Work Smarter, Not Harder # 13

Do you ever have those DUUUUUHHHH moments?  This insight was one of those times for me. 

When I first moved to 2nd Grade from Kindergarten, I lost the parapro that I had become accustomed to for 16 years.  She was an absolute jewel and took care of all the filing for me.  Suddenly, that was an extra chore added to my day.  I continued the system that we had, which was having the students file folders in a hanging file.  They were each assigned a number and when they turned their work in, I would put them in order and then file.

Well!!!

One day this past year, I walked into a friend and co-workers room (and yes, just because they are co-workers, doesn't always mean they are friends, so that is why I list both).  We had worked together in kindergarten for many years, but this was her first year in 2nd grade.  I was thrilled to be back teaching with Jennifer, even though we were on different pods and didn't get to see a lot of each other through the day.  However, we would pop into each other's room if we had a chance.  When I walked into her room, I had a MAJOR DUUUUUHHHHH moment. 

She had her hanging files set up in a milkcrate next to her student cubbies...and...

the STUDENTS...YES, the students...(gasp) were doing their VERY OWN filing of their papers.  Then on Friday, she just had them pull them out, put into their parent folder and take them home.

What could be smarter???? 

Oh, my!!!

I'm so glad I'm going to be able to save myself some time daily using her system.  I figure I spent 5-15 minutes daily dealing with this!!!

Thanks, Jennifer!!!!

Don't forget I offer specialty items for your classroom.  Kim just contacted me Monday needing a Farm Theme for her classroom decor.  I gave her several options of  graphics to choose from and we started a conversation of what she wanted.  One of the things that was so great was she had some sample pictures and ideas to point me into the direction she wanted. 

Here's how it turned out:

She told me what she wanted her bulletin board and door to say.

I was very pleased with how it turned out and so was she.

This is what she had to say about her experience on the TPT site:

I am so pleased with my custom back to school unit! It is more than I ever imagined and is going to look fabulous in my classroom. I love how Cynthia involved me in the whole process and made sure that I got a product that I truly loved! If you are looking for an affordable and cute classroom pack...look no further!

So, if I can help you with ANY kind of specialty item, please contact me!

Have a GREAT day...and continue to Work SMARTER, Not HARDER!!!

Work Smarter, Not Harder #12

Do you ever find yourself on Friday morning realizing that you haven't yet written the monthly parent letter?  (Oh, CRAP!)  Try communicating with your parents in a different way this year.  There are several things you can do to WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER...

We do a monthly letter.  On one side is the month's calendar with important dates listed and other reminders for parents.  On the other side it tells, "What will my child be learning this month?" We list each subject and what will be taught along with some tid-bits of how the parents can help at home.  This has worked really well for us as a grade level.  If an individual teacher has something special, they can attach to the letter, or send home whenever needed.

Still want to do a weekly newsletter?  Get with a partner or your whole team and take turns writing it each week.  Leave a small space that each teacher can write individual notes.

Other options...consider using social media.  This (along with the monthly calendar format) is what I plan to do.  Previously, we had class websites (as I'm sure all of you do also).  This summer, our district switched over to google mail and did away with all our websites.  We were told it is up to us what to use this year.  I have been looking all summer trying to decide which was the best way to go. 

Another teacher friend and I have discussed in length.  We would LOVE to have a private Facebook page, but alas, it is blocked at school.  Just THINK of the possibilities...Need something for your classroom within the next hour, just post it on your FB page, send info & pictures to parents instanteously for them to view what their child is doing, etc.  The possibilities are endless!  Probably, every parent out there has a FB account and most have phones to keep in constant touch.

However, since that is not an option for me, I have decided to go with a blog.  I worked almost all day on it yesterday setting it up.  (Yes, I KNOW there are lots of ready-made free blog templates out there, but it's just my personality.  I LOVE challenging myself and learning new things!) I would love if you popped over and take a looksie at it.  I'm still working on it, but would love ideas from those of you who have used a classroom blog.  I would REALLY like for my students to be able to blog also.

I'm also involve in TWO huge giveaways.  While you're out blog stalking blog hopping today, be sure to stop by and enter if you haven't already.  Maybe you'll be the lucky winner!

Brian over at Hopkin's Hoppin' Happenings is celebrating 100,000 views on his blog.  Hurry over, his giveaway ends tonight.

Casey over at Second Grade Math Maniac is also having a huge giveaway.  Hers starts today.

So, please, please, PLEASE leave your comments, thoughts and ideas on this one.  How do you make communication Smarter, not Harder?  What else do I need to add on a classroom blog?  Is there anyway to keep it private for JUST parents?  I really need your help on this one.  Help ME be Smarter!

Work Smarter, Not Harder #11

     Hi everyone!  This is Donna from Peace, Love and Learning and I am thrilled to be a guest blogger for Cynthia’s “Work Smarter, Not Harder” series.  I’ve never been a guest blogger before so I sure hope I do Cynthia’s awesome blog justice!

