My First Five for Friday!

...on a Saturday :p  So, as they call it...Five for Fraturday!

I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for my FIRST EVER Five for Friday!  Ooooooh, exciting!

Five for Friday!

I've seen these every week since I joined the bloggy world - they look so fun...and I'm finally doing one!

~ 1 ~

To wrap up our intro to subtraction math topics, I used an activity from A Teeny Tiny Teacher using yummy goldfish crackers!  As soon as I saw it, I couldn't wait to use it!  Like a colleague of hers did, I added onto her cute activity (with my no- so-cute writing) and had my kiddos write the associated subtraction sentences for each part.  I like how the goldfish graphics are there so you can display what you DID do during the activity :)  I really think they enjoyed it!

~ 2 ~

So, this year, our school is officially starting Writer's Workshop.  I know it's not a "new" thing per se, but it certainly is for me.  We had a really good grade level PD and demo (this gal was AWESOME!) on Wednesday and the next day was THE LAUNCH.   I'm still lost and uncomfortable with it - meaning it's so new for me, I'm feeling discomfort :)  Sadly, there are only 2 sets of units of study for all 4 first grade teachers.  I have NO problem sharing but when it's something new I want to take it up and absorb and soak it up for as long as I need to, y'know?  That impacts others who need it.  Anyway, the first day, the teachers' assignment was basically to do an "on demand" type of writing.  I demo'd and then they wrote...just had to be a story of something that they did/happened to them with beginning/middle/end.  They actually lasted a lot longer than I thought they would.  I didn't get any vibes of "I can't write so I won't do it"...they all really tried.

I was really pleased with them!

Look at this first grader's writing!  No help from me!

~ 3 ~

So, I'm really trying to keep my kiddos organized and responsible.  They are actually doing a fine job!

I found a a pencil management technique from Wise Owl Teacher that is fabulous!  I tweaked it a bit for my personality and it's really working!  I use class numbers on their pencils (starting class numbers for the first time this year too!)  They store the pencil(s) in a cup in their "supplies" box.  At the end of the week, whomever still has their own pencils gets a sticker for their cup!  I collect them each Friday to sharpen.  All kiddos had all of their pencils!  That's never happened before. I love it!

I also gave out my first Desk Fairy awards! Some were innately neat and organized and many needed, well, assistance - lots of assistance.  Even though I have procedures about what goes home, etc. SOMEHOW it ends up smashed in some of their desks. Ugh.  Soooo...I told them all about the Desk Fairy and her expectations.  We went through our desk because she told the teachers she was coming by on the weekend to check.  I helped them and then did a quick check..."oh the Desk Fairy will love your desk! Good job!" or "Hmm..let's fix this, I don't think the Desk Fairy would like this too much"  It worked! And ooohhh they were so excited to see the little Desk Fairy award!  The better side to it is that they are maintaining it!

I used the Clean Desk Awards from Coconut Cutie's Classroom ... they are FREE from her TPT store.  She's got so many cute things there!

~ 4 ~

Ever feel like cleaning your whole kitchen floor, including UNDER AND BEHIND your refrigerator in one swoop?  "What?!" you ask..."It's not even possible!" you exclaim.

Ohhhh I beg to differ!  I say "YES YOU CAN!"

Just do this!

(not actually my sink)

Yep...THIS happened this week. Sigh. Some days, we get so busy/preoccupied, we forget the kitchen sink's faucet is on.  Oh, yes, there was intent to fill up the sink, just not THAT much.  Luckily, the Mister got most of it and it wasn't as bad as it could have been but it did give me an excuse to go behind the fridge.  That, um, concern of how it might look there, with and without water, made me take a pause but fortunately it wasn't bad either way...with or without the water.  Now the kitchen floor chore is off the list at the moment :P  Blessing in disguise??

~ 5 ~

New season starts Monday! Yay!!  

I actually just started watching this show earlier this year and catching reruns...how could I NOT have caught onto this 5 years ago?  The Mister has been watching it, trying to get me into it but I always brushed it off, thinking it was some show I'd have NO interest in. Pfft.  Boy was I wrong!  If you haven't seen it, you need to check it out :)

~*~

I can't believe Saturday is almost over. Boo.  I thought I was the only one with a tough week but considering all the full moon/wildness posts I saw, I feel a TAD better that it's not just me.

Have a great weekend everyone!