Thursday, June 13, 2013

word wall makeover

Ok... I'm thinking about... I'm planning for it...

SCHOOL


I don't want to... but my brain just won't stop! How do I get this thing to turn off... it might only happen when waves are nearby (which won't be happening until next month!)

Anyway, I don't know about your school district but mine is adopting a new reading series this year! I am totally excited for it! Last year I created some weekly Treasures resources that were really helpful for my firsties. This year, I don't know if I will be doing the same for this new series. It is Journeys Common Core by Houghton Mifflin. Anybody else doing this? There are a lot of resources already posted on tpt for Journeys. Especially Journeys in my new grade level...
That's right! I am headed up to 2nd grade! I am really excited and I am changing rooms! A little sad to move from my hallway with the sweet teachers that have supported me this year, but excited to try something new! I have heard so many good things about teaching 2nd grade-- so I am gearing up!

So... 2nd grade Journeys? Anybody using this resource this year? There looks to be a lot of online resources for this curriculum on their site and so many people have already started posting packets/units for it on tpt. There are a few things I am particular about that I just have to make for myself. I like to display the sight words and vocabulary that we are emphasizing each week on our focus wall, then move those to the word wall... and I kinda want it all to match! Yeah, I know... I could just write these on index cards or something... 
I need some matching words that are easily located... So, here is my Journeys Word Wall Kit:

Click this pic to go to TPT!

I saw this pin:


It got me thinking... I want to do my word wall like this! I haven't gotten into my new, large, spacious... room but when I do... I am TOTALLY doing this! How about you? I haven't see a few similar ideas to this cruising pinterest- it must be a hit!

Anyway, you might be wondering why this is called a Journeys Word Wall...
So, each week in Journeys they designate about 10 sight words to focus on that week. This packet organizes the sight words in order from Unit 1 Lesson 1 to Unit 6 Lesson 30. In the corner of each card there is a number like 1.1 or 6.30 (simply standing for Unit 1 Lesson 1 or Unit 6 Lesson 30). Get it? Now you know where to file your cards and they all match! Whew... what a relief! lol


I also included color words, days of the week, and months of the year. In addition to all the words there are blank cards that you can simply add text to in adobe.

Also, included in this set--- the word wall letters to organize your word wall!

I am loving this chalkboard theme! It can be paired with almost any color palette (mine is black and turquoise). I am still going with a little mustache theme but not over the top. I am just going to attempt to keep all my colors consistent! 

If you are teaching Journeys next year and would like a free set of this Word Wall kit, just be the one of the first 3 people to comment below with your email and something else you would like to see for sale on tpt in regards to Journeys! I would love to hear your ideas! 

So, while I am linking up with the Applelicious Teacher: 
I have to share another fun idea I am thinking of doing next year. Last year I displayed all my kids work in the hallway, like this:
Each child had their own and I added their silhouettes! They were adorable! 
I am toying with this idea again, but then I thought of something super shabby chic that I really really want to try--- needing to get the hubs involved though- it will be kinda large.

So, I am sure we have all seen something like this on pinterest:




A little frame with some chicken wire. My thought is to make a really large frame out of {it's a secret}. I mean like 3 foot by 6 foot (or maybe longer)- I need to measure my space in the hallway. We would just use the sparkle clothespins to clip work in the hallway. Maybe add a name tag to the clip... Still thinking on the idea but I think it would be really cool! I will reveal my secret ingredient soon... I promise :)

p.s. If you are a journeys teacher and are just starting out with it (like me) you might need this:

6 comments:

  1. I am also doing chalkboard theme!
    Sadly, I do not teach Journeys or 2nd Grade:(, but I love your set and the Pin that inspired your new word wall look!
    BTW, you are not the only one who can't shut off the "school setting" in your brain!
    SynonymRolls&AntonymMoments

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  2. I would love to see some spelling resources for Journeys.
    melanievictoria@yahoo.com

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  3. I teach Journeys for first grade in Virginia. Last year was the first year of the adoption. I really like, and hope to feel more comfortable with the series this year!

    I also have not been able to turn off my brain to school ideas. I've even been dreaming about what my class will look like in the fall....help!!
    -Megan

    First Grade Magic

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  4. One school I sub at uses journeys. It's not too bad! I kind of like it! I'm not all that familiar with the second grade aspect of it though. Seems like lots of schools are purchasing it. Hopefully you like it. Keep us updated! :)

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  5. I do not use journeys, but I LOVE your chalkboard word wall and the word wall idea that you pinned! I just pinned it myself! :)

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  6. Laura,

    You will LOVE 2nd grade! It is my favorite (and the one a currently teach) :) Your chalkboard themed stuff is adorable and I can't wait to hear what your "secret ingredient" is for your display board. Thanks for linking up!

    Leigh
    The Applicious Teacher

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