    I think that the motto, “Work Smarter, Not Harder” is what teachers everywhere strive for. Let’s face it, you won’t find a harder working group of professionals anywhere.  (Take a minute here to pat yourself on the back.) Looking at the many things we do and finding the most effective and efficient ways to do them will not only benefit us (by giving us a little more time to blog stalk, for instance) but will also benefit the kids we work with every day.

     One practice I’ve really tried to “Think Smarter” about is the way I manage conferring with my kids. Having a meaningful, impactful conversation with a student is always the priority, but I’ve struggled with the best way to document my conferences.  I finally found a way this year that not only gives me the data (a big buzz word in my school right now) that I need to support my early learners but also gives them a “take away” that they can understand.  Stick with me here as I explain…

     My goal is to meet with each student once a week during Readers’ Workshop and once a week during Writers’ Workshop.  To accomplish this, I follow a traditional conference structure and try to keep them to about 3-5 minutes each.  The main things we talk about are strategies that the student is using effectively and those that need some practice.  I wanted a way to document this great info so I could add it to each student’s individual data binder, but I didn’t want to shuffle through 20 data sheets each time I started a new conference to find the right one.  (This is the where the “Work Smarter” part comes in.)   I now use a class set of labels that have a place to jot down each student’s strengths (thumbs up) and challenges (lightbulb).   I have a two page template with a label for each student and I only carry these 2 sheets on my clipboard. The labels look like this:

     At the end of the day I stick the completed labels onto conference logs in the students’ data binders.  This lets me see their growth over time and track their progress. The conference logs I use look like this:

     It’s a great way to organize notes and I know which students I still need to meet with later in the week by looking at what labels I have left on my sheets. If you’d like to give this system a try, you can download the labels and  the log down below.  (You'll need 2"x4" labels, 10 per sheet - I use Avery 5163.) I left the file in Word format so you can type in your own students’ names.

     In order to make the conferences meaningful to the students and hold them accountable for their own learning goals, they each have a matching Conference Strategy Sheet in their book boxes and writing folders.  We partner to decide on a take-away that they add to their sheet. To read more about this part of my “Work Smarter” plan, pop over to Peace, Love and Learning to check it out!

Click Here to Download Labels and Log

Thanks to Cynthia for letting me visit.  I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their summer!

Donna

Work Smarter, Not Harder #10

I hope you are all having a wonderful 4th of July spending time with your family and doing those traditional things such as cooking out, enjoying some sort of water activity and of course fireworks!
I have taken advantage of several graphics sales and I am WELL stocked up!  Now it's time to start making some stuff!  What would you like to see me make? Leave a comment letting me know what you need in your classroom.  If I choose yours, you get it for FREE!!!!  :-) 

I am super excited.  I just surpassed the 300 followers on my TPT store and I'm only 4 away here on my blog. And, by all means, if you are not already a follower, please become one and help me out!  I have a post about Focus Walls with a freebie ready to go as soon as I hit 300, so come on back tomorrow to read it.  I won't break blogging etiquette by doing it today!  :-)

My tip for today in my Work Smarter, Not Harder series is to begin thinking about last school year and the upcoming school year.  Think about what worked and you want to continue, what needs tweaking, and what you want to change. 

Now, there's not a single, solitary teacher in the whole world that doesn't do that every year right???  So, nothing new about this post...except maybe a new way to put that information together.  Keep reading...

Today's tip involves HOW you do it.  I used to have pages and pages of stuff written down.  Then I would misplace it, forget about it when school started, couldn't remember what my own notes meant, etc.  (Anybody with me on this one?? LOL) 

Now, as I'm scouring the Internet and reading all the FABulous blogs out in blogville, I have a Power Point Presentation on my computer titled, (yep...you guessed it...) "Things I Want to do in MY Classroom."  I just have blank pages in it.  Then when I find something I really want to do, I right click the picture and "copy."  Next go to your PP and click on your slide, click "paste," drag and expand the picture leaving enough space to enter a comment to yourself along with the url of the blog post for later reference. 
Here are a few pictures that I already have in my file:

(See my DUH?? note to myself??  hahaha)

I copied the text directly from this site to remind myself.

I made the pictures small enough to show all of them on one page.

Then when post-planning is upon us, simply pull up your Power Point and all of your great ideas for the new year is right there for you to review and do in your classroom.

What is the best way that you have found to keep track of the ideas and changes you want to implement for the new school year?

Work Smarter, Not Harder #8

I think you've all figured out by now that my motto is Work Harder, Not Smarter!  lol

My tip today, is short and sweet...
Hang your anchor charts, calendar, posters, etc. using 3M clips or clothespins instead of hot gluing or taping to the wall.  When it is time for those all important standardized tests, simply flip them over so the students can not see them.  This will save you time by not having to cover up or take down.

Don't forget to keep sending me pictures of your focus walls.  I'm working on a huge blog post with lots of pictures and a FREEBIE to be posted on Sunday, July 8th!  (I'm also hoping to hit 300 followers by then for a combination celebration!)  Tell your friends to send me their pix! 

