Happy Almost Friday! I’ve had a great week but I had to go to school every.single.day. This was no easy task, seeing as how I was just off for the last three weeks. It’s okay, though. The Calendar People really understood how hard this week would be so they made sure to schedule Monday for MLK, Jr. It’s wonderful. Just wonderful. Not to mention, I really like teaching about Martin Luther King, Jr. and I’ve found such great resources through all the blogs!
But really and truly, deep down, I’m just . . .
Can I be honest with you guys?
Really?
Okay.
I’m just really excited to reunite with P.J. and Kelly and Guest Host. I can NOT wait. We got really close over the break and no one understands me like those three do. (and if you don’t know me all that well, P.J. is short for my pajamas)
Let’s get down to business. Besides the fact that this is the first week back after break, the Curriculum Cops have also visited every.single.day. During our Holier Than Thou Language Arts Block. We are all a little bit confused by it. Is this new procedure? Is this punishment? Is this probation? We really don’t know. Our team met yesterday and we decided that on most visits, the Curriculum Cops only get to see us transitioning. That’s all we do. Carpet, desks, carpet, desks, recess, carpet, desks, carpet, desks, lunch . . . ETC.
Except for today.
I did a great (if I do say so myself) ABC order activity with my kiddos (because it was part of my Houghton Mifflin curriculum) that was fun. I even said to myself this morning, “Self, today is going to be fun!”
So I introduced ABC order to my kids by having us line up in line order. Which is ABC order but most of them had no clue. They just think that’s their spot. Don’t mess with their spot. They become quite attached (this could be a reflection of me). We used the alphabet to determine why we were in this order. Then they realized the cubbies were in this order, too. SHOCKER.
Then I used the following ABC order cards to introduce a few sets at a time (no more than six cards).ABC Order Cards
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They were very loud excited about this. For the grand finale, I passed out sets to each table group and they worked together to put the cards into ABC order. Then we’d switch. It was one of those activities where the kids are standing up and smiling and buzzing and engaged (amongst cries of “That’s my card!” or “Give it back!”). It was really fun. I had fun.
THEN.
I collected the cards and passed out the Houghton Mifflin worksheet for independent practice (and assessment, I guess).
That’s when the Curriculum Cops came in.
They were happy to see the curriculum being utilized but if you ask me, they missed the best part (but those cards aren’t H.M. so that was a close one! I knocked as soon as they left!)
Next week, I’m going to throw the cards into a center and use this for a recording sheet:
ABC Order
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So . . . that was my day. Now I’m off to bible study where I will learn more about my OLW: WALK
By the way, I walk(ed) yesterday. All the way to the hub’s car and then we drove to see my niece play basketball and followed THAT up with dinner with the whole family. It was wonderful. And I’m pretty darn proud of myself because when it comes to things during the week, I’d rather come straight home from school, say hi to PJ and hit the couch. Anyone with me?
Leave me some bloggy love if you grab these or just stop by and tell me how your day was! 🙂
LOVE the recording sheet! Say a little pray for me at your study 🙂
Katie
Queen of the First Grade Jungle
Story of my life with the curriculum cops!! It happens every time!@ lol
Hope you get some time with P.J. soon! Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
I love reading your posts! The "Curriculum Cops" at your school seem very intense! Glad mine aren't like that..yet! Enjoy your Monday off in your PJ's!
Love the freebie. They ask ABC order on our super important kinder early literacy tests and my kinder kiddos always are so lost! Also glad that my school is not like the curriculum cops! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Kim
Growing Up Teaching
You knocked! Heeheehee.
That was my favorite part!
If I had to live every moment thinking THEY might walk in, I would have a panic attack before the literacy block was over! (They generally ignore the "uppers" at my school)
Poor you.
Glad the kiddos had fun on the sly!
Happy Almost PJ time…
Kim
Finding JOY in 6th Grade
"Curriculum Cops" ….. hilarious!!
crhdouglas@gmail.com
I totally understand about the Curriculum Cops! I loved it that you call them that!! Too funny! They always seem to miss out on the best parts of your lesson. Oh well what can we do right?? I love your OLW. I actually walked 4 miles last week on two different days. This week our new workout club started at school and I have to say it is kicking my butt. I love to walk and chat, but kick boxing that is a WHOLE other animal. I am going to be feeling it tomorrow!
