Parents: Can't live with them, can't live without them!

Last night was our BTSN and overall it was good, and in some ways annoying.  I came up to fourth from third so I know some of these parents pretty well already, which means I have a better understanding of their thinking.  Dealing with parents was not my forte.  I was blunt, to the point, didn't sugar coat, and probably told the parents too much what they didn't want to hear.  I have learned over the years how to make it a mutually beneficial relationship, sometimes I am successful, others I am not, but always a learning experience.  So far this year, we are all smiles and they are in love with me. I haven't completely changed how I communicate but I've tweaked it and added some proactive approaches to deterring meltdowns.  Here are some ways I build a good relationship and communicate with my parents. (my 5 for Friday)

1.  Take a cute notepad, put one student's name at the top from your entire class, over and over again.  Each day, pull the top paper and write a positive note home to that child and their parent.  I know we have some kids that it would be difficult to find a super positive for, but it can be anything.  Try to send one to every kid in your class within the first two weeks, and then keep doing it throughout the year.  The kids love taking positive notes home, and the parents appreciate that you've recognized their child.

2.  Make your expectations for your parents clear just like you would with the students.  if you've told your parents to give you three days notice before bringing in cupcakes, and they bring it in the day of or before, simply say (like I did yesterday), because you only gave me one day's notice and I've asked you to give me a week, she will have to take her cupcakes to the cafeteria to share with the students and won't be able to do it in class.  It can be hard to do, and you want to appease them, but just like kids, if they know you mean what you say the hassle will be less later.

3.  This tip has worked wonders for me.  A weekly email, not newsletter, a detailed, this is what your child will be learning and expected to know this week email.  I always start with reminders instead of for the end, then I go into each and every subject detailing what lessons they will be taught and what it will look like.  i provide examples, websites, and links for more information. I get so many emails saying that they love these emails because it helps them to know exactly what is going on and how to support them, that I am never turning back.

I know many of you have newsletters that your grade level, district, school sends out.  THEY DON"T READ THEM!!  But they do read those emails.  Keep them concise and not overwhelming.  Save them.

4.  Document, save, and file all emails from parents.  My outlook at work deletes the email after 3 weeks, and there have been too many times that parents call me to the carpet over not informing them, or they were not made aware, etc.  I don't pay them no mind, I just forward the email where I did inform them, highlight their email, and press send.  It may seem harsh, but it works.  Also, if a parent decides to go off on you, it's your documentation for your principal.  Hopefully, this has not happened to any of you, but it has with me, and it saved my behind.

5.  Be thoughtful when you communicate with your parents.  You NEED to be honest, they need to know what is really going on with their child, sandwich it.  Positive, negative, positive.  But don't sugar coat it, if you do that too much, they may not think the negative is that serious.  Even if it is all positive, give them some kind of feed back to help in some way.  

Those are my five thoughts.  If you have more to add, please do.

Crazy Kuzner now Crazy Chae Motivates

So, I am sitting in a dark kitchen, just finished up reading some blogs, thinking what else do I have to add to this world of teacher blogs.  I am not sure, I feel that most of you know what I tell you already.  But here it goes...

I motivate them by being me, aka crazy.  I am sarcastic, loud, and wave my arms and body around.  To give you an idea, one time I told the class if one more person asks me what they were supposed to do when they were done, I would fall down dead (I know, maybe not the most sensitive, but oh well, I said it).  Well, as you can guess, one more person asked me, and I don't think because they wanted to see me fall down dead.  Well, I flail, gasp for breath, clutch my heart, and fell dramatically to the ground motionless and with my tongue hanging out.

I know, kinda weird.

My point is, I encourage them to be them, the nerdy, weird, the quiet, the athlete, the diva, the princess, whatever, but also to pursue the interests they have.  So instead of trying to fill every moment of their day with things to do when they are done with whatever (early finishers, as I used to call them, and I am sure most of you), I encourage them to seek something out that they are interested in, something that sparks their interest.  Last year, two girls were super into dolphins.  When ever they completed their assignment from me, they were able to get on the computer to research dolphins.  No dead line, no guidance, no nothing.  Just a point in the direction they were going, a suggestion for where to find more information, or a quick lesson in Word.

