Diggin' Into Next Year: Behavior Management

Thanks to everyone who has stopped by my blog recently!  I hope you are getting as many ideas from this linky as I am.  There are some awesome teacher bloggers participating!

So, I'm going to be honest...I've been procrastinating on writing this post.  It's hard to think about dealing with behavior when I'm sitting out on my patio drinking a cup of coffee!  Haha!

Before I go into my behavior system, I want to share some background info.  My school specializes (or "departmentalizes") by subject, so I teach all the 1st grade math, while another teacher does reading, and a third one does science and writing.  I see about 60 students a day for math, while my students travel to different classrooms for reading and science/writing.  We all teach phonics to our homeroom.  It can be hard to keep track of everyone's behavior in every class...especially those tricky ones who try and get away with things!  (I'm sure you don't have any kids like that in your class though, right?) ;)  With that said, I really like our current behavior management system because it lets me see how each kid behaved in each classroom.

This picture is from last year...sorry for the cellphone quality!

I don't have a fancy name for it...I call it the "stick system".  I explained it more in detail in this post, but basically, each kid gets a cup (or a library pocket, like I used this year), and they can earn a stick for each section of the day by showing positive behavior.  I like it because it lets me see who had a problem in a certain class, since my kiddos aren't with me all day.

For whole group behavior management, I use a marble jar.  Oh, the mighty marble jar!!  My kids can earn up to 3 marbles in each class, and it usually takes about a month to fill the jar up with 100 marbles (the magic number).  I will sometimes add a few more or take a few out after school, depending on how many the other classes have and when I want the reward to happen.  It always seems to work out that the 3 first grade classes get 100 marbles around the same time (weird, right?).

When we reach 100 marbles, I have the kids submit their ideas for our reward and we vote on it.  You always have those kids who want outlandish things like a "class trip to the water park", but you learn to not call on them choose kids selectively when taking ideas.  Then, as a nerdy math teacher, I make my students organize the votes by making a graph.  The graph is just a simple table in Word, but it works.

Our marble jar is not quite as magical as this one, but it's close.  {Thank you Google Images for this picture!}

Overall, I really like this system and the accountability it can provide.  I will say, though, that it can be hard having so many people involved in the system, as what determines "no stick behavior" may vary a little by classroom.  It's hard for me to deal with hearing something a child did in another class and then still seeing a stick in their cup.  I wanna be like:

I've also had it happen where a kid needs a reminder or two in each room...not enough to lose their stick, but still annoying...and then they still have all their sticks at the end of the day.  So, the system isn't perfect, but I think it's a good one for the situation we have.  I think it would be easier to implement in schools where the kids don't travel.


One more thing before I sign off....First Grade Kate now has a Facebook page!!  I am currently holding a giveaway for a $25 gift certificate to TPT!  (PS- just accidentally typed $245 by mistake...you'd like that, wouldn't you?)  There's also a Fan Freebie waiting for you.  So, come on over and join the fun! :)

The Good, The Bad, and The Wonderful of Math Workshop

It's time for Round 2 of Laura's "Diggin' Into Next Year" linky party!  This week's topic is Math Workshop.  I titled this post, "The Good, The Bad, and The Wonderful" of Math Workshop because I really don't think there's an "ugly" to it...I <3 Math Workshop!!


This year was my 2nd year doing math workshop, and while there are still wrinkles to be ironed out and things I want to tweak, I really think it's benefited my kids and had a big impact on student achievement.  Here's a little bit about how I ran it this year...

My math workshop is broken down into a few main components:  our whole group mini-lesson, application time, and then something at the end to review or share.  My mini-lesson follows our district's pacing guide, and I really try to keep it short and student focused.  By that, I mean that I'll present a problem or two and ask the students to solve them, talk about them, and defend their answers.  If we have any new math vocabulary, I put it up right next to the Smartboard.  The math vocab cards are from Anna Brantley's TPT store, and they are absolutely fabulous!

I do some direct instruction as well, but I've found that the most powerful lessons have come when students are able to tell me (and their peers) about their strategies and their peers have a chance to respond.

Next comes "application time".  I have my students select an activity to do from their "menus".  I've found that menus are a great way to differentiate, allow for student choice, and to keep track of where everyone is during this time!  Here's a menu after it's been used for the week...I have them cross off where they go each day so they (and I) keep track of what they still need to do.

A rolley cart is great for keeping track of math folders for 3 classes!

