Teacher Vlog #2 | Our First Monday & Our Library!

[@makennaevans6197]

I miss not being able to see your beautiful classroom

[@MrsCallsCampers]

I will still do a picture tour...I am sorry :(

[@welcomeitslisa]

One tip for transitions especially for chatty talkers is to have them transition in the classroom especially physically doing something that requires mental concentration ex) walk to your desk area or table area pretending you are a secret agent and tip toe, walk to the carpet area pretending you are carrying a hot bowl of soup ... don’t spill it ! , etc. It really gets kids focused on a task and the silliness of it makes it fun

[@MrsCallsCampers]

I have been doing that for lining up! But maybe I should incorporate it into all of my transitions....thank you!

[@Demahevans]

I really appreciated that you stressed the value of setting high expectations for our students. It’s so important because if you come in with low expectations of what they’ll do then their behavior will match that in most cases.

[@MrsCallsCampers]

So so sorry I can't show you more of my classroom! I hope you still enjoy hearing my thoughts about my first Monday with my kiddos! We are now almost a month into school and I have been absolutely loving every second with them. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive. I am so lucky that I can talk to and help and collaborate with so many amazing people and teachers!

[@boydfamily8241]

We love your videos. Quit fretting. I love love LOVE the early morning video you take before school. I am a morning person. It's fun to see what the weather is like and what you are wearing and what you took for lunch. I also like seeing the snapshots of the day and the end of the day video. You definitely need to do a picture tour video. Also lesson planning and organization is interesting. And all the things you make for the classroom, those are really interesting. Keep up the good work and have fun. 💗 ~A homeschooling mom of 10

[@devontaekelley2729]

I love how you introduced your library! I haven't let mine actually go to our class library yet (I've been rotating books in and out of their book boxes 😫) but I will once we come back from Labor Day! I plan on introducing mine the same way, talking about the nice people who donated and showing care for them. I hate that people tried to discourage you from wanting an organized library, but kudos to you for not listening!!

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Thank you! I was nervous about introducing it, but they really think it is the best place in our room (YAY!) Our school has apple TVs too, so I had them all sit on the carpet and I took my iPad and airplayed it to the projector. I turned the camera on my iPad and everything the iPad saw, the kids could see on the projector, so they could see me demonstrate how to use our library without every single one of them being in the library. I don't know if you have this technology in your room, but they thought it was super fun! I hope your kids treat your library just as well!! I think they will :)

[@Obliviatedd]

I totally agree on leveling a library! That’s the best part of this community and teaching is the fact that we can reflect on these things and share ideas and do better. Love your labels too.

[@beckichronister2984]

Transitions can be hard. One thing I have my kids do if they are not doing the transition how I want it: not quiet, not quick, etc is stop everything and make them do it again. Even modeling it again. This is the time to really instill the expectations. One transition my students have particular trouble with is getting their whiteboards quickly, quietly, and putting their marker in the air so I know they are ready. If they don’t do it correctly, we all come back to the carpet to try again. Making it fun, but calm helps also. Sometimes for other transitions I will play spy music , like from mission impossible or something. They love it!

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Becki Chronister I definitely make them redo something if we aren't doing it correctly! :) we've been late to quite a few places because of this and I'm totally okay with it. A lot of people have suggested to use a song that they are familiar with and I am going to add that in! I do use projected timers and that helps too! I think a song would be better because they don't have to look at the board they can just listen and know when their time is running out!

[@beckichronister2984]

Mrs. Call's Campers Awesome! I love how you are creating a community where teachers can learn from each other. I always scroll through your comments on insta and here to find new ideas for myself as well 😂 I hate how when I read back my comment it sounds like I am “telling you what to do”. You are doing great and your kids will get it! It is so amazing when it’s December and you think back to now. You will really be able to see how they have learned the routines and become so independent.

[@belindabubb8996]

I am in high school, and I started watching your videos from the second day setup, and I really enjoy watching your videos. Watching these videos are so cool! I hope you have a great school year!

[@MrsCallsCampers]

thank you so much Belinda!

[@alphaholloway]

Belinda Bubb same. What grade are you in?

