The Daily Routine

Last year our school adopted the Math Expressions math program.  The first year of any new curriculum is a lot of trial and error as you find what works best for you.  In trying to be as authentic as possible I tried to cover all the components of the lesson.  However, the one component that I could never really get inspired by was the "Daily Routine." Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of repetitive skills practice and totally see the benefits, but I couldn't quite make this work. 

I attempted it, as the book suggested, but with only one student being the leader (because lets just face it switching leaders for each part takes too darn long)  it would often leave the rest of the class playing with their shoelaces and not paying one bit of attention.  But hey, that leader was totally engaged! So, after a few weeks of that, I attempted using a Daily Routine binder that had reusable pages in clear plastic sleeves.  We would get them out and try and wipe them off but can I just say they became a hot mess quickly! The sleeves would wrinkle and the markers made them dirty. So needless to say that just got scraped too! 

I decided I wanted to continue experimenting, and when each child had their own binder to work from it did make a difference. I talked to my teammates and we all agreed that everyone needed to be actively engaged with busy pencils writing. :) So, I am excited to share the new and improved Daily Routine Binder I have created.  

In this binder the students will have a number grid just like the large size one that hangs in your classroom.  As the student leader circles the number of the day (add 2, 3, or 4) the other children are circling it in their binder as well.  The kids only need one number grid in their book and will add on circles each day.

 The next part I included is a blank grid page. Each binder only needs one of these as well, until it fills up, and then you just replace the copy.  As the leader is removing the sticky notes to add on using the big flip chart, the rest of the class is drawing those same circles on their own blank grid.
I suggest copying both this page and the number grid page on white card stock. Since it is used each day you want it hold up.

In the last section of the binder are the routine pages that go with each specific unit.  The first three boxes remain the same throughout all eight units, but the fourth box changes depending on which new routine you teach.  The students will fill in a new routine page each day.  So, for example, if there are 14 lessons in unit 1 then you would make 14 copies of the unit routines page for each students binder.  When the unit ends you just pull these pages out and drop in a new set of pages for unit 2. While the leader is doing their thing, the rest of the class is also participating. Hooray!
Here is an example of the routines page for unit 4

 I have also included teacher "cheat sheet" cards.  I copied them onto to card stock and used a binder ring to hang them near our math charts.  This way I can have a copy in my hand to guide them and not have to carry around my manual, trying to remember the order and what to do.

Additionally, I included a weather and temperature graph.  I know Expressions doesn't focus on this as part of the routine but I still like to have my students complete this.  I also embedded in the first box of the unit routine a bit of calendar information.  Students record the day, date, etc. and keep track of how many days we have been in first grade.  Last year my students couldn't understand why the number of the day on the number grid didn't match the number of days in school. And let me tell you, I couldn't always keep it straight either. :)  I attempted to resolve that, let's hope it helps.

The cute little cover also comes in full color or black and white if you want to print it on colored paper instead to save ink.

I expect this year this will be a much smoother part of our math time.  I look forward to this actually becoming a "Daily Routine" 

Brag Tags - International Baccalaureate PYP Style

     At the beginning of each year when you set the tone, and establish your rules and routines, developing good behavior management is at the top of the "to do" list.  The school I teach in is a PYP International Baccalaureate school.  Part of being an IB school is teaching our students the traits and attitudes that are connected to this program.  

     I started noticing all the posts online about teachers using Brag Tags in their classrooms.  I currently have a great system using an IB clip chart that I created that works wonderfully.  However, I wanted to look at other ways to build positive connections with my students, and somehow tie it directly to our IB program.  I decided in order to do this I wanted to use the Brag Tag idea but also pull in those traits and attitudes we teach.  I created a set of 30 different IB Brag Tags.  Each tag has one of the learner profile traits, attitudes, taking action, or the transdisciplinary themes on them.  Along with a kid friendly statement that explains what the trait or attitude means.

If you haven't heard of Brag Tags let me explain how I plan to use them.  

