Classroom Set-up 2012-2013

I finally finished setting up my classroom for the 2012-2013 school year.  I spent at least four full days working on it and I must admit, I'm very happy with the final product.  Let me take you on a photo tour of my room.

This is part of my desk.  This year I split it into two parts.  All my technology is on these two desks.  The computer hooks up to the LCD projector.  I have my IPEVO camera which I use like it's an ELMO document camera.  It's perfect!  And best of all, it was only $70 with free shipping.  It works so well and it can come off its stand so I can show students things close up in things such as science class.  I will also be able to put my iPad on the desk as well and hook it up to the LCD projector (which isn't shown). 

Also shown is our calendar, our class rules and the arrow pointing to the piece of paper is our School-wide Student Learning Expectations which changes daily.  I have a large file cabinet to the left and a closet that holds all of my resource books among other things.  

 Here is the other half of my desk.  In front of it, is my Puffball Machine which is part of my classroom management program.  You can read about it here.  In the green crate I collect samples of student writing and the folders peeking out are "Absent Work" folders for those students who miss class.

 Here are the students' morning work folders, Early Finishers notebooks and reading workbooks.  On the shelves are the games for the classroom.  Those are typically used during rainy days.  To the right which is cut off, are all my math manipulatives......I have a TON!

Here are the community supplies.  I got the baskets at the Dollar Tree about six years ago.  I LOVE the bright bold colors they came in.  I also repurposed an old Enfamil container to hold our colored pencils and an old Lysol container to hold eraser caps.  There is another one that holds my clothespins but you can't see it.  And of course, my favorite carry all caddy.  I love those things.  They hold crayons and markers if the students need them.

This is my prayer table - since we are a Catholic School, all classrooms are required to have one.  I have rosaries, prayer cards, Saint books and more here available for the students.  And above are our Beatitudes and The Ten Commandments posters. 

On the shelves are just more supplies for the students, Glade plug-ins and math sheets.

Here is our classroom library.  I have over 1,800 books available for the students to check out.  My librarians use the computer in the back corner to manage and check-out books.  I use a program I got called Book Collector.  It was relatively cheap and has served me well for 6 years.  In the library, I have my genre posters on the back wall and to the far right by the windows I have my Reading Strategy posters.  You can download both for free in my TpT store.

This is the back side of my library.  I moved the couch out so we had some extra room in the library.  This will also provide students a space to read without being crowded by those looking for books.  The paper tray holds all our special paper and construction paper.

The flipchart has a whiteboard in the back where I list the homework for the day.  Also, the hooks are where the students will put their backpacks and other belongings.  You can't really see it but behind my flipchart is our supply closet which holds all our art supplies.  I also have a large table where I meet with students.  The white container holds student prizes and my favorite art drying rack is the red thing on the floor.  I love that rack!  The green bulletin board is where I plan on putting up the Early Finishers set I got from Shelley Grey's TpT store.

 This is our side whiteboard.  Surrounding it are a bunch of resources that we refer to throughout the year in Language Arts.

Here is our classroom culture poster that I created and had printed through Vista Print.  You can read about that here.

Here is my Mountain Language bulletin board.  This is a great way to reinforce and practice DOL.

Here are the carts that hold more math manipulatives and our paper supplies.  I got these at Staples a few years ago.  I love them.

Here are my Kleenslate whiteboards which I won and our Logic Links puzzle pieces.  The students and I love our Logic Link puzzles.  They are tons of fun!

This is where students turn in their homework.  I have a system for collecting homework which makes it far easier for me come grading time.  Read about it here.

This is the front of my room.  I project up on that board.  On the far right is where I list our daily schedule.  I made a large magnet that says "Mrs. Lyon's Class Schedule" on Vista Print.

This is the laptop cart and above it is our TV which I'm hoping to replace with a flat screen (wishful thinking).  Also is the poster on the wall shows students how to properly label their paper headings.

This rolling cart with I got at Big Lots hold a variety of things.  Regular pencils, fun pencils, fun erasers, my whiteboard markers among many other items.  On top sits my LCD projector which is connected to my computer.  Not a super expensive LCD projector and it works for what I need.

