Wow...How Did All of This FIT in My Classroom?!

The preschool program that I teach for is undergoing some major changes.  This has meant an upcoming move to a new building and a move to a new type of program. 

While preparing for this, I have learned a few things about packing up a classroom...and I've learned a few things about myself.

First, those things I've learned about myself:

1. I may or may not have some hoarding tendencies...especially when it comes to school things...
2. I have enough containers, baskets and tubs to last a lifetime...
3. I really should have de-cluttered before this time...
4. Apparently, I have a super power that enables me to pack a ton of items in a very, very tiny classroom :)

And here are the things I would recommend when packing up an entire classroom:

1. Start early!  If you've been teaching in the same classroom for awhile chances are you have plenty of items to sort through.
2. I'm not sure if this would be the best plan for everyone; but I have found it works better to simply bring my own items home before sorting through them.  I store them in my office, then bring out like items or one binder at a time and sort through it while watching TV.
3. Take advantage of the opportunity to toss items that are not worth saving.  While sorting through binders I found IEP procedures that are completely out of date and incorrect.  Needless to say, all of these papers found their way to the shredder.  (My binders are much less full now!)

Have you recently had to pack up your classroom?  Do you routinely move locations?  What are your suggestions for packing up a classroom and moving to a new room or building?  Because, seriously, people, I could still use some ideas! :)
 

"Teacher Feeders"

Well, Hello!  I think I recognize this blog :) You may have wondered where I went!  Or, maybe you haven't even noticed that no one has been manning this tiny blog for a while!  Well, some confessions first:

I haven't been off on a grand adventure, wonderful vacation or a teaching break (oh, except for the past two weeks for winter break, of course!)  I simply have found that a regular, extended absence from the Internet is needed on a regular basis to keep my sanity. :)  I've browsed the other preschool blogs off and on throughout this time, I've checked in here from time to time and I've pinned lots of teaching ideas to Pinterest!  I just haven't pulled out the keyboard to actually begin a post for quite a few months!

I'm beginning to feel rejuvenated and figured I'd better start off with an incredibly simple post for you today!  So...here goes! 

Before we left for our winter break, I managed to pull together some super simple gifts for the other teachers in the preschool program where I work.  Of course, you could probably make these for any gift giving occasion!  So, I thought I would share!

I found small plastic bird feeders (I think I found these at Wal-mart several months back for less than a dollar each!)  I bought paint pens at Wal-mart (look for the paint pens that specify you can use them on plastic).

I painted the name of the classroom and decorated the bird feeders with the classroom theme (at our school this is Ladybug Lane, Caterpillar Creek, Bumblebee Boulevard and Firefly Freeway). 

I filled the bird feeders with chocolates and candy and handed them out, calling them "Teacher Feeders" :) 

Of course, unless you are a bird, you can't peck at the chocolate to eat it through the bird feeder holes!  You will have to open the top to steal a chocolate out of the Teacher Feeder!  But, I'm pretty darn sure any teacher would quickly figure out a way to get to a chocolate after the first few days back with the kids after winter break!  Of course, once the candy and chocolate is gone, the bird feeders could be filled with actual bird feed and hung outside the classroom window. 

So, there you have it...a super simple post about a super simple, easy to make gift! 

 

PreK and K Sharing...Have You Checked it Out Yet?

So, have you heard yet?  There are some wonderful early childhood ideas over at the new blog PreK and K Sharing!  If you haven't visited yet, you really should pop on over to read a few of the first posts from people interested in so many different aspects of early childhood! 

This is truly a site devoted to all sorts of early childhood experiences!  It's also a wonderful place for so many visitors!   Below is just a sampling of what has been posted so far!  These first posts have been introductions from the authors...but definitely have a wealth of information inside each post!  Come check them out!

