Learning As I Go

     I haven't been very faithful to updating this blog.  The last few years have been rather crazy.  We bought a new house.  I changed grade levels, and I'm now teaching 2nd grade.  Between school and my two daughters, I haven't had much downtime.  I will do my best to be a much more active blogger in the coming months.
     Last year, I took a Balanced Literacy class and implemented the Daily Five in my classroom.  All I can say is, "Wow!"  I was blown away at how much my students (and I) learned during ELA!  I was able to meet with most or all of my students everyday in small groups, an accomplishment that I have never before been able to do.  I felt like I knew them so much better than previous students, both academically and personally.  I plan to continue using Daily Five in ELA in the upcoming year, and I am hoping to use a similar method in Math instruction as well.
     I'm off to explore Pinterest to get ideas for my classroom and hopefully not add any feelings of inadequacy.  (Does anyone else feel that way while browsing Pinterest?)  I would love to make my classroom more . . . what's the word? . . . "Pinteresty" this year.  I'm certain that's not a real word, but you get the idea.  I will be more organized.  I will be more organized.  I will be more organized.
     TTFN!

Getting Ready for a New Class

     This is the new bulletin board outside my classroom. I found the idea on Pinterest, and my sweet husband made the iPod for me.  On the "screen," it has "Mrs. Holland's 2013-14 Playlist" with my students listed instead of songs.  This was fun to put together.  I hope the kids enjoy it!

     As I worked in my room today, I kept thinking about my previous years and what worked or didn't work with lessons.  How could I make this year the best ever?  What changes should I make to help the classroom run more smoothly?

     Preparing to meet my 16th (GASP) class has me wanting to shake things up a bit and try something new.  I've decided to implement Chris Biffle's Whole Brain Teaching as part of our routine and lessons.  For more information, visit www.wholebrainteaching.com. 

     Tomorrow and Wednesday will bring training and meetings, but hopefully I'll have plenty of time to work in my room.  I will post more pictures as the room comes together.  

Back to School Bulletin Board

Ready, Set, Blog!

     Hey Y'all!  I have seen quite a few teacher blogs out there, and I thought I'd give it a try.  My goal is to provide a place for students, parents, and fellow teachers to check out some of the cool and exciting things that are happening in Room 304.  I hope to post once a week, but I will make no promises on this front! 

     This afternoon, I decided on my classroom theme for the 2013-14 school year.  It's going to be . . . Rockinn' In 3rd Grade!  I'm gathering ideas now for decorating, and I've started a board on Pinterest to help me keep things organized.  I can't wait to get started!