Here is my Monday thru Friday cart where I store any handouts or copies for the week.  On the floor next to that are my iPad chargers.  No iPads in them yet.  They are coming soon.  However, students will be able to take them home so this is just in case we need them and also to be able to easily sync them.  And of course, sitting on top is my mailbox.  I got the mailbox at Home Depot for about $6.  Great deal.  Students can leave me notes inside.




Here are a few shots of my room from different angels. 

In addition to finishing my classroom, I also created my student binders for the year.  The past couple of years, we have had iPod binders which stood for "I'm prepared and organized daily".  I also create the students nameplates on different colored iPods too.  Since my class is going to have a class set of iPads, I decided to drop the iPod binder and incorporate a new product - the iPhone.  So my binder this year is called the iPhone binder which stands for "I'm Prepared, Highly Organized and Neat Everyday".  (I really don't work for Apple....I swear!) Since I'm known as one of the "techie" teachers I figured this theme fits.  Plus the younger kids always love to see their name on their very own iPod nameplate for some reason. haha

Binder Cover Sheet

Examples of Student Nameplates for desks

This year, my binder consists of a 2" blue binder, a pencil zip case, a ruler/3 hole puncher, 8 tabs with labels for the different subjects and of course the students' agenda.  I typically collect $15 per student so I can purchase all the supplies needed for the binder, some folders and notebooks and have them all matching and ready to go the first day.  This way, the students DO NOT purchase any folders, notebooks, binders, etc - just general supplies like pencils, markers, etc.  

I also came across these great stamps which I think will tie in nicely to my technology theme.  I can use them when stamping the students' agendas or homework.  They will definitely get a kick out of them!

A Pinterest Back to School Project

I know it has been a few weeks since I last posted but I was really trying to enjoy summer as much as I could - especially with my baby girl, who just turned ONE! However, I can no longer put off the inevitable......Back to School is upon us.  And for some of you, you have already started back!  So I thought it was appropriate that I participated in Mrs. Stanford's Magical Product Swap for my first Back to School post.

I had the privilege of being paired up with Liliris over at Fourth Grade Garden blog.  After looking over all of her fabulous ideas at her Teachers Pay Teachers store, I chose her Pinterest Back to School - All About Me Craftivity.  It's a perfect project to get to know your new class a little bit better. 

The templates (& my daughter in the background)

When you download the product, it comes complete with instructions, three templates to suit your needs, as well as a picture of a final product.  What I liked most about it, were the three templates.  You could have students design a project with their favorites, theirs goals, or there is a blank one for you to decided.  When completing my own, I decided to use the blank one and list goals.  In 5th grade, we talk a lot about what we want to accomplish during the school year and since I already do a Student Survey (which you can see here), I wanted them to focus more on what they wanted from 5th grade. So in the first three boxes, I listed three goals I wanted to accomplish professionally at work which were to:

1.  Implement a successful 1:1 iPad program this year.
2.  Make sure by the end of the year, all my students feel confident in math.
3.  Continue to improve upon our video making unit for the year.

Then I did one goal for my home life which was to:

1.  Save money for our first home.

I think with my students, I would have them do three goals for school and one for their personal life. 

***Just a quick note - I did mine in crayon and had to start over to do the writing in marker so it was easier to read.  So when your students ask, "Can we use markers?" my recommendation is say YES. So much neater!!  haha

Additionally, instead of using the file folders, I opted for two pieces of cardstock which I taped together on the backside as seen in the picture. 



Overall, I loved this project.  It was quick, easy and you can learn a lot from your kiddos which is very important the first few weeks of school.  Head on over to Liliris' TpT store and download your own copy today!  And be sure to check out her blog for even more fabulous ideas.  :-)


Also, be sure to check out Mrs. Stanford's page for even more product swap reviews!

Enjoy!

Paperless Student Survey

Since I will be going to a 1:1 iPad program within my classroom, I've been busy researching and planning ways to incorporate even more technology in my room.  Typically, my students would use our laptops about 4+ hours a week since we had to share them with the rest of the school.  While, I don't plan on making the iPads completely replace everything I do in the classroom, I do want it to substitute for certain projects, especially if it makes sense.

