New reads for the classroom!

I have always had an obsession with books. Even with all this technology, I love nothing more than to curl up with an actual book in my hands.  Don't even get me started on book stores!  I could get lost for days!

I had some extra time before tutoring sessions today (that doesn't happen very often with a 2 year old!) so I stopped at Kohls (by myself!!  That also doesn't happen very often!!). As I was checking out, I saw two books on their display for the Kohls Care campaign. If you're not familiar, Kohls donates 100% of the net profit to help support health and education initiatives for kids. Pretty cool in my book!

Anyway, I picked up two books. A Sick Day of Amos McGee and If You Want to See a Whale.

A Sick Day of Amos McGee is written by Philip C. Stead. It's an adorable story about a man who works for the city zoo. He does specific things for each animal to ensure that they are happy. He wakes up sick one day, so the animals come to him and essentially return the favor. They each do something to help Amos. It's such a sweet story that I think is perfect for sharing with young readers.

In the beginning of the year, I spend a lot of time creating my classroom community. We spend each day reading books and connecting it back to how we want our classroom to look and feel. This is such a great story for how to treat others, not just for the fact of being nice, but to know that your actions will affect how others will treat you, even on your not so best days. I'm thinking of tying in character traits with this. We could also create our own character based on our favorite traits and include this in a writing piece. Nothing like having reading and writing coming together full circle!!

If You Want To See A Whale is written by Julie Fogliano. In this story, a little boy explains what you need to do in order to see a whale. On each page, he describes something else that you may see, but reminds you not to get too caught up or you will miss the whale.

This whole concept makes me think of goals. You want to set a goal, but there are going to be a ton of distractions.  If it's important enough to you, you have to keep your eye on the prize!  You may need to pay slight attention to the distractions, so you don't miss what's going on around you, but you want to keep the ultimate goal in mind. This seems like such a fun book to just relax and listen to. I see myself walking my cuties through this one. It gives me a perfect opportunity to model 'thinking while reading', while giving them opportunities to 'think, pair, share' with a buddy.

So get out there and pick up these books!  I think they will be a valuable addition to your classroom library! Feel free to comment and share how you would use these two books in your classroom!

Newbie Post

Hi! After many months of contemplating the whole teacher-blogging world, I've decided to jump in and hope for the best. I've become really inspired as a teacher, just from social media alone, in the past few years. It amazes me that we have this whole virtual world of support and ideas. I couldn't resist getting involved and I'm hoping I can be an inspiration to other teachers out there.

A little about me: I just finished up my 8th year teaching in New Jersey. I've wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember.  I feel very blessed that I get to live out my dream job every single day!  I currently teach 1st grade which is my all-time favorite and definitely where my heart is. It's such a special grade where so much learning takes place. I also have experience teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. 

My parents are as supportive as they could possibly be.  They are always there for me, helping me prep materials (my mom is awesome at cutting out anything I laminate!) and moving my classroom.  I've had 5 (yes 5!) different classrooms in 8 years!!  My dad is a pro at helping me figure out where to put everything.  I will forever be thankful for everything they've ever done for me.  I truly feel that they are my #1 fans and I wouldn't be where I am today without both of them!

As for my personal life, I am married to the love of my life. We were best friends for many years before we ended up together and I wouldn't change it for the world. He's my rock and always has my back. We've been together for 9 years and will be married 4 years in July. It's hard to believe!  

My favorite role is being Mommy to my gorgeous son who was born 2 years ago. My life has never felt more fulfilled. He makes me a better person and has taught me to be an even better teacher. I love spending time with him reading, coloring, singing, building, and playing outside. He reminds me how awesome life is and how to just smile and have fun. 

I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts and ideas with all of you, as well as continuing to learn new things for my own classroom.  Thanks for taking the time to read about me!

Here's my latest book obsession:

I may be a little late to the Daily 5 party, but I'm really looking forward to implementing it in my classroom come September. I did a modified version half way through this past year and my kids loved it and truly benefitted from it! 

As for Whole Brain teaching, I've been watching videos on YouTube and love the concept. I couldn't resist buying the book to learn more!

We currently use Everyday Math in our district, but are most likely getting the newest version (4) for next year. I was fortunate enough to be able to take home the 1st grade copy to get a peek at some of the changes. Anyone using this version in their classroom already??

What are you all reading this summer??