At our school we do Secret Pal every year! We fill out a sheet about us and then draw names! I picked a 5th grade teacher that I am pretty close to. I usually try to start out with a back to school gift of some supplies they might want/need, but then I usually buy more personal items for other occasions. Here is what I got her today!
Well, our first three days went GREAT! I really think I have a GOOD class this year! Last year I had a few behavioral issues, but I think this will be a good year! I do have some that may be a little bit of a challenge, but I know we'll manage! :) So far, being bucket fillers has been the BEST thing I've ever done in my room! The kids love it SO much and I feel like it has really built classroom community! Also, the kids loved coming in Friday morning to see the books I had picked out for them. I gave them time to browse their books and told them if they didn't want any of the books I picked out to put them on top of the middle desk (supply desk). Then, I held each one up and talked about it and about half of the class wanted every book I held up! It was GREAT! We started independent reading, but only for about 10 minutes. We are going to build up to 25-30 minutes within the next few weeks. When it was time to stop and go to activity, the kids wanted to keep reading! That is music to a teacher's heart!! I have also started our first read-aloud "The World According to Humphrey"! Thanks Tara for recommending it! The kids are loving it!