Character Traits

It was a Friday afternoon less than an hour away from dismissal when we started learning about character traits.  I first demonstrated how character traits are all around us; they're not just in books, but every person has these traits.  I gave them a great two-sided list that I had found on Pinterest, and we discussed a few of my character traits. 

First, I gave them this example:  When I walk through the halls at school, I always smile at people and say hello when I walk by.  Using their lists, students came up with the traits friendly, happy, cheerful, polite, etc.  Second, I gave them another example of how I was as a child.  We discussed that character traits can change, just like many characters do in stories.  We had one brave student share what the inside of her desk looks like and the class came up with character traits that described this student.  Lastly, I gave the students a four-square page with a box for their name in the middle.  Students had to use the list to come up with four traits that described them and then provide evidence as to why these are appropriate traits for them.

Next, we read the story David Goes to School by David Shannon.  As I read the story, students laughed along and filled in a four-square sheet with character traits that described evidence, just like the one they had completed about themselves. 

 At this point, we were almost out of time so I wrapped up the lesson for the day.  We reviewed what a character trait is and how it is different from an adjective.  I told them we would be started the novel Freckle Juice, by Judy Blume, (Guided Reading M) and read the blurb on the back of the book.  The students were so excited.  They even let out a big "Awwwwwww" when they had to pack up for the weekend.  I'd say that lesson went well!

Now, student are finishing up the last chapter in the novel.  I only have 12 copies of the book for my 24 students.  I had created a packet to accompany the novel.  Before, during, and after, students had to complete activities and answer questions that demonstrated their knowledge of vocabulary, comprehension, etc.  There is also an ongoing character traits page for the students to add traits and evidence about Andrew, the main character of the story.

Later this week, we will start Bunnicula (Guided Reading Q)!  We will  be learning about a new genre, mysteries!  Also, this is a great book to introduce homophones, since the characters mix up stake and steak.  This is another novel which is great to reinforce character traits as well.

Blog...take two!

I started a blog several months ago.  Then...life seemed to get in the way.  Now that things are calming down (somewhat) I figured I would take a stab at it again.

This year is my third year teaching and I am out in the trailers.  Oops, I mean, I'm in the learning cottages.  My team likes to refer to it as "the Park on the Hill."  We think it sounds classier. 

Life in the trailers certainly has its ups and downs.  For starters, we have had an INCREDIBLE amount of rain this year.  We even had school off one day due to flooding.  Luckily, our classroom hasn't been carried away...yet!  Whenever the parents ask us about the rain, I tell them that "it's a great bonding experience."  Plus, we are learning about weathering and erosion in science.  I call this a unique first hand experience as we walk through the muck to get to the school.  Silver lining?  I'm trying.  The most disruptive thing about the trailers is the bathroom situation.  They have special times to go during the day, but you always have that handful of students who just can't seem to make the schedule work for them.  Sadly, a lot of class time is being used as bathroom breaks or simply traveling to the cafeteria, music, etc.

However, I do enjoy life at the Park, at times. For example, after an assembly the kids have tons of energy.  I allow them to run two laps around the blacktop next to our room before they come back in.  Most of the students LOVE this and take of sprinting.  In addition, fire alarms do not disrupt the day nearly as much anymore.  We simply walk outside, stand in line, and walk back in.

Project #1 - Kitchen makeover

I moved into my townhouse approximately three months ago.  It was built in 1990 and is in FANTASTIC shape.  When Justin and I visited this house for the first time (about five months ago?) he told me that the kitchen was a deal breaker.

Kitchen - Before

Above: Breakfast nook and part of the french doors that lead to the patio.

Views of kitchen and appliances

At first I couldn't understand why.  It had a breakfast nook, decent appliances, french doors to the back patio, and beautiful GRANITE counter tops.  In my opinion it was a great place to live after moving out of our parents' houses.  The truth came out that evening when he said he the yellow walls made it unbearable (he abhors yellow).

Luckily, paint is an easy fix.  Unfortunately, we didn't realize that we needed to do a lot more than cover up the yellow!  I realized the yellow was peeling off at the edges of the room.  After yanking the chip, I realized it had been painted over two layers of wallpaper.  We used DIF (purchased at Home Depot) to strip the wallpaper off the walls.  It worked wonders!

Under the wallpaper we found the real gem.  Poorly executed white/blue sponge painting that gave the feeling of floating through the clouds.  Plus, we found a wonderful 80s stencil border around the entire kitchen of grapevines.  (Now remember, the house was built in 1990 so clearly someone was stuck in the 80s!)  

This lovely stencil could be found around the entire kitchen.

Justin and I painted the kitchen all week after getting home from work.  We would paint a wall or two each night (the paint needed two coats because of the grapes just wouldn't go away).  We finished painting on Thursday night at about midnight.

I had the day off on Friday so I cleaned the kitchen and did the final touches.  When Justin came home that night he willingly hung up my pictures.  To be fair to Justin, they are a pain because the wire used on the back to hang the series of paintings up was not the same length.  They certainly were a challenge (and still not perfect) but that is why I am so happy that Justin agreed to do it.  (Originally I tried and failed miserably, but that's what engineers are for!)  The pictures below weren't taken with my camera (I haven't located the charger since I moved) so sorry for the poor picture quality and lighting!  Oh, and we painted the kitchen using Behr Rejuvenate!

 Above:  A close up of the tablecloth I bought from Home Goods.  The picture doesn't do it justice!

 Above: The lighting doesn't show the true color of the paint.  Oh well, I tried!

I love these little containers that Justin's mom gave us.

Well, that's about it for this post.  I will try to get some better pictures with my camera as soon as I locate my charger.  Next time, I will post about a wreath that I am in the process of making from the front door.  Cross your fingers for me; I'm a bit nervous that it won't turn out!

Welcome!

I have been an avid blog follower for quite some time now.  After much deliberation, I've decided to start my own blog.  The purpose of this blog will be to share my "findings" and ideas about everything from my classroom to my wedding planning.  I also can't forget about the transformations going on at my new townhouse!!

I hope you enjoy what you will find here and perhaps take a few ideas away for yourself!


PS  Stay tuned.  Details about my kitchen transformation complete with pictures will be posted soon!