Oregon Trail Obsession

Hey everyone!

The Oregon Trail has got to be my absolute favorite unit to teach. The last two years, my students say that's their favorite unit, and I think it's because I totally put my heart and soul into bringing it alive. I have to thank my 4th grade teachers Mrs. Weber and Mrs. Sweet for making the Oregon Trail so memorable for me, that same passion and dedication is what I want to give to my students.

I get dressed for it, use real photos of present day places on the trail (thanks Mom and Dad!), and really get my kids involved.

You can see what I did last year here and the year before here.

I'll do mostly the same stuff again, with the maps, pioneer journals, making butter, etc. I absolutely loved that last year we went to Philip Foster Farm and my kids showed off their knowledge of the Oregon Trail.

This summer I've been reading these books and thinking about how I want to incorporate them this year. I think these will be read alouds, or at least 1 or 2 of them.

Do you teach the Oregon Trail or Westward Expansion? What do you like to incorporate in your lessons? Leave a comment below!

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What I've Bought So Far For The New School Year

Hey everyone!

The last few years I felt like I was working on things all summer for my class. This summer has been the complete opposite and I feel so relaxed!

When things come to me, I write them down on a list. It keeps me organized and with a goal in mind.

I did buy fabric to make a curtain for the window on my door. It matches my bulletin boards. Here's a picture from last year of what that fabric looks like:

I did buy a few things on Prime Day, like a strip of lights, a package of expos. And then some mundane things at the store like a single hole puncher (woo!) and magnetic staple removers.

I did just order Wild Robot and Rain Reign and can't wait to read them. 

Maybe I"m just not in the mood yet. I haven't done any Goodwill trips yet for books or a Marshall's/TJMaxx for decor. I'm actually ok with that for now. But maybe ask me in a few weeks how I feel!

Have you bought anything yet? Anything you think I need to get? Leave a comment below!

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Quick Update

Hey everyone!

Man, this year was a tough one for me. I had to focus all my time and energy on my tough class, but I thankfully had very supportive admin to help me out.

I wrapped up the school year in June. The next week I helped our district for a week looking at our math curriculum and assessments and making sure everything was aligned with our prioritized standards etc.

My Oma from Germany has been here for 4 weeks and has one more left before she leaves, so I've been spending time with her and my parents these last few weeks.

At the end of July, I'm getting trained to be a trainer for constructing meaning, tied with Systematic ELD.

In other exciting news, I've been placed with a student teacher. She'll be in my room from our work week in August, through April.

Also, I'm an ambassador for Creative Teaching Press this year! I think that's the update for now and I can't wait to get back to blogging and sharing ideas!

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