As most of you know, I just recently changed, cities and schools this year. I love my new school! I am a thrid grade Reading and ELA teacher. The school system that I work for had a ready made Reading/ELA curriculum. I have never not had to write lesson plans and spend hours searching and creating lesson/activities. That part is so wonderful and has been a God send since we just moved to South GA and bought a house that is still being unpacked.
However, I miss being creative! I miss working hard on my plans/activities and that hard work paying off because it really helped the kids. I don't like sometimes feeling like I could produce something that could better reach my students. I get jealous hearing my teammates talking about looking for things to teach Science and Social Studies with.
So, you shouldn't be surprised that I jumped at the chance to create some poetry for my students! We took a practice Milestones test and the very first story in the test was actually a poem. The hands shot up! What's a stanza? What does mood mean? Why didn't they use periods? UH!!!! The curriculum we use doesn't really teach poems.
As soon as could, I began writing a poem. We had just read a book about Susan B. Anthony, who is a Historical Figure that they study in SS. It had been so long since I had been able to do this, the words just flowed. Then came the questions and the next day I started teaching the lesson. The students were so excited to see a poem and learn about rhyme, beat, and rhythm.
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to create something. I am already looking for more areas that they need more practice with so I can create some more items.
*Just a funny note. I didn't want the students to know it was me who wrote the poem, so I wrote VLB as the poet's name. I'll be darned if they didn't figure it out as soon as they saw the initials. SMH!
Check out my new Poetry Packet on Susan B. Anthony here on TPT! It is free for 24 hours!
Link
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Monday, June 15, 2015
3rd Grade Here I Come!
We have some big changes going on this
summer in the Bennett household. We have
decided to move back to South Ga where all of our family is. We have been toughing it out for 8 years
without the help of family, 3 hours away.
A big shout out to God, for making this move happen as perfectly as it
did. We are not finished moving, but it
is amazing how everything has just fell into place. It was obviously meant to be.
With that being said, I
am changing schools and moving to 3rd grade Reading/ELA. To say I’m a little nervous is an
understatement. I was so comfortable in 2nd
grade and I had an amazing team. I am
also a big Math nerd! This will be my
first time not teaching Math. L
As you can imagine, I
will be spending my summer packing and unpacking a classroom and house, getting
my family settled in a new city, and trying to learn new curriculum. I have already begun searching and following
3rd grade blogs and I am awaiting training on the new curriculum
that my new school system is receiving for Reading. It is going to be a loaded summer for me!
Please leave me any
ideas, suggestions, blogs, resources you may have for 3rd
grade. I am trying to be as prepared as
possible for my first day as a 3rd grade teacher!
Talk to you soon,
Tori
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Still Haven't Figured it Out!
So, I haven't quite figured out how to stay on top of everything at school and keep up with everything outside of school. We have started the new TKES observations this year at my school, and thankfully, I have done well. The only downside is, at what expense. I stay after school until at least 5:00 everyday and sometimes later. I am there a lot of weekends too. I feel like I have to always sacrifice my family time to get everything I am expected to do done.
My oldest son, who is 6 now, is always playing a sport, my youngest son, who is now 2, is into everything and throws tantrums just like a "Terrible Two" would, and then throw in exercise, church, husband switching shifts all the time, etc. I know there are some teachers out there who have this down pat, so any advice would be appreciated.
On a different note, I feel like I have figured out most of what is expected of me with the new TKES system of observation. Sure I wish I could magically make more time so I could have more time to execute strategies, interventions, and differentiation better, but I am only human and at least I know what I need to be doing (most of the time:) ).
I like how we are getting away from less whole group instruction and more toward small group. Of course, it is harder to manage and next year, I may wish for more whole group if I have a different type of class. But right now, with such a diverse ability group of students, it is just what I need to do. I have really enjoyed getting more familiar and creative with my curriculum this year. Since it is my third year in second grade and I am more comfortable, I have started to have more fun with it! I believe it has rubbed off on my students too!