[@brittanymartin6770]

You are so right about the library! I'm a para in special education right now with kids that have autism, some ID kids and some ED kids. Our books are used and organized every day! All we do is remind them of our expectations when we need to!

[@apples12399]

i really really appreciate the effort making these vlogs although everything needs to be zoomed in for now. you make it still very interesting and entertaining!

[@liannemarie8831]

I recently decided that I really want to be an elementary school teacher and I found your channel last week. I watched all your classroom set up videos. I find them so informative and a glimpse of what I would be expecting if I were to get my own classroom one day. It looked so exhausting and yet very exciting all at the same time. Thank you so much and I will continue to watch you as you go through your first year and I will begin my process to get my teaching credentials. It seems so far from where you are but I hope to get there soon!

[@MrsCallsCampers]

It does seem like that now, but you'll be here sooner than you know! Good luck!

[@CeceCarlton]

I’m so glad you’re having so much fun with your kiddos! I still remember my first grade teacher and she was just as sweet as you are! You are going to make such a positive impact on these kids! Congrats on one month in school! Best of luck as you continue through the school year!

[@MrsCallsCampers]

I love that you still remember her! I'm scared mine will forget me haha!

[@CeceCarlton]

You seem to be very unforgettable! You just have a personality that really sticks!

[@doantran]

Don’t be sorry! It’s not your fault, I don’t mind just hearing about your experience and not seeing it physically anymore. Your students seem so precious also 😭!

[@MrsCallsCampers]

They are the best kids!!!!

[@panosinprimary]

Your vlogs still look amazing! You are a real inspiration for first year teachers! Well done for your amazing work!

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Thank you so very much!

[@HenaTina]

I am finally all caught up with your videos!! I am an early childhood educator (4years). I plan on going back to school for my bachelors, I currently have my associates in ECE. My ambition is to have my own in-home childcare, but to also have the option to teach in grade school if things change. Your videos are really inspiring and great. I teach 3year olds now and have an open materials classroom (scissors, beads, books, etc.). Parents are always surprised to know that kids do well with materials out, when taught how to use them. Now I have to go venture out to see other teacher videos.

[@isabellapickslay9226]

YAY!!!! I’ve been waiting!! Good luck on the rest of your year!!!

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Thanks, Isabella!

[@MariahSalazar]

how will you be doing weekly teacher vlogs from now on? will you be doing them from home?

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Yes...I filmed the last week in my car before and after school because my studio isn't set up set though!!

[@codprincess3027]

I totally agree with you about the level readers I know my kiddos wouldn't reach for a book they liked or wanted to try if it was labeled with a level they're not at yet

[@MrsCallsCampers]

YES! Thank you!!!

[@meghan89]

I’m so confused why you can’t show your empty classroom

[@tabbytheartsybear6576]

meghan89 I was confused too until I read a reply saying that she got a phone call where they stated she wasn’t allowed to film the classroom because of safety issues

[@graciewwe]

I have the exact same lanyard!! Got it as a Christmas gift from my fellow ELL teachers ^^

[@MrsCallsCampers]

I love it!!

[@notyourgrammascrafts]

I hope you had a super great first week I'm glad to see an update

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Thank you, Crystal! It was! I have LOVED getting to know my kids!

[@L.B.5.4.]

So excited for this! Yayy!

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Hello!

[@L.B.5.4.]

@@MrsCallsCampers hello to you too! I loved the video! It was especially cool to see your morning PowerPoint! I really like how you highlight sight words. I always thought I'd do that in my classroom too. Also, your book bins turned out so cute!

[@lorimoghadam3054]

Put the little guy who keeps raising his hand in charge of changing the voice levels. Put kids to work for you!

[@taylermramirez]

I do after school, currently in school to teach, but what works for them transitioning is when I grab their attention, fully explain what they will be doing, then tell them to go ONLY when I say go. For example: Okay I want you to get up, walk to the door, line up behind the door without touching the door, voices off or we will do it again until we get it right, only when I say go. Then I'll say okay on your mark, get set, go. I will trick them by saying on your mark, get set, green or gray or garbage. Just to see if they are listening. Hope this makes sense.

