Labor Day

Happy Labor Day! 

Today our summer is "offically" over although in Oklahoma, summer is truly over in the beginning of August for educators and mid-August for the kiddos but we will play along with the rest of the nation. So how did we end our summer? We welcomed our new baby "R3" she is truly fantastical. We adopted out all our kittens to some wonderful families, playdates with little friends and grown friends and then everyone started back to school...except for me and R3! I love teaching and being an educator but right now being a mommy is fabulous!

So knowing that I love being a mommy first I can't sit around or is it I can't say "No". Either way I have been working on some new items. One item was something that went unfinished for a couple of years....PLACE VALUE. It was usable but it wasn't "sparkly". A fellow teacher in the district emailed me for it and of course I had to make it better before giving it out to use. In HONOR of LABOR DAY THIS LITTLE BABY is on SALE 20% off! Head over to my TPT store and pick it up! (note: no actual babies are for sale! LOL!)

Wizard of Oz Giveaway

This summer I have been working on my new classroom theme, can you guess what it is? Wizard of Oz!! This inspired by my 4 year old son who is obsessed with the movie. I started thinking last Easter about it because his basket was Wizard of Oz themed. I am excited to get everything up and going for the new year of incoming 3rd graders. Due to my over excitement I thought I would give away some Wizard of Oz goodies. Yay! 1. Like my Facebook Page  2. Comment on who your favorite Wizard of Oz Character is!

That's it folks! Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy! 

The winner will be announced Saturday Aug. 10th at 9:00p.m. (central time)

Good Luck,

Mrs. Wirth :)

Summer Break-Only Day 3

Day 3 of Summer Break and I am already going stir crazy. I know, what your thinking....WHAT! This is SUMMER BREAK! So let me give you a little insight to how I work. Since highschool I have NEVER, I mean NEVER had a summer off. I have always taught summer school, tutored at a homeless shelter, taught workshops etc. etc. etc. I don't know how to relax and I am addicted to work. It is a genetic flaw I inherited from my father. I have never had one job I have always kept 2 or MORE. 
This summer I decided I was going to be selfish and take some MEEEEEEEEE time but here I am on Day 3 with the house clean and I am going crazy. I did however make some some Wizard of Oz theme items for my classroom for next year. I did put them on TPT as well. I will be working on some more items for Wizard of Oz for my theme. Are any of you doing the same theme? Any items you would like to see? You could end up getting something for free just by keeping me busy this summer! Comment below it will be "Totally Wirth It"!

~Mrs. Wirth
(Praying daily for my fellow Oklahomans)

Wizard of Oz Polka Dots

Wizard of Oz Rainbow

Calendar Pieces

FREE Testing Sign

Is it Really Testing Season?

It is official crunch time. We have 10 days until we begin our State Testing. Last year we began to incorporate Common Core into all curriculum which was no biggie because I taught 2nd grade there was no "official" testing and really "All was Good in My Hood!" I looped up to 3rd which in the State of Oklahoma is the first year of state testing. Okay, I have this handle I have already taught Common Core in 2nd grade I am Good...so I thought. Around November/December teachers were told that our state testing would NOT consist of Common Core aligned standards because the state had not found a testing vendor in time to make the state test. So what does that mean? We still have to teach to the Oklahoma PASS standards which don't completely match up with Common Core. Oh and don't forget you are required to teach the Common Core with those "other" standards. Repeat...We...were...told...in...November. So with the lost time I had to really evaluate what would be best for my kids. 

We are about to test in 10 days and if I was a nail biter, I would have only knuckles left. I believe in my kids and in my teammates and staff. I know, hope and pray I will get good news come July. I'll keep you posted! ;) 
In the meantime here is something that we have done to prepare for testing. The ABC's Testing Tips. This was a great way for me to go over all the Do's and Don't of the test. The entire class can tell you what each letter stands for. They took ownership since they illustrated each picture and it hangs in the hallway for all of the school to see. A 4th grade teacher has started walking by a few times a day with her class so the kids can also review the tips. YAY! Want to grab your own? Just click HERE or on any of the pictures below!

Mrs. Wirth :)

March Contest

Contest Time,  Contest Time, Contest Time

How to win? Just like my Facebook page and say "March Contest!" it's that simple! https://www.facebook.com/TotallyWirthItClassroom?ref=ts&fref=ts

Here is a little more info on the Bloom's Guided Reading Packet:

Common Core Aligned- These questions reflect the levels of the NEW REVISED Bloom's Taxonomy. These cards can be used in Guided Reading Time, Whole Group or as independent work.(I use draw them out of different bags/my teaching partner put them on popsicle sticks) A parent guide is enclosed with a front cover, letter to parents, explanation of which each level encompasses as well as Bloom's questions for each Level of Thinking.
Packet includes:
72 Higher Level Thinking Questioning Cards (12 for each level)
Parents guide complete:
front cover
parent letter
explanation of level of thinking
questions for each level of thinking

The End is Near...for Spring Break

I can not tell a lie; I have enjoyed my much needed Spring Break! Although I did not do as I promised...lay on the couch with a remote in hand and Bon Bons in my mouth (where do you even find Bon Bons?) I did find a few naps here and there, cleaned out closets (mine, R1's and R2's) took the hubster shopping for new clothes and shoes, saw Oz, had lunch at an actual restaurant on my own time on and on and on. I also managed to work on a few of my TPT projects and get them up and ready for sale (although I have so many that need to be tweaked and posted) Check them out here! Just click on the picture and it will take you to where you need to go! Thanks for looking!

~Mrs. Wirth 

 

Poetry

The finishing touches were put on my 2nd poetry packet and is now up on my TPT. I used my class as my "guinea pigs" to see how well the packet would do explaining the different types of poems. To my surprise (cough, cough pat on the back) they kept taking this packet out of their desk and writing their own poems during their free time. I will post pics later of all the poetry they are producing. WOW!!! This packet is TOTALLY "WIRTH" IT!! http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Poety-WirthIt

Have a fantastic and relaxing Sunday,
Mrs.Wirth  :)