So, to sum up things, I'm having a great year. I feel like I have become a better teacher, but I am still having a hard time being a good teacher while maintaing the wife and mom role. So, still waiting for that magical advice from someone who has mastered it. ;)
I will leave you with this awesome poster that a fellow teacher showed me.
My oldest son, who is 6 now, is always playing a sport, my youngest son, who is now 2, is into everything and throws tantrums just like a "Terrible Two" would, and then throw in exercise, church, husband switching shifts all the time, etc. I know there are some teachers out there who have this down pat, so any advice would be appreciated.
On a different note, I feel like I have figured out most of what is expected of me with the new TKES system of observation. Sure I wish I could magically make more time so I could have more time to execute strategies, interventions, and differentiation better, but I am only human and at least I know what I need to be doing (most of the time:) ).
I like how we are getting away from less whole group instruction and more toward small group. Of course, it is harder to manage and next year, I may wish for more whole group if I have a different type of class. But right now, with such a diverse ability group of students, it is just what I need to do. I have really enjoyed getting more familiar and creative with my curriculum this year. Since it is my third year in second grade and I am more comfortable, I have started to have more fun with it! I believe it has rubbed off on my students too!
So, to sum up things, I'm having a great year. I feel like I have become a better teacher, but I am still having a hard time being a good teacher while maintaing the wife and mom role. So, still waiting for that magical advice from someone who has mastered it. ;)
I will leave you with this awesome poster that a fellow teacher showed me.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
It's about time!
Yes, I know. It has been a while, and after the year I had last year, you would think it couldn't have gotten worse. Well, to make this part short and sweet, I have an awesome class! The mix is so good and they are all so sweet and loving. A little lazy, but definitely have good hearts. All the other stuff going on like TKES, SLO's, lots of curriculum changes, lesson plan formats, book studys, etc. has me beyond overwhelmed.
I have been trying to keep my head afloat and be a great teacher at the same time. I am beginning to feel like I am attempting to swim rather than doggy paddling.
The main focus of most of our changes seems to be differentiation, so I am totally on board with that. We are starting the Guided Reading program this year in our county and it is starting to come together nicely. I finally have it all organized, I've gotten students used to being responsible without me standing over them, and I've called my reading groups to the back table to run through a lesson. I am excited to see how smooth this will be running by the end of next month.
I am also very excited about my dry erase board back table. I ordered dry erase laminate from Amazon, and my amazing hubby put it on my back table for me. The students love it and I love it! They always tell me how much fun it is to come to the back table. Some of them get UPSET when I don't call them during Differentiated Math group time. Of course, this was a Pinterest idea that I saw so I can't take full credit. And if my principal or asst. principal is reading this, it peels right up with no residue. LOL
I know said that I am totally on board with differentiation. The problem is, all the things they are expecting us to do with it, mixed with all the other "stuff" (for lack of a nicer word), has me working ALL the time. I have two little boys and big boy at home, as so many teachers do and I am torn everyday as to when to put it down. I mean, I can't have the administrators walk in the next day and I not have it all together. And I don't want my boys feeling like I don't spend enough time with them. So, I am trying to figure all of that out. I have been differentiating with my lessons, small groups, and pulling students when needed. So, I guess it could be worse it I was having to completely figure it all out.
As I trudge through all the changes and differentiation going on this year, I will try to be better about posting. I would like suggestions on differentiating SS, Science, and especially Language Arts. I have to teach language arts skills, like collective nouns, reflexive pronouns, and have students write at the same time and I have a WIDE range of ability levels when it comes to writing in my room. If you have any for me, please feel free to leave a comment.
I also have my place value organizers that I have been using for Math. You can download the sampler from TPT here. Or get the full product here.
I have been trying to keep my head afloat and be a great teacher at the same time. I am beginning to feel like I am attempting to swim rather than doggy paddling.
