"How I Became a Pirate" Game

When I first signed up to be a teacher, I thought I'd finally have an outlet for my creative side. However, with the demands of work and toddlers, I don't get much time to make the fun stuff.

One of my favorite things to create are games for books I use in small groups. Third grade curriculum doesn't leave a lot of room for fun and games, so any time I can work one in to help with comprehension or to reiterate skills, I do. This is a game for How I Became a Pirate.

This is my first attempt at adding a document to Google docs. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out so pretty in the conversion from Word. If you have any tips for me, I'd be happy to try again. It's pretty late so I'm giving up on trying to reread the directions.

If you'd like a copy of this game in Word format, please email me and I'd be happy to share. Since I didn't purchase any of the clip art I used, I took it out and left you the label for what would go into each space.

I also have games for How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and several of the Skippyjon Jones books. I am working on one for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever. I will try to upload those soon.



"How I Became a Pirate" Game

Rock & Roll: New Classroom Theme

    The 2012-2013 school year will bring a big change to my classroom. For the past five years, I have enjoyed a surfing theme. I’ve spent a lot of time decorating and designing my classroom around this style and finally felt like I had it as close to perfected as I was going to get.

    Obviously, that means it is time for a makeover!

    This year I will be giving up the cool surfer style for a rock and roll theme, and it’s not your grandma’s 1950’s jukebox theme. This has meant a lot of money, creativity, and work on Word. I find myself wishing I were in charge of making bulletin board sets for teachers. I’m not a campy person. I don’t like everything rock and roll. I don't want to post cartoon characters all over my room. I like simple lines, bright colors (no primary colors please), and symmetry. I don’t want my boarder trim wavy. I don’t want cutesy stuff. Unfortunately, that’s not the way most teacher resources are made. So, I’ve had to pick and choose, mix and match, modify, and create from scratch. Yes, Pinterest has served as an inspiration, but I still haven’t seen exactly what I’m looking for.

    At a glace, things look a little cluttered and busy. When it’s on the walls and spread around the room, it will be more like pops of color and pattern. I will post pictures when things are finally in order. With all that said, here is a peek at some of what you’ll find in my room this year:

                             This is where I recognize AR stars once a week. The three spots at the bottom are for students with the most points earned in the week, the highest average, and the highest percent of goal reached. The students' names are on star Post It notes. If they are in good standing, their sticky goes over a circle. Right now I'm set for 16 students, though I should probably plan for 20.

New calendar 

   The day will be recognized by the odd colored zebra stripe. I had to cover the multicolored polka dots with zebra duct tape.

 New rules

   The front board. It will display the calendar, rules, schedule, discipline plan, grade scale, writing rubric, and a nonverbal communication rubric showing understanding or a need for tutoring.

   Above the bulletin board is another one displaying my AR point clubs where the students' backstage passes travel along. When they hit 100, 150, and/or 200 points they get a treat. Typically, I'll have my husband bring in pizza and a dessert and we all eat together.

I didn't like the old frame and poster.

Sign for the door/outside bulletin board.

   My husband is my hero! He put up this book display made from Ikea napkin holders. I am so happy to have this. I am always looking for a place (other than my whiteboard) to display my read alouds. Perfect!

   Classroom library label and a shot of part of the library.

                                                        I made these on wackybuttons.com. The skull is a magnet and the other is a button. The button is perfect for student recognition. I got them super cheap too! The button is so anytime I have students who makes a 100, I can have them wear this around school so the kids will have a chance to brag on themselves.

   If you are looking for a seemingly endless supply of free fonts, check out www.dafont.com. I could spend hours searching through their collection. Two of my favorites for this theme are Feathergraphy and Tattoo Ink. After I install them, I restart Word. I typically have to go to "Format" then "Font" to find my font as it doesn't always show up on my formatting palette. I'm sure there's a way around that, but I haven't searched it out. My go to font is Century Gothic.

I have a duct tape line laid out in front of my door. This is where the kids are to line up. No excuses for a line that isn't straight, and they can't reach my whiteboard to rub their little fingers on it. Please excuse the mess on the floor. My husband had to drill in some screws for my storage area.

Letter to the students on my desk.

I am open to suggestions. My focus colors are black, pink, and Turquoise.

Multiplication Mastery Made Easy

     I wish this was an original idea, but it's borrowed. We are always looking for a better way to assess multiplication. At the end of the year, our team holds a multiplication party for students who have mastered their facts to 12 x's 12. We hold up a mixed set of cards and the students have 3 seconds to answer (no using their fingers!).  Students cannot take the final mixed set quiz until they have mastered through 12 x's 12. One way we practice is playing Around the World and Multiplication BINGO often.

     The picture below shows the way our team has set up a file folder with each set of multiplication problems separated. Following that picture is another showing the spreadsheet I use to check off how far each student has gone in his/her mastery. I keep this placed in a clear sheet protector taped to the front of the folder. 

Reading Test Score Attachment

     One of my goals is to utilize my available resources in such a way that I am able to give my students specific skill based tutoring with as few added assessments as possible to the identify their deficient skills. One way I do this is through my basal reading series' tests. Instead of giving my students a basic overall score, I take the time to break down each part into its own grade. This way, when I look over their reading grades, I can identify which areas are in need of remediation. It does take longer to grade the tests in this way, but breaking down the data has been tremendously helpful.

     At first, this method was a bit confusing to parents. However, now they also appreciate being able to see exactly what areas their child needs to focus. This also aids me as it shows which areas I need to develop in my teaching abilities.