Project Based Learning

I am in a group on Facebook called #iteachfourth.  It's a new group, but one that I enjoy.  It is fun to collaborate with other fourth grade teachers across the country!

One of the posts that was posted this weekend was about Project Based Learning.  I have heard a little about it, but have never really looked into it, or used it in my class.  But as I was reading more about it, I think I am going to try it out this year.  The group of students that are coming up are, lets say, difficult.  My prayer is by giving them these projects to work through, they will be more engaged and less likely to use disruptive behavior.  However, that led me to a question:

Do you teach the concepts and THEN dive into the project, or do you teach the concepts as you move through the project? I guess technically it could be done either way, but which way would be the most successful?

Have any of you used PBL in your class? Specifically math? Let me know your thoughts.

Claiming a blog...

Since I changed the name of my blog last summer, I need to reclaim my blog on Bloglovin.  So if you don't follow it already, be sure to follow! Thanks :)

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/14243955/?claim=j9n8kumvw6x">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Quick Classroom Tour 2015-2016

Wow! Today started the 3rd week of school! I have been staying later than I have in a few years getting things ready for the next day/week, and it is wearing me out! My hubs isn't too happy about it either, because it leaves him with our girls longer than it used to.  I keep telling him, and myself, once I get into a good routine it will get better.  Right? Let's hope.

So I am IN LOVE with how my room turned out this year! And my kiddos love it, which makes it all worth it!

This is the view from the front door.  

This sign is on my door. I made it using the poster maker at school.

My math workshop rotational board. We are starting tomorrow, so pray for me!!

On this bulletin board I will hang anchor charts that we are no longer using.  That way students can go back and review them if they need to during their spiral work.

This bulletin board is by my desk.  It houses the calendar, and now it also houses our schedule and resource schedule.  

These pictures show my tables that I painted using dry erase paint.  I LOVE THESE!! This has made math so much fun! The students can't wait to work out their problems on the tables! Let's just hope that lasts!

Classroom library and bookshelves holding math manipulatives.

This is my small group table.  I cut the word AREA out and posted it on my back door.  I printed a bunch of PERIMETER words and posted them around the back door, so the kids will see a visual every single day.

My desk.  It's already not that clean :(

I re-did my tool box and added my monogram using my silhouette!

I also re-did my Copy, File, Grade box. 

My new pennets! Love how they turned out!

So that's it!! Hope you enjoyed it! 

Assess Me...Weeks 1 and 2

Boy am I late to the game! I just saw this linky tonight, and it looks like fun! I'm going to do week 1 and 2 together to catch up!!

• I'm definitely a jeans gal.  I like wearing skirts in the summer, but I can also rock the jeans!
• I always have a pair of earrings on...I'm liking necklaces more and more, but I feel naked without my ear jewelry
• Big Pimpin: JZ----in HS I thought it said spin the cheese. HA!
• my wedding rings are white gold and I used to love silver, but the past couple of years all I've worn is gold. Rose gold is my fav
• I love the country way more than the city!
• These days I like to shop online...I hate trying things on in the store and feeling like a fat cow!
• I love breakfast any time of day...but I don't like coffee! 
• I'm a night owl during the summer. Once school starts back, I'll be in bed by 9
• I chose undone because 9 times out of 10 you will find me in shorts and a tee with hair pulled up.  Hey, its summer right?
• Flats all the way...comfort over fashion
• Love airplanes and getting somewhere fast!
• I chose central air over central park because it is HOT here and I don't know what I would do without my AC! I love NYC though :)

Math Workshop bulletin board

Hi everyone! Most of you are probably in Vegas having the time of your life!

As you know, I am planning on starting Guided Math/Math Workshop this year in my classroom.  I was looking on TpT for the rotation set-up, but couldn't really find anything that went with my theme.  So I decided to make one! It's nautical, and navy and mint green.

It's nothing fancy, as I am a newbie at this, but it will do.  It also has the numbers to go with it. Hopefully someone else can use it also!

I also decided to start a TpT store, since I have a feeling I will have to do a lot of creating this year in my math class!

If you want the nautical math workshop labels, you can pick it up for free HERE! 


Also, be sure to follow me on Bloglovin'!!

What I'm Wearing Wednesday

Hey y'all! Today I'm linking up with Jivey for What I'm Wearing Wednesday!!

I have such a hard time getting dressed these days because I have body issues.  I have had trouble losing the weight I put on with my babies, so I just feel uncomfortable in just about EVERYTHING!!  This outfit turned out cute though! 

This week I joined the gym, and got my butt kicked in Body Pump! I'm determined to lose the weight this time around!! I'm also using My Fitness Pal, so follow me to give me tips and motivation!! I'll return the favor!!

MFP Username: Scarico

Five for Friday

Hi y'all! I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday!

Let's get this party started shall we??

We had VBS at my church this week.  The theme was Journey Off the Map.  I did music/dance, and boy am I tired and sore!

We had 288 this week! I couldn't believe it! And 48 kiddos gave their life to Christ! Awesome sauce!!

I know I already talked about this in my Currently, but I am still so excited about my new blog header!! I couldn't have done any better myself (and let's face it...I couldn't have done it myself at all, thus asking Megan!) Seriously...if y'all need help/new design, run, don't walk, to Megan's site.  

I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday to purchase some new fabric for a bunting in my classroom! That was definitely one of the most fun projects in my room with my old color scheme, so I HAVE to replace it with a new one!!

Here is the old one: I'll post the new one to Monday Made It when I get it finished!

My sweet baby girl turned one this week! She isn't quite walking yet, but boy can she talk up a storm! She and my oldest are 14 months apart, and they LOVE each other so much! It warms my heart to see them hug and kiss all the time, and to see my oldest tell her little sissy it will be okay when she gets upset!

Today we went to visit with a childhood friend of my husbands.  He and his wife had a baby girl in February, and he found out about a month ago he has testicular cancer.  I have never really interacted with someone going through treatment for cancer, especially someone so young.  He is really strong, and his spirits are high, determined to beat this.  So is his wife, but she did have a mini-meltdown today.  I can't imagine having to go through this, especially with an infant to take care of also.  So I ask you guys to please keep them in your prayers.  It would mean the world to them.