Communication Tools! {SALE}

One of my favorite communication/management tools are my Parent-Teacher Communication Binders.  These are a huge hit with my parents every year, simply because they are able to keep track of their child's academics and behavior daily.  It's a super simple binder with simple directions and guidelines. I decided since, sadly, so many of you are going back to school already to have a little sale!

Here is a quick view of what's in my store!  Still adding more daily! :)  Don't see a theme that fits your room?  Let me know!!

Click HERE to head to my TPT store!

Throwback Thursday {July 11}

I just love this little linky party!  I love going back into the archives of my blog and I love getting to read everyone else's as well!

Today's #tbt is all about Parent-Teacher communication and a classroom management tool.  It is something I use every.single.year and have even gotten every primary teacher in my school to use!  They are awesome! The original post was posted on June 24, 2012.

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Next up a communication tool that I use every year and LOVE!

I use a parent-teacher communication binder as a way to keep in touch with parents on a daily basis.  The idea is to keep the parents actively involved with their child's daily education/school "life" and give the students something to be responsible for.  

Each year at the end of the year I give parents a survey and ask them to "grade" me on my communication skills and give me any praise/advice.  Each year I receive numerous comments on my binders.  They LOVE them! They like being able to hold their children accountable (with behavior and homework) and like that they can easily see what their child is learning and how they are doing.  So with that said, I created a new version of my FISH Book and while I was at it created three other binders (some were requested by fellow colleagues).

 

You can check them out at my TPT Store

or 

Teacher's Notebook

 

Woohoo! So proud of myself for getting those done! :)

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I've updated all of the above and added a few more.  Here are some the binders I have in my store! MOST can be personalized when opening document in Adobe Reader (instructions included in packet).  Still to come: FARM book, updated SAILOR book, OWL book, ROCKSTAR book, CAMP book, HORSE book, and some more. :) Click the pictures to check them out!

If you live in Florida or a state close to Florida, click HERE.

Have a great Thursday, friends!

I can't stop!

Well friends, my lack of motivation to do all things school has quickly changed! 

I can't STOP working on things for school!!! I still am not allowed into my classroom, which continues to give me anxiety every time I think about it, but at least I'm working on SOMETHING! :)

Here are my latest creations:

 

{above: front cover of student book}

{below: example of color song page}

I love teaching colors! I love teaching anything really but this is always fun for kinders and there's SO much you can do with colors.

I like to introduce colors and color words with these fun songs {like the one above}.  I begin each day with a new song for us to learn.  Then, we brainstorm a list of objects/items that are that color. For example when we do the "blue" page, we first sing the song {I enlarged each song on chart paper} then create a class list about all things blue!  

Once we've had lots of time learning our color song and exploring objects that are blue, the kiddos then go to their desk to complete their color page {like the one above}.  Once they've colored the top part {I have them color the word "blue" with a blue crayon/colored pencil and they color the picture} then they write and draw on the bottom.  Here's what that page looks like:

I create the book by coping the pages on both sides so that when you open the book the color song is on top and the corresponding writing page is on the bottom.  It will look like this:

I love using this color songs book because 1. the kids absolutely LOVE the songs and request to sing them ALL DAY LONG! and 2. they get to take them home and practice them as well! 

I also created another Parent-teacher communication binder per request:

You can snag either of these items at my TPT store and/or my TN store!

 While you're there check out my sweet friend's brand new teacher notebook store and her new blog {she's already posted a FREEBIE}! She's SUPER creative! I can't wait to see all the things she will share and create!!! Make sure to follow her!

Don't forget to sign up for the Postcard Exchange.  There are still quite a few states left that need to be filled up ASAP.  Click HERE to head to the post to sign up or to find the link to see if you've "made the cut!"

 

Thinking Math (freebie) and Cupcakes

Ok.  My spurt of not being motivated has quickly disappeared.  Well, not completely, but I'm moving in the right direction! :)

The past week I attended a workshop entitled "Thinking Math" {still have four more days left of the workshop}.  This workshop is simply that...the belief that students must have time to think about math to fully understand it.  There has also been a lot of discussion on the use of manipulatives and how math problems are often worded.  