You should have seen the final product (wish I had a picture) and it was amazing.  They created a hard cover out of cardboard, and covered in a watercolor painting of a dolphin.  They included a table of contents with chapters using bold print, photographs with labels, and a glossary at the end.  They also made a poster of the parts of the dolphin and a map of their migration path.  THIS WAS THIRD GRADE!  They got up in front of the class and presented their project.

Now, not all my kids were able to go to this degree, but researching and learning more about what they were interested in motivated them to get their work done in class.  BUT not just get it done; they had to get it done well using their best effort.  They know I don't take anything but their best.  And when it is done, they get to do what they want.  They enjoyed learning about what they like so much, many of them would want to come in during recess do complete their projects.  I mean, I had someone choose Lamborghini cars to Muhammed Ali to whatever.  It didn't matter.  All that mattered was that they were motivated and they were teaching themselves by doing it.

So, that's how I try to motivate my kids, being me, saying it's ok to be me, them to be them, like what I like, they can like what they like, and we can all learn from each other.  I know I've learned tons from them.

Ideas for us BUSY TEACHERS!!

So, apparently, I start every sentence with So.  I actually have to delete it and start over.  Not this time.

I've been reading all these posts of Currently in September and I've notice many of you have a common theme, you need more ME time.  I am going to give you some suggestions that I use to help me have my ME and FAMILY time.

1.  Meal planning: There are several services for low fees that will create a meal plan for you for the week.  They'll include the grocery list, the daily meal, and the recipe.  I've used eMeals but now I use Simple Clean Meals.  I like it better because each meal is on a sheet instead of all the recipes squeezed in on one sheet like eMeals.  It is also "clean" meaning the recipes use unprocessed food.  There a couple canned ingredients like tomatoes or beans but it is no big deal.  I don't use all the recipes, but I'll pick the ones I like.

2.  To Do Lists: about 15 minutes before I leave for the day I make a list of what I need to do the next day.  I prioritize what has to be done that day, that week, and what can be pushed back to the back burner.  I designate a small notebook for all my to do lists.  I don't like post-its because they lose their stickiness and they are all over the place.  So, I take that list, make a pile of what I have to do (copy, file, make) and leave my list on top or put it in my box (which is right next to the copier).

3.  Designated Space for everything!  Organization is what keeps me sane.  If I am not organized my ME and FAMILY time go out the window.  If there comes to be an item that doesn't have a place, I find a place for it.

4.  Take an hour for yourself, hopefully more.  Book a pedicure, go shopping, nap, watch TV, go see a movie by yourself. But it is important!

5.  I know this is hard for people, but don't mingle too much with your colleagues.  I will only speak with my colleagues for about 10 minutes after the kids leave because work is to be done.  I am friends with many but I will socialize after I am done.  Many will stay a long time talking in the halls and classrooms and stay into the late afternoon.  Not I.  I will set up HH or dinner with them but then that turns into my ME and FAMILY and now FRIENDS time.

6.  GO HOME!  Enjoy your family and friends, and your time!  I know it is easy to stay late or take it home because you justify that you can get it done when you have a moment.  Especially those that don't have children yet, it is easy to just always work.  I have a colleague that would stay til 8 or later every day.  It was a chore to get her out the door.  This year, she is determined to have a balanced life.

Your balanced life is important.  We all love teaching and we wouldn't do it if we didn't love it.  You need to love yourself first, and then you'll be your best for your students!

Here is my currently...

 I love my daughter too, but that is a given!  I also can't wait til next week, but I can't tell you why right now!!  I will tell you when I can...

Just Say No... Or just another time...

It is the first week of school and as you all know, that is a crazy time.  The demands on your time and your ability as a teacher are high.  Your county/district wants you to start the curriculum right away, seriously, my county gave my 5 lessons for the first week of school in just math.  They wanted me to start DAY ONE!  Do they take into account teaching procedures, or how long it will take to learn how your room works, or where everything is, or anything?

