Am I Too Late to Post This?

Maybe you can use it next year???

Being in year round school {we're in school until July}, this time of the year is very difficult for my students {and me too}. The traditional schools are already out of school for summer, the weather is great, and we all have "summer fever"...which makes for a little stress on my behavior management.  The behavior of my students always takes a slight step back.  Since it takes a step back, I guess I'll have to step.it.up!  Talking to teachers on my team, they told us that at the end of the year, they start a money management system by giving school money out to students who are following the expectations. Then they have a class store/party {we'll have parent volunteers donate items and their time} at the end where they can buy things. HALLELUJAH! It's exactly what we needed {me and my teammate who works on the same track as I}. So, I ran with it and started creating!  I created a packet to explain the money management. I know some of you are out of school already, but print it and save it for next year! This could work for any grade level {I'm using it in 1st grade}.

Here are a few things from the packet...

Instructions: 

 Parent Volunteer Letter:

 Supplies need for end of the year class store:

Signs to help the students navigate {7 total}:

 Receipts from the class store:

 Labels {use Avery 5160}  for your "Wallet" {it's a ziplock your kiddos put their coins in}:

If you would like the labels that go on the ziplock baggies {Wallets}, you must click {here}. 

I could not get those little guys to format in my packet!

clipart and/or fonts copyright by Djinkers.com

Summer Bucket List - ABC Style

Summer is so close, I can almost taste it! 

I've got big plans this summer! Plans that involve taking my two sweet kiddos to new and exciting places, plans to meet up with some of my very favorite teacher-bloggers in Vegas, and plans of staying up late and sleeping in as long as possible (with two little kids, the sleeping in thing doesn't mean much... haha!).

Did I {Natalie} ever mention that I'll be moving my classroom this summer and making a pretty BIG career change as well?! 

Even though my whole heart is in 5th grade, this coming year I'll be returning next year as the K-6 computer specialist for my school!! I definitely have mixed emotions about this change, but ultimately it will be better for my family. (Less grading, less planning, less stress!) It will be a fun new adventure and I'm mostly looking forward to the challenge that this new position will bring. Plus, I have big plans for my new classroom!

Having said that.. let me present to you my 'ABC's of Summer' bucket list!

Cute rainbow scallop frame: Ashley Hughes

Rainbow letters: LittleRed

I invite you all to download my editable ABC's of Summer template and post your very own summer bucket list on your blog! Leave a comment with the link to your post here, so we can find you and see your fun plans. Also, please link your post back to this one as the original source.

YAY for summer!!
I linked up with A Modern Teacher!

Narrative Writing, Charlotte's Web, and Glasses

I'm SO proud of my students' writing! They really are doing so great. I almost get teary eyed thinking about it and then I remember that even though they are ready for 2nd grade (and that makes me sad for them to not be in my class anymore).... summer break is almost here and I'm READY for that! ;) 

Yes it's the end of the year and YES we are still writing, learning, and meeting standards in the CCSS!

We read this book (because we already read Miss Nelson is Missing):

I mean... how FUNNY is this?!?!??!

Download the writing paper and pre-write page {here} and {here}

We are just about finished reading Charlotte's Web for our read-a-loud and my kiddos are OBSESSED!  They love it so much, that 3 of them checked it out of the library so they could re-read it. :) So cute!  As we've been reading, we've been talking a lot about the different characters. I have been using Abby's Charlotte's Web unit a lot, too (that's where the picture cards came from)!

Then, I had my students decide out of Charlotte or Wilber, who was their favorite character. This was a *TOUGH* decision for many students! They wrote about that character and why they were their favorite (opinion and informative). Then, they made a simple paper-plate craft.

Click {here} to download the writing paper

And I shared this on our Instagram (@whattheteacherwants) for today's #teachertalktuesday and I was worried! But... people liked my glasses! I was worried that they made me look too old. My hubby says I look "sexy". Um.. that's sweet and no you can't get out of doing the dishes just for saying that. ;)

9 Days Left...

Wow!! Only 9 days left for me!! 

{Rachelle is in year round school and still has a whole month left...sadface!}

Here's an end-of-year memory book I've been working on for my 5th graders. It will be great to use as a mini yearbook and a way for students to reflect and remember the all the things we've learned this year!

This is a 12 page document that has been formatted into a pamphlet style in order to save on paper costs. (I don't know about you, but our school is majorly low on paper right now!) When copied on both sides, and folded down the middle, this book will only use 3 pieces of paper per student. 

Here's a glance at what's included:

*Cover Page 

(2 options - one in color and one in black and white)

*My favorites

*Self portrait and paragraph about me

*My teacher page

*Autograph pages

*A year of learning

*Top 10 memories

*Favorite field trip 

*A letter to myself

This pack will be on sale for tonight and tomorrow.

How many days of school do you have left?

Any big plans for summer?