Make a Book Bag

Over the years I have built a huge classroom library. I have a love of books and want to share them with my students. Unfortunately the books are not indistructable. One way I try to keep the books in one piece is to have the students keep them in a bag. At first I used gallon Ziplock bags, but the students didn't have an ownership of the bag and rarely used them. I decided that the bag had to be important, something that the students liked. That was the beginning of the Book Bag. Each September, about 2 weeks into school, we make personalized mini bags that are perfect for carrying and storing my books. Unless the students are reading my books the books are to be stored in the Book Bag. The Book Bag goes back and forth each day as well. The students are proud of their bag and take much better care of it than a plastic bag, plus my books get better care. I have even had students continue to use their bags the next few years at school. Find the FREE directions at my TPT store.

My FAVORITE Classroom Activity!

As things get crazier and crazier each school year I feel like I have less and less of a chance to really get to know my students. To make sure that important connection with the students isn't forgotten or pushed to the side due to everything else, I do a get to know you project called "Joe Cool". Each student in my class is Joe Cool for one week even I get to take a turn as Joe Cool). Each day during the week the Joe Cool does or shares something special. Some examples are bringing in photographs of him/herself, reading a favorite picture book, being the line leader, sitting in a special cushy chair, and Joe Cool closes out the week with a presentation. I really cherish this activity. It allows me to really get to know each student and his/her family. I have used this project for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. If you are interested in trying out this activity this year it is on my Teachers Pay Teachers site.

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First Try at Blogging

I have no idea how this blogging thing is going to go.  I have wanted to try it for a while now, but I am not super computer literate nor do I love to write.  At this point it is a work in progress.  I have the rest of July and all of August to figure it out.  Hopefully I will have success.