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Kathleen - Welcome to our chat about prepping for the opening of school. Tonight, we will be informal.
Vivien/CO - I will begin my first year in primary! Inservice begins the 24th; school the 31st
Kathleen - Vivien, good luck in your first year in Primary..are you finding that it's much different setting up for primary?
Vivien/CO - I am not sure yet; K-3 though.
Vivien/CO - Well, I've been in Pre-K for 3 years, modifying my elem. stuff for their level, so I hope setting up will not be to hard in switching gears.
Kathleen - This will be a good exercise for us..helping Vivien decide what she needs to do to set up for primary..what first?
Kathy/5/IA - Hi...is a 5th grade teacher welcome! ;o) I can't stay long...but primary teacher ALWAYS have such neat ideas. I'm going to "lurk" for awhile!
Kathleen - Kathy, of course you're welcome!
Kathleen - I just sent my welcome letter for incoming children/families to my school to be mailed out, does everyone send such a letter?
Mary K&1 - What does everyone tackle first? I get the room put together as soon as I can.
Melissa/K/Ontario - I start my year by making sure I have everything I need to get up and running...then start setting up the classroom
Sandy/K/Mo - I sent out a letter inviting the parents/students to an open house before school starts
Gumbo/K/La - kat---we send letters but are waiting to hear actual starting date of kinders....
Jula/CA - Vivian needs to decide how she is going to manage all her students. Personally, I give each student a number and use that for all my filing. I even make them line up in number order. It eliminates arguments about being in line first.
Kathy/5/IA - I don't - only because I don't even have a class list yet. Probably won't know who is in my class until the first day! :0(
Sandy/K/Mo - I leave my room in May set up for fall and just cover everything with sheets so all I have to do is take the sheets down :-)
Cathie/NC - Hello, I started setting my room up yesterday, my husband is out in the garage building me a shelf!
mtns/NC - It's nice if you know the names and can send a little note to each one
Kathleen - First, the letter, then the room (if they've finished cleaning) then forms for parents, first day activities
Melissa/K/Ontario - I sent my letters already and will have an Open House during the last week of August.
Kathleen - Sandy, the janirotrs don't have to move everything out to clean in the summer???
Luann 5/OK - My school is being remodeled and is behind schedule. I can't even get into my room until the day before the kids come. Any ideas?
Sandy/K/Mo - Cathe that is probably the first of many things he will build
Vivien/CO - I'm still very vague on what I'm to do - haven't had any communication yet from principal. I'm at a very small charter school (just added 1 teacher to each grade to make 2 per grade)
Mary K&1 - We have to rip our rooms all apart so they can be cleaned. Everything is taken out of the room. It's a real mess!
Kathleen - Cathie, you can never have too many shevles, eh?
Sandy/K/Mo - Our janitors don't move anything, just clean around
Gumbo/K/La - sandy----we have to move everythng up off the floor......wish I could just cover everything....
Kathy/5/IA - That is such a GREAT idea, Sandy. I wanted to do that last year, but I was told to take it all down due to painting. I just hate the "take down/put up" ritual!
Melissa/K/Ontario - Mary ours too
Vivien/CO - I have a feeling since the school is still in temp. bldgs. I may be in for Mr. Toad's wild ride!
Luann 5/OK - Have you ever let the students help on the first day?
Kathleen - We can set up our bulletin boards in June, cover them with newspaper so that they are ready for Fall
Melissa/K/Ontario - I hope to paint my bulletin boards before school starts!
Gumbo/K/La - I hate the packing and unpacking every yr....
Mary K&1 - Luann, is the 5 for 5 year olds?
Jula/CA - Vivien flexibility is the key if your in a temporary room or not :)
Kathleen - My kindergartners can't help..when I taught 5 & 6 they did a lot of the packing and cleaning in June, but not the set up
Cathie/NC - I am trying to get the physical things set up in the room first then next week I will do lesson plans, etc
Luann 5/OK - I cover mine with fabric.
Melissa/K/Ontario - we don't have time to prepare for fall in June..too busy closing up and wrapping up loose ends...
mtns/NC - Ever use plastic table cloths for bulletin board background? Works great!
Luann 5/OK - 5 is for 5th grade
Kathleen - Gumbo, I hate it too, seems silly in a way, now that summer is so much shorter than it was when I was 21 ;-)
Kathy/5/IA - I wanted to get into my room today - but there was a big sign on the door say we couldn't come in! They were wiring the school and didn't want the teachers in the way!!! I guess I can't complain - I WANT the internet in my classroom SO bad. :0)
Luann 5/OK - mtns, good idea
Cathie/NC - Walmart has plastic tablecloths for 2.96
Vivien/CO - One of my co-teachers used red & white check t-cloth - it turned out very cute
Kathleen - mtns, plastic table cloths...great idea! I use plastic shower curtains for the murals on them, cover walls
Gumbo/K/La - Have used fabric for yrs----so easy to work with and can change things easily on the board.....
Mary K&1 - Luann, in your case you can let the kids help put the room together. We who work with the little ones can't do that very well
Cathie/NC - They are installing internet in our rooms too
Melissa/K/Ontario - tablecloths..hadn't thought of that!
Jula/CA - Do you change the table cloths to fit the theme?
Luann 5/OK - I know, I taught 1st for 17 years.
Kathleen - Oh, Cathie, lucky you, internet in your room!
Kathy/5/IA - Plain table clothes or ones with designs???
Kathleen - For bulletin boards-also use wrapping papers
Sandy/K/Mo - Kathy I am jealous.. they wired 6-8 for internet and of all the teachers I am the only one that uses it..
Melissa/K/Ontario - we got the internet last year but not up and running very well...
Jula/CA - Melissa...Ontario Canada or Ontario California?
Gumbo/K/La - we used plastic tablecloths to make sit-upons for scouts!!! came out cute!
Cathie/NC - I have collected so many good ideas at this site, that my headmaster wants me to help with the workshop when school starts
Melissa/K/Ontario - Canada
Kathy/5/IA - We were SUPPOSE to have internet access last year, but they botched it all up. Had to leave all the useless wire up for lawsuits! BIG hassle. I won't believe we have it until I can see it myself!
Jula/CA - Just checking... I live in Ontarion CA
Mary K&1 - Melissa, where in Ontario are you?
Cathie/NC - I need some ideas on setting up a word wall, I am new to third grade, been in K
Kathy/5/IA - What kind of workshop, Cathie? Have fun with it!
Melissa/K/Ontario - Hagersville...remember the tire fire of 1990?
Mary K&1 - Yes, I remember
Kathy/5/IA - I bought a Carson-Dellosa Word Wall Kit - called Word Wall Plus. They had upper and lower elementary kits.
