tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727471280760914002024-03-05T17:43:37.398-08:00Sweet Life of TeachingInspiring ideas and resources for elementary and middle schoolAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-73014871186262874382018-11-17T05:12:00.002-08:002018-11-17T05:12:51.087-08:00Book of the Month Distribution <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnIbjfLuQ6dKRoQToH7pQjRD0nsQZlrltRe3swc6xBPSnZJvHAjWlQsLTux89byceucM90a0o9BEbYKkQs1D5a7QWYt3DtsOKYQHotCOEEjm7QNmLRugRlrfzaXldHrRs_BFXzqkWzQ4/s1600/46482916_10155737701082665_3570281836422627328_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnIbjfLuQ6dKRoQToH7pQjRD0nsQZlrltRe3swc6xBPSnZJvHAjWlQsLTux89byceucM90a0o9BEbYKkQs1D5a7QWYt3DtsOKYQHotCOEEjm7QNmLRugRlrfzaXldHrRs_BFXzqkWzQ4/s640/46482916_10155737701082665_3570281836422627328_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span data-offset-key="e8ovc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Over the summer, I jumped on board with many other teachers across the nation to offer my students FREE books all school year long! We're calling it Book of the Month. Local donations from family and friends is making it possible for me to gift 80+ books a month to my middle school ELA classes. It's been a a ton of fun to hand out the books, and the kids beg for them as soon as a new month rolls around! </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="up92-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">If you're looking for some <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Over%20the%20summer,%20I%20jumped%20on%20board%20with%20many%20other%20teachers%20across%20the%20nation%20to%20offer%20my%20students%20FREE%20books%20all%20school%20year%20long!%20We're%20calling%20it%20Book%20of%20the%20Month.%20Local%20donations%20from%20family%20and%20friends%20is%20making%20it%20possible%20for%20me%20to%20gift%2080+%20books%20a%20month%20to%20my%20middle%20school%20ELA%20classes.%20It's%20been%20a%20a%20ton%20of%20fun%20to%20hand%20out%20the%20books,%20and%20the%20kids%20beg%20for%20them%20as%20soon%20as%20a%20new%20month%20rolls%20around!%20%20%20If%20you're%20looking%20for%20some%20wording%20to%20begin%20your%20own%20Book%20of%20the%20Month%20initiative,%20feel%20free%20to%20use%20the%20wording%20from%20my%20post.%20Just%20make%20a%20copy%20of%20the%20doc%20&%20edit%20to%20fit%20your%20needs.%20%20%20If%20you%20need%20more%20info.%20on%20how%20I%20collected%20the%20$%20and%20credited%20it%20to%20my%20scholastic%20account,%20just%20let%20me%20know!%20HAPPY%20READING!%20%20%20https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z7g2TwLIb3_tO31FPxWS3DeCMHqotLdBR5XjkM4c6uM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">wording to begin your own Book of the Month initiative</a>, feel free to use the wording from my post. Just make a copy of the doc & edit to fit your needs. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="up92-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Here's how it works: </span></div>
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<li>Blast your info./request out on social media and by word of mouth </li>
<li>Keep an excel sheet/recording form of all your student's names and their matched sponsors. You may want to keep addresses from the sponsors (I took them from the checks), and add them to your excel page for your students to mail thank you notes. </li>
<li>Have checks payable to SCHOLASTIC and mailed to YOUR SCHOOL. </li>
<li>When checks arrive, match the sponsor to a child on your excel sheet, along with the address, and forward the checks to Scholastic. Scholastic will credit your account. </li>
<li>Each month, search the flyers for the $1 specials and load up on books for your class! </li>
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Enjoy the sweet thrill of handing out books to your class each month! They will LOVE THIS!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-76960019851005864672018-04-01T15:26:00.001-07:002018-04-01T15:26:41.477-07:00Building Classroom Community - ALL YEAR LONG! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tomorrow morning, we will embark on the remainder of our school year as it is the first day back from spring break. There's always a few things that I intentionally plan for after a break/long weekend from school to start our day and week off on the right foot: </div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> Greet students at the door with a smile</b> </span>and hug/high 5, or other greeting that makes them feel welcome, excited, and happy to enter our room. </li>
<li>Review rules/expectations</li>
<li>Build Community: Chit-chat and share out </li>
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At this point in the year, students know the rules and expectations, but always benefit from a refresher. First things first, we will kick off our morning with a little review of the classroom rules and school wide STAR expectations for behaviors in all areas of the school. Carving time out for the basics are essential to creating a classroom environment where everyone can learn, be happy, and succeed.</div>
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Next, before we jump into any academic work, we will take time to see what everyone has been up to. I am genuinely interested in who they are outside of the classroom, what they like to do, and how they spend their time. This is how I get to know my students, build relationships, and teach the whole child all year long. I create time to talk and share out (sometimes in whole group, sometimes in partners or small groups) - every time we have a break, and also every Monday as part of our 'weekend news'. </div>
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I want my class to know and care about each other, and know how much I care about them. It is easy to want to jump back into the long list of things to teach, standards to master, and data to record, but you need this to get to that. Having conversations and showing we care about each other is the heart of our classroom; it is the foundation that we can build upon. When I create time to talk to my students, to let them talk and share about their lives, we can tackle a lot of things together - academically, socially, emotionally, and otherwise. </div>
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When working with younger students, I always have parents email photos of their vacations or 'staycations' so that students have a visual reminder as a conversation starter. Not only are visuals great for the audience, it anchors the speaker to certain topics and narrows their talking points to have a productive conversation. Other students can ask questions or make connections - and so, while I do not technically attach a standard to this when I write my lesson plans, we are certainly practicing speaking and listening skills! When students are talking in partners, we have a 'strive for 5' goal where students aim for 5 exchanges of back and forth talking about one topic. The strive for 5 strategy helps students elaborate on a personal narrative/topic, which can also lead into narrative writing skills after the oral story-telling. </div>
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Tomorrow is Monday! Enrich your students' morning with some great conversation....they will feel so loved and valued! Then, go tackle all the other great stuff that will make their minds grow! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-37986194742995818512018-02-17T17:43:00.001-08:002018-02-18T07:58:31.499-08:00Sweet Victory! <div class="MsoNormal">
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Congratulations, teachers! Most of you are past the half way
mark in your school year, with Valentine’s Day marking the sweet milestone as (typically)
the last classroom holiday celebration. If you are familiar with classroom
holiday parties, you are all too familiar with the rush of getting it all set
up either on your lunch break or during a recess/prep time. The rush of explaining
the party agenda to the parent volunteers (if you were lucky to get some), getting
it all set up before your class returns, realizing that you have WAY too much
food, and noticing the dull headache that is coming on because it is no small
feat to put on a one-hour holiday party for 28+ students, which typically turns
into a ½ day party because no one can really focus on classwork when everyone
is just watching the clock tick in anticipation of party time. Cue up the games
and holiday themed movie, and let’s get those plates prepped. Don’t forget to
save the container for the fruit and veggies and send them home with the dear
child that brought them in because who’s going to eat those when there’s
cookies, cupcakes, candy, and chips? At least you asked for fruit and veggies
and one or two of your students’ parents obliged. It was all well intentioned. </div>
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Don’t
think, dear teachers, that it has gone unnoticed that you have also prepped a “safe
food” plate for those that have food allergies and medical needs. As your
colleague, I know you have the Clorox wipes on hand to wipe away food residue,
the Epi-pen that you hope you never need, and the sink ready to wash the hands
of 28+ students. Every teacher has every child’s needs in mind and plans
accordingly each and every day, especially on party days. We are teachers. It’s
what we do; but do you ever get to the point where you are mid-party, serving
out seconds and refilling cups, and stop to think: “this isn’t what I had in
mind when I signed up to educate children; I feel like I am hosting an indoor
birthday party of sorts on a rainy day when no one can go out and play, and I
am not a party planner/supervisor. I am an educator.”? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Traditional holiday celebrations in the classroom carry all sorts of
baggage and obstacles, particularly elementary classrooms, so why do we
continue to do it? In phases, I have slowly changed how I do classroom parties,
and you can too! I am all about the celebrations and having fun with my
students, but I didn’t find traditional classroom parties to be all that fun,
and I even noticed how it was impacting many of my students, and how I actually <i>wasn’t</i>
meeting some of their needs. I’ve observed:</div>
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<li>Students with food allergies look enviously
at the food they can’t have, even though they’ve been given a similar
alternative. There are times when all kids just want what everyone else has.</li>
<li>The quiet introverts, selective mute children,
and anxiety ridden children retreat even more so and look even more anxious and
nervous on party days where the noise levels are up, there are more people and
adults in the classroom (parents and people they don’t know make them highly
uncomfortable in their safe classroom that they’ve become accustomed to. </li>
<li>Students who thrive on structure lose the self
control that they work so hard to keep in check on all other days, and their
bodies and brains beg for calmness – usually shown by making poor choices or
even getting in trouble. I’ve observed how sugar intake effects students on
ADD/ADHD meds, and how it effects other students, too.</li>
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Emotions run high on party days.
It’s fun, fun, fun, and then we all come crashing down – in the classroom, on
the bus, or even a couple hours later at home. As a mom of three, I cringed
when I knew my own kids would be over-indulging on party days and I knew
exactly what kind of mood each of my three kids would be in when we got home.
Two of my kids would seem to not be affected at all, and the third…well, tread
lightly. I also felt like I couldn’t indulge my own kids in a sweet treat on
these days because they already had a ton at school. Sometimes, I just want to
be the fun parent that surprises my kids with a treat…because that’s what
treats are---something indulgent on occasion, not in mass quantities throughout
a whole day.</span><br />
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A year or so into teaching, I knew that I could and <i>should</i> do
something different, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy. It is not easy to change tradition
or make un-popular decisions – especially as a new teacher. Change is not easy –
period! So, I followed suit for a long time. Fast forward to over a decade in the
profession, and I still have the same feelings about classroom parties. I
wanted to provide a richer, healthier experience for my students on party days. I wanted to
focus on fun experiences rather than focus on food/movies in the classroom, and
I wanted to support what it being taught in Phys. Ed., art, or even music - all of which we don't get enough of throughout our day. I have since had two
administrators and my grade level teaching partner who are completely
supportive and on-board, and so here we are…finally over half way through this school year, successfully changing up the way our students celebrate holidays and
birthdays in my classroom. The focus is on the fun experience, rather than the
food. No longer in my classroom is sugar synonymous with fun! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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So far this year, we have celebrated birthdays by focusing
more on celebrating the child---a birthday book gift from the me, a fun
song/dance or whole class game, and a treat that can easily be distributed at the end of the day
rather than using class time for cupcakes. Students are just as happy receiving
a piece of gum, a sticker, a fruit roll up, ONE jolly rancher, or some other
small item from the birthday boy/girl without having to take up class time to
scarf down a cupcake in between math and reading instruction. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Halloween was a little tricky to kick this all off, but it worked and we all enjoyed it! Instead of the traditional party and costume parade, we opted for a fall Halloween Hike. Our amazing PTO decorated our nature trail with Halloween themed items, music, and cider and snacks at the end. Some students and families missed the tradition of the parade, but the majority were supportive and accepting, and even relieved that it wasn't a huge deal. </div>
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It was so great to get outside and enjoy nature! Our 4th grade students wrote short, spooky stories and poems and we hung them on the trees along the trail. Every so often, we'd stop and read one of the stories/poems.<br />
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One of the things we considered when we switched up our Halloween tradition was whether or not students would be missing something if we changed our plans. We decided that Halloween was a holiday that all students participate in at home, unless they choose not to, and so we weren't taking any experiences away from students. We were simply swapping out one way of celebrating for a healthier, more active way of celebrating.<br />
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Our Christmas celebration consisted of us putting on some
snowshoes and utilizing the beautiful half-mile nature trail on our school
property. You wouldn’t even need snowshoes or a trail…just take a winter walk,
build a snowman with your class, play outside, and come in for some hot cocoa.