As you can see from the menu above, my students have "Must Do" activities and "Choice" activities.  They start off at a must do each day, and that usually takes them about 15-20 minutes.  When they're done with that, they can pick a choice activity to do.  I like this setup because if a kid isn't working hard, it will take them longer to complete their must do and they have less time at a choice activity.  (On the other side of that coin, I or my aide check any work they turn in to make sure they didn't rush through something in order to go to choice.  If it's not best work, they re-do it.  It only takes 1 or 2 doing that before the whole class realizes that rushing isn't a good idea.) :)

One must do is coming to me for Guided Math.  I have them all scheduled to come once or twice during the week, but I've purposely not booked the whole math block with guided groups because I want time to work with students outside of the guided math table as well.  I have the schedule posted on the wall so they know when it's their turn to visit me.  (All the names are covered for privacy reasons.)

I have the kids grouped by ability (and represented with a picture) for guided math groups, but the groups are flexible (is "flexible grouping" a buzzword in anyone else's district?!  geesh with all the terms!) and change frequently.  Everything else is grouped heterogeneously so kids have a chance to learn from everyone, not just kids in their own ability group.  A book that's been really helpful for me is Dr. Nicki Newton's "Guided Math in Action" book.

Other "must do" activities are folder work (a sheet of paper/pencil work...I just call it folder work because that's what I heard another teacher in my building call it!), iPads, and my aide's table.  The activities at my aide's table vary from week to week, but may include introducing a math game, completing a problem solving or math journal activity, or reviewing topics from previous units.

I see 60 kids a day, so to stay organized while keeping the work differentiated, I label the drawers with student names.  That way I can put different work in different drawers, and students know which one they need to complete.

I don't have a fancy place to keep my iPads...this green tub works well for the five I have.  I really like this sign ($1 from Ikea) to remind students of the rules at our iPad center.

Finally, to help the kids remember our rules and routines, I created this large bulletin board in our classroom where I post all things Math Workshop related.

 

Here are a few close ups of what's on the board...

Click the photo to grab your own copy of this chart!

Click the photo to grab your own copy of this chart!  (PS- The "stick check" is our grade level's behavior management system...you might just have to cut that part off if you choose to use this poster in your room!) :)

Click the photo to grab your own copy of this chart!

**I couldn't find a copy of this sign to share...so sorry!** :(

Next year, I would like to incorporate (even) more problem solving and writing about math into my Math Workshop.  I did some this year, but I think I can improve in this area.  I would also like to differentiate my math game area a bit more so that students are getting more practice with something that's "just right" for them, but I'm still mulling over ways to do that.  Whether this happens or not, I definitely want to do more teaching around how to pick a "just right" math game.

Most things are staying the same...I think. :)  I might get some crazy, hair-brained idea over the summer that I just *have* to try, but overall, I really like how my Math Workshop runs.  One thing that comes to mind, however, is organizing my iPad apps a bit more.  Right now they are all in one "Math" folder, but I would like to break them up by strand or ability level.  We'll see...

Here are some of my students' favorite apps in my "Math" folder.

If the signs on my bulletin board will be helpful for you, please feel free to grab them by clicking on the photos.  (Note:  The voice level chart and the "looks like, sounds like, feels like" are in the same document.)

Also, I try not to focus a lot on my "products" (I hate that word) or my TPT store, but I have created several math centers and other math related products that are available in my TPT store.  If you are so inclined, you can click here to check them out!

Math fact fluency sorts for the entire year!

Materials to help your students make their own number anchor charts!

 One final note on Math Workshop...if you are hesitant to jump in, please please please take some time this summer to research it, blog stalk it, Pinterest it, etc.  I was very nervous to have all the small groups and use the menus at first, but with careful setup and management, I can say that it really has transformed my math instruction.  I'm able to better differentiate for the needs of my kids and really get to know them as mathematicians, which is something I couldn't say when I taught math whole group.  If you have any questions or comments about Math Workshop, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below or email me at firstgradekate {at} gmail {dot} com.

Diggin' Into Next Year: Classroom Organization {aka How I Survive the Year}

Hi everyone!

I am super excited to be participating in a weekly series of linky parties this summer, hosted by Laura at Where the Magic Happens.

This week is a big one...classroom organization!

Before we start, I have a confession to make.  I am not naturally an organized person.  BUT, everyone at my school *thinks* I'm organized because I work really hard to combat my naturally unorganized tendencies.  So even if you are not naturally an organized person, I am here to tell you there is hope!  Haha!

I'll start with one of my biggest organizational challenges: my desk.  There is definitely still room to grow in this area, but I have a couple things that have helped me be able to find things quickly when I need them.

The first is this desktop storage carousel.  I found it at Michael's and although it's a bit pricey at its original price of $45, I bought it when I had a 50% off coupon.  It holds all of my writing utensils (including the festive pens students have made for me!), scissors, thank you cards, and koosh balls (because every teacher needs a couple of those right?!), and the bottom has 3 compartments where I hold paperclips, push pins, and binder clips.  A few of the slots were a bit too deep for the markers, so I filled the bottom of those with large beads to make the markers stand a little taller in the slot.

