An Intervention Update and Small Groups



Of course I can't leave anything alone too long....I have revised, no-- tweaked my intervention a bit this year due to many reasons, which is a whole new blog post.  I have a few extra hands helping me out this year so I wanted to be very efficient in what I was planning for them to do, as well as documenting it and their progress (or lack of :/).  Originally, I used my Intervention Planning sheet to plan the intervention groups, as well as to let helpers know who they were working with and what they were to do with each student/group.  Then there is a place to check off if the group is done--meaning they don't need that help anymore.  They were expected to jot down notes on my individual intervention student sheets about the progress (that were kept in my Intervention Tub).  Well, I found a few things wrong with this system--There is no room for notes on the planning sheet, some helpers were just checking it off as done after one time, it took longer to take the individual notes than expected, and I was not keeping up with checking on their progress as well as I should have because the notes were going straight into individual student files.  I wasn't looking at these on a regular enough basis.

So, onto my new plan!  I still use my planning sheet as seen above, but it is for my use only.  I then came up with a document for my helpers to use that has a space for explaining the intervention, as well as a place to write individual notes on each student and the date that they worked with them.  I added a spot that lets them know if this is an individual activity or a group activity. 

This is much easier for me to check on on a regular basis.  I then transfer the notes and intervention dates to the individual student intervention sheets.  This makes me a lot more accountable, as well as aware of what other people are doing with my students.  These are now kept in a binder for easy access.  

**On a side note, I use these sheets as well when I pull students for interventions--either the same or different than what I have my helpers doing.

I still use my Intervention Tub for interventions as well.  It is where I keep supplies needed for the interventions--student files now keep flashcards, papers that need to be corrected, as well as documents used for interventions for that individual student.

This new system seems to be working quite well for me so far....


 

Now, onto small group reading--We have a lot of help during our small group reading time.  So, my students are out with various teachers and teacher's aides every day.  We switch every two weeks, so it takes quite some time for me to see all of my students.  I am obsessed with control and with all this help, I am NOT in control.   To help with this, I came up with a quick checklist for all the reading group instructors to quickly fill out about their groups so I (and the other classroom teachers) can have an idea of how the groups are going.   This helps communicate progress, as well as help decide whether or not students move up reading levels. These are filled out during the second week of rotations.  There are 3 of us classroom teachers that share students for reading, as well as teacher aides for reading groups--in all there are 9 of us.  It can be difficult keeping on top of your students as readers when there is that many people involved and that many sheets to go through.  So after these progress sheets get turned in, they are used by classroom teachers to make the new groups for the following week.  Then I look over them and document the notes made about my kids.  I made a separate document to keep track of those notes since the progress sheets include students from other classrooms.  As I explain all this it sounds like so much paper work--which it is, but it helps me keep track of everything and I feel better informed of where my students are at without having to look it up.

 The individual small group reading sheet can also be used to see reading behaviors/patterns that may need to be addressed in future reading group and/or a small intervention group with other students struggling with teh same behaviors.  All too often reading groups are based on level, and not behaviors or strategiesso this is a great way to help look at reading groups a bit differently.

 If anything catches your eye, these new sheets are part of the updated Intervention Notes {FREEBIES} at TpT.  I included the pdf document, as well as the PowerPoint/word documents so you can edit them as needed.  Just click on the following link to download them all.

        NEW Intervention FREEBIES here!

To read my other posts about interventions, please see THIS post.

Teachers Pay Teachers Back to School Sale

I am participating in the TpT Back to School Sale! Click below to go to my store and save 20% on all my products starting tomorrow morning!!!

**I just got back from our family vacation yesterday and start school on Monday (no kiddos) then Tuesday with kiddos!  So be sure to check back soon to see how the first week went!

Tired of Buying Desk Name Plates??

Me too!  So I made my own.  The ones I get from the teacher store only get about half used....meaning we use the name line, hundred chart and number line.  That's it.  So I decided to make name plates that only have that and match with our Saxon Phonics alphabet keyword/pictures.  That and they are jungle themed!  (There is a non-themed one that can be mounted onto any color or design).  I have them for sale in my TpT store for only $1.50.  The best part is I have 2 sets on there.  One with handwriting lines for you to write their names and one set that is fillable on the computer.  They are set to be printed on 8.5 x 14" legal paper.  Check them out! And never buy name plates again!!!!