Every year during the first week of school, I always give my students an "About Me Survey" in which they tell me all sorts of little facts about themselves.  From what their favorite movie is all the way to what they are most excited about this school year.  Which means I have at least an entire class set of papers copies front to back for me to tote around when I get a chance to read them.  Typically, I read them in the beginning of the year and then file them away.  Of course, when I wish I had them to look something up about a student or to recommend a subject for their writing, I don't have the information readily available at my fingertips.

Enter my new Student Survey - available on Google Forms.  I ADORE the forms component of Google.  I've created tons of surveys and even successfully hold the student council elections using them.  It nicely collects all the data in an easy to read spread sheet and I can even use the built in graph maker that Google has.

Not only will switching my form over to Google save paper (which hey - who doesn't like to go Green when they can), it will also provide me a way to have the information available to me wherever I am as long as I have access to the internet.  

If you want to use this form in your classroom you can access it here:  All About Me Survey

What are some ways you use technology instead of paper in your classroom?

New Family Blog & a DIY project

Summer is beginning to settle in nicely for the Lyon Family.  With that being said, I finally had time to begin the other blog I have been planning on doing since my daughter was born......a year ago.  I know that as teachers, we never really do stop planning for school but I thought perhaps some of you might be looking for some type of DIY project for your own home.

Head on over to my new blog, The Lyon Lair, where you will find a great DIY project on creating an umbrella base out of a flower pot.  While your there, I hope you'll take the time to follow my new adventure.  You'll see more DIY projects and read about issues on being a wife and mom and teacher AND blogger.  I know many of you will be able to relate.  :-)

Hope to see you at The Lyon Lair!

Post Father's Day Gift

Okay - I am well aware the Father's Day is over and done with. However, I never shared my project that I did with my students. So despite the holiday being almost a full year away, I present you my project.

 Let me start by saying in my head when I first planned this project, it was SUPER cool! Seriously. Super. Cool. Then we actually started the project and I thought maybe not so super cool after all. However, my students loved it and in the end, I was back to thinking super cool. So all is well. Okay, now I really will present the project.

My original idea was to have students imprint their feet into the stepping stone. Which is why I bought the 12x12 stepping stone molds. In the end, I went with just hands. The molds worked perfectly. I was a bit scared that the cement would dry and the mold wouldn't come off but my husband (who was a big contributor to this project) just had my students grease the molds with olive oil. No problem. The molds came off. Since I had only 16 students, I bought 8 molds and completed this project over two days. Half the class one day and the other half the next day.

 

My husband came and mixed together quick cement in a bucket and filled the greased molds to the brim. He smoothed it off and we had them set for about 25 minutes. After they set for a little, the students stuck their hand prints into the cement. They had to press down fairly hard. This is also when they would have used the letter stamps but I decided not to do that. I had the molds stay outside for 2 hours before having the students carefully carry them up the stairs to dry on the back table. The next day, the stones were completely dry.

My amazing husband, who facilitated this project.

 Now that the stones were dry, I let the students use acrylic paints to color their hand print. This was a last minute idea.....originally we weren't going to paint them at all, but I felt they needed something.

Pre-paint

The painting was a big hit - the kids loved it and even added messages, initials and dates to their stones. Once that acrylic paint dried, I used a clear coat and covered the stone a few times to give it a shiny appearance. I'm really glad I stuck with the project. I heard positive reviews from not only the kids (which I expected - they love to get dirty) but also from the parents. I even had one student who went out and purchased a mold and is going to make more for his family's garden. So this is not only a great Father's Day project but also an anytime project!

What type of Father's Day projects did you do?

The Art of Service Learning

Service Learning is a HUGE part of the culture at my school.  As a matter of fact, each grade level in our school (PreK-8th) all raise money and support a particular organization.   Here is the breakdown of all our services:

Prekindergarten: Theme: Animal Care
Organization: West LA Animal Shelter
Website: http://www.laanimalservices.com/about_us/Shelters_WestLA.htm
Description: Students learn about animals and their basic needs and wants.  They raise money by hosting an annual Chips for Chihuahuas in which they sell nachos to the students at school.  They also host a drive for animal supplies.  

