Teacher OOTD x3, Testing and It's OFFICIAL!

[@nancycox270]

Sharpening pencils turns me into Godzilla! I can't wait to learn more about the MAC program and how you are going to implement it and the kinds of project based activities you will be doing. It sounds so exciting. I really like the way you have set up your books and I will definitely look into getting your labels. Enjoyed your OOTD segment.

[@nerrisacolon7680]

I have been searching for a long time for a classroom library system that would work for me. I LOVE your system and your labels!!! It has made it so easy for me to sort my books and it looks so organized and nice! Thank you so much!!!!!

[@Rachaelannkerr]

So it sounds like you are incorporating Montessori methods in public school which I think is great. The multi age classroom model and project based learning are some of the methods Maria Montessori strongly believed in and used and are still used today in Montessori schools. I think you will have a lot of fun next school year.

[@tinaherrera4284]

I don't allow sharpeners in my class or let them use my sharpener because it always gets broken. I do a sharp and dull can and then just have them always ready. Congratulations on your new assignment!! Sounds so exciting

[@rhoyalt1027]

I like your method for organizing your library. Congrats on your new position. I can't wait to hear about the MAC team journey.

[@bookishbritt]

I am definitely looking forward to a video about the MAC team because I love the idea behind that way of teaching! Congrats!

[@Rosane18]

Holy moly... your lines in your charts are straight 👌🏻😄

[@Inallthingsgivethanks1]

I am a homeschool teacher and I can't get my head into the game with dishes in the sink. I can't imagine having a whole messy/unorganized classroom! Love to organize. TFS

[@almarodriguez7488]

Congratulations on the big news! Sounds really neat! Can't wait to see how it goes!

[@tmp2308]

Yes! I agree with pretty much everything you said. In the middle of pasas, it's soooo tiring! Great idea with the anchor chart directions! I do not allow kids to sharpen pencils ✏️. Makes me crazy too. I cut erasers in half as well. Makes them last longer.

[@tammystruthers8116]

yes, I get tired also. I think it's from the stress is caused all of us. Don't worry, eat well, and get enough sleep!

[@cristywellik5010]

You are going to love your "new" experience for next year. It was one of the best four years of my career when I did it! So great for you! Congratulations. :)

[@deejefferson5578]

That's so awesome Bridget! So excited for you

[@zelmaa5736]

I LOVE that silhouette idea. They look fantastic. I'm going to start collecting spare Scholastic catalogues.

[@meginbelize]

I'm a Montessori teacher and your MAC team classroom is very similar to the Montessori philosophy. We teach in classes of a 3 year age range. It's so amazing to see the older children help the younger! Also it's so cool to see how much the children can do when you give them the potential.

[@misskat55]

I feel ya on the pencil sharpening! My kids don't even know where my sharpener is located.

[@jojo2590]

I love your cardigan sweaters! So fly!

[@diannaq5762]

Congratulations. Sounds very interesting. As for the sharpener situation, I agree with you

[@msshaunanana7150]

I can't wait to hear more about your MAC team and what it entails. Definitely agree we need to cater to kids and the world they are in which doesn't necessarily require a traditional classroom 24/7.

[@BundleOfBeauty03]

Love your library! Congratulations on this new journey! Thanks for always sharing! Watching your videos keeps me excited to teach :)

[@carmenhigh2702]

Oh my gosh! I love your videos and had no idea that you teach in PA! I teach in northeast PA. Thank you for sharing such great videos and information! Good luck on your new endeavor! I look forward to seeing how it's going! 😊

[@miss.kindergarten7323]

You could create a theme based off of a book series or an author your student age group likes. My 3rd graders are really into the Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, Big Nate, Smile/Sisters books, American Girl & the Rainbow Magic series.

[@TheUrbanFamily1]

That is really exciting Bridget. I really think there is a place multi age classrooms, it also allows children to help each other and as you say, some 4th grade children might be up for the challenge and some 6th grade kids might need that extra support. Woohoo.. looking forward to seeing how this plays out for you all. Loved your outfits too this week, and yey to spring cleaning!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

TheUrbanFamily1 thank you so much! I am excited to share this little journey and my passions for education.... and organizing 😅

[@lauraevelynashley]

You are not alone about the pencil thing. I spend extra time each day sharpening pencils before school!

