tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44662098490170237212024-03-12T17:54:42.420-07:00My Life At The Pencil SharpenerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-86871511713549538592016-01-04T16:51:00.001-08:002016-01-04T16:51:49.964-08:00Inspiring Young Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Teaching writing is hard. Let's just be honest. There is no formula, rule or key to being a good writer. Helping students find their voice can be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding parts of a teacher's job. The road to get here, however, can be full of tears and frustration (for both the students and teacher) if it isn't something you intentionally plan for and make time for each day. I am not an expert on teaching writing, but I have learned some tricks along the way. As we start a new year I would like to share some tips and tricks to successful writing instruction.
1 - IT TAKES TIME!
Nothing improves without being given time. I know your schedule is cramped and you never seem to find the time to fit in other subjects beyond those frequently tested, but it is worth the effort. Start by looking at your schedule...where can you fit it in? Maybe just 20 minutes a day to start, but you have to start! Find the time and stick to it!
2 - Let them write for fun!
Sometimes it is ok to not be writing a perfect paragraph or essay. At times it is best to give students time to write how they would like to write. Maybe it is a rap or a play or a crazy graphic novel. It may not fit your agenda, but if it gets your students to begin to love writing it is well worth it!
3 - Help students find success with writing! At any writing conference or sharing time be sure to start by stressing the positive. They cannot fix every minute detail in a writing piece so begin by giving them 1 or 2 cheers and 1 wish (something you would like for them to work on). Keep track of this wish and check back with the student to see how they are doing on this area of improvement.
Another way to help your students feel successful in writing is using writing sprints. My class loves to build writing stamina with this trick. Here is how it is done: Present an interesting journal/writing topic and explain to students that they will need to write on this topic for 1 minute without stopping. Tell them to go and time it for one minute. At the end of one minute stop the class and see how many of them want to keep going! Assure them that they can continue their work another time. The next day (or week) add some time to your sprint with a new topic. Continue until your sprints can go for about 3 minutes without any student's pencil leaving their paper. They will begin to see that writing does not have to be a daunting task.
4 - Find topics that fit their interest! So many teachers use the same old boring journal prompts and topics. You need to mix it up and find a different way to peak their interest. Maybe it is with a music video - my students had a ton to say about Taylor Swift's "Mean" video and BONUS...it made a great character lesson!<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYa1eI1hpDE"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCcV9BRYhGlisdCMOC2gGrMNaSeBsnov6ZFamdZXUwG7gVEoEwRQpcC3O_ea4TAW0L88xpWbNt4RZm63-C_6-9ymZ-uRbhi4I-aHMDf0Jysr24Oljz8pBudD9vFzqQLhRYXfFdPL3bYQ/s1600/taylor+swift.jpeg" /></a></div>
Ever try inspiring writing with some google images - showing just a picture and asking students to respond can be very powerful. On a recent writing prompt I gave students 3 pictures to choose from. Check out the last images I tried out with my students. It was amazing the responses I got...no guidelines except to write at least a paragraph (could be a narrative, opinion, ANYTHING GOES). One student wrote an amazing opinion on why fruit has no business in an ice cream sundae, another wrote about the places he would go in his brand new pair of Jordan's, while a third student wrote a narrative from the dog's perspective anxiously waiting for his owners to get home.<br />
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Another strategy I have used to inspire my writers is with videos and quotes. One of my favorite sources for young writers is Kid President. His videos are adorable and so approachable for kids. The quotes that you can get from these videos are priceless! One easy video to start with (and a great thing to go along with the messages of Dr. Martin Luther King) is "20 Things We Should Say More Often." After watching the video, have your student's brainstorm some ideas of things they should say more often. You can turn this into your own video like Kid President with each student getting a turn to share their favorite idea or have students write an opinion essay on how saying their one favorite idea from brainstorming will make the world a better place. I created a fun pack of inspirational quote posters from Kid President. Even better...most posters have a QR code link that takes you directly to the Kid President video where the quote originated! <br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kid-President-Inspirational-Quote-Posters-and-Printables-2023994"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYbHW6dZZ4CEVh7H_0jkOqc7hgpG2wg37nkDsONPHZA1VTdPyoqdY5Hzhc51njuBV5RgAtQir-bkGuDdynt01Adcmm55BslKUVXIo6Y4K4x41_J8uNiotoM8URF5NQBJaSAo6tMqbkLg/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="154" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kid-President-Inspirational-Quote-Posters-and-Printables-2023994"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIXI902b6Zktd72JgT5OJi9fZu-xYR6rLURUqb_wSTjpZ2sTVczR_IU4BDXvPssC6PCpVGMgRwKdKzpN9PHFL40Z_JS37Xg-zVHl18hL0jguhkjhAJ6rI1pCQPlte0WIwivweKhxT9Ys/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="154" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kid-President-Inspirational-Quote-Posters-and-Printables-2023994"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLi7f1vboTFfLvg-_FTA-ztQkOmMD2bIkq3GL3rZmo0YIlApyP_rrZ70AwhRxsnI-aaQLNaUIvk-5uUCQ7eiohpOOjFv_tcwSqckMwINu1tyXTkPcJWCecpboh9hkICopwTB0DtldoyA/s200/Slide3.jpg" width="154" /></a><br />
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Happy Writing!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-55627533412057057362015-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:002015-10-24T06:57:07.015-07:00Trick or Treat Blog Hop!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is almost that time of year again and why should the kids have all the fun?! I am so excited to be a part of this awesome blog hop filled with tricks of the trade and treats (who doesn't love freebies and giveaways!). </div>
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I am all about the tricks in my classroom. I am constantly "tricking" my students into learning. When I see all of the changes that have happened over the course of my teaching career one of the saddest things I have realized is too often kids aren't given enough time to be kids. Recess has been shortened, time for self-selected reading or projects has been cut down and many schools have lost or seriously reduced the "specials" that provided such a great outlet to our children. For these reasons I feel it is important to provide students with time to loosen up in the classroom and have fun. In doing this you will find that you often are "tricking" them into learning. Take the lesson I did with a small group of struggling math students last week. These 3rd/4th graders have been having been having a difficult time with subtraction with regrouping. After reviewing the rules of subtraction with the group I simply gave each student white board and a 2 digit subtraction problem. If they solved the problem correctly they were able to shoot a basket in the dollar store basketball hoop that I have in my room. I then repeated the process with them using another problem. Meanwhile I kept detailed notes of the mistakes they made or places where they needed extra support. Students were having fun, the activity required no prep and I gained valuable formative assessment data. </div>
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Almost anything can be turned into a game:</div>
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- Old Board Games (Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, etc) - simply add task cards or questions for students to answer and play along</div>
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-Ice Cube Trays - glue on words, numbers or anything else you would like and using craft pom poms students toss into the tray to play a game. My students like to add or multiply 2 numbers that their pom poms land in, but I have also played this where students are practicing segmenting words or reading sight words</div>
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- Deck of Cards - play addition or multiplication war</div>
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-Solo or Dixie Cups - write words or math problems on each cup and have students solve or read before creating a large cup stacking structure</div>
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- Fly Swatter - write words or numbers on a large piece of chart paper or poster board. Students will love to wait to hear a clue (like a division problem) and try to be the first person to hit the correct answer with the fly swatter</div>
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*In my room many of these games are taught and stored on a shelf where students can utilize them when they finish an assignment early or as a "game center" for math or language arts.</div>
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Am I the first person to come up with these ideas? Absolutely not...I just cannot stress enough how much taking ordinary learning that could happen on worksheets and quizzes and turning it into a game has helped my students. Students are more interested and engaged and thus loving learning once again! I would love to hear about some of your quick and easy games! Please comment below with one of your favorites!</div>
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As I stated before, I love turning "regular" learning into a game. Even if that game seems very basic, students feel less like they are learning and more like they are having fun! To that end my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Fact-Game-Halloween-Themed-2-Options-Differentiated-1497451">freebie</a> is a simple play on "Go Fish" or "Memory Match" where students match basic multiplication facts to their product. You can make this product fit your students by picking out the individual facts that are giving them trouble or that you would like to focus on! Enjoy...this freebie is only available through this blog hop!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Fact-Game-Halloween-Themed-2-Options-Differentiated-1497451"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0KLVUaIUeLV8zGEQgAonoZtNXRtfqPPivLgwy48nkjAl5ek-pRUeqLXZtXZKxB6VqGFw_HScdeXP7u0GmBZktgfA-qOslDHftA0ezPtOlzSXUuEe0y5cu7-EtxFZ8kT17pYbE0gc5Vs/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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While you are picking up your freebie feel free to browse around my store. You will find that many of my products have an element of fun and games to them. I am offering to giveaway any item from my store to one lucky winner! Simply enter the giveaway below!