1. If you teach Montessori (or would like to know more...or would like to implement Montessori inspired work in your room) you may want to check out THIS!
2. If you need ideas for music and movement or would like to use visuals with music, you may want to check out THIS!
3. If your school is implementing data teams and you are looking for quick ways to assess academic learning with your kindergarten students, you may want to check out THIS!
4. If you're interested in storytelling and story play with young children you may want to check out THIS!
5. Would you like more literacy ideas?  Check out THIS!
6. Would you like to learn more about the study of the brain, how young children learn and what young children need in order to grow and develop to their fullest?  Then check THIS out!
7. Would you like ideas to help children relax and calm their bodies?  (I think I need this sometimes :)  Then check out THIS!
8. Would you like some ideas for great go-to books for preschool children?  Then head over HERE!
9. Would you like ideas for working with and activities for mixed age groups?  Then check out THIS!
10. Would you like some simple and exciting ideas and activities for young children?  Then hop on over HERE!
11. Oh, and LOL...just in case you haven't seen MY TOP 10 Reasons I love teaching early childhood and my favorite super simple activities from the last year...check THIS out!
12. And last, but certainly not least, would you like to meet Debbie Clement (who started this great blog) and see some great music and dancing?  Well, check out this POST!

Now, remember, these are just SOME of the first posts!!!  There will be MANY more and SO many more contributors who have NOT YET POSTED an introduction post!  So, don't just take my word for it!  Head on over!  You may find some new favorite blogs, new favorite ideas and inspiration and meet some new people interested in early childhood! Stop back to learn something new!  Implement a new idea you love in your own room!  And then check back for even more blog posts from even MORE early childhood people!! 

You've Got To Start Somewhere!

I've been helping out a friend recently who is new to teaching; who is new to special education in particular.  Because of this, I started thinking about all the ways teachers can (but often don't) assist new teachers!

I've had quite a few student teachers come through my classroom.  When you think about it, though, student teaching is often very different than that first year of teaching!  Student teachers often HELP with paperwork, assessments, IEP's and conferences; but, they are never completely responsible for this.  It is still up to the cooperating teacher to make sure things go smoothly, that things are written correctly and that things are done on time.

That first year in the classroom can be just a bit overwhelming!  No longer are you responsible only for the children; but for managing multiple things (paperwork, IEP's, assessments, computer work) with little assistance from others.  This can definitely be overwhelming!  Of course, there are mentors and your teaching team to help when needed.  Unfortunately, many times, new teachers feel that asking for assistance may come across in the wrong way! 

Here are a few things I think all of us, no matter how much teaching experience we have, can do to help those who are newer than ourselves!

1. Offer time to brainstorm ideas and solutions to problems!  Often simply talking out a stressful or challenging situation can bring clarity and several possible solutions!
2. Offer to help create things.  New teachers are often overwhelmed with the responsibility and paperwork alone!  Creating simple games, props, picture prompts or assessment tools can be a great help! 
3. If you have previous knowledge or training in an area that may be helpful; offer to provide a quick overview of how things work!  Often just walking through something can ease the burden!
4. Share!  Share ideas, Internet resources, assessment tools, other resources etc.  Don't be stingy!  Those things are doing very little good if they are only benefiting one person and a few children!  Look at the big picture!  By sharing these resources, you are making an impact on more children than those in your own classroom!
5. Continue to ask if help is needed!  Most of us would like to think we don't need any help and have things completely under control...until we don't! 
6. And always, always remember that you were once there as well!  Remember that we are all learning!  Remember that by teaching and assisting others you can continue learning as well!  And, finally, remember that it is always OK to simply suggest asking someone with more expertise or with training in a specific area!  You don't have to be the go-to person for everything!

For some odd reason, it seems that many teachers feel sharing these resources hurts them in some way!  WE'RE TEACHERS for goodness sake!  People learn from each other!  Be a resource to others!  Try not to fall into the complaining sessions that sometimes happen  (and if you do, just make sure something positive is coming from it)! 

I Think the Kids are on to Something! :)

So, apparently I have been learning a few choice ways to get things done when no one seems to be listening, from the kids.   We've been short staffed.  We have had various people coming in and out of the classroom and the children HAVE HAD IT!!  I mean, they are in full blown stomping feet, refusing to move, "DON'T TELL ME ANOTHER PERSON IS COMING IN TO HELP"...mode. 

And I don't blame them ONE BIT!  In fact, I am to that point as well.  Due to what I feel are various less than desirable decisions made by various unnamed people, we have seen several people come and go in and out of the classroom within the last few months. 

