Do I have that book?

In the process of packing up and moving my classroom I have been trying to keep everything organized for easy unpacking. (It isn't over yet!) I have avoided looking at my classroom library because it is NOT as organized as possible. Sure, I know each individual bin the books go in during the school year, but I have just stuffed them all into large bins for travel. It makes me a bit uneasy to think that I don't know exactly which books are where. I was also talking with a coworker about ideas for next year and she was trying to remember if she has a specific book and where it might be if she does own it. I spent a bit of time after school digging through my semi-packed library to see if I had a second copy, which I didn't. Boo. She and I decided to both look for an App that would allow us to scan our books into a spreadsheet so we will never have to dig again! And...(drum roll)...it exists! She found the most amazing website! 

 

It is called Classroom.booksource and it is an online tool that utilizes a scanning App on your smart phone to automatically scan books into your library. You can select settings which allow for information such as cover art, author/illustrator, word count, and guided reading level to show on your spreadsheet. WOW! Also, books being sent home with students can be scanned to keep track of books that are checked-out and those returned. And the best part? IT IS FREE!! Here is the link. Rest easy knowing you don't have to waste countless hours of family time typing in data for every book in your classroom. Mmmmm...technology. :)

HAPPY SUMMER....almost.

Well, we made it to our 'Kindergarten Move-Up Day' celebrations. I wish that I could post photos of my kinders, I mean first graders to show you how snazzy they looked! There is nothing cuter than my little ones in their Sunday best. We had full suits and puffy skirts galore! Congrats to my smart graduates!

With only 4 days to go until our summer vacation begins, my free time has been spent in a mad dash, packing up to move my classroom to a new school. I HAVE A NEW KINDERGARTEN POSITION!! I am so very excited, yet sad to leave the relationships I have built here at McDaniel. You end up being a bit of a celebrity after teaching kindergarten at the same school for 5 years. I will miss my tiny 'paparazzi' calling my name and stealing hugs as I walk by.

Onto the next chapter in my career. With that in mind, I have been digging into some AMAZING chapters on my summer reading list. First up:

I am planning on revamping my math work stations next year using Debbie Diller's fabulous ideas. If you haven't yet implemented math work stations and guided math into your math block, this is the text to help. If you are like me, you need visuals to really understand what it should look like. Ms. Diller has packed this text with photographs, work station ideas, math literature, and organization and management tips. What a wonderful resource!