Here are my favorite quotes about manipulatives:

"Although kinesthetic experience can enhance perception and thinking, understanding does not travel through the fingertips and up the arm" and "Although concrete materials can offer students contexts and tools for making sense of the content, mathematical ideas really do not reside in cardboard and plastic materials."  

Yup. Makes you *think.* Basically...we shouldn't rely on manipulatives and we also need to make sure that they are used as a way to reinforce or motivate, but should not be seen as the only way to solve a problem {in other words, you don't want the kids to have to rely on manipulatives to solve math}.  

Ok. With all that said, I created a fun little math activity that not only has your kiddos THINKING about math but meets common core standards {yay}!

Then, after creating this fun little freebie I came across a communication binder request.  So, I whipped that up.  I say "whipped" loosely.  hehe

 Here's a peak at the new binder:

Head over to my TPT or TN store to snag your freebie and binder!

Phew! Can't wait for my relaxing day in the sun with some great friends tomorrow!!

DOTS

I don't know about you but I can NOT get myself motivated to begin working on school items {for my own classroom that is}. Maybe it's because I'm not allowed into my classroom until Aug 6th.  You might be thinking..."well that's plenty of time to get your room set up"  BUT here's the part that makes me a little bit overly anxious... Aug 6-9th I have a training from 8:30-4:30.  Yes, you read that right.  THEN, teacher planning begins Aug. 13th. Like we're going to have ample time in our rooms then {NOT}.  My room has to be ready to go by that Thursday night for kindergarten orientation.  Needless-to-say my OCD and perfectionist side of me goes into complete PANIC mode when I think about anything school related!

I'm loving seeing all your classroom pictures being posted with all your super cute 'pinterest-inspired' classroom designs!

I finally got myself motivated this morning and finished my DOT Book.  It's another communication binder!!  I made this for my dear sweet teacher friend that I work with.

You can check it out at my TPT store or TN store!

Going to try and get myself motivated to start making some items for my classroom.  Fingers crossed I can get some stuff crossed of my to-do list.

  Are you having trouble getting yourself motivated or am I the only one here?

 

It's a JUNGLE out there!

No, I'm not talking about the insane amount of tourists out on the road {me being one of them on occasion } or the insane heat outside, but my new communication binder!!! I'm so excited with how it turned out and I hope you all will be too!

 Front Cover

The example behavior log given.

This pretty little guy is now available at my TPT store and TN store!

I love this organizational tool and so my class parents.  

So, how have you been spending your summer?

I'm really sad I couldn't make it to the "I Teach K" conference.  I am just DYING to meet so many of those/you ladies who were able to attend. Sadly, living in north Florida does not put me in a close enough location to travel for a day to visit with all you ladies who have meet-ups (most of which are in TX or Cali!!!!), however, I am ready to put in the time!!! :)  

Happy Saturday!

aarrrggghhh!

I'm not sure about you but I am a little O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D with pirates!

Last year I changed the theme of my room to pirates with a little bit of ocean/island accents and I LOVE IT!

I have used FISH Books {my communication binders} every year that I've taught, except for one when I used B.E.E. Books.  Since I've decided to stick with my pirate theme in the classroom, I wanted to make a P.I.R.A.T.E Book. So I did! I think it's super cute! :)

These binders are really great in that they not only give students a sense of responsibility and ownership, but it's a great way to keep your parents informed on what's going on in their child's lives at school on a DAILY basis! Having this daily organizational/communication tool allows for consistency in school and at home.  I LOVE THAT! :)

Each binder comes with a cover...shown above.

I've included a letter to parents that I stick in the front of the binder explaining what each section of the book is all about.  This is an example of one of the section "title pages."  Behind this specific page I put notebook paper.  It makes it super easy for parents to tell me or ask me something that is not going to require a lot of "communication."  For instance, parents will ask me things like "when does the assembly for Friday start?"  or  "So-and-so may not participate in such-in-such today." etc... I check each book in the morning and it takes me all of one minute to go through all 20+ books.  Easier than it sounds.

This is the Reading Log title page.  In the packet I have provided a calendar for each month.  It's how I did reading log/daily homework in Kindergarten and First Grade.  Super easy to follow and does not require TOO much from parents {we all know how "BUSY" they are}!

