Exit Passes

Well, it was definitely tough to get back into the swing of things today, after 2 “cold” days off from school. I also had an hour long meeting which took me away from my kiddos for a while. My students had perfect attendance today, which was fantastic and allowed us to get caught up in our math unit about division. Then we had a school wide “Winter Olympics” activity to reward students with positive behavior. There is a different activity every month. The students had a lot of fun!

At the end of each day, I like to pass out “exit passes.” There are many types of exit passes or slips. You may like to use them on the students’ way into class, on their way out, only once a week, or once a day. There are so many options and ways to make them fit your needs! Sometimes I create specific ones about a math problem to see who needs help the next day with certain concepts. Sometimes I make them anonymous to see how my class as a whole is doing. I have recently started using exit passes everyday, and I wish I started using them sooner.

The ones in the link below really allow students to reflect on their day, their actions, and what they learned. I leave it open ended and allow students to choose which box they will fill in each day until their passes are full. They love coming up to me and reading them to me, and it is also their “pass” to then go to their lockers to pack up. It is a nice moment for them to realize that school is fun and that I cared about their day! (Even on those crazy, getting back in the swing of things days.) I have included the link, which I found on Teachers Pay Teachers via Pinterest. I am also going to try to add a picture (using Easy Blogger makes it super easy!) If you are a teacher, let me know of you use these and also how you like the ones I posted!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/What-Did-I-Do-Today-220419

Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Beef Bake

This is my first time using the app Easy Blog to post on my blog. Let’s hope it works!

Last night’s dinner was easy, fast, and delicious. Did you ever watch Rachael Ray on 30 Minute Meals? I did, all the time in high school. This should have been on that show! It took about 30 minutes to make. Here is the recipe and I have posted a picture of it, too.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Beef Bake
Prep: 10 min
Bake time: 20 min

Recipe found in “Campbell’s Casseroles” book, copyright 2007.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (I used beef)
1 can Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom with roasted garlic soup (I used the kind without the garlic since I had it on hand)
1 T Worcestershire sauce
1 bag (16 oz.) frozen veggies (I used broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots) — thawed
2 C water
3/4 C milk
2 C instant mashed potato flakes

Directions:
Cook the beef in a skillet, drain off fat. Combine beef, vegetables, Worcestershire, and 1/2 can of soup in a baking dish. I used a glass dish, not very shallow sides. While the beef was cooking, I prepared the mashed potatoes – heat the water and rest of the soup on stove until it boils. Then add milk and potato buds. The potatoes will only take 30 seconds to thicken up. Layer mashed potatoes on top of the beef and veggie mixture. Bake at 400 degrees F.

It was delicious! If you make it, let me know what you think!

I’m Now a Blogger…

Well, I guess it’s official. I will be starting my very first blog to combine two of my favorite things, teaching elementary school and cooking (hence the name “Reading, Riting, Rithmetic, & Recipes”). Check back for some great pictures and lesson plan ideas from my classroom, as well as tasty recipes from my kitchen. It won’t be the most professional or elaborate blog you’ve ever seen, but that’s okay. Sometimes simple is better!