First Day Tried and True Linky Party

Ah, the first day of school. Can you believe it is approaching so quickly?? I am honored to link up with Chrissie Rissmiller of Undercover Classroom and Sarah Tighe of Education Electrification for their First Day Tried and True Back to School Linky Party! Be sure to check out all of the other wonderful first day ideas in this link-up!

One of the activities that has been a staple on the first day of school since the first time I had my own classroom was a "Get to Know Your Teacher" Power Point presentation and quiz. Sometime in the morning, I tell the students that school has started and it is time for their first test.

This is always met with groans, gasps, and a few heads inevitably hit their tables or desks. However, once I pass out the papers, they smile, laugh, and breath huge sighs of relief when the "test" is really just a "quiz" on how well they think they know their teacher. I have a series of about 12-15 questions, usually multiple choice, for students to answer about me. Once the students have answered the questions, we fire up the projector and start the power point. On the power point, I have the same questions that are on the test. So, I show the question and give some students an opportunity to share their projected answer. On some questions, I call out the possible answer choices and have students "vote" for what they predict to be the answer. For the younger kids, I don't pass out paper "tests," I just show them the power point question and allow several to make guesses.

Then, this is where the fun begins. I show them the answer to the question and usually include a picture related to the answer. So, I will include pictures of my family, my dog, and even some pictures of me as a kid. I cannot tell you how much they love this! They get especially excited when the sport you played or the instrument you learned is something that they do as well! They really get a kick out of seeing pictures of me as a kid -so I encourage you to include this if at all possible! We go through the entire "quiz" and, by the end, the students feel a little more at home in my classroom.

I have found that this short activity goes a long way in building student relationships. When the students can make any type of connection with you, it goes a long way. Also, seeing me as a "real person" not just "the teacher" helps to lighten any worries, fears, or anxieties they have about the school year. It's always a fun way to begin the year, and I must say, every year I have students referencing things from the "quiz" throughout the year - even May and June!

I have created an Editable Get to Know Your Teacher Power Point to assist you, if you would like to use this in your classroom this year.

I didn't include a paper quiz because I always liked making the "wrong answers" something to talk about as well. For example, maybe I didn't take dance class as a kid, but I loved watching my sister dance and even ended up taking a couple of classes in high school! That way, even though the answer isn't totally correct, it still gives them a little more insight into my life.

 Following this activity, I give them their first piece of "homework" for the year. I know, a test AND homework on the first day?!?!? Since they got to learn about me, it's my opportunity to learn more about them, I give each of them a box paper bag (the lunch bag size), and if I'm really on top of things, I have it decorated with their name and other accents (maybe the school mascot, decorative ribbon, etc). Their homework is to gather 5 things that tell me about themselves. It can be actual items or pictures of their items. We brainstorm different ideas of what could be included - a picture of their family, something that represents a sport they like to play, an item that shows what they would like to be when they grow up, etc. Some years I specifically assign items: 1) Someone that you love very much 2) Something you like to do in your spare time 3) Something you did this summer 4) What you want to be when you grow up 5) A place that you love to visit. Whether it is assigned or more open is up to you!

The next day and in the days that follow, I have 5-7 students share their bags. While they share, I take notes about each student's interests. I cannot tell you how valuable this information has been in building relationships and making learning meaningful to the students. I have also found that this not only helps me build relationships, but it encourages relationships among the students as well!

This is a great way to start the school year and I hope you have the opportunity to try it! Make sure you check out the other wonderful ideas on this link-up!

An InLinkz Link-up

Five for Friday 7/31/15

Wow! I can't believe that tomorrow will be August! Where did the summer go?? Although I missed it last week, I am excited to again to link up with Kacey at Doodle Bugs Teaching for the

 Here's a little peek into my past week:

With the sound of Back to School commercials filling the air, I am happy to announce that my Back to School FREEBIE is uploaded and ready to roll. This "I Found, Who Found" game is a spin on the common "I Have, Who Has" game, except this game helps to familiarize your students with their new classroom. It's a fun way to begin the year, so click on the icon to get this freebie if you're interested!

I must say, I have one amazing husband! On Monday, he took both my boys camping - on his own! He packed up everything and took the boys for an entire 27 hours! Yes, that means I had a quiet house and was able to get so much done! I don't know what I possibly did with all my spare time before kids ;) All of the boys had a blast, and I was so thankful to get errands, cleaning, laundry, and yes, plenty of Teachers Pay Teachers stuff, checked off my checklist. They came home covered in dirt, and with sticks, rocks, and even a frog in tow. While I was grateful for the time to be "productive," those grimey faces never looked better!

My oldest son has been working so hard to ride his bike without training wheels, and this last week, it just clicked! He is still working on getting started on his own and making turns without ending up on the ground, but he is so proud - and, I must say, I am too!! 

I was able to update my Watch My Progress Journal this week! I use this to track the growth of my students over the year in certain skills. It's also a great place to organize monthly work for a portfolio at the end of the year! I am always amazed at how much these students grow in a year! 

Finally, don't forget that next Monday and Tuesday (August 3rd and 4th) is the TpT Back to School Sale! My entire store will be 20% off (bundles too), and if you use the promo code BTS15, you'll get another 10% off -making it 28% off your total purchase! Load up your wish list now!!

I would love to hear about your week! And be sure to check out the other posts at the Doodle Bugs Teaching Link-up. Have an amazing weekend!! 

Our 4th of July

I have to begin by saying that I have two INCREDIBLE parents! Every year they host a big 4th of July BBQ, complete with homemade ice cream, ping pong, water basketball, swimming, and, of course, fireworks. They open their home to family and friends and we all walk away from the day, exhausted, but feeling incredibly blessed. A few years ago, my mom started "hosting" a food competition at our annual 4th of July BBQ. There is a category assigned, anyone who wants to can participate, everyone votes for their favorites, and she always has little prizes for the winning dishes. It's always in good fun, but there's always a little competition - especially between my siblings. Here's a little peek at what the spread looked like this year:

The category this year was appetizers, so I entered these pretzel bites from Sally's Baking Addiction. And I must say, they were wonderful - especially with the yummy cheese sauce to dip them in - YUM!

It was a wonderful 4th of July, and I am so thankful for the blessings of family, friends, and freedom! I'd love to hear about your 4th of July as well!