They will love it! We also had a fun book exchange gift-giving activity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
For Valentine’s Day, we traded in the sweet treats for
Valentines without candy attached, and we had a painting party instead. Several
of my students noted how much fun it was because they don’t get to paint at
home – it’s too messy, or they don’t have the materials. Students had a blast
painting on canvases and later looking through all their cards from their
friends, and we still had a cute, yummy snack and juice boxes that everyone could enjoy! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
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Changing the traditional classroom party comes with some
prep work and conversations with parents, but it can be done successfully. I
have not had one student complain or mention that they’d rather be eating
cupcakes or candy! As you can see, we haven't completely eliminated treats or food at parties, but have significantly reduced the amount of food offered. Now, the focus is on the fun, and we fuel up with one little treat or snack! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2nrjwx3" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i58.tinypic.com/2nrjwx3.png" /></a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-86597819239194787692018-01-02T10:29:00.001-08:002018-01-02T10:29:25.728-08:00Learn.BLEND.Lead Student Agency<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://web.seesaw.me/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="661" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSqnwpLitcI0aNnTppbCphFHr1462rlraFpnAOo4bgGo_vgTTLEsdF3jf5FiaM4PwH6Uqzsu6gEiVI4crafgNkdTOlVr_p7eljvhb6gMicEpFrwyS2LTYQQz6WZsO1nbE3YZNLkvYxj0/s320/SeeSaw.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have been talking a lot about student agency and how students take ownership of their learning in the classroom. For the past couple of years, I have been a big fan of <a href="https://web.seesaw.me/" target="_blank">SeeSaw</a>. Every year, I learn more about how I can use the program gauge my students' learning, and the over the past couple of years, the quality of student demonstration videos and posts have really improved! I love that this program can be as exciting now as it was for me a couple of years ago. It is proving to stand the test of time, which is rare in technology these days. </div>
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I love how SeeSaw enhances our classroom community. Students can hop online and share out their learning in various ways: pictures with text or voice recordings, drawings with text or voice recordings, videos, and Google Drive uploads. SeeSaw not only allows them to build their own digital reflection and learning portfolio, but also offer peer reflections, critiques, and receive feedback from peers/parents/staff at school. Students have become accustomed to posting quality work that showcases their learning in an environment that fosters growth and challenges them through questioning and comments from peers, parents, and staff. </div>
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Here are some videos that my students have created with SeeSaw so far this year to showcase their learning. </div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oewqSbyUyJI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oewqSbyUyJI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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In this video a student is re-telling one of our focus stories, <u>Little Red Riding Hood</u>. Through the video, I can gauge whether students are able to sequence and tell the story correctly (a first grade Common Core standard). In this short video, I gain information about the story elements, and the student gets to share their learning in a fun way! Additionally, what a time saver in the classroom! Instead of having students write, cut/glue and sequence pictures, or listen to all 27 oral retellings during class time, this is a way that I can flip my classroom within the classroom, and watch the videos on my own time later, while we keep moving to the next thing in the classroom. I don't always do this for re-tellings, but the students really enjoy it, and it keeps things engaging when we shake it up every once in awhile! </div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ipP7mSDOokA/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ipP7mSDOokA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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In this video, this child is sharing her tip on how to tie shoes in a "new" way! This aligns with our "How To"/procedural writing unit, but offers so much more! We talk a lot about independence in first grade and self-help skills are a must in order for students to feel independent and successful at school when they can do age-appropriate things on their own! This shoe tying video was posted on SeeSaw so that her friends in class could learn an easier way to tie, and they would have the video at their fingertips at school or home during the learning process. We know that the highest form of learning and mastery is being able to teach others, so let's just go ahead and give this a "4" on that Marzano scale! </div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jH7s4yFYqo0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jH7s4yFYqo0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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During our Human Body unit of study, students wrote a non-fiction book about the body systems, with one fun fact for each system. Once we published the final copy of the book, student authors had a chance to share their publication on SeeSaw in order to share it with a greater audience. This new take on author's chair eliminates the need for students to wait extended periods of time for their peers to stand up and read to the class one after the other, or for authors chair to be broken up over the course of a few short sessions for 2-3 days. There are times that we do share our writings in traditional face to face author's chair format, but this is another way that students stay motivated during the writing process, knowing that they will also get feedback from their parents, our principal, or myself! It is fun to write for a big audience! </div>
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Sometimes I also like to catch little conversations and moments of exploration on video, as well. They are authentic pieces of assessment for me, and they also show the true nature of little minds in action. </div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/urFa67GqtFQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/urFa67GqtFQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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All of these videos are SeeSaw videos, but I often upload them to YouTube from the SeeSaw app after students post them so that I can use them in our classroom blog. Parents enjoy seeing their child's SeeSaw page, and the blog shows how these posts fit into the bigger picture of our learning, units, and goals. </div>
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You can check out my classroom blog here: <a href="http://upnorthci.wixsite.com/mrspowellsclass/classroom-news-blog" target="_blank">Mrs. Powell's Class Blog</a> to find each post and some other SeeSaw content other than videos. </div>
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<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=2nrjwx3" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i58.tinypic.com/2nrjwx3.png" /></a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-7425549547710265482017-11-15T11:18:00.000-08:002017-11-15T11:18:54.103-08:00Learn.BLEND.Lead: Got Data? <div style="text-align: center;">
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Module 2.7 </div>
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Data collection vs. analyzing data are an integral part of the instructional learning cycle. In my classroom, collecting data is a means of gathering meaningful information and skills on each student through a variety of ways: observation, discussion, performance tasks, portfolios/work samples, and both formative and summative assessments. </div>
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Once the data is collected, it is analyzed - thoroughly looked over - to find patterns, trends, mastery level of skills, and anything that will help gain insight to where students are, what has been taught or will need to be taught (or taught again), and where we are going. Analyzing data helps build a roadmap for where we are in our instructional cycle, and drives instruction. </div>
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Collecting and analyzing data is a constant cycle:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0J_6CvJzOVwKcNFUdnYHJsCfhqNzwzF5aCCRSLBYFJ3x6ONMyCgBPaXiPstNGs-AFGTg21yLGXX5R6r5fECihzB9vl4K57xWl-5QxShkUkhrWRjaerBtLBAyz68-f_RmSDnZTsrtECY/s1600/Learning+Cycle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0J_6CvJzOVwKcNFUdnYHJsCfhqNzwzF5aCCRSLBYFJ3x6ONMyCgBPaXiPstNGs-AFGTg21yLGXX5R6r5fECihzB9vl4K57xWl-5QxShkUkhrWRjaerBtLBAyz68-f_RmSDnZTsrtECY/s320/Learning+Cycle.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graphic Cred: http://www.achievementnetwork.org/anetblog/leader-learning</td></tr>
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<br />The most important part of collecting and analyzing data is what comes after that. It is the actions and plans that are launched into place to drive instruction. </div>
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We have a lot of data that we use that to assess student growth and benchmark them from one point of the year to the next. The i-Ready reading assessment that I have been using in my classroom/district (and for this course) is a great tool for showing what a student knows and can do. It gives user friendly reports and provides cut of scores for what is on/above/below grade level. However, it is more important to look beyond that initial data and dig deeper. You have to know your assessments, and use valuable ones, to be able to utilize the data you are gathering.</div>
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The analyzing part is crucial---it is a time for questions and investigations into the WHY's of student performance. You have to know WHY students are struggling and what their precise gaps are in order to plan for them accordingly. </div>
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Collecting and analyzing data does not have to be time consuming. It can easily get overwhelming, which is why it is important to use the right assessment tool, when needed, to paint a picture of your students' needs so you can tailor your instruction and the direction you are headed. With the right assessment tool, and the right timing, data collection is not 'just one more thing' on your plate, but a really helpful tool in the teaching/learning cycle.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-91849235015289026362017-08-01T17:22:00.000-07:002017-08-01T17:22:34.811-07:00Chopped & Blended <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyeB7-BPR1dz7JnIofanwusS0yDwZgzgXMpsz1UjFMTtlKnm8bUo0ox2MhKjwAHCgAm_3ZGPagKDpYq2ll-l_2JPRwr8ecFUrClwBUWqTPQDzodPBW3GoTVTwjVKP5Eb21AobQ-VK9SQ/s1600/chopped-52e0c8ea4ddea.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyeB7-BPR1dz7JnIofanwusS0yDwZgzgXMpsz1UjFMTtlKnm8bUo0ox2MhKjwAHCgAm_3ZGPagKDpYq2ll-l_2JPRwr8ecFUrClwBUWqTPQDzodPBW3GoTVTwjVKP5Eb21AobQ-VK9SQ/s640/chopped-52e0c8ea4ddea.png" width="640" /></a><br /></div>
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If you are familiar with the Food Network show, Chopped, you know that the premise of the show is to give the contestants a basket of random foods/ingredients and they are charged with the task of creating something tasteful and visually appealing within a certain time frame. The chefs work hard using their prior experience, professional judgement, and resources to plan, implement, create, adjust and deliver/present. They are then given feedback and a chance to reflect - in which they may even plan to alter their recipe for next time. </div>
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Isn't that a lot like teaching? We are often handed a mixed bag of items (curriculum, resources, a class list with students of various needs and personalities, tools/materials, a dash of technology, and a full schedule) and are given a chance to create the very best recipe for a successful school year. </div>
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Fortunately, unlike the show, we are not as restricted on time. Although educators have a lot of deadlines and due dates in our profession, we also have the whole school year to implement, practice, refine, and re-teach or re-define! We use best practice and years of experience to create a classroom climate where students are hungry to learn, and devour a buffet of appealing lessons, activities and projects along the way. </div>
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As I have developed my own teaching practices over the years, I have taken a special interest in educational technology and placed an emphasis on purposefully integrating technology into my lessons and activities. Blended learning is the term given to the art of (seamlessly) integrating technology with intention and purpose. </div>
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According to the <a href="http://www.christenseninstitute.org/blended-learning-definitions-and-models/#sthash.nhA0tT2E.dpuf" target="_blank">Christensen Institute</a>:</div>
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The definition of<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; outline: none;"> blended learning</span> is a formal education program in which a student learns:</div>
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<li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1f4b56; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px; outline: none;">at least in part through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace;</li>
<li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1f4b56; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px; outline: none;">at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home;</li>