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="58a182d68" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/58a182d68/" id="rcwidget_zyg2pn9n" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
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Here are a few of my newest products that you may want to check out!</div>
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Now hop on to the next great blog for more tricks and treats! Happy Halloween!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-11063755519903557242015-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:002015-08-09T06:25:34.979-07:00Back To School Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBj0AfRLLfEshkh5KURDUYBV6uP5DC9ySthQD6YW8hxs-DtCLPoWIy1X1Hsqdg-QBUEtBbwmv-vPecn6DfR7cB649Y4YRebZHeYiJX8Qs4lQKuEYQSd7pwUYMazH6NE5q-u40SInReUw/s1600/BTSBloghop+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBj0AfRLLfEshkh5KURDUYBV6uP5DC9ySthQD6YW8hxs-DtCLPoWIy1X1Hsqdg-QBUEtBbwmv-vPecn6DfR7cB649Y4YRebZHeYiJX8Qs4lQKuEYQSd7pwUYMazH6NE5q-u40SInReUw/s320/BTSBloghop+%25281%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am excited to take part in another fun blog hop! This is the "Back to School" blog hop and it is full of awesome ideas, freebies and giveaways to help your make the transition back to school a little easier. <br />
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Back to School WITHOUT Breaking the Bank</div>
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It is back to school time again and as much as this time of year excites me...it does not do any favors to my bank account! I cannot go into a store without finding something that I feel I NEED for my classroom. Pinterest has been both a blessing and a curse for me...especially this time of year. Seeing all of the adorable ideas for classroom decor and organization tips is enough to make your head spin! Over the years I have become pretty good at using recycled materials to take the place of more expensive options. You know what they say, "One man's trash is another man's treasure!" Today I will share some of my favorite items you can easily use or dress up to become a staple in your classroom!<br />
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1. Egg Cartons and Ice Cube Trays - I am sure this is something that you probably already have in your house and the uses for these items are endless! Some of my students' favorite games have been made with ice cube trays and egg cartons *Write a sight word on each space and have students toss a pom pom in and read out the word they land on. For a math twist on this write a number in each space and toss 2 pom poms - students must add or multiply the numbers they land on.<br />
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My favorite use - PAINT PALLETS! </div>
When you use an egg carton as a paint pallet you can keep paint colors separated better than plates and have fewer spills than when you use cups. A win, win for everyone!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZpLHgv57BC-5eRjyDUQJeTh7MxtQCpLCCkZXm1NVDoCg69fU29Exiw728pnc8Xec8UWSTdKPp3WZau3BXeCQrYGxjLXlDlw2BuKIFu5S0R4MIhj9wDhb_6ez5CGvVxBTxcOcZcL9c40/s1600/egg+carton+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZpLHgv57BC-5eRjyDUQJeTh7MxtQCpLCCkZXm1NVDoCg69fU29Exiw728pnc8Xec8UWSTdKPp3WZau3BXeCQrYGxjLXlDlw2BuKIFu5S0R4MIhj9wDhb_6ez5CGvVxBTxcOcZcL9c40/s200/egg+carton+painting.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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2. Coffee Cans - Forget about spending money on cute pencil/scissor/crayon organizers...simply cover a coffee can with your favorite wrapping or scrap book paper and you have a whole new look. I love the versatility this offers you! Just think of all of the prints and color combination possibilities to fit any classroom theme you choose! Check out these adorable coffee can pencil holders by <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2013/07/upcycled-diy-pencil-holders-inspired-by-all-you-magazine/">Modern Mrs. Darcy</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMlaZLBKc9F_hLE6wCAqIoddhO7OtVU2BBUlvMWQwUuRkBD8Ep8SJe8rCkawcMN64VQ90XhbUoBUMlVdZ7qHwBZCuPdQ1rPnKiUzTt8twGROxEROqJ5EciSz822V3XpJ0ZDykObIwoE4/s1600/filled-pencil-holders.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMlaZLBKc9F_hLE6wCAqIoddhO7OtVU2BBUlvMWQwUuRkBD8Ep8SJe8rCkawcMN64VQ90XhbUoBUMlVdZ7qHwBZCuPdQ1rPnKiUzTt8twGROxEROqJ5EciSz822V3XpJ0ZDykObIwoE4/s200/filled-pencil-holders.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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This same principal could be applied to any container you find useful. I have used decorated Pringles containers to hold larger items like rulers, Ball Jars with a cute ribbon and so much more.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">3. Cereal Boxes - I have used cereal boxes for so many things so I always have friends and family saving them for me. Student "book boxes" or magazine holders are so nice to organize for your reading center. Students can easily keep their belongings in one place to "grab and go" when they are ready to read. These magazine holders can be anywhere from $2.50-$10.00 each. To buy a class set is a HUGE cost, so why not make them? All you need is a cereal box, scissors and a favorite paper to cover with and you have something to perfectly fit your taste and classroom. <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/diy/diy-home-decor/">The Sits Girls</a> have a tutorial on their blog for this project!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Another expensive classroom item is a classroom mailbox system. Tracy from <a href="http://creeksideteachertales.com/2012/08/freebies-diy/">Creekside Teacher Tales</a> explains how she turned boxes like cereal boxes into a mailbox system to easily organize classroom notes and messages. </span></div>
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4. CD Cases or Plastic Plates - Need a class set of dry erase boards, but don't want to spend the money on it? Try old CD cases or plastic plates. The plastic plates work just like a dry erase board. Buy them in different colors for added fun. They can be used and reused until they break! CD cases are really neat to use because you can print off a template or guide for students to use with it. Just put the guide behind the case cover and students can follow along with ease. For example, when teaching about telling time print out a blank analog clock. Students can draw on the hands to follow along with your lesson. The guide can be easily changed out for different subjects and lessons. Perfect for differentiation!</div>
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5. Cheap Plastic Table Cloths - These beauties come in any color imaginable and can be found at dollar stores around the country! Best use I have found for them? Bulletin board covering! So fast and easy to put up (you can easily fold over excess or cut it off) and it doesn't fade nearly as much paper. I have found that table cloths can hold up for several school years! While I love the way fabric looks on a bulletin board it can get extremely expensive! This a great alternative that won't break the bank!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfMPebnPDeaKoU_zJtOFobxnFt7P0CWaG52MsLfkTDOV0d_a2gm2QE3CC7AWw3_pMZufibivOwwcVRyefcv8eXpVxBJtEJlRHo_Ca-FaAZ8JgpomhvQkrktjfBvOSLHeSU_9TjLp8gP8/s1600/hollywood1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfMPebnPDeaKoU_zJtOFobxnFt7P0CWaG52MsLfkTDOV0d_a2gm2QE3CC7AWw3_pMZufibivOwwcVRyefcv8eXpVxBJtEJlRHo_Ca-FaAZ8JgpomhvQkrktjfBvOSLHeSU_9TjLp8gP8/s320/hollywood1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These bulletin boards are covered in table cloths that have been up in the same classroom for 2 years! I have since moved out of this classroom, but the teacher in the room is keeping the background colors the same for a 3rd year!</div>
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Keeping your budget in mind I am offering a limited time freebie from my store! This will only be free for this week only! Stop by my store and check it out! My <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-To-School-Beginning-of-the-Year-Activities-and-Teacher-Tools-1343474">Back To School Survival Pack</a> has many great resources to get your year started off right! As always your feedback is greatly appreciated!</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-34976392053629884072015-07-22T22:00:00.000-07:002015-07-23T05:36:05.813-07:00Decision Time - Decorating Your ClassroomFor me, nothing beats the beginning of the school year. A new year brings anticipation and promise for great things to come. I always feel so energized to come up with new, better ways of reaching my students. One thing that I have always found that gives me a lot of pleasure and helps me set the tone for a great year is a new classroom theme. Finding the perfect desk layout, bulletin board decorations and organization tools is almost as awesome as a new box of crayons. When the room is all done there is nothing like the look on the students' faces as they get to see your big reveal! <br />
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I have tried many different themes throughout the years. When I choose a theme I commit to it completely. From bulletin board displays to "star of the week" ideas and cute, themed student pictures I try to think of every detail to make the room just right. Some of my favorite themes I have used include:</div>
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Why You Will Love It - It not only is a high interest theme for both boys and girls, but it also lends itself so well to character lessons (sportsmanship, teamwork and many more).</div>
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Try This - Make "trading cards" with students. Take each student's picture with their favorite sport's equipment. Allow students to edit their picture in the computer lab to add their own "stats" or print out the pictures and attach it to construction paper where they can add any writing you would like. These are fun to use to spark a great writing activity, class "MVP" display and a one-of-a-kind keepsake for students to have at the end of the year. </div>
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Get Started - Here you will find a freebie from my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-or-Sports-Theme-Classroom-Pack-EDITABLE-FEATURES-1971449">Sports/Team Themed Resources</a><span id="goog_2130977006"></span><span id="goog_2130977007"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>. Click on the picture below to get a sports/team themed stationary to help you start this theme. To take a look at the whole pack click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-or-Sports-Theme-Classroom-Pack-EDITABLE-FEATURES-1971449">here.</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-or-Sports-Theme-Classroom-Pack-FREEBIE-Stationary-1976301"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLCcjYQAFjX-vU6qLYAYWobs75om4v0431Nmp_Fpviv26ERTCpHLyRwkhPKrJrJffzbqjyUUcgIAA1MtoNfOW0CKT4QqV8q8p10kdYjGDD-HWVH0VBk3baHjgWI8_8PFZiSdAml5ntp8/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Hollywood/Movie Theme</div>
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Why You Will Love It - This theme captures the attention and fascination of all students! They love movies and movie stars so it is a perfect fit for any classroom. Plus it is easy to find accessories and additional items to fit the theme at a local party store or even Target! </div>
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Try This - Start the year by rolling out the red carpet...literally! Make a red walkway with inexpensive red fabric, a red tablecloth folded in half or red bulletin board paper! Boas, cool hats, and sunglasses make fun props to add a little extra flair for if the paparazzi are on hand! Another favorite...the "Wall Of Fame." As each student becomes the "Star" of the Week give them his/her own "star" like in Hollywood. Paint or stamp their handprints on to make it extra special and add it to a fun class display. </div>
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Get Started - A simple black, white and red color scheme can really add a pop to your display! I love using fabric for my boards, however, I have also used plastic tablecloths for an easy, clean look...PLUS IT IS CHEAP! If you are looking for a Hollywood/Movie Themed Resource Pack that has everything you need to easily set this classroom up (for word wall letters/words, bulletin board ideas and printables, star of the week, behavior, nametags, classroom labels and more) click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hollywood-or-Movie-Theme-Classroom-Resource-Pack-Decor-Printables-MORE-1283521">here</a>. </div>
