Making Conferencing a SNAP!

Last year I realized that I needed to get myself organized a little better when it came to conferring with my students in both reading and writing.  I decided this year to make a conferring binder for myself that would include information on both reading and writing.

Here is what my binder looks like:

I use a basic white binder and then I love these tabs below because I number my students.  This way I can use the tabs year after year.  The cover is editable so you can customize it with your own name.

Take a look at what's inside:

I like to color code things so on my planning calendar, I use one color for reading and one color for writing so I can easily see who I scheduled to meet with each day.  I only schedule two students a day, but there are many days I can see more than that.  I just don't want to "overbook" myself!

Next I have a page that I record my conferences at a glance.  This gives me a quick visual to see if there is a student who I haven't met with often enough.  For example, in my picture you can see that I have only met with Nick once.  He will most likely be the next student I try to meet with.  This page is also editable.  I just chose to print the blank copy and write in names.  Next time I will type them in because I think it looks a little cleaner.  :)

 When I meet with students these are the forms I fill out.  I keep multiple copies behind each student number.  At the top is the student's name and their writing or reading goals.  I like saving paper so I put three days worth of notes on one page.  Plus, I feel like it is easier to look back at the previous notes when they are more condensed.

I also keep some reading and writing goals handy just in case I am not sure what goal to set next for my student.  I can glance through the list.  This list is by no means an end all be all list.  It just has SOME goals that you could set for your students.

If you think this is something you need in your classroom, you can grab it here from my TpT store.

Do you conference daily with students?  Let me know in the comments below!

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Learning about the Four Seasons

Each year when I teach my apple unit we learn about the four seasons of the apple tree.  Thanks to Ellison I was able to make this project really POP! Click on the picture to read all about how I created this project for my little kinder friends.

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All About This Kinder Teacher

I am linking up with my girls over at Kinder Tribe for this fun linky party.

Here is a little about this Kinder Teacher here :)

It seems like just yesterday I was starting my teaching career, but here I am ready to start my ninth year.  I can't believe how fast the time has flown.

This pretty much sums me up...haha!

I couldn't chose just one favorite school supply.  My favorite supply for the kids are Ticonderoga pencils, but my favorite supply for me is FLAIR PENS!  Just ask my para from last year....I am pretty much obsessed.

Every single year I read this book on the first day of school.  I think it helps my students realize that it will be ok at school.  I also have many who will have their parents give them a kissing hand before school each day.

It is so hard to chose my favorite kindergarten blog because there are so many good ones.  I am choosing Kickin' It In Kindergarten because a few years ago when I was just starting my blog Elizabeth and I connected and have been friends ever since.  She is seriously the sweetest person and has some of the most amazing ideas!  You need to go check out her blog!

I love teaching kindergarten because it is just a magical year.  You get to see your students grow so much from August to June.  It amazes me every year to see just how far they come.  I can't imagine teaching any other grade!

I hope you hop on over to Kinder Tribe and link up with us for this fun linky.  I can't wait to learn more about you all!

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Bright Idea for Balancing it All

I am a mom, wife, teacher and blogger as many of you who read this blog are as well.  I am also finishing up my graduate degree.  A friend of mine recently asked me how I balance it all.  I thought I would share my thoughts on this with and show you how to create something that might help you out with this!

Here are my tips to help keep balance in my life:

Sit down with your husband/wife/significant other and decide on a daily stopping time meaning what time you will be home each night.

If I do have to do something at home, I try my hardest to wait until my kiddos go to bed.  That is usually when I blog and create for TpT because I want to have my time with my family.

At work, during my planning time as well as before and after school, I try to be as productive as I can be so I can spend the time with my family in the evenings.

Speaking of being productive....I want to show you how to create something to keep yourself on task at work (especially after school).  I create a wipe off check list of things I have to do each night before I leave.

I just create an image in PowerPoint, print it, and put it in a frame.  I got my frame from IKEA.  As I finish one of the things on my list, I use a dry erase marker to check it off.

My frame is a 5x7, but you could also use a 4x6 or 8x10 too.  Open PowerPoint and select Themes then Slide Size.  Choose the size of the frame you have.

Next format your background to something that you like then add a frame to make your writing really pop.  ***Remember that you will probably have a little of your sides covered by the picture frame so don't make the frame and writing go all the way to the edges.

Then choose one of your favorite fonts to make a title.  Add your "must do" items that need to be completed before you leave so that you are ready 100% in the morning.

Then add a small box next to each item so you can check them off as you complete.

Now all you need to do is print and stick it in your frame.  I love having this little checklist and it definitely helps me feel like I am being productive with my time and I am ready for the next day of school.

I hope you liked this bright idea!  If you did, you find other great ideas on my Instagram, Facebook, and TpT Store.

Don't forget to check out all the other amazing ideas by clicking on the link-up below.  :)

An InLinkz Link-up

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Back to School Bookmarks

Now that it is July I have been thinking quite a bit about back to school time.  My goal is to be as prepared as possible for my little kinder babies this fall.  I have already wrapped up a few projects for back to school time.  You can see one of them over on the Ellison Education Blog today!  {Click the picture to head to the post!}

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Currently June

First of all, I have to say that I am in <3 with Farley's Currently design this month!  We have quite quickly become a soccer family.  It is all to blame on this guy.....

Once he started playing, I quickly learned how much I enjoyed the sport.  Now, we can't get enough.

Listening:  Everyone is still asleep in my house, which is completely rare.  The only sounds I am hearing are the birds chirping outside.  It is wonderful to just sit and work with that being the only sound.

Loving:  I feel like I have been saying this forever, but Grad School is really almost over.  I should be finished with my classes *hopefully* before the end of the month.  The actual last due date is July 31st, but I am hoping to get my booty in gear and get it all done ahead of time.  (And for those who have asked...yep, I went through the graduation ceremony in May, but had to finish up two summer classes to get my degree)

Thinking:  Next week my hubby and I are surprising our kiddos with a mini-vacation.  I love surprising my kids with a little vacation.  We are just waking them up in the morning, getting in the car and going.  :)

Wanting:  I know, I know, it's summer and I should enjoy my summer.  I definitely am, but I do wish I could get in to work on my classroom.  I have a ton of new ideas that I want to start getting ready for the new school year.

(A picture of my classroom as I left it)

Needing:  We are in the process of giving my daughter's room a makeover.  She just got new furniture and bedding.  Now we just need to get all the decor and accessories so we can make it cozy and fun!

All Star:  I like to make people laugh and I like to diffuse situations with humor.  My hubby is the same way.  I am so glad we are on the same wavelength for that.  ;)

And with that, I will leave you with this funny!

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