<li style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1f4b56; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px; outline: none;">and the modalities along each student’s learning path within a course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning experience.</li>
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There are a plethora of resources to dig in-depth about blended learning and develop a blended learning classroom. That's for another time. For now, let's just take the definition of blended learning to understand what it is and see how it relates to some random classroom items, otherwise known as the "Chopped Challenge". Here they are: a pencil, a police car, crayons, and legos. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4GlKVdKTIxSYAJK2IfCar4hYNvftWmhrSI9OM2Cpd5E0mCS41EqjLvRlFAzIIQoU3H931TG2nG-pACW7EGimuJf-UXS7hFgoeR_l3ZNtFmt544h6ilNFCticm4VSXf_9fOMxKUEnj_Q/s1600/IMG_7706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4GlKVdKTIxSYAJK2IfCar4hYNvftWmhrSI9OM2Cpd5E0mCS41EqjLvRlFAzIIQoU3H931TG2nG-pACW7EGimuJf-UXS7hFgoeR_l3ZNtFmt544h6ilNFCticm4VSXf_9fOMxKUEnj_Q/s640/IMG_7706.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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How do these items relate to blended learning? </div>
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Well, it's important to note that any good lego structure has a solid base/foundation. From there, you can build up. Once you have a solid foundation of classroom teaching and you feel comfortable and confident in what you do, you can build upon your skills to create a blended environment adding to it little by little. While your tower of expertise gets taller, you may even consider adding additions and expanding outward to create a bigger network of resources as blended educators do. I certainly do not know any architects, engineers or builders who work solely on their own, and educators are not meant to do that either. It's all about strong foundations and learning from each other. In the beginning, don't worry if your tower falls down a little, or even a lot. Persevere and keep trying. Remember, you haven't been 'chopped' from the cast. It's your show and your name is on the door, so get up and rebuild or redesign when necessary. </div>
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The pencil is there to remind us that when you embark on your blended learning journey, you might feel dull and brand new. Good! That just means you have lots of room to grow and sharpen your mind and skill set. If you make mistakes, and you will, erase/delete/backspace and try again. </div>
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The crayons remind us that you can't be afraid to color outside the lines. Learning is messy, there is no one right way, and sometimes you have to blaze your own trail. Blended learning is a mixed mode of traditional learning infused with meaningful technology to enhance, extend, and enrich learning. Get colorful and have fun in your classroom! </div>
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The police car represents your safety net in your educational community. Those people will support you when you try something new in your classroom, guide you and offer advice when needed, and as with driving any car or learning something new, we have to 'go slow to go fast' (a mantra we often hear in our district 😃). When you get the hang of it, your classroom will be a 'force' to be reckoned with! </div>
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Lastly, once you get the ball rolling, you will need something like an envelope, folder, cloud storage, or whole external hard drive to safely tuck away the hundreds upon hundreds of resources, ideas, sample teaching videos, etc. that you will want to squirrel away and put to good use. </div>
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Many of the analogies above could be applied to the student perspective as well. </div>
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I am excited to continue another year of growing professionally, and for my students to embark on a blended learning journey. Here's to the 2017-2018 school year!</div>
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#MichiganVirtual</div>
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#Learn.BLEND.Lead</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-33286950462699854512015-08-30T19:48:00.000-07:002015-08-30T19:48:03.253-07:00Student Data Notebooks <div style="text-align: left;">
As I gear up to go back to school, there are always a few new things I like to implement. After spending this summer reading and attending PD on Robert Marzano's <u>Art and Science of Teaching</u>, I am going to begin using student data notebooks. We have more PD coming up in a few days, which may get me thinking even more. But for now, I am going to come out of the gates with one new take-away that is focused on student success. Having students track their own learning is not a new concept...there are lots of teachers out there using data binders already and finding great success; so I am excited for this as well! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">The research states that when </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Proxima, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; text-align: left;">students track their own learning and data, they take ownership of their learning, have intrinsic motivation, and perform better on high-stakes tests.<br /></span></td></tr>
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I have always had students track their learning and be aware of where they stand on the standards and objectives through: conferencing and/or charting data in one way or another - but not for every subject. That's probably coming down the pipeline. Someday soon. Some methods I have used in the past are less formal than student tracking forms/data binders, and I am ready to up my game. I just like the idea of making student friendly forms for my little first graders, and I am starting with two very crucial first grade items: sight words and reading levels. These are the two areas I have had students chart their own data for in the past, so now I can toss those old forms and replace them with some student friendly ones.<br />
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I am looking forward to the ownership that students have with these notebooks and the growth/learning that they represent. They will be great for students to show parents at conferences and will lead to many meaningful discussions throughout the year as we stay focused on our progress in a way that makes sense to little ones! Students as leaders - and in charge of their learning. It's a good thing!! </div>
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If you use Fountas & Pinnell (or other leveling systems that uses letters A-Z), as well as Dolch sight words, these forms may be beneficial to your students as well. Here's just a sampling of what you will find in these products: there are boy/girl versions of each form and notebook cover, varied graphs so that you have choice in what fits you and your students best, and a choice between just reading levels, or a pack that has reading levels and dolch word lists. Click any of the photos below to see the product in my TPT store.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Data-Tracker-Reading-Levels-2064026" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPM6TT9hScgyUXqVk7xJqHMJpwyEzRL3buWOi8rYZbVVsLXfkjbB7UiawhtXo7Jaf9t4ykiMn9v1bkQsHMxXa6WpskLe1V3qtG8UskkQYbA1jw_t7gEq4WzkZ3pYQE92uLmQ4MgEZz3A/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Data Tracking!! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-46797997282176683072015-08-13T18:54:00.003-07:002015-08-13T18:55:15.178-07:00Parent Survey FREEBIE<div style="text-align: left;">
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I just received my class list today, and I hear it is nearly final---maybe a couple of additions before the first day. At the beginning of the year, I think it is incredibly important to get to know each and every child. I love to hear what their parents think of them, too: their strengths, weaknesses, lovey-dovey nicknames, learning styles, you name it! In order to begin to get to know each child and understand where s/he is coming from, I send home a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Child-Interest-Survey-1422816" target="_blank">parent suvey</a>. It's a couple pages front and back, but it covers just about all that I would want to know about a student. Important information about contact numbers and medical alerts are kept in our PowerSchool database, so I don't have to worry about that. This is just a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Child-Interest-Survey-1422816" target="_blank">get-to-know-you survey</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Child-Interest-Survey-1422816" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvRS_OG-nz8WMh1YEP01DyAkAFHu_xeG8MqjBGvFsq7I3K_7JG215NamQ2N5y84tfUwi5oM0fN0DUpKHPZBbOSTBt6MJN1-Bj9uWBdy6EoX4DxS_G9PCSBSz9uyoe7lXEDqOXBbEJGWU/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Child-Interest-Survey-1422816" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGpk0mlLtyN2O4H3XwbgamjbzkZr-NL8fS0u0kCv_LfZqwEZMx8l75bpUiUpSY7W3VBpRSS2LkybXi_dKBORorz7odVMa2Fnpn0wpJJEmVed7YBEJdBwLhoI-lt5p04NiOBMtQjkrg5I/s320/Slide2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Child-Interest-Survey-1422816" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVTlrlueFFktFQCX1mhwVceTaXuKiXfvE2weVQC34a6i2nlBL0IsWQjeQvH5zMdtjRSQXyqTuSuhEZvFDyrJ-mz6GtSfz-b1vi3vyY1uS9-bwqaWNWIFZxw8MbkWFVOmQEPNHzqJo-OM/s320/Slide3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I often read the surveys that first week of school as students turn them in, and then I go back to them about a month later to see if I have forgotten any information that might be useful in educating, motivating, or understanding them. I find it really interesting and helpful! </div>
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If you'd like to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Child-Interest-Survey-1422816" target="_blank">grab the survey for FREE</a>, it is in my TPT store. You can also click the pictures, they are linked to the store, too. Have a great beginning of the year, everyone!! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-54656707325993616272014-09-20T16:07:00.000-07:002014-09-20T16:07:37.113-07:00Choosing a Good Fit Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my third year using the Daily 5 framework, and this is one of my favorite beginning of the year lessons. After I get all of their initial assessments done (and man, are there a TON!), we sit in a large circle and we talk about our shoes. It seems super funny to them that this is the reason I have called a group meeting, but they roll with it. </div>
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We talk about how well our shoes fit us, how we go to the store and measure our foot to be sure it fits just right. Then, once we have our shoes, we are able to do so many great things! Run, jump, hop skip, etc. We also talk about how there are different shoes for different types of performance: running, tennis, basketball, baseball, and all the other sports. </div>
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We demonstrate how my shoes do not fit a child's foot, how their shoes do not fit my foot, how my husband's hunting boots are way too big for me and are not a good fit for running around playing soccer, and even our principal's work shoes are not a good fit for me or the kids! Unless we had our own shoes chosen specifically for us, it was hard to do what we needed and wanted to do. To get the job done right, we needed our own shoes! </div>
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This leads into a great conversation about how we just completed running records and now we know everyone's individual level and that when we look for books at school we will choose books for various purposes: interest, topic/research, and readability for independent reading practice. Like shoes, books also come in a variety of sizes. Some are thick, some are thin, some have no words, some have lots of words. Some books have big words, some books have smaller, easier to read words. </div>
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I convey to the class that when we focus on choosing books that will help us become better readers, it is important that we find a good fit for each child (reading level). What is good for one person is not necessarily a good fit for someone else - and that's okay! We are all here to grow and learn together, but at our own pace. This really sets a positive tone for acceptance and tolerance for a wide range of reading abilities. We reference the shoe lesson throughout the year - especially when some readers get anxious for chapter books and they've got a bit of growing to do. I monitor my students' reading levels monthly so that they can continue to see their growth and be sure to move up levels if they are ready. </div>