First 3 to comment will get a copy of my nameplates for free!

Teacher Appreciation Sale

I know I have MIA for quite some time but I do have an explanation....life!  It keeps getting in the way of me blogging.  Now mind you, I still make time to read everyone else's blogs so I can steal, I mean use their ideas.
I am trying to steer away from only promoting/posting about things I sell because I would rather share ideas, especially freebies, but in all honesty I just haven't had time to do anything!  End of the year testing, planning, training for a half marathon (which by the way is TOMORROW in Indy!!!) volleyball and concerts for my daughter, tae kwon do for my son and now we have added in softball and baseball for both kiddos!  Ahhh!  I have big plans this summer though....I have 3 zip drives to go through.  My plan is to get rid of outdated things I can't use and re-do things that have potential and hopefully post on here as freebies.  I just really need to get them more organized.  I always start out great until I make something quick and just save it without paying attention to where I've saved it.  Anyways.....
I did want everyone to know that I am joining the TpT sale for Teacher Appreciation Week.  Items in my store are on sale starting Sunday, May 6-9.  Just click on the picture below and it will take you to my store!  Happy shopping!  Be sure to check out all the TpT stores....many people are adding to the sale!

Reviving My Classity Class

Friday was such a great day for this teacher and her students!

I revived my class from a lul in the excitement department.....ever have those moments???

Thursday night I spent some time watching YouTube videos after my kiddos went to bed and the hubby went to Cage Fitness class. I came across some whole brain teaching videos that I have never seen before, so Friday we tried it all out!

We used the mirror for fluency and math. I will have to say that the fluency went over well and fun was had by all. I used a penguin poem while we tried out some motions and expression! Hilarious!

We celebrated throughout the day with "10 and 12 finger woos".

We stood up and EVERYONE pushed in their chairs with "bodies and chairs."

We applied the brakes when retelling facts about penguins and polar bears to emphasize where the punctuation goes.

We even sang a new line up song that got us moving a bit.

We tried blowing answers into our hands then releasing them together...that still needs more practice because I usually use a partner whisper.

But the best part that made me laugh til tears when telling a colleague about it was sitting down at the rocker. I always say "criss cross" and they say "applesauce" as they sit. Then I usually go on to say "hands and eyes" to get them focused on me. But I saw on you tube the use of "spoons in your bowls". I have never seen so many puzzled looks from my firsties. But they got it and got into it. We were reading about polar bears when I was distracted by a lil firstie that decided to pretend to eat his applesauce out of his bowl with his spoon! Now I know it is hard to visualize but if you get a chance to try "spoons in your bowls" I guarantee a good chuckle! So if you are a whole brain/power teacher you have to check out some of these videos.

"oiled" hand-water drips right of

Blubber Glove

We also did a Sci Fri activity. We found out how polar bears and penguins stay warm. We used the graphic organizer from here. The kiddos loved it and want to try it out at home. Pretty sure some parents won't be happy with this :)

Left hand "oil", right hand no "oil"

2 thumbs up for a Friday with no special!!! Whoo hoo!!!

Last but not least, I finished up a set of reading games and posters that go with my jungle theme. They are for sale at my TpT store.

My Favorite 100 Day Activities {FREEBIE}

January 24th was supposed to be our 100th day, but since we used a Snow Day on Friday, it will be the 25th.  So it's time to get stuff out and start planning!  As I took out my *ginormous* folder,  I knew it was time to go through it and take some stuff out.  That folder was started back in 2001, my first year of teaching, and I have been adding to it ever since--not taking anything out.  Included were ideas from everywhere-magazines, books, websites, teachers, etc.  Every year I go through the folder and choose what I am going to use and I spend a lot of time doing this because I reread the various papers, although I tend to choose the same activities.  So I decided to change it up and get organized!  {*ORGANIZED* is kinda my word this year...at home and at school.}  We'll see how long it lasts....but anyways...I perused the internet and all my papers and books for my favorite 100 Day Activities and put them altogether in one spot...in one document....and online!  I updated, tweaked, cleaned up and added to the activities.  I made simple directions to follow and added some visuals, as well as changed up some formatting and fonts.  And now I am passing it on to you...for FREE!  Just click on the picture below!  Enjoy! 