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3. Super Hero Theme </div>
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Why You Will Love It - Showcase each student's individual "Super Power" with this theme. I love all of the writing and crafts that you can find to go along with this theme. One google search for this can take you days to sort though!</div>
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Try This - Draw a city scape with chalk on blacktop (or enlist the help of your class to do this). Have students take turns wearing a cape and mask (optional), lay on the ground in a "flying" position above the city and take a picture! So much fun! Now just print the pictures and have students write a story to go along with it or write about their own talents in a "My Superpower" essay. </div>
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Get Started - Every student is bound to enjoy having their turn being the "Superhero of the Week." Check out some of the fun activities I like to plan for my class in this parent letter! To see more just click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Super-Hero-Classroom-Theme-Resource-Pack-1964438">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0bq7x8IXPDeOnqbW6IkZPQtb5zqnK8RqKzLOiZjdbVkYgrPQac0YFEe6Y7AvTZeAHoK9kSQX7LEogw7oI_Usoy2NBsEk130qAE2W_kajSgTDGhEwM9DQtxXXSl1bUPOV9KOmnBTnrGs/s1600/Slide82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0bq7x8IXPDeOnqbW6IkZPQtb5zqnK8RqKzLOiZjdbVkYgrPQac0YFEe6Y7AvTZeAHoK9kSQX7LEogw7oI_Usoy2NBsEk130qAE2W_kajSgTDGhEwM9DQtxXXSl1bUPOV9KOmnBTnrGs/s320/Slide82.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. Outer Space/ Out of this World Theme</div>
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Why You Will Love It - This theme really allows students to let their imagination run wild! And any color scheme can work with this theme so you most likely will not need to change much from your current classroom decor! </div>
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Try This - Want a quick easy way to cover a bulletin board or other surface to give it a space feel - TRY TRASH BAGS! You will be surprised how great they look!</div>
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Get Started - My<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Outer-Space-Classroom-Theme-Complete-Resource-Pack-1907166"> Out of This World Pack</a> is sure to give you a great start!</div>
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I would love to hear about your plans for decorating your classroom this year! What is your greatest classroom theme?</div>
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Would you like to win one of the 4 classroom resource packs featured in this post? If so enter below for a chance to win the theme of your choice!</div>
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<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-70897191810425219532015-07-07T05:59:00.000-07:002015-07-07T05:59:35.852-07:00Guest Post - Minds In Bloom with Rachel LynetteI am so excited to tell you that I have been asked to guest post on Rachel Lynnette's <a href="http://www.minds-in-bloom.com/2015/07/differentiation-made-easy.html.">Minds In Bloom</a> blog. She is amazing and has been a huge inspiration to me, so I was thrilled to have this opportunity. Hop on over to find some practical ways to differentiate in your classroom. Also, to celebrate this fun post I have offered a fun freebie of one of my most popular differentiated products. Be sure to check it out! It will only be free for the week of my guest post!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-18725390022758498172015-05-25T07:06:00.000-07:002015-05-25T07:24:47.101-07:00Splish-Splash Its A Summertime Blog Bash<br />
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I am so excited to be taking part in my first blog hop! This blog hop is going to be phenomenal! Nearly 50 teacher-authors, 50 freebies, 50 giveaways and tons of ideas to get your summer started right! Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you enjoy!</div>
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<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">Let's start this summer celebration right! Who doesn't love free stuff? To commemorate my first blog hop and the start of a much-anticipated summer I have created a new item that will be free ONLY FOR THE DURATION OF THE BLOG HOP! WOW! My new "<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Year-Pack-behavior-supports-classroom-awards-fun-activities-and-more-1867750">End of the Year Pack</a>" has 40 pages of resources to help you start your summer off right! From student awards, writing craftivities, balloon behavior incentives, student gift ideas/tags and a math scavenger hunt...this is a HUGE opportunity! Hop on over to my TpT store and grab this freebie that is perfect for the end of the school year! Feedback is always much appreciated on TpT!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hollywood-or-Movie-Theme-Classroom-Resource-Pack-Decor-Printables-MORE-1282956"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_ii_2uwZvslB0R4CXeGY_nJSNz0Qwqu8sAMhc17o-PCEE8MGWD0qUZ6r9ESfMZ5zuxY7fMnXToqW3WTnKXbLtcDP88xTtI5_G0jTgBWReXtJXwgIgVknlcp6u0Uziu-ZzKpqy2GsKyk/s400/hollywood+product.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">It seems like at the end of the school year I always start to plan ahead to next year. I love to get a head start on planning my classroom theme and start hunting for deals on decorations. One of my favorite themes for any age is a "Hollywood/Movie" theme. For this theme I have created a ready-to-go pack of resources including bulletin board ideas and printables, word wall necessities, nametags, classroom labels, "Celebrity of the Week" printables, behavior charts, and much more! Best of all...it is editable so you can customize portions of this product to fit your classroom! Enter this giveaway for your chance to win <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hollywood-or-Movie-Theme-Classroom-Resource-Pack-Decor-Printables-MORE-1282956">this complete pack!</a> Not in need of the Hollywood theme? No problem...if you are the winner I would be happy to swap it out for any other product in my store!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">I love my job...I love my students. I cannot imagine spending my life doing anything but teaching, but what do I look forward to most about summer? Waking up to the sound of my girls laughter instead of an abrupt alarm clock; Walking with the feeling of sand and flipflops between my toes instead of hot and sweaty healed dress shoes; The inviting aroma of backyard barbecues instead of the pungent odor of sixth grade boys after gym class; Witnessing kids splashing at the pool while I catch up on a good book instead of reading student essays until my head spins; Enjoying a leisurely cup of morning coffee sweetened to perfection instead of a rushed cup of coffee poured recklessly at the last second of freedom before the bell rings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"> My favorite summer activity has to be my family's summer "bucket list." My husband, daughters and myself sit down near the start of the summer and create a "bucket list." We have made it a tradition to add one thing for each family member that we have never done before but would love to do, a book we would love to read, and something positive we can do for others. While we have not created our list for this summer, some of my favorites from the past included such items as:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">1. Milk a goat 2. Read <i>The Hobbit</i> and watch the movie with daddy 3. Collect items for care packages to send to the troops.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">This summer I am especially excited about a </span><span style="font-size: 24px;">surprise</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> trip my husband and I have planned for our girls. We will be going to Disney World! The girls have no idea this is happening. Dining reservations have been made (and we are doing lots of fun character dining experiences) and fast passes are booked. Now all I have to do is figure out the best way to reveal the </span><span style="font-size: 24px;">surprise</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">When I am not on vacation, my favorite summer place is on my deck. Here is where I can hear the birds sing as I slowly wake up with my coffee, watch my kids run through the sprinkler, feel the warmth of the summer sun as I kick my feet up on my favorite chair, and peacefully watch the sun set at the end of a stress-free day! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">My must-have summer item is definitely a pair of flip-flops. I don't need the most fashionable, expensive pair...I love the inexpensive ones you find at Old Navy. I have them in just about every color possible! Nothing says summer more than breaking out the flip flops!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-1590741319187457702015-04-16T06:59:00.000-07:002015-04-16T06:59:08.186-07:00Five For Friday!I am so excited to be linking up again with <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/">Doodle Bugs Teaching</a> for their weekly Five For Friday linky!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodMLMCT-iwIxmzjY9qzw4SR16XVUaGJoHBICSGKyZ1nhq2dt3ADv7QP_MdFEz4q2h2Eclwi5BAHvRwV9E81yQP-cxvcSNkTaS1OZhZUuAwZvn_hngZJR9Og92pbcaLr9PbYlGqTa0Ggw/s1600/fiveforfriday2_thumb%5B3%5D_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodMLMCT-iwIxmzjY9qzw4SR16XVUaGJoHBICSGKyZ1nhq2dt3ADv7QP_MdFEz4q2h2Eclwi5BAHvRwV9E81yQP-cxvcSNkTaS1OZhZUuAwZvn_hngZJR9Og92pbcaLr9PbYlGqTa0Ggw/s1600/fiveforfriday2_thumb%5B3%5D_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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My week started off with some fun news from another awesome teacher-blogger! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcz5hS3ocSAFEDpV04Xp605CV7DSKxly09z8f_XopAMaCIBRbCFnJ3SXxXuqUe3rMLaATFa40dxJ8JykZUS0tc_FA85uhOfaZ6l_Q9uxR1o6NhqqKnfsB8Yq1wu8pr2TldPZG8P-_4_c/s1600/Divider+1_thumb%5B3%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcz5hS3ocSAFEDpV04Xp605CV7DSKxly09z8f_XopAMaCIBRbCFnJ3SXxXuqUe3rMLaATFa40dxJ8JykZUS0tc_FA85uhOfaZ6l_Q9uxR1o6NhqqKnfsB8Yq1wu8pr2TldPZG8P-_4_c/s1600/Divider+1_thumb%5B3%5D.png" /></a></div>
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I was featured by Bri at <a href="http://www.knowledgemobile.com/">Knowledge Mobile</a> for her Tuesday Teacher Feature. I am a big fan of her blog and ideas, so it was a huge honor to find myself featured! Feels nice to get a little love from someone you admire! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rYmLmnLJiW2rg-0o4Vf-aim2ypM3fKX90OWeqnBGti6-HZHVpej_KG7jC6RTEnTcxtsGECPuDLWuaTS7IEHqHnXkuyAKiqSUHFfQ9gXkij90otTU4IBzKI1tLlkIl2i28JTmXawMh3Y/s1600/TF+Blog+header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rYmLmnLJiW2rg-0o4Vf-aim2ypM3fKX90OWeqnBGti6-HZHVpej_KG7jC6RTEnTcxtsGECPuDLWuaTS7IEHqHnXkuyAKiqSUHFfQ9gXkij90otTU4IBzKI1tLlkIl2i28JTmXawMh3Y/s1600/TF+Blog+header.png" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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This really set the tone for a great week! I was even more excited when I remembered that Wednesday I was set to take the first personal day of my teaching career to go on a field trip with my kindergarten daughter! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE0nWo-QI98RJGh5ft_uDwojv93bIlcNoOEvIdzG3Si4OxiEU6WvMKCJKNJ85CNGngRuaEKQRGJNcLVzU5k6MITKJa4fzQDxw4_sDp3hQ4HWlH82BtjfXb0AilW09F0ZMlVvlGAu5Kg8/s1600/Divider+2_thumb%5B3%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE0nWo-QI98RJGh5ft_uDwojv93bIlcNoOEvIdzG3Si4OxiEU6WvMKCJKNJ85CNGngRuaEKQRGJNcLVzU5k6MITKJa4fzQDxw4_sDp3hQ4HWlH82BtjfXb0AilW09F0ZMlVvlGAu5Kg8/s1600/Divider+2_thumb%5B3%5D.png" /></a></div>
