Five for Freebie Friday!

Happy TGIF!!

I'm linking up with Kacey (thank you!):

What a week!

It was our first full week of having students, yet it feels like we've known them forever. It's amazing how quickly that happens!

Every year, there seems to be a new area to focus on...usually involving reading interventions, close reading, the challenge of Engage NY/Eureka Math (love-hate-love), and last year it was BEHAVIOR! There were sensory bins, fidgets, "if, then" statements, and so many charts!

This year's focus is quickly coming into view...

after only a few days!

And number sense - including counting, 1:1 correspondence, and number identification! Everything!

I'm still letting it sink in. Reality should be hitting very, very soon! Luckily this also happens to be the sweetest, hard-working bunch. It's going to be a great year!

Future posts will include how I'm still teaching first grade curriculum (with fidelity), yet also finding time to fit in all the intervention/prerequisite skills. I'm not sure how it's going to happen, but it will and it's going to be AMAZING!

During the first two weeks of school, we use lessons based on character traits while also explicitly teaching routines (using materials appropriately, rotating within the classroom, etc.).

One of our favorite lessons is all about self-control!

After an age-appropriate mini-lesson, we bring out the marshmallows! Every student gets one marshmallow and these directions: if they can wait 5 minutes without eating, they will get a second marshmallow. If they eat it before the timer goes off...they only get one.

We set the timer for 5 long minutes and...they did it! 100% of our class has self-control :)  Last year? Not so much!

We also have been enjoying Go Noodle for brain breaks and learning how to get "back to business." 

I'm committing to participating in ALL brain breaks this year :)

Have you seen this one (called Funny Bunny?)? 

It's absolutely ridiculous!!

Today, I shared a MEGA freebie to celebrate Freebie Friday at iTeacher First!

Please click here to read more, plus here to download both sets!

I hope you find them useful with your students!

Mr. is arriving home today from VEGAS. Was it just a month ago we were all learning at the #TPTVegas conference?!? Such a fabulous time! He sent me a picture of the Palazzo and I was thisclose to crying!!

Enjoy your Friday! Jen