[@LaurensDesigns]

LOVE THE Scholastic art idea! I always have extra! I save some with my magazine collection but many get recycled! :(

[@vanessacramos8096]

I have been spring cleaning and organizing too!! This gave me great ideas!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who is cleaning too!! If thing s are disorganized I can't be myself!!! Testing time is a great time to organize! My next task is my closet bc it's a hot mess and it looks like a volcano erupted in there!!!! Your library organization is life changing to me! I have always done baskets and it's insane to maintain. It's so clean and neat and makes me happy!!! Def purchasing the labels. Any ideas for picture books organization?

[@kniccole]

I love watching your videos. you're such an inspiration to Me! I was originally in college for nursing and after working in a hospital for 2 years I decided that I wanted to do what I've always wanted to do (teaching). so thank you for that!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+kristen heinrich Yay! Best of luck to you. #followyourdreams

[@kniccole]

The Lettered Classroom thank you!!!

[@NovelteaCorner]

In Australia we call MAC rooms composite classes and they're quite common - and a really great way to teach. I look forward to seeing how it goes for you!

[@Jeniren98]

I feel ya on your comment about pencil sharpening, especially if they try to do it when I am teaching. I had a student get up and start walking to the pencil sharpener while I was in the middle of teaching. I gave him such a look that as soon as he saw it he started to slowly back up and returned to his seat...the look said it all. I totally feel ya.

[@danamarie7069]

I can't handle the pencil sharpening either. I even labeled them bc I can't stand "HE STOLE MY PENCIL!" either. I started doing the anchor chart for PSSA'S last year. I'm always tired during the PSSA from walking but I also have to read the math test for my SPED students.

[@AccordingToChez]

Agreed about the pencil sharpening! I buy the already sharpened pencils from Walmart, well worth it 🙌🏼 thanks for the awesome video.

[@AccordingToChez]

Congrats on your big news!

[@pennyramsey2539]

So awesome!!!! I would love to do something like the MACK team that you are going to be doing. I love hands on, project based, real world type items. I have students this year that are on 3 different grade levels and would need something like the Mack team.

[@93kram]

I HATE pencil sharpening!! I unplugged both of my BRAND NEW pencil sharpeners and told my kids its broken. Totally get it.

[@Amanda-px7pk]

I have noticed that I have totally been saying "makes my heart happy" because of you!!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Amanda F 😂😂😂 No joke. That makes my heart happy! 😂😂.

[@catleo3621]

That's phenomenal! (lol)

[@wandafonseca5793]

Hi Bridget...I think you did a good job on organizing the library. Looks great! 😊👍

[@roderickwoodard1415]

When you put your blue tape on your board did you use a ruler to measure because they are perfectly lined up. I am looking for ideas for a daily agenda/objectives.

[@dublinro8]

In love with the outfits and happy for those good news 🤗

[@natalie3104]

Congrats on the big news! It sounds awesome 😊 can't wait to hear more about it!!!

[@cmartnez1]

That is so awesome! I love how innovative your school is!

[@Olivia-si3be]

For a theme I would do a beach type of theme and this is because you like the color blue ! Although another theme Is a cozy feel you can include fairy lights pillows a couch and other things!!!

[@MsCarterRocks]

I administer PSSA as well. It's EXHAUSTING!!!

[@tammimarie]

omg one more comment, your husband and the shoe story....sweetest thing!! And they are adorable shoes.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

tammimarie yes! I know it!

[@gretaalejandra9584]

@@BridgingLiteracy hi how are you

[@christydonnelly9618]

Congrats! Very interested in hearing how MAC works. Are the small containers you used for the card games just small snack containers? They fit perfectly! Sometimes it's hard to get storage resources in Canada. I'm too fussy sometimes I think...

[@stacyamsden]

Congratulations on your new position, that sounds very exciting! My students have never been able to sharpen their pencil during the day. I have students that sharpen pencils for me at the end of the day! Have a great weekend!

[@michelleauflick9606]

I feel you so much on the sharpening pencils! It's too much of a distraction.

[@Vdiazflores]

I love that silhouette project!! I will try it out!