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If you haven't checked out the Daily 5 & CAFE books, you should give them a try! At the very least, a lesson like this will fit any classroom and your students will definitely be giggling!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ_pnB7FJP5tjb0vyid7VPD2HoUIkwqoXCTglGlJV2CB3Q0CpORBEUMDlKq8vBBOhEhMbrzZqFfCddFb7wG1No7jBUiG596u1VEoE3aRLWQkjyCiv7Y2T0kwrQlSDeIv1DREVG3aDQFE/s1600/Shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ_pnB7FJP5tjb0vyid7VPD2HoUIkwqoXCTglGlJV2CB3Q0CpORBEUMDlKq8vBBOhEhMbrzZqFfCddFb7wG1No7jBUiG596u1VEoE3aRLWQkjyCiv7Y2T0kwrQlSDeIv1DREVG3aDQFE/s1600/Shoes.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Reading! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-53687954015491512042014-08-14T09:36:00.001-07:002014-08-14T09:36:51.766-07:00Welcome Back Letters: Classroom DIYI can't believe it is that time of summer---time to mail out the welcome back/intro letters! I like to do a welcome back brochure instead of a letter because I can pack a lot of stuff into that little tri-fold! Mine really needed an update, and a new, fresh look. So here it is! Now I'm off to stuff and sticker some envelopes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUqd6aQb17t_iGvVLt9gS5qLE-ALTMmMqNm-sgUbUjTkjbnfdv1Ro12CGECAQaXM8c_8oPWH1mGMIQ9xtFOqFZ1n3KewWPipheerOcMbJzPIEw46RPCN3XWXieejQMun2Y0TE9LlAE_M/s1600/Brochure+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUqd6aQb17t_iGvVLt9gS5qLE-ALTMmMqNm-sgUbUjTkjbnfdv1Ro12CGECAQaXM8c_8oPWH1mGMIQ9xtFOqFZ1n3KewWPipheerOcMbJzPIEw46RPCN3XWXieejQMun2Y0TE9LlAE_M/s1600/Brochure+picture.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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You'll have to imagine it all folded up, but here's the front/back cover and inside flap…<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY95tsbWfIlwaLyjeo_rmtedtP3Jq0Btnapb5YP4J2XR82x_fEkyP1f1vK6LWEbooXC3wge7a6MVTeYbJW0sMAFmnT-zwGHB9nXUQgtG1CNEwPx9izbeF6jkrDXh2ULyY7p_szLfR6-A/s1600/Front+of+Brochure.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRY95tsbWfIlwaLyjeo_rmtedtP3Jq0Btnapb5YP4J2XR82x_fEkyP1f1vK6LWEbooXC3wge7a6MVTeYbJW0sMAFmnT-zwGHB9nXUQgtG1CNEwPx9izbeF6jkrDXh2ULyY7p_szLfR6-A/s1600/Front+of+Brochure.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the inside of the brochure…</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkggFoipAR3wR2kzqjNiRZJ-C2pivDwuSjdCREjnx2HD__YLr4OdI5Di9wER2k8VQc3nS_Z0UNlJV6Slouj8qW780sU1zJatliV-3vKIWPQxwldNinoE9Nj9MBsXJII6vdXUSbaSG7kp8/s1600/Screenshot+2014-08-14+12.21.21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkggFoipAR3wR2kzqjNiRZJ-C2pivDwuSjdCREjnx2HD__YLr4OdI5Di9wER2k8VQc3nS_Z0UNlJV6Slouj8qW780sU1zJatliV-3vKIWPQxwldNinoE9Nj9MBsXJII6vdXUSbaSG7kp8/s1600/Screenshot+2014-08-14+12.21.21.png" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-86357132063268568612014-07-29T05:29:00.001-07:002014-07-29T05:47:12.159-07:00Close Reading for K-2I've spent some time this summer thinking about how I am going to fit close reading activities into my first grade classroom, in addition to teaching more science this year. First of all, I had to step back and ask myself: what does close reading for young, beginning readers mean and what strategy/technique and I going to use to employ them to read closely? When trying to decide what is best for my students, I try to determine how I would have learned the skill or obtained the information as a child (did it work?), and/or how would I do it now as an adult.<br />
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I immediately thought back to my high school and college days. I am a visual learner, for sure. I love to dog ear my text book pages, slap a sticky note in there, highlight, make notes in the side margins, etc. I obtained information - especially complex information - through reading, re-reading, summarizing, and discussion (for me, it was mostly listening to other people discuss and analyze, and then I formed my own opinions or conclusions). I was 'digging deep' into texts before 'digging deep' was a buzzword in academia. How else are you supposed to understand Shakespeare and Beowulf as a non-genius, young adult, who loved literature but found it sounding like a foreign language at some point? Well, you take it apart piece by piece, you make notes, drawings, etc…..any important marks that make the text meaningful so you can remember and enjoy it more! </div>
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My district has done some "mark it up"/close reading professional development in the past for older students, and I love the concept….because that's how I learned as a student, and for me, it worked. It may have taken me a couple years to figure out how I can make those strategies work for young, beginning readers - but I think I've got it!<br />
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I've come to decide that there are multiple ways that a close reading can be done; there is no one right way. For older or experienced students, marking up text with things like "LOL", question marks, stars for important information, little eyeballs for visualizing, etc. can be a little difficult and stray the reader from the text. I think these 'think marks' are a great tool to incorporate if your students are ready. I can see using them with my students, even in first grade, to a degree! There's a great <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Think-Mark-Anchor-Chart-969351" target="_blank">FREEBIE</a> poster from <a href="http://justaprimarygirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/reading-materials-oh-my.html" target="_blank">Just a Primary Girl</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Think-Mark-Anchor-Chart-969351" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyncQJcgbqEyueBqcgY_N6gZqNZM4zETNC1iBF0VxM9GzK7viSaKq0FzIedDdZFpqmpJT_2D6cGp2llyIPnKgHFgv-F3iVTUK8nQEb9onYovTgXHxPBMDk64PbC7Icmpo77imiTHp03k/s1600/ThinkMarkAnchorChart.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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For our young students, not only do they have to read the text, but comprehend it, and be able to pull out information from the text as evidence to support their thinking. I'm pretty sure I didn't do that until high school, and here I am asking 6 and 7 year olds to do it. So….that being said, what is the best way that I feel my students will digest lots of non-fiction and gain a lot of reading practice?</div>
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Well, we already read closely and do lots of "I Spy" and hide and seek techniques when working on our sight words. We are always looking for them in text and highlighting our focus words when we see them, mostly in fiction text. I decided to take that technique to a new level when working with non-fiction text. Here's a sample: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtEg_mK4zjcK1Vm2-EWi7yDiPV4bFOY-UjQF3AfgnV1cw0sjlGpOmSGYydMgMAH_b077d7ZBBWX6PwAEYudu82GikmeRshTqYLKeQ-vXcYc7y087R8kTWa64xx1c7ZPacOex2S96BanU/s1600/Slide02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtEg_mK4zjcK1Vm2-EWi7yDiPV4bFOY-UjQF3AfgnV1cw0sjlGpOmSGYydMgMAH_b077d7ZBBWX6PwAEYudu82GikmeRshTqYLKeQ-vXcYc7y087R8kTWa64xx1c7ZPacOex2S96BanU/s1600/Slide02.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">I have designed my close reading packs to bring non-fiction text to early elementary students so they can read, re-read, and mark the text through guided instruction! This could even be used as independent work for higher readers. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">There are two levels of text, with the lower level containing concise information, less words, and a larger font for the ease of tracking for those emergent readers. The higher level is packed with information and more difficult vocabulary words. HOWEVER, the information given is not compromised and the concepts that students search for in the text are the same! Overall, all students will be learning the same concepts but at different levels, which is the goal with differentiation - as we all know. The articles are only one page so that early elementary students do not have to flip back and forth among pages in a book searching for information. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">With engaging text about animals, students will enjoy this 'hide and seek' approach to reading for information. Important information is embedded in these texts, and students just need to find it! They are asked to mark it up by highlighting, circling, underlining, putting shapes or smiley faces next to specific facts, searching for answers to fill in the blank, understanding the meaning of vocabulary words etc. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">On top of that, they are given graphic organizers and even writing responses where they are asked for form opinions and think critically about real world issues. If you want to check them out, click on the photos below! </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Close-Reading-Pack-Farm-Animals-1354185" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhpKP8gSETZGpfaOc6TJjorn-AFbclor7qH3xble6dkhMWSe53RVcAmKna2QNcUkq-VrV0laEqWJobYvm05AVsredvjH10VskNo_fOcULWwocc1aCA5jEoQFv0Hm-90P7cGosbViLTiI/s1600/Slide01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Close-Reading-Pack-Ocean-Animals-1354196" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnlXEpedSQH0TOMZwDUTeIuZHMKtngLzoftkuUl54FBlOqyQ86Y6WE5DAdbCKuLZxiC4qOiM7v3lbyUD4_aWySDQDVDLadLZFwiu6bJEi_1FalfhWceyzOUrlrAnCCpyXHB4Z0vuWd18/s1600/Slide01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am also looking forward to getting the students warmed-up with close reading strategies by using this great resource utilizing nursery rhymes. What a great idea! I am going to add a little "mark it up" technique to <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Close-Reading-for-Little-Learners-Nursery-Rhyme-Edition-1077332" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">these nursery rhymes</span></a> from <a href="http://www.teachinginhighheels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Teaching in High Heels</span></a>! </div>
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So---that's where I am at with that! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-90010251404174191672013-11-02T15:06:00.000-07:002013-11-02T15:10:34.405-07:00Gobbling Up Great Writing!I am very much looking forward to gobbling up some great writing from my students this month! There seems to be a lot of fret over writing w/ the common core and writing w/ our district provided units and how B-O-R-I-N-G it is. At first glance, it might appear that there's not much wiggle room in some curriculum/pre-packaged units. I, myself, struggled with these new teacher's manuals that are scripted word for word what to say throughout and entire lesson. I felt like someone handed it to me and w/o any words said: "Here, do this."<br />
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No teacher that teaches with a lot of style, art, heart and flair wants to be told: "Here, do this". No teacher that wants their students engaged and on the edge of creative thinking wants to hear: "Here, do this." We want to teach with our own unique style, enthusiasm, use our own dialogue, and meet the diverse needs of our students without the script. Truth is, there are some teachers who might need that script. Even if it's to get the gist of things until they can make it their own. I know I've been there. There are some teachers that need that script all the time....although, we know if you are reading this, you are NOT one of "THEM"!<br />
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If we step back, we can read between the lines of "Here, do this" (did anyone actually ever say that out loud to you? I thought I heard it, but when I think about it, no one said "script it like a robot"....we have to differentiate our own teaching style. Administrators and districts choose curriculum based on a variety of criteria. So while new curriculum is often coming in with scripts, it doesn't mean your district wants you to stand up like a robot and read it word for word. They don't want it, you don't want it, and your students certainly don't want it. So don't do it! They want you to read it, get the gist of it, and make it your own. As always, the curriculum should GUIDE your instruction. Follow the units/concepts/pacing/vocabulary/etc. set forth by the comprehensive pack of your core curriculum...but don't forget to make it your own!<br />
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So there's no need to get your stuffing in a bunch this Thanksgiving....or at any point of the year. Simply know your district and state/national objectives, your goals for your students, and have a plan for how you're going to get them there.<br />
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I've considered the Common Core Objectives and the units from our local district writing curriculum and have intertwined that with topics that I know my students will be interested in doing. We will be engaged this year as we write, write, and write our way through the common core standards.<br />
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Bring on the small moments stories, the "how to" writings, informational writings, and opinion writings!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gobble-Up-Great-Writing-955398" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHw2r7qbva2LsfCKov4WME8D4Dd0WMCoCvWCuFiKMVvSWDDKuo3L5aD5e8jdKT-XM-y2Daqw3Oa5PLbbrcN-dOMCleo5u7OxA8_DzK-9fNUbwDtt-ZTQbIH_KXAILVBe_rfWVkKxuzuo/s400/Slide01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've linked up to my TPT writing pack for November (click on the photo above). It touches on a variety of writing types and is aligned to the common core K-2. Look for more small moment writing opportunities coming soon! And stop being afraid of curriculum that just so happens to include a script. Think of it as an extra resource....use the script, or don't. It's up to you....you are the professional!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-66217251323131454882013-10-28T19:21:00.002-07:002013-10-28T19:21:55.142-07:00Book Study & a FREEBIEI recently purchased and fell in love with the scholastic book, <u>Nightsong</u> by Ari Berk. That little Chiro is the cutest little bat! This book reminds me so much of Stellaluna....and I knew it'd be perfect for a mini-book study, so I went ahead and made one with lots of cross-curricular activities. I am excited to use it with my students throughout this week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxLdlWvCnp1tB5xmuUdWt_kYTO5rOIh2NEBRIBEgYTSfRoL6zFTPbGcb84LUxU0A41daFf3ji68x0DBEJiFqg5tOAeZDLVNn-H4nXK8BxWp2HCHlN26bGc6nFLp3H6p_LjTwCXCw1xrs/s1600/679_Nightsong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxLdlWvCnp1tB5xmuUdWt_kYTO5rOIh2NEBRIBEgYTSfRoL6zFTPbGcb84LUxU0A41daFf3ji68x0DBEJiFqg5tOAeZDLVNn-H4nXK8BxWp2HCHlN26bGc6nFLp3H6p_LjTwCXCw1xrs/s400/679_Nightsong.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is currently FREE to the first 3 people to leave a comment on my facebook page for Sweet Life of Teaching. Hurry----there's only 1 taker so far! You can grab it by clicking on the photo below from TPT!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stellaluna-NightSong-Cross-Curricular-Book-Study-949065" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLx9ZXJJoeZcSLD6z0EyMJIOcaEHlOzJ1bl6xD7ST-yaXmFJJ1D1xeJ7FU1lrIMxIXPBs9Zv3GCdlCNMHhCYskJkpJHLdCbbLUvnxFo5LcktibkB8Y8a6AqiGG8DMk5p3k4hubx51dqcU/s400/Slide01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've also committed to keeping my students writing---even during the crazy holiday week. I'm offering up a little <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Costume-Writing-Prompt-949313" target="_blank">FREEBIE</a> for your students to write about their Halloween costume. An alternative is provided for those who do not participate in Halloween! There is a lot of writing and drawing space on the back of this file.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Costume-Writing-Prompt-949313" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gtOiQX6gjBUm7h_o_TveKv7NIuf4cLQxRXU5fqucIbM7mHTDqir6DxceYau9YTXDtD-MY5xB9pozb6f5NTtcxYVzSnQxLiHrWXGfftxG0Rx0QL-z-bwqPZY6ToGeSRieLc_kOstz7rE/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Costume-Writing-Prompt-949313" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2COEZxXi-nTP5dWZ-nRnDen2cqH0mLriyXh667tc2ctoqc0lCajVf9_cMX8E5MT7FPo22iPKMqoQL3Guau6fMg3ZIe99WppCHsp8KgqiQezHXYj07UU6ts_1iNF_bU4b-ek44w5lPaEw/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy Halloween with your students! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-6946203493358006962013-10-26T07:59:00.000-07:002013-10-26T08:03:33.340-07:00Digital Storytelling & Publishing----it's the cool thing to do! <br />