Also included in the packet is a behavior log with example calendar provided, important news labels to attach to the front pocket of your binder, and "work to keep at home" labels to attach to the back pocket of the binder.  You will also find pictures on how to assemble your communication binder! Easy peasy!

I've had request for different themes and am currently working on another DOT Book {using dot letters}, a SAILOR Book, and a JUNGLE Book.  If you have any other requests let me know! :)

Now it's time to head to the pool with my "50 Shades" {holy moly, these books suck you in}

Click HERE to head to my TPT Store

or

HERE to head to my Teacher's Notebook Store.

Communication Binders & WINNER

First thing's first. 

After 1,018 entries the winner is...

 

Congrats Lori!  Start checking your inbox! :)

Thank you to all of you who participated in the giveaway and a HUGE thank you to those of you who actually followed the "rules!" :)

I wanted to post this announcement first thing this morning, however, tropical storm Debby had other plans and decided to to make us "powerless" for two hours!  That wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so dark due to the thunder clouds!

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Next up a communication tool that I use every year and LOVE!

I use a parent-teacher communication binder as a way to keep in touch with parents on a daily basis.  The idea is to keep the parents actively involved with their child's daily education/school "life" and give the students something to be responsible for.  

Each year at the end of the year I give parents a survey and ask them to "grade" me on my communication skills and give me any praise/advice.  Each year I receive numerous comments on my binders.  They LOVE them! They like being able to hold their children accountable (with behavior and homework) and like that they can easily see what their child is learning and how they are doing.  So with that said, I created a new version of my FISH Book and while I was at it created three other binders (some were requested by fellow colleagues).

 

You can check them out at my TPT Store

or 

Teacher's Notebook

 

Woohoo! So proud of myself for getting those done! :)

Now... putting on my rainboots and taking the dogs outside to potty! Should be interesting as one of my sweet pups is a bit of a "priss" and won't step on wet grass! HA! Well, here I go...

 

 

Parent-Teacher Communication

So for the past three years I've used these nifty little binders to help with parent-teacher communication.  I can not express to you how much I LOVE them and so do the parents.  They are a great way to organize information, communicate to parents, keep students on track, and hold students accountable!

They have been called many things, BEE Book, STAR Book, etc., however mine is the FISH Book {which totally goes along with my beach theme}!  FISH stands for Family Involvement Starts Here.  

Of course I wouldn't have any pictures handy of these cute little binders in action, but they are simple three-ring binders that have a pocket on the front to place the cover.
This is the FISH Book Cover!  I place this on the outside of the folder/binder.  I also put a label on the side of the binder with the students name so that when I'm looking to place something in a student's binder I can easily find it!

This is the first page {after a letter explaining each section of the notebook to the parent}.  I place each of the following pages inside page protectors so that they do not get ruined throughout the year.  Behind this page is blank sheets of writing paper. This is where parent can jot down a quick note for me and/or vise versa.  I check these in the morning as students come in {they are required to place their FISH Book in designated baskets that are next to my desk before beginning morning work/activities}.  It's the most simple way for me to communicate with parents.

fishschedulesheet[1]This sheet is next.  This is where I place a copy of our daily schedule and my long range plans for the year.  This is great because parents can easily see what there child is doing throughout the day {if they need to chose an appropriate time for an appointment, etc..} and what their child will be learning throughout the year.  My parents say they love knowing what their child is learning about and what the expectations are.

Fish Reading Log Sheet 2The next section... Reading Log.  In my school, each first grader is required to read for 15-20 minutes nightly as homework {in addition to other things}.  This is a section where I place a table that allows students to take charge of their reading and learning. They are required to write the title of the book(s) read, how long they read for, and then a parent signature.  I give a sheet for the month.  It seems to work best {without a lot of changing out papers}.

fishbehavior&rulessheet2Here is the last section.  Here I place my classroom's behavior plan as well as my expectations for myself and my students.  Behind that sheet is a calendar that I mark daily.  I place the color that each child ended on each day and the parents are required to sign nightly.  This allows problems to be immediately addressed.  There's also space where I can write notes to the parent in reference to the particular behavior.  It's great!

So this is what I create each year for my parents to help with communication... what do you do?!

Side note:  You should be able to click on the photo and download.  This is my first time doing this so let me know if I failed!! :)  Happy Friday!