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Taking a day off for a teacher is unlike any other profession. Planning for a sub is a huge job, plus many teachers (including myself) feel incredibly guilty for being away from their students...so after 11 years of teaching I finally took a personal day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_vitiJCgL5Lma5cLbSugZ1pzeLdQ6Pss-TnX_rGxFO8rofwNNnagJOUcVF-F60EEQE07hgkNhQKXWZQ7rxnJ2JviHjpxOl7IKJiOF8ed7EtTt4YUNGFrxQk6ndZOFzFTiQWP0_DyDxM/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_vitiJCgL5Lma5cLbSugZ1pzeLdQ6Pss-TnX_rGxFO8rofwNNnagJOUcVF-F60EEQE07hgkNhQKXWZQ7rxnJ2JviHjpxOl7IKJiOF8ed7EtTt4YUNGFrxQk6ndZOFzFTiQWP0_DyDxM/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was a great time at the local Children's Theater! The only downside...just a few short minutes after arriving back at my daughter's school she became sick. Now my 1 personal day that I felt horrible for taking turned into 1 personal day followed by 1 sick day to take care of her. Crazy times, but I won't complain about a little extra snuggle time with my baby!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVa0oKQpZ3pHaL9znLB01r3OvyF-C9xozwyDNJ7X3KzWQvMybJH1J4c_McCe1fhh3Cms6m6yBaQ9t9ie-7InvtVRmLfGd7ATFucLz-hdsH9B9NXfcvqD9NKm4qg6TEmW96I2T9XSl_NLQ/s1600/Divider+3_thumb%5B3%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVa0oKQpZ3pHaL9znLB01r3OvyF-C9xozwyDNJ7X3KzWQvMybJH1J4c_McCe1fhh3Cms6m6yBaQ9t9ie-7InvtVRmLfGd7ATFucLz-hdsH9B9NXfcvqD9NKm4qg6TEmW96I2T9XSl_NLQ/s1600/Divider+3_thumb%5B3%5D.png" /></a></div>
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The third part of my week that I am sharing now is a new product that I am super excited about. While spending some extra time with my girls over Spring Break we spent a lot of time on rainy days playing board games. One of their favorites is the "Headbands" games. This gave me the idea of creating a "Headbands" style game for my students. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXJg-pguf0Bbo-PouZ2Vt6NHSE89TS2ero3_RhbEryMycNZhGPEbPJlgU7S6iFcx4aeswQPtovSr1Q2A4HEVC-5t1Ym9QbuZDym7WmCz4PeQCs0FxcZzsqGRlHGBVbDRMA15LGJJfNPs/s1600/Slide01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXJg-pguf0Bbo-PouZ2Vt6NHSE89TS2ero3_RhbEryMycNZhGPEbPJlgU7S6iFcx4aeswQPtovSr1Q2A4HEVC-5t1Ym9QbuZDym7WmCz4PeQCs0FxcZzsqGRlHGBVbDRMA15LGJJfNPs/s1600/Slide01.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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I am excited for the results! My students have always had trouble with inferential questions. They do a great job with literal questions where the answer is directly stated in the story, but when they are asked to draw from the story and their own ideas to come up with an inference there seems to be a break down. With this game students will work in partners (or it can be played in a small group or center) to practice. Students will take turns putting a picture card on his/her head. Their partner will then read the story/clue card that they will be able to use to infer what is on their head. For extra practice and fun students can write their own story or clues to help their partners infer what is on their head. Student response sheets and answer key are included to allow for student independence. Great practice at a great price...just $2.00! Get your copy by clicking <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Making-an-Inference-Game-Common-Core-Aligned-Inferencing-1757349">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohYLCXqupRKWLTgUNn3OU62o45fi8bTOi8wf1Or9FLLTWOkjsrzIu6M6uBhfNDIqNnC9AdIxdCcvL-M9bQoBEfjgykXBqYcv2Z8nbd5L3bO8gweXrFOU5HP3UbpWgMnTtCdtsdpy7ags/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohYLCXqupRKWLTgUNn3OU62o45fi8bTOi8wf1Or9FLLTWOkjsrzIu6M6uBhfNDIqNnC9AdIxdCcvL-M9bQoBEfjgykXBqYcv2Z8nbd5L3bO8gweXrFOU5HP3UbpWgMnTtCdtsdpy7ags/s1600/Slide3.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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Amidst all of this fun I had to give a good amount of time to something that was a little more tedious. Next week my students will begin the end of year PARCC tests. This meant that final plans for testing accommodations, test times, etc had to be made. It is a huge job trying to figure out how all of our students on IEPs and 504 plans will be tested in the small testing window given, but I guess we are as ready as we are going to be!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJWqCWaZ2P3KfsoboJfqY1E6j1agXeywrK2UerBncbN3Ft5W8vIUBLW7qTumnT-iKEG2RWmbalVu_16Vx-2geocZihQI1B3BU7qgrmqjqLf3_u-1MhQDrJ8lwphu2mbIP0SM3l8lqmiM/s1600/Divider+5_thumb%5B3%5D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJWqCWaZ2P3KfsoboJfqY1E6j1agXeywrK2UerBncbN3Ft5W8vIUBLW7qTumnT-iKEG2RWmbalVu_16Vx-2geocZihQI1B3BU7qgrmqjqLf3_u-1MhQDrJ8lwphu2mbIP0SM3l8lqmiM/s1600/Divider+5_thumb%5B3%5D.png" /></a></div>
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My final fun project for Five for Friday is something I look forward to every year! April is Autism Awareness Month and I enjoyed helping plan and take part in many special projects to celebrate at my school. To start each student in our K-6 building (800 in total) contributed a small, decorated puzzle piece to create a huge puzzle mural to celebrate all of our unique qualities that join together to create one, awesome school family. </div>
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The best celebration of the month, however, is our ending celebration "Bubbles For Autism." All students and staff meet together on our playground and everyone is given bubbles. After a heartfelt speech from a 6th grader we counted down and the air filled with bubbles. Students and teachers alike could not help but smile at this beautiful, simple gesture. All of our differences melted away as we enjoyed the freedom and beauty of this event. It is a picture and a feeling that I will carry with me for the rest of my days!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpxAgRSxUvk4qE7cY4-MVLff-D2Nck3loWNmdwTEyBEsqA09QtI_POtpwOvTz90Mw40p3x1wkBQ7hhsmRamDZWY0YTWn-ToIE__3eXNIHSyrxjdSTqiIw0JTr_N1ZQEtIV1qqYH2wBQI/s1600/Bubbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpxAgRSxUvk4qE7cY4-MVLff-D2Nck3loWNmdwTEyBEsqA09QtI_POtpwOvTz90Mw40p3x1wkBQ7hhsmRamDZWY0YTWn-ToIE__3eXNIHSyrxjdSTqiIw0JTr_N1ZQEtIV1qqYH2wBQI/s1600/Bubbles.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-24270399306425776062015-04-06T12:09:00.002-07:002015-04-06T12:09:52.125-07:00It Really Is The Little ThingsSurfing the internet right now you are sure to find many articles and rants about the many problems with the school system today. From testing woes to teacher evaluation systems and the common core there seem to be many reasons why teachers are leaving the profession on a daily basis. I feel these same pains and I understand your frustrations, but I am so glad that I had a reminder today from a student on why I love my job and would never leave. <br />
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I teach in an urban public school where 99% of our students receive free lunch and breakfast every day. Many of our students are sent home with food bags in the evening as well because, for so many, school is the only place where they are fed. We hold coat drives in the winter and see Children's Services in our school office on a daily basis. Drugs, homelessness, poverty, abuse, neglect are all a part of daily life for many of our students. At my school we are not just teachers to these students...we are counselors, their only means of medical attention, friends, a safe haven and, in the words of several of our students their "school moms." We wear many hats and the stories that we could tell are enough to depress and cause outrage in even the toughest of individuals (my husband has asked that I stop talking about school at home because he finds it too depressing). Through all of the grief and hard work, however, I have found more inspiration than I could have ever imagined.<br />
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Two years ago I was lucky enough to teach the toughest class I had ever had. The "highest" students in this class were on grade level, but the vast majority of these students were performing at least 2 grade levels behind expectations. Most had been suspended, expelled or frequently found themselves in the office. I made a vow to myself that year that I was going to make it the best year I could. I would greet each student with a smile and make a genuine effort into getting to know each student's needs and interests. Much of the beginning of the year was spent on building trust. Once that trust was built, however, amazing things happened. <br />
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In this class there was one particular student who had been kicked out of school more than he was in the classroom in years prior to when I had him. At home, everyone he had known and loved in life had been taken away from him or abused him in some way. He took care of himself as no one was ever home to care for him. In the words of one of my favorite sayings at school he showed that he needed love in the most unlovable ways. I made it my mission to reach this child. That school year he read his first chapter book, earned his first "A" and felt like a success. Fast forward 2 years and he is now a 5th grader. I continue to work with him and serve as a mentor to him. His family is in an even rougher patch than normal this year and he has been forced to move. On his last day at our school he brought me a note explaining all that I mean to him and thanking me for all I have done for him. <br />
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Beyond my excitement in the fact that he took the time to write a well written 2 page letter, I was even more excited to have a student put into words the true importance of this profession. A teacher's importance isn't measured in test scores, evaluation ratings or report card grades...a teacher's impact can only be measured when one truly examines the impact they make on the whole child. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-43807297138636414222015-03-21T21:12:00.003-07:002015-03-31T07:29:50.613-07:005 GREAT GIVEAWAYS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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More than $500 in prizes awarded! Enter as many giveaways as you would like and come back each day to earn more chances to win!<br />
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Giveaway # 1 - $10 Shopping Spree To 8 Great Stores (K-2)<br />
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March 22 - March 30<br />
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Giveaway #2 - Winner's Choice To 8 Great Stores (K-2)<br />
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March 23-March 31<br />
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Giveaway #3 - Awesome Products (12 Great Products)<br />
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March 24 - April 1<br />
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My Life At The Pencil Sharpener: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Problem-Unit-Problem-Solving-Detectives-Common-Core-Aligned-1490637">store</a> and <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/my-life-at-pencil-sharpener-12675847">blog </a>(you are here)<br />
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ABCDee: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Opinion-Writing-with-Mentor-Text-Persuasive-Writing-1224615">store</a><br />
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Lil' Sprouts Pre-K: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Sight-Word-Printables-Pre-KKindergartenPreschoolPreK-1630320">store </a><br />
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Josie's Place: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Match-Up-1713702">store</a><br />
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Nancy Strout: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Math-Games-1174458">store </a> and <a href="http://hangingoutwithmrsstrout.blogspot.com/">blog</a><br />
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Scissors and Crayons: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Place-Value-Teaching-Students-with-Manipulatives-to-Understand-Place-Value-1120021">store</a><br />
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Creating and Learning: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Base-Ten-Block-Puzzles-1593335">store</a><br />
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Joyful Proections: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Area-and-Perimeter-BINGO-774539">store</a><br />
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Positively Passionate About Teaching: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Context-Clues-Task-Cards-32-Vocabulary-Cards-Common-Core-Aligned-864586">store</a><br />
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Jungle Learners: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Review-I-Have-Who-Has-Game-1358095">store </a><br />
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KB3 Teach: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Borders-Scalloped-Frames-1344456">store</a><br />
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Curry's Creations: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Journal-Prompts-1581354">store</a> and <a href="http://www.theliteracyladder.com/">blog </a><br />
