Long Time, No See!

Well, I had quit the blog because I didn't feel like I had enough time to update, but I have made a (not so 'new' year's) resolution to get it going again.  This time, I have a plan....

Musical Mondays- Music is my favorite method of teaching concepts, so Mondays will be dedicated to how I incorporate chants, songs, and music in the classroom (or songs I find on line and want to share)

Teacher Tricks Tuesday- Classroom management/teaching tools I use or the good ideas I find and want to try

Why I Teach Wednesday- Stories of things that happen to me throughout the week that remind me why I chose to teach in the first place- whether it's funny or sweet, I'll share my favorite story/stories here.

Thrifty Thursdays- This is when I'll share my exciting dollar store/re-purposing finds.  Whether it's an idea I see somewhere else or one of my own, I'll be sure to pass along the frugal finds on Thursdays!

Favorite Finds Fridays- This is usually where I'll post awesome teaching ideas I find on Pinterest and other blogs! 

I can't wait to get going again!  And I'm looking forward to your feedback and ideas as I go!  I hope you all have a great week, and just to get it started (enter Black Eyed Peas song here), here's a "Musical Monday!"

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This morning during my planning period I was thinking about my lesson on commas.  I wanted something to make it "stick" better with them.  So, thanks to my mother's genes, I pulled out my old faithful trick...rewriting words to familiar tunes.  I whipped up this little diddy just in time for my class to return to me.  I taught them the lyrics today and they loved it!  I think it's a keeper for the future!  Here it is:

(To the Tune of the "Be Careful Little Eyes What You See" Song)

A comma tells you "pause" when you read.

A comma tells you "pause" when you read.

When you're reading in a book,

Be sure to take a look.

A comma tells you "pause" when you read.

A comma goes between the date and year.

A comma goes between the date and year.

When you go to write the date,

Use a comma to separate.

'Cause a comma goes between the date and year. 

A comma goes between a town and state.

A comma goes between a town and state.

When you want to name a place,

Put a comma in the space.

'Cause a comma goes between a town and state.

Use a comma when you write a list of words.

Use a comma when you write a list of words.

When you want to make a list,

You must remember this:

Use a comma when you write a list of words.

**FYI I didn't write anything about commas in friendly letters b/c we weren't focusing on this.  If you want to write your own verses for those, feel free to and don't forget to share! :)

I hope someone who reads this finds it handy!  I'd love to hear your thoughts on the song, other methods for teaching about commas, and as I said, additional verses you may decide to make up!  

I hope you have a wonderful week.  Stay classy, teachers!