Cathie/NC - The company who installed the computers is doing a workshop for us and he wants me to add to it
mtns/NC - Gotta look for carpet squares tomorrow. Think I'll try some carpet stores for samples.
Cathie/NC - Kathy, where can I order that?
Gumbo/K/La - cathie----my teacher store has the word wall kits--grade 1 and intermediate grades......only $20 each....well worth the money for the time it'd save! :-)
Kathy - Kathy must be a popular teacher name
n2kids - Gumbo, what's in a word wall kit?
Cathie/NC - thanks Gumbo
Kathy/5/IA - I got it at a teacher store, but it is in the Carson-Dellosa summer catalog. I agree, Gumbo - well worth the money...lots of cutting though!
Cathie/NC - Does Carson-Dellosa have a website that you can order through the internet?
Kathy/5/IA - http://www.carson-dellosa.com
Gumbo/K/La - kathy-----I'd have parents cut it all out..... n2---a word wall based on cunningham's four blocks.....
Vivien/CO - I have a question - I know budgets for classes are miniscule, and I can't afford to buy much till after Sept. 20 (1st paycheck) - what is essential, can't live without it supplies for primary?
Mary K&1 - What is everyone's opening theme?
Kathy/5/IA - I have the upper elem. Word wall kit. It has SEVERAL posters for teaching, ABC..penants(sp?), and A LOT of preprinted words for the wall.
Gumbo/K/La - n2---1st grade had 110 word cards, alphabet train, etc.....
mt3 - well I didn't see the difference between making my own cards, and cutting out all of those.
andria/LA - All about me
Luann 5th/OK - Do you make your own word for the wall or just use theirs?
Kathleen - Good one, Mary, we start with the Poky Little Puppy and Patchwork blanket, so patchwork is our first, short theme
Kathy/5/IA - Now you give me that good idea Gumbo...my hand is sore!
mt3 - but then again, I might have felt differently if they would have had a 2/3 set. the grade one word wall and the intermediate word wall weren't exaclty right.
Melissa/K/Ontario - Kingdom of Kindergarten will be the year theme..from Mailbox
n2kids - Gumbo, I know what it is but some teachers use varying words to go on the wall. Does the kit contain high frequency words?
Cathie/NC - Do you know of a good resource book about Word Walls?
mt3 - Luann, I use the list in Classrooms that worked
Gumbo/K/La - n2--yes.....110 high-frequency words.....
Kathleen - Save money and make your own word cards
Cathie/NC - I teach third grade by the way
mt3 - Another reason I decided to use my own words, instead of buying, is if I decided to add more words on my own, I could still have a matched set.
Luann 5th/OK - I used word walls all the time when I taught 1st, but haven't used them in 5th
mt3 - So that's my argument for not buying the set. smile
Kathy/5/IA - Happened to have the catalog in my PILE!
Kathleen - Patchwork theme-the kids make their own 'patchwork blanket" by gluing tiny fabric squares onto paper. Each child brings in a fabric square and we make a real patchwork blanket in class. We also read Elmer the elephant
mt3 - I'm not ready yet!! Someone give me ideas!
Gumbo/K/La - Each kdn class has an animal theme for whole yr.....our first week is all about lions.....
Mary K&1 - mt3, I agree, I never spend money on something I can make myself
Sandy/K/Mo - I love Elmer use him with my quilt unit
mt3 - who is Elmer?
mtns/NC - If possible you can have the child's picture already on the bulletin board in some type of theme, apples, etc.
Sandy/K/Mo - Mary or have parents make
Kathy/5/IA - I just love all your "lower elementary" themes! Do you do a theme in 5th Luann?
meeha/ece/tx - Sounds fun Kat!
Kathleen - mt3, how about a watermelon theme? addie has one posted on her site
n2kids - Kathleen, I just got the dreaded server error message!
mt3 - I will check it out Kathleen, thanks!
Kathleen - Elemer the Elephant, he is patchwork, cute stories, I have the stuffed toy, too
Luann 5th OK - yes, I usually start with world cultures
Melodie/1/Al - My word wall list came from instructo magazine it was a list of 125 high frequency words that were to be introduced 5 a week
mtns/NC - what's addie's site?
Cathie/NC - Question, what centers do any of you set up for third grade level?
Gumbo/K/La - in the past, would take kids' photos when they came for testing, and have class book (Lion class, lion class who do you see?) ready for 1st day.....
Sandy/K/Mo - I have been watching for him but I don't have the stuffed toy yet
mt3 - Cathie, I have never done centers in 3rd grade.
Luann 5th OK - I try to theme my units around social studies or science
n2kids - Luann, what other themes do you do? Are they school wide themes?
Mel - Melissa, I am from Ontario too! I'm dreading going back to school with these new curiculums. How about you?
Cathie/NC - Does anyone do centers above first grade?
Kathleen - Apples has been a big theme for Sept for a long time, but I'm wanting to change..apples are overdone, year after year, apples, apples, apples
OK - I just saw this was happening and had to come in. We start next Monday and I am busy.
Kathy/5/IA - Are you self-contained or departmentalized, Luann?
meeha/ece/tx - When I taught Head Start we put up a bulletin board with the kids' pics on it -- it was supposed to read "Welcome to Head Start", I forgot the 'l' and it became "We come to Head Start!" Worked out fine! I like using pics about the room.
mt3 - Hi OK! I wish I were busy. We have construction going on!
Vivien/CO - When I subbed, one 5th grade class had a short time for centers; Geosafari, science experiments, brainteasers,. The kids loved it.
Luann 5th OK - Our school does an endangered species each year, school wid with a culminating assembly to showcase all the work done
Kathleen - OK, what grade do you teach?
Gumbo/K/La - kat------did a day of apples last yr for the first time--'mini theme'-was fun.....
mt3 - Cathie, do you plan to do small group work, and have some kids at centers?
Kathy/5/IA - I'd love to try centers in 5th, but don't have much time!
Melissa/K/Ontario - Mel: what grade and where?
Mary K&1 - I do butterflies first, because Sept. is the time that the Monarchs do their thing
meeha/ece/tx - My co-teacher is opening with a Circus theme -- B/B is in town next week as our classes open!
Luann 5th OK - OK, my school too, where are you?
OK - I am waiting for furniture to come in. Then I will know how to arrange things. I teach 1st
n2kids - Luann, what happens at the assembly?
Anni/2/Okie - We are starting next Monday and our theme is Take 98 - a theme about the movies. It is a schoolwide theme.
Mel - I teach grade one in lambton kent
Kathleen - Maybe I should move butterfly unit from may to Sept.
Vivien/CO - Yeah, it was a pretty brief thing for 5th.
Mary K&1 - Also Butterflies go well with colors
mtns/NC - apples are overdone, but we live in apple country. Largest producer next to Washington State. Guess we feel obligated. A field trip to the Apple Orchard is always fun though.
