Gearing Up for Summer Geocaching

I am so excited to get started with the summer program a co-worker and I run.  Our program is offered to students grades K-5 who currently have an IEP (individualized education plan) or are considered at-risk.  Last year, we struggled with trying to figure out what kinds of activities we would prepare for our students, due to the varying ages and abilities.

When we were approached about running the program again, we knew we had to have a different plan of action. So after speaking with our special education director (who is just as fabulous as they come) he told us to team up with the tech department (who are just as fabulous) and TADA! we were introduced to Geocaching.

Geocaching is literally a real life treasure hunt. Here is the exact definition from the geocaching site:
        "Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices.            
          Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache               (container) hidden at that location."
Now, I don't know about you but that sounds a heck of a lot cooler than coming into a boring summer classroom with blank walls and no air conditioning.

After we found out about Geocaching we had to figure out how to make it work for our program...how do we incorporate an academic component into this treasure hunting? We decided that students will still seek the treasure, but instead of finding random objects they would find work. Some examples of the work would include: 
          Reading: Fluency passages, Reader's Theater, Leveled Books, Comprehension packets
          Math: Math worksheets, games, clocks to tell time, counting money
          Writing: Finding random objects in the geocache and write a funny story about them, find letters                           and build words, find doctor supplies and have to fix up an incorrect         
                        sentence/paragraph 
Honestly, there are endless possibilities and like I mentioned before, I cannot wait to get started. Some of our caches may include a read aloud, snack or ... water-balloon fight! I better find my hiking boots, safari hat and canteen for our adventures. 

Does this sound like something you would incorporate into your room? How would you use Geocaching? Have you already used it before?



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Summer Slump

I know, I know, you're thinking why the heck would this crazy teacher title a blog post summer slump? Don't get me wrong, I love ice cream, lake days and bonfires but, I have crazy ideas for next year flying through my mind. The bad thing about this you ask? My building is closed for most of the summer and I am moving rooms. I can't help but sit here and think, "I wonder what my new room will look like", "Ooohh, that would be awesome for "Johnny"", and "ahhh, how will I ever have time to get everything set up before the kids come?"

 I don't know about you, but I am a planner. I like things neat and orderly. When placing items in my classroom I think about all of the things that could possibly happen such as...if I put this here can "Johnny" throw it?, How mad would I be if these baskets got destroyed, paper ripped or pencils broken?

All of these things put me in a summer slump. I would rather spend the time in my room working on these things instead of sitting around thinking about them. I think the biggest problem of all is that I don't know how to relax. I have always been stretched to my limit and now that I am done with work, grad classes and after school tutoring I don't know what to do with myself.

 So this week I will set a goal for myself. I can only have summer slump thoughts when I am relaxing poolside with my freshly squeezed lemonade. How about you, do you ever get into a summer slump? Bored? that urge to get back into the classroom?

Here are some photos of a 3 minute temper tantrum that happened last year.....do you see why I like to plan things out lol.

 

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Happy Father's Day

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I just wanted to take the time to say Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful fathers out there. I'm sure we all say this about our own dads but, my dad is truly the greatest dad in the world. He has taught me so many wonderful things in life and has never let me down. He is one of the hardest working men I have ever met and I can only hope I am able to instill his qualities into my children someday. My dad is funny, loving, caring and a real life Mr. Fix it! To my dad, I love you, and to all of the dads out there, I hope you enjoy your special day!

New Location

Due to my lack of computer knowledge my old blog was way too difficult for me to edit. I love how user friendly Blogger is and how many resources are available. I am super excited about being able to update regularly and inspire others. I will be posting more, once I can get into my new classroom and the school year gets underway. For now I will be posting things I am working on for the new school year. If you have any questions, concerns or blog post ideas please visit my contact me page. I would love to hear from you.

My parents lake house....we spend a lot of time here :)