The main focus of most of our changes seems to be differentiation, so I am totally on board with that. We are starting the Guided Reading program this year in our county and it is starting to come together nicely. I finally have it all organized, I've gotten students used to being responsible without me standing over them, and I've called my reading groups to the back table to run through a lesson. I am excited to see how smooth this will be running by the end of next month.
I am also very excited about my dry erase board back table. I ordered dry erase laminate from Amazon, and my amazing hubby put it on my back table for me. The students love it and I love it! They always tell me how much fun it is to come to the back table. Some of them get UPSET when I don't call them during Differentiated Math group time. Of course, this was a Pinterest idea that I saw so I can't take full credit. And if my principal or asst. principal is reading this, it peels right up with no residue. LOL
I know said that I am totally on board with differentiation. The problem is, all the things they are expecting us to do with it, mixed with all the other "stuff" (for lack of a nicer word), has me working ALL the time. I have two little boys and big boy at home, as so many teachers do and I am torn everyday as to when to put it down. I mean, I can't have the administrators walk in the next day and I not have it all together. And I don't want my boys feeling like I don't spend enough time with them. So, I am trying to figure all of that out. I have been differentiating with my lessons, small groups, and pulling students when needed. So, I guess it could be worse it I was having to completely figure it all out.
As I trudge through all the changes and differentiation going on this year, I will try to be better about posting. I would like suggestions on differentiating SS, Science, and especially Language Arts. I have to teach language arts skills, like collective nouns, reflexive pronouns, and have students write at the same time and I have a WIDE range of ability levels when it comes to writing in my room. If you have any for me, please feel free to leave a comment.
I also have my place value organizers that I have been using for Math. You can download the sampler from TPT here. Or get the full product here.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
And That's a Wrap!
Today was the official last day of school for teachers (the students' last day was Tues). I am ready for the break, but the sad thing is, I can't turn it off! I have been on my computer looking up Georgia Regions, Rivers, and the Creek and Cherokee Indians. Why? I just always want to do it better, I guess. So, I am always looking for ways to make it better for the kids.
We have a lot of changes coming for the upcoming school year. The "control freak" in me wants to deal with those now, so I can start preparing. Every year, I keep thinking it will be a normal year, then BAM, some kind of wrench gets thrown in there. One day, the higher ups will finally get it, right? They will remember what it was like to be in a class with 25 2nd graders with no help, and they will send in reinforcements. Hey a girl can dream! *Sigh*
Here's to wishful thinking. For those still teaching those last few days, good luck winding it down. I hope everyone has a restful summer!
Tori
We have a lot of changes coming for the upcoming school year. The "control freak" in me wants to deal with those now, so I can start preparing. Every year, I keep thinking it will be a normal year, then BAM, some kind of wrench gets thrown in there. One day, the higher ups will finally get it, right? They will remember what it was like to be in a class with 25 2nd graders with no help, and they will send in reinforcements. Hey a girl can dream! *Sigh*
Here's to wishful thinking. For those still teaching those last few days, good luck winding it down. I hope everyone has a restful summer!
Tori
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
What a Year!
I haven't felt much like writing about this school year. I have had an extremely challenging group of students. Almost every thing I have planned for, I have had to go to Plan B or C. Any type of Centers or independent work lasting more than a few minutes (no more than 5) wasn't possible.
As I said, I haven't felt like writing about it and I really still don't. I have poured my heart and soul into this group of students who could seem to care less about anything and everything. Of course, there was a handful that I wish I could have made things so much different for them. They were exposed to so much and missed out on so many opportunities because the majority of the class couldn't handle it. I pray that they can have an amazing year next year and that hopefully, through all the drama, they were still able to take some things away from their year with me. And that goes for the others too, even though it was a tough year, maybe they will end up with a teacher that can reach them better than I could next year, and hopefully they can leave me with a little something.
I am just ready to get this year behind me, knowing that I did the best I can do. As my IS says, " All you can do is the best you can do, and the best you can do is enough." 9 more days to continue to try and reach them and make a difference. Wish me luck!