Sandy/K/Mo - when we do apples it lasts fr a couple of weeks an finish with Johnny Appleseed's b-day party
Cathie/NC - yes, I want to have about 3 centers that they can go to with free time
Gumbo/K/La - we do our class theme, then 'all about me' neighborhoods/communities......
OK - Luann I am in Mangum , Where are you?
Kathleen - meeha, then Circus theme is VERY appropriate
Kathy/5/IA - Do apples in MAY...be different, Kathleen! :0)
Luann 5th OK - I may start this year with "Under Construction"!!!
meeha/ece/tx - Neat idea, Mary! We saw hundred of monarchs flying up from the park near our school 2 years ago!
Mary K&1 - The year before last I learned that I had to start on colors very early, I had two kids that didn't know the names of the basic colors
Luann 5th OK - I"m in Ponca City
Mel - Mary, I like your idea about butterflies. Our provincial parks do a wonderful monarch presentation. Maybe i will reconsider.Thanks!!
Kathleen - Kathy, apples in May would focus on the blossoming, seeds, bees, etc. ;-)
Anni/2/Okie - I have just come from finishing my room preparation. I AM READY! My room looks fantastic (Even though I do say so myself.)
meeha/ece/tx - Mel -- where is Kent in relation to Sarnia? I grew up across the river in Port Huron1
Melissa/K/Ontario - Mary: do you do the Monarch symbolic trip from the internet?
Gumbo/K/La - my butterfly activities are geared for the end of the yr skills..... :-(
Vivien/CO - I like the butterflies! Transformation into the new grade!
Kathy/5/IA - WONDERFUL, Anni!
OK - I start with an ocean unit since we are so far inland and our first reading story is Down by the Bay.
Sandy/K/Mo - Mary in my supply list I stress that the colors they buy have to be the REAL color no cheap colors
Kathleen - Luann, were you one of the people who visited the site this summer as part of your class from Ponca City?
mt3 - Cathie, wait, you mean centers that are for when they are finished? Or their job IS the center while you are working with smallgroups?
OK - Annie , where are you in OK.
mt3 - ANNI NO FAIR
Kathleen - Does anyone know the Scat the Cat story (for colors)
Mary K&1 - Does anyone use the "Spot" Books?
Luann 5th OK - What was the class?
Gumbo/K/La - kat------yes, great idea!!!
meeha/ece/tx - I purchased The Kissing Hand yesterday -- it will be such a good first day story!
Cathie/NC - both, I want to have workjobs set up that they have to do first, I'll only have 15 students, and I want to work with small groups too
Anni/2/Okie - I am in Edmond. I think we start before anyone else, but we finish the first semester before Christmas. We also get out earlier than most.
Vivien/CO - I swear this is an Okie site! I grew up in Lawton!
Melissa/K/Ontario - I use Spot stories..Eric Hill is one of the authors we study
mtns/NC - Luann, love the "under construction" theme
Mary K&1 - Kathleen, can you tell us?
Sandy/K/Mo - I bought the kissing Hand AND a beanie baby racoon
meeha/ece/tx - Kat -- hasn't that floated around on the mailring under a different name recently?
Kathy/5/IA - What's it about, meeha?
Mel - meeha, Kent is about an hour away!
Kathleen - Gumbo, end of year butterfly unit it good too, metamorph into grade one! It's a wonderful send-off theme. Good theme for anytime of year (well, not winter up here in New England, poor little things would freeze their antennas off!)
Melissa/K/Ontario - Kindergarten is a "program" and doesn't really use the outcomes etc like 1-8
Mary K&1 - Melissa, the kids just love those books, don't they?
Luann 5th OK - I will have boared windows for the first 2 weeks, might put a big band-aid on them
Kathleen - I could send you a copy, or better, type it up and past it into the lesson exchange
mtns/NC - there's a great metamorph puppet we purchased .
Gumbo/K/La - I have Miss Bindergarten and I've ordered the big book version,too...can't wait......
mt3 - Cathie, okay. Well I'm going to have kids read duirng small group time. I don' tknow if it works. I was goign to tell you don't do centers just for free time, because they are too much work for free time activity.
Mel - Melissa,how do you feel about the new K program? Is it diffiuclt?
Kathleen - meeha, did you see the Scat story in the mailring? he says, "I'm Scat the Cat, I'm sassy and fat, and I can change my color, just like THAT!!"
Melissa/K/Ontario - yes and the movies....Mary, do you do the symbolic monarch activity?
Mary K&1 - That sounds good, Kathleen
Kathy/5/IA - What are you sending out, Kathleen?
meeha/ece/tx - The Kissing Hand ... a little racoon's first night in Kindergarten and how his mom helped him feel better about going! (Sweet story).
Cathie/NC - Does anyone create an Open House information booklet about your curriculum for the parents?
Kathleen - Gumbo makes a metamorph puppet with her kids, I did it this June, it was great
Vivien/CO - Since I doubt I'll have much class budget ( and I'm on a very tight budget myself) what are some essential things I must have for my start up classroom?
Melissa/K/Ontario - who is the author?
Kathleen - Kathy, I'll put the Scat the Cat story into the Lesson exchange instead of sending it out
Sandy/K/Mo - Vivien a calendar for your calendar math
OK - I am going to try more centers in addition to free time since we are having to do more individual testing for reading this year.
Kathy/5/IA - OK..Kat!
Mel - I have a parent's night strictly for my class. I explain everything!
meeha/ece/tx - Kat -- it wasn't SCat, it was a different name -- let me look@
Kathleen - Maybe I should rename it "Skat the Kat" ;-)
Mel - oK what grade do you teach?
mtns/NC - Yes, Kathy, I'm a Director and do the whole handbook for parents including, themes, schedules, you name it. Newsletter and calendar each month.
Gumbo/K/La - cathie-----our grade group gives out a packet of info--boklet really,,,and each of us teachers adds our own stuff to it.....give it out at parent orieintation.....
mt3 - Cathie, yes we have a open house booklet. It has strategies, teacher bios, and a schedule of units
Kathleen - My centers are set up pretty sparsely for the first weeks..intro them gradually as I teach the kids how to manage the materials
OK - I am in 1st.
Sandy/K/Mo - Vivien wants to know what else she should get.
Kathleen - Our school sends out a handbook, but I haven't done one on curric, just a letter
Anni/2/Okie - Cathie, we do a "Meet Your Teacher Night" just for our class which lasts about an hour where we explain the year.. This year I spent a week at a class and put my whole presentation on PowerPoint. I am pretty proud of myself. I had never done anything like that before.
Mel - Vivian- I would invest in manipulatives. Books you can get from the library-resources you can get from the net .
OK - I do that too Kat
Melissa/K/Ontario - who is the author of The Kissing Hand
mtns/NC - Good idea Kathleen, I think too much can be overwhelming and lots to pick up.