Our time is precious, and I want you to know that it is okay to say "No, let's do it another time."  You can say NO to the specialist that wants to introduce themselves 5 minutes before dismissal on the first day of school.  It is okay to say "No, we can't meet during our planning time because it is our planning time, another day will have to work."  It is okay to say "No, I will not meet with you during my lunch time because I didn't have a special (i.e. PE, Music, etc) and that is the only time I have to be by myself."  It is okay to say "No, I do not want to come early to school to talk to you about Johnny."

I have learned that no matter what, the work is going to be there, but time with my family is not.  I work very hard when I am at school, but when I come home, I enjoy my time with my family.  I do not bring work home with me (unless it is right before report card time).  Too many a night, I've lugged that bag home just to lug it back the next morning untouched.

Of course, pick your battles and what you will say no to, and I usually say yes more. BUT, when that NO needs to be said, ...

Peek into my Week!

Today was my first day back and I would have to say it was a success!  I did not get to everything I had planned done but we got the big items done, and I rearranged all my undone stuff to fit into the rest of the week.  Some of my kids thought it was a short day because before we knew it, it was 2:45 and had 15 minutes left!  I took it as a compliment, "Time flies when you're having fun!"

After school I sent an email to all the parents that I had an email for and gave them a first day update.  I have learned to be proactive with parents.  The more they know the less they are popping in your room as you're letting the kids in asking how their kid is doing.  Seriously?! I send a weekly email to my parents just giving them the gist of what is going on in each subject.

I even got my first positive email from a parent letting me know that her child is excited about the up coming year!  It made my day.

So, I am getting into curriculum stuff tomorrow.
Math
Place value, reading and writing multi-digit numbers using base ten blocks, virtual manipulatives, brainpop, etc.
Reading
I'm reading Freedom Summer (a historical fiction) discussing character traits, how the person affects the outcome, and the point of view of the narrator.  I'm using foldables, sorts, interactive journaling, group, and partner work!

Writing
In writing, I am starting with opinion of the character (character analysis) with two books.  First with Hey, Little Ant.  It is about a little boy that wants to squish the little ant and explains why, and the little ant doesn't want to be squished and explains why.  At the very end, the book actually prompts the reader to make a decision, to or not to squish.

Social Studies
In Social Studies, we are studying identifying human-made/physical features of the U.S. and how those feature effect settlement pattern in the U.S.  I don't have anything fun, KWL, sorts, concept maps, but I am trying to think of something fun. Let me know if you have ideas.

Between it all...
I'm reading several read alouds.  The Name Jar!  When I read it for the first time, I had to keep myself from crying.  It is about a girl that comes to the U.S. for the first time and she is embarrassed about her Korean name and wants a new American name.  Her class creates a name jar and they put names into it for ideas they got from people they know or books they've read.  In the end, she chooses to keep her Korean name because it is who she is and it is something to be proud of.  There is a boy in the story that helps her realize that by asking a Korean clerk at the a Korean market to give him a Korean name, and he choose the Korean name for FRIEND!!  Loved it.

Also reading, Just Kidding.  I haven't read it all the way yet, but it is about how teasing or just kidding isn't just kidding, that it can hurt and words are more powerful than we think.

And another for this week, Voices in the Park.  Tells the same story from the perspective of 4 different characters.  Haven't read it all the way yet, but have heard great reviews.

Alright, that is it for now.  I am going to go work out, and relax!

Preparing for the New School Year and my MANY thoughts!

I start with the kiddies on Monday.  I've been reading all these BTS posts and seeing how a lot of you have to buy your kids supplies!  I am not sure where you teach but I was surprised.  I thought the kids bought their supplies, at least, ours do, except the composition notebooks, folders, pencils, and paper, but our county allocates money for our school to divvy out to the teams to purchase those materials.  I would love to know where you teach, how your district works in terms of buying needed student materials, and how you feel about it, and if there is anything to be done about it.

