Paid advertisement from the teacher...

...okay, there really isn't a "paid" advertisement here.  There's not even really an advertisement, period.
I wanted to just sneak in some of the totally cool things we have been doing in the classroom.

***You may, or may not, have heard about our "apple cart". 

On its own it does not look very exciting, but once you open it a whole new world opens up in front of you.  Quite frankly, I find it magical.  We are a lucky school to have such a wonderful resource at our fingertips.  We actually have two of these.  Since FCAT is over, I am fending off the upper grades who are wanting to also "borrow" it!  It also brings a breath of fresh into the classroom when spring fever has all but taken over every last one of my precious children.

 Working on reading skills.

 Listening to Reading part of our Daily 5 in 1st grade Reader's Workshop.

We have used them for reading and math skills practice, listening to reading, and "mastery club". 
I is for illustrations will include work created on the iBooks...hopefully if the tech works out in my favor! Cross your fingers people!

***The children earn money or lose money each day as part of our positive behavior plan in the classroom.  Almost every single child can count money with little to no help.  (Just my sneaky way of practicing money counting skills!)  Some children choose to spend every cent they earn, while others save all but a very little of their money.

Last week, I had put out post it notes with things they could buy on Flea Market Friday.
Sit at teachers desk, sit with a friend in class, help with math lesson, sit by a friend in the lunchroom, homework pass, sit in my rocking chair for all circle time activities to name a few.

*** We completed an activity this past week using the computers one afternoon.  We visited wordle.net and typed in meaningful words about I can't tell you or it will ruin the surprise.  I was shocked how quickly the children could type in their words. 

Wait, I was shocked at how well each child could use a laptop mouse!  WOW!!!  (Why should I be surprised at the speed they can type?)  :o)

****It is at this time when you notice children really mastering the curriculum and skills in first grade.  I love this time of the year.  Here are two children reading to self.  The class works like a well oiled machine at this time of year.

 The children are comfortable, on task , and READING with tremendous stamina. 

I found this online, somewhere, and could not resist printing it out through one hour photo and passing to each person on my 1st grade team today wishing them a very happy Teacher Appreciation Week.  I want to take a moment and let you know what a pleasure it is to teach your children. I consider myself a VERY lucky teacher indeed!  Thank you!