Kindergarten: Theme: Hospital Care
Organization: Pennies for Patients
Website: http://www.penniesforpatients.org
Description: Students participate in the Pennies for Patients program, which raises funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

First Grade: Theme: Ocean Conservation
Organization: Heal the Bay
Website: http://www.healthebay.org
Description: Students research ocean ecosystems throughout the world. Students learn about the human impact on ocean environments. Students raise money for Heal the Bay by selling otter pops.

Second Grade: Theme: Shelter
Organization: Habitat for Humanity
Website: http://www.habitat.org
Description: Students write letters to elected officials to end poverty housing. Students raise money for the building of affordable homes through Habitat for Humanity.

Third Grade: Theme: Family Support
Organization: Ronald McDonald Pasadena House Charities-Pull-Tab Collection Program
Website: http://wwwpasadenarmh.org
Description: Students research cancer as an illness and the affects on the family unit. Students develop a school-wide program to collect pull-tabs for patients at the Ronald McDonald House.

Fourth Grade: Theme: Endangered Animals
Organization: World Wildlife Fund
Website: http://www.worldwildlife.org
Description: Students research endangered species around the world and how humans impact their endangerment. Students will devise plans to protect their habitats and raise money through recycling for the World Wildlife Fund.

Fifth Grade: Theme: Hunger
Organization: Heifer International
Website: http://www.heifer.org
Description: Students research the effects of hunger throughout the world. Students work with Heifer Project International to end hunger and care for the earth. Students raise money by collecting Boxtops and selling wooden animal figurines.

Sixth Grade: Theme: Plant Conservation
Organization: Tree People
Website: http://www.treepeople.org
Description: Students research plant life and their positive effects on the environment. Students raise money to plant trees in various communities through Tree People.

Seventh Grade: Theme: Medical Assistance
Organization: Smile Train
Website: http://www.smiletrain.org
Description: Students research the needs for children’s surgeries around the world. Students raise money to provide surgeries for children in other parts of the world by contributing to Smile Train.

Eighth Grade: Theme: Human Rights
Organization: Facing History, Facing Ourselves
Website: http://www.facinghistory.org
Description: Students examine racism, hatred, and anti-Semitism throughout history. Students develop a campaign to break down the walls of hatred through art and language. Students work with the Museum of Tolerance.

The wooden figurines we sold for $5 each making a 50% profit on each one.

My entire class made shirts to wear on Service Learning Day

This year was a big year for the 5th grade, which is the Service Learning I have been apart of for the past five years.  We have slowly been collecting BoxTops to raise money to purchase a heifer through Heifer International in the amount of $500.  However, this year we added on an additional component in which over a two week period we sold wooden Anamalz which I can receive for a discounted price. I was able (and if you need them, I can get them for you too - just contact me) to get the animals for $2.50 each.  The wooden figurines that we selected were all farm related which tied in with Heifer International.  They retail for about $10 online and sometimes more.  However, since we were raising money for a charity we sold them for only $5.  In two weeks we sold over 200 of the wooden animal figurines and made a profit of $560!

 

With the animal figurines profit, we also accumulated another $500 in Box Tops and this year made a purchase in the name of the school.  We bought not only the heifer we had been working on for so long but ALSO two goats, one water buffalo, a flock of goslings, a flock of chicks and a flock of ducklings bringing our total donation amount to $1060.   This was an amazing feeling for not only myself but for the entire school as we could see that something as simple as clipping boxtops or purchasing a wooden toy could make such a huge difference in the world.

I truly enjoy working with Heifer International and raising money for their cause. They also are very teacher friendly.  They offer a lot of resources on their webpage for educational use.  I received (for free) an entire kit with DVD, book and lesson plans to help introduce and teach their message to my class.  They definitely help make it easy to connect their work with the classroom.


What type of Service Learning Projects do you do?

RGS Blog Contest Finalist

 

I was so excited to receive an email the other day announcing that my blog was a finalist in the Really Good Education Blog contest!  I mean really, me? My little blog?  It was humbling to say the least.  So, a big thank you to anyone who nominated me.  

With that being said, I would LOVE to win in my category of "Middle School" blogs.  Please head on over and vote for my blog which is listed on the Middle School tab as Teaching: The Art of Possibility.  And while your at it, check out some of the other amazing blogs which were nominated as well. 

Thank you!!