3rd Grade Book List

After several years of teaching, I decided that to progress in my craft I would obtain a higher degree.  I picked Reading as my subject area, because I have always loved to read and I consider it the most important skill we learn in school.  

My mom (also a teacher) took us to the library regularly and read aloud great books to us in the evenings.  I read all of the Judy Blume, Ramona Quimby, Nancy Drew, and Anne of Green Gables books I could get my hands on. 

Check out this gorgeous set of books that my niece gave me!  They are published by Rifle Paper Co. Almost too pretty to read...almost.

Learning the science of how children learn to read did not change my view that children will learn to read if they love it.  A great list of books for the grade level you teach is essential.  If I teach my students nothing else, I hope they have a love for good literature.  

Click here for a free list of must read books in 3^rd grade.

I Am a Potter

Six months ago I would not have considered myself to have any artistic talent.  In fact, I sort of dread art in my classroom. I took a pottery class (it is on my list of 40 things) with a friend, and to my surprise I love it!  I have been working on several pieces and learning more and more each week.

Check out my pots.  I decided to plant succulents.  Apparently they are very easy to keep alive. If you need a creative outlet, I highly recommend pottery.

My classes at Puffy Mondaes in Nampa, Idaho have been outstanding.  They offer help for schools with art classes and free clay for students. Definitely worth checking out their site.

The Common Core Math Spiral

Teaching 3^rd grade math is amazing!  My students love learning, so it makes my job easy.  In spite of the fact that I have had great success with my students, the past couple of years have been pretty overwhelming. 

After our state adopted the Common Core Standards, it quickly became evident that curriculum adjustments were necessary in my classroom.  However, in order to ensure that my class reviews and practices all of the standards, I realized that I would have to assess all of the standards.  This can be overwhelming to any teacher!  Making a test for each standard is a huge process. 

To develop assessments for my class I began by calculating how many standards I would need to teach each day to teach all of them in a four week period.  I needed to make sure I was giving good feedback to parents.  If I taught all of the standards in a week, assessed them daily and then again at the end of the week, I would have assessed each standard 16 times in a year.  That is 16 chances for me and for the students to get it right!

If you find yourself struggling to assess all of the standards check out my math assessments and mini-lessons.  I am still working on finishing a whole school year, but if you are interested in checking out the first 9 weeks of 3^rd grade you can find them here.

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Beginnings

This year I turn 40!  Wow!  Life flies by.  In honor of this milestone in life I made a list of 40 things to do in the year I turn 40.  Thus I am starting a blog.  If it is on my list it must be done, so here goes!

There is nothing better than having a former student come back to you and say, "You are my favorite teacher."  Second best is having a parent tell you that you made all of the difference in the world for their child.  After 15 years of teaching, these are the reasons I have stayed in the profession.  I am excited to share some of my experiences and teaching resources on this blog.  I also can't wait to share some of my own adventures and learning experiences.

Teaching inspires life-long learning.  You may have heard this statement before.  It is sort of a cliche in the teaching world. I hate to validate the cliche, but it is true.  My years in teaching have helped me to set goals, keep commitments and try new things.  One of my favorite educational quotes:

"Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn."

Check out my educational resources here. There are lots of freebies!

My list of things to do was really fun to make.  My sister decided to make a list of 50 things to do in the year she turns 50.  My students made a list of 9 things to do in the year they turn 9.  Click on the image below to see my list!

My friend J.P. gave me the idea to post some of my student's lists.

We talked about New Year's Resolutions and then made  9 things to do in the year they turn 9.  

They are adorable and I couldn't resist sharing a few.