Reading Rocks!

I'm almost finished on my reading rocking chair. I've been working on it for weeks! I can't wait to show it off to the students and use it for read-alouds multiple times a day!

I spray painted it blue the painted the rest with a brush in purple. I really didn't have much of a plan before beginning. I used a stick on adhesive with a stencil for the lettering. It left behind a lot of residue, which I need to take off with goo gone.

I'm really trying to get ready for the first day of school. I've been trolling Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers for ideas and printables (mostly free).

I'm excited to try out the Daily 5 and Cafe for my reading block. I haven't really thought about Social Studies!

I start training next week, then week after next will begin setting up my classroom. After that I have two weeks of in-school trainings, etc. I really, really hope I get along with my co-teacher and team; especially my administration.

In the midst of this is Lydia's fourth birthday! It's going to be a Frozen theme in the middle of summer. Can't wait. Can't believe my sweet girl is turning 4! I'm sad I won't be able to take her to her first day of school, but glad Papa can do it. He's a perfect "substitute."

Getting Ready

I've been doing a LOT of professional reading lately.

Teach Like a Champion is at the top of my list. What a great read. There are 49 techniques to help streamline your classroom teaching.... including academics and classroom management.  I really like how it's laid out. Very practical. I plan on implementing at least 10 strategies (including No Opt Out, 100% and Strong Voice) to get started.

My other great find of the summer is Whole Brain Teaching. OMG this is so awesome. It's so kinesthetic and auditory and visual... etc, etc. I can't wait to implement it in my classroom.  I found out about it through another teacher at a summer inservice. It is very strategic and laid out for you.  I also found some teaching cards on Teacher Pay Teachers that really tell you how to establish this in your classroom.

I have also been watching videos on my school district professional development website and The Teaching Channel.  I would recommend the latter site to any teacher. I love it. I love that the internet has so many resources available to me at this time.  I feel like when I began my teaching career I was left on an island.

Now I have Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers and blogs, etc., etc.

I am in the process of painting my Read Aloud Chair...

Since this picture I've painted the bottom and the spindles purple. I also want to add some words (i.e. Reading Rocks). This will be my read aloud chair. So excited!!!

I worry about juggling family and work life, mostly because no one quite understands how difficult is is to be a teacher. You are not only teaching content, you are teaching a LOVE of something, be it reading, writing, arithmetic.

I will keep you posted.

~Emily