[@RachaelLyn]

I have Kindergarten, and they do a better job keeping it organized when I keep it organized. I also make a classroom job the Librarian, who goes through the bins to make sure they are in the right sections and all of the books are kept neatly in the bins and shelves. They LOVE this job!

[@emilyhawkins4149]

I'm so glad you thought twice about labeling your leveled readers. It is so important for students to have lots of exposure to books that interest them to instill a love of reading. Having students focus on their reading level takes the enjoyment of choosing and reading books away from some students; especially those students who struggle with reading. I teach my students how to choose a good fit book using the 5 Finger Rule. I also encourage them to look for books that interest them even if they can't read all the words yet. For some that motivates them to work hard on improving their reading skills. I teach my students that they can also read a book by looking at the pictures.

[@MrsCallsCampers]

ABSOLUTELY! Especially the last part. I want my kids to be making those choices and LOVING reading!

[@thatmegsgirl]

can you stand again one of the walls instead of doing the zoom in? it would make this so much easier to watch. i still 100% appreciate your thoughts and i think you are an incredible teacher with such a bright spirit!

[@lucyaddabbo9842]

Megan W i think she filmed this before she knew she couldnt show the room, apparently she'll make a backdrop to film infront of soon!

[@thatmegsgirl]

yay!!! i didn't want to sound like angry or mean, i so appreciate her effort and diligence in making these vlogs, and i'm not even a teacher! i just find these videos super relaxing and enjoyable to watch :)

[@MrsCallsCampers]

I know, it's almost distracting! I just had so much content I filmed that I wanted to share with you. I have a place in my home I am setting up - like a studio :)

[@thatmegsgirl]

I cannot wait! I hope you + your husband are having a great Labour (I'm Canadian haha) Day Weekend!

[@mallorycandace]

Just here to tell you that you’re doing a great job! 🙂👏🏻

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Love you Mallory!

[@avachavarria3120]

Your fave is so close and zoomed in

[@alishazagubien5385]

With your library to keep it clean and teaching the kiddos how to put it back where they put it, get a laminated cardboard with their name/number on it so they remember where they got it from (they might forget). Love your channel by the way.

[@MrsCallsCampers]

They are actually doing a really great job! Thank you!

[@alifebeingdes4775]

For the labels can u add a blank picture so no writing no pic but the border? So we can go into Microsoft Office and add them ourselves

[@MrsCallsCampers]

You can just delete the picture :)

[@thetwinnerlife3634]

I’ve always bought a book for my first grade teacher every year, the least I could do I buy one for your class.

[@faithful7360]

Yay I love these videos

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Thank you, Faith!

[@kathybrannon8166]

Fernanda at thatonehappyclassroom just posted a video about transitions in her classroom. She uses a doorbell, songs, and timers. Those are great ideas. I use the timer on my phone all the time. I also project a timer on the board from my projector sometimes. Both work well. I’ve been debating about a door bell. Think I may invest in one. Fernanda also mentioned a website called teacherconnect.com for teacher sharing ideas. I’m going to check that out too! You’ll learn to eat super fast-that’s extremely hard for me still. I’m a slow eater!!

[@olgakodnicka7854]

could you vlog about centers in your classroom?

[@MrsCallsCampers]

I will once we get rolling with guided reading!

[@diannaq5762]

Love your videos. I thought you could not post videos from your classroom .

[@makennaevans6197]

I love your videos so much.

[@MrsCallsCampers]

That is so nice to hear!

[@rachellestewart9946]

Love your library! You are right first graders can keep a library organized mine do. Just a thought spell words or count for transitions. I usually spell cupcakes this makes my students move quicker. Another food for thought my class has a class pet. It's not a real pet he's a small stuffed wiener dog. I pick a student everyday to be his pal. I start with a student who exhibits good behavior. Every student wants the dog in their desk. He goes every where except lunch. This has help student who struggle with behavior to improve because they want to watch the dog.

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Oh my gosh a fake class pet is the cutest idea I have ever heard of. I feel like I would have to be very specific about the expectations for it...but that is definitely something to think about!

[@ShopwithSarah]

Guuurrrrrrl you are almost 30k!

