Pre-Referral Intervention Manual

This book is amazing. It was given to our school today, and I learned so much by browsing through it. This book is used so that teachers can be sure they have tried everything possible with students before they refer students for testing.

For example, you have a student who fails to complete their classwork during class time. All you have to do is flip the book open to the index, find that topic, and then turn to the page indicated. On that page, you will find about 45 different things to try with that student.

I plan on utilizing this book to its fullest extent.

Teacher's Convention

This past week, the teachers from our school attended Keystone Christian Education Association's teacher's convention. It was an awesome time of rejuvenation, sharing ideas, learning new things, and refueling our passion for teaching.

I got lots of new ideas, some of which I will be sharing with you here. Some may make sense for your classroom, and some may not, but I hope that they will be a benefit to someone!

The picture at the top of the page is a new project I am working on for my classroom. I do not have a high budget for buying things for school, so I have to make my own things. These are the labels for our new daily schedule. I will appoint a student to put them in order each day, so other than preparing the labels and preparing a chart of daily activities for the students so that they can update the chart, there will be no extra work for me! That is the kind of thing I love. I learned early on that the more I can leverage my time, the better off I will be.

Awesome Site Alert!

Check out SpellingCity.com! This awesome website allows teachers to upload their weekly spelling lists. Students can then log on and choose either "Teach Me," "Test Me," or "Play a Game."

Under Teach Me, students will be able to listen as the computer says the word, spells the word, and then says the word again. A sentence is also given for each word.

If a student chooses Play A Game, then they get to choose between bunches of great games that incorporate their spelling words. Some of the games are Word Search, Match It, Crossword, and Hang Mouse. There are a total of nine different games, all full of fun!

Test Me is where the students are given a practice test. The students hear the word, and then type it in the blank. The computer generates a grade sheet, which can be printed for the teacher's records.

If you have been trying to figure out how to add some variety to your spelling class, try this out. You'll love it!

First Day

My door sign
This year, I was well prepared for the first day of school. I knew what I was doing, and when I was doing it down to the minute. It went wonderfully until my students were so very well-behaved that we finished most things early! Oh well, I had plenty of supplemental things to do.
I am looking forward to this year. Last year I had to deal with several students who were downright rebellious. This year, I have some mischieviousness, but no rebellion. What a relief. As the year goes on, it may develop, but I am praying that it does not! I need a break from the stress that goes with trying to deal with rotten students!

Classroom Handbook

This year I am trying something new. I got the idea at teacher's convention last year and have been working on it on and off throughout the last year. I will be giving each student a classroom handbook. Check it out for more information.



Mrs. Teacher's Handbook

Back to School

School will be starting soon, and teachers around the country are frantically decorating their rooms. The first year I taught, I planned all of the next year's bulletin boards ahead of time. This year, not so much.
Here are some great sites I found with fantastic ideas!
Bulletin Board Pro
Classroom Displays and Bulletin Boards
Classroom Bonus.com
Teaching Hearts
Teacher Help.org
Teaching Heart.net

There is a plethora of ideas contained in these links. Hopefully soon, I will be able to show you pictures of my room and its bulletin boards.

Keep Them Moving!

Jen over at Following the Footsteps had the great idea of hosting a Back to School Teacher Swap. Jen is the kind of teacher I would have liked to have. She does a fantastic job and is always coming up with something new! Anyway, if you are a teacher, head over to her blog
to get some fantastic teaching ideas.

I think the ideas I am going to share are about keeping your students active. Please keep in mind that I teach third and fourth grade. These ideas may need to be adjusted to fit your classroom. Especially in the first few weeks of school, students are trying to get back into the routine of things. Over the summer, they ran, played, went on vacation, and probably didn't stop for more than two minutes at a time. Coming back to school is a tremendous change for them, and the more that we teachers can help with that transition, the more smoothly our classrooms will operate.
Do not be one of those teachers who has the students sit at their desks all day. Students should stand and move to get their minds back on track. Here are some ways that incorporate a little bit of "wiggle" time into my day. (The older students get, the less they need. However, even adults focus better when they can move around after sitting for a long time.) The more actively students participate, the more they will learn.

Idea #1
Incorporate movement and action into each class. In Bible class we sing action songs. In Language, we come to the board, do sit down-stand up reviews. In Spelling we act out the words as we spell them, we use cowboy voices and use our hands to "lasso." We write in the air with our fingers in Writing class. In Math we do a lot of board work. In science we take quick walks outside. In History, I'll have the students act out the day's lesson.