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Giveaway #4 - $10 Shopping Spree to 7 Great Stores (3-5)<br />
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March 25- April 2<br />
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MyLife At The Pencil Sharpener: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Life-At-The-Pencil-Sharpener">store</a> and <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/my-life-at-pencil-sharpener-12675847">blog</a> (you are here)<br />
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TiePlay: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tieplay">store </a><br />
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Reading Royalty: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Michaela-Almeida">store </a><br />
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Getting Nerdy With Mel and Gerdy: <a href="http://www.gettingnerdywithmelandgerdy.com/blog">blog</a><br />
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The Core of Grade 4: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Core-Of-Grade-4">store</a><br />
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Kelly Malloy: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kelly-Malloy/Category/Math-Fact-Practice">store </a><br />
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The Owl Teacher: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Owl-Teacher">store</a><br />
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Giveaway #5 - Winners Choice To 9 Great Stores (3-5)<br />
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March 26 - April 3<br />
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<br />
My Life At The Pencil Sharpener: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Life-At-The-Pencil-Sharpener">store</a> and <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/my-life-at-pencil-sharpener-12675847">blog</a> (you are here)<br />
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Fourth Grade Frenzy: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Fourth-Grade-Frenzy">store </a><br />
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Pam's Place: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Pams-Place">store</a><br />
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Teach2Tell: <a href="http://teach2tell.blogspot.com.au/">blog</a><br />
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Rose Loiacono: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rose-Loiacono">store</a><br />
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Tied 2 Teaching: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tied-2-Teaching">store</a><br />
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Teacher's Lounge: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teachers-Lounge">store</a><br />
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A+ Kids: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/A-Plus-Kids">store</a><br />
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Heart2Heart Teaching: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Heart-2-Heart-Teaching">store</a><br />
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Living, Laughing, Teaching: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Living-Laughing-Teaching">store </a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-62959380878063141172015-03-14T19:29:00.002-07:002015-03-15T17:21:56.662-07:00Get Ready For A HUGE Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHac2_MDAXJbmAP8M4ELbHBNlq7AQsYythyphenhyphenjdmDWvmmYTvJaS3GrueclL9hw6fmfpX_k07LtR7MOFaGiU3moDUmzS2APJaDECluH0SKLE4Io20Xt1bZ1m5ggXBhiM0v_1aWg4hhKvqCU/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHac2_MDAXJbmAP8M4ELbHBNlq7AQsYythyphenhyphenjdmDWvmmYTvJaS3GrueclL9hw6fmfpX_k07LtR7MOFaGiU3moDUmzS2APJaDECluH0SKLE4Io20Xt1bZ1m5ggXBhiM0v_1aWg4hhKvqCU/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am so excited to announce a HUGE giveaway coming soon to this blog! I have partnered up with 31 great stores from Teachers Pay Teachers for one gigantic event! There are so many great prizes that there will be 5 seperate giveaways, which means....FIVE CHANCES TO WIN! Just look at some of what you could win!<br />
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Giveaway #1: $10 Shopping Spree to 8 Great K-2 Stores!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGGzeJSTPgvdxH-nDNb9SEwb34ymCRHeyryDBpdEFUO67Lz6joNsRxe5gMq18SaE00zNR6pPbFS_ye3td8m-u0-HtHQquzyzKSFFZbCrObMBLgGsslf1EHsoFHDqxyJQMJUieSEgZ61o/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGGzeJSTPgvdxH-nDNb9SEwb34ymCRHeyryDBpdEFUO67Lz6joNsRxe5gMq18SaE00zNR6pPbFS_ye3td8m-u0-HtHQquzyzKSFFZbCrObMBLgGsslf1EHsoFHDqxyJQMJUieSEgZ61o/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pick a $10 item or combination of items from each of these great stores:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Life-At-The-Pencil-Sharpener">My Life At The Pencil Sharpener:</a> Check out the "Word Problem Detective Unit" or any of the book studies for great resources!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Chocolate-Teacher">The Chocolate Teacher:</a> I love her grammar activities such as "Cooking Up Some Progressive Noun Practice"<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Brittani-Black">Brittani Black:</a> Her Llama Llama craftivity looks super cute!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mrs-Roltgen">Mrs. Roltgen: </a> There are so many great products, but you can get prepared for the end of the year with the "Kindergarten Summer Packet"<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Momma-With-A-Teaching-Mission">Momma With A Teaching Mission: </a> A store full of great common core aligned products!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Carolina-Classroom">My Carolina Classroom:</a> From readers theater scripts to behavior charts...so much to see here!<br />
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<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/people/powerpointgaming-6219823">Powerpoint Gaming:</a> You can follow their store and so much more on their blog!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kinders-In-Ny">Kinders In NY</a>: Lots of activities ready to print and go! Check out the "Sight Word Hunt"<br />
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Giveaway #1 will run from March 22-March 30. Starting getting your wish lists ready and stop back to find out how to enter!<br />
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Giveaway #2: Winners Choice To 8 Great K-2 Stores!<br />
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Chose your favorite product from each of these 8 great TpT stores! The product of your choice will be emailed directly to you! See what these stores have to offer:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Life-At-The-Pencil-Sharpener">My Life At The Pencil Sharpener</a>: The "Vocabulary Game Bundle" is a favorite for winner's choice giveaways!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Elementary-Creations">Elementary Creations: </a>"Building Word Family" puzzles is one of the best sellers on this store.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Dynelle-Dunn">First Grade Fun With Mrs. Dunn</a>: Just looking at this blog makes me feel better with products like "Yoga," "I Belong To A Group," and "Feelings"<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kelly-Caldwell">Kelly Caldwell</a>: Kelly has so many "Count, Tally and Graph" choices to choose from!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Lattes-And-Lunchrooms">Lattes and Lunchrooms:</a> So many adorable resources here! I personally love her "Word Work Bundles."<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:Miss%20Jelenas%20Classroom">Miss Jelena's Classroom:</a> Lots of great resources to help boost early vocabulary and grammar skills.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Maureen-Prezioso">Maureen Prezioso: </a> Maureen's store is full of activities to help improve your students' phonemic awareness.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Crystals-Classroom-Creations">Crystals's Classroom Creations:</a> Crystal has several products with varied levels of questioning for classic books like <u>Owl Moon.</u><br />
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Giveaway #2 will run from March 23-March 31. Find your favorite products from each of these stores and get ready to enter!<br />
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Giveaway #3: 12 Awesome Products<br />
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Check out these awesome products from great TpT stores!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Problem-Unit-Problem-Solving-Detectives-Common-Core-Aligned-1490637">Word Problem Detectives: </a>A great unit from My Life At The Pencil Sharpener to teach students how to solve addition, subtraction and multi-step word problems as though they are solving a mystery.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Maureen-Prezioso">Scalloped Frame Boarders:</a> KB3 Teach is offering a great pack of scalloped frame boarders. Perfect for sprucing up any of your printables!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Journal-Prompts-1581354">Journal Prompts</a>: Curry's Creations has a set of journal prompts that is perfect to keep your kiddo's writing! Follow her blog <a href="http://www.theliteracyladder.com/">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Telling-Time-Basketball-Themed-1687603">Telling Time Task Cards:</a> These basket ball themed telling time task cards from Andrea's Artifacts are perfect for the NCAA tournament time! <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Opinion-Writing-with-Mentor-Text-Persuasive-Writing-1224615">Opinion Writing With Mentor Text: </a> ABCDee is offering an opinion writing unit to fit with the common core curriculum.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Sight-Word-Printables-Pre-KKindergartenPreschoolPreK-1630320">Interactive Sight Word Printables</a>: Lil' Sprouts PreK has a great set of interactive sight word printables perfect for early readers!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Match-Up-1713702">Number Math Up:</a> Students practice 6 different ways to show a number with this great activity from Josie's Place.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Math-Games-1174458">Spring Math Games</a>: Get ready for spring with these great math games from Nancy Strout. See her blog <a href="http://hangingoutwithmrsstrout.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Place-Value-Teaching-Students-with-Manipulatives-to-Understand-Place-Value-1120021">Place Value Pack:</a> Place value such a tricky concept. Make this easier for your students with a 73 page bundle from Scissors and Crayons!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Base-Ten-Block-Puzzles-1593335">Base Ten Block Puzzles: </a> Creating and Learning is offering another great place value resource! <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Area-and-Perimeter-BINGO-774539">Area and Perimeter Bingo: </a> Practice this important skill with this fun game from Joyful Projections.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Context-Clues-Task-Cards-32-Vocabulary-Cards-Common-Core-Aligned-864586">Context Clue Task Cards:</a> Positively Passionate About Teaching has created great task cards to practice finding the meaning of words using context clues. <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Review-I-Have-Who-Has-Game-1358095">I Have, Who Has Alphabet:</a> This game created by Jungle Learners is great for students learning the letters of the alphabet. <br />
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Giveaway #3 will run from March 24 - April 1. Stop back between those dates for multiple chances at winning!<br />
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Giveaway #4: $10 Shopping Spree from 7 Great 3-5 Stores!<br />
