Final blog (of Blogging 101 that is)!

I have absolutely loved learning how to make and use a blog!  I have always wanted to learn how to do this blogging thing and I feel that I now have a very good understanding of how easy it really is!  I will definitely continue to use it and hope to find other 5th grade teachers that I can swap ideas with through our blogs.  I cannot wait to get into Glogster next year with my new students and see how high it can take us!  I already have so many plans to use it with!

2010-2011 School year coming to an end!

I can't believe there are only 4 days of the school year left!  It couldn't come fast enough!  So much to do!

A mural our 6th graders did with our art teacher of our school mascot.

 "Artist of the Month" Board showing off amazing art!

Enough said!

The big part of our playground.  Recess in session!

The front of Birchcrest.

Office!

PE/Lunch room

A mosaic school art project that all of the students did!

Computer lab

My messy, students pick their own seating arrangement and how the room is arranged, end of year classroom!

Classroom Expectations

I have very high expectations of my students because I believe they are all able to be successful in their own way and ability.  I believe in giving choice so that they are able to take ownership of every decision that is being made in the classroom.  I have two main "rules" in which we follow:

1.  Respect other's right to learn
2.  Treat others the way you want to be treated

I am very consistent and treat all of my students the same way.  We have a lot of fun but accomplish many things throughout our day.  I give a lot of 2 minute breaks throughout the day to keep us focused and on task.  This is my classroom in a nutshell!!

Michelle Obama getting fit with students!

All about me....

Hi.  I'm Andrea Bruns and I'm a 5th grade teacher at Birchcrest Elementary.  I am in my 7th year of teaching.  I received my Undergrad from the University of Northern Iowa and my Master's degree from Doane.  I was recently married to my wonderful husband, Tony, in September, and absolutely love hanging out with my family and friends.  I also enjoy working out, reading, scrapbooking, quilting, and most of all being an aunt to my 4 nephews and niece!
I have enjoyed learning and using more and more technology.  I don't consider myself to be a tech savvy person, however I am able to easily learn and navigate through any new tech tools that I learn.  I am definitely a PC person as I haven't had much experience with Mac.  I currently use the rover cart, document camera, and mobi in my classroom on a consistent basis, and the netbooks as often as I can get my hands on them!  I would love to have a set of classroom netbooks and a few IPad's to be able to use on a daily basis!