Wristband Reminder Notes

This past year I had the hardest time getting papers back. Some of my students' backpacks were like black holes. Things went in and never came out. #blackhole I sometimes had to search backpacks for missing homework assignments and realized parents weren't even looking in these bags (at least not on a regular basis). So, when I saw the Wrist Notes in the Target Dollar Spot I got super excited! What a great way to jot a note saying, "Check Johnny's backpack." 

Then I realized I could personalize them and have them ready to go. Check out some of the Ready-to-Print notes below. 

Would you like to write your own message? Go ahead! There are editable versions with clipart only. You can add a text box (in Powerpoint) or handwrite a message.

Would you like to try them out?! Check out the FREEBIE {Click HERE}. It has 4 different Wristband Notes. #freebiealert

If you're interested in buying the pack I'm offering it for 30% OFF through Sunday. #discount  Enjoy your weekend friends!
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Music in the Classroom

I blogged about using music to signal transitions in the classroom. You can check it out over at The Elementary Entourage. I even shared a link to some free music you can access online. 

If you haven't tried this before, you should check out my post. It's so much fun!

Positive Parent Communication

I've had so many positive interactions with parents this year, thanks to Class Dojo. I blogged ALL about maintaining positive parent communication over at The Elementary Entourage today. Check it out!

There's a freebie available as well. #freebiealert

Wordless Wednesday: Using Photos for Classroom Management

Back so soon? Why yes, I am! I'm linking up with Miss DeCarbo for Wordless Wednesday!

Grace Dearborn presented at my district’s professional development on Monday. She was FANTASTIC!! She shared some great strategies for creating a positive classroom environment. She showed us how she uses photographs in the classroom in order to provide a model of desired behaviors. Our morning routines have been rough lately, so I’m adding these particular photos to my daily morning routine display. 

Thankful for these little friends who come in early to help. <3

What are your mornings like? Hopefully, mine go more smoothly this week. Enjoy the rest of your week sparkly friends! 

You Oughta Know The Best Way to Take Attendance

Hi friends! I'm back. It's only been a... week! What??? I've been spending a lot of time in my classroom trying to get moved in and set up. The sweet Mrs. McClain has invited me to join her blog hop to share something "you oughta know." Yipee! I think now is the perfect time to share some tips since we're all setting up and getting situated. I thought it'd be fun to share how I take attendance. #freebiealert

So, I love LOVE Rick Morris' classroom management strategies and have found them to be extremely effective. Click {HERE} to visit his website. His idea of using magnets to take attendance is genius! Now, don't get me wrong... I'm a morning person, but I don't like a rowdy class first thing in the morning. So, I use magnets to take attendance and get a lunch count. I don't have to ask where Susie is and what Johnny's having for lunch. I can look at the board and see who's absent and what students are having for lunch. #whatchaeating

My new room has this bookshelf and it's magnetic! This new attendance spot is right by the door.

Last year, I put it up on a cookie sheet because I thought it would be easier to attach the signs, but any magnetic surface will do. Each student is assigned a number, but you could use names just as well. At the beginning of the day all of the magnets are placed below the absent line. When students come in they are expected to move their magnets to the lunch they'll be having. At the beginning of the year, I make it very clear that a student may ONLY move their own magnet. Otherwise, you end up with "Joe's in the office right now, so he's here." <--Doesn't count at my school.

At the end of the day, a student puts the magnets back in order. Thank goodness for classroom jobs. Ain't nobody got time for that.

If you'd like some signs, I created a set and am sharing them for free. Just click {HERE} to download. I hope this helps as you prepare to return to the classroom. Don't forget to continue the blog hop to learn other tips and tricks.

An InLinkz Link-up

Five for Friday & a FREEBIE alert

I can't believe another Friday has rolled around. That puts me about 2 weeks away from the beginning of school. This is about the time that I begin to feel anxious about school. Monday I freaked out because I realized I hit the 3 week mark. I slept for about 3 hours! Arg! This happens every year as I think about the looooong to-do list. This year is especially nerve-wracking as I will be moving across town to a new school and a new grade. I know it's only a single grade level switch, but it's still different. Different abilities, different standards and expectations. Well, enough complaining. I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs' Teaching to share about my week.

Since I've been freaking out I made sure to head to my school to pick up my keys and measure some walls. I was not pleased to learn that our rooms are nowhere near being ready. The printer, document camera and computer seen on that cabinet belong on the opposite side of the room. My floors are carpeted and they still need to be shampooed, so everything has been shoved along the walls.

I have begun working on my to-do list, which includes creating some items for my room. One of my classroom management strategies includes posting tools students will need for the next lesson. It allows for smooth transitions (as smooth as can be in a second grade classroom). When I walk to the board, students' eyes usually follow and they begin taking out the materials as I mark them. Many times the students who are paying attention begin telling their group members to get their materials out. I'm also corrected when I mark an unnecessary tool. "We don't need our pencils for spelling!" Oops! #sillyteacher In the past, I have written the materials in two columns. This year, they'll be posted with cute Melonheadz graphics. Yeay! 

This is one of the goodies you'll find in your TpT mailbox this weekend if you follow my shop. If not, go follow before it goes out.#freebiealert

I am such a sucker for school supplies. Even the ones I don't need. I couldn't resist seeking out the back-to-school aisle at Target. I was excited happy to see that the bright supplies and notebooks were out! I found a cute sparkly folder I didn't need. 

Speaking of shopping... I've been finding some good deals online! I LOVE shopping for my classroom. Are you an online shopper? Amazon is my favorite place to shop. The only down side is waiting for purchases to arrive. Don't they know this teacher is impatient? I ordered some good stuff this past Monday and my order is supposed to arrive some time next week. My order was definitely over the $35 minimum for free shipping. I kept thinking of other things I wanted needed.

I plan on using the sleeves for math stations, rather than the sheet protectors I typically use. I'll be using the geometry set for building 3D shapes with my firsties.

I've been updating some of my Common Core Checklists and gradebooks this past week. I was able to add text fields to some of the pages. So excited about that! I've also added pages for note-taking and performance task planning. Click {HERE} to see the Third Grade checklist and check out the preview. 

If you're not interested in using your color ink, this prints nicely in grayscale.

I think I can say that I have had quite a productive week. Well, for a summer week at least. Have you started getting ready to head back yet?