The Razzle Dazzle Classroom
I can’t believe I’m writing this post… I REALLY can’t believe I’m already back in the swing of all things SCHOOL. I decided to keep my same Farmhouse Flair Neon theme this year. I was crazy busy this summer creating classroom decor… I fell in love with the Farmhouse Flair Magnolia and the Farmhouse Flair Cactus, but I was really… Read More
I’m back! It has been a long time since my last post. Three kids, husband, job, and summer….enough said. I am going to rededicate my self to the BLOG! The dreaded BLOG! Just kidding, I love the BLOG, but I can never seem to find the time. So here it is, my first post back, with the dedication to you… Read More
One of my main goals as a first grade teacher is to develop fluent readers. Readers who love to read. Readers who can pick up a book and read for enjoyment! Readers who feel confident. I’m going to share with you a few ways that I focus on reading fluency in my classroom… 1.Phonics Posters… I know these posters aren’t… Read More
Knowing that 2016 is coming to an end is a bit bittersweet. 2016 has been so good to my little family! Sophie and Addie are becoming independent yet Beckett needs me more than ever! Yesterday, we were at a restaurant… I was walking Addie to the bathroom. {she has a bladder the size of a pea…LITERALLY!} I was walking in the stall… Read More
I’m BACK… It’s been almost a year… A LOT has happened in our little family. So… Here’s what’s been going on…. We welcomed a new addition to our family in October…. Beckett McKenzie Griffith. He’s pretty much perfect and our family is definitely complete. We spent my maternity leave at the beach. It was AMAZING! We went to Disney with a three week… Read More
SO….I started this blog post back in March. YIKES!!! I was preggo, and tired, and NEEDED this author study for my class! I got it finished, but never seemed to get around to blog about it… ha! So… here it FINALLY is! Why now? Because I used it in my class this week! We just came back from winter break… Read More
We made it through our first two weeks of first grade! Because I’m a .8 this year I wasn’t there today! It was a strange feeling... but I’m positive that my students had THE BEST day getting to know the teacher who they will spend most of their Fridays with!!!!
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So... as I was sitting at my desk, drinking my coffee, about to dive into collective nouns... I started scrolling through my pictures and reflecting on the last few days...
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These are my top 10....
1️⃣I love first grade. I have the most amazing group of students and I can’t wait to pour into them everything I have learned over the last 14 years. And... I’m excited to see what they will teach me this year!
2️⃣Day 2 is SO MUCH easier than day 1.
3️⃣When you have a couch in your classroom... there has to be some sort of procedure as to who sits on the couch and when... we’re working on that🤪
4️⃣If I’m having fun... my students are, too!!
5️⃣Procedures are SO IMPORTANT!!! I’m Ready to dig into the content! And... My small group table is over there waiting on me!!! Over the years... I’ve learned not to rush it!!! Once we get the procedures down everything will run smoothly! And... setting those expectations are so important.
6️⃣First graders pick their nose A LOT!
7️⃣My room is HOT! We have like 7 fans and papers are flying EVERYWHERE! I’m hoping the air will get fixed soon! To those of you who never have air... I’M SO SORRY!!!!
8️⃣My own children love school so much. I’m so thankful for their teachers who show them so much love each day. I’m thankful that i have the opportunity to take a quick photo of them chatting about their day.
9️⃣First graders like to poke when they need something. I don’t like being poked! So... we’re working on that one!🤪
🔟I feel blessed that I get to do what I love... to spend the day with students that I love... to have the opportunity to take my children to school with me each day. AND... to have the opportunity and time to research and create resources that I truly believe are making a difference in the lives of teachers and students.
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Thanks for following along on this crazy journey of mine!! I hope your year is off to a great start!!!
Tomorrow begins our second week of school AND our Kevin Henkes author study. His books are books are perfect to put the focus on reading for MEANING during those first few weeks of school. #kevinhenkes #kevinhenkesauthorstudy
This was a new one for me and it was such a cute back to school read aloud!!! #wedonteatourclassmates #holliegriffithteaching
It’s the last day of summer!!!!! I can’t believe I have a second and third grader!!!! I pray they grow, they become more compassionate, they don’t worry about things that don’t matter, they have fun, and they form new friendships. I know they will learn so much this year... but I pray they always have it in their hearts to be kind, to sit by the child sitting alone, and to do what is right. I feel so blessed that I get to be at school with them each day. I’m also blessed with two amazing second and third grade teachers!!!! If your first day is tomorrow... I wish you the very best! #backtoschool #bts19 #teachersfollowteachers
It’s TEACHER TIP TUESDAY!!!!!! My tip for this week is to invest in some floor lamps and string lights! My neon lamps came from Lowe’s for only $20 and my string lights came from Amazon. I love turning off the bright fluorescent lights and turning on my lamps. It always calms my students!!! Check out some other tips from my friends!!! @aplacecalledkindergarten @jdsrockinreaders @erinbeers @lizpledger85 @ashleyeggertpt @firstgraderoars @havingfunfirst