As I said, I haven't felt like writing about it and I really still don't. I have poured my heart and soul into this group of students who could seem to care less about anything and everything. Of course, there was a handful that I wish I could have made things so much different for them. They were exposed to so much and missed out on so many opportunities because the majority of the class couldn't handle it. I pray that they can have an amazing year next year and that hopefully, through all the drama, they were still able to take some things away from their year with me. And that goes for the others too, even though it was a tough year, maybe they will end up with a teacher that can reach them better than I could next year, and hopefully they can leave me with a little something.
I am just ready to get this year behind me, knowing that I did the best I can do. As my IS says, " All you can do is the best you can do, and the best you can do is enough." 9 more days to continue to try and reach them and make a difference. Wish me luck!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Is it already half way over?
I cannot believe how fast this school year is going. I have an awesome class and have been working non-stop to keep them busy and engaged. And then when I leave school I am full on mommy. My youngest, Carter, is walking now (not quite full on yet), but is everywhere he doesn't need to be. My oldest, Payton, played football and now soccer. Needless to say this mommy is TIRED and hasn't had much "me" time lately.
One thing I have had time to do is to create a sticky note rubric for my students' writing assignments. I love it because I can stick it on their writing in the classroom and I also let them use it while they are writing to grade themselves. I haven't had much time to be creative this year, I sure hope things slow down soon. I hope your school year has been going great so far!
One thing I have had time to do is to create a sticky note rubric for my students' writing assignments. I love it because I can stick it on their writing in the classroom and I also let them use it while they are writing to grade themselves. I haven't had much time to be creative this year, I sure hope things slow down soon. I hope your school year has been going great so far!
You can download and get a closer look at the rubric here.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
The New School Year
The first two days of the school year are down. I have an amazing group of students this year, a little talkative, but great! I guess I will be coming up with lots of activities that involve talking. My room is still not 100% ready, but I am working everyday to get it there. I will post pictures soon. I have used a lot of new ideas that I found on Pinterest and blogs this summer. I can't wait to see it they work well for this group of students. My team sat down yesterday to plan and the first thing on the calendar for Math is Number Sense and Place Value. So, I've used my first bit of down time to create an I Have, Who Has to begin the year. It is 1st grade Common Core, but is perfect to review and get those brains working again for my second graders. Click here to check it out.
I wish you well on the beginning of your school year!
Tori
I wish you well on the beginning of your school year!
Tori
Monday, July 29, 2013
Back to School Time - Sale Time
It is that time again, Back to School. My first "official" day back is tomorrow. Of course that will include a day long meeting, as are most pre-planning days, so little work will get done in my room. That is a shame, especially because most of my room is still in boxes since I had to change rooms, again. I have finally put all of my furniture where I (think) I want it and now I have begun unpacking the boxes. As always, there just doesn't seem to be enough time to get it all finished and every year I end up asking myself, "why didn't I come back sooner".
To celebrate this joyous yet stressful time, I have decided to put my TpT items on sale until Friday (8/2). Make sure you check them out! Also, check out my Facebook page and like it while you are there. I will be posting before and after pics as soon as I finish setting up my room. How is your "Back to School" prep going? What do you like to start working on first?
Please check it out!
Facebook
TpT Store
To celebrate this joyous yet stressful time, I have decided to put my TpT items on sale until Friday (8/2). Make sure you check them out! Also, check out my Facebook page and like it while you are there. I will be posting before and after pics as soon as I finish setting up my room. How is your "Back to School" prep going? What do you like to start working on first?
Please check it out!
TpT Store
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Freebie for 24 Hours! (Extending)
I have been enjoying my long vacation (week at the beach and then a few days with friends and family), but I am definitely starting to feel that urge to hurry and get back to my classroom. I have so much to do before the kids come to check out their new rooms on August 6th. I have put a lot on my TpT store while at the beach so check it out. While you are there, download my Llama Llama Red Pajama unit for free until noon tomorrow (Monday 7/22) 9 PM Friday (7/26). It is great for sub plans. I'm sure I will be making a few posts soon as I am working hard in my room and creating new things. Until then...
