Chalkola Markers: Great for Teachers and Moms

15mm Markers- http://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Chalk-Markers-Teachers-Chalkboard/dp/B0112OP7BY

6mm Pens - http://www.amazon.com/Chalk-Markers-Chalkboard-Window-Whiteboards/dp/B00PM473TK

Using the 15 mm Chalk Markers are perfect for big and bold titles on Anchor Charts in the classroom!

The 6 mm Chalk Markers make decorating everything fun and easy! I plan on using them to decorate posters and the menu for my son's first birthday!

The colors are so bright and vibrant!

Tip: Use a baby wipe to quickly clean off the surface you're working with.

If you try these markers out, let me know what you think! I love them!

Get more info at http://www.chalkola.com/

A SUPER Classroom Idea and Giveaway!

How awesome is it that GoNoodle donated some swag!?

Get this now for $5 on Amazon!

I've donated this awesome resource to the giveaway! Click this link for more details about it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An InLinkz Link-up

Try This and Not That For Teaching Black History

My friend, Tamara Russell from Mrs. Russell's Room, inspired and encouraged me to write this post. I think it was important, as a teacher of color, for me to share my thoughts on how I feel Black History should be taught. I, of course, don't speak for all black teachers, only myself. Here are some dos and don'ts that I thought were important to share with my fellow teacher friends! 

Below is a free list of awesome Black Americans to introduce to your students! It's a checklist that you can use to see who they already know about, and who they'd like to learn about.

Download Here

This is a great resource to present various African American men and women to your students throughout the school year. Use PowerPoint to project a mini biography about each person and then have your students respond to the writing prompt given.

Download Here

These writing response sheets would look great on a social studies or writing bulletin board. (Included in the resource above)

This awesome bundle incorporates reading and writing. I teamed up with my friend, LaNesha Tabb from Another Glorious Day to create this amazing resource! 

If you are looking for an easy way to branch out and teach about more than just slavery and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this is a great bundle to buy. It includes 20 biography profiles of African American artists and inventors as well as corresponding reading comprehension passages and more! Plus my writing resource that includes 21 mini African American men and woman to learn about and respond with writing prompts. 

Download Here

I truly hope you were able to pick up a few new ideas for teaching Black American History!

Naomi O'Brien from Read Like a Rock Star

Class Newsletters! (Freebie Included!)

Something that I found easy to utilize all year long to stay connected to parents was a classroom newsletter.
Working in Title 1 schools, I often rarely or never see my students' parents. I found that a newsletter was the best way to keep them connected and involved!

Choosing to send home a weekly, biweekly, or monthly newsletter is up to you. I sent mine home every Friday so parents knew what to expect the following week.
Do what will be helpful, but do only what you can handle.

I hope you can use this resource for your classroom!

If it doesn't meet all of your needs, feel free to make your own or search www.TeachersPayTeachers.com for one that does!

Click here to grab this freebie!

Building a Positive Classroom Environment! Resource and Ideas Available for Easy Implementation!

How I Create and Maintain a Positive 

Classroom Culture for K-2!

I Pick a Kid of the Day for the Class to Celebrate:
I say nice things about them, the class says nice things about them, and they say something nice about themselves. We do this everyday. They get to hear how much they are loved and they also get to partake in making someone feel good about themselves.

I Allow Students to Ask for Help and Recognize/Reward Good Behavior When I See It
Students are encouraged to ask for advice and talk to each other about possible solutions to their problems.

I Pick Classroom Role Models:
The students are always so proud to wear these badges for the week to show that they possess the particular character trait that it shows. They are a great example to the other students who are eager to be chosen as role models the following week.

I Keep Their Parents Informed:
Guess what notes are a great way to highlight and reinforce positive behavior in the classroom!

I Teach How to Apologize and Forgive:
Kids will be kids, but teaching them the importance of sincere apologies and forgiveness is priceless.
I give my students the chance to apologize and express how they feel. Sometimes the kid who got HURT just wants to be HEARD!

I Teach Character Traits:
Focusing on character traits and teaching my students about them is always meaningful and a big part of the positive culture I am able to maintain all year long.

They love earning badges!

I Teach the Art of Giving a Compliment:
Making compliment bracelets is always a hit in my classroom!

I Make My Students Reflect on their 

Unsavory Behavior:

I Created An Outsider Looking In:

Creating an outsider to notice your class is a great way to promote a positive classroom culture. I created an invisible fairy friend!

Sylese, the kindness fairy, would stop by our classroom every once in a while leaving a note, treats, and glitter in her wake. 

I Discuss Making Choices and the Consequences of Making the Wrong Choice:

Having discussions about making right and wrong choices can be very meaningful to young students. They get to be heard and hear different perspectives from their peers.

I hope you enjoyed these ideas and are able to take some or all back into your classrooms this year. Believe me, you won't be disappointed! 

Get this resource here!!