Pages

Friday, February 14, 2014

Five for Friday



I can't believe it's already Friday... this week flew by for me! I didn't link up last week because I was out of town at the Great American Outdoor Show in PA... so this week I'm excited to be linking up with Doodle Bugs again for Five for Friday!

About a month ago I stumbled upon a post from Erica from Erica's Ed-Ventures about Class Dojo and then last week we had an in-service about using technology in the classroom. The presenter discussed several apps that she felt were worth sharing and Class Dojo was one of them! I was unsure about implementing this behavior system in the middle of the school year, but with some encouragement from some of my co-workers, I thought that I would try it out in addition to my clip chart behavior system. Needless to say, my students LOVE it and I LOVE it! What I like best about this behavior system is that you can edit the behaviors to meet the needs of these young learners. I also like that I can use my tablet while I am walking around the room or picking my students up from a special, and it will synch it so that it shows up wherever it's opened- for me I usually keep it up on the SMART board for a larger display for my students. Another MAJOR pro to Class Dojo is that parents can either log on with special password or be e-mailed their child's report (analysis of student's behavior). I haven't taken this step yet, because I wanted to be sure my class would take to this additional behavior system and also that I fully felt comfortable with using this behavior system tool. Next year, I will likely be using Class Dojo and reward for points earned instead of the current clip chart I use now. I will also send the reports to the parents, instead of having the behavior log that I color each afternoon and send home in each student's communication folder. 
This week my students were immersed in valentine themed activities! They counted hearts and then recorder their answers on the ten frame recording page from my Love is in the Air Pack. They also completed a similar activity from this pack {no picture} by counting hearts and writing the number the number on the recording page. They practicing counting ten frames and then using these Dollar Tree hearts to count on these adorable counting mats (please let me know if this is your freebie, I would love to give you credit, but can't seem to find it in the TpT store). They also practiced letter formation and letter sequence by completing this too-cute Valentine Write the Room activity from Live, Laugh, I Love Kindergarten
As I said above, we were immersed in valentine, hearts, love, all of the above themed activities this week, as I am sure classes all over were. My kiddos made this go-to valentine heart craftivity and cards for loved ones.
Our classroom parents came in to help make these adorable 'Bee Mine' bags with the little ones, so that they had a 'mailbox' and an easy way to take home their valentines from their friends and I. Aren't they soo cute?! I think they are my favorite v-day mailbox yet!

Another snow day yesterday... I think this marks five for my school. I don't remember the last time NJ had this much snow in a year, but I love that it reminds me of my childhood and of course I enjoy the days off too{although having holidays or summer break days taken away, isn't something to look forward to}. Here is a pic of the road at 7a.m. before my hunny left to go plow for MANY hours. I am proud of him though, he puts in a lot of hours while I'm sitting in sweats all day, sipping coffee, eating yummy snacks, watching tv, "Spring" cleaning, and blogging :). Also, tomorrow marks 7 years with this handsome man! Our first date was on valentine's day {I know.. who goes out on a first date on valentine's?!}, so it is an extra special hallmark holiday for us! Next time this year, I will be married!! Okay, ok I will get off my soap box!


Did you have a {heart} filled week? I'd love to hear about it... link up with Doodle Bugs to share with others!

12 comments:

  1. I am a HUGE fan of Class Dojo! It works great with my kiddos. Love the snow pictures!

    Sarah
    A Rocky Top Teacher

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah, I'm lovin' it also! I am glad I took the jump! I was really thinking of waiting until next year, when I have a new class, but I have to say I am glad I gave it a shot in the middle of this year!

      Jacqueline
      I is for Inspire

      Delete
  2. Hi! This is my first time visiting your blog and I have to tell you, I love your design. It is just gorgeous and so unique. The background is beautiful and classy. Great concept! Also, Class Dojo is a life saver!

    -Amna...your neighbor in NY... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amna, thank you for the sweet comment! I am loving my design!! Megan, from a Bird in Hand Designs designed it! Let me tell you, I was picky with what I wanted and her fitting my illustration with the color scheme I had in mind... but boy was she amazing and worked to provide me everything I had envisioned! I am glad you got the 'classy' vibe, because that's what I was going for. So glad I jumped into using Class Dojo this year! I'd love to continue to chat! NY is not too far from me ;)

      Jacqueline
      I is for Inspire

      Delete
  3. Hi Jacqueline! I love your blog design..I too had Megan design mine :)
    Good for you trying out technology...I love technology but don't know where to start in the classroom. Maybe because we don't have the money to have fancy stuff.
    Love your "Bee Mine" bags as well...too cute!
    Elyse :)
    Proud to be Primary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Elyse! Isn't she so talented?! I love your color combination for your blog! It's so cheery! Technology is really a huge tool in so many ways... it would be really difficulty for me to work in a classroom without it now. I hear you about the money, it is expensive to buy things and maintain them. Two years ago, the school I worked in had computers and a few SMART Boards to share, but now I work in a school that is driving by technology. It does have it's downfalls though, when you become dependent on it and the internet doesn't work... We all have our backup plans, but it just isn't the same. I know that each year my school has a certain budget to stick to. Maybe your school will budget for some techy stuff in the future, because that is where education is headed. Thanks for the sweet comments on the "Bee Mine" bags, I can't take the credit, a classroom parent planned it... I think she saw the ideas on Pintrest! Wishing you the best!

      Jacqueline

      Delete
  4. Love your blog and the "Bee Mine" bags! It is such a cute idea!

    Catia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Catia! Thank you for the kind comment! My classroom parent found the idea and prepped the craft, so I won't take the credit :) but aren't they darlin'?!

      Delete
  5. Your blog design is so cute! I love Class Dojo- it's a little more challenging for me because I teach resource and have so many kids in and out, but I think I may give it a go again soon. One of my inclusion classes uses it, and it's great. Love all of the tens frame activities!

    Amy

    Always Adapting

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amy! I can see how the use of Class Dojo would be challenging for resource, although you can use it in a way where you continue the use of the points instead of wiping it clean each day and maybe give a reward after so many points earned. Let me know how it works if you give it another try :) Ten frames are my favorite! They are so beneficial and really help develop skills throughout the year, so I am often creating and hunting for ten frame products that fit the season and skills we are working on. Thanks for stopping by!

      Jacqueline

      Delete
  6. Hi Elyse,
    I am honored!! You called me 'Jamie' on the blog post, but my name is 'Jacqueline'- I know it is a typo because when I went to your blog and saw the nominees, I saw that you wrote 'Jacqueline' :)- No biggie at all! I am very interested in accepting! I read the guidelines and am looking forward to all that it entails! As I tried to reply to you through e-mail it states that you are a noreply blogger. Did you know this? I had no clue that I was either at one point and then a friendly blogger pointed it out to me. I have a blog post about how to fix it or you may already know how to do so, because I've heard sometimes it will randomly switch back.

    Thanks soo much!
    Jacqueline
    I is for Inspire

    ReplyDelete
  7. So sorry Jacqueline! I knew that was going to happen when I was cutting and pasting. Thanks for letting me know about the email thing... I will check it out! Great that you've accepted and I look forward to reading your post!!

    ReplyDelete

I love to chat! Thanks again for taking time to comment! It means so much to me!! In order for me to reply by email (so we can communicate back and forth), make sure you are NOT a no-reply blogger or leave me your email address! Tty soon!