[@irama687]

I really like how you've organised your library - my class find it really hard to sort into fiction and non-fiction ( 4/5 yrs of age) so something like this would work well for us. I'm intrigued to hear about the logistics of your new class - an exciting new adventure

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Reception Talker - I'm finishing up editable labels now !

[@jo_silver90]

I was in a multi age classroom in elementary school! The classroom was 1st and 2nd grades and started when I was in 2nd grade so I was only in it for one year but I had the same teacher in first. My brother came into the classroom after I left (he was 2 grades behind me.) As much as I can remember from almost 20 years ago we both liked it and did very well with it.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Jo Silver thank you for sharing your story.

[@kcm7134]

I just started spring break. Yea! My grade level has testing on May 23-24 and June 5-6. We don't finish school till June 23. 😪

[@BeautyWithLexy]

I am currently in school aspiring to become a teacher 😃. I do plan on teaching 3rd grade, but unsure of what subject. Thanks for the videos, it helps a lot!! 💛

[@roderickwoodard1415]

Good Morning!! Where did you get your easel? I would love to have one in my classroom for daily Homework or a morning message. How do you stay organized as an elementary school teacher? In the school district I work in, all of the Elementary school (there are 3) teach all subjects. As always, thank you for your inspiration! 😀

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Roderick Woodard I'll do more about organizing for subjects. I'll be easier once I'm back to teaching everything next year. Which easel? I have two. Both were provided by the school and thy are both a little different.

[@roderickwoodard1415]

Oh Okay. I love them both. Congratulations on your new position for next year. There is a youtube video that discusses teaching in a multi-age classroom. It is very beneficial and is worth checking out. When I finish my degree, I will be certified to teach up to 6th grade in FL and I am still open to the opportunity of teaching 6th grade. You will do amazing as a multi-age classroom teacher and I am looking forward to your journey! May God continue to bless you and your team as you make this amazing transition! 😀

[@roderickwoodard1415]

That is so exciting!! I am so happy for you! I know that in PA, teacher certification is PK-4. With you moving to the MAC team next year, will you have to add any additional certification for 5th and 6th grade?

[@staceyedzwald5103]

Have you done or could you do a video on time management? How do you get everything done and still have time for a personal life? I teach HS English so my load is different, but I'm still enjoying your videos!

[@BridgetReadsandReads]

Bridget, I do the exact same as you as far as pencils!!! I hate hearing the sound as well, plus, I think it distracts my students and others use it as an excuse to get out of them seats. Good luck with the changes next school year! Sounds exciting and I can't wait to watch your new journey as it unfolds!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Pottergirl72 thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@frodoughbaggins5592]

The blue shoe story made my eyes tear up. I am going to start cutting my erasers in half just like you do. Pure genius!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Frodough Baggins awwwww 😍.... it did the same to me!

[@SarahAnn91]

Love the labels.

[@amandafowler1165]

That's awesome! Can't wait to see how your new adventure pans out. My favorite cereal is either fruit loops or lucky charms. I'm on spring break next week and then I have 2 weeks before testing starts. We have 2 weeks of testing!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Amanda Fowler 2 weeks all together? Oh my heavens.

[@Charlotte-kz4vz]

I know that I will love this video already

[@pattersonteach]

Congratulations on your new opportunity. It sounds very interesting and complicated, but that's not a bad thing. I can not wait to see future videos on the topic. Not the announcment I was thinkingbof but a true surprise just the same. Education is truly evolving and it sounds like your district wants to be on the cutting edge.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

J Patterson 😅yes. It is a bit complicated and we have a ton of planning that has already started. I'll share more in a video soon.

[@kiaracharles28]

When I used to take the PSSAs, it felt like the longest week ever

[@tammimarie]

Yes we have had testing this week at the HS and it's tiring, but we mostly sit the whole time which we aren't used to.

[@tammimarie]

Yes I hear you on the pencil thing. There's always someone about to try and sharpen when I'm giving directions. Luckily with HS kids they use mechanical or pens a lot. But we do use colored pencils in biology a lot.

[@BlackRoze29]

I hate the pencil sharpener too, but I teach 8th graders who will take apart mechanical pencils and then I have pieces all over my room. So I just don't allow it while I'm teaching. During classwork, it's fair game because the talking and music I play drowns it out. I can deal with the electric one. I removed both of my manual sharpeners because that sound drives me insane every time.

