Doughnuts with sprinkles!

So, we started our writer's workshop today. I am not ashamed to admit that I am not the strongest writing teacher. My kids make gains and goals but when asked where I need improvement, I have always said "writing". Which is why I am taking the Professional Development class with the Art of Teaching Writing by Lucy Calkin.
We took a quick tour of our writer's note book and all the tools we have available. I purchased a notebook pack from Mrs. Patton's Patch. This is an amazing kit and since I have never taught like Lucy, I needed something to get me started off on the right foot.

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Poppins Vs. McPhee...who will win?

So, if you have been following, I loved my class last year! They were practically perfect in every way and they made me feel like Mary Poppins. I am seriously going through the stages of grief and think I may need counseling. This is not normal for me!
Anyhow, so the new 2nd graders all came on the first day! Cute as could be in their new clothes and perfectly combed hair. Uh? Tears to start (two of them, not me)...oh no! Defiant behaviors by 9 am...um, wait! A fist fight at lunch...whoa! Mary Poppins flew away and in dropped Nanny McPhee, warts, bad teeth and all! Holy smokes, first day was a disaster.

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