The next thing is this toolbox.  My desk is nicely situated by a classroom window, so this toolbox fits nicely in the windowsill.  I made it a couple summers ago when they were all the rage, and I don't regret my decision to follow the crowd. :)  I don't use all of the compartments, as I found that a couple were a bit small for what I slotted them for, but it's great for holding all those other little office supplies that need a convenient, accessible home.

Yep, that's a lot of dust.  Take this picture for what it is: an organizational tip, not a Martha Stewart magazine photo.

One last thing in regards to teacher desk organization...I would *highly suggest* taking a picture of all your technology cords before packing up your room for the summer.  It always saves me a TON of time in the fall because I can just reference the photos and don't have to play any games of "Guess Where This Cord Goes".  Keeping long cords wrapped up in cardboard tubes (labeled with what the cord is for) also cuts down on the time I spend untangling everything in August.

The rest of my personal organization lies in bins, bins, and more bins.  Here are a few snapshots of those:

My copy bins...a convenient place to store papers until I'm ready for them.

I have a rolley cart by my guided math table where I keep my most used math tools.

I also have a bookshelf in my room where I store all my math games by standard.  It makes it easy to quickly grab what I'm looking for!

Holiday item storage has been a challenge for me, but this year I put small holiday items (pencils, erasers, crafts) in these file bins.  I'm hoping I can easily just grab what I need next year.

Besides the need to keep myself organized, I also try to help my students stay organized.  It makes transitions go smoother and makes my life easier!  I have a couple things in my room to help with this.

On top of each table, I keep a table caddy with the school supplies we use daily.  The velcro holds student nametags, but I removed the nametags for this picture for privacy reasons.

Another way that I help my students to stay organized is by using these under the table cubbies.  I got them my first year of teaching through a Donor's Choose project.  They have been a life saver for me, especially since I see over 60 students a day!  (My school specializes K-5, so I teach math to all 3 first grade classes.)  At each table is a cubby for each class (labeled with the homeroom teacher's name- blocked out in this photo), and this is where my students keep their math notebooks.  The fourth drawer is labeled "Math Supplies", and that is where I keep whiteboards and some of our most used math tools so each table has some handy for when they need to quick grab something to help them figure out a problem.

Other spots in our room that I try to keep organized are all the areas that kids go to during Math Workshop.  Here are a few photos of those spots:

Labeled math tool drawers.  The math games are right on top for easy access.  (That will be changing for next year, though, as I want to have more math games available and will need more space for them.)

Math game drawers...math games are kept in plastic envelopes.  Tip:  Label BOTH the envelope and the drawer so students can put things away in the right spot!  (Labels are a freebie from Sheree Peterson.  Find them here.)

Math books are sorted by topic and kept in these bins from Lakeshore.  (Donated thanks to another Donor's Choose Project!)  Get the labels FREE at the end of the post!

Putting numbered backgrounds in my class iPads helps me keep track of them!  The backgrounds are a FREEBIE below!

I've shared more about how I use the iPad backgrounds in an earlier blog post, and you can get them as a freebie here.  You can also get the math book bin labels as a freebie here.  Unfortunately, they don't line up
with any Avery sticker labels (didn't plan ahead on that one), but they do fit the clear slots on Lakeshore's bins and could be easily hot glued to any plastic container.  (Thanks to Ashley Hughes, Kylie Healey, Scrappin' Doodles, Teaching in a Small Town, Surfin' Through Second, Hello Literacy, and KPM Doodles for all the goodies used to make these freebies.)

Thanks for taking a peek at how I organize my classroom!  I always love to look at other classrooms for ideas, so I hope these pictures have been helpful!  So far, these tips have worked pretty well for me, but of course there's always rooms to improve!  If there's an organizational tip that you love, please pass it my way via the comments section!  You can also view more Classroom Organization goodness by checking out the other blogs in Laura's linky!

Happy organizing! :)

Sooo...do YOU like GIVEAWAYS?!

Oh yes, you read that right...GIVEAWAYS, as in more than one.  I've teamed up with 36 other teacher bloggers to offer some of our best-selling bundles in SIX huge giveaways!  I've included my Addition & Subtraction Sorts Bundle, which has been a favorite of my class for practicing our fact fluency!

The giveaways are split up by grade level.  There are two Kindergarten giveaways, two 1st grade giveaways, one 2nd grade giveaway, and one 3rd-5th giveaway.  A little something for everyone! :)

Since I am not cool enough to have a Facebook page (yet!), I am posting about it here.  However, to enter, you will need to visit the Facebook pages of our lovely giveaway hosts.  Just click the images below to be taken to the Rafflecopter giveaways.

Kindergarten:

1st grade:

 

2nd grade:

3rd-5th grade:

Pretty awesome, right?!  I would LOVE for a "First Grade Kate" follower to win, so make sure you head on over and enter before April 23rd!!