Kathleen - Vivien, will you be provided with lots of math manipulatives?
Vivien/CO - Thanks Sandy and Mel!
Luann 5th/OK - nts, the whole faculty decides on an animal, then each teacher chooses the activities they want to do.
mt3 - Vivian, a writing or art project that you will display on a bulletin board is always a good idea. Something that tells about the students.
Sandy/K/Mo - Vivien send home a letter asking parents for left overs of craft projects
Mel - Anni what is powerpoint?
Kathleen - It pays to take the time to intro management and rules,
Cathie/NC - Thanks for all the ideas, you are all great!
mtns/NC - We have a wish list for Christmas to send home to the parents. Good response so far.
mt3 - Anni, do you have one of those computer projectors to show your presentation?
Vivien/CO - Kathleen, I really don't know. I should think so - it's math/science emph. using the Padaeia Project (apparently lots of hands on)
Anni/2/Okie - It is presentation software found in Microsoft Office. You can use movie clips., pictures and sound in it.
OK - We don't have an open house or conference until Oct. after the first 9-weeks.
Sandy/K/Mo - Get a map of the US so if you do the stanley project or something else you can trace his path
Gumbo/K/La - we spend weeks learning about centers----we leave them covered the first week or so......
Anni/2/Okie - I have a 32 inch tv hooked up to my computer.
OK - Mtns. Tell me more about the wish list
mt3 - Ah! We need to invest in monitor-quality televisions!
Kathleen - Vivien, I agree, send out a letter asking for all kinds of craft supplies (glue gun, sequins, fabric, etc.)
Vivien/CO - Gumbo, do you teach how to use materials in centers, or how to act in centers or both?
Kathleen - Our open house is about 2 weeks into the year
meeha/ece/tx - Kat -- I think it was posted under 'Color poem'-- I dumped a bunch of stuuff earlier this week, that must have nbeen in it.
Kathy/5/IA - I have a Gateway Destination...they got pretty inexpensive last year.
mtns/NC - OK, the teachers make lists from catalogs and the parents donate toward the purchase of manipulatives, etc.
Melissa/K/Ontario - Speaking of projects..I'm doing a Travelling Bear project if anyone is interested??
Sandy/K/Mo - When you cook in your room send home a note asking for the supplies
Kathleen - meeha, I should see if anyone still has it. We need to preserve more of the stuff that goes through the mailrings..lots of good ideas
Vivien/CO - Kathleen, I think that would really work - as a charter school this place was conceived and is run by parents - surely they'll cough up some craft supplies too!
OK - Mtns., Do you do this instead of exchanging gifts between students?
meeha/ece/tx - We are going to spend a LONG time learning how to use centers this yearQ
Gumbo/K/La - vivien--both.......then we 'practice' going to centers for a few minutes in small groups......my kids put photos under center choice, color center record sheets,etc--lots to learn...use a lot fo role-playing about what they think appropriate use should be,etc.
Mountainette 4/WV - I have wondered about cooking in the classroom. Do you have a hot plate?
Sandy/K/Mo - are you talking about the polar bear color story?
mtns/NC - OK, the teachers would rather have items for their class than dust collectors.
Kathleen - I also collect $1 or $2 for each theme, season, and go out to buy crafty stuff that I wouldn't have otherwise. Parents are very happy to contribute
mtns/NC - Mountainette, electric skillet works great!
Gumbo/K/La - meeha---it is weel worth the time to have centers run smoohtly all year.......
OK - The traveling bear I got did not have a schedule or where to send next, It wandered by the people who sent it , Just passing it whereever they wanted too.
Vivien/CO - Thanks Gumbo - I hadn't thought thru that process yet.
Sandy/K/Mo - I have an electric skellet, crock pot and hot plate
Mel - Vivian-you could also ask for materials to bring in from home. We do this for 100's day and that may help you with manipulatives. Also going to a dollar store is cheap or come to Canada and spend yur American dollars you could probably outfit your whole classroom!!!
Jen/MD - Kathleen, was this conference announced on the mailring. I only found out about it just now in the Chatroom! Will it be archived?
Kathleen - I have a 2 burner hot plate and an elec dutch oven and elec griddle that I bring from home..we make applesauce during our APPLES APPLES APPLES theme ;-), grape jam from harvested grapes, stew for Thanksgiving, etc
meeha/ece/tx - I keep a lot of craft items on hand all the time -- think i'll ask parents to send in 'leftovers' from projects (lace scraps, buttons, beads and sequins, glue, paints, etc.)
Melissa/K/Ontario - OK..mine will have a schedule/itinerary...
Mountainette 4/WV - Thanks - I have used a crock pot before.
Gumbo/K/La - last yr sent home 'in lieu of gifts to me' letter----got software,etc for class, playdough,etc.....it was great.... have an oven, hot plate, elctric skillet, crock pot......
Kathleen - Jen, I'm sorry, it wasn't in the EC mailring..it was in the Events mailing..
Sandy/K/Mo - I use the crock pot to make candles during the pilgrim unit
Kathleen - I ask my parets to send a lot..cooking supplies when I need them, buttons, babyfood jars, anything I need they send
Kathy/5/IA - What did you say in your letter, Gumbo?
Sandy/K/Mo - We have quiltersclose by the school so we go over and watch them
Vivien/CO - What Gumbo! You didn't need anymore world's greatest teacher ornaments?
Kathleen - Gumbo, would you share the letter? I have tried something similar..asking for classroom games, books, was just mildly successful
Sandy/K/Mo - I find that anytime I ask the parents are great about sending things in
Gumbo/K/La - I have a recycling letter and labelled recycling boxes in class-----parents can drop off baby jars,etc...
Kathleen - Sandy, the quilters would fit well into my patchwork theme
meeha/ece/tx - I'm going to use the 'giving tree' I saw talked about earlier this summer.
Mel - Gumbo, i agree My class got lego, knex,playdough,puzzles,markers it was great and the best part was the kids were thrilled with their gifts to the class!!
Sandy/K/Mo - I did that Gumbo but got loads of rubbermaid containers
mtns/NC - I post a list of thank u's to the children in the monthly newsletter for items donated.
meeha/ece/tx - You know -- since 'parties' are so 'frowned upon
Gumbo/K/La - I simply stated that the best gifts are those that can be shared, so in lieu of ANY personal gifts to me, please consider the class wish list..list had WIDE range of things---from play-doh to computer software,etc.......
Kathy/5/IA - That's a good idea, Mtns
Jen/MD - Great idea, mtns!
Sandy/K/Mo - I just send home a note saying when they clean out closets to send in puzzles, or books and then we put the name of the child on them
mtns/NC - We ask each child to bring in a box of kleenex and baby wipes at the beginning of school.