My second thought is about my vision for my year.  I usually start every year out with a vision of how I want my year to go, the feel I want it to have, ways I am going to accomplish that, and things I need to improve in my teaching and in my logistical manner.  I've learned that without organization and thoughtful planning my year usually goes down the toilet and pretty quickly because I end of winging it day to day.  I hate that feeling.  And as you all know, planning takes time, getting the materials organized takes more time, and delivering engaging lessons just doesn't happen without it.

So here are my goals:

1.  Meet DAILY with every group in reading and math! (sometimes I was only able to meet with one or two a day and the others 2/3 times in the week)

2.  Stay on top of my grading, and not let it pile up! (plan my assessments better; with this new curr. assessments could be anything so I was grading anything and everything and became bogged down)

3.  Give feedback to assignments quicker.  (I am great at feedback when it comes to my observations but those longer writing assignments and projects that go with them, not so much)

4.  Figure out how I am going to do silent independent reading every day in my packed schedule.

5.  Make Science and Social Studies more fun.  (It is already fun material, but I have 20 minutes to do it, that's it!)

BIG GOAL!! Figure out how to make composting happen at my school.  If you have a composting program at your school, or some other kind of GREEN project, hit me up.  I'd love to know how your school does it.

I had a friend of mine come into my room today looking for help.  She needed a plan to organize her room because the sheer amount of things she thought she had to get done was overwhelming her.  And I know that feeling.

So this is how I helped...

1.  Visualize your room
2.  Start from your door and work clockwise listing all the things you need to get done
3.  List the days you have to do them in, so today is Tuesday, so she had today until Friday
4.  Thinking about how much time she had in each day to get it done we divvied up the items so by Friday she was all done.

At the end of the process, she didn't feel as overwhelmed and saw she didn't have as much she needed to get done as she thought.

The trick is, do one item at a time, and cross it off before you move to the next item.  And add-ons need to wait til all other items of the day are complete.

I was going to create a cute To Do worksheet for you, but something occurred to me when I was in the shower, which is where all my good ideas pop into my head, that or my car.  You can use a loose leaf piece of paper, or a page in your notebook, which I am sure you have.

I don't say that to be mean, or judgmental of those that like cute to do papers (I like them too) but you are just going to write on it, and then toss it when done, so why waste the ink and energy to make it.

Onto another thought that came into my head...I am not going to sell anything I make.  It is ALL GOING TO BE FREE!!  Once I do figure out how to do all those cool things, and use them, I am going to just let you have them.  You know why?

In my county, we use Outlook, and we have this shared folder that all the teachers in the county per grade can post to.  One of those shared folders is named Elementary Roll-Out and it is meant for all grade ___ to post and share ideas and attach (Powerpoint Presentations, Flipscharts, videos, worksheets, WHATEVER).  This one woman, whom I've never met, posts the best stuff, and she is always happy to share.  It is always useful, and I plan on sending her a care package.  Because of Kimberly, I plan on just sharing.

And if you also want to do that, great and here is a Facebook page that also gives out freebies!

Made it Monday! Freebie and Prizes

I have taken the past few days off because I go back to school tomorrow for pre-service.  I've gone a 12 mile bike ride, celebrated a friend's birthday, hung out with close friends at a beer fest and played bocce ball at cool new bar, and today, I am relaxing, getting some of my summer chores done.

Now, I know it isn't Monday, but I don't think I'll have time tomorrow to post, so I am posting early.

But I've also made labels for my kiddo's journals, and I am going to share them with you.  I hope that I can get them the way they are supposed to be (my font etc) and editable for you to make your own, click HERE.  They are formatted to be 4 by 6 inches.

If you can't edit it, let me know and I'll email it to you directly.

I'm also linking up with Teaching Fourth for her Birthday Bash Contest.  She has some really great prizes and hope I win!

I hope I make it to my first year.  There is such a learning curve to this crazy blogging world and I want to just know it.  I feel like it takes me 2 hours to do a post because I am reading tutorials, and trying to say something that is worth while not just to say something.

So, I am going to go work out.  My alcohol consumption and sweet intake was bad for my belly this weekend.  But what are you gonna do, color me disgusted. . .