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Grand Opening!
I have finally done it! I decided to put some of my recent creations for the upcoming school year, on TpT. We'll see how this goes, some of the stuff that others come up with is pretty creative and is just a little intimidating. Ok, I'll be honest extremely intimidating! So, to get the ball rolling, I am going to have a "Grand Opening" sale on all my products from now until Friday 7/12. I will be creating more items everyday so be sure to check all week to see what is new. Look what is available now and look for my FREEBIE below.
**Please click on the links and not the pictures to get to the page.
This is my newest product. Llama Llama Red Pajama Activity Unit. 9 Activities to go with the book by Anna Dewdney. Common Core aligned and perfect for an emergency sub plan.
I hope you enjoy and please leave feedback!
Tori
**Please click on the links and not the pictures to get to the page.
This is my newest product. Llama Llama Red Pajama Activity Unit. 9 Activities to go with the book by Anna Dewdney. Common Core aligned and perfect for an emergency sub plan.
I have 2nd grade sight word posters (cards) available. I will be working on other color schemes and other grade levels this week as well. Feel free to comment or message me of other color options or grade levels you are in need of and I will attempt to do those first.
Don't forget to check out my I Have, Who Has game for Cause and Effect. Common Core aligned and great for whole group or small group. (Don't worry, the image is blurry, but I double checked the product and it is fine)
And here is your FREEBIE! It is a good morning song to do with your class. It is to the tune of Row, Row, Row, your Boat. Creating a fun and loving environment with your students, makes for a great year! Don't you agree?
Tori
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Countdown to the Start of School
I have exactly 28 days until my summer is over. Wait, didn't it just begin? So, my brain is on overload (along with my Pinterest) of things that I want to create and prepare for my new batch of students. Here are a few things that I have been up to this past week.
1. I created a 2nd grade level Dolch Sight Words game. This is an idea that I got from a pin. I wrote one word on each ping pong ball. I found the balls and container at The Dollar Tree. The students will pick a ball and say the word. If they get the word correct, they keep the ball, if they are wrong they put the ball back in the container. The student with the most balls when the container is empty wins. I'm thinking no more than 3 players.
2. I picked up a couple of foam puzzles from The Dollar Tree (I love The Dollar Tree!). I wrote addition facts and their sums on the back where the pieces connect. When the students finish matching up the problems with their answers they can flip it over to make sure the puzzle matched up.
3. Vistaprint! Need I say more. First of all, I ordered 250 business cards with all my information for school for FREE! Then I typed in on Google's search, Vistaprint 50% off, clicked on the link, and I ordered more products for super cheap. I ordered back to school postcards, used return address labels to make stickers, and I even got Father's Day gifts.
Have fun with your families and your creations this summer!
Tori
Font for "All Smiles in Second Grade" logo by
http://www.talesfromaverybusyteacher.blogspot.com/
1. I created a 2nd grade level Dolch Sight Words game. This is an idea that I got from a pin. I wrote one word on each ping pong ball. I found the balls and container at The Dollar Tree. The students will pick a ball and say the word. If they get the word correct, they keep the ball, if they are wrong they put the ball back in the container. The student with the most balls when the container is empty wins. I'm thinking no more than 3 players.
Tori
Font for "All Smiles in Second Grade" logo by
http://www.talesfromaverybusyteacher.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Welcome!
This is my first attempt at blogging, so here goes. I have just completed my first year as a second grade teacher. It was amazing! I love this age. Previously, I taught 4th grade at a Fine Arts Magnet School. It was wonderful and I love math, which is what I mostly taught, but I always knew in the back of mind that I was missing something. This year I found that something with my second graders.
I am a wife and mother of two. I have a 4 year old, Payton, and 4 month old, Carter. Both boys!!!! Yes, I have my hands full, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Being a mother is the best thing ever. I also have an amazing husband, Dallas. I really do believe he is the best guy in the world, and I am so lucky that we found each other. He is supportive (he needs one of those Real Men Marry Teachers shirts), loving, and the most hands on dad I have ever seen. Life is wonderful!