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I am so proud of several of my students this week for learning how to write and publish digital stories. I am continually amazed at the quality of work that they produce when given a venue to explore and create. They have the freedom to take their learning to new heights, in the direction they choose---and they typically produce more than I could ask for! I simply introduced them to story bird.com, gave them log-in information, showed them a thing or two about adding pages to a story, and how to drag and drop pictures. I am pretty sure I could have just let them log in and they could have figured it out without any of my little tidbits! So after my little intro., I walked away to tend to some other students and let the group of storybirds dive into the world of digital story-making and publishing.</div>
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What I got in return was more than I could ever have imagined from 6-7 year olds. Not only did they choose to work on their stories over the course of the week, they created lengthy stories, intertwined characters, started new stories and begged me to show them how to publish their stories. Publish is a word we love in my classroom! We publish things all the time. I tell them that digital publishing is a quick way to share your writing and thoughts with the whole world! They know the blue publish button on kidblog.com & the blue publish button on storybird.com to be the key to sharing their work with a wide audience---but mostly intended for their family, friends, teacher, and principal.</div>
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I loved their excitement about storybird.com from the moment they logged in. I could see the gears turning. They would sit for a long time.....typing, dragging/dropping pictures, backspacing, searching for periods, wondering how to get capital letters in there, and even going back to edit a 'completed' story because they found errors when they read it out loud! One student even heard me conferencing with another storybird writer about their closing sentence. I thought the story was going to go on, but it ended so suddenly and there was nothing to give me a clue the story had come to and end. Not only did that writer go back and fix that, the student that overheard us later informed me that she stopped at the end of her story to think of a good "wrap up" sentence before she published it! Seriously?! Is this really happening in the first marking period of first grade? It really, really is! I couldn't make this stuff up! Here are a couple videos of students presenting their story. </div>
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When we are working with paper/pencil, we are working on so many mechanics just to make it legible and intelligible. We are always working on: putting spaces between your words, using the handwriting lines as a guide to size your letters correctly and form your letters properly, start with a capital, end with a period, know where your sentence ends, etc. Not to say that we don't work on this in the digital world----but it's much easier! I can stroll by a student and point out where to find the period on the keyboard, how to hit shift 1 to get an exclamation, how to hold the shift key for a capital letter, etc. It takes 2 seconds and a quick backspace versus lots of erasing and re-writing. Not to say that we don't have some errors with capital letters, ending marks, etc. with digital printing, but it's a quicker, different type of fix-up as the students learn and grow as writers. I love writing----and writing on paper/pencil won't be a lost art in my classroom, but we are a digital world, and we are embracing that, too! There will always be a balance, an intended audience, and meaningful, purposeful writing.</div>
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So before I unleash the links to the wonderful stories my students have created, let me also tell you that the publishing doesn't stop here. Storybird.com offers real hard copies of the books! I plan on using my box tops money (THANK YOU to our wonderful PTO that give us our cash back!) to purchase the PDF copy so students can print and assemble their book here at school. For a nicer copy, there are options and sizes for hard/soft cover books. Parents can visit their child's storybird.com account for more information and to load up their shopping cart! Now....here are the works of he(art)!</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://storybird.com/books/the-horses-8/?token=5jn2hqhg32" href="http://storybird.com/books/the-horses-8/?token=5jn2hqhg32">http://storybird.com/books/the-horses-8/?token=5jn2hqhg32</a> - Madison's story, The Horses</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://storybird.com/books/the-famly-of-cats/?token=a29gkt99jc" href="http://storybird.com/books/the-famly-of-cats/?token=a29gkt99jc">http://storybird.com/books/the-famly-of-cats/?token=a29gkt99jc</a> - Kaleigh's story, The Family of Cats</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://storybird.com/books/the-lonlly-penguin/?token=vh84fwswmz" href="http://storybird.com/books/the-lonlly-penguin/?token=vh84fwswmz">http://storybird.com/books/the-lonlly-penguin/?token=vh84fwswmz</a> Clayton's story, The Lonely Penguin</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://storybird.com/books/three-funy-aieins/?token=gs57c264j2" href="http://storybird.com/books/three-funy-aieins/?token=gs57c264j2">http://storybird.com/books/three-funy-aieins/?token=gs57c264j2</a> Clayton's story, Three Funny Aliens</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://storybird.com/books/the-wore-of-robots/?token=422cmb78uk" href="http://storybird.com/books/the-wore-of-robots/?token=422cmb78uk">http://storybird.com/books/the-wore-of-robots/?token=422cmb78uk</a> Andrew's story, The War of the Robots</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-52544515729828005632013-08-10T07:56:00.003-07:002013-08-10T07:58:03.378-07:00SALE! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/MiTeacherGirl" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcE63eJjWvvW9q4ic4yvT0Gc5tfK92JK6bNO-hlRO6owAannO_fT4I0zhC9DHDN2TOc5Z3Xh7RNWSFXrLagJETY60xx4C6PmUSuTNQC_0FV29_yiXnyCOBlfbLv8YC8hu6qKThTzM-s0/s200/avatarsale.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Everything in my shop is on sale! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enjoy 5-35% off all items until August 30th! </span></div>
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Happy Back to School Shopping! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-21156204763968494272013-08-09T16:02:00.000-07:002013-08-09T16:02:13.197-07:00Meet the Teacher: A give-a-way & Movement Math!If you've been following me from my transition from PreK-land to 1st grade, you already know that I was wanting to ensure I have plenty of sensory & movement opportunities for my students. I've been busy accumulating ideas this summer. I came across a Melissa & Doug store this summer while on a spa day with my Mother-in-Law. LOVE! Love her, love the store, too! <div>
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I did some damage in that store and one of the items I bought was this hopscotch puzzle mat. It looks kinda baby-ish, but I thought some great math skills could be incorporated into a math station that let's kids hop around while learning some good stuff---especially at the beginning of the year! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr_djy3IfvDOQ74OY1gfk9vm2VtTrjIlOHpET1tF_7HHFUBhz0PGfa0zht_MqRpFiQdn3Vo5fbw98vFe0qf3D9J-C68KTKesaeaCP6_-bp6XiRro6ssBgPAOhsAxjCz_SgN-wJTJQTv4/s1600/Frog+HopScotch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr_djy3IfvDOQ74OY1gfk9vm2VtTrjIlOHpET1tF_7HHFUBhz0PGfa0zht_MqRpFiQdn3Vo5fbw98vFe0qf3D9J-C68KTKesaeaCP6_-bp6XiRro6ssBgPAOhsAxjCz_SgN-wJTJQTv4/s320/Frog+HopScotch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aligned to the common core, students can play hopscotch and graph, practice number writing/formation, compare numbers, order numbers, add 2 numbers, add 3 numbers, and more!! It's aligned for K-1. I hope my students like it!! You can see it <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Froggy-HopScotch-Math-817398" target="_blank">HERE</a>! </div>
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Also---I've been thinking about those first few days of school. I've created a "Meet the Teacher" slideshow so my students have a great visual and can get to know me (and a little about my family) on the first day. Would you like one? First 5 people to leave their E-mail address in a comment on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SweetLifeOfTeaching" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook page</span></a> can have it FREE! I think I will like doing my intro. this way! You can check it out <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Meet-the-Teacher-EDITABLE-Slideshow-818902" target="_blank">HERE</a>! It is completely editable so that all you have to do is pop in your own pics! Here's just a few of the slides. All seasons are included, favorite foods, and more!! </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-85858886507865422582013-08-05T19:09:00.003-07:002013-08-06T04:37:21.747-07:00Cutsie It Up!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Normally at this point in the summer, well---maybe a week from now, I wander in to my room with the excitement for new furniture arrangements, new decor stuff, and DREAD. I absolutely dread removing my furniture from a huge heap in the middle of my room. It's heavy, bulky, odd shaped, and there's so much of it. I love re-arranging, don't get me wrong....but that big heap of tables, chairs, bookshelves, etc. is so overwhelming at first. </div>
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This year, however, our maintenance staff was AMAZING! Those ladies sure know what they are doing, and I cannot thank them enough! They took pics of my room and put EVERYTHING back exactly where it was. Even my "teacher space" on my counter (I don't use a desk). It looked phenomenal. And soooo clean! I'm excited to see them again & thank them repeatedly-----they made my coming back so easy! </div>
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I only re-arranged a little bit this year, and moved 2 centers. With the extra time the maintenance crew saved me, I was able to tend to my I-feel-like-organizing and <span style="font-size: large;">cutsie-it-up mood</span>! Here's the results & if you want the EDITABLE labels, too....click on the photo(s)! Lord knows we all have these plastic drawers in our classrooms!!!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Labels-811790" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYRCJyZ_VrGywWKADLHrx0zjZW6430CM3Z1zgk9KkhOKBqNqWbF0avuqkwUziElB50vh_k0npkQhGj7hZF7Qo9SHd06Ci3tOGRetPxb6X4RxYu4bLUsc-InEhbB1HPm3KgisFXpdymxA/s320/IMG_0568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are the drawers I use to keep my copies or anything that gets handed out to the kids. I used some washi-type tape (not really washi, but some off brand or something from Walmart. LOVE IT!) to adhere it to the front of the drawer. This little decorative tape is one of my new favs! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght1-0MDnhFxK7t3cl8GPigJ1UinviUgCT1V3oPM8-Pv99770k3ykw_ANWR1z813okzDWWnoV23TEQDCwdOMpHRuwTvDC_f9xQrTvNCLufbjzbYtIDoNVQxOALEtKpRJaLirEkNa4WzkM/s1600/IMG_0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght1-0MDnhFxK7t3cl8GPigJ1UinviUgCT1V3oPM8-Pv99770k3ykw_ANWR1z813okzDWWnoV23TEQDCwdOMpHRuwTvDC_f9xQrTvNCLufbjzbYtIDoNVQxOALEtKpRJaLirEkNa4WzkM/s320/IMG_0569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think this is my new favorite spot in my classroom. I really wanted comfy places for the kids to read this year. I know there may be some arguments over this one---but we'll get it figured out! I have a lovely 31 consultant/teacher-friend who feeds my addiction to cute bags & bins! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Labels-811790" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ6_mWBsHRGdhMJQX98yg-SqTH1DLIr4Fre1OZ6qcnlb895L4_wRRVLCb-FiVMVkzZQKT6Hq6ZLzebapdhEPMF24IXSZxaoOglDGBAoFs-AsDmvx1f87_RdtVdyZ8AwgiJQG2XD2GVTE/s320/IMG_0570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a bunch of little odds and ends that you'd probably find in a teacher's desk. Like I said, I don't use a desk, so I keep my randomness stored in these drawers on the counter. Also----as of last year, band-aids are a kid-accessible item. I got WAY to tired of fetching band-aids at inconvenient times. Fostering independence here, people! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wX8Ax0mI7OGrE7AyQtekH2z2uLc3Op6THWYTihqbT3Lg0HkYrmbTVxt9GQ7AGunI2iOCSqwLWVpc_Ysv31TFdER0EZN8zCSIkZQy_z4W_vRj5B9ZSsTcgUfi4DQS9UB4fBLY6KN1PCE/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wX8Ax0mI7OGrE7AyQtekH2z2uLc3Op6THWYTihqbT3Lg0HkYrmbTVxt9GQ7AGunI2iOCSqwLWVpc_Ysv31TFdER0EZN8zCSIkZQy_z4W_vRj5B9ZSsTcgUfi4DQS9UB4fBLY6KN1PCE/s320/IMG_0571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I LOVE my new Ikea 3-tier cart. It's stocked with everything I need for small groups/reading instruction---including my new personalized binder I'm using for assessments! If we have to assess all the time, it might as well be easy on the eye! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Labels-811790" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvvLCeFwPh1QOBLAlZhZoDLtqbtTpOvgpaHb_3mzWqeOJlF_6OGLMmMu38BO2FaRWxa6H0z-Ze8evHl4IjlzJHgHNB34MICbxjDS7r6pGV2ePFNT3qBtxNns2RlLma5H33j3Ls1x1W7A/s320/IMG_0572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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More places to store my stuff! I'm a big fan of chalkboard labels & chalk markers! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Labels-811790" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQkW0XsdZYW4lZCPsQDUCzDrvDUR3Zux0CkJiiF9yTUGH23_0mLu9DyJLGggoNtHPaW2GAWbv9XiS-aYbp9beuu4AE5ASPldCVucXSCCDN54rHV57donXU3SYtwnYaw9EkUMrtqJVrBI/s320/IMG_0573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh yes....we must have a place where completed work should land. </div>