[@MrsCallsCampers]

CRAZY!

[@Jessica25710]

An idea for transitions would be to put on music. Make sure that its loud enough for the students to hear it when they're quiet, but not loud enough when talking. If you/they can't hear it at any point, start all over again.

[@reganhaney5687]

I'm confused why you can't video your classroom even when empty but you can photograph it. You should really do a q&a addressing the whole situation! And also during your reading time. The kids might be coming up to you for help on reading or on a word, or maybe because they're sick or something, so personally I would ask them what they need first before sending them away. Or let then know if they need help on a word or something or if they're not feeling good, to just go to the bathroom or to raise their hand.

[@MrsCallsCampers]

That's just what they said! Let me clarify on the "no coming up to me" rule: they can only come up to me for emergencies. They are supposed to be independent in centers, and I will always have a reading group going on while they are in centers, so it is important for them to learn independence and understand they cannot interrupt other students' learning. They have other people in the classroom they can seek help from for things like not being able to read a word, and there are strategies they can use as well. My students also don't need to ask to go to the bathroom, and if they feel like they need to, they need to listen to their bodies and go (even though we go before centers as a class). Centers is the time for them to be independent and on-task, so telling them they can't come up to me is my way of facilitating that - it isn't me not wanting to help them! :)

[@reganhaney5687]

Mrs. Call's Campers I didn't think you didn't want to help them. You seem like you're a amazing teacher. It was no hate at all in my comment. But thank you for clarifying.

[@dejavoo95]

I'm not sure how much more functional it would be but maybe having a class librarian as a job could help make sure everything is in order and in their categories at the end of the day. However, I do think it is important to teach them the responsibility individually. Just thought I'd put that out there, lol :)

[@MrsCallsCampers]

I have center leaders so the leader double checks but they have done SO SO SO WELL! Thanks girl!

[@debbiekuza1001]

Read Zachary zween for lining up . It is so cute.

[@chloemcgill9543]

You library is even cooler that you finished it

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Thank you! It is their favorite place!

[@chloemcgill9543]

I can see why

[@djthereplay]

+Mrs. Call's Campers I just wanted to send you a virtual hug and I wish the best for you all this school year . You look beautiful in your teacher outfits and I like the way you did the pictures together showing your outfits off . I just wish that I could have your autograph on one of them . By the way , don't worry so much about what you are not able to get to it will eventually be done or whatever needs to be taught that these students really need to know that you are not able to teach them they will be taught it and they will get it if not in the classroom , they will learn it in this life . Do what you can not what you can't . - Dwight

[@thetwinnerlife3634]

I’m going to try and buy something for y’all

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Please don't feel obligated!

[@YellaRyan]

Make sure if any of your kids have special needs you talk about how it’s not a big deal to your kids so they don’t feel self conscious if they do. Hope you are having a great time teaching!

[@kayleybowe4920]

Im confused why you so close to the camera???

[@MrsCallsCampers]

I got a phone call saying that I was not allowed to show videos of my classroom!

[@kayleybowe4920]

Mrs. Call's Campers oh gosh!! Well that’s ridiculous as long as its not the kiddos id understand but your classroom is extreme especially since you have been videoing them through the holidays! Oh well at least you can still film love watching your videos xx

[@kellitravis2651]

Transitions need to be quick, and you have to model and practice, model, model. :)

[@knownasdionna7090]

1st

[@wendymelissa2870]

I say instead of zooming into ur face when u talk, maybe set up in front of a blank wall that way ur not showing us ur classroom and the video won’t be so shaky and out of frame. Just a thought! Even if that doesn’t work, you’re very pretty so it’s not a bad thing tht we only get to see ur face 😂😂💓

[@MrsCallsCampers]

Haha, I filmed these BEFORE knowing I wasn't allowed so this is all I could do..it's fixed in future videos :)

[@lindseyn.7284]

Looks like you’re doing great! You should watch PocketfulofPrimary-she vlogs but doesn’t show the kiddos. Maybe you’ll get some ideas.

[@MrsCallsCampers]

I am not allowed to!

[@avachavarria3120]

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