I get it, people.  Being a teacher associate in a special education classroom is not for everyone.  That's fine!  I certainly don't want someone to be here if they don't want to be.  That just makes MY life and the CHILDREN'S lives miserable!  But, is there a reason WHY you wouldn't just at least come observe the classroom first to see if it would be somewhere you would enjoy working?!

Well, last week I pretty much kidnapped and held our education consultant hostage in my room for an hour and basically threw the fit that I knew the children couldn't throw (at least not to the people that can make things happen) but really wanted to.  If I could have gotten away with it I would have screamed, thrown myself on the floor and kicked and cried. 

No, I didn't do those things.  I basically threw a "grown up" fit...Yup...not proud of it...but apparently it worked!  This was after a week and a half of only one teacher associate in the room.  You may think that should be plenty.  But, just take my word for it...it's not. 

A day after I threw that fit, a teacher associate "sub" showed up at my doorstep.  I'm calm again.  The world is still not right for the kids.  They are still upset that so many people have been coming and going out of the classroom.   But at least there are almost enough hands to meet the needs of the children.

Of course, my poor new teacher associate (who, by the way, DOES want to be here and is doing a wonderful job) has had to go through this with me.  That is certainly NOT the way to start a new job!  But, we'll get there!  We'll find one more good match for the classroom.  We'll find someone who wants to stay for more than a month.  Hopefully soon.  And hopefully with minimal fit throwing in the future...by the children or myself!

H...E...L...P...!

HELP....I'm drowning in work.... :) ... that's what I get for a month off!  I'll be back soon when I can grow a few more arms and hands to take photos to accompany blog posts... and when I can juggle everything again!  :) 

Out of Sorts...

Ugh...I HATE that feeling of being completely out of sorts the first few days I'm back from a break!  Now, it wouldn't be that big of a deal if the children had this time off as well!  At least I'd feel like we were all starting on the same "out of sorts" footing!
But, in our district, the preschool teachers have one month off during the summer months...while the children are still at school with a guest teacher!  Of course, it's not easy for the children to transition to a guest teacher, then transition back to me being in the classroom!  Everyone does things a bit differently.  No matter how good the guest teacher is, it is still a big transition for everyone!

Of course, today I also feel like I'm headed into a completely new room; since today is the first day I get to work with either of my two new teacher associates!  

I'm also pretty sure a few of the little guys in the classroom are seriously going to make me PAY for taking a whole month off!  I stopped in Friday to drop some stuff off and one of my little guys was definitely ready to grow Velcro and attach himself to me!  (Of course, the first day back, not a big deal...but if it lasts for too long, I may have a few of the other children a bit upset!)

It's definitely going to take a bit before we all settle into the routine!  Here's to hoping we all enjoy some nice relaxing summer fun for the next few weeks while we work back into the routine!  OK, reality check!  That's probably NOT going to happen! 

I don't care what time it is..."Where did my Dt. Pepsi go...I'm gonna' need more caffeine than this to keep me going!" 

The Funny Thing is...

You know, the funny thing about writing or reading a blog is that it really isn't the same as writing or reading a book or magazine article.  It's more like having a conversation with people you know, but haven't met in person yet.  You're just not quite sure who will stop in to have that conversation, until you start it!  And, of course, a conversation on the Internet can involve multiple people, with multiple viewpoints all at once! 

I think for teachers especially, this can be such a wonderful tool! 

Why?  Well, teachers often share quite a bit with their colleagues within their schools.  Unfortunately, these are the people who are probably dealing with some of the same struggles, working within the same framework and expectations and bogged down with the same challenges within the classroom!  After years of working together, these people tend to  recycle the same ideas over and over to each other, which makes innovation and change much more difficult!

In comparison, the Internet is continually changing.  People are moving in and out of various groups and discussions.  Unless you isolate yourself and only move within a small circle of ideas and discussions, it would be nearly impossible not to find at least some new viewpoints and ideas for the classroom!

And, because these people aren't always working within the same restrictions, the ideas may be something you never even considered!  So, whether you are involved in many discussions and share many ideas, or follow only a few discussions, I think conversations on the Internet about teaching and education in general can have a very positive effect for many teachers.

And, while you may not be able to implement all of the ideas you want...you will certainly never be short of ideas!

Changes are never easy!

