Erin Condren Teacher Planner Review Part 1: Ordering

**I am in no way officiated with Erin Condren, and am not endorsed for promoting products.**

When I became a teacher, the one thing I got super excited about was organizing my room in such an adorable way. Baskets, binders, and more...it all made me so excited. When I finally got my own room last year, I didn't focus on making it super cute. I focused more on making sure that I understood the curriculum assigned to me. This year, I redesigned the layout of my classroom, and am focusing on being a more organized and prepared teacher. To top that off, my classroom can be cute as well.

One of the key things that I kept seeing on Pinterest over the past few years was the Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner.I kept seeing what an awesome planner it was, and all the reviews of it, so I finally broke down and bought one. It is such an awesome planner! I LOVE IT!!!!



When you go to purchase the planner you have the option to "Personalize a Lesson Planner" or order one "Ready to Ship". I choose to personalize the planner. Choosing a cover took a long time, but I finally choose one that went along with my classroom theme....black with multicolored, bright dots. It really makes me smile when I use it during the day. I added my name and my school's name to the planner as well. It is easily known that this is my lesson planner.



There are several other options to personalize your planner further. I added 3 sheet protectors to my planner, rather than just the 1 that is included. I also added 14 checklist pages, rather than the 7 that are included. Once you have added the planner to your cart, you can add various accessories as well. One thing I added was the "Designer Date Dots" for the monthly calendar pages. I also added the customized event stickers, but the planner comes with so many already, that the customized ones were not worth it, to me. The other important thing that I got personalized was a Carry All Clutch, in the large size. It is a life saver!!!

In the next few blog posts, I'll review the parts of the planner, and how I've started to use them this year.

40 Book Challenge

Yes, I know my blog title is "Stepping into Science", but I also happen to teach English Language Arts and Reading to my group of fifth grad homeroom students. I also am a firm believer that good reading instruction should happen across the curriculum, not just within a specific discipline.

During my sophomore practicum in college, I observed my own 4th grade teacher. During that time, I noticed that she challenged her students to read 40 books during the school year. Last year, during my first year of teaching, I contacted my teacher, Ms. B, and asked her if she could send me her resources for it. She directed me to Donna Miller, the creator of this wonderful idea. Miller's idea is to challenge students to read outside their comfort zone and experience new books.

My students really took the challenge to a whole new level last year. One student alone read 160 books in the school year. This year, my students are also getting excited about this challenge. I changed my genres from last year, and really tried to include a little bit of everything. I have already heard wonderful things from my students' parents about the challenge. I hope this year will be as successful as last year.

Here are the requirements for the 2015-2016 Challenge:

40 Book Challenge Genre Breakdown

·         Mythology- 2

·         Poetry- 2

·         Biography or Autobiography-2

·         Historical Fiction-2

·         Realistic Fiction-2

·         Informational Text-4

·         Mystery-2

·         Graphic Novel-6

·         Science Fiction-2

·         Newberry Honor or Newberry Winner-2

·         Free Choice Chapter Book-12

·         Traditional Literature/Classic-2

j

Back to School Night 2015

It's been a crazy few weeks, getting back into a routine at school. With each new group, you need to reteach procedures, and sometimes implement new ones. This past Thursday we had our Back to School Night. I was nervous. I've met most of the parents before, but I was still nervous that I would mess up. I guess it will take me awhile before I don't get nervous.

This isn't a super helpful, or inspirational post. I am just excited that I get to do what I love every day...even when they are long days and even if the kiddos don't always listen.

Have a fantastic week!

-Megan

My Prezi ready to go for Back to School Night

First Day Nerves

The first day of a new school year is always nerve racking. Will the students like me? Will they listen to what I have to say? Will they work well together this year? Am I prepared to handle whatever comes my way? My internal monologue never shuts up. As I try to compose myself to go retrieve my new class, my heart beats what feels like  a million times a second.

Then, something magical happens...I see their faces, their smiles, their excitement, and suddenly all my worries just disappear. In that moment, I KNOW I was meant for this. I was meant to have this specific group of students, at this school, at this time in my life.

No matter what the roller coaster ride will bring this year, I KNOW that they are just as excited as I am for this year to begin. I, for one, can't wait to see what happens.

'Twas the Night Before School Starts

'Twas the night before the first day of school, when all through the house, every creature was stirring....including the computer mouse.


I know, it was a corny try, but I am starting my second year tomorrow. I am SUPER excited to see the kids. I keep thinking back and forth on whether or not it'll be a good year. This is what I've decided...

If I am not excited about the year, then THEY won't be excited about the year. I am doing my best to step up my game, and really make sure my students are as engaged as they can be.

My new motto for this year. I am going to Teach Like a Pirate this year.

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