ClassDojo in my classroom and maybe in yours?

I have been using ClassDojo in my classroom for a while now and I love it! If you haven't heard of this free resource for teachers check it out by clicking on the link above. This program allows you to give students instant feedback on their behavior in the classroom that really improves behavior! The program can run on your computer, your Ipad, or a smart phone. I also love the fact that it generates a daily report for parents that is sent right to their phone or email and it even has a messaging system that you can use to send notes to parents about their students. However, last year I struggled to integrate a tangible reward system (which is required by my school) while using ClassDojo and after a lot of thought I created this! A clip chart for ClassDojo!

Yes, a monthly way that students can keep track of their ClassDojo points and receive rewards as they move from chart to chart. Now you are probably more organized than I am and can reset your Dojo points each week; but for me it just becomes a big old pain and I often forget. Yes, me forget something! I know it is hard to imagine, but its true and in my district we have a lot of short weeks that just create more problems. So this year I am switching to monthly system and I know that I am going to love it! It is so easy to remember when the new month starts and that is when I change everything else in my class including seats, line order, and groups so this just made sense for my classroom. If you would like to take a look check this out in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store . I hope that is will help you out while using ClassDojo in your classroom.

Monday Made It- Rekenreks

 

This week I am linking up with 4th Grade Frolics for Monday Made It.  This week has been super busy in my household but I did find time to make a class set of Rekenreks for next year. My school has started using the Engage New York math program. (Click on the link if you want to know more!) Last year was our first year using it and even though I had digital Rekenreks to use with my Promethean board I found my first graders really needed one they could manipulate themselves; so this week I took the plunge and made my own. It wasn't as hard as I though it would be and being the non crafty person that I am; I was pretty proud of myself. 

I used crafting foam, pipe cleaners, and red and black beads. I cut the pieces of foam to approximately 4x6 to make them easier for my first graders to hold. Then I cut about 2 inches off the end of each pipe cleaner. After that it was easy to poke the pipe cleaners through the foam and string on the beads. Then I just twisted the pipe cleaner together on the back to secure it. 

This is probably the easiest project I have completed in a long time and I know it is going to make math lessons so much easier next year. 

SDE 2014 and What's Important

I'm back but you probably didn't even know I was gone! This past week I attended the National I Teach 1st! conference right here in Las Vegas and even though I live here I still had a great time! I love playing tourist down on the "strip". I often forget all the wonderful things Las Vegas has to offer. 

The conference was amazing, fun, and full of information! My creative juices are flowing full of ideas for next year! I can't wait to share them all here as I use them in my classroom! 

I met a lot of wonderful people and teachers there too! An the sessions were amazing! I even got to spend a whole day with Dr. Jean! yes, that Dr. Jean! We sang danced and made wonderful things to use in our classrooms but most of all we laughed!!!

This conference made me realize that the most important thing in teaching is our students! I feel renewed and refreshed and ready for a new year! 

The picture above was taken in the Freebielicious photo booth. These awesome bloggers have gotten together to offer kindergarten and first grade teachers really great free resources. I encourage all of you to check out their blog at http://freebie-licious.blogspot.com/.