Thanks,

Work Smarter, Not Harder #4

Hello everyone.  I realize it is Thursday morning and I am a day late on my installment for my series, “Work Smarter, Not Harder!”  I do apologize.  You see, I am on vacation, and I kind of lost track of the days…hehehe…Don’t you just LOVE summertime???

My tip for today is to utilize 3-ring binders.  If you’re like me, you always have a few extra of those lying around.  In our school district we have 4 qtrs.  Therefore, I have four binders labeled Q1, Q2, Q3, & Q4.  Inside each of those notebooks, I have the months.  When I print a worksheets, lesson plan, activity, etc.  I save the original.  (Be sure you use a YELLOW highlighter and write ORIGINAL across it.  When copying, you cannot see the yellow.)  Place it in your notebook.  Sometimes, I even use a pencil and write quick notes on the back to myself such as:  GREAT! Need more time, too easy, etc.  The next school year as I’m making my lessons, the current notebook is on my desk.  Rather than having to print AGAIN (and use more of that valuable ink), I just take out of the binder, place in my “to copy” folder a week in advance, and I’m ready to go.

 Thanks for all the comments you have been leaving.  I’m glad these tips and this series is helping some of you out there.  Feel free to blog about it, share with your co-workers, or pin.  I’m just trying to make things a little easier for everyone!

Back to the subject of vacation, for some reason the Internet here does not allow for downloads (took me an hour yesterday for a very small file) or uploads to my stores.  However, I’m using the time to make lots of new items for when I get home next week.  Here is a sneak preview of my latest:

We are doing “Once Upon a Time” for the entire 2^nd grade with each teacher having a different story.  I made this one to use in my room.  If there’s anyone else out there using this theme for back to school, I would LOVE to hear from you what you need.  I’ve got lots more goodies I’m going to be making also.

Well, I’m back to vacationing and losing track of the days.  But I PROMISE, I’ll be back Sunday with Post #5- Using a Shared Folder.  See you then!  J

Cynthia

Work Smarter, Not Harder - Post #2

Post #2:  Year at a Glance

Several years ago, a friend of mine in another grade level made a form she titled, Year at a Glance.  She was very gracious and gave me a copy.  I tweeked it to fit my needs.  I have posted as a FREEBIE in my TPT store, (I haven't taken the time to figure out how to do Google Docs yet) so go download your copy to map out your year.  It is in Word, so that you can edit to fit your needs.  Here is the one we will be using in 2nd Grade with our new standards.  Keep this handy for the upcoming year.  It definitely keeps you on track with your pacing and makes life so much easier!

(Just click on the picture to download your copy.)

I will be adding to my series each Sunday and Wednesday.  My other posts will involve...well, who knows?  After all, it's SUMMER!!!  :-)

Next Post:  Getting Ahead on Your Lesson Plan Book
Look for it Sunday!

Cynthia

Work Smarter! Not Harder! Post #1

Work Smarter, Not Harder!

My motto for many, many years has been WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER!  Now, you may be asking yourself, “How is this possible?”  Yes, as teachers, we are some of the hardest working bunch of people I know of.  It seems we are always redoing, revising, reinventing, etc., etc., etc.  There are several ways that I try to stick to my mantra to make life easier.  I plan on doing a series this summer here on my blog to give tips and encouragement to make your life more simple, enjoyable and easier.  I hope you will visit often to see my latest post and add comments and questions to help us all.

Today is post #1:  Are You Working Hard at Planning or Hardly Planning?

I like to use the beginning of the summer to map out my next school year.  Other teachers always ask me why I’m not spending hours on lesson plans during the school year.  My reasoning is simple…I did it in the summer at my own pace when I was relaxed and WANTED to do it.   First, on my computer I make a folder titled for the next school year.  (2012-2013).  Inside this folder I make a folder for each month. 

Inside each of those folders, I make a math, language arts, reading, writing, science, social studies etc. folder.

Next, inside each of those folders, I make…hahaha…you got it…MORE folders.  (Make August first, then copy, paste and simply change the month name…remember SMARTER…).  These I label for the things I use to teach the unit such as, Power Points, Hands on Activities, Worksheets, etc. 

Then as I come across ideas on Pinterest, blogs, TPT, Teacher's Notebook, etc. I just drop them into the correct month, subject and teaching style folder.  During the school year as it is time to plan for the unit, everything I need is at my fingertips and it makes planning a breeze!  Of course, I've been doing this for several years, so now I just change the year and add or delete to make it jive with the current school year.  (This year I'll be doing a LOT of adding and deleting with the new standards!  :-)

*EXTRA, EXTRA* - I have opened a store in Teacher's Notebook called, "Cynthia's Pad."  I am having a 50% off sale to welcome you all to my store.  Don't miss it!

What do you do to make lesson planning easier during the school year?

Next post:  Year at a Glance

Cynthia