Classroom Reveal 2015

I am entering my second year of teaching. I did a total room makeover with both the layout and the boards. I AM LOVING IT! Everything is so much brighter, and stands out against the pale blue walls.

This was taken on Monday, before the boards were truly "complete".

Also done on Monday. The top board is my "Scientific Method" board.

My Religious Board with Bible Verses.

Probably my favorite board. "Bee" a Reader! The students will track their 40 Book Challenge here.

Where we will write down our homework...and just PART of my massive classroom library.

I've moved my computer since last year, but this is my desk and computer area.

A better picture of the massive library.

My Reading, Science and Writing boards are done!

Our Writing Process Clothesline.

Slightly better picture of mailboxes, book shelf, and Scientific Method Board.

THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOARD!! Outside my classroom, this welcomes my students to the "Launchpad".

A better view. Loving Apollo 815 =)

My "Welcome" sign for 5-21.

Same inside the door as outside.

The posters above my closets, my closets (mostly organized), and the posters on the doors. One of the posters is a calendar of events and important dates.

Review: Maitland Simmons Summer Institute 2015

About a month ago, I was a scholar at the Maitland Simmons Summer Institute at the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. From July 27 until July 31, I spent time with 20 other educators learning about the ocean, climate, and various ocean organisms. While my curriculum does not require a unit on marine science, it was still an amazing experience. We were able to connect the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to the various activities done during the week.

While there, we had the opportunity to take a boat ride. This was not just an enjoyable ride down the river, but one where we got to actively participate in trawling for various organisms. We did 6 trawls at three different sites. We also did a plankton trawl. We were then able to count, measure, and identify the various organisms. We also went seining. Seining is where you take a huge net and go out 80 feet from the shoreline, and gather organisms to count and measure. We did three different seins at various locations. It was a lot of fun.

The best part of any professional development, and especially this one, is the connections I make with the other participants. I am so blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful group. I am anxiously awaiting our reunion in October at the NJ Science Teacher Convention.


Click the link below for a video summarizing the events.
https://animoto.com/play/8i0G108kQtmMht7po1P6Vg

Year 1 Review

I haven't posted on my blog in over a year. I lost track of my Twitter chats, did not see my friends as much, and obsessively checked my email. What happened?!?!?!? I finished my first year of teaching!

It was an AMAZING year! While every year has its ups and downs, the first year of any teacher is always rough. I had to learn, not only who my students were and what they would need to succeed, but I also needed to learn a whole new curriculum, a new school, faculty, and procedures. It was rough.

I am so thankful for the teacher friends I have made at my school. They were so great and helpful during my first year. I am also so thankful that I started my journey at the school with a few other "new" teachers. We have formed a little family, and know that we can rely on each other for anything.

Even though this year was tough, I am super excited to be going back for my second year. =) Hopefully I will be able to blog more often.

-Meg

Classroom Set Up-part 1

It's that time of year again....setting up the classroom! This is my first official time setting up a classroom that is MINE!! YES! IT'S ALLLL MINE!! I finally got a permanent job. I'll be teaching 4th and 5th grade science along with 5th grade language arts to my homeroom students at a Catholic school near to home. I've been going in at least 2 times a week since the end of July to figure things out. The room I inherited has LOTS of things in it, so I've spent most of my time in the room trying to organize it, and see exactly what I have.  Here are just a few pictures from my set up. My video and more pictures will be up by the beginning of September when it is FINALLY done!

EduBlogging 101

This is the sample post from my session of EduBlogging 101 from Edcamp Steam 2014.

Post of the Month-April-Professional Development

My most powerful source of ongoing PD is TWITTER! I know it seems like EVERYONE says Twitter is their go to PD place, but it really is an AWESOME resource for educators. Through Twitter I have grown in AWESOME ways within the past year and a half. I have met many new educators whom I've added into my PLN, I've found new conference opportunities, and I've become an executive board member of an AWESOME professional organization.

I will continue to promote Twitter to other educators until I am blue in the face. I can only imagine what Twitter will help me accomplish in the future.

Post of the Month-March-Educational Videos

The easiest way I've incorporated videos into my teaching, is through song. Huh? Well, let me explain.

During my 2 months as a "long term sub" for 6th grade science this school year, I found a youtube channel that produces educational songs--parodies of popular songs which include science related information. Mr.Parr's songs got my students engaged. By the end of a week, we ALL knew the words to the Moon Phases song, and understood why the lyrics were what they were. Check out that song below.

When we, as teachers, can find interesting and engaging videos for our students, they can enhance our learning experience. If only I could find some good songs on Ancient China....