A class project

Wednesday, July 31, 2013
One of the things that I was so proud of from my previous blog, was something I shared about a class project that we did.  I taught 4th grade for the last 9 years before switching schools, and my class last year was incredibly artistic.  I found this amazing idea on a blog and decided to try it out with my own class.  I asked my kids a simple question:  What is one word that the bible has taught you?  I taught at a private school and wanted to tie this into their Religion class.  We made a list of words:  believe, honesty, trust, love, community, etc.

I then gave the students a blank canvas that I got from Michael's.  A pack of 7 canvas's for $20.  Add in your teacher discount + the 40% off your entire purchase coupon and I ended up spending around $30. Not bad for a class project!!!

The first step was to create the sun.  I gave each person half of a paper plate.  They traced it onto their canvas and then began painting their sky.  They were able to mix blues to create the sky they want.


 Here are some of the first steps completed:





After we let them dry over night, we used scrapbook paper to create the rays of the sun.  I had a ton of scrapbooking paper and laid it out on the counters for students to pick.  They picked 6 colors/designs and cut out the rays.  Once they had them placed, they glued them on.  We then used red puffy paint to create a swirl in the middle of the sun.  Some wanted glitter, some didn't.  It was completely up to them.







The final step was gluing on their word.  Each student got their own word.  I had a parent who was amazing and cut out each of the words for me.  AMAZING!!!  She brought them in separated into envelopes.  Once I had the envelopes handed out, I asked students to glue them onto their canvas.  Here are a few of the FINAL products:






I must say, I was really proud of this project.  We ended up creating a class book of acrostic poems using our words and submitting it to a competition.  We got an "honorable mention!"




Brianne

Liebster Awards!

Saturday, July 27, 2013
After all of the craziness I have been through with my blog. and having to start from scratch, I can't tell you how EXCITED I am to have been nominated for the Liebster award not once, but twice!  I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Lauren at The Traveling Teacher and Ms. Wu at Diary of a Second Grade Teacher for the nominations.  :)
In order to accept this award I need to do the following:
1. Link back to the blog(s) that nominated me
2. Nominate 5-11 blogs that have fewer than 200 followers
3. Answer the questions posted by my nominator
4. Create 11 questions for my nominees
5. Share 11 random facts about myself
6. Contact my nominees and let them know I nominated them

Lauren's Questions


1. What song describes your personality?
I think the song that best describes my personality is "She's an American Girl" by Trisha Yearwood.  I am a huge American Pride, red, white, and blue, love 4th of July kind of girl.

2. What is one item in your classroom that you could not live without?
My computer

3. How did you end up teaching at the school you are at?
I left my job for a school that is closer to my home and has a supportive administration.

4. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
Police Officer

5. What is your favorite hobby outside of school?
Crafting

6. What is your favorite unit/concept to teach?
Hmm....I think there are a couple.  I love to teach graphing, California Gold Rush, and plants.

7. If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
I would stay right where I am.

8. What is your favorite thing about having summers off?
I am able to travel!

9. How do you spend your weekends during the school year?
Relaxing or traveling.

10. How do you unwind after a long day of school?
Zoning out on reality tv or sitting in the hot tub.

11. If you could time travel, what era/time period would you go to?
I think I would go back to the 80's. I miss my Stussy shirts and Hyper Color.  :)


Ms. Wu's Questions

1. Why did you decide to start a teaching blog?
I got hooked on TBA and it inspired me to start one.

2. Where do you teach?
I teach at a private school in the East Bay Area

3. What's your favorite subject to teach?
That's a tie:  Science and Math

4. Who is your teaching role model?
Her name was Mrs. Moore.  I loved her.  She was my 3rd grade teacher.

5. Do you use a classroom theme? What is it this year?
YES!  I will be using owls!

6. Where do you buy most of your teaching materials?
Really Good Stuff and Lakeshore Learning

7. What's one piece of advice on classroom management you would give to other teachers?
Stick to it.   Don't backdown.  

8. How do you usually spend your summers?
Traveling or in the pool.

9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
I would stay right here!

10. What's a quote that inspires you?
"Don't let the fear or striking out, keep you from playing the game."

11. What's your favorite movie?
Dirty Dancing

11 Facts about Me

1. I have 2 brothers.
2. I used to be afraid of flying...then I got over it.
3. I am allergic to shellfish.
4. I love New Kids on the Block.
5. Europe is my next big vacation spot.
6. I hate mushrooms.
7. I love Rocky Road ice cream.
8. I have this crazy interest in visiting Cuba...thank you Havana Nights.
9. I love the water...ocean and pool...but will NOT swim in a lake.
10. I love to cook.
11.  I really want a dog.

5 blogs I am nominating

Julie at Creativity Crazy

My Questions for My Nominees!!!!

1.  What is your favorite subject to teach?
2.  If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
3.  What is the most unique gift a student has given you?
4.  What is your theme for the upcoming school year?
5.  What is the one thing in your classroom you can not live without?
6.  What is your favorite food?
7.  What is your favorite thing to do on summer vacation?
8.  If there was one chore that you would never have to do again, what would it be and why?
9.  If you could travel to one period in time, what would it be and why?
10.  What is your favorite kind of music?
11.   What is your favorite holiday besides summer?


Wow! That took some time!  Once you are done, please follow me!  Good luck on your Liebster challenge!

Brianne

Every new classroom, needs a new decoration!

Friday, July 26, 2013
When I was growing up, I was never an "artist."  In fact, art scared me.  The idea of creating something using paint or colored pencil was so far out of my league, that I ended up dropping my art class and moving on to something else.  In the last year or two, one of my girlfriends has shown me a completely new side to "art" and crafting is MY style.  I have become obsessed with making things:  jewelry, Christmas card holders, and my latest....a themed wreath!!!

One of my friends just got hired at a new school and has a very small office with no windows.  I decided to make her something for her birthday that would brighten up her day and could be used in this mini office/classroom area.  I knew the colors that she loved the most, so I went to Michael's and Jo-Ann's and got the things I would need.  This is the final product!


If anyone is interested, I can make them and send them to you in the color or theme of your choice!!!

Brianne





Currently July

Wednesday, July 17, 2013


Happy July!

Brianne

Let's play a quick game of catch up!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013
I ended up leaving the school that I have been teaching at for the last 9 years.  I taught Kinder for a year there and 4th for the remainder of my time.  When I left, my school email address was deleted without warning and my previous blog, From Behind the Lavender Door, was deleted with it.  Note to self...don't link your school email with your personal blog.  I took it as that last thing that linked me to the school.  I am ready for a fresh start and it starts right now!  New school, new blog, and a whole new adventure.  I am looking forward to communicating with fellow bloggers!  

Brianne
Powered by Blogger.
Back to Top