writing can and does matter. After watching the video, we discussed. Then, We used some sharpies to customize our writing folders with some of Lucy's words, "My words are powerful; My writing is gold." Now, these words of encouragement are the first things that my students see when they take their writing folders out of their desks. Sometimes, we chant it!! Lastly , I decid...

Congratulations - we survived another Monday! As I am new to the teaching world, I am constantly overwhelmed.  However, there's at least one aspect of my job that I am an expert at: bulletin boards. Keep scrolling for some tips and pictures of my favorite boards.  1. Make it 3D.  Yes, I know what you are thinking. "If I make my bulletin board 3D, students will rip it down." As my classroom is right next to the bathroom, I just knew my snowman would be destroyed by the end of the month. I was so wrong; all of the kiddos loved him so much that he stayed intact!  3D requires a little extra work (like balling up recycled paper to stuff your snowman) but the outcome is worth it.  He won "Bulletin Board of the Month!" 2. Tailor your board to your students' interests. This board was not my favorite - but it was a favorite of kids from all grade levels. I love the little burst of pride I get when I hear a student walk by my room and say...