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Check out the stores involved in this giveaway! ALL of these are great sellers who I personally own and have used items from each these stores! One lucky winner will be able to choose $10 worth of items from EACH of these great shops! <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Life-At-The-Pencil-Sharpener">My Life At The Pencil Sharpener:</a> So many great products to teach typical spring math concepts such as geometry. Look for the "Differentiated Polygon Scoot." <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Core-Of-Grade-4">The Core of Grade 4: </a>This great store has so many posters to help keep your classroom organized and focused on learning standards! <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Michaela-Almeida">Michaela Almeida: </a> Michaela Almeida, also known as "Reading Royalty," invites the winner of this giveaway to choose $10 worth of products from her store. Be sure to look for her writing activities (including a great freebie)!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Getting-Nerdy-With-Mel-And-Gerdy">Getting Nerdy With Mel and Gerdy:</a> If you teach science you HAVE to check out this store! I could get lost in all of the great ideas to be seen here! For the giveaway they will be asking for entries to follow their blog <a href="http://www.gettingnerdywithmelandgerdy.com/blog">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tieplay">Tie Play</a>: Lots of great activities for all ages! Check out the Folk Tales and Fairy Tales Task Cards<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kelly-Malloy/Category/Math-Fact-Practice">The Owl Teacher: </a> The Owl Teacher store has many great products including science units on rocks/minerals and the solar system.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kelly-Malloy/Category/Math-Fact-Practice">Kelly Malloy</a>: Kelly's store has many great products including many to help students master math facts!<br />
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Giveaway #4 will run from March 25-April 2. Get your wish lists ready and come back to find multiple ways to enter!<br />
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Giveaway #5: Winners Choice From 10 Awesome 3-5 Stores!<br />
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One lucky winner will get to choose your favorite product from each of the 10 stores listed below!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Life-At-The-Pencil-Sharpener">My Life At The Pencil Sharpener: </a> Start the 2015-2016 school year off with a new classroom theme. Choose a "Hollywood/Movie Themed Classroom Resource Pack" to make getting your new room ready with ease!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Fourth-Grade-Frenzy">4th Grade Frenzy:</a> 4th Grade Frenzy has many great products to help students with important reading comprehension skills such as character traits and compare/contrast.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teachtotell">Teach To Tell:</a> This store is full of items on my wish list! I love the many interactive notebook resources. Check out her blog <a href="http://teach2tell.blogspot.com.au/">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rose-Loiacono">Rose Loiacono:</a> If you are looking for science interactive notebooks...look no farther! Lots of ideas here! </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tied-2-Teaching">Tied To Teaching: </a> PARCC test prep troubles? Tied to Teaching has a product for you!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teachers-Lounge">Teacher's Lounge:</a> Find units for great books such as <u>The Lemonade War</u> at this wonderful store.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/A-Plus-Kids">A+ Kids:</a> I am so ready for Spring! The "Idiom Bingo" with a Spring theme is just right for my classroom!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Heart-2-Heart-Teaching">Heart 2 Heart Teaching:</a> Do you teach Social Studies? If you do I am sure you will love some of the great units found in this store!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Living-Laughing-Teaching">Living, Laughing, Teaching: </a>This store has many great foldables and science activities to help keep your students engaged. <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Pams-Place">Pam's Place</a>: The many math resources found in this store will be sure to excite your students. I would love to try the "Whack A Factor" game.<br />
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Giveaway #5 will run from March 26 - April 3. Start thinking of what would fit best for your classroom!<br />
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WOW! 5 giveaways! Choose your favorite to enter or enter them all! Stop back by beginning March 22 to find out how to enter! You can enter every day in multiple ways to increase your chances! <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-76632635167187759492015-02-23T17:30:00.003-08:002015-02-23T17:30:52.849-08:00Teachers Are Heroes - TIME FOR A SALE!Who doesn't love a sale? Teachers spend countless hours and dollars getting their classroom ready and preparing great lessons for their students. Teachers truly are our heroes and deserve a sale! My products on Teachers Pay Teachers will be on sale for 28% off with the promo code "Heroes" on Wednesday, February 25th! Happy shopping!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Life-At-The-Pencil-Sharpener">Teachers Pay Teachers Sale</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-57811078701331270662015-02-20T14:11:00.000-08:002015-02-20T14:11:29.354-08:00Five For Friday!<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so excited to link up with <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/">Doodle Bugs Teaching</a> for Five for Friday!</div>
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This has been a crazy week to say the least! Here is what I have been up to!</div>
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I have not been to school for a full week! Why, you may ask?</div>
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We have had record breaking cold and snow every day this week! This has meant some much appreciated time with my girls, to get my taxes done and get my house back in some sort of order! LOVE SURPRISE DAYS (or in this case...WEEK) OFF!<br />
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Test scheduling adjustments...UGGGHHH! This has been the bane of my existence this week. My state is taking part in new assessments this year and I have been asked to put together the testing schedule for our students with special needs. This was all ready to go - until the snow week! Now I have redone the schedule for the 3rd time and have my fingers crossed that testing will begin on Monday (or it is back to the drawing board again).</div>
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Spending all the extra time at home this week has made me realize just how much kids love MINECRAFT! I have two daughters and in the course of this week I have seen them play this game, build MINECRAFT legos, read books and guides to learn more about it and get into deep discussions about how to best build a house to keep enemies away. I cannot seem to get away from this game. This got me thinking....how can I best use the excitement for MINECRAFT to help my students learn new concepts? The first thing that came to mind is for them to "build" a MINECRAFT inspired figure (it would be so cool to do this somehow in a 3-D format...but I haven't figured this out yet) on graph paper. Since all figures on this game are very boxy it will be easy to do on graph paper with the lines. Next, we will be able to calculate the area and perimeter of each part of our figure (head, body, etc). I don't have pictures yet, because this is just ideas running through my head. Possibilities are endless...they can write about their figure, and so much more! I would love to hear about some of your MINECRAFT inspired classroom creations. If you can't beat them, join them...right?</div>
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I was able to work on a new product this week to add to my store! YEAH! Facts and opinions...an important reading comprehension skill that can be tricky for some students. Instead of your typical worksheet with matching for fact and opinion, my new product includes 2 fun activities for practicing this skill. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcPWqayJappQKiMXJNwbfrdfvnxvA2GryJUF4e3eRSnfVXiAPaXzYItOTPB946m3BZBWviYUX09iU7j_KQg7o3557kLXeVHGIaExMaCkVqW1A6l8KrXeScXhBirARl9fDQGoG5K33krs/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcPWqayJappQKiMXJNwbfrdfvnxvA2GryJUF4e3eRSnfVXiAPaXzYItOTPB946m3BZBWviYUX09iU7j_KQg7o3557kLXeVHGIaExMaCkVqW1A6l8KrXeScXhBirARl9fDQGoG5K33krs/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first activity is a fact and opinion creativity where students get to build an ice cream sundae! They will first sort ice cream scoops (with assorted statements about ice cream) into fact and opinion categories. Next, they will glue these onto the appropriate bowl and add a cherry on top. Answer key is included and you have an instant display to add to your classroom!</div>
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The second activity included in this product is a fact/opinion task cards or scoot game. The 12 included cards showcase a variety of question types to help lead students to a deeper knowledge of this subject. A student response sheet and answer key are also included. My students have loved both of these activities! It is always such a good feeling to finish a project!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fact-and-Opinion-Task-Cards-and-Craftivity-2-Activities-1717239">Fact and Opinion Activities</a></div>
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Finally, I am celebrating my 1 year anniversary on Teacher's Pay Teachers! YEAH! I am so grateful to all of the wonderful teachers who have inspired me over my career! I am planning a giveaway and sale to happen in the very near future! Stay tuned!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-74588767388552923702015-02-16T08:36:00.002-08:002015-02-16T08:36:33.346-08:00Gee! It's Geometry Time!I LOVE the math topics that seem to always be taught around this time of year! From fractions to measurement and geometry...the topics lend themselves so well to fun, hands-on learning! Of these topics, however, geometry has to be my favorite. Geometry is such a broad topic that requires students to have strong background knowledge in attributes of shapes as well as other geometric terms to be successful. To practice this background knowledge I love to get students up and moving. We use our bodies to create a variety of shapes and angles (laying on the floor), get outside and draw shapes and other geometric terms using sidewalk chalk, use food items such as marshmallows and pretzel sticks to build models of these terms, and so much more! <br />
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One of my favorite ways to practice these terms is to make a class dictionary. Our class roams the school in pairs with digital cameras and iPads/iPods and take pictures of a list of geometry terms (example: quadrilateral, hexagon, parallel lines, obtuse angle, etc). Each pair is given a checklist of items to look for as we walk. When we finish our hunt students can either create a collage or powerpoint presentation of their findings (adding labels to each picture using a geometric term). I then choose a few pictures of each term to print out and create a class book. This book is a great reference tool for the class and students enjoy applying this knowledge to the real world. <br />
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My TpT store has many products lending itself to an elementary level study of geometry (grades 1-5) from polygons, geometry terms, perimeter and area, etc. Check it out! Here are a few of my favorite products:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sl2tPSDVmtZ6wYlRSaf4ZQBOOGEHJTLkXo5vhhn809790gWJj7xS4Pp8eoA9WAe62hJwBHXCA7Y8QlSx25AeyU8fLmf9AKDRdGWna-YPimj5gpPp0ulCGmoemm0arG-7mbtWXWh23Ds/s1600/geometry+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sl2tPSDVmtZ6wYlRSaf4ZQBOOGEHJTLkXo5vhhn809790gWJj7xS4Pp8eoA9WAe62hJwBHXCA7Y8QlSx25AeyU8fLmf9AKDRdGWna-YPimj5gpPp0ulCGmoemm0arG-7mbtWXWh23Ds/s1600/geometry+pic+1.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2saG1AXhwtj0s46ZbsJyNh20Ez4iUkwU37cdhJK7nmiMxv8IqmvK4y6MFfXbSUeXzVtq9QRoCp-RpIoyZOwzqrz1PuEnmwCuA_AyrMms0NnZmQxhUdVsTRe1ll5TXyZAnKiDjGtCbiQ/s1600/geometry+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2saG1AXhwtj0s46ZbsJyNh20Ez4iUkwU37cdhJK7nmiMxv8IqmvK4y6MFfXbSUeXzVtq9QRoCp-RpIoyZOwzqrz1PuEnmwCuA_AyrMms0NnZmQxhUdVsTRe1ll5TXyZAnKiDjGtCbiQ/s1600/geometry+pic+2.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-henYSWqUtIx0-dgEDYXtP5hCRqqG1yIKI4BdYg7KBcqtKxdyhFjbNybwng2V_oWI0PCcK0N21zniZbImaB4aCSmYkmHw2ASkmvtyafEyLhIjkQdyIH-lXzSBgIoqe1Frnw_p_R5_aw/s1600/geometry+pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-henYSWqUtIx0-dgEDYXtP5hCRqqG1yIKI4BdYg7KBcqtKxdyhFjbNybwng2V_oWI0PCcK0N21zniZbImaB4aCSmYkmHw2ASkmvtyafEyLhIjkQdyIH-lXzSBgIoqe1Frnw_p_R5_aw/s1600/geometry+pic+3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPHGdPGIjsWFaVvyitkEjxOYXkwREgrgk17Sycm6AnWz29la-PN9saEujzb7rsZXo9EGNMthdOqPyQCCD1MgXk0Ys9lsrRkYUismXR-hnatf1oqYiwj5QuuhJmBWCFBF2pZWB_GRAEdU/s1600/geometry+pic+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPHGdPGIjsWFaVvyitkEjxOYXkwREgrgk17Sycm6AnWz29la-PN9saEujzb7rsZXo9EGNMthdOqPyQCCD1MgXk0Ys9lsrRkYUismXR-hnatf1oqYiwj5QuuhJmBWCFBF2pZWB_GRAEdU/s1600/geometry+pic+4.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lines-and-Angles-Geometry-Game-Common-Core-Aligned-1092758">Lines and Angles Matching Game and Worksheet</a><br />