Idea #2
Some days, there isn't so much time for added stuff within your lessons. On those days, take thirty seconds to have your students move during a transition time.

One thing I like to do is have them say this little poem and do the actions.

I'm alive, (hands on head) awake, (hands on shoulders), alert (hands on knees), enthusiastic (clap with each syllable). Repeat 2 times.
I'm alive(head), awake(shoulders), alert(knees, alert(knees), awake(shoulders), alive(head).
I'm alive, (hands on head) awake, (hands on shoulders), alert (hands on knees), enthusiastic (clap with each syllable).
We see how fast we can get as we continue to learn it. This is something that my classroom is famous for. When grandparents come on grandparents day, we teach them how to do it. In assemblies, sometimes we'll be called on to show the other classes how to do this. It's lots of fun, and it is ACTIVE. If you have trouble getting your kids to wind down, have them repeat this like their grandparents would say it at the very end before they sit down.

Another thing I do is have the students stand next to their desks, and then I tell them "Jump to face the ______________(clock, windows, books, etc.)" In one jump, they have to be facing that direction. We do this about 5-10 times, and then they sit down.

The last idea I'd like to share is a game called 'Stand Like a ____________" I'll tell the kids, "Stand like a frog. Stand like a king. Stand like a giraffe. Stand like a soldier, etc." Just standing there and changing their posture gets them moving so that they can focus better when they sit back down.

So, what do you do to keep your kids active in your classroom? I'd love to hear tips, hints, and ideas!

End of Year Thoughts

Although many veterans of the classroom say that one's first year of teaching is the hardest, in my case, that wasn't true. This year has been one of the most challenging in my life, both at school and at home.

The biggest reason for the difficulties at school this year is that I had several students who were just plain outright rebellious. They didn't want to obey, behave, or come under classroom rules. They wanted to control, manipulate, and instigate. The main child who caused problems is living in a single-parent home and has severe anger issues and some focus issues also. I would have liked to have had this child tested, but his parent did not see the necessity of it. Anyway. . . as the year is over, I look back and I wonder.

Did I do enough? Did I do the right thing when I dealt with these students? Did I show them that even though I had to repeatedly discipline them, I love them? I hope so.

This year I felt as though I could not give some of my other quieter students the attention they needed because of constantly having to deal with these troublemakers. As a matter of fact, one parent told me after church tonight that her daughter complained about all the interruptions. She had right to complain. They were frequent.

However, no matter what last year held, it is over. I cannot change it. I can only learn from it. I hope that I learn the lessons that the Master Teacher has shown me. I am already eagerly anticipating next school year. I am excited to face another year full of possibility and promise!

Typical Day in a Combined Classroom

8:00-8:15 Students arrive


8:15-8:30 Attendance, lunch count, and pledges


8:30-9:00 Combined Bible class ~ Every day we review our Scripture memory, Catechism, and Hymn. We then go on to a Bible lesson. This class is combined, both third and fourth grade do the same lessons.


9:00-9:30 Third grade Spelling, Penmanship, and Language ~ During this time, 4th grade works on writing their spelling words, and completing their penmanship. We begin by reviewing our spelling words orally, briefly going over the penmanship assignment, and then beginning the language lesson. If my students behave exceptionally well and there is time remaining, at the end of the half hour, we play a short spelling review game.


9:30-10:00 Fourth grade Spelling, Penmanship, and Language ~ This follows the same format as third grade. Third grade is working on their assignments for spelling, penmanship, and language.


10:00 - 10:15 Morning recess ~ On the days that I do not have playground duty, I spend this time working with slower students.


10:15-10:30 Restroom pass ~ With 25 students, it normally lasts a little bit longer than this. However, the pass starts with fourth grade, and once they are all done with their trek to the restroom and the moisturization of their parched mouths, we begin their math lesson.


10:30- 10:55 Fourth grade math ~ We begin by checking the previous day's paper. Next comes the fact drill, and sometimes flash cards, and then the day's lesson. Fourth grade then works on their math assignment while we go on to . . .


10:55-11:20 Third grade math ~ same format as fourth.


11:30- 12:00 Lunch ~ I am responsible to monitor my students during this time.


12:00-12:30 Lunch break ~ Normally, I have break duty, but when I don't, I have grading time. Typically, however, it becomes disciplinary time for a few of my students.