You and your blog have meant so much to me and I appreciate all of your kind words and help.
Your blog warms my heart and I added your button to my blog today, just wanted you to know!
Stacy
2nd Grade Paradise
So glad you posted about the Curriculum Cops….reminder to self that we're having walk-through evaluations next week that last 10 minutes yet somehow the paper they fill out is about 8 pages long?? Ugh.
And I'm with you on the PJs…mine are waiting on me the minute I get home!
Vickie
Mrs. Plant's Press
I my… the curriculum cops almost got you!! We are getting curriculum cops and I'm NOT happy about it!! Any tips or suggestions on how not to kill the curriculum cops? (not really kill… well maybe if looks could kill…)
I do that same exact ABC order, but I didn't post it because I thought other bloggers would be like, "Duh! Of course that's how you use it!" You are better than me because you know that just because you think of it doesn't mean everyone else in the world does. Note to self, put more things I teach on my blog. Share, Kimberley, it's nice.
Any way, I think I'd lose my mind if curriculum cops came to my room looking for mistakes. I'm not really that nervous about what I do, but people are human and I don't know what THEY are looking for.
I'm sure you are amazing.
First in Maine
Who are these Curriculum Creeps…I mean, Cops. Do they not know you are totally AMAZING. A is the first letter of the alphabet you know. We do alphabetizing every Monday as our morning work. This week there were 7 words! Gasp! My kids thought that was just FABULOUS! So darn easy to please! And, P.S., this working every day thing is such a bugger after days off!
Rowdy in First Grade
My teacher friend and I are now "knocking" as well. The curriculum police have been in our rooms EVERY.SINGLE.DAY, too. What's up with that?
♥ Dragonflies in First ♥
Totally loving this post… no place like home!
gah…I missed the Tuesday talk…I have been hit with the Cedar Allergies from hell-icopter.
thanks for the freebie!
My AP, P, and librarian walked into my room as I was leading the class in the cupid shuffle on Monday…They just stood there and I had it blasting and we were in full down down do your thang…so I didn't see them for who knows how long. Then I looked over and about screamed. They just laughed and left. So we kept dancing….those are my cops??? Did I pass or fail? I didn't get an email evaluation after it like I usually do when they pop in so???
I guess they heard the music? Why so many questions…this is about you not me. Oh yeah.
I am so proud of you for walking to the car. Did you wear your pedometer? better wear your skinny jeans tomorrow after that.
later skater…gotta go close my eyes and throw my head back as I sing off key to gavin degraw….sigh…
Very cute!! I wish I could teach with you… 🙁 Guess what?!! Tomorrow is Friday, and assuming I survive tomorrow, I've survived 2 {almost} whole weeks!!! Go me!
My day stunk. boo.
But your day sounds like it was very nice 🙂 That's good!
This curriculum cop business sounds a little scary. Goodness.
And isn't that always how it goes? I could have done the most rockstar lesson ever–you know the kind of lesson when you feel the earth is going to explode because you're just feeling it and teaching so hard. That's never when someone will walk in. No. My principal walks in at the moment I'm refueling from teaching my guts out and I'm stuffing my face with a quick snack. It appears that I just eat all day (which I guess I kinda do). I swear she always walks in when I'm eating. Never fails.
I am finished with school for the week!! We have a snow day tomorrow! Hello four day weekend. Ahh.
I'm definitely hanging out with PJ and my couch all day tomorrow.
I didn't really mean to just write a blog post of my own in your comment box…
Happy Friday and holiday weekend to you!
Totally digging the ABC sheet. Thank you. I always tell them to write out the alphabet but this we be much quicker. THANK YOU!
Caroline
Thanks for the cute share. Glad you survived the cops. Never enough time with PJ!
Jenn
Finally in First
Love the AV+BC order cards and recording sheet- thanks for sharing! We don't have Curriculum Cops- but the District Literacy Model Enforcers visited us yesterday. We had just finished weekly assessments (teacher workday today- Yeah!) and were transitioning to literacy stations. Hope they were happy- I know I was the "test offices" were down. 🙂
I am not sure what the purpose of a curriculum cop is, because (I don't think) my school doesn't have them. So, I have a really dumb question…..what happens if they "catch" you?!
