Sunday, May 27, 2012

What Kindergarten Teachers Wish Parents Knew! Printable

What a great little article from Scholastic: What Kindergarten Teachers Wish Parents Knew!
I thought it was worthy of printing and giving out to parents.
Here is a copy!
Sandi

Monday, May 21, 2012

Summer Writing Paper Freebie


     Download Here!



Thought you might like a summer writing paper!
I can think of lots of reasons to like summer!
I am linking up with Manic Monday at Classroom Freebies!  Just follow the button for more free goodies!

 
    Sandi

Classroom Freebies Manic Monday












Tuesday, May 15, 2012

F&P Leveled Literacy Intervention System



Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention

I spent some time today learning about the Leveled Literacy Intervention System by Fountas and Pinnell.  I would like to use this as a part of RTI and in special education.  I would love to hear from you if you are familiar with it!  I really liked that one day students are taught at the instructional level, the next at their independent level.  There is ongoing assessment which is great.  It seemed very teacher-friendly.
What do you think?
Sandi

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Clip Chart Magic and Freebie


I just love the Clip Chart system of behavior management!  We have a lot of teachers planning on using this next year, and I am so happy about it!
Here is an Ebook by Rick Morris that explains everything!


The best thing about Clip Charts is that everyday is a new day!  All clips start on "Ready to Learn" each morning!  No more pulling cards and only noticing negative behaviors!  You can have your own Positive Behavior Support (PBS) environment!

I do have some ideas for you that will make it even better!  
Clips
I like to use wooden clothespins.  Write a number for each child on the handle of the clip.  The number will be the only thing identifying the child.  So, if you have a guest, they will not know who is on a bottom level.
Consider adding "bling" to your clips.  If a student continues to shine, then add extras to their clip.  They will love this!
Mid-year, you can switch to plastic/colored clips for a change of pace.  Use them for children who are truly outstanding!
Moving Clips!
You have to decide who is going to move the clips!  If students will move their own clips, then they will need to access the chart from top to bottom.  I suggest printing the levels smaller that a page.  My above examples were on a full page.  As you can see, it is a very tall chart!  I have reduced the size, and it works much better!
Laminate each piece together and place magnets on the back.  Place the chart on your whiteboard and students can pull or push it down and up to reach it!
Reporting to Parents
Most teachers keep a record in the student's folder that indicates which level they were on each day.  You might consider letting students record-keep at the end of the day.  You can always make a note if you need to respond to a parent.

Here is a Freebie on Google Docs with daily record and parent note!  

Better yet download my Complete Clip Chart Systems

Here!

School-wide Support
This system works well when everyone participates!  When students get "bling" or switch to colored clips, invite your administration to the celebration.
Schools can use a reward system to pair with the chart.  Teachers can give points for certain levels and students can redeem them for rewards.  
Behavior Intervention
This system works well for students with behavior plans.  You can target certain behaviors each day/week!  This makes working with struggling students much easier!  

I have several Clip Charts for sale in my TPT store!  They each come with a weekly chart for reporting to parents.  They also have cards for using as sticky notes.  Students can glue them to a sheet each day.


I hope you will consider using a Clip Chart in your room next year!
I will be happy to make other charts in different themes!  Send me an email!
You can find my address in the About section!
Sandi




Friday, May 4, 2012

Shabby Blogs and Malware

I was very unhappy to see that Shabby Blogs had been hacked and a warning posted by Google.  My only choice is to remove the background and redesign my blog.  Thank you for being patient and bearing with me as I make the necessary changes.
Sandi

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Ocean Writing Paper Freebie


This time of year many of you are studying oceans.  I thought you might like a writing paper. 


This would be great to add to my TPT,  A House for Hermit Crab Unit!

You can find it here


 KPM Doodles created these cute graphics!