Changes are never easy.  Lately, I've been so busy working on paperwork and IEP's that the changes that are about to happen at our school really haven't sunk in yet!  Changes are never easy; especially when these changes are happening because of budgets that are created at a much higher level and are completely out of the control of anyone within our immediate area!   Changes are never easy. 

I've tried to keep looking at the positive in all this.  Although we will have teachers moving from preschool to teach kindergarten; we aren't truly "losing" anyone.  We will still be able to provide wonderful services for the children in our preschool program.  We continue to function as an early learning program...we just may look a bit different...with fewer classrooms and programs, but still a good core group of programs.  Changes are never easy. 

I'm all for learning new things!  Sometimes shaking things up is a good thing!  We'll have the opportunity to work with new wonderful people!  Although, of course, we will miss those wonderful people who are moving on to new adventures.  Changes are never easy.  

I have the month of July off...the entire month!  I'm very excited and completely ready to have a month off, but these changes will be taking place WHILE I'm off!  I'm pretty sure I'm going to come back in August and hardly recognize the place!  OK, that may be taking it a bit far!  Changes are never easy.   

So, while changes are never easy...sometimes they really do open up wonderful new learning opportunities!   I'm excited to see what these changes bring...

HEY! HE TOUCHED ME! (or Don't make me stop this car...again!)

Several weeks ago, there was some disagreement in our program as to how to handle certain things.  Some felt these were very large issues; others did not.  This got me to thinking...how do we as early childhood teachers, normally handle disagreements?  

Now, we are no strangers to conflict!  Any group of people who have worked together for any length of time WILL deal with disagreements at some point!  HOW we handle disagreements can make all the difference in the world, though!  

Hopefully, most of us would choose to take an issue that sends us "over the top" to the hall, to an office or wait for a more appropriate time to discuss it if we couldn't "hold it together" for the moment.  Hopefully, most of us would not choose to "vent" while the children were present. 

But, other than that, how do you deal with conflict within your program?  Is there an established procedure for dealing with issues that are "hot button" topics?  Do you have established times to meet to discuss issues? 

Organizing All of our Stuff...Part VI

Here's a VERY quick and easy organizing idea I have used for a while in my teeny, tiny classroom!  No...really, my space is very limited in my classroom!  (I know...I know, I'm not the only one!)  I basically have a small corner of the classroom devoted to my desk and 2 shelves devoted to resource books and binders to organize all my information and paperwork!  

However, I often run out of space for all of the binders and books I have here.  I was constantly taking a binder down then accidentally putting it on another shelf!  Because of this, NOTHING would fit correctly...and I was, yet again, out of space. 

So I came up with a very quick way to make sure that I don't run out of space because I am unknowingly rearranging!  Basically, I've attached a colored sticker to my resource books and binders.  Red for the binders that belong on my desk, blue for the resource books and binders that fit on my shelf and yellow for the books and binders that belong on my large wooden shelf! 

This may seems silly, but it's worked for me!  When I start a new binder or add a resource book, I find a shelf that it will fit on and slap on a sticker!   This way, I know it definitely fit on a shelf at SOME point...so it's POSSIBLE to find a space to put it back on the shelf!  So, if you also are space-deprived and need to make sure there is space for books and binders, feel free to give this a try!  It won't make your classroom grow...but at least it will keep you from feeling like you are losing your mind!

If you would like more ideas on organizing, I've written just a few times about things I have organized. :)  So feel free to head over to:  Organizing All our Stuff...Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV and Part V.

(For full disclosure:  I don't remember reading about this tip anywhere...but it's been sitting in my draft posts for so long that I can't be sure about this!  Please let me know if you've seen this tip out there somewhere so I can provide a link!)

**This post is linked to Rainbows Within Reach classroom organization linkie!

Have You Ever...

Have you ever found yourself searching through storage boxes, cabinets, drawers and shelves...KNOWING you have an item you need to use for the week!  Knowing it is tucked neatly away SOMEWHERE! 

I recently spent at least half an hour tearing apart my office in search of ONE small item.  I can see this item in my head.  I can picture it in one of the storage boxes in my office.  I KNOW it is in there somewhere!  I JUST CAN'T FIND IT!