When I'm not teaching and spending time with the family, I am singing. I am in an ensemble called One Accord. We are a group of 6 women: 2 sopranos, 2 2nd sopranos, and 2 altos singing for the Lord. I sing soprano. I love these ladies and it has been awesome to have a group of strong Christian women to come to when I need some uplifting and guidance. I also sing with the West Georgia Choral Society. We perform about 3 times a year and it is like a "mature" high school choir. So, if you are like me and missed chorus when you graduated, I suggest finding a choral society to join. This is also a great group of people and really fun, mature might not have been the best word choice for this group, haha! My choral group knows how to have fun!
I also just started selling Avon. All my mommies out there know how expensive kids can be (and school supplies). You can order online and it will be delivered to you at www.youravon.com/victoriabennett. Avon is a great company and is so easy to sell, with no parties and very little cost to you ($10 to start and all you have to pay for is your brochures). If you are like me and find it hard to live comfortably off your teaching job, this is a great way to make some extra income. Feel free to email me with any questions.
That is about it for me. I'm busy all the time, but sure hope I can squeeze in some time to do some posts. I will probably start with one a month.
It's time for my Welcome Freebie!
I came up with this song on the bus ride back from visiting the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Ga a few years ago. He is so inspiring!
Division Steps Song - to the tune of You Can Have Whatever You Like by T.I.
You Can Find the Quotient
Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring Down
Repeat it all again and
You can find the quotient, oh yeah
I said, you can find the quotient oh yeah, yeah
repeat as many times as you'd like, I generally do two
My students LOVE this song! This is from my 4th grade years. This year in second grade, I really only did activities made by others, but I hope to get creative this year now that I know the curriculum and students better.
It's been fun! Tori
I am a wife and mother of two. I have a 4 year old, Payton, and 4 month old, Carter. Both boys!!!! Yes, I have my hands full, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Being a mother is the best thing ever. I also have an amazing husband, Dallas. I really do believe he is the best guy in the world, and I am so lucky that we found each other. He is supportive (he needs one of those Real Men Marry Teachers shirts), loving, and the most hands on dad I have ever seen. Life is wonderful!
When I'm not teaching and spending time with the family, I am singing. I am in an ensemble called One Accord. We are a group of 6 women: 2 sopranos, 2 2nd sopranos, and 2 altos singing for the Lord. I sing soprano. I love these ladies and it has been awesome to have a group of strong Christian women to come to when I need some uplifting and guidance. I also sing with the West Georgia Choral Society. We perform about 3 times a year and it is like a "mature" high school choir. So, if you are like me and missed chorus when you graduated, I suggest finding a choral society to join. This is also a great group of people and really fun, mature might not have been the best word choice for this group, haha! My choral group knows how to have fun!
I also just started selling Avon. All my mommies out there know how expensive kids can be (and school supplies). You can order online and it will be delivered to you at www.youravon.com/victoriabennett. Avon is a great company and is so easy to sell, with no parties and very little cost to you ($10 to start and all you have to pay for is your brochures). If you are like me and find it hard to live comfortably off your teaching job, this is a great way to make some extra income. Feel free to email me with any questions.
That is about it for me. I'm busy all the time, but sure hope I can squeeze in some time to do some posts. I will probably start with one a month.
It's time for my Welcome Freebie!
Division Steps Song - to the tune of You Can Have Whatever You Like by T.I.
You Can Find the Quotient
Divide, Multiply, Subtract, Bring Down
Repeat it all again and
You can find the quotient, oh yeah
I said, you can find the quotient oh yeah, yeah
repeat as many times as you'd like, I generally do two
My students LOVE this song! This is from my 4th grade years. This year in second grade, I really only did activities made by others, but I hope to get creative this year now that I know the curriculum and students better.
It's been fun! Tori
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