I just love class jobs!  The students love to be the leaders of the class and I get a little extra help in the classroom!  I work at a Leader in Me school where we teach and practice the 7 Habits of Happy Kids.  This year, we are trying to implement class jobs where EVERYONE is a leader.  I love having leaders in my class and decided that part of being a leader was/is actually being involved in the process!  My 2nd grade cuties came up with these jobs.  They were so excited to have a say and it makes their jobs feel less like a chore.  I did encourage some of these jobs but, for the most part, it was all them!

Check out this FREEBIE for the cute job labels! 

After coming up with the jobs, I had the students fill out a Leadership Application.  I was surprised that I only had to give one student in the class their second choice!  All of them had great explanations of why they wanted to do a certain job and their personalities all came through.  My favorite, unforgettable, number one reason as to why this student would make a good 'Habit Catcher': "I have the sight of see and am everywhere".  Had to give him the job :).    

Get the FREE Leader Application {HERE}!

Focus Wall

I love using 'I Can' statements!  Stating the objective is always a good way of keeping me on track but the kids usually just stared at me blankly.  Objectives can be wordy and often not specific enough for the kids to really understand what they were going to be learning.  This year, I really wanted to try to get the students engaged by reading the 'I Can' statement and having them explain what it means.  It's been going well so far this year and the kids love it.  I also have them write in a math journal to prove they really can solve problems using the strategies we learned.  The smiles on their faces when they pass off an 'I Can' is priceless :).  You can get the {FREE} subject labels I made in my TpT store, 2nd Grade TWEETS!

Blogger Newbie

I am only 23 but call me old fashion for thinking the blogging world is too 'techy' for me.  I still enjoy a handwritten letter, writing checks, and keeping my grade book on paper.  I also love James Dean and Elvis Presley movies.  Was I born in the wrong decade?  Despite my reservations about the World Wide Web, I am excited and anxious to begin my journey of blogging.  I have been following some of my favorites in the teaching world and am amazed at the community that has been created through blogs, TpT, Pinterest, Facebook, etc.  I feel it is time for me to join the frontier because I want to absorb every bit of advice I can from fellow teachers.  I am excited to share my own ideas and gain feedback from much more experienced and blossomed teachers.  I also hope that I may be able to inspire and support other new teachers to keep on trekking.
I began teaching as an intern.  If you want to make a splash into teaching, be a student teacher.  If you want to take the plunge and try to hold your head above water while treading water with hundreds of resource books, textbooks, teaching manuals, planning guides, expectations, evaluations.... well, let's just say there are no words to describe being an intern.  Needless to say, I am extremely grateful I was given the opportunity to do so.  There were times I would doubt if teaching was the profession for me but then my good colleague and fellow intern would bring me chocolate and a hug.  It made a world of difference to have that support and never-ending encouragement.  Long story short, that is what has inspired to me to blog.  I have an amazing support from my colleagues alone but am grateful for those faithful bloggers who have supported me in ways they will never know!  Their resources, wisdom, and witty advice helps pull me through the tough times and excites me for the times ahead.