School's out for the summer!

School has been out for 3 weeks and I'm already gearing up for next year.  I've been reading other teacher's blogs and stealing ideas.  Next year I am determined to be better than I was this year.  I will be more organized, use technology more, and other teacher type improvements.  I'm also thinking of revamping my blog.  I've been inspired by teachers across America to do more than share tales from my classroom.  I plan on sharing lesson ideas, classroom management tips, etc.  Pinterest will have you thinking you can do all of this stuff.  LOL.  Anyway, as I prepare for next year, I have to properly end this one. 

My kids had to do oral presentations on author's purpose.  Their topic was Helen Keller.  They were given information about her life, books she wrote, plays that were performed, etc.  While working in groups they had to come up with a presentation that entertained, informed, or persuaded.  With the group of kids I had they were all entertaining.  During one presentation that focused on informing had a weather report.  Here is a picture of the forecast.

Um, really?  He said all of this with a straight face.  I, on the other hand, was cracking up.  I had another group do a rap.  Their purpose was to entertain.  I was thoroughly entertained.  Ok, I tried to upload the video but apparently I'm not that smart sooo... Just take my word for it.  It was good. 

While working on this project my kids decided to play Draw Something on themselves.  SMH

I absolutely loved the group of kids I had this year.  It's safe to say that they were the best group I've ever had.  This group pushed me to be the best teacher I've ever been.  They challenged me (in a positive way) and made sure I knew what I was talking about.  I had to really study my notes and anticipate their questions.  I was truly blessed this year.  While it was a better year than most there was a sad moment.  I lost one of my kids.  I don't have kids of my own, so I adopt my kids and treat them as I would want my kids to be treated.  It was a tough loss especially since so many kids saw the accident.  The day of the accident, he stopped by my room, which was unusual because he didn't have any classes on my hall.  I'm sad he died but I'm glad I got to share a brief moment with him before he passed.  His death really bothered me for some reason.  In my short career I've had 4 students to die in car accidents.  It never gets easier. 

Like I mentioned earlier I've been working on some stuff for next year.  I'll share my resources.  Pinterest is my top source.  There are tons of resources there all in one spot.  Most of the ideas and blogs are geared toward elementary and middle school but they can be modified for older kids if you use a little imagination.  Another site I've been glued to is Teachers Pay Teachers.  There you can find lessons, PowerPoints, tests, etc made by other teachers.  Some items are free; some have a small charge.  You can also sell your resources and services to other teachers.  If you're good at creating PowerPoints you can offer your services and make some money.  It's a pretty cool deal.  Once I get everything made and set up, I'll take pictures and provide the links to where I got the idea.  I'm super excited about the upcoming school year, but it needs to tarry.  I'm enjoying my break!