Brag Tags are small tags that students collect and wear on a necklace or keep on a binder ring. As students demonstrate a particular IB trait or attitude they are awarded a Brag Tag.  In order to manage this effectively I plan to focus on a monthly trait and attitude.  I think this will be the easiest way to keep track of students earning tags. As well as allow me to really focus on the students actions. Of course you can also just give them out for any trait or attitude at any time. Whichever way is easiest.. there are no rules.  If you choose to have a monthly focus I have included large size examples of the brag tags for display.  I have a couple of blank picture frames that I will display the focus of the month in.  I think the kids will REALLY enjoy having their brag tags match the ones on display. Here are some examples of the full size pictures for display.

Here are some tips in order to get you started.  

Prep: Print Brag Tags on either card stock or paper and laminate. Cut each page into 15 separate tags.  Use a hole punch for the top of the tag.  I use a 1/8 hole punch for a small hole at the top of each tag. I purchased this at Michael’s with a coupon.  You can also find the hole punch on Amazon if you don't feel like making an additional trip to the store. Here is an example of what the brag tags look like.  

The transdisciplinary theme tags I will give to students as we complete each Unit of Inquiry.  The taking action brag tag I will distribute when students share how they take action within our school or in our community.

Management of Tags: I use 24 inch Ball Chain Necklaces for my students.  You can purchase them on Amazon.  OR you can go to Hobby Lobby or other local craft stores and buy a spool of ball chain to cut with wire cutters into 24 inch lengths. The 24 inch chains are long enough to slip over the students heads easily. Make sure the chain you purchase from the craft stores comes with the fasteners.  

Some teachers choose not to use the necklaces but rather keep their kids brag tags on binder rings, and students can hook them to their pencil case or backpack.   I have also included an IB reflection journal.  If you choose to use the journal you won’t need to laminate the tags.  The students just glue the tag they earn into their journal and write a reflection on how it was earned. 

** Important – The first tag – IB Learner – is their name tag – I will give this one to the students when I introduce what brag tags are. This way everyone starts out with one right away and can see what they look like.  I write their name in sharpie on the back so if a necklace is found on the floor you know who to give it back to.

Storage: There are many ways to store your tags so they stay organized.  Some teachers use the plastic organizer boxes from the craft store, others use tool boxes with small drawers from the hardware store.  I use baseball card sleeves and put them in a binder (I have sons so we had lots of card sleeves) Here is the binder I have created to store my tags. I have also included the binder cover in case you decide to use a binder for storage as well.  

 Some teachers create displays in their classroom where students hang their brag tags on bulletin boards.  Others have students store them in their desk or pencil box. I have included 2 styles of pennant banners for you if you choose to make a bulletin board display to hang your kids tags on. I have a rather small classroom and will have my students store their tags in their classroom mailboxes.  I would love to create a board but just don't have the space.  

I plan to hand the brag tags out once a week at our morning meeting on Fridays.  Students can then add any tags they earn to their necklace and wear their necklace at school that day.  I decided only once a week would help keep the motivation surrounding brag tags high! 

So, there you have it! IB Brag Tags in a nutshell.  If you decide to try them in your classroom I would love to hear how it goes!! 

Have a great 2016-2017 school year!! 


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Classroom Photos 2015 -2016

I am finally getting a chance to share pics of my classroom for this year!! Granted, here in Michigan we are only in the second week of school so I am still swimming up stream to say the least. I'm not sure how every year I can forget how tired I am in September, and this year is no exception. Thank heavens Saturday is close by, I may not get up until noon! :) 

Last year I moved into my current classroom space, and even though I loved how it turned out there were still parts of the room that just didn't "work." I was eager to get in to school when August rolled around and just have some time to play with the furniture arrangement, and try to see if I could make things fit a little better.  Well, I am happy to say I feel like I fixed what I didn't like about it last year, and although my color scheme stayed the same, I am loving this room arrangement much more!! 

If you want to take peek (because seeing other classrooms is so much fun!) I tried to take pictures from many angles. 

