Mentor Text Linky: Fractions

       This is my first time linking up with the Collaboration Cuties for their Mentor Text Linky.    I have followed along and loved seeing the different mentor texts, but never actually joined in.  

      The book I have chosen for this linky is called Working with Fractions by David A. Adler.   I love this book because it could be used in many grade levels. The book begins by talking about what a fraction actually means and then talks about how fractions can be found everywhere and anywhere.  Throughout the book, the author talks about equivalent fractions and comparing fractions.  

      The past few years, our grade level has switched students for math, based on pre-tests and prior knowledge.  The past few years I have taught our higher math group.  This book has been a great extension for those students who already understand the basics of fractions.  The pictures are fantastic and the author relates fractions to things that the kids understand, such as balloons, cake, and of course pizza!   If you haven't read this book, check it out!

- Michelle    

Five for Friday...School's OUT!!

     SCHOOL’S OUT!!!  That's right!  I was SO tired all week, that I was thrilled to know that Friday was the end of the year.  However, When Friday came, I was sad to see my kiddos leave.  They were so sweet that day and you could tell they were sad to leave as well.  

    I went to dinner last night in celebration and never ended up blogging for Five for Friday, so here we go!  Head on over to Doodle Bugs Teaching to link up. 

1.  Camp Learn-A-Lot-  For almost every year that I have been teaching, this being my 8th year (I can't believe it!), I have done a camping theme to end out the year.  This is so much fun.  They don't realize how much they are still working and learning those last few days.  We go fishing for math facts, write "How to Make a Smore", make Father's Day fishing presents, take a nature hike to look for living and non-living items, etc.  

2.  Tie-Dye t-shirts and cute smiles!  I LOVE our class pictures every year with the tie-dye shirts.  They turned out really cute this year!  The first one was a regular picture and the second was a silly face picture.  You can still tell by their bodies that they were being silly!

3.  Last day of school-  Friday was our final day. Each year we have to clean and stack all of our furniture in one corner of our room.  I always have my students help on the last day.  They were wonderful helpers!  I started by making it a little fun. I always have them use shaving cream to clean first and play a little.  Then the real cleaning begins!

4. Earlier in the year I saw an idea for a red carpet on Pinterest.  I thought this was such a cute idea, so on the final day we rolled out the "red carpet", aka red paper and awarded my students with candy awards. They LOVED this!  They were so excited to walk down the "red carpet"!   I also found sticky mustaches at the Dollar Tree, so as they arrived at the front of the red carpet, I said to each student "I mustache you a question.  Are you ready for second grade?".  They all of course said yes and I gave each student a mustache.  Oh, how they loved the mustaches!  Here are some of my kiddos!

5.  Finally, a great last day of school fun fact.  While cleaning on Friday, one of my students informed another student about mustaches.  Student A, "Actually only men have mustaches".  Student B, "No, actually sometimes grandmas have mustaches.  My grandma has a mustache".  Yep!  She said it!  So, I chimed in and told her that she was correct.  As women age they too sometimes have facial hair!  We all had a good laugh!   

I have three teacher workdays this coming week, but it sure feels like summer is here!  Happy Summer!!!!!

-Michelle

The End is NEAR!! Gift Ideas and More!

End of Year Gift Ideas!

     For SO many of my blogging friends, the school year has come to an end or is almost at an end. My school still has 3 days left after today.  We finish on June 7 for the kiddos and teachers work until the 12th.  I know that a lot of you have wrapped up your year, but for those that haven't and for those coming up with your ideas for next year, I have two end of year ideas I want to share with you.  One is something I have done for a few years now and one is brand new!  

     For the past four or five years, I have made books for my students at the end of each year.  This book is a sampling of the student's writing and his/her illustrations. I start collecting samples for this book on the first day of school, where my students write their names, draw self-portraits, and write about what they did over the summer.  This is a great first day morning work activity and it also gives me an immediate assessment as to each student's writing abilities.  Then throughout the year, I collect items that we type during centers or at the computer lab, as well as published writing pieces, and even poetry.  I love seeing the looks on their faces when they see the books.  Most students do NOT believe that the first day writing sample actually belongs to them. Here are a few pictures of this year's books. (Sorry, the pictures didn't turn out too well.) 

     The second end of year idea I wanted to share, is something I purchased during the Teacher Appreciation Sales.  I purchased was called Candy Awards by Hope King.  Here are a few pics of my awards and candy/poems.  Each award comes with a super cute matching poem and corresponding candy.  I can't wait to share these with my students!

     Everyone that knows what a sweet tooth I have, knows how hard it has been having all of this candy in my office!  

      What special things do you do for your students at the end of the year?  I always love to hear new, fun ideas!

-Michelle

June Currently...4 More Days!

      I can’t believe that June is already here!  I am a few days behind for the June Currently.  I am linking up with Farley, even if I am a few days behind!

      This weekend we traveled to Cincinnati, OH for a wedding and then a few hours north of there for a Warrior Dash.  This is our last week with the kiddos and next week we have 3 teacher workdays before finishing up for the year.  This year has gone by so fast that I just can’t believe the end of the year has arrived!

Listening: I am listening to the radio!

Loving: My new school issued MacBook Air!!  Our school is going Mac next year and in order to get everyone feeling comfy with the new tools we will have access to, the school issued MacBook Airs to all teachers to use from now throughout the summer.  I don’t know that I am going to want to go back to my Dell laptop at home!!

Thinking:  I am thinking about all that needs to be done for Camp Learn-A-Lot tomorrow.  For the last 6 years or so, we have done a camping unit the last few days of school.  My classroom becomes the campsite. Truth be told I get just as excited as my kiddos for these camping days.  I usually set up my classroom after school the day before we begin.  Camping starts tomorrow and I am thinking about all that still needs to be set up!

Wanting: A day at the pool!  I had a great time with family and friends this weekend, but I need a vacation from my vacation.  I am ready for a long day spent poolside!

Needing: I need a massage!  I think I will get one after my final workdays. 

3 Vacay Essentials:  This is a hard one.  Anyone that knows me knows that I have trouble packing light.  So to pick three essentials is hard because I think a lot of things are essentials!  I guess I would say sunglasses, bathing suits, and a good book or books downloaded on my iPad/iPhone. 

For those who are still in school, like me, enjoy your last few days with your kiddos!  After today I have 4 more days!  I am excited for summer, but as always I will miss this group of students!  

Happy June!

-Michelle