The Teacher Binder

So many papers, so little time! But--I am going to share my teacher binder so you can see how I try to keep my "teacher life" organized. I have kept variations of this before but really put together a set system this year after seeing other ideas on Pinterest. I really like the one put together by The Teacher Wife so a lot of my inspiration came from there. Here is the binder--not a fancy front but it is my favorite color.

It looks better when it is open. You will see the FREE lesson plan book I got from Lakeshore Learning this summer and the cute (and FREE) cover page I got from The Curriculum Corner.

I made tabs to divide my binder into the following sections: schedule/calendars,student/parent information, guided reading plans, assessment data, common core checklists, curriculum guides, meetings, and IEPs.

Schedule/Calendars--Our daily schedule and school and district calendars for the year.

Student/Parent Information--I have a sheet with the pertinent contact info for each student in my class, a parent contact log, and a weekly tracking sheet for each student. Another teacher in my building made the tracking sheets and they are great! I keep track of missing assignments, behavior issues and reading goals for each week of the trimester.

Guided Reading Information--Paperwork and plans for my leveled guided reading groups will be housed here when we start this the week of 9/24. We are still building our stamina this week and next!

Assessment Data--My data dissagregation sheets along with all assessment recording forms are kept here. This helps when I plan my lessons.

Common Core Checklists--This is my lifeline this year! I am still feeling my way through CCSS but I took the time over the summer to create these checklists for my grade level team to track when we cover each standard. I have them for sale in my TpT store. There is also a checklist for 5th grade available.

Curriculum Guides--I have mapped out my curriculum for Daily 5, CAFE, Everyday Math and Writing. I keep those guides here.

Meetings--Staff meetings, plan team meetings, committee meetings, etc.! All agendas and notes go here.

IEPs/Behavior Plans--This important paper work is here for quick reference.

Whew! I am really fond of this binder and consider it to be my "school bible". = )

Literacy Strategies

I love these posters that are now a feature in our literacy rich classroom! We refer to them often and we talk about when and how to use these strategies. I found them linked to Pinterest and they can be downloaded here for use in the classroom.

Scholastic Book Orders

Want to order from Scholastic Book Clubs? Use the link below and your order will send a free book to our classroom library! Please contact me if you have any questions!

Must Read Article for Parents!

I came across this great article about how to help your child choose books to read. We talk in class quite a bit about choosing "Just Right" books. This article gives great tips for parents that will be helpful to you in a bookstore, library or wherever! Thank you for supporting literacy in your home!

Selecting Books for Your Child: Finding 'Just Right' Books | Reading Topics A-Z | Reading Rockets

Newsletter for You!

The first monthly newsletter of the school went home on Friday. Hopefully, you found it in your child's folder sometime this weekend! This newsletter is just another way that I let you know what is going on in our classroom. It will usually come home the first school day of each month.

Into the Second Week

We have made it to the 6th day of school...and it has been a busy six days! First, thank you to all the parents for returning all the important school forms back so quickly. I know it is a lot to sort through and I appreciate the time you spent on them. I especially enjoy reading the parent surveys. YOU are the best expert on your child and I really value your input and any suggestions you give for making each day at Harding a successful one for your student. A few tidbits from the last 6 days--

Every student got a free backpack with school supplies inside! This cute little mascot made a visit with MDWise to provide these items to our students. We were very excited and the kids love the bags!

We spent a good chunk of time on the first day of school answering these questions and share our opinions. We had great discussion! These charts will hang in our room all year to remind us of the expectations we have set for ourselves and our classroom.

As you are already aware, the students are responsible for maintaining their homework planners each night. The homework is always written on the board each day for them to copy and they are reminded several times throughout the day. This may be a new routine for many but it is a very important one that each 4th grade student must learn. Your signature in the planner tells me you have discussed or seen the homework your child has completed. I remind the students it is THEIR responsibility to have you sign it--not mom and dad's to remember!

DON'T FORGET! Back to School Night is tomorrow, Thursday, August 30th. It begins with the PTA meeting at 4:00pm and ends at 5:30pm. I hope you are able to make it! I look forward to meeting our families!

Welcome to a NEW School Year!

A new school year has arrived and I am very excited to meet a new class of 4th graders! If you are visiting this site, then you have already begun reading through the many papers that come with your child on the first day of school. Thank you! I really try to keep you informed and up to date with the goings on in our classroom and at Harding. I look forward to meeting you and working with your child this year. Back to School Night is on Thursday, August 30th from 4:00-5:30pm. I hope you can make it! Please contact me at school if you have any questions. Happy New School Year!