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Now, it has a matching label! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Labels-811790" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY9Cpy75zV9AkLyAdtzMgCWUawLUdgvSL5l68FIebYPtdpBjP9VRpGHPPNYgS0Yh7lwWBXrru5HZbRPkcWOzzKn42droVL1QEsmAWYjpwdijUAkZKCfJfP-kOJW3GJYSwOgQx89hxX_8/s320/IMG_0574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's my new Ikea rug, more labels for types of paper that the kids will need access to. Last year was such a whirlwind, it never got labeled. They managed....but this year, I'll sleep better knowing this is done. HA! </div>
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I also keep my activities sorted for lang. arts and math by skill. Shown above is a box of word work activities for short vowel & cvc word blending. Look REALLY close in the bottom right corner of that tote and you'll see the cute little logo/graphic from my friend Julie at Make-Take-Teach. She makes some GREAT products, and that's where I keep all those bad boys! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Labels-811790" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2GJrB-5l7gevQgfHIH5Chjjks4WXV5c2yiviaZdfd74xLTT2fR2SVNTSLF4Gwh6-rJyuXFKqZoDrqHt6EzoTHhG0Cie7fWqNTLtsqcKLjNnMdoHmrPvhGsHelwFVi7mrwUsd8K52pCw/s320/IMG_0575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another show of my "teacher space". And another 31item. </div>
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Love me some fold-n-file boxes!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKfwAocsLKJDy3qa_jrCAj0emfd4VxIjqjXRm3zftgvu-6_ZPvEhrhuEEaL1i0txvwjMjLQZJ6atbxndAK1JEm8OwDxnGkfpuoVlUMtZA4JsEjDs54EgDocjIOe3lDsL6Jlg2nyZzlrM/s1600/IMG_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKfwAocsLKJDy3qa_jrCAj0emfd4VxIjqjXRm3zftgvu-6_ZPvEhrhuEEaL1i0txvwjMjLQZJ6atbxndAK1JEm8OwDxnGkfpuoVlUMtZA4JsEjDs54EgDocjIOe3lDsL6Jlg2nyZzlrM/s320/IMG_0576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally, here is my new trash to treasure----the bookshelf! </div>
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YES! It's one long bookshelf a colleague threw out, and I snatched it up! </div>
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So lucky!!! </div>
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Happy Back To School & Happy Decorating!!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKz_gcYa41-mqGQIPGroyLwio_PMjAGOlhWJn7vRi70_LNsn2ZLVC_1uwSdjDPV1moNihBK1jokYuRbqYGA93KFc0tCqCrbh7nlRhh3D1fmjLd6Y0ZkltLHs9PUuWoyPGQlGRsi-n9hIs/s1600/avatarname.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKz_gcYa41-mqGQIPGroyLwio_PMjAGOlhWJn7vRi70_LNsn2ZLVC_1uwSdjDPV1moNihBK1jokYuRbqYGA93KFc0tCqCrbh7nlRhh3D1fmjLd6Y0ZkltLHs9PUuWoyPGQlGRsi-n9hIs/s1600/avatarname.png" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-81694274457289822952013-07-26T15:19:00.001-07:002013-07-26T15:29:20.572-07:00Teacher's Tropical Vacation?!?!?! #ShouldHaveThoughtOfThisSooner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, I don't know about you, but I am spending my summer on a tropical island, enjoying the sounds of the ocean, the breeze, and the sway of the palm trees. It's absolutely gorgeous, and I couldn't imagine a more serene way to spend my summer 'vacation'. Here's a pic of me.....soaking up the rays! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCyedza2Sr_hRHZIIkx4TWtclZWSTysJAHJDFFLF3V1JxOQXcuFg-4S_RGEXjxaBf_99XzevlFcngMUocUF17V5bXZEFmPa7b8v1F8kEkdPOwwYHjlrRov0GIbX88eI5CdT9UsGTJFtI/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCyedza2Sr_hRHZIIkx4TWtclZWSTysJAHJDFFLF3V1JxOQXcuFg-4S_RGEXjxaBf_99XzevlFcngMUocUF17V5bXZEFmPa7b8v1F8kEkdPOwwYHjlrRov0GIbX88eI5CdT9UsGTJFtI/s320/Me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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By now, I hope you know how far fetched that introduction was! Ha. That's just a terrible picture using the effects on Photo Booth! Notice the long sleeves and pants? It's rainy here in Michigan today, and I now feel like Richard Simmons...so let's get on with what's really going on over here. </div>
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Here's how I'm really spending my summer: taking kids to/from sports camps, day camps, friends houses, boating, reading, soaking up the sun, gardening, meeting up with my friends and teacher-friends, hosting family gatherings, lifeguarding at the backyard pool, cleaning my house, doing lots of laundry, and more! It truly is a great summer. I'm looking forward to our ocean side condo vacation coming up in August (for real!). Know what else I've been doing? Sneaking in WORK! </div>
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Today was the last day of all camps for my 3 kids. It's raining, and I didn't want my laminator to get too out of practice, so I thought I'd fire it up today! I've been busy making products for my classroom and TPT and TN stores, as well as downloading great products from others. I decided to print and laminate it today. Here's my huge stash. </div>
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As I'm sitting here laminating things, something in my brain begins to nag me about how much time is spent SITTING while I search, download, and put page after page through the laminator....which snacks and TV in front of me. After I've spent some time trying to change my eating and exercise habits the last few months, SITTING around too long felt all wrong. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAkuyFysiNZqIbKZ4BDTswGuoffP_lCVmSdXF7YdoU7LL2maj09z2c_5EpJnb2GWkk6IvDYbpYCp_kTd02BdzLlaBU-670iQfikWxDojjvbyWQD2NopICHLJ3RKTjfOE54SRQQqT1JVs/s1600/laminating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAkuyFysiNZqIbKZ4BDTswGuoffP_lCVmSdXF7YdoU7LL2maj09z2c_5EpJnb2GWkk6IvDYbpYCp_kTd02BdzLlaBU-670iQfikWxDojjvbyWQD2NopICHLJ3RKTjfOE54SRQQqT1JVs/s320/laminating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So----I decided to combine my work with exercise and I found out I could get 13 squats in per page from the time I put it in the laminator till the time is rolled all the way through. Once my muscles got warmed up, I sometimes hit 17-20 squats. I did 23 pages today (lots more to go)----but I'll just go ahead and average 13 squats/page and multiply that by 23 pages for a total of 299 squats!!!! </div>
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I'm happy to have gotten two birds with one stone today....and thought I could easily incorporate different exercise while I'm waiting for those pages to slide through. </div>
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<li>planks</li>
<li>sprint in place</li>
<li>jog in place</li>
<li>ab exercises</li>
<li>stretch</li>
<li>push ups</li>
<li>some plyo stuff I learned from my Insanity DVD'</li>
<li>More! </li>
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I'm excited about this new multi-tasking opportunity. I mean, that's what moms/teachers/women do best anyway, right?! Of course, I have no idea why I didn't think of this sooner.....I bet I'd be a lot more fit if I combined my work with exercise a looooong time ago....especially since I seem to spend a lot of time on work and not enough 'ME' time. Although, playing geeky nerd on the computer is 'me' time, and I like it a lot. But being a thinner, in shape, geeky-nerd would be even better!! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-87399382164068552132013-07-24T10:22:00.000-07:002013-07-24T10:22:46.790-07:00The Goodies Are Rolling In! The goodies I've been ordering for my classroom have been rolling in! Don't you just love a box or two on your porch this time of year?! I know I do! Thank goodness I'm home to grab them before the husband sees, and tries to guesstimate how much I've spent....only to be shocked by the credit card bill how much it actually was. It's better he just sees the bill, freaks out & I'm like, oh yeah....I bought some stuff for school. By then, it's stashed in the trunk of my car or somewhere around the house, and there's no going back....only forward....to my classroom! So here's what came 2 shipments ago. This isn't even the latest stuff I've bought. I went on a girls day on Monday with some relatives to the Spa & there happened to be a Melissa & Doug store in the resort. All I can say is that I LOVE Melissa and Doug----and my own 3 children scored some sweet pool toys/diving games & my classroom will reap some rewards from that little shopping trip as well! More on that later....<br />
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Back to my Amazon goodies.....<br />
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<li>1. My "Mrs. Powell" monogramed binder from <a href="http://Zazzle.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Zazzle.com</span></a>. It's BIG. And cute! All my assessments info. will be put into this binder this year. I always use a binder to store my running records, MLPP testing (letter/sound knowledge, concepts of print, etc., sight words data, DIBELS info., and DELTA Math info.)....it seems as if I have my Data Binder out every day, so this year I wanted to make it super cute. And for a reasonable price, I snagged this binder!</li>
<li>GIANT Magnetic Base Ten Blocks. I was really wanting some of these last year. I mentioned it to my principal as he did a walkthrough last year while I happened to be trying to model with base ten blocks that it would be really great if I had some that I could put on the whiteboard at our group area. Is it super sad I didn't even know they existed?!??! I'm ashamed to admit it. Glad I googled that one! It led to my wish coming true! </li>
<li>Foam Bath Letters & (not pictured) the crab letter links for the water table. I bought two sets of the crab letter links and 2 sets of the foam letters. I figured I'll rotate sets so that the kids stay engaged/interested in them & purchasing 2 sets of each will ensure that there are enough vowels for kids that are spelling a variety of lengthier words! Check out this <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Water-Table-Word-Work-786885" target="_blank">FREEBIE</a></span> for your students to practice their sight words at the water table! Just post it on the wall above your water table. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click HERE to grab this FREEBIE!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Break-It-Up-Decomposing-Numbers-788846" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5MYafKQhgTN7JZJND5fbCEv19MUI4G_bmWW9vEtCae1atxH3iwM2c_7CpqI9jrBF8UUIobLV8VnimQOEHsr6uv3Qj6yyNwho5zRivNUtOkGMwVH7D0G9PW77fes5Pey1xDUNLnVr360/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Click HERE to grab this FREEBIE! </div>
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<li>Soft Number Dice. I also desperately needed these last year. What a perfect math station to just roll & add. You could add 2 numbers or 3 numbers. You could graph how many times you rolled a number. There are so many possibilities. Check out this <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Break-It-Up-Decomposing-Numbers-788846" target="_blank">FREEBIE</a></span> for you using number dice. Don't want to purchase number dice? Simply download a template online, or use a sharpie and write numbers on a wooden cube.....I'm sure you have some of those! If you happen to like the number dice freebie I gave you, you can get LOTS more for your classroom in my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Dice-Activities-Pack-788865" target="_blank">Number Dice Activities <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pac</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">k</span></span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Dice-Activities-Pack-788865" target="_blank">HERE</a> to grab this pack! </td></tr>
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<li>Belkin Rockstar headphone adapter. I'm very excited to get some of my audio books on an iPod or iPad this year so that the kids can listen to them digitally. That's a whole blog post for another day....but I am seriously excited about this little techy purchase. I'm such a geek! </li>
<li>Letter Beads. These are great. I am very excited to add these to my word work station this year. I do have beads already, but some are old, some too small, and the pile has dwindled over the years. I'm re-stocking & plan to use them with my new items from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/120330621266897728/" target="_blank">A Differentiated Kindergarten</a>! Thanks, Marsha!! </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAWs06aSUAwKwFIcsFPI84sF7DnkvecT42iGbEwb824ULvLwSyjKq-G1fGdoSHFFjwZIhGsq0rPAJG3f-shwPG9eP3Dtbk0L_AR80AcnPD-ncD-HczG33P0jjx-pPbjLEHIf7Ow6WA2E/s1600/avatarname.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAWs06aSUAwKwFIcsFPI84sF7DnkvecT42iGbEwb824ULvLwSyjKq-G1fGdoSHFFjwZIhGsq0rPAJG3f-shwPG9eP3Dtbk0L_AR80AcnPD-ncD-HczG33P0jjx-pPbjLEHIf7Ow6WA2E/s200/avatarname.png" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Najni5MhutknV1g2Pt6_GBM_9od9xL_tlcC4eEzYboYJFCp3ZOs4yTWEFA4ojoAlWhUji_jU1kSzGVt0eHDBB7fi6ovojclML2PAYa1x4vgsYnRyUKLO_ra2mr7zlfhtPpPpFy8iG0A/s1600/Keri.FINAL+signature.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Najni5MhutknV1g2Pt6_GBM_9od9xL_tlcC4eEzYboYJFCp3ZOs4yTWEFA4ojoAlWhUji_jU1kSzGVt0eHDBB7fi6ovojclML2PAYa1x4vgsYnRyUKLO_ra2mr7zlfhtPpPpFy8iG0A/s200/Keri.FINAL+signature.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-69272801602061127332013-07-10T11:14:00.000-07:002013-07-10T11:14:14.376-07:00Incorporate Sensory Experiences into AcademicsAren't the Early Childhood years/grade levels cute and fun and MeSsY?! When I taught Kdg., Jr. K, and Preschool, I could easily incorporate a lot of sensory play into our daily schedule. Not only was it play, but I often found fun ways to integrate academics with sensory experiences. Now that I'm teaching first grade (which I love, love, love!!!), sensory items were really lacking in my room, and I missed it terribly. I felt like my first graders, just coming from Kindergarten, must be missing it, too! Although, my students last year were completely charming, and never seemed to notice, were completely happy with whatever activities I had available for them to choose, and were too kind to say....I still felt like I was not tending to everyone's needs/interests. As hard as we try, that crazy balance of making activities, tending to 20 (even 30) something personalities, interests, abilities, and learning styles gets tricky! We do the best with what we can at the time.<br />