Gumbo/K/La - .....still got some of those mugs, though! :-)
Mel - I used a lotof Mrs. Griffith's ideas in my planning-does anyone know another website that is just as informative?
meeha/ece/tx - Trying again ...! Since 'parties' are so frowned upon, i guess parents could donate a book to a class library and that could be the 'book of the day' on the child's b'day!
Melissa/K/Ontario - Addie's is great too
Mountainette 4/WV - Mrs. Griffith????
Sandy/K/Mo - Addie has a great site, Mrs. Alphabets
Gumbo/K/La - We have a very detailed supply list.....our parents are VERY generous as far as sending in party donations,etc.....
Sandy/K/Mo - Amy's
Vivien/CO - What is the lowdown on holidays in pub. school - I've been in festive private school land for the past 3 years
Mel - I agree Addie's is wonderful!!
Gumbo/K/La - oh-----I did get certificate for books, which was also nice......
Kathleen - mtns, baby wipes, good idea. What do you use them for? No sink in your room?
Mel - Mountainette-Mrs.Griffith's Kindergarten's Page= it is excellent!!
Vivien/CO - I tried to find the Mrs. Grifftih site thru Yahoo and had no luck - what is the address?
Julia/CA - Our school only allows two class parties a year. Onlu the K's get to celebrate birthday's with a goody. Too many goodies take a way from instructional minutes.
Kathy/5/IA - Last year I started using that anti-bactorial gel (that you use without water).
Melissa/K/Ontario - Mrs Griffith aka. amy
Sandy/K/Mo - aren't they all linked from the teacher net group?
mtns/NC - We use them for faster hand washing before snack and quick clean up. Bathroom gets crowded with 24 sometimes needing hands washed from two classes.
Gumbo/K/La - vivien--think holiday celbration are determined by district or school.....
Melissa/K/Ontario - http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/5059/5.html
Mel - I forget where I found it !
Mountainette 4/WV - That anti-bacterial gel sounds like a good idea
Kathy/5/IA - Thanks for all the neat ideas! I need to take off! Have a great opening to your school years!
Gumbo/K/La - we ask each child to bring in 3 containers of baby wipes-----sinks don't work well...that's all we use.....
Vivien/CO - Babywipes - that goes straight on my supply list!
Kathy/5/IA - The gel worked great right before lunch. A LOT quicker!
Mountainette 4/WV - See ya Kathy
Kathleen - mtns, that is an excellent idea, the baby wipes! I have 2 sinks, but still a time wasting backlog develops. And when we eat snack outdoors, they would be handy. And empty baby wipes container are good for storage :-)
Sandy/K/Mo - Vivien is there anything else that we can help with
Vivien/CO - Thanks Melissa!
Mel - Is everyone kindergarten is anyone grade one?
meeha/ece/tx - We TEACH our kiddos HOW to wash their hands -- part of their self-care practice.
mtns/NC - Mel, try this site-http://members.tripod.com/~Patricia_F/
Mountainette 4/WV - I'm 4th grade, but you all have such good ideas for even my 4th graders!
Julia/CA - Mel...I teach 1st grade
Vivien/CO - Sandy, I'm sure when I get more specifics on what grade, what is expected of me, I'll be running for the chat room! Right now I'm in a cloud of clueless!
mtns/NC - We wash hands too but we want the parents to see them clean when they pick up.
Mel - Thanks mtns!!!!!!!!
Melissa/K/Ontario - I agree..handwashing is difficult especially if like me, there is only one sink and 28 kids!!!
Jen/MD - I will be teaching Jr. High math for the first time next year, and find these hints helpful:-)
Vivien/CO - mtns, and those little faces get so grubby too
Mel - Julia do you run centers in grade one. I use to but we have a new curriculum desighned for einstein!! I can't justify this year!!
Mountainette 4/WV - I just like talking school, and no one around here wants to listen to me!
Gumbo/K/La - the kids love to cean their tables with baby wipes!!!! :-)
Sandy/K/Mo - We use the shaving cream to wash tables
Gumbo/K/La - ..clean.....
Mountainette 4/WV - Makes the room smell good too, Gumbo!
meeha/ece/tx - Mel -- that sounds like it ccould lead to a 'sad' group of little ones in grade one!
Sandy/K/Mo - and practice, writing, adding, subtracting
Vivien/CO - Oh, and I love the smell of desks/tables cleaned w/shaving cream after sensory/letter writing practice - oops Sandy beat me to it!
Gumbo/K/La - sandy-------we use shaving cream, too--------but they swipe them wipes for the tables!!! hahaha...
Mel - Sandy do you use shaving cream every lunch hour??
Kathleen - Vivien, that's right, ask parents to send shaving cream, tactile writing, rawing, also cleans tables
Sandy/K/Mo - no our principal bought that dryless soap
meeha/ece/tx - I like the shaving cream, too -- unless there is an asthmatic in the room, it has set a couple of mine off.
mtns/NC - We received a note from the Director of Child Care in our area not to use shaving cream anymore something about chemicals. Never got a good answer.
Julia/CA - Mel... The last two years I used centers for Reading Time. This year, my school is trying something different. I guess it can best be describes as a 45 minute block of time where students are grouped with other students with like reading abilities.
Mel - meeha i use the idea of centers we just do it all t0gether. I allow them to interact. I feel really really bad but this curriculum is ruthless ask Melissa!!
Kathleen - About the baby wipes containers, recycle them..have someone build a simple wooden frame with chunks of wood that enable you to slip each container in like a little shelf..keep little things in them
Vivien/CO - mtns, someone probably swallowed a can, sued the district - bummer!
mtns/NC - Thanks meeha, could be the reason they don't want us using it?
Jen/MD - I will be teaching in an inner-city school so don't know if I can ask much of some parents in terms of supplies.
Julia/CA - I have to go for now ...I'll be back
Kathleen - Oh, great, no more shaving cream??? ;-(
Kathleen - Bye, Julia! next week, same time
mtns/NC - LOL Vivien, could be!
Sandy/K/Mo - I think some of those wipes have lego type tops
meeha/ece/tx - I believe you -- seems the people who write these curricula don't remember what young children are like!
Sandy/K/Mo - Jen... when I send the notes to ask.. I say if you can't that's ok.. next time
Mel - Have you ever heard of grade ones doing transformastional geometry they had to explain that one to me first!!!!!
Gumbo/K/La - sandy-----yes, we have those wipe containers......we recycle the other ones for all sorts of things, including bug boxes in the spring.......fun!!!!
meeha/ece/tx - I use shaving cream, just make sure I know who (medically) is in the room.
Mountainette 4/WV - When I taough 2nd our reading curriculum was super hard, but the kids stuggled thru it - I can see a big difference in my 4th graders that had the easier one
Vivien/CO - Yeah, I'm a bit concerned about curriculum too; though I guess I'll live with it I sure wish kids could be kids in my class.
