Choosing to Read, Multiplication, Seeds, and Birds in a Cage!

Happy Saturday!

I'm linking up with Kacey from Doodlebugs again this week to share some random things from my week. 

1

After seven months of coaching and getting home anywhere between 6:00-11:00 p.m., I am trying to make myself leave school at 4:00. I love coaching, but having time for simple pleasure is nice too.

2

I finally have some kiddos choosing to read!

In my room, there is a standing direction that when they complete an activity or assignment they always check their work folders and then move on to "choices." 

Our choices are MobyMax, math games, read to self, fluency games, and word work activities. 

This class always chooses math games and it was driving me nuts. Don't get me wrong, math games are great! But so many of my kids this year need to be practicing their reading!

Anyway, I started a friendly AR competition between the boys and girls and now many are choosing to read and excited about earning points for their team. I still wish they were doing it for the love of reading, but I'm not going to complain! 

 3

Our Birds in a Cage artwork turned out pretty cute.

 Click here for a tutorial.

4

After studying about plants, we planted some seeds. I was a little worried because I had these seeds in the freezer, but they showed signs of sprouting in TWO days! 

The kids are thrilled!

5

And finally, the most exciting thing happening in my room is The Great Multiplication Race! 

Let's face it...a lot of second grade math is building on what they have learned in first grade, but multiplication... 

Well, that is new and exciting!

This pack came from Teacher's Gumbo although I don't currently see it in their store.

My awesome para (remember her name is Jackie :-)) came up with the idea to bind the pages and turn it into a book. We love it! The first several pages are filled with the strategies we've learned and then it goes into practicing them. I didn't really turn it into a "race," but I am allowing them to work at their own pace.

Well, that wraps up my week--at least the parts I have pictures for! ;-) 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!