Sunday, August 26, 2012

WoW! What a Whirlwind!

School has officially started and I have survived the first seven days with my new AMAZING class! I love everyone of my new students and I know we are going to have a fantastic year! However, I am making so many new changes to my curriculum, due to the new Common Core Standards, that I feel VERY overwhelmed. Does anyone else feel the same way? We have completely thrown out our old math curriculum and I am starting Math Workshop, which I have never done before. (We are using bits of Everyday Math ideas and what I can find online and on TPT. I do love it so far, but I have a few kinks to work out too! I am also continuing with the Daily 5, but I am now implementing the CAFE this year too. My project for this weekend was to set up my Teacher's Pensieve (Reading Notebook). I think I am going to like it. I also want to create a Math Pensieve too... for Math Workshop.

Also, this week, I came to realize that I needed to start a Book Nook rotation in my classroom. I have so many new and fun spots for my students to read, that it was a little chaotic the first few days with who goes where, so I created a Book Nook rotation chart. I read the idea a few years ago over at Beth Newingham's website. If you haven't checked her out, YOU MUST! She is amazing. (However, her site seems to be down right now, but you can Google her and read her Scholastic Articles.)

Here are pictures of my new Book Nook chart:




It seems to be working out great so far! Once I get my Teacher's Pensieve Binder the way I like it, I will be posting pics of it! Have a great day!

4 comments:

  1. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with the new curriculum with Common Core also. This year I am training the teachers with the new reading and writing workshops our district is taking on. I am in the process of researching reading notebooks and would love to know what you're doing with yours.

    Your chart is a great idea. Good luck this year.
    Antoinette

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  2. Hang in there. I'm sure that before you know it you'll be teaching all of your new curriculum/workshops like a pro!

    :) Nicole
    Tadpole Tidbits
    www.mrscorbitt.blogspot.com

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  3. I agree that Beth Newingham is amazing! I miss her site. I'd like to invite you to my blog and my first linky party called "Fun Friday." It is all about the fun things we do in our classrooms. I'd love for you to stop by and link up!

    Kelly
    Teaching Fourth

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  4. The blog world misses you, so I've nominated you for a Liebster Award. Visit my blog for details.

    Kristin
    Teachntex.blogspot.com

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