Jen/MD - Sandy, I was thinking of sending a list with each student. Then each parent could initial next to what they would agree to supply. May help me understand what the children are coming from...
Kathleen - Jen, ask for fabric scraps, recyled containers, things you know they can send. baggy of flour for play dough, it makes them feel as tho they are involved, contributing, valued.
Kathleen - Jen, that list is a good idea!
Sandy/K/Mo - That sounds like a great idea Jen I know who the ones are that can't send in so pick easier things for them
Mountainette 4/WV - How about putting up the list at Open House and having parents check off there. That way you might not get so many duplicates
Mel - Maybe i will reconsider and see if I can make it work!!! No reason we all should suffer!!
Jen/MD - I'm a math major, but what is meant by transformational geometry? Predicting which patterns will produce which shapes?
Jen/MD - Thanks for your idea, Kathleen:-)
mtns/NC - We have a Parent Board but our Parents come in to drop the child off.
Mel - Transformational geometry is ehrn you take a shape and you slide flip or rotate it a quarter turn half turn etc!
Kathleen - mtns, that makes for more parent involvement, when they come to pick up
Jen/MD - Mel: manipulatives or two-dimensional pictures?
meeha/ece/tx - I'm considering asking for a pkg of (3) tshirts for projects this year. Sure would be easier to pull special projects together if I knew what was there!
mtns/NC - We are very fortunate when Mommy doesn't work.
Mountainette 4/WV - Wow, Mel!!! We do that in 4th - at the end of the year.
Sandy/K/Mo - I do that some with my pattern blocks and the puzzles they have to do
Mel - Jen.. they are just L-shapes on a geoboard at frist>>
mtns/NC - meeha, we got Hanes to donate some t-shirts (seconds) and tea dyed them for indians at thanksgiving.
Gumbo/K/La - we're lucky cuz we can use left-over workbook funds for supplies,equipment,etc......and the parents are willing and have the resources to donate things we ask for.....
aggie/1/ca - You are very lucky, Gumbo.
meeha/ece/tx - good going, mtns -- sounds like a cute idea!
Sandy/K/Mo - I don't get any workbooks so the money she would have spent I get for extras
Jen/MD - Mel, sounds tricky. If you get a chance, go through the exercises first yourself to get a better understanding of the objective.
Mary K&1 - I need a better way of running our snack program, anyone have a good way?
Vivien/CO - Oh we did muslin headbands dyed in mushed cranberries or bluederries for headbands the past 2 Thaksgivings
meeha/ece/tx - what do you do, Mary?
Gumbo/K/La - hi, aggie......mary---what about having each kid bring their own snack???
mtns/NC - Vivien, cool idea!
aggie/1/ca - That's a great idea, Vivien!
Kathleen - Mary, our kids bring their snacks, but I would like to switch to making the daily snack in the classroom
Mary K&1 - Gumbo, what do you do about the ones who never have anything?
Vivien/CO - It worked so well - I was amazed!
Sandy/K/Mo - my kids bring their own snack but they get milk at school
Gumbo/K/La - I only do snack once a week......one kid brings it....may switch to bring your own.....
Kathleen - I always have crackers and peanut butter in the cupboard for those who have no snack..doesn't happen often
aggie/1/ca - When I taught K we would send home a note about 4 times a year asking parents to donate graham crackers, etc for snack.
Mary K&1 - Kathleen, when would you get any other teaching done?
Sandy/K/Mo - Mary.. I usually had some crackers or something that I would share
mtns/NC - We also keep packs of crackers and goldfish.
Kathleen - Gumbo, your kids don't have daily snack?
Vivien/CO - One day I want to go hard core and try boiling walnut shells and onion skins for dying!
Mel - Mary K-i bring in extras or we have a parent group that will bake or shop for us.
Mountainette 4/WV - I wrote that idea down, Vivien!
Gumbo/K/La - mary------grade group memeber did it that way for end of last yr----had a few graham crakcers,etc on hand--but very rarely did kids not bring a snack.....
Kathleen - Mary, theoretically, snack prep would be like a center...a few having snack at a time
meeha/ece/tx - I send home a list of suggested snacks (cereals, graham crax, crackers, pretzels, animal crax, golddfish... and powdered koolaid)/ We offer the kids choices (2 a day -- like goldfish or animal crax with koolaid or water) The kids choose one or both of the snacks, koolaid or water.
Sandy/K/Mo - Vivien would LOVE to try that post it when you do
aggie/1/ca - When one of our teacher's retired, she refused to have a party. She wanted the money that would be spent on a party spent on making a P,B and J supply. Now, we all contribute to it.
mtns/NC - Vivien, have you made stone soup? Read the book at thanksgiving and did stone soup, they loved it!
Gumbo/K/La - kat------no---snack only once a week unless have birthday/unbirthday snack, too, that week.....
Vivien/CO - Moutainette, the 1st year we soaked the muslin in tubs of the berries and then washed them. This past year we just had the kids paint the juice on til saturated-both ways worked fine.
aggie/1/ca - I make stone soup every year, mtns. it's a lot of fun!
meeha/ece/tx - I also encourage parents to bring in fresh fruits -- contacting me first (so we don't get several at once)!
Vivien/CO - mtns, yes I have. That's one of my easy creative drama activities .
mtns/NC - aggie, that pbj fund is a great idea! Lots of hungry teachers around, always food somewhere.
Mary K&1 - meeha, who washes the fruit?
Mountainette 4/WV - I've made stone soup and mexicali soup
meeha/ece/tx - Mary -- some parents do the prep at home, others bring it in and we do it in class as part of our centers time -- early childhood special ed.
aggie/1/ca - I read the book Mexicali Soup and Yuk soup when I do Stone Soup. Also the Lois Ehlert book called Growing Vegetable Soup.
Mountainette 4/WV - We also did the cinamon and applesauce thing - cut our the shape of our state and sent them to our pen pals in Texas for Xmas ornaments
Kathleen - Maountainette, do you have a cookie cutter in the shape of WV?
aggie/1/ca - What a neat idea, Mountainette! I'm gonna remember that for my penpal class.
Gumbo/K/La - cute idea, mountainette......
Mountainette 4/WV - Yes, Kathleen
mtns/NC - My son's class in first grade wrote to governor's of different states and got their favorite recipe. Made a book for Mother's day. Enjoyed it!
Kathleen - mtns, did you get recipes from all governors?
aggie/1/ca - I wonder if there's a cookie cutter for CA.....
meeha/ece/tx - PLEASE be ever so careful with peanut butter! That seems to be the #1 allergic reaction food in schools. Seems we heaar of a child or ttwo in the area dying after eating it in a school! (I had a kid react to being in the room when it was opened!)
mtns/NC - Yes, I suppose the wife or secretary sent it. Good response!
aggie/1/ca - I've heard that, too, meeha.