[@ashleyhartlaub1005]

Hey!!! Love your videos and congrats on the big news sounds really cool!! I think you should do an Apples theme next year in your room :)

[@henryprokop9170]

I too hate the pencil sharpening as well!! Drives me crazy also. By the way, I need some suggestions on what to do for Reading Groups Chapter Books for Grade 4 and writing suggestions? I am moving into this grade next year and need some help.

[@jboremski]

I don't let my kindergarten kiddos sharpen their pencils. My partner teacher and I sharpen them each morning. I find that some kids break them on purpose to get out of their seats to get a new one. I think next year I am going to look for pencils without erasers! Pencils, in my opinion, are a teacher's nemesis. Lol

[@destinpate9000]

An Anthropologie inspired theme would be so cute and cool!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I love it! ...but would go broke!

[@maddiedavis4990]

Loved the first dress so much, I went to the Old Navy website and bought it!!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Maddie Davis 😂😂 I do the same thing!

[@QuinMcIver]

Congratulations!! Your library looks amazing! I can't wait until its available on TPT.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I just finished the editable version and added it to my blog store! bit.ly/LibraryBookLabels

[@QuinMcIver]

Thanks!

[@elysechan470]

It's my first year teaching and the pencil sharpening drives me crazy as well. :D Thanks for the videos! They always inspire me to do my best for the kids.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Elyse Chan thank you for this message. That is exactly what I hope to accomplish with this channel.

[@chiemichan769]

Your slip is absolutely adorable! Where can I get one?

[@MrsBryon]

The sound of the electric pencil sharpener affects me the same way as nails on a chalkboard. I sharpen the pencils and it takes me awhile because I have to do them in 2-3 second increments.

[@MostlyCaffeinated]

I just found you. This is amazing. You are the teacher I hope to be again someday (taking a few years' break to raise babies. =) )

[@ladyboysofbangkok]

A Ron Clark inspired theme would be nice!

[@caterraz]

I agree! I totally hate the whole sharpening pencils thing! Specially because they spend hours sharpening a pencil, the lead breaks, I have to step in.... argh. So yeah, I feel ya! ❤️ I work with First Graders, so they usually spend like 5 minutes sharpening a pencil, that gradually gets smaller and smaller and... you know!!! Thanks for you awesome videos, you inspire me to be a better teacher every day!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Little Monkey Mom I am so happy that these videos are impacting you in a positive way!!! Thank you. 😘

[@SweetFelicity89]

I'm so excited about your big news! I actually currently teach 1st-3rd together. Our curriculum caters to the individual student. I have some students who are in 2nd grade and are completing 3rd grade level work. We don't want to hinder them just because they're in a certain grade. It's really amazing. I actually have a 1st grade student who's dipping his toes in multiplication. ☺

[@BridgingLiteracy]

That is amazing!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing your insights of your classroom.

[@iluvdaizeys]

I know that the star wars trilogy isn't the greatest piece of literature out there.... but it would make for a fun classroom.

[@miss.kindergarten7323]

I cut my erasers in thirds, SOMETIMES fourths...too much pencil poking and shading on them :( I also sharpen pencils daily, pencil sharpeners are a huge DISTRACTION for most students and extremely messy...my school's janitor loves me for the lack of mess in my room daily! It's always great to be in good graces with the support staff! Have you ever looked at different school district supply lists at Office Max, Walmart, etc. at the beginning of the year? I don't recall ever seeing student pencil sharpeners on those lists, yet many students bring them in lol. I tell students to keep them at home to sharpen their pencils for their homework. ;)

[@NuB82]

We have to cover our walls completely for our state testing. It is like having a Butcher Paper Wonderland for the entire campus. Lol

[@BridgingLiteracy]

NuB82 oh my goodness that is awful! Drives me crazy that we tell kids to use resources and on these days they can't do that. Don't we use resources in real life...? What is spell check, the Internet.... I have strong feels about state testing.

[@Jesskjb]

I sharpen the pencils!!!! They better not dare..... lol Your not alone.

[@debbieblincoe888]

Awesome huge congrats!!!! I know you'll mention this latter but will you have separate classrooms or one big classroom?

[@KarolBarrios1302]

Very interesting!

