Friday, July 17, 2015

Five for Friday- July 17th

       It is Friday and so it is time for another Five for Friday.  I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching to share what I have been up to this week.  

1. Sunday I went Kayaking along the Licking River, just west of Columbus.  It was beautiful. I hadn't ever kayaked on that river, but it was definitely a great place and I would go again.  




2. I posted this week about tips for creating a classroom that has a culture in which reading is popular and the most exciting thing to do!  If you didn't get a chance, click HERE and check out my post from Sunday.  


3. About 5 years ago, I wised up when it came to back to school prep.  Prior to that, I would create a to do list at the beginning of each year.  Then finally, I wised up!  I created my to do list on my computer and saved it.  It makes it SO much easier because I was always trying to remember what I had needed to do the previous year.  Now, I can adjust it in the fall, so it is ready for the following year, if there is anything that needed to be added.  The only problem with this year's to do list is that I haven't accomplished much and we have three weeks left!  EEEEK!  So, I will need to get busy asap!

4. DISCLAIMER- I do not mean to offend anyone, I am simply a primary teacher at heart.       If you know my story, you know that this coming fall will be my 11th year teaching and my third year that has been in third grade.  Prior to that I taught first grade.  I LOVED first grade.  When I came to third grade, one of the things I wasn't crazy about was how much more content was taught.  I loved teaching Social Studies and Science on a first grade level and when it wasn't taught every single day.  I am not as crazy about teaching Social Studies and Science at the upper elementary level.  The topics are just not my "thing".  
      Last summer I created a product to help me do quick checks for Science and Social Studies standards with Ohio's Model Curriculum.  I found them to be extremely helpful this past year, especially with gauging where my students still needed support. I have had a few requests for other grade levels.  So, I am currently in the process of making a set for the fourth grade curriculum.  I have spent a TON of time looking at vertical alignment of the Common Core Standards in Math, Reading, and Writing, but I haven't really spent much time looking at the vertical alignment of Ohio's Learning Standards for S.S. and Science, until now.   Let's just say, this process has been another reassurance that I am NOT meant to teach any grade higher than third.  I am AMAZED at the difference between third and fourth, when it comes to content.  I will stay where I am or go lower and that is it!!
   
   
5. FINALLY!  The sun FINALLY decided to show itself on Thursday and a little bit today.  I was missing the sunshine, so much! I had a little pool time today before more storms came through.  


So that's a little snapshot of my week.  Have a great weekend!

 

6 comments:

  1. I have a lot of work to do to get ready to teach content. I also teach third, and we've just adopted new standards for science and social studies. I'm feeling very unprepared! Your kayaking trip sounds like fun. The river looks beautiful. Have a good weekend.
    Jan
    Laughter and Consistency

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    1. We use integrated units and I really enjoy them, but you are right, they take a ton of work to prepare. Best of luck with your new standards this year.

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  2. I've switched grade levels every single year that I've taught! A list like that would be so helpful for me because I haven't ever been able to teach the same thing twice when it comes to science and social studies! It looks like you had a beautiful week!

    Hailey

    The Third Grade Nest

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    1. I have a friend who has switched almost every year too! I couldn't even think about that!! Thanks for stopping by Hailey.

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  3. Loving your pictures! Kayaking sounds such fun but I'm far too much of a wuss to ever try it! Pool time sounds fab!!

    Teaching Autism

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! Yes, kayaking is so much fun! You should try it.

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