Mountainette 4/WV - I got my cookie cutter at an arts and crafts fair
Kathleen - I had a child who was allergic to nuts of all kinds, including peanuts..worried me all year
Vivien/CO - Yeah, I'm pretty leery of a lot of recipes - you just never know who will react to what - especially with hidden allergens.
Mel - We had a school that couldn't have it all or potato chips because just the smell of it causes a violent reaction!! How do these kids go into stores or other's houses!1
meeha/ece/tx - I just outright quit using pb!
mtns/NC - meeha, I also had a child allergic to peanut butter. He grabbed a cracker out of the trash and swelled up fast. Mom had told us to give him Benadryl (permission on hand).
Mary K&1 - Allergies and asthma are getting worse every year
Gumbo/K/La - meeha-----last yr had kid whose mother did not tell me-- you could watch him swell up......had anohter kid who knew to say she was allergic,but this other one very spoiled, never said anything....
Kathleen - It's really difficult,impractical to eliminate all possible dangers, but I know what you mean
Kathleen - Mary, yes esp asthma
aggie/1/ca - Oh my, gumbo! That's almost child abuse not teaching your child to speak up about what he/she is allergic to! That could've been tragic.
Vivien/CO - Mary, tell me about it! I have both! No food allergies and my asthma's pretty mild, but it is still a bummer.
Mountainette 4/WV - Also, a neat idea that I use every year is have the kids color a birthday cake and write on the back their birthday and favorite candy bar - then when their birthday comes I have a gift for them
Vivien/CO - Moutainette, that's great! I'm writing it down.
Mountainette 4/WV - Vivien - this is a great first day activity!
meeha/ece/tx - I must ask parents three or four times about allergies before any child eats anything in my room -- then if new items come in and there is a question I ask again! I even had a child on a KETOGENIC diet for seizure control last year (tough to follow!)
Mel - Where do most of you get your ideas for centers. Do you use the net or books?
aggie/1/ca - I've never heard of that one, meeha!
Vivien/CO - Definitely, Mountainette, and I can actually afford candy bars!
aggie/1/ca - Mel--- I'm still searching! The mail ring has had a lot of good ideas.
Vivien/CO - Mel, I brainstorm and make lists, Story Stretchers books are good
Gumbo/K/La - vivien---did you see the post on the main board that ginger posted----a site for candybar wrappers to write class rules???? CUTE!!
Mel - What grade do you teach aggie?
aggie/1/ca - I teach first grade, Mel.
meeha/ece/tx - aggie -- count your blessings! High fat, low everything else. don't know how, but research backs that it really does work for about 75% of the kids on it!
Vivien/CO - No gumbo, was this on teacher.net?
Vivien/CO - meeha, I've heard of that diet.
aggie/1/ca - Wow, meeha! Sounds weird! I wonder what the long term effects of a high fat diet will be?
Mel - I teach first grade too!! The more I think aboutit I think i'm goingt o try centers again but I need lots of ideas!!
Gumbo/K/La - vivien--yes-----on main board, and ginger even posted the class rules she's using wtih the wrapper pictures..........posted a few days ago....
Gumbo/K/La - mel-----I find the center ideas that are the best are the ones that just kind of pop into my head---spring from something else......
aggie/1/ca - Mel-- my centers (I have no aide or parent help to speak of) are the list. post, a group w/me, magnet letters, a writing center, puzzles, books, and a few other things. I let the kids self select-- usually. On occasion, there are things I want everyone to do.
Mel - I think your right Gumbo I have been fighting the idea of centers but I'm going to brainstorm and try to find some ideas on the net. I think the kids will enjoy centers better. especially coming out of kindergarten.
aggie/1/ca - I find they are much quieter, Mel, doing centers than doing seat work! I also found an old film strip projector-- boy, do they loooove that!
Mel - Aggie-do you find that you can cover your curriculum running centers?
Gumbo/K/La - aggie--have those too.......also have at least 2 'must' cneters per week---usually work with me or parent.....others are frre choice like those aggie mentioned.....
Vivien/CO - Centers are neat to observe for development also - if there is any time to do that, of course
aggie/1/ca - Yes, Mel---it's tight, but I do manage to get it in! I do centers from about 8:45 to 10:00.
Gumbo/K/La - vivien-when will you find out about your class????
Mel - Aggie - I read somewhere on the net to use an overhead too and they learn a lot if they use poetry or story overheads.
Vivien/CO - Gee, I don't know. Hopefully before I report for work. I've called a few times but the principal is either not there or busy and I don't want to be a big pest calling all the time!
Mountainette 4/WV - Vivien, don't you know what you will be teaching?
Mel - I uusually block my morning with Language arts because the publishing centers is opened in the morning If I have centers I think I will run them from2 to 3:20.
Gumbo/K/La - vivien-that's tough.....but you know where to come for help!! :-)
aggie/1/ca - yes! I want to try that this year, too, Mel! I type up all the poems and songs that we learn and the kids put them in a notebook. Another thing I have them do is go thru their notebooks and highlight (color w/yellow) certain words or letters. Or, they can illustrate a song.
Vivien/CO - My last day at my current job is the 14th and I want to try to get in that following week to start getting ready. Like I said this school is pretty new, and it looks a bit chaotic at this point
Mountainette 4/WV - Will you have primary, Vivien?
Vivien/CO - Mountainette, I've taught PreK for 3 yrs, at my new job I'll be K-3... somewhere
Mel - I used highlighters to for unknown words for them to practise boy where the intermediate teachers mad at me they couldn't understand why gradeones needed the school's highlighters.
Gumbo/K/La - aggie--I'm gonna try to do the poem/song book this year......
Vivien/CO - Ooh, Mel... highlighters! That's a good idea. And I have a ton from college still!
aggie/1/ca - LOL, Mel! I think that's great!
aggie/1/ca - It's really neat, Gumbo1 that was one of their favorite free time activities---looking at their books.
Gumbo/K/La - ..I have a coupla books-'coin poems' and am ading 'my color words songbook', but don't have ALL organized......
aggie/1/ca - Mel-- do you do the word wall thing? I did and they loved just pointing to the words with a yardstick and reading them
Mel - How do you keep track of which center someone has gone to?
aggie/1/ca - I did alllll my songs, Gumbo! The flag salute songs, happy birthday, you name it, if we sang it I typed it up for them!
Vivien/CO - I've done a word wall, but more informally. Do you use yours to intro new words for a unit
Mel - aggie, i did a little bit of it but I want to get more into this year. I ordered the books today they are going to cost me $37 each plus tax where does it end!!
aggie/1/ca - I don't, Mel! I figure if all my centers are worthwhile and not "playing" or busy work, why should I care if they go to the same one every day?