[@jennrobertson7316]

I am super interested in hearing more about your MAC position as I am trying to make some changes to my learning environment/ style for next year - flexible seating and trying a bit more PBL to differentiate for my range of learners (currently 5/6). It was suggested that I would have a 6/7/8 classroom for next year, but I would be full time with another teacher helping only half time. It would be a lot of work! I can't wait to hear about some of the project ideas you come up with and hope you vlog about them!!

[@lianaayres6952]

As a 6th grade teacher.... I want to know more! How will these students be chosen for the program? Etc... Will you have to write a lesson plan for each grade level like the ESE teachers? I loved teaching VE, but preparing ALL of the lesson plans was time consuming. So glad you got to clean your closets! It will make moving so much easier!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Liana Ayres thank you for the questions! I have written them down and will respond to them in a video!

[@eisbarbusy]

I can't stand students sharpening pencils! :) You are not alone here.

[@kljb67]

Your new journey sounds amazing! My children attended a Montessori program from preschool through with grade and their classrooms are multi-aged with one teacher and a teacher assistant teaching all subjects. Preschool - Kindergarten, 1st trough 3rd, 4th through 6th and middle school is 7th - 8th. The foundation of Montessori is to "follow the child" which means some students are ahead, at grade level, or may be a little behind but we work the students where they are. We have always been a school of excellence (public charter Montessori school) and our students are more than ready for the rigors of high school, college and beyond. If you have yet to do so, you may want to read about Maria Montessori and her philosophy concerning educating children. More public schools are moving to this model but are not necessarily calling it the Montessori method. I would be interested to see if you all will incorporate the materials or concepts that Montessorians use as well. Congratulations!

[@pinarose]

Would you be interested in doing a video on the generic games that you use throughout the year?

[@miss.kindergarten7323]

YES!!! I would LOVE to see what types of games you use/create and how you use them for L..A. & math from Kindergarten to 4th grade. My name on here is Miss. Kindergarten because I taught Kindergarten when I first created this account, but I now teach 3rd...might be going back to Kindergarten next year or two.

[@trishalee9353]

Testing is the most exhausting part of my week. I ALWAYS feel drained afterward.

[@rachelsimmons3548]

I have a class job of pencil sharpener, and that job happens at the end of the day. No one has access to the sharpener during the day. That way, the end of the day, one student sharpens all the pencils and I don't have to hear that sound all day. 😄

[@elizabethskaggs2004]

My friend who is a librarian just recommended Sam Edelman shoes! She said they were super comfy!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Elizabeth Skaggs oh my goodness they are amazing!

[@echohuang1895]

Love your chart. Could u plz do a video for anchor chart? I am a teacher from China...really really enjoy your vlog

[@Churchboy324]

I'm the same way about pencil sharpening. I used to sharpen all pencils every day. I have a student to do it in the afternoons before she leaves as her classroom job. I also cut my erasers in half. I think it's totally awesome that you will be a part of a MAC Team. Wooooow! I can't wait for the video about it.

[@lyncrafts316]

Hi Bridget, can you upload tge Ron Clark video on periscope as well. Thanks dearie.

[@connerfrielinghausen9081]

will u still have a classroom in the Mac thing that u r doing

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Conner Frielinghausen yes but I will be sharing the room with another teacher.

[@connerfrielinghausen9081]

The Lettered Classroom will u still vlog

[@katyscott5750]

I have NEVER let my kids sharpen their own pencils! They think our classroom pencil sharpener is broken... lol

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Katy Scott love that!

[@ahlyiaschmidt2867]

why dont you do industrial modern xx

[@uptownflavor]

your outfit is so cute and teachery.

[@argarcia8]

Where did you get that slip from? It's a great idea to add length to a short dress

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Annalyse Giron Grace and Lace.... so cute!!! 😍

[@argarcia8]

The Lettered Classroom adorable, thanks!!

[@analuavl9]

Awesome news 😊

[@jordynk8797]

Don't we all Love the PSSA❤️😂

[@kiarajones1290]

Yep.... I HATE my children having pencil sharpeners. When they come in the book order I take them out and hide them. Then ask my parent helpers to sharpen them in the morning. At the end of the year for to weeks of sharpening HELL... I let them experience sharpening their own pencils ps I might also go completely insane during those two weeks