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All year, I said to myself that summer "vacation" would be my time to think of (or pin) ideas to entangle sensory experiences with academics. While I would love an opportunity for a little sensory "play", there certainly isn't time for it....too much is at stake. But to keep learning fun, engaging, and knowing how important sensory is to children, I first needed to remind (justify) to myself why sensory activities are important to young learners, before I went all out and collected ideas and materials to make it all happen.<br />
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Photo Cred: GrowingAJeweledRose.com</div>
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Here's why I think it's important to integrate sensory experiences and academics amongst all the primary grades (and any grade level, really!):<br />
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<li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We all know that sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, which lead to the child’s ability to complete more complex learning tasks.</span> If we are differentiating instruction as we should, all tasks are complex to each child at some level. If it simply takes some sensory experiences to help this process, I can absolutely justify having a sand/water table in my classroom! </li>
<li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction.</span> We all know those little loves that need help with fine motor, and so many sensory experiences provide that practice. Integrate academics....2 birds, one stone. </li>
<li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This type of play aids in developing and enhancing memory. </span>YES! Create those pathways and remember the content we are teaching. Will sensory activities aid students to concept mastery? I'm willing to roll the dice on that one. </li>
<li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sensory play is great for calming an anxious or frustrated child.</span> I don't know about your school, but we don't have school counselors anymore due to budget cuts. We have one counselor that visits 4 Elementary Schools, plus the Jr. High, I believe. While I try to tend to the whole child, individual counseling sessions with the teacher are not an easy feat. If a little time sifting some sand, or digging your hands into something squishy, messy, etc. helps calm a child---I'm all for it. I know I love an opportunity to kick back, put my toes in the sand! If I could bring my work to the beach everyday, I certainly would! </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Cred:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Baptist-Waynesboro-VA-Weekday-Preschool/308533869201006</span></td></tr>
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Gosh....I used to have a water table filled with these letters for letter recognition, letter sequencing from A-Z, letter matching (upper/lower, upper/upper, lower/lower)....but HELLO?! Why not put our spelling lists next to the water table and allow them to fish for their spelling words?! This is the stuff that makes me remember how un-creative I am sometimes!! OK---this idea, definitely getting put into my 'word work' station this year. </div>
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AMEN to all of that, right?! Stay with me here....let's talk about this a little more then I have a little surprise for you for hanging in there with me. </div>
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So, if you are like me, you are thinking 'Oh, right. Looks fun & there's research to back the importance of sensory experiences for children, but management of it could be a nightmare while I'm working with small groups'. True. It could easily get a little bananas out there----but with rules, expectations, and follow through....it will run smoothly just like everything else in your classroom. Treat this kind of learning as a privilege. There are certainly less desirable ways to learn concepts (ahem, worksheets upon worksheets). With firm guidelines, mutual trust and respect, it should all be just fine! </div>
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I have both a turtle sandbox and a sand table in storage----it's not whether I will use one in my classroom this year, but a matter of WHICH one?! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">If you have any ideas to integrate sensory experiences with the first grade common core, please do share your ideas! </span></div>
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In the meantime, I'm sharing with you two items from my TpT and TN shops FREE for a limited time. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Blizzard-Beach-Math-732595" target="_blank">Blizzard Beach</a></span> is a sand table math activity I used during math stations last year. My students loved it!! We used it for two weeks in the winter and then they asked for it to be brought back out at the end of the year. I've recently added <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sandbox-Stations-762738" target="_blank">Sandbox Stations</a></span>....and plan to make more sandbox stations as the year continues. Enjoy! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click photo to get SandBox Stations</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-47051373008551803032013-07-07T20:11:00.002-07:002013-07-07T20:40:20.613-07:00In My Shopping Cart<div style="text-align: center;">
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I have so many random thoughts about what to purchase for the upcoming school year, my cart is overflowing at Amazon, and yet---my mind is still swarming with this week's sports schedule and activities for my three children this week. It's July, and I don't go back to school until the end of August....but my mind is already creeping back into school mode. What?! So here I am linking up with Sunday Smorgasbord! Read my random thoughts on what's in my cart and why I may or may not delete one or more of these items before I check out! </div>
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1257227107&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=5190719&link=aHR0cDovL2tlbnR1Y2t5a2luZGVyZ2Fy" target="_blank"><img alt="Sunday Smorgasbord photo Slide1.jpg" border="0" height="200" src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j140/shelley123_2006/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a>
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There are so many things in my shopping cart for this up coming school year. I really do need to narrow it down, but I'm not sure how! Here's my wish list (so far!)!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dq-1rWBozlV9sESZnwJkz-JE1KVykmq8qMsB1k3j6QExiuLWLFIb12HaFhez1WbhTH5AOwEnDv6E_bal2pZzB7qUcV9t0U2guBdRI9AGACO3zwOY_4iyXE_y4IflFMn2YVod2YIyKIQ/s1600/6366-MagBase10-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dq-1rWBozlV9sESZnwJkz-JE1KVykmq8qMsB1k3j6QExiuLWLFIb12HaFhez1WbhTH5AOwEnDv6E_bal2pZzB7qUcV9t0U2guBdRI9AGACO3zwOY_4iyXE_y4IflFMn2YVod2YIyKIQ/s320/6366-MagBase10-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'd love a set of magnetic base ten blocks, and I'm certain my first graders would love these giant ones! I've also thought about just using them in a digital manner, too. I have the graphics and we could easily use them on the interactive white board. So, I'm not sure----digital, or hands-on? The digital version is cheaper, and is still hands on because they can manipulate the graphics with the IWB pen, but I like how the giant ones are an exact model of what's in their calendar bag each of them use at our group area. Hmmmmm?! I'll keep thinking about that one...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXchRFF_bowct3zm8yeYdWGKSa3FNTzhXyYS-uq-dIthZkCD_ckXobe2EpwsJNRO5xGMXcbaORkB5E3jkNYJmDfVGmzjzj7ZGiXdViCprHUj6ozIDzHKex-60Gnj_5e1Q0v3evoECnwmg/s1600/Belkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXchRFF_bowct3zm8yeYdWGKSa3FNTzhXyYS-uq-dIthZkCD_ckXobe2EpwsJNRO5xGMXcbaORkB5E3jkNYJmDfVGmzjzj7ZGiXdViCprHUj6ozIDzHKex-60Gnj_5e1Q0v3evoECnwmg/s320/Belkin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next item I want is the Belkin headphone splitter. I'd love this for my listening center. I currently use the listening center bags-----but the personal CD players frequently need the batteries replaced. It's expensive if I don't get enough donations. This can be hooked up to a typical radio/stereo or iPads/iPods, other devices. For under $20, this is a great buy, I'm thinking! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eYblVNIQ7bhtOHB5tZ24gbaFVWkhvl5Hsb-DZQms1U-P5H3qS99jX-y48Y7D2QizaupHp8leelkb5tAGCBkAonNsYYC4sFObvfjabJbIcpfHtA6ghW-sgKmz1I4WqT1d_FuRZv9Yqy8/s1600/dice+dome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eYblVNIQ7bhtOHB5tZ24gbaFVWkhvl5Hsb-DZQms1U-P5H3qS99jX-y48Y7D2QizaupHp8leelkb5tAGCBkAonNsYYC4sFObvfjabJbIcpfHtA6ghW-sgKmz1I4WqT1d_FuRZv9Yqy8/s320/dice+dome.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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I could also use some number dice and dice domes for our math stations. </div>
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These dice domes are genius and hopefully will take out the temptation to toss the dice in the air, roll them WAY too far across the table, or tossing them to friends. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSpVD_9h5js9-wI-6HzNKKVPo_duPWYTNMuBkETjhe5pi6knmxQ3IxsUWfu35cqHgnd2PiO1M1sjRd_9GxEvsEMTpAcEu3wWqdFXnnKSRPD1wlxdPx1aeHb7SOUqUwLOi6vQFohgjwmA/s1600/number+dice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSpVD_9h5js9-wI-6HzNKKVPo_duPWYTNMuBkETjhe5pi6knmxQ3IxsUWfu35cqHgnd2PiO1M1sjRd_9GxEvsEMTpAcEu3wWqdFXnnKSRPD1wlxdPx1aeHb7SOUqUwLOi6vQFohgjwmA/s320/number+dice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly....the final purchase I am contemplating is what to do for book boxes this year. Last year, I used white cardboard magazine holders....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp4uLXHSwWRxnOTMbVWOpRBWHDWA5gmdxWJ2c4kXscWP_l_-9yMGplBVOqI7MdN9klSgykGj7qSqP-zg5BbX3IKuIOhmOLU_x6hGPHveysfxCYGGuB9Dwg3TI9f-O2OoBJ-sxdmo-OeI/s1600/MAGAZINE-HOLDERS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp4uLXHSwWRxnOTMbVWOpRBWHDWA5gmdxWJ2c4kXscWP_l_-9yMGplBVOqI7MdN9klSgykGj7qSqP-zg5BbX3IKuIOhmOLU_x6hGPHveysfxCYGGuB9Dwg3TI9f-O2OoBJ-sxdmo-OeI/s320/MAGAZINE-HOLDERS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They went on a shelf like this....which I loved because I could put the students' names on the spine of the holder and they held various sized books really well. I also like the uniformed look on the shelf...but I hate that they get ruined or that I have to re-purchase them every year. It's expensive!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HS8wWC89qHTLM6NqIVC9OBqNjh7OlWtGkjs0hlFh83WDzK1ao64XvyOnqoRF19hZjO_nJYWE_EBTGtVucR58g5-_QYT-U3yNVc1Axk2U2M7MMK5W2myjC6rJLMaTHJAn6Ki0ocm58Gs/s1600/shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HS8wWC89qHTLM6NqIVC9OBqNjh7OlWtGkjs0hlFh83WDzK1ao64XvyOnqoRF19hZjO_nJYWE_EBTGtVucR58g5-_QYT-U3yNVc1Axk2U2M7MMK5W2myjC6rJLMaTHJAn6Ki0ocm58Gs/s320/shelf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The other option are these book bins....but all the books hang out and I think it'll look too messy on the shelf. However, it's a one time purchase (until they are really bad/broken)....but I think I can get more than one year out of them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTteK2zbLQunOxNTZVogWiuJQ3qgtag-6tITBliGUvYozoJOcqDGNsRUV7ECxAyP-SejDDYwIiCchpz0-mQkhFPRbsbKmGsMo-okefNL1gZf4wifKysjiqDv0v024c2kpwbDvMX4cOaRY/s1600/book+bins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTteK2zbLQunOxNTZVogWiuJQ3qgtag-6tITBliGUvYozoJOcqDGNsRUV7ECxAyP-SejDDYwIiCchpz0-mQkhFPRbsbKmGsMo-okefNL1gZf4wifKysjiqDv0v024c2kpwbDvMX4cOaRY/s1600/book+bins.jpg" /></a></div>
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What's on your wish list for the upcoming school year?! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZzBp_7n5zG8EsCjTZ20tfRSE4nCSlZcuB50Ls_8ekJ7wilY6giQBURcLK5nTz4TlMNzOP5bLb1kEwLiDCrWNip2SMzwInKRQn9B0-UU4EJhNd0jfPt6zBECHG1i-dYfsM2TPtZrX7mE/s1600/Keri.FINAL+signature.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZzBp_7n5zG8EsCjTZ20tfRSE4nCSlZcuB50Ls_8ekJ7wilY6giQBURcLK5nTz4TlMNzOP5bLb1kEwLiDCrWNip2SMzwInKRQn9B0-UU4EJhNd0jfPt6zBECHG1i-dYfsM2TPtZrX7mE/s1600/Keri.FINAL+signature.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsxFSWLvn_pGsSRK7j0c9TTIdcpTP-rKlOMCNkJqie5GrULSAskCusmK4Oi0rnHeFZU5OPpa1kOYO0q7SxCjBzP_d0I-pN5YHzsaI9MS9eLMjfQeS-iJmcMgTQRRjqxZ8QOv9G12FEBA/s1600/avatarname.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsxFSWLvn_pGsSRK7j0c9TTIdcpTP-rKlOMCNkJqie5GrULSAskCusmK4Oi0rnHeFZU5OPpa1kOYO0q7SxCjBzP_d0I-pN5YHzsaI9MS9eLMjfQeS-iJmcMgTQRRjqxZ8QOv9G12FEBA/s200/avatarname.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-87695930873040292622013-07-07T18:29:00.001-07:002013-07-07T18:35:09.188-07:00BlogLovin'I'm jumping on the bandwagon and following my favorite blogs on BlogLovin', and I'm putting my blog out there, too. You can <a href="tp://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5804529/sweet-life-of-teaching" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">follow me</span></a> there, if you'd like!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-67467156298931335782013-06-24T21:58:00.001-07:002013-06-24T21:58:06.623-07:00Gearing Up for the new school year! Here we are....it's finally summer! I might say how much I am looking forward to a break, but the truth is, I spend a great majority of my summer prepping for the upcoming school year. I know you do, too! I've been pinning, blog stalking, thinking, thinking, thinking, organizing, and making some new activities for my centers. I'm not finding as much time for making things as I want to, but summer is just getting started....and in between work, I'm also being the #1 cheerleader for my kids at basketball camp, tennis camp, baseball practice/games & playing lifeguard in the backyard pool. Not to mention, the cleaning lady and in-home chef never show up----so, I'm on those duties as well!<br />
