I can't help myself... I'm going to break the one post a day rule, just. this. one. time! I'm linking up with my friend Amber at Adventures of a Third Grade Teacher for the "Another One Bites the Dust" linky to share the greats & not-so-greats of the school year.
THE GREATS:
1. Using the Leveled Literacy Intervention program by Fountas & Pinnell
When I was trained on this last summer & had it dumped unexpectedly in my lap, I just thought it was another thing to add to my overloaded list of things to do. I was dreading it...despising it...and you know what?
I WAS WRONG!!
If you have the opportunity to use this program, it is the most amazing intervention program ever! I had students who jumped from DRA 3s straight up to DRA 18s. One of my most struggling students is now my most fluent student, due to this program!
2. Discovering teaching blogs! I started blogging last June. It's plain and simple... Discovering so many of your blogs have changed my life. The collaboration & sharing on blogger have been nothing next to A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I am SO proud to be part of such a great community!
3. My students: I have been blessed with another great group of students for the 2nd year in a row. They are smart, sweet, and so witty. They totally get my sense of humor as I get their's. This will be a hard group to give up!
THE NOT SO-GREATS:
1. Beginning a classroom blog for parents: Unfortunately this was not an easy thing to do. It was hard for parents to remember to check the blog weekly. After all, life is always so busy for so many. I found myself going back to regular newsletters. However, that helped me decide to turn my blog into a collaborative blog, so I can't say it was all that bad!
2. STRESS...I don't know why, but this year was so stressful for me in school. I feel like people around me were stressed out to the max, so I think it made it extra hard for me also. I don't know anyone who is not ready for summer vacation! :)
3. Keeping my classroom organized.... this always seems to be a "not-so-great" area of mine! This is one of my summer bucket list goals. *sigh*. No matter how organized I begin the year, it never seems to stay that way. One of these days I will become organized! I found this saying that makes me feel a little better about it:
Go link up with Amber to share your great & not so greats of the school year!!
Thanks for linking up! I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteAdventures of a Third Grade Teacher
I think the one a day rule is a silly rule! Haha! Post as many times as you would like. I am right there with you with the organization thing... hmmmm. :)
ReplyDeleteJena
1st Grade with Miss Snowden
I started a classroom blog too for newsletters. I'm not sure who all read it, but I know if it is really important information, I need to send a hardcopy letter out! I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteTotally Terrific Teaching Tools
Lohren Nolan
I love what you shared today about your year's highs and lows. I just started blogging in late February and was very intimidated to start. I have learned as I go and am still learning every day. But it made teaching so much more fun to be connected to more people who love teaching and are SO creative. It makes me grow and that makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for following my blog his week and helping me reach 100 followers.
I am happy to be part of your journey as your newest follower.
Pamela
First Class Teacher
I just found your blog through the linky and I'm now a follower!
ReplyDeleteThe REAL Teachers of Orange County
Thanks for stopping by my blog Reading Toward the Stars. I am your newest follower, number 50! I understand about the disorganized classroom. I had a principal tell me once that an disorganized classroom is a sign of a good teacher because she is always working with the kids with no time to organize! Not that organized teachers are bad, but it really did make me feel better! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. I am now following you!! Michele
ReplyDeleteWell it sounds like I need to get that intervention book. My strugglers only made it to a DRA of a 14 this year, which isn't terrible but they are still one level below the DRA benchmark of a 16 for the end of 1st grade!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, I am your newest follower!
Kelly
I was thinking about starting a classroom blog, but sometimes I still see old newsletters in kids' BEE Binders for like 3 weeks!! Still thinking about whether I want to spend the time making a classroom blog next year... :)
ReplyDeleteMarvelous Multiagers!