**On a side note....These ideas are not my own, just my organiziation and wording so I didn't feel right about making money off of a bunch of ideas that everyone already uses. I hope you can find it useful.  If you do, please leave me a comment!  Also, join my little blogging family to keep up with classroom happenings and my FREEBIES. 

Did you hear that? Me neither! {A Behavior A-ha Moment}

I have been MIA because I was busy enjoying my week-long break for Thanksgiving!  It was great having a week off, but it took forever to get here because we didn't have any kind of Fall Break....so I am already counting down to Christmas Break!  Anyways, I did manage to accomplish something during break.

I remember seeing the behavior clip charts on eveyone's blogs during the summer, but I didn't really look into them because I have been content with the way I was doing things.  Well, I decided to look into them after 10 weeks of dealing with 3 very different behavior problems in my room.  (As well as trying to address those super kiddos that can do no wrong....where was their incentive??)  So, after 3 full days of using a behavior clip chart, I am in heaven!  Today was my a-ha moment.  I have been gradually explaining all the parts of this new system and today it finally made sense to the kids and they were actually striving to do the best they could do....all because of one moment.  It was writing time, I did my mini-lesson, the kids knew what they were to do when they got to their seats, so as they headed back I let them know that anyone on purple or white were allowed to sit anywhere during writing time and write.  What?!?  I wish I would have caught their faces on camera because they were priceless!  So, my 5 or 6 students on purple moved around the room and EvErYoNe got started and not a peep was heard during writing time.  I never even heard a sneeze!  First time EVER that has happened!  Writing is in the morning and let's just say the rest of the day was PERFECT.  They love earning freedoms and privileges.....another no-cost incentive for good behavior!  Love it! 

If you are interested in my Jungle Theme Behavior Clip Chart it is for sale at my TpT store.  Click on the preview pick to go to my store.

(If you purchase my behavior clip chart I couldn't get the parent letter to save right in the pdf file, so here is a link to it, as well as a weekly communication sheet in portrait format. Just click on the picture!)

Usually I dread the chaotic weeks before Christmass Break, but I am actually looking forward to tomorrow....not our Thursday am meeting though....but to see the magic of the clip chart! 

Setting Sail on the Mayflower

So today was a great day.....for starters we had a 2 hour delay, which meant a nice 3 mile run for me before school and no rushing around to get my 2 kiddos to school.  Second of all, when the kiddos arrived we packed our bags and went on a trip on the Mayflower.  We did some of the lessons from my The First Thanksgiving unit.  (I borrowed a projector so we could tour the Mayflower using the Scholastic website in the classroom.)

I had the class sitting close together in a taped off area while they watched the journey of the Mayflower.  We talked about how uncomfortable they were in the tight space.

We also toured the Mayflower and learned how large it was.  One student questioned if it was so big, why weren't there more people.  So we discussed the parts of the ship, what they were used for and then labeled a picture of it.  They loved this!

We then talked about what we would take if we had to make the 65 day journey.  After a great discussion the kiddos had to narrow it down and "pack their suitcase."  (Most wanted to pack a toilet because they didn't want to use a chamber pot!)  Around this time my principal, the superintendent, and a board member came in for a walk through.  Yeah, they were a bit noisy as they worked and shared and talked, but it was all about what they had learned...yay!  One little boy told them that he had his bag packed and he was going on a trip.  When asked "where?"  he responded, "well, I'm going to America of course!"  It was too cute.  Before we knew it, it was lunch.  What a great morning!

And on another note....To top off the great morning, my principal shared with me this afternoon that on Monday they will be starting installation of projectors and mobies (sp?)!  Finally!  I have been waiting since my 2nd year of teaching to get my hands on a projector/smartboard....This is my 12th year of teaching!  I am super excited about this news and CAN NOT wait!  

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.....