Love my little rolling cart from Ikea

My new IB Classroom Clip Chart found here: Clip Chart
My new magnetic note board from Ikea 

Student Coat Hooks - Please ignore the stacks underneath.. still finding room or things!
Chrysanthemum turned out so cute! She can be found here

Student Meeting Area

Back Corner

3D word wall 

New shelves courtesy of my husband... thank goodness for storage!

My tiny little writing area and reading library/reference wall
My phonics reference wall posters can be found here

View from the back

My tiny little teacher area :) 

Listening Center Area
My IB Learner Profile display found here

Teacher Appreciation - Appreciate Each Other

For many teachers school is about to begin (or may already have).  If you are prepping for your upcoming school year you are CRAZY busy like I am.  There are a hundred little things to do and no one understand this better than your co-workers! After all, we tread the same waters folks! :) 

If you are also like me, you rely on these co-workers to see you through the year.  These are the people you call last minute when you wake up to sick child, and you need sub plans STAT! These are people who ask you how your day is going and comfort you when things are tough, or encourage you when you need it most. These people are the same ones who sit across from you in PD and understand your thoughts from just a sideways glance.  These are the people who will send a student with a lunch menu to your door with a note saying "I think we need to have a working lunch today!" They may even be the same people who send a student carrying a dictionary to your door, which you in turn know is code for "can this little kiddo hang with you for a bit, we NEED some time apart!!" 

They are your peeps, your pals, your sidekicks.  I think it's so important that we take a minute to show these people how much they mean to us, and how important they are to have around. Because, not everyone will run to the copy machine for you on their prep just because YOU ran out of copies. :)  It just plain feels good to be appreciated and in turn be the person to appreciate others.  

This picture was posted by a teacher friend and made me just laugh out loud.  In her teammate's closet was this little hidden stash! How awesome would it be to have a teammate that knows you this well?! (and I can't help but giggle at the "note to self" on the 
Cheez-its in the background: more enjoyable when shared with friends!) 

So, in a conscious effort to appreciate my own teammates I made a few little treat tags that I plan to use 

with my teacher pals this year as well. (Stacey if you're reading close your eyes now! :) ) They include 8 different treat options that you can brighten someone's day with.  Here are some examples:

Classroom Design (A tribute to my larger classroom that someone new now owns)

Classroom design, it's all consuming.  Try furniture here... try furniture there...the kids go to gym and they come back and things have moved. :) I feel like every August I am always trying to create the perfect space.  One that's functional, organized, and works for all of us.  

Last year I had the job of moving classrooms.  You know the drill, spending several days weeks of your summer just schlepping every thing you own (and I own a lot) down the hall.  It's all kinds of fun! Honestly, that wasn't my biggest issue, the actual moving.  It was the size of my new space. It was smaller, considerably smaller, than what I was leaving.  Cue the gasps!! Storage, what's that? I had a huge wall of built in storage closets in my old space, every child had their own coat cubbie (which if you live in the north you understand the real need...snowpants, boots, mittens, hats... OY!)  and not to mention the ever coveted bathroom en suite.. not one but two...yes two! Oh yes, I was a spoiled gal, and I knew it! 

Once I got over my personal pity party about losing that awesome room I started trolling online blogs, watching for classroom reveals.  I became inspired to change color themes (go big or go home right?).  I can honestly say in the end I love my new room.  I think it's cozy and I have no real regrets about moving at all. After all, we spend more of our waking hours in this space than our own homes, so we need to love it right?! 

Since it's one of my most favorite times of year (seeing all the online classroom tours) I will show you my old room.  I have kissed it goodbye and only on days when it's sunny do I miss it #onewindownow #usedtohaveawholewallfull. Maybe you will get an idea or two from the pics. If you want to see my new space just click on the tab above labeled My Classroom.

If you are posting pics of your own classroom please be sure to comment below.  I would love to check them out! 

(these photos were taken around Halloween, the purple and orange table cloth/pumpkins is not part of my everyday style) 

:)