I'm a little nervous here.
Also, thank you for the freebie! We'll be using them next week!
-Megan
http://firstgrademagic.blogspot.com
ok, I'm going to sound weird here, but in our school, NO ONE ever walked around….EvER!! So when it came time for our evaluation, we always made a stink about "HOW can they evaluate us if the only time they EVER see us is in that 20 minutes visit???" It has made all of us pretty mad for the last few years. Well, most of us anyway. The ones who fake teach during their evaluation probably don't mind it. But when we got our new principal, that was one of the things we voiced – that they needed to walk around. It would not only help with their knowledge of how we actually teach, but it would also help with discipline.
And now, you're really going to hate me…did you see how I spent my day today?? I won't tell you, but if you want to come look – lol.
The Teachers’ Cauldron
Thanks for sharing!
Megan
mhorman@north-cedar.k12.ia.us
I giggle every time you mention the knocking! I can totally see myself doing something like that! Glad you had a great week back!
Classroom Confetti
Well, our first week was good but I found my guys got progressively sillier and louder as the week wore on and then we had indoor recess yesterday 'cause it rained ! But I was glad to see them and we did some really cute stuff that of course I found in bloggy land 🙂 I am actually home today, my daughter has a specialist appointment and then Monday is a PA day for report cards. 2 short weeks ! It snowed overnight and it finally looks like winter out. Our first real snowfall and the poor supply teacher is there to handle it today, so sad…. I hear you about staying home in the pj's, that is my MO most nights after a long day at school, espc. in the winter. I love to start my day with KL and Hota and a cup of tea. Happy Weekend and enjoy your Monday off !
Last year, there was admin or an AC in your room 3-4 times a week.
With the new eval system- I can go a whole week without anyone in my room!
Pros and cons with everything- pro? less ulcers. con? do they think i am "fake" teaching when they come in?
Staci
Going Nutty!
misssquirrels@yahoo.com
Ok missy…..hint taken and people numbers made:) Please stop and get'em…I even said in my post they were for my teeny tiny friend:) I haven't had any walk throughs….only when I have had to call for backup cuz one of my sweeties lost it and flipped a bookcase….that was my looooong day the other day…trashed a whole corner of my room:,( This too shall pass:) Me and P.J. started bonding as soon as I got out of school today:)
4th Grade Frolics
Don't the curriculum cops always come right AFTER you did something awesome?
Grrr.
Lindsay
My Life as a Fifth Grade Teacher
Kristin! Who says Friday the 13th is unlucky? I was trying to figure out what else I was going to put in workstations for next week and you post this???? You are a lifesaver!
Lori @
bee-the-change.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing your stories and your work!
I have a three day long date/weekend with PJ. My husband doesn't understand our relationship. I think he's just jealous!
2B Honey Bunch
The Best Endings
I guess I should have specified…I don't want CURRICULUM COPS to come through my room…ah! No, just admin…I think it's horrible that districts and/or schools force teachers to teach from the textbooks. It's almost as if they want robots to teach – everyone doing the same thing out of the same boring (usually ineffective) textbooks. I feel so sorry for people who are FORCED to use the district purchased textbooks, which may or may not be aligned with the standards, when teachers, who are usually WAY more creative, can very easily create and implement their own activities that would fit, not only the standards, but also whatever theme was being used.
Ok, sorry for the two LONG comments..lol
Don't know how I missed your posts but I totally feel you on P.J. During the week, I do not want to go out and be social, even if it is with family. I went shopping with my mom and sister before Christmas in the middle of the week and was amazed at how many people were out and about. I may have gotten a weird look from my sister about it only being 7:00…
Bonnie
Living A Wonderful Life
P.S. Love the freebies…you're the best!
You always give me a laugh when I visit! Thank you!
I love the *freebie* too! I am so happy we can still share freebies with DJ Inkers clipart! =)
Heather
Heather's Heart
I am the same way on weekdays. Good job on staying true to your olw.
Life with Mrs. L