All my boxes are sorted and labeled...it SHOULD be in one of those darn boxes!  Sadly, I still can't find it.  Now, I know I can substitute.  It isn't the end of the world.  But, I KNOW it's there!  Somewhere!   I even checked in boxes and drawers that it SHOULDN'T be in.  No luck. 

On my quest for this one elusive object I did find about twenty OTHER things that I can use in the next several weeks!  I guess I was just taking the "scenic route" to find all these other wonderful items!  I'm sure I'll find the item I was looking for when I least expect it...while I'm searching for something else!  And, of course, I'll have to make sure I find a use for it then...because, I sure the heck am not going to have all this searching go to waste!

Really...this activity was created with the...best of intentions!

Well, it all starts with the best of intentions... the creation of a project or activity we think the children will LOVE...that simply falls flat!  I KNOW I can't be the only teacher out there that has had this happen!  You mean you've NEVER experienced this!?  

In my room it just involves a VERY QUICK realization that the project or activity or lesson is about to fall flat.  We can tell within the first....oh.....2 seconds of an activity!  HOW can we tell? 

We can tell that the activity will fall flat because it is OVER in 2 seconds!  The general attention span for anything that is not monumentally exciting is exactly...2 seconds. 

This is how it started today...with the best of intentions.  My own child (now 17) made beautiful ornaments when he was in preschool.  The children had filled clear colored ornaments with several colors of paint and  swirled it around inside to create wonderful colors.  Wow!  This would be a wonderful, simple activity all my children could participate in and enjoy....yes....for what turned out to be 2 seconds. 

The children seemed to miss the fact that the ornaments were plastic so they could roll them around without breaking them!  They seemed to miss the fact that they could see colors swirling and mixing inside.  They seemed to miss the fact that they could do this virtually on their own!  Maybe they missed this because they decided they were done within 2 seconds! 

So, without further insistence that we stick with an activity that was clearly not going to happen today, we moved on to exploring the sensory table before we ate our lunch!  Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow...and the flow was certainly not moving in the direction of creating beautiful ornaments today!

"Don't MAKE me stop this car!" or working together as a team

Teamwork!  We are all challenged to work together as a team throughout our day as teachers.  As preschool teachers we have an even bigger challenge to work as a team throughout the day. We work together with teacher associates in the classroom, consultants for children with special needs and co-workers.  Our programs are always at their best when the teams function well together! 

In fact, have you ever noticed how many classrooms with multiple adults in the room can run smoothly even with very little communication between the adults as to what needs to be done minute by minute.  And, then again, there are some classrooms that struggle to run smoothly even WITH much communication between adults on a minute by minute basis.  There is a clear difference between classrooms that seem to have a top heavy focus and those that function as a team.  What I mean by a top heavy focus is the TEACHER in the classroom is seen as the only adult who structures the school day, holds high expectations for the children and basically runs the show.  When the classroom functions as a true team, multiple adults are seen as leaders, the children are seen as competent components of the team and the children learn to count on and develop strong relationships with multiple adults in the classroom.

When there is a strong sense of teamwork between the adults in the classroom, it is easy to see this spread to teamwork and a mutual sense of respect with the children in the classroom.  When children see only one adult as the leader, they often will function best only when this adult is in sight.  This can also impact how well a class does with a guest teacher when the classroom teacher is sick or out of the classroom.  When the children see the classroom teacher as having little respect for the other adults in the classroom, why should the children extend respect to these same individuals?

For the most part, teamwork simply means collaboration and respect within your own classroom.  Sometimes, though,  this means stepping up and putting the needs of the preschool PROGRAM before the needs of you as an individual teacher!  Because, while your own classroom is your most important concern, working together to improve the program benefits everyone!  Focusing positive energy in the direction of activities or improvements for the preschool program can have a huge impact! 

Daily, we also have the opportunity to work as a team with parents.  All parts of the team need to be seen as competent partners, all offering varying strengths and talents.  At the most basic level, this also means speaking to parents about other adults and teachers in the classroom and program with RESPECT and acknowledging that others offer talents and strengths that you may not have.  Again, our programs are always at their best when the teams function well together!

It is AMAZING what a strong team of teachers and parents can accomplish when working together.  The program as a whole benefits, the children benefit, the parents benefit and the teachers benefit!