Blog Makeover!

Not sure if you know Alicia over at Dreamlike Magic Designs....

    

but she is

WONDERFUL!

My blog has undergone a much needed make over... Thank GOODNESS!

THANK YOU, Alicia for dealing with my annoying emails and constant questions!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!



Fabulous Fall Blog Challenge!

I'm linking up with neely and amber for the...

Today's topic is... Things you are looking forward to for the FALL!

Here are some things I am looking forward to... 

Pumpkin Picking with my 2 adorable children!

Going Trick-or-Treating with the family 

(including the Terrasi Clan!)

Apple Picking.. Never been so it will be our first time! Excited about that!

 Wearing my new BOOTS! :)

Our trip to Disney this November!

and of course... the long awaited.... Breaking Dawn!!

Online Scholastic Ordering

This post is for Class 3-6 Parents! 

We have been working on creating a wonderful reading workshop in our classroom! One thing that your child loves about our library is the amount of good, interesting & engaging books we have.

I don't know if it's just me but....

who doesn't LOVE a fresh, crisp, brand new book to read? 

I know as a child I would get so excited to read new books! To encourage students to read at home, I've made our book orders available online at all times through the Scholastic website! I also make book recommendations for parents who aren't sure what books their child should be reading. 

Parent orders online offer more benefits for our classroom too!  For every parent order submitted online, our classroom earns a book AND bonus points that can be used for student supplies, books, and much more!   

Here's how it works:

• SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code GVHL9
• This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
• SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.
• SEND your order to me online by the due date.
• Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always.
• Remember the CODE is...GVHL9

Happy Book Shopping! 

P.S. September's book order is due September 30th! 

Ecosystems, Habitats, and BrainPOP!

Today, I did some science with my kiddies. We learned about the 5 different ecosystems of the world and animal habitats. To introduce it to my kids, I played a video on
                  
The videos are so thorough and the students love watching them. After we watched the videos, I broke the class up into groups. Each group was a different ecosystem. They researched the animals who live in their ecosystem and learned about their habitats. They drew a picture of their animal in their habitat and wrote a few sentences describing the habitat. I really enjoyed teaching this lesson!

Oh How I Missed Blogging!

So I have ONE question for all those moms that work and blog...

HOW do you do it all? 

I haven't had many moments to myself this past month and when I did, I took the opportunity to go get a manicure that was sooo desperately needed. But I'm still left wondering HOW does it all get done? Working, cooking, taking care of the little ones.. all while managing to look decent and make EVERYONE happy? If anyone would like to let me know.. please share. I need some MOMMY time ASAP!

I know I have totally abandoned my blog but I have had quite the busy month. Not only have I been frantically working non stop with my new class... who I think are just a sweet bunch (so happy they are mine!) but I also was planning my sweet, baby girl's 2nd birthday! Can't believe my baby is already 2! Time sure does fly and I'm really trying to savor every moment. Mia loved her party and really had an amazing time. She had a blast with all of her cousins and friends.. My daughter is quite the social butterfly!

As a party favor, I gave each child a leveled book to start their school year off right! Yes, I know I am a nerd.. It's really part of being a teacher. I guess I just can't help myself...lol

But in all reality, I really have missed the blogging world.. I have a lot to do and a lot to post! I have been living vicariously through other blogs though...

Here are a few great things I haven't had the time to blog about...

Coolest New Site to use for Centers for EVERY subject! A site created by parents for kids. Students learn while having fun (my fave!)

click here to enter site

SMARTboard lessons already done for those who use

Everyday Mathematics. 

I use this every single day and only teach math from the SMARTboard. All the lessons are planned out and the mental math and math message are on there as well.. They even go a step further and include the games and the game directions. The journal pages are also available so that you can go over the work together with your class on the SMARTboard screen.  

Smart Board Resources 

for Everyday Math

                                                

I'm always looking online for great websites to use for my literacy centers. 

Houghton Mifflin has a great website for grammar games. I used it for the first time today and the kids loved it. (My class is very competitive and they were really trying to get as many questions right as possible!) There are quizzes for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. 

Ok well... as I'm blogging, my daughter has managed to destroy my house... Remember, if there are any tricks of the trade to doing it all, feel free to leave me a comment with some advice.

It's greatly appreciated!