Learning About the First Thanksgiving

I just uploaded my first themed unit...Learning About the First Thanksgiving to TpT.  I am excited that I finally got it done....it is something I have been putting off because I knew it would be work putting all my ideas together and in one place...finally.  The unit is geared towards teaching about pilgrims, their voyage, meeting the Indians, and the hardships that led up to the First Thanksgiving.  It can be used with most of any of the books you already have or you can use Scholastic's wonderful website.  (If you haven't checked out the slideshows and virtual field trips on there...you have to!  They are great!)  So, head over to my TpT store and check out my unit.  It is on sale for $5.00 since I waited so long to post it.  I hope it is something that everyone will find useful!

One last day to enter my giveaway for the Guided Reading Lesson Plan Templates!  Winners will be announced tomorrow night....  New followers and bloggers about my blog can still receive their prize!  So start following and spread the word!

Thank you to those who have just recently started following!  Be sure to leave me your email address so I can send you your freebie!  And a special thank you to First Grade Delight for the mention on your blog!

Giveaway Extravaganza!

I believe I need more motivation to get on the blogging roll!  I feel like I am still new to the blogging world and have no real idea what I am doing.  So here is my thinking....more followers = more motivation to blog.  I love finding great ideas so I want to pay it forward.....

Tic Tac Toe and Roll, Say, Keep
(see previous post)

 Sooooo.....if you would like a {free} copy of my 2 jungle themed game boards that are meant to be used with any spelling list, vocabulary list, sight word list, or math facts, then start following my blog.  Leave me a comment that you are a new follower, as well as your email address and I will send it your way.  If you are a follower already leave your email as well and you can get one too! 

And.............If you mention my giveaway on your blog leave me a comment as to where I can find your post, as well as your email address.....I am giving away my new Hands on Sort, Tally and Graph packet (normally $3.50) that I just uploaded to TpT and Teachers Notebook.  This giveaway ends November 18 when my Thanksgiving Break begins!

Wait......it doesn't stop there!  While putting together and finalizing my Sort, Tally and Graph packet I had my 1st grade son help me out.  For the sorting activities we used some of their Halloween candy.  He thought it would be fun to count all of the pieces of candy.....so we did!  Which gave me an idea- I am giving away 3 copies of my Small Group Guided Reading Lesson Plan Templates to whoever (at least the first 3 people) can guess and/or come the closest to how many pieces we counted.  (Hint-there are a lot of tootsie rolls hidden in there!)

So leave me a comment with your guess (and email address so if you win I can let you know)!  Good luck!  You have 1 week!

TGIF: Freebie Friday...Better Late than Never!

So glad I am doing this linky party.... otherwise I may not have found out about the new TOU for freebies with Scrappin Doodles clipart!  So I just changed a few products' prices on TpT to be in compliance.  So here is a freebie that is at my TpT store.




 Now that I know how to do this, I hope to share more freebies soon.  Unfortunately I am new to creating things to share, as well as blogging so I don't have a lot yet.  I still have many freebies on my Teachers Pay Teachers store, so check it out!



Who knew?

I can't believe I have begun a blog!  I never thought I would....I love reading everyone else's.....who knows if this will even work out?!  So I decided to call my blog A Teacher's Passions and Obsessions because I have a lot of both!  To start with, I am very passionate about my family and children, as well as teaching.  Within my life I have become passionate about the little things as well (more on that later).  As a teacher you become obsessed with certain things and well my biggest obsession like a lot of teachers is fonts!  I love using a variety of fonts and of course have my favorites.  Along with fonts, I am a little obsessed with clipart.  Ok, maybe a lot.  My collection is slowly growing....

I have also become obsessed with Teachers Pay Teachers.  For years my colleagues have told me that I should make a book of some of the things I have made.  I love creating things that organizes my teaching and makes my life easier.  So a few months ago I started posting a few things. My favorite thing that I created is my collection of small group reading plans.  It has made planning easier for me because my choices of things to do for each level is right there in one spot.  I also love having the checklist there for observing my students and helping me decide when to move them on to the next level.  I used to look at several different resources to make great reading plans, but not anymore!  Check them out at my TpT store Carrie's Creations. 



Lesson Plan template front



Student checklist on back

Now that I have started this blog, I hope to keep up with it.  I start school next Friday for a teacher meeting/work day and I still have a lot of things to do to get ready.  I hope to get a little done tomorrow and then maybe I can share what I have been working on for this year!  I have lots of new ideas to implement thanks to the blogging world!