Mrs. Janelle's Bee Binder

This year I decided to change my old homework folders to the Bee Binder. So far I am delighted with the results. I ran across the idea over the summer from another teacher. I loved the Bee idea since I am using the bee theme in my classroom this year. Here are pictures of my finished product. I think that they turned out great!

Here is the cover of the binder. Bee stands for Bring Everything Everyday.

Here is the inside pocket where I put the students behavior chart. I have used this chart for 4 years now and it works great! It cuts down on behavior problems in my classroom since the parents know what color smiley face their child has each day.

The first pouch is labeled money. Parents use this to send ice cream/lunch money to school each day. This will also be used to collect field trip, fundraiser and book order money.

The second pouch is for the students high frequency word cards. They the study word cards every night for homework.

Next is a clear sheet protector with the weekly lunch menu.

The second sheet protector is labeled homework assignments. I provide a schedule of the weekly homework assignments in this section. I also add a description of the weekly literacy centers and letter of the week.

The third sheet protector contains a list of the words that we will learn each six weeks.

Next is the homework pocket. I place the student's homework in this pocket each day.

The second pocket is for important notes from the teacher or school.

The last pocket of the binder is where I put the students graded work to take home.

In the back cover of the binder I inserted a description of the Bee Binder.

Welcome to the Kindergarten Jungle!

This year my fellow Kindergarten teachers and I decided to do a jungle theme in our Kindergarten classroom area. Here is a picture of my classroom doors. I have two doors that lead to my classroom.

I have monkeys with bananas on the palm trees. They have the students names on them.

Meet the Teacher Monday!

Hello everyone! My name is Janelle Bush and I love teaching! I spend just about every spare moment thinking about school or a new idea to use in my classroom. I am married to a wonderful man named John and have an awesome 9 year old daughter named Kaitlin. I love my family so much. I recieved my BS in Early Childhood Education from Middle Tennessee State University in 2004. I really miss being a student and plan on working on my master's degree when my daughter is a little older.

My Family :)

My Beautiful daughter Kaitlin

How long have you been teaching?

      This school year will be my 7th year teaching. I taught preschool for 2 years and first grade for 3 years. This will be my second year teaching Kindergarten and I love it! Kindergarten is my cup of tea! I also have worked as a preschool assistant at the Sewanee Children's Center and Headstart while in college.

You might not know.....

         I am a HUGE hockey fan! I am very serious about hockey. Two years ago my husband asked me if I would like to attend a game with another couple from his work. I agreed but wasn't too happy about it. After that first game I was hooked. I love hockey!!!! I was not a sports fan until my first NHL game. My team is the Nashville Predators.

Serious fans have professional pictures made in their gear, lol.

What you are looking forward to most this year?

           This year I am looking forward to another rewarding year with my class. I look forward to getting to know my new students and giving my all to my class each day. I am also looking forward to cheerleading season and Predators hockey. ;)

What do you need to improve?

           This year I need to improve managing my time. I stay super busy with my daughter, school, coaching cheerleading, etc.... I always have a ton of work to bring home each day. I would like to become more organized.

What teaching supplies can you not live without?

        Here are a few things that are necessary to keep me going....

Diet Sundrop! This is my rocket fuel. I am so addicted to these little bottles of Sunshine, lol. They keep me going throughout the day.

A morning cup of Starbucks coffee is a must.

Mr. Sketch smelly markers are my favorite! I use these to draw smiley faces or give grades on papers. The students love to guess the smell on their papers.

I use Dr. Jean cds in my classroom everyday. I have been to two Dr. Jean workshops and just love her.

Here are a few more teaching supplies that I can't live without....

Got to have those Sharpies!!!!!



Back to School

Last Friday I got some great news..... I get to stay in Kindergarten!!!! I am so happy! Kindergarten is my passion! This week I have been working non-stop on my classroom to get it ready and it is coming along nicely. I plan on posting pictures later this week when I finish. I have found that I love teaching blogs. I have been visting them everyday and have found a lot of wonderful ideas that I can't wait to use in my classroom. Well its time to get back to work!