This matching game features many key geometry terms with images for students to match in a "Go Fish" style game. An assessment worksheet is also included along with answer keys.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6QU3Owr4OTywM7dan2NF__Rp8UnRNokGMhpYs0xykesMjHR4Go5o62MOkMXF7zA2YM8QHCQNaB3BUCU82U9lD31HGXqtdHq8GcF-GqwZsajpA5FzgNcfktyeLdhFoxvu8UYRQSdbibU/s1600/polygon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6QU3Owr4OTywM7dan2NF__Rp8UnRNokGMhpYs0xykesMjHR4Go5o62MOkMXF7zA2YM8QHCQNaB3BUCU82U9lD31HGXqtdHq8GcF-GqwZsajpA5FzgNcfktyeLdhFoxvu8UYRQSdbibU/s1600/polygon+1.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd838QY0E1jz35Z9Xcw0KwptHVjfnvM0RluQ1S2UcaLfQrTjCXdgwteSSzmIx_bYBArwGFflMmSocuO50Ju_pJ91pJTAs5OijMOZ1O-WTWnv8JKnbe3K9_zM73mhAHTZnVS8u0d7QtD8/s1600/polygon+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd838QY0E1jz35Z9Xcw0KwptHVjfnvM0RluQ1S2UcaLfQrTjCXdgwteSSzmIx_bYBArwGFflMmSocuO50Ju_pJ91pJTAs5OijMOZ1O-WTWnv8JKnbe3K9_zM73mhAHTZnVS8u0d7QtD8/s1600/polygon+3.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMBPT5yewBrl0ndDSkXXDu3sUSVir_ZuyOBsRSWwd7E-pN0Umo8-aRukXMtNDXOgGXIh4cfPUryJ-A49G0Ayw0q0Lr5YaQy66FtAQDJgms0B6RafNfV2Br4Za3yh857avWgqq76lAfjU/s1600/polygon+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMBPT5yewBrl0ndDSkXXDu3sUSVir_ZuyOBsRSWwd7E-pN0Umo8-aRukXMtNDXOgGXIh4cfPUryJ-A49G0Ayw0q0Lr5YaQy66FtAQDJgms0B6RafNfV2Br4Za3yh857avWgqq76lAfjU/s1600/polygon+4.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYhnSRHiLuMzndZ78krhwaqCsK8vey1TMF_wj4RXIoiJ-u9JwFf12q-3Wb1tWW3BYU3w2BukZjIvSdVpAtyiGj0h4-nyyD6hVwW5yb81WHlzhUC3LiRnONhF51gLtRcjh-b1HC7cn688/s1600/polygon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYhnSRHiLuMzndZ78krhwaqCsK8vey1TMF_wj4RXIoiJ-u9JwFf12q-3Wb1tWW3BYU3w2BukZjIvSdVpAtyiGj0h4-nyyD6hVwW5yb81WHlzhUC3LiRnONhF51gLtRcjh-b1HC7cn688/s1600/polygon2.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/POLYGON-SCOOT-a-game-to-practice-identifying-shapes-by-their-attributes-1098805">Differentiated Polygon Scoot and Worksheet</a><br />
This product includes 3 levels of practice with polygons ...perfect for print and go differentiation! Play it as a scoot game or use as task cards (answer keys included). Differentiated worksheets/assessments are also included in this purchase!<br />
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Stop by my TpT store where I am putting all of my geometry items on sale for the remainder of February! <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Life-At-The-Pencil-Sharpener">My Life At The Pencil Sharpener</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb7jV7FxRipWjUGagfW79fnp9Yej7e_QQMTp4MEP8nyD2v9VLTbfJ8l4za85YtilrczwL200aucw7H_VHyuUNDfUfvGR7JhxESVhuweLAqCH2D-tYN2RFH_CEdJDzNsxT4nSC15TIhyQ/s1600/garden+scoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeb7jV7FxRipWjUGagfW79fnp9Yej7e_QQMTp4MEP8nyD2v9VLTbfJ8l4za85YtilrczwL200aucw7H_VHyuUNDfUfvGR7JhxESVhuweLAqCH2D-tYN2RFH_CEdJDzNsxT4nSC15TIhyQ/s1600/garden+scoot.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKrXkFk2-gllntTwCHxNfVEJgUGb_uUrpfTWMoGRBOlWmG2hQsfnBI0zSR1Prr_73I0vFWUPi1_6hQMVqQs4Tx8yho7ns0ghsEGN8_RwGYaGq6TJfe_5OzWJRuAepUX4hibgx-U6genM/s1600/attributes+of+polygons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKrXkFk2-gllntTwCHxNfVEJgUGb_uUrpfTWMoGRBOlWmG2hQsfnBI0zSR1Prr_73I0vFWUPi1_6hQMVqQs4Tx8yho7ns0ghsEGN8_RwGYaGq6TJfe_5OzWJRuAepUX4hibgx-U6genM/s1600/attributes+of+polygons.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHsyVXBtLJBaoDOSdVTxqAoftGVUGlYfZ4vglLRS-SzuUxp99tDqq4Abjx1wPQPUgezrKzuedZ1sj1eU2D9kgWBvq8SINUGBPP6fPIAAXCZxv6WdsKpcatnix4gbK-Monh7LCYwBlso8/s1600/robots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHsyVXBtLJBaoDOSdVTxqAoftGVUGlYfZ4vglLRS-SzuUxp99tDqq4Abjx1wPQPUgezrKzuedZ1sj1eU2D9kgWBvq8SINUGBPP6fPIAAXCZxv6WdsKpcatnix4gbK-Monh7LCYwBlso8/s1600/robots.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-92175873151559910962015-01-24T09:39:00.000-08:002015-01-24T09:39:37.750-08:00Creative Uses Of Hula HoopsI am always on the lookout for fun ways to reach my students...unfortunately too often these creative ideas mean spending more money! How exciting is it, however, when you find a great idea that utilizes items that you already have! One go-to item that seems to get a lot of use in my classroom is a hula hoop. I did not realize it until I pulled out this versatile little piece of play ground equipment for the second time this week, how many uses it can have. Of course it is a favorite for recess time and gym time, but it can also be very handy during classroom instruction. One of my first alternative uses for a hula hoop came a few years ago when I started using hula hoops for venn diagrams. It is funny how simply turning this graphic organizer into a larger scale, hands-on activity increases engagement of your class. I have had students write their own ideas to compare/contrast with the hoop venn diagrams onto sentence strips or given them various pre-written cards to sort onto the hoops. A great learning tool for so many age levels.<br />
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This week I used the hoops for two different purposes. The first was to practice telling time. With just a simple clock label printable and a hoop your students can practice telling time on a white board or outside on the concrete! My students love to play a game where one student must draw a time card and reads the time to a partner, while the partner creates that time on the large hula hoop clock. This simple activity is a great time filler or independent center. I have included a free printable of clock labels and matching cards to enable you to create this game! Simply click the link below:</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Clock-Labels-and-Time-Match-1667137">Clock Labels and Matching Cards</a><br />
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Finally, I used hula hoops this week to give students a concrete example of division. I have been introducing division to a group of special needs students and have already read and practiced sharing cookies along with the book <u>The Doorbell Rang.</u> It was evident that my students still needed some time with real, tangible examples of division to go along with the "deal it out" strategy of division. To do this I brought out the good old hula hoops again and had them create large examples of various division problems. For example, if a student drew a card that asked them to solve 15 divided by 3 they would grab 3 hula hoops and 15 sharing items (we used erasers only because I had so many of these). They would then begin dealing out the items equally into the 3 hoops to see how many each hoop would get. Students finally copied the problem and answer onto a separate sheet of paper to use as a formative assessment.</div>
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I would love to hear more of your ideas on using hula hoops, or any other objects commonly found in classrooms for unique learning opportunities! </div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-41114606856750523812015-01-19T06:58:00.002-08:002015-01-25T13:09:19.022-08:00Finding New Ways To Excite Readers - The Tiger RisingNothing excites me more than finding a book. This summer, while in a quest to find engaging chapter books for my students I came upon the book <u>The Tiger Rising</u> by Kate DiCamillo. From cover to cover this book is a great story with so many teachable moments - with lessons on perseverance, friendship and family just to name a few. I read it with my third grade daughter and she loved it! Even in the summer months she was asking me if she could continue reading. This is what I love...watching kids truly LOVE reading. For this reason, I have made it a point to not end any of my book units found on my Teachers Pay Teachers store with any big test. Instead, each book unit ends with a variety of end of unit projects and activities that allow teachers to choose what they like best, or differentiate and let students choose how they would like to show their learning. For this particular book unit there are 4 different options available for the end of the story - check out the preview to get an idea for what you will see!<br />
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In this story a boy, Rob, who has struggled with friendships and sadness after the loss of his mother is bullied and misunderstood everywhere he goes. He keeps himself shut off from the world as he follows his fathers advice to not show any emotion and keep your emotional "suitcase shut." A new student in school entices his curiosity and seems to understand him more than most as she is also struggling with family and friendships. The story progresses and these characters forge a secret friendship before Rob finds a caged tiger. Students will find many parallels between this caged animal and the main characters. From this point the story truly blooms as the friends begin to learn much more about each other and themselves as they decide what to do about the tiger. <br />
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I do not want to ruin too much of the story as it really is a great one (and the end definitely has a twist). All I can say is that boys and girls alike will love this story. I loved it so much I decided to create a book study for this. This book study includes a pacing guide, comprehension questions and printables for all 30 chapters, weekly focus skill activities (cause/effect, sequencing and character traits), weekly vocabulary study and end of unit projects. Everything needed to start this story with your class right away!<br />
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">This product will be offered at a special sale price of $5.00 for the rest of this month! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Tiger-Rising-Complete-Book-Unit-1317841">Tiger Rising Unit</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-23941979434888300722014-10-22T18:48:00.002-07:002014-10-22T18:48:48.842-07:00Liebster AwardWho doesn't love an award? I am so excited to be nominated for the "Liebster Award" by <a href="http://21stcenturyky.blogspot.com/2014/10/liebster-award.html">21st Century Kindergarten</a>. This award is for those new to blogging with less than 200 followers...with only 2 followers I guess I fit the qualifications! I know I am very new at this, but I have loved my time blogging and before that I have learned so much from other teacher-bloggers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeh2fr0t5bYtpV_cZLogePGkLKgGGZ1U52G6joh4watlxQt8Dc1t_TcghexrhdOMFQZcjpMr4TIYWVT5pM8O5T91ekpvZDu8OG2i3_gJg-MdZRP8I48ft0wjkT4JzUGDq-MoWxPvGjxI/s1600/liebster+award.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeh2fr0t5bYtpV_cZLogePGkLKgGGZ1U52G6joh4watlxQt8Dc1t_TcghexrhdOMFQZcjpMr4TIYWVT5pM8O5T91ekpvZDu8OG2i3_gJg-MdZRP8I48ft0wjkT4JzUGDq-MoWxPvGjxI/s1600/liebster+award.png" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><strong>1. Why and how long ago did you start blogging</strong></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><strong>?</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">I started this blog at the beginning of this school year (in August 2014). The reason I decided to start the blog is because I have followed, read, and </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">learned</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> so much from other bloggers that I wanted to join in the fun and network with </span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">these</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> great people!</span></span></span></em></span><br />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">2. What one word sums up the heart of your blog and why?</strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Practical - I am all about real ideas for busy teachers!</em><br /><strong> 3. Is there something you learned late in your blog journey you wished you knew before?</strong></span></div>
