Cool New App

I found this great new app that I might use in my classroom. It is called Classroom Organizer. Just the name sounds great. From what I can tell from using it just a few times, you scan the barcode on the back of the book and then check it out to a student. I tried it on a couple of my son's books that were lying around. Out of 3 books it only knew 1 of them. But, the other 2 I just inputed the name and it will know it for next time. Not sure if it is worth the time, but I also hate losing my books... Still a great app !! Maybe if we get ipads for the classroom this would work better :)

Classroom Economy System

Every year I try a new behavior management system. Last year I tried the clip system, and really liked it. So, this year I am just adding on to the system. I will reward the students that go up everyday with "Menoken Money". Those that don't behave that day will owe me money. I don't want this to be a lot of work for me, so I found an online program that will help.



Zefty is a FREE online account system. It was created by a Dad to help him keep track of his children's allowance. This site it designed for parents, but I think it will work great at keeping track of my student's money.

I am still working out the details to my new banking system, but what I really like is that it shows a detailed ledger, and students can individually log in and see their account. It also lets students write checks if they have a fine.

Fingers Crossed !!

Lakeshore Materials

I had ordered some Lakeshore Teaching Materials right at the end of the school year. It is like Teacher Christmas when Lakeshore sends materials. The only thing better is when Vistaprint has their Free Shipping Sale around the 4th of July. The UPS man came to my house every day, for weeks.

I have changed the way I do my homework every year. This year I am going to use the Lakeshore Reading Comprehension Home to School Folders. I will send them home on Friday with : next weeks spellings words, weekly update, math worksheet and their reading folder. The Homework Folder is due every Friday. This way if student's have something going on in the evening they can budget their time over the whole week.

I also purchased Writing Activity Pockets for my Reading Centers / Daily 5. I got both the Grade 2-3 and the Grade 4-5. Now I just need to decide if my 4th graders will be able to handle the 4th grade materials.

Anyone else have materials from Lakeshore that they love ??

Dreamlike Made My Blogger Dreams Come True !

One of my many goals for over the summer, was to create a teacher blog. It is only June and I have accomplished that goal. I have been looking at other teacher websites for years, and always wanted to start one, but always found other things more important. I also couldn't find a blogger template that was cute and fun like all the other teacher websites I found. Then I looked on Christina Bainbridge's blog and she used Dreamlike Designs. I fell in love with all of her designs. I think I spent more time trying to pick a template, than I did picking my children's names. So, Thanks Dreamlike Dreams I love it !!

Need to Get a New template