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I'm also trying to read a bazillion Jodi Picoult books since I happened to order a bunch. How can I resist---shipping is free----love me some Amazon Prime! And where do I fit it workouts? Oh, anywhere between 9-11pm. It's amazing how much stuff you can actually fit in a day!! LOVE IT!<br />
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As I'm home with my 3 kiddos this summer....we are often cleaning, organizing, and pitching items out of their rooms, closets, and toy boxes. This often leads to another project, and another, and another. And then this happens...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8ohC8-QvvCIVjEl9hjw2ey4mS2vFsjKoNyRjZFvdYNLIgbFOvSBq2m7nN_OiVf-9ryv511V3z2nFamIQUwj27QXKUG_Qucmv2MyQE_VzTX3UlXbjGlWQFruS8PudUIc3MKGu2mKvfE0/s1600/supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8ohC8-QvvCIVjEl9hjw2ey4mS2vFsjKoNyRjZFvdYNLIgbFOvSBq2m7nN_OiVf-9ryv511V3z2nFamIQUwj27QXKUG_Qucmv2MyQE_VzTX3UlXbjGlWQFruS8PudUIc3MKGu2mKvfE0/s320/supplies.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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Agreed? Do you all do the same?!?!?! </div>
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So while I'm boxing up more items from around the house that will eventually make their way to the classroom, take a gander at my new math and literacy pack available on TpT. It's 87 pages consisting of 6 Lang. Arts activities and 5 Math activities. It'd be great for incoming first graders or end of the year Kindergarteners. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Firefighter-Frenzy-Math-Literacy-Activities-742867" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kpyUtCNE3geHg_mZ2KSgFrTTt9FOVZ9jnKcqDflTHxPEICOBo-uxmXjsXWqstZEnGQ2fXbmtKxBpooWybXXNaezsDanrv0QG1vMXJM0f8NIpQSz8FhV3GmXBSV38TQayIfL_sGty7Yw/s640/FF+Frenzy+Cover.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Firefighter-Frenzy-Math-Literacy-Activities-742867" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO GRAB THIS MATH AND LIT PACK! </a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Firefighter-Frenzy-Math-Literacy-Activities-742867" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0CuIRuRjQ8V5ew7lAselfo58rjFlX6kJRg-iGmR_lPIiEqLUZrw6S2QNfBGSYeG0kpFpfqRzx5HoiQkVbR1-pI_vTJaHzx24udMoqJjkPXECebUg8RMO1hyfuGYwZar_TyjxLD4ZS78/s640/FF+Frenzy+Preview.jpeg" width="494" /></a></span></div>
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Have fun thinking about the new school year----because I know you can't resist!!! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Firefighter-Frenzy-Math-Literacy-Activities-742867" target="_blank">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Firefighter-Frenzy-Math-Literacy-Activities-742867</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-42075361848681269932013-05-23T18:51:00.001-07:002013-05-23T18:51:53.986-07:00Writing ConferencesI absolutely love teaching writing! My class this year has really seemed to enjoy writing right along with me. We've done so many great projects and activities together this year, and today, we held one of our last big writing conferences during Daily 5. Technically, mine is Daily 6....but I only tweaked it to work for me.<br />
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Anyway, at the beginning of the year, they wrote about <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1Nqou3fOm91RWZ1TzF1d0N0Znc/edit" target="_blank">Sweet Summertime</a>"</span>....a topic that led to something they did over summer break. This week, we wrote about "In the Summer"....something they like to do in the summer. Today, we took an opportunity during Daily 6 to compare those two writings and reflect on their individual growth as a writer. During each conference, we also looked at the "In the Summer" writing and worked on the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1Nqou3fOm91RWZ1TzF1d0N0Znc/edit" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">rubric</span></a> together. *I have to give a shout out to Rachelle @ <a href="http://whatthetacherwants.blogspot.com/">whatthetacherwants.blogspot.com</a> for her FREE writing prompts and her kid-friendly rubric. I love it!<br />
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I love that this planned conference time turned into spontaneous video making of some of the students' reflections. My iPad was sitting on the table with us, and one child asked to make a video of his conference. Soon....many students were asking! So, I thought, why not?! For one, they love seeing themselves on video, and secondly---what a great opportunity for me to learn from our conferencing and do better myself! This was such an awesome moment in our day today. I loved seeing them laugh at their writing from September, and marvel at how far they really have come!<br />
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Here's a few of the conferences we caught on video. There are a variety of students here---some who excel in writing, some who are shy, some who would never want to speak on camera before, and some who have come from not being able to compose one sentence to writing nearly on grade level, and legibly! Everyone has made growth, and I couldn't be more proud! It's inspiring me to search for more ways that writing conferences are held with such young writers. If anyone out there has something to share, please do!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eRwKsdmvdTQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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At the beginning of the year, this child (above) said something I hope to never forget. It was the first time we were doing author's chair, and he started out reading very strong, but he quickly trailed off----sweating, red cheeked, shaky voice, trembling hands, and on the verge of tears. He looked at me with great fear and said: "Mrs. Powell, I'm trying really hard by I just don't think I can do this because it scares my heart." </div>
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Ohmyword! Heartbroken. I felt so bad for him that day, it made me want to grab a tissue. But here he is at the end of the year, asking to make videos of his writing conference, reading in the author's chair voluntarily, blogging, and being an all around leader and role model. He's grown so much, and I am so proud of him! </div>
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There are a handful of video here, but each one is great (I think) because they are being so reflective and honest about their writing abilities and their growth over the school year. I could not have been this tuned in with my writing abilities when I was 6 or 7 years old....and I am in awe of them! </div>
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Here's one more video. It's super cute how giggly she gets over her beginning of the year writing. I couldn't insert the video though, so you'll have to click the link. Eh, technology! </div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nieuCyYmA20">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nieuCyYmA20</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372747128076091400.post-36881468971364016392013-03-25T18:20:00.000-07:002013-03-25T18:23:21.186-07:00Taking the 'Common' out of Common CoreThe common core is everywhere! And in some States, it's not....anymore. For those of us that are still driven by the Common Core, posting those "I can" statements daily/weekly/permanently throughout our classrooms....how do you find ways to keep your classroom creative, fun, & hands-on, all while meeting those Common Core objectives?<br />
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Here's a few things that we've recently done in my classroom to keep our learning fun, fresh, and engaging! I thought I had a picture of this....but I can't seem to find it amongst the bazillion photos in my camera roll. So, imagine this.....a first grade classroom with a sand table? Yep--that's us! We often use it for math. Actually, it's not a sand table....but sand totes (the plastic rubbermaid ones). Since we live in Michigan where it still feels like the Arctic....we have laminated missing addend snowflakes buried in the sand. We call it Blizzard Beach. It's funny that none of my students found the mix of beach, summer, winter, & snow items all mixed together a bit odd----that's Michigan for ya! But it keeps sensory play in my classroom at the same time my students find missing addends. Using different totes for various levels of missing addend work keeps that station FUN & differentiated. I really need to grab a picture of that, but in the mean time, use your mental images, and look <a href="http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/MiTeacherGirl/blizzard-beach-math" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a>.<br />
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Recently, it was the 120th day of school for my students. 1.NBT.1 says that students should count to 120 starting at any number less than 120. In this range, read and write numerals and represent a number of objects with a written numeral. So that we did! Not that we haven't been working on it all year----but because we HAVE been working so hard, we chose the 120th day to celebrate it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OD39IUcb2ixuap6NlF2Aco0xt_4R3r2wRfymzlChhRuoV7zU_t81SKQ2nXVLyIjsDHQ5ZAJgwxBWYY91U71Ag4PVa-H3yDT00_fTDcIdqebQILkg59YZNOzo1Qg7jbXcBLSyBhUo3p4/s1600/photo-103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OD39IUcb2ixuap6NlF2Aco0xt_4R3r2wRfymzlChhRuoV7zU_t81SKQ2nXVLyIjsDHQ5ZAJgwxBWYY91U71Ag4PVa-H3yDT00_fTDcIdqebQILkg59YZNOzo1Qg7jbXcBLSyBhUo3p4/s400/photo-103.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We decorated our entrance to our classroom....and just in case anyone questioned the hustle & bustle, the giggles galore, and the multiple times the firsties broke out in tune ("Red Solo Cup....I fill you up..")</div>
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Go ahead, I'll wait while you sing along...</div>
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....but just in case anyone questioned our day, I went ahead and posted my 1.NBT.1 objective right on our sign! </div>
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Students decorated their own T-shirts----some were tallied, BeJewled, covered in buttons, painted, and more! Not one shirt was the same!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvjqJdJ2Hp8oXyig1QlDoW0H4pL4swNmJ18eRslMuNmdjLG1tEoZyoJH04jlhOcMtFNTIAoa_6imlARzwVLc-r6MCu-6cHv8cYbBdSGyNeNJ7Ef1UPDeeYYZQwyF2srP125_t-YEAB3c/s1600/photo-100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvjqJdJ2Hp8oXyig1QlDoW0H4pL4swNmJ18eRslMuNmdjLG1tEoZyoJH04jlhOcMtFNTIAoa_6imlARzwVLc-r6MCu-6cHv8cYbBdSGyNeNJ7Ef1UPDeeYYZQwyF2srP125_t-YEAB3c/s320/photo-100.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbR9GMgP0fOmjaAdYV0WOfjd6UMq-OSiW_anoBoxtJpdRstjAEdsnygc41qsa_nXSxnItnczoT9NnAFxHvLE3rdaGeJxYXbuEe7Q3aO0ruAhW1mVlkftVGllteTbQI2_QY8FAsbgCj3o/s1600/photo-101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbR9GMgP0fOmjaAdYV0WOfjd6UMq-OSiW_anoBoxtJpdRstjAEdsnygc41qsa_nXSxnItnczoT9NnAFxHvLE3rdaGeJxYXbuEe7Q3aO0ruAhW1mVlkftVGllteTbQI2_QY8FAsbgCj3o/s320/photo-101.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And here.....you'll understand why Toby Keith is considering letting us cover his Kids Bop version of Red Solo Cup (wink, wink). There were multiple structures built throughout the day with 120 Red Solo cups. Cooperative learning, planning, and creating....I loved listening to their conversations, compromises, ideas, and minds at work!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJv_JCdSUdjdFQNDZIbvSUK4XCWSk5lkEE97CI9W-yxDCiiXR6X0-usom-f9hX3LS0vu5RL0fiJjlPx3PSeEJ4eKleqivjeXzdGK2Ch5tSoNTxUeceYu8-Hc5HJ-GnzeYUUQ_oOrLcvc/s1600/photo-95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJv_JCdSUdjdFQNDZIbvSUK4XCWSk5lkEE97CI9W-yxDCiiXR6X0-usom-f9hX3LS0vu5RL0fiJjlPx3PSeEJ4eKleqivjeXzdGK2Ch5tSoNTxUeceYu8-Hc5HJ-GnzeYUUQ_oOrLcvc/s400/photo-95.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUKCU6rDxscAX3iSiZYre_kk0XgumiVccoSqjsMU4MF6xTDtK-IhHlqGG6Ni80o23o7rqAIkwQu2hfz7xWN_KrA6K6sS6Q5nYNpLU_C8ChKbZSoVxusMHGYs_o1-__0PIQ4g1La7PKKE/s1600/photo-99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUKCU6rDxscAX3iSiZYre_kk0XgumiVccoSqjsMU4MF6xTDtK-IhHlqGG6Ni80o23o7rqAIkwQu2hfz7xWN_KrA6K6sS6Q5nYNpLU_C8ChKbZSoVxusMHGYs_o1-__0PIQ4g1La7PKKE/s400/photo-99.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYt9nq5RfCE7JRZY4qNUf22GmbUp1ml3xFwhM_q0-j8BrtHapQ1OeGymt6wpkg7xubA4RAbLfLCZqxhtwzUTLep_68WTWy2cpCZdCPc8tTKrPs3kQ9c6pBM9_C1SjrI1UYdQ9s7L0M_0/s1600/photo-96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYt9nq5RfCE7JRZY4qNUf22GmbUp1ml3xFwhM_q0-j8BrtHapQ1OeGymt6wpkg7xubA4RAbLfLCZqxhtwzUTLep_68WTWy2cpCZdCPc8tTKrPs3kQ9c6pBM9_C1SjrI1UYdQ9s7L0M_0/s400/photo-96.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here's one child enjoying 120's day to the fullest....crown, 120 apple jack necklace, 120 pom-pom shirt....what's not to love about 1.NBT.1?! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgeK8YIgCvB-r77Uy4EXxWd4p6vtQIoWZPNVDcaItPOnBS9mi5QCXQTSdSVWcOlzZ9t7AW2y-3ugbqzc5axf8k-ae3KE5I6cFXv6xnZFu4Now55VcQBYnHGTNM6wSdt4Z8_QKDZSD7zk/s1600/photo-98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgeK8YIgCvB-r77Uy4EXxWd4p6vtQIoWZPNVDcaItPOnBS9mi5QCXQTSdSVWcOlzZ9t7AW2y-3ugbqzc5axf8k-ae3KE5I6cFXv6xnZFu4Now55VcQBYnHGTNM6wSdt4Z8_QKDZSD7zk/s400/photo-98.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1.NBT.1 also helped my students satisfy their tastebuds by counting out 12 groups of 10 snack items to contribute to a trail mix. See? The Common Core is Y-U-M-M-Y! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/MiTeacherGirl/120-days-smarter" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeijwMh_a8Lq85xAlnB1dHventG4W9c3a3kw_Zb3RIsxN62fX8zx0kQgt27B1QCNJACBMczMY35h_CCiBgFlVva6GPxifzwVa2cN5bCwxCtY1vAMZN-BO7TbmtbYiXrjAxBdLUz_qwQ4/s400/photo-97.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Click the photo of the smarties above to get your own 1st Grade 120 Day fun!)</div>
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At this point in the year, if you are like me, you are finding the Common Core just another 'chore'. And when something becomes a little too chore-like....it means we need to spice it up! What fun ways do you put the paper/pencils down in order to take the 'Common' out of Common Core? </div>
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@MiTeacherGirl</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877588485500425469noreply@blogger.com0