Emergency Substitute Activities

This summer I wanted to set up Emergency Substiute Plans.  I usually do have lesson plans available, but sometimes there are activities I'd prefer to do with my class rather than having somebody else do it.  So I have been going through my files for activities that would great for substitutes.  (Many of these ideas I did use while I was a sub. teacher before getting my 1st teaching job.)

Many of these activities need little or no preparation.  (dice and deck of cards for math activities)

If you want more Substitute Activities check out these links at the Teaching Oasis.

Substitute Items

Also check out Ms. Winston's book units under monthly resources.  They make more great emergency sub. plans in a pinch. 

One more thing we need 49 more followers to reach 100.  When I reach 100 followers I will post a freebie on this blog. 

New Blog Design

Well I have a new blog design, and I love it!  Finally found something that was just right for me.
If your interested in a blog design check this site out.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamlikemagic

I finally have a Button. So go ahead and Grab that and post that on your blog if you have one.  My blog is still new so many teachers don't know about my blog.  I hope to have 100 followers soon so I can post a freebie for everyone. 

Mrs. Bee's Linky Party

Mrs. Bee is having a Parent Involvement Linky Party.  Hop on over there and check it out.

Here are the things that I do in my 2nd grade classroom.

Weekly Newsletter
Website
STAR Binder
ABC brochure
First Day Guidebooks

Stamina Graphs

When I first started teaching centers and even when I moved to a guided reading approach my biggest issue was student stamina.  Starting off the first day of school building reading stamina and charting our progress was a huge success. 

My 2nd graders were very eager to see the bars on the graph increase.  When student stamina increased significantly I start bragging to other teachers, the principal etc.  Students love it when you brag about them about their progress.  Students even love to use the word "stamina". 

Some tips: I usually start at 3 min. but this will vary depending on your class and grade.  If I see that students might be able to go another minute or two on the first day I let them read longer.  The goal is to have students feel success right from the very beginning, especially those students who haven't had tons of success in the past.  This gives students motivation to go even further on the next attempt. 

For the most part I do take things slowly. If I have students getting up or start talking I stop.  I am very strict at the beginning of the year with this because I want students to reap the rewards later.

Here are the stamina graphs that I use.

Reading Workshop

Looking for ideas to start your reading workshop?  Here are some mini-lessons to get you started.

Looking for more Reading Workshop Ideas check out The Teaching Oasis.  We have great resources for author and genre studies, reading skills/strategies, reading logs, and much more.  So be sure to check us out!

Beginning of the Year Writing Mini Lessons

Yesterday I saw Mrs. Bainbridge's organization of her reading and writing.  So today I started organizing my own binder of writing workshop ideas. 

Here are mini-lesson ideas for w.w.  They are just ideas not necessary in any specific order. 

Hope you find them useful. 

Be on the lookout for more writing ideas soon.

Giveaway Time Congratulations Dmelo34

And the winner is Dmelo34 you win your sports theme First Day Guide Book, end of year memory book and reading log.  Please email me with your contact information so I can send your freebies. (just click on the football player)  Congratulations

Thank you for all your suggestions on science and social studies activities.  This weekend I worked on activities for the moon and the scientific method.  So look for that soon at the Teaching Oasis. 
This week I'm working on weather activities.