Call the C.O.P.S.

Back again for the 2nd time this week!!! 

I feel like dancing!

 

I hope you all were able to grab my freebie yesterday. If not....go grab it! And while you are o n my TPT page, be sure to grab some of the other freebies I posted over the last few days.

I've been creating stuff for a few weeks, but haven't had time to post so I'll be adding a lot this weekend (fingers crossed!).

 

 

I also uploaded an awesome Mega Pack that I created for my class this year.

In first grade, we really work hard to improve student writing and editing skills.

So of course we practice "Calling the C.O.P.S."

It is a huge hit in first grade (as well as when I taught K  & 2!).

 

You can check out the Mega Pack at my TPT store:

 

 

 

When I say Mega Pack....I mean it!

Take a look at what's included:

 

 Directions
C.O.P.S. Classroom Poster
C.O.P.S. Individual Classroom Posters
C.O.P.S. Mini Posters (2 sizes)
Letter to Parents
Practice Sheets featuring 2 review pages for each of the following categories:

           Capitals only
           Organization
           Spelling only
          Punctuation only
          Capitals & Punctuation
          Capitals & Organization
          Capitals & Spelling
         Organization & Punctuation
        Organization & Spelling
        Punctuation & Spelling
        Various Mistakes

 

I included a number of variations for the practice sheets for logistical reasons. This helps differentiate when students have difficulties in certain areas. It also helps when you are introducing each specific component. I know that as teachers, we don't introduce capitalization, organization, punctuation, AND spelling all on day one. Having a variety of sheets provides for flexibility as you introduce each component based on your curriculum.

 

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day Weekend! Stop by next week as I have another project to post AND a little DIY project!

The Sky is Falling!!!

I pulled into the parking lot of school this morning and this is what I saw:

Then when I walked upstairs to my classroom this is what I saw in the hallway:

Apparently this summer they are repairing the leaky roof and have already started. It's super loud and dusty. Plus, we are only allowed in the room for a few hours a day now. So, looks like I'm bringing some stuff home.

Speaking of, here's a project I have lined up for the summer. My first year teaching I purchased these organizers for my construction paper. They look kinda plain like this:

It's a really great way to keep everything neat and organized. However, I have been inspired by Pinterest to take it up a notch with labels and some creative scrapbooking to look something more like this:

I'll be sure to show you how it turns out!! Now, I'm going to attempt to run into my room and pack stuff because I think the construction crew is at lunch!!! Have a great day!

Product review and easy activity

I was packing & cleaning around the classroom today and I spotted one of my favorite things I just had to share with all my blogging friends. I'd like to start by saying, I am not endorsing this product, it's just something I really like and think you will like too if you organize like me!

I purchased it last fall from Really Good Stuff. It's called the Store More® Wire Works Desktop Secretary and retails for $29.99. For years, I've used plastic organizers and stacking shelves, but nothing has been as good as this. I found that this is very sturdy and is much easier for me to use. Plus I find that it works really well on the side of my u-shaped table.

The file folders were purchased separately (and of course color coordinated with our room). However, regular pocket folders and binders also fit in each section. Underneath, I have my reading and math observation logs to write anecdotal notes as the students are working. I store them here because it's on my u-shaped table. You can also fit a binder or other materials there.

On the side are 3 cups for pencils, pens, and markers. I also keep some scissors in case I need some in small groups. These cups can be placed on either side of the unit.

I absolutely love this as it really helps me stay organized. I recommend it to anyone who is obsessed with organizing their classroom as me.

The second thing I want to share with you is a product I found while wondering the aisles of Target one day. I was trying to get items off a friend's baby registry and stumbled upon these cute little bath toys.I had a little "Ahh!" moment in the middle of Target and I'm pretty sure I might have said something out loud which caused people to stare.

These blocks cost under $5 per set. I divided them up and placed them in plastic containers. The students use them during Literacy Centers sometimes to create sentences. This activity is fun for students who are struggling or soaring in the classroom. They just love picking up the little foam blocks.

         

I hope you are able to try both of these ideas. As I said, I don't get paid to endorse either one of these products. I just like them a lot!