"Best Lesson Ever!"

Today as I was sitting back watching my students complete their lesson on their own I heard one of my students say "This was the best lesson ever!"  I almost cried!!!!  I was so excited that I wanted to come share with all of you.  
My students are studying about the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas.  I got on line and found some information for them to read, put them into 3 groups, gave them the information and sticky notes.  The pictures below are the finished product of what they did. 
To get them to do this easily I had previously taught them about working in a group.  We had practiced with simple ideas and topics so that when it came time for more complicated work they could do it without much interference from me.  I literally sat at the front of the room and watched.  They didn't even need me!!!  

It was the best lesson EVER!

Here's a picture of the little supply box I keep on their tables.  It has "Role Sticks" in it all time so that anytime we need a group discussion we can have one easily.

Here's the GROUP DISCUSSION ANCHOR CHART that we created back at the first of school.

My First Big Kid "I need my teacher" Hug!!!

I've struggled all year with missing the dozens of hugs I used to get from my little first grade babies.  I've really missed them!  Well, today one of my 5th graders got shoved a little and hurt her elbow.  She came up to me with a couple of tears to tell me the tale of her elbow accident and put her arms out like she needed a hug so naturally she got one.  :)  I think I needed it more than she did.

Never thought I'd be so thrilled over a hug!

A Little Fall Here and There

I've added a little fall to my middle school classroom, and my students LOVE it!  Even my 8th graders were complimenting me on the addition and wouldn't stop smelling my candle.  It was awesome.  I just wanted to share.

I love FALL!!!

 Usually I have decorated my entire classroom from top to bottom in fall decorations, but this year I've scaled back.  Now that I'v moved to middle school from 1st grade I just don't have the same drive.  I've added a few more fall touches this week, but overall my room just isn't what it has been for the last 15 years.  
  Over the summer I worked on new fall games and lessons that I just couldn't wait to use with my students.  I've got them sitting in a "maybe someday" file for now.  :)  Glass of lemonade anyone?

  Just because I can't use these 

doesn't mean that you can't! 

I have decided to give a couple of things away to my loyal blog followers.  I'm going to put some links below.  Go check these games and lessons out, and choose one you like because the first 5 people to leave a comment can choose 1 game or lesson they'd like to have and I'll email it to you for FREE!!

All 5 have been given away!
This was fun.
Check back with me later because
I have to have this kind of fun again soon.  
:)

I'd love for you to have this great money game for FREE.  Click on the picture below to check it out. If you like it then leave a comment, and I'll email it to you for FREE!!

These lessons I have used, but I won't be able to this year.  I LOVE these stories!!!

This my FAVORITE fall book EVER!!!!  This is my best seller and could be your newest love if you'd like.  Click below to check it out.