Priority Sheet

In my classroom I break my class hour into two parts.  The first part is instruction and the second is homework time.  I often will have trouble getting my students to work on their homework or they will say they don't have any.  This Priority List has really helped them to be more responsible with their time. I hope this helps you too!

Priority List

Today’s Learning Target:____________________________________________________

Due Today:

• ________________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________________

What late work do I need to add to my green missing assignment sheet? Add it now.

What upcoming projects can I work on?

• ________________________________________________________________
• ________________________________________________________________

End of Hour:

• Checked in with Ms. Amundson
• Homework and any late work I need to complete is in my planner.
• Today I learned or have this question:___________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Voice Levels Chart

When your students are working do you ever sit there and all the sudden think,

"Wow, how did it get so loud in here?"

  Well, this happens in my classroom all the time.  I have found that telling the students over and over again to be quiet is not very effective.  I found this chart online that would be a great visual to show the students what level they are at and where they need to be.  I also found this on Pinterest but it did not have a link to where it came from.  Let me know if you have any other great ideas for keeping the voice level appropriate in your classroom.

Love this quote...

I have seen this quote, yes, of course, on Pinterest.  I have seen it many times and every time it really makes me think.  I reminds me of so many of my students.  I want to encourage every single educator who has ever though that a student doesn't belong in their general education classroom to think about this long and hard.  We all have different qualities about us and we need to make sure that we see those in our students.  Remember, some students have different goals in your class and it will look different than the majority of the rest of the class. 

Bottom line is: EVERY SINGLE STUDENT MATTERS AND THEY DESERVE YOUR TIME.

First Day of School Ideas

I am always looking for fun stuff to do on the first day of school.  It seems that throughout the year I can think of many things that would be great to do.  Then, during workshop week I am so overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done before the students arrive, I can't think of anything!  Well, I have been going on Pinterest quite a bit lately.  (I think you could say that I am addicted!)  Check me out and follow me (Annie Smieja).  I have a great teaching board.  Which brings me to my point.  I found this blog on Pinterest from SugarDoodle.net with great ideas for the first day of school. I know I am for sure going to try the Candy Bar Getting to Know You Game.  Here is the link:

Get to Know You Games

Let me know what you think and if you have any great ideas for me!