Dealing with Difficult Behavior

I'm linking up with Fun in First Grade, she's having a Linky Party about what to do with a "difficult child"!

 

We have all been there.... You say "Ok boys and girls it's time to do some independent reading.." and then it happens... You hear that student... yep THAT student once again. He/She decided they don't want to READ.. nope! Instead they want to sharpen their pencil and dump the sharpenings on the floor because they know you HATE that... What do you do?

Do you... 

A. Cry? 

B. Pretend you didn't see it? 

C. Escort the child out of the room? 

The choices are endless... but the RIGHT choice isn't always what you instinctively go with. It's hard to deal with a difficult child. Especially when you are under a lot of stress trying to pace yourself with the curriculum. There isn't enough time in the day to constantly reprimand students. Here are some tips I've found to be successful in my class:

Be Consistent

If you are using a behavior modification system in your room, you need to be CONSISTENT.. That means stick to your word. It's extremely important to reward students as soon as they show good behavior. The same goes with the consequences. I know it's difficult to remember everything but if a student is expecting a phone call home to parents because of bad behavior...CALL THE SAME DAY. Do not wait until a day or a week later. They need to know you mean BUSINESS! They need to understand that you WILL call their parents when you say it, otherwise they will think you are a joke. Kids pick up on things like that. 

Think Positive

Let the child know you notice when they are doing something right. It's so important to show them you appreciate them trying. So many times students act out at school because of problems they may be having at home. It's possible that hearing a positive remark from you is the only time they hear it. Give compliments, praise them. Show them you care in a positive way. If necessary, use sticker rewards, class money, prizes...etc Get a smile on their face any way you can. Then follow up this compliment with a positive note to their parents. 

Find Behavior Mods That WORK!

This year I plan on implementing a behavior clip chart. I found this on another teacher's website and I am excited to use it. I'm sad to say that my previous chart did NOT work. I had to look for something else because I didn't want to go through what I went through last year. It's important to find what works for you in the classroom. 

This past year, I was also lucky to have a very creative paraprofessional (Mari...You are awesome!) working with me. She helped me create a money system in my class that worked so well. She designed the money and gave it a cute name "Monty Bucks" after my long last name Montalbano! The money was designed to be a reward for students displaying good behavior. They earned money based on filling up a row on their sticker chart. Once a week, the Monty Store was open and students who had Monty Bucks were able to purchase items (pencils, toys, books, candy, No Homework passes). This incentive worked so well for my "difficult child". He really did try to earn money and behave. However, he had organizational issues and often misplaced his money. 

I plan on using the new clip chart with the Monty Bucks this year! I hope this works otherwise it's back to the drawing board once more!! 

Use an Individual Behavior Plan

If necessary, create an individual behavior plan. Work with the parents to see what method would work best for your situation. I used a marble composition notebook. The student would take it home and it needed to be signed every night. My student quickly understood that this book would be my means of communication with his parents. I was able to use this book to anecdote his behavior as well. His parents were hard to contact so this was the best way to keep them informed. When I needed to send positive notes home, I also put it in the communication log. 

Classroom Crafts.. Pinterest Inspired

Pinterest has inspired me to create such beautiful crafts for my classroom and my own children! Here are a few things that caught my eye...

Pencil Bouquet... Cute and useful

These are chocolate dipped oreos! How clever! Yummmy

A thumbtack sunflower... .Love it

School Supply Cake...
Not sure what I'd do with it but I like the look of it 

Crayon Decorated Box

Bell & Francesco made an adorable one.. 

Check it out at Teaching Fashionista

Crayon Wreaths

I keep seeing these everywhere.. I NEED to have one lol

This would be a nice teacher gift... hint hint!

The following pictures are great ideas for  

Back to School Treats! 

To make going back to school "SWEET" for your little ones, why not make something together? Maybe one of my Pinterest finds will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen!

These are packages of Rolos and a Hershey Kiss at the top..adorable!

Sugar cookies! yummyyyy
And look they say "Mrs. Maria".. haha

My son, Louie, already requested these cupcakes! Can't wait to make them together! 

Rice Krispie Treats with food coloring

These are such a sweet idea to put in your child's lunchbox...

You can never have enough cookies, cupcakes, or candy! 

Another wonderful welcome gift for students