12:30 - 12:45 Restroom pass


Afternoons ~ In the afternoons, we have out of classroom classes like Art, Music, Library and Choir. Because of this, each day's schedule is different. In the afternoon, we cover 3rd grade reading, 4th grade reading, history, and science. (History and science are combined. I teach 3rd grade history and 4th science one year and vice versa the next.)


3:00-3:15 ~ end of day assignments, straightening desks, getting things to go home (I read to the students during this time)

There you have it! My day is packed full! I have 1 1/2 hours of prep time at school per week. What is your day like?

Why I Need Pockets

Because I confiscated all of these on the five minute walk to the cafeteria today!

New Kid on the Block

Do you ever feel totally ignorant and inept? I do. At the small Christian elementary school where I teach, every other teacher is at least thirty years older than I am. The one with the least experience has been teaching for 20 years. I am teaching for my second year. Although I have been learning much, some days I still feel totally inadequate.

Two days ago, that was how I was feeling. Thankfully, I can express myself freely to the other teachers about most matters, and as we gathered for prayer before we started our day, I requested that they join me in praying for wisdom as I deal with some difficult situations. I told them of my feeling of inadequacy.

One of the older teachers piped up. She is the "strict" teacher. In our school, she is known for her strict rules and rigid requirements. What she said made my day ten times brighter. She told me that I was learning, and learning well. She said that she had just mentioned my growing teaching skills to her husband the other day.

So, yesterday and today when I was faced with those crazy, complicated situations when I felt I was doing it all wrong, I reminded myself of her words. Not because I want to be prideful, but because she is seeing progress. A good teacher never stops learning. I don't intend to stop now or anytime soon!

Keep on keeping on.

Why a Teaching Blog?

Every blog should have a purpose. I have a creative blog, a family blog, (both of which will not be linked from/to at this blog for anonymity reasons) and now this. . . a teaching blog. This blog's purpose is strictly and solely selfish. I want to. . .

1. Vent in an anonymous way. Sometimes it is difficult to find a place to go when things are tough, or annoying, or frustrating. I write in these situations. This blog gives me a place to do just that.

2. Connect with other teachers. I know that I don't have all the answers, and as my teaching career progresses, there will be many times that I have lots of questions. Who better to ask for advice than other seasoned teachers?

3. Journal the everyday happenings at school for future memories. I tried writing them down at the beginning of my first year, but I got seriously behind very quickly.

I may add more reasons later, but at present, the above express the purpose of this blog fairly well. Enjoy!

About Me

Who am I?
First and foremost, I am a child of God. I love serving Jesus, and want to please Him in the little things and the big. I attend a large conservative church.





I am a wife to Jason, a wonderful man. We were married on April 21st 2007. He works as a weighmaster at a limestone quarry. He is amazing at math, thinking on his feet, finances, and brainstorming.




I am a homemaker. We bought our first home in October, and as money and time permit, I love fixing it up, decorating it, and making it into a place we love to be.



I have dreams of one day becoming a mommy. As of yet, the Lord has not blessed us with a child, but it is my prayer that sometime in the next few years, He will.




I am daughter and sister. My parents have been married for 25+ years. I have 5 brothers and 2 sisters. My youngest brother and sister are adopted from Ukraine where my parents are missionaries. I spent my growing up years in Ukraine, and learned many important life lessons, along with two other languages.






I am a teacher. I graduated from college with a teacher's certificate. I took a semester off to get married, and then began teaching full time in the class where I had done my student teaching. I teach third and fourth grade in a combined classroom at a private Christian school. I am currently in my second year of teaching. My favorite parts of teaching are creative writing, science, history, and bulletin boards. My least favorite part is the constant grading.





I am a baker/chef. I love to spend time in the kitchen. I learned how to cook when I was very young, and have always loved it. I like making old recipes new, making new recipes, and making classic recipes. I rarely use mixes, I like doing things from scratch. (A habit I got into in Ukraine, where there are almost no mixes)




I am a musician. (sort of) I love to sing, play the piano and play the saxophone. Singing is definitely the area in which I am more skilled, but I enjoy plunking around on the piano just the same. When my elementary school started a sixth grade band, a cheap saxaphone was available from a friend, and so that is what I ended up playing. I always wanted to play a flute or a violin.






I am a reader. I love books. When we were young, our mom had to limit us to six books per person, per week. We normally would all read all thirty six books before we went back to the library the next week.





I am a blogger. I spend a lot of time in the bloggy world. I enjoy reading, writing, and creating, and this gives me a good place to do all of those things.