Today was my first day back at school.  This year I will continue to teach first grade, but in a new classroom.  With the new school year just around the corner there is so much to do.  We'll be implementing our new literacy program, which I'm excited about!  Today my teammates and I spent some time unpacking boxes and getting our rooms ready.  I left feeling a bit overwhelmed, but know it will all get done.  Stay tuned for pictures of our "Rock Star" classroom!  

Before Shot...

Teachers and Feedback

       Today I watched a great video of Bill Gates at a special  TED event titled TED Talks Education.  I felt it was worthy of sharing as I too agree that teachers need real feedback to grow in their teaching.  Use the link below to watch the video.  Enjoy!

http://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_teachers_need_real_feedback.html

Technology

Hooray for iPad Training!

       I was lucky enough to attend an iPad training today with some of my colleagues.  I have to say it was one of the better trainings I have been to this year.  I enjoyed being introduced to a variety of ways I could use student iPads to engage learners.  My favorite new app is ClassDojo.  It is a great interactive classroom management tool that gives you an organized way to track specific behaviors.  This tool allows you to create your class and tailor both positive and negative behaviors according to what is relevant for your learners.  One of the best features of this app is that it tracks the student's progress throughout the week.  This data can then be sent to the parents via email by just sharing a simple code that directly correlates to their child.  I am planning on trying this with a few students this year, but will definitely be working with this tool next year.  

       It was great to be able to sit down and "play" with the iPads to get to learn more about them.  I plan on posting a list of my favorite apps once I have done more work with them.  Until then, here are just a few of my favorites...

FOR KIDS

1) Sparkle Fish

2)Mad Libs

3)Chicktionary 

4)Kidblog

5)Sushi Monster

6)Money Bingo

FOR TEACHERS

1) ClassDojo

2) Chirp

3) i-nigma

4) Podcasts

Thanks Apple and Josh (Our Presenter) for sharing all of these cool tools!

February brings tons of fun and excitement among first graders.  From Valentine's Day to the 100th day of school, first grade is filled with celebrations. Lucky for us, we also have a week long February Break which begins...TOMORROW!!! We'll be celebrating Valentine's Day and I'm excited to shre our treats with the students.  We'll be giving our student homework passes and pencils for a treat.  We'll also be kicking off our "100 Acts of Kindness" Challenge.  The students will be challenged to show 100 Acts of Kindness as a class.  

"100 Acts of Kindness" Lesson Materials:  Large paper heart at least 2 1/2 feet wide.Small paper hearts, big enough to write on. (I use hearts from the di-cut machine)Read Aloud:  Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by: Diane DeGroatDiscuss the importance of being a kind member of the classroom.Tell the little ones that they will have the chance to take part in the "100 Act of Kindness Challenge"Every time they show a real act of kindness they can write or draw to tell about the act of kindness and clue it on the larger heart.  I tell my students that if they get 100 Acts of Kindness before the 100th Day of school we'll have a special visitor come read to our class.  Last year they loved it!  I hope they enjoy again this year. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Welcome to First Grade Island!  My name is Cristin Campo.  I am an East Carolina Alumni... Go Pirates!!!  I began my teaching career five years ago in North Carolina and have since traveled back home to New Jersey to continue my career in my hometown.  Throughout my journey so far in education I have met wonderful mentors, families, and learners.  These interactions have built my career and helped me grow as an educator.  I am excited to share my ideas with you and hope they can be of use in your classrooms.  Please post your feedback, comments, or questions in order to be a part of the fun.  Thank you for visiting First Grade Island!