Add A Picture???

Can anyone teach me how to add a picture or video to this blog? I am sure it is really simple, but I sometimes need a little extra help. Thanks!

Great Books for Kids

I am always searching for new books to excite my students. I see my students for 3 years from grades 3-5. It has been a challenge to find great picture books to excite them each year. I have my favorites that I love to read each year but there is always one student in the bunch that says, "we read that last year." I search the public library and book stores trying to stay current on the latest children's literature, but it is a never ending task. Kid Lit is a great blog that introduces new children's books and gives a summary of the story. This site has helped me to find great new stories to begin reading with the students in my classroom. What resources do you use to stay current with the latest books?

It's May

Today when I entered my classroom, the first thing I needed to do to get ready for the arrival of my students was to change the calendar over to May. I can not believe how quickly the year has gone by. As the year is wrapping up, I am already reflecting on the things I want to change and how great those changes will be for my students for next year. I need to remember that even though I may be excited for a fresh, new and exciting start to next year that I should not rush through the last few weeks that we have left. It is a challenge to keep the students engaged in meaningful learning as the weather is getting warmer and summer is inching closer. What lessons do you use to keep your students in the learning mindset through the last day of school? How do you fight the excitement of summer in your classroom?