On another note...

Well, my artsy-fartsy side of me comes out from time to time and this time I was inspired by my dad's approaching birthday! I have done just about everything for gifts for him--pictures, sentimental, gift cards, red sox paraphernalia....you name it, I've exhausted it! So I wanted to do something different this year (let's just hope it is good different). Here's what I came up with:

First I decided that since my dad likes to BBQ, I would give him so homemade rubs!

Then, I put them in some canning jars with fun fabric on top!

Of course, I needed some finishing touches!!!

The graphics on the labels are from Jazzy Designs found on Etsy. I typed up the recipes I used and attached them to the other side of the jar. Ooooo how pretty! I love my warm colors :)

Using Picture Books

As I mentioned in earlier posts, my teammate and I are moving to self-contained classrooms next year (except for science and social studies) so I will be teaching reading for the first time in two years and for the first time without a basil reader (which is exciting and scary all at once!).

So after some conversations with my principal (who would love to go back to teaching if his wallet could afford it!) and after some inspirations from my fellow bloggers (particularly  Runde's Room with her use of "Dear Mrs. Larue") I want to use picture books as much as possible! First, who doesn't love a good picture book? I know I teach the "big kids," but even as an adult I enjoy a good picture book and I know the same will be true for my fifth graders. Second, I feel it will be a good way to introduce a new topic. For instance, if I wanted to work on making inferences, I would read a really good picture book that allows for a bunch of inferences through out.

Here's my issue: I have been teaching math and science in isolation for so long now, that I need HELP!! What are some good books that you have used to introduce particular skills, topics, themes, etc.? Or does anyone know of a good teacher's resource book that gives some suggestions??? I am not above stealing anyone's ideas! I promise that if I become enlightened on my own, I will share my ideas, too!

I hope everyone is having a good Easter (if you celebrate)!

Summer Reading

First, I cannot believe that I am ALREADY talking about this, but our librarian has been hinting around that she would like our summer reading lists! Geez Louise!

So my teammate and I were talking about the three books that she historically has had students read over the summer. Next year will be my first year teaching fifth grade reading (we are moving to self-contained classrooms), soooo I don't really know what to offer. First, I was thinking that one of the books, Cricket in Time Square, is a fourth grade read--but that's okay for the below grade level readers. Then, once I got thinking about below grade level reading and the fact that they should technically be end of year fourth grade reading levels (hey, I said technically), I started to feel overwhelmed and we both agreed to think about it tomorrow.

So I need your input. We want to get the kids to actually read, so we are thinking something more popular (no more dry lists from 1983). Don't get me wrong, classics are great--but I know fifth grade  minds pretty well by now and I know that the beach over a classic novel wins every time!

What books do you put on your summer reading list?
How many students actually do the reading/project??

I'm all ears!!!