Gumbo/K/La - my kids color in a center record sheet each week------under M T W TH F and next to the name/picture of center they did......I also keep a checklist of who has finished 'must' centers for thaat week.....
Vivien/CO - aggie, I like the songs written down. I do lots of singing so that will be cool
Mountainette 4/WV - It NEVER ends, Mel!!! LOL
Mel - I like that go with the Flo...
Gumbo/K/La - aggie---I should be typing some songs right now, huh???? :-)
Mountainette 4/WV - My 4th graders groan when I start singing - but deep down, I think they like it
Mel - Gumbo i like your idea too are you grade one and is it difficult for them to keep track?
aggie/1/ca - Vivien-- my words for the word wall were the Dolch words. We are tested on those. Vocabulary words for units I handled in a different way.
Gumbo/K/La - mountainette--------4th graders DO love it, they're just too 'cool' to admit it!1 :-)
Vivien/CO - so do you use the words as sight words, sounding out the letters, and then reviewing?
aggie/1/ca - I just typed a few after school every day, Gumbo. I didn't have them all ready in advance-- too overwhelming for me and some of the songs they wouldn't know yet.
Gumbo/K/La - mel--I'm kdn and it is amazing how quickly they learn to read and color in their record sheets----they explain how to do it to parent helpers! :-)
aggie/1/ca - yes, vivien.
Vivien/CO - Ok, very cool.
Gumbo/K/La - aggie-------that's what I'm gonna do-----for a theme as we get to it....
Mel - Gumbo that's encouraging I might try it your way !
Mel - aggie where do you get you poems and songs from?
aggie/1/ca - And, if you do pretty much the same stuff every year, Gumbo, you only have to type them up once--- as long as you save em on your 'puter!
aggie/1/ca - Just here and there, Mel. Over the years, I've learned quite a few. I put in Nursery Rhymes and poems, too.
Gumbo/K/La - aggie---tht's the kinda stuff I give to my organized grade group partner---when I cna't find mine, I know she'll have a copy!!!! :-)
aggie/1/ca - I wish I had an organized grade partner!!!!
Gumbo/K/La - Piggybacksongs are great!!!!! I think I have all the books.......(I can't read or play music!)
aggie/1/ca - Me neither, Gumbo. I have a book of phonics songs. Believe it or not, the kids like those!! They are to familiar tunes.
Gumbo/K/La - dunno how much longer she'll be organized aggie----had lunch with her today------going thru more fertitlity stuff----this time in vitro......hope it works for her!!
aggie/1/ca - I can play something, Gumbo---- the record player!
Mel - Gumbo ican't even sing.If the song is toi the tune of Frere Jacques I have to get the kids to sing me that song first and them I can maybe put the new words to the tune!!
Vivien/CO - Yeah, I have made up songs using piggyback structures if the occaision arose! 3 pterodactyls swinging from a tree, teasin Tyrannasaurus Rex can't cacth me
Mountainette 4/WV - I need to take a class in organization!!!
Mel - aggie what are the phonics tapes called?
Gumbo/K/La - mel----piggyback songs are to the tune of familiar songs........even I can do 'em!!! LOL!
Gumbo/K/La - mountainette----every yr I try harder to STAY organized, but it doesn't last!!!! Have everything in huge rubbermaid containers and large ziploc bags.......everything else in ABC order!!! :-)
Mel - gumbo i can sing the original I just can't transform them into differnt words. You should hear me I start out okay but by the end i'm singing a different tune!
aggie/1/ca - Mel--- I think it's called Singing Our Skills. It's put out by Carson Dellossa.
Vivien/CO - I find that lists - daily, weekly, etc - really help w/organization
Mountainette 4/WV - Yeah, me too Gumbo - lots of rubbermaid containers - but then I forget about some stuff until I find it cleaning out cabinets at the end of the year!!! LOL
Gumbo/K/La - LOL, mel!!!!
Mountainette 4/WV - I'm with you mel!!
Vivien/CO - I'm a label maniac too
aggie/1/ca - Gumbo--- Once again, I'm going in to sort out my 9 BIG BOXES of books!!! I do this every year! You'd think I'd learn to put them back where they belong but nooooooo.....
aggie/1/ca - You clean out cupboards, Mountainette??? What an idea!
Mel - mountainteete..you should see my desk at school. We are always told never to leave field trip money in our rooms. Our principal says to take it to the secretary or leave it on Mel's desk!! Ha Ha!!
Gumbo/K/La - mountaiette----SAME here!!!!! I have about 30 containers in my room----and a file stuffed with leftovers!! :-)
Mountainette 4/WV - I just don't have enough room to store things - last year I finally got rid of all my second grade stuff!
Gumbo/K/La - aggie------have all my books (well, most of them!) in those husge ziploc bags, labelled, and on the shelves in ABC order.......
Vivien/CO - Ive got so much in a storage unit I needto get out and sort that I couldn't really use in PreK (or fit in my apartment)
Mel - Thanks aggie. I'll look it up!!
Mountainette 4/WV - I've got one more filing cabinet to empty! But then - this summer I've got all these new files from stuff I've gathered on the internet
aggie/1/ca - I think I hate you, Gumbo!! LOL! I have mine organized by theme or subject.
Mountainette 4/WV - This teachers net place is my downfall!!!!
Vivien/CO - Wow Gumbo! Yeah mine are in themes too.
Gumbo/K/La - mountainette-----HAHAHA!!!! :-) aggie----my books are by theme/subject......takes a while to do, but welll worth it.....
Vivien/CO - Ditto Mountainette!
aggie/1/ca - Are you on a mailring, mountainette?? I had over 300 emails saved until I figured out what to do w/them.
Mountainette 4/WV - My stuff was in themes too - that was my problem, I think - should have been in ABC order
Gumbo/K/La - mountainette---t.net and the kdn mailring I'm in------all these ideas I print out.....
Mountainette 4/WV - Yes, aggie and I have been printing out the ying yang!!!!
aggie/1/ca - and you put them back where they belong, Gumbo?? I just throw em in a cupboard and think "oh, I'll do that later... when I have more time!" HAH!
aggie/1/ca - Me, too, mountainette!
Gumbo/K/La - it just makes my life sooooooo much easier to go to the bookshelf and know that I'll find the bags of dinosaur books after the 'c' theme books.....
Mountainette 4/WV - At the end of the day, I must start taking the time to put stuff back where it belongs!!! I MUST!!!!
Gumbo/K/La - aggie------yes, I ususally do----those huge bags make it easier to stay organized.......
aggie/1/ca - Keep reminding me of that, Gumbo. I thought I was supposed to spend hours and hours searching for that cute book about____
