What's on my school supply list???

2014 - 2015 School Supply List

You might be asking what I do with everything....here's the answer! 

Note: I use pictures because I'm used to teaching a high Hispanic population and this helps with translation issues.  

Supply List

1) 4 Boxes of Crayons - I give each student a new box of crayons at the start of each quarter. Crayons are the cheapest during back to school season. 

2) 1 inch binder - This is the take home binder that goes back and forth each day.  The binder allows me to fit the school agenda in it and page protectors to keep needed items handy (word lists/lunch menus).

3) Glue sticks - The reason I request 4 or more NOW is that during back to school time they are the cheapest they will ever be.  We do many learning projects and glue sticks are a must.

4) Pencils - because the kids eat them...and seriously, I don't really know how we go through so many...

5) Clipboards - each student needs one because we are always on the go with our learning.  Laying on the carpet to write, sitting with groups to gather information, or searching around the room for problems I've taped to every item possible.  

6) Tissues - because snot is gross and the toilet paper at school will tear up a little ones nose.

7) Composition Notebook - Used as a writing journal and/or interactive notebook. To begin to learn to write on notebook paper. 

8) Zip Lock Bags - So many reasons...store yummy leftover food from a cooking project, a random lost tooth, a broken piece of jewelry...the list goes on. 

WISH List 

This list is just that.  It's my wish.  If  items do not get purchased,  I will eventually buy them because they make my classroom work.  

1) EXPO markers - I use them daily AND the kids use them daily in small groups.  If a lid gets left off, then the marker dies a slow death.  We need a lot of these. 

2) Lysol Wipes - germs, germs, and more germs.

3) Watercolor Paints- occasionally I wake up feeling brave and let 24  7 year olds paint...at the same time.

4) Skittles - I have an amazing candy machine in my room that takes real quarters.  I use it as a reward and it's incredible what the kiddos will do to earn a quarter for the machine. 

5) Hershey Kisses - I reward students and say "Kiss your brain and make it sizzle!" and "You deserve a Kind Kiss for being kind!' - when this happens they are allowed 1 Hershey Kiss.  This one Hershey Kiss is a big deal...I promise!

6) Paper Products - we will eat to learn a lot and we will party like there's no tomorrow when we work hard and reach our goals.

7) Extra Erasers- because mistakes happen a lot when you're learning to write! 

8) Colored Paper - For parent letters that need to stand out, for learning stations, for learning projects, for mothers day cards etc...

FREE DOWNLOAD

Parents: You may download the PDF file to print by clicking HERE

Teachers: You may download the editable file by clicking HERE

Name Games {Back to School}

I am looping to 2nd grade this year.  As I began to prepare for the new school year I realized that some of my tried and true first week activities weren't going to work since I've had this group already.  They're a quick bunch and they would look at me like I had 3 heads if I did some of the basic name stuff again.  I always ask them when they're confused why they look at me like I have 3 heads and children are so literal.  They always respond with "Ms. Fleming you don't have 3 heads." - to which I say, "I know! So get to work." 

Back to my point.  I had to dig deep and come up with some name activities and first week activities that go a little deeper.  I am sure I will have 1 or 2 new kiddos added to my roster so I couldn't leave it out all together.  I created a new mini unit to incorporate all of the things I want to do. 

I found a great book that I've never used before called "The Name Jar" by Yangsook Choi. I realize this is not a new book but it's new to me! I will kick off the week using this book. The activities in the unit were inspired by the book but you don't actually need the book to do any of the activities in the unit. 

The first week, I have a letter going home to parents asking about how they chose their child's name.  I'm really excited to get some good stories back on this one.  I also have created an activity to do using student initials.  I plan to take some time to teach them about their initials and the purpose of them.  I'm changing my last name this year which I'm pretty sure is going to be impossible since I'm looping and the kiddos already know my name...I'm hoping the name and initial lessons will help them understand why in the world I'm going by a new name now.  I'm hoping it won't backfire and they won't all suddenly declare that they too are changing their name...

I definitely have some unique names in my class that I really want to embrace.  From personal experience, I can say that it would be nice if some people I've met in life could have embraced my name a little more kindly! My first name is Randi - different I know, but nonetheless, it's my name.  I have heard all kinds of comments about it from people over the years.  It's usually the worst at doctors offices.  For whatever reason, people feel that they can give me their opinion {good or bad} about my name since it's unique.  It's made for some awkward conversations especially when people are expecting a BOY.  It does come in handy though whenever I need to call somewhere like Verizon.  I just have my fiance call and handle stuff like that.  Since it's a boy's name, they never question it.   

I would love to hear any suggestions or tips for looping! 

Here is the preview of my Name Games unit for those of you that are still searching for just the right activities. 

Back to School Sale {Quick Links}

In case you haven't heard by now, Teachers Pay Teachers is having a HUGE back to school sale Sunday and Monday.  Everything in my store will be 20% off.  For and extra 10% off, use this code BTS12!  I know that I have my shopping cart full right now waiting for the sale to start.  To make life a little easier for you, I am going to put quick links below to my newest items and some of my best sellers.  Click on any image to be taken directly to that product. 

There are 2 of these units posted. One uses Fry words and one uses Dolch words.  

Congratulations to Stacie.Sklanka@gmail.com.  Check your e-mail.