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<em> I am still so new at this that I feel I learn something new each day! I feel far from an "expert" at anything related to blogging and am constantly looking for ways to improve.</em><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.55px; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="line-height: 21.55px; text-indent: -0.25in;">4. </span>What is your favorite past time other than blogging?</strong></span></div>
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<em style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21.55px; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </b><span style="line-height: 21.55px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Other than blogging, my kids (by which I mean my own daughters as well as the many "children" I have in my classroom) are my past time. I love to spend time with them, watch them </span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i>play sports and plan for future activities to help them grow.</i></span></span><br />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">5. How many hours per week do you dedicate to your blog?</strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> </span></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">In general I spend about one-two hours on my blog. I hope to </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">increase</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> this time, but I have </span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">also</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> switched positions this year (from regular education to special education) so there has been a lot to learn in the last two months.</span></span></span></em><br />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">6. What category of blog posts do you enjoy the most?</strong></div>
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<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">I love any blog category </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">that</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> can get teachers practical ideas to use in their classroom!</span></span></em><br />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">7. Where does your blog inspiration come from?</strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> </span></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">My inspiration comes from my classroom, past teaching experiences (I have </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">taught</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> for 12 years in grades k-3 before switching to an special education position, k-6), professional development trainings, and new products!</span></span></em><br />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">8. Of which post that you have written are you most proud?</strong></div>
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<em>I loved sharing the reveal of my new classroom. The switch I made this summer was a lot of work and I was so happy to see it all come together. </em></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"><strong>9.Is there any post you have been planning to do, but have been postponing it for a while now?</strong></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">I have lots of ideas and things on my "to do" list. Each week I plan to post at least one new practical idea plus participate in </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">linky parties and give-aways!</span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>10. What is your favorite aspect of blogging?</strong></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">My favorite aspect of blogging is how much it helps me grow professionally and </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">personally</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">. I get to learn from the real experts in the field and share some of my ideas along the way. </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>11. Which recipe, project, or idea on my blog would you be most likely to try yourself?</strong> </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Walter Turncoat;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">I LOVE 21st Century Kindergarten's blog and ideas regarding their <a href="http://21stcenturyky.blogspot.com/2014/09/our-news-project.html">"News" project</a>. What a fun, real life experience students are discovering! </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Definitely</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> a great common core activity!</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><strong>My Nominees:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">1. <a href="http://lisateachr.blogspot.com/">Lisa TeachR's Classroom</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">2. <a href="http://appletasticin5.blogspot.com/">Shelly Rees - Appletastic</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">3. <a href="http://www.troutenitselementary.blogspot.com/">It's Elementary</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">4. <a href="http://teachingtykesblog.blogspot.com/">Teaching Tykes </a></span></div>
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5. <a href="http://www.kthru2inmalibu.blogspot.com/">Malibu Mutts</a></div>
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6. <a href="http://mrsgrisham.blogspot.com/">Little Lighthouse Learners</a></div>
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7. <a href="http://www.theelementaryprofessor.blogspot.com/">The Elementary Professor</a></div>
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8. <a href="http://www.mommawithateachingmission.blogspot.com/">Momma With A Teaching Mission</a></div>
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9. <a href="http://anchoredinlearning.blogspot.com/">Anchored In Learning</a></div>
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10. <a href="http://www.magischool123.com/">Magischool</a></div>
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11. <a href="http://cisforcreativeclassroom.blogspot.com/">C is for Creative Classroom</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To those who have been nominated, here are the "official" rules for accepting:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. In your post, link back to the blogger who nominated you as a thank you and "shout out." (Follow their blog if you haven't already!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Answer the 11 questions given to you (the ones I answered above).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Nominate 11 blogs of your choice that each have less than 200 followers. Provide them with 11 questions to answer or have them answer the questions above.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Let your nominees know that they've been nominated and provide them with a link to your post so that they can accept.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">5. Send your nominator a link to your post so that s/he can learn more about you as well! (You can just put your post link in the comments below!)</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-31222447904032717762014-09-28T11:20:00.002-07:002014-09-28T11:20:53.746-07:00Igniting A Passion For Writing<div style="text-align: center;">
Writing...an important skill that often makes teachers and students cringe! How many of us have felt that writing lessons seem neglected or pushed aside to make room for more time teaching math and reading? Have you ever heard the groans or felt the tension in your classroom rise at the first mention of writing time? You have seen other classrooms and teachers who seem to love writing...how does this happen? </div>
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I have felt this way too and have spent hours in professional development and researching best practices for writing instruction. Writing is not a one hit wonder. It is a craft that needs daily practice and students need the opportunity to be explicitly taught many skills to continue to improve. One of the first hurdles we face, however, is getting our students engaged in the act of writing. How can we inspire our students to love writing?</div>
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While I do not claim to know all of the answers to this incredibly difficult question, I do know some tricks that have helped in my classroom. I have used a "Writing Workshop" method of instruction for many years (often in conjunction with the Daily 5). I teach daily mini-lessons to help reach my classroom of authors and help them with their writing craft. One of the first lessons I teach each year, however, is a favorite of mine. To introduce writing workshop and to get my students excited about writing I read one of my personal favorite books, <u>The Library Mouse</u> by Daniel Kirk, aloud to my classroom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV21Rv2CsejkGb-25JBMEXnEIJbBxosEKJ_uTXpb2WQJ4tsSjW_Wj2UVPPz2VUgyEVTLpLzQB6tGQ2PW4uHLcMwfP79D8QZYGzv1ChQjTFjcKC052jsdeniICSeQFXV7VKkVcBPMkSqbo/s1600/IMG_5652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV21Rv2CsejkGb-25JBMEXnEIJbBxosEKJ_uTXpb2WQJ4tsSjW_Wj2UVPPz2VUgyEVTLpLzQB6tGQ2PW4uHLcMwfP79D8QZYGzv1ChQjTFjcKC052jsdeniICSeQFXV7VKkVcBPMkSqbo/s1600/IMG_5652.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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This book is full of fun pictures and contains a great story to inspire your authors (I have used this story with kindergarten-4th grade!). As the story begins you meet a mouse, Sam, who lives in a library. Sam decides to begin writing books of his own and offers tip/ideas to help with writing as he works on his own stories(of of his first tips, for example, is to "write what you know"). As Sam finishes his books he places them in the correct section of the library - a great introduction to a variety of genres is also found in this adorable story. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cJgoNkxiCVrpo1c7WppD7jclY9hE_ZLyb-hpVuCos5Y6WoTnJ86JXuSVUfHry4Lsi0zeUM83BZY0HIbiQ-GCblmRWWqWQ0h7CrSFr75VTucX_RU_WEs6yTLZKbni-5_S_xoPdiR1L9o/s1600/IMG_5653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cJgoNkxiCVrpo1c7WppD7jclY9hE_ZLyb-hpVuCos5Y6WoTnJ86JXuSVUfHry4Lsi0zeUM83BZY0HIbiQ-GCblmRWWqWQ0h7CrSFr75VTucX_RU_WEs6yTLZKbni-5_S_xoPdiR1L9o/s1600/IMG_5653.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course the children and librarians who find the stories left by Sam fall in love with them and desperately want to meet the author. Sam decides to surprise them. He decorates a box and hangs a banner from it that reads "Meet the Author." This is where my favorite part of the book comes along. Before reading the book to my class I use a shoe box or tissue box to recreate the box Sam uses.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ov5ONKpUVIc2ZI0c6pExV6KXkr1NVLYI8CnXibk-6MSm_sr8h_S7QfOnM6dzKRpv-2DX655UsJMKK8B9OwuXKZB-pDd9EAaXSHpg1JdrxrkeZTPBTP9-9rwuImzRQ4ubHeKEPjuOeQ8/s1600/IMG_5646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ov5ONKpUVIc2ZI0c6pExV6KXkr1NVLYI8CnXibk-6MSm_sr8h_S7QfOnM6dzKRpv-2DX655UsJMKK8B9OwuXKZB-pDd9EAaXSHpg1JdrxrkeZTPBTP9-9rwuImzRQ4ubHeKEPjuOeQ8/s1600/IMG_5646.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have this box sitting somewhere out of the way in the classroom (usually on top of a higher bookshelf or cabinet). Inevitably when I get to the page of the book where the library opens and kids see this box a student will remark how they saw this same box in our room. In my most surprised voice I guess that Sam must have come to meet us too! I tell them that they can each peek into the box, but they have to promise that they won't scream so they don't scare Sam. I also ask that they keep the contents of the box a secret so everyone gets a chance to see. As a walk around the room and let students peer into the box their eyes and reactions tell it all! Inside the box is not a mouse, or a picture of a famous author. Inside the box is a mirror. Sam wanted the children to know that THEY are all authors. After each student in the class has a chance to see inside the box I finish reading the book. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYXk9XXz-tI-75kkJqy04yVK_jLjowLaPKHh_sx2aE4VK6JpsJhSxxe7MtZxefveSx2WKW1AY_iFdD478LzXByXgELweTIGDIm4-OQPsQKFN6H31-NW7CuKU_Lt4HjXawCsCNIAD6CWM/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYXk9XXz-tI-75kkJqy04yVK_jLjowLaPKHh_sx2aE4VK6JpsJhSxxe7MtZxefveSx2WKW1AY_iFdD478LzXByXgELweTIGDIm4-OQPsQKFN6H31-NW7CuKU_Lt4HjXawCsCNIAD6CWM/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you can see from this picture, Sam also has left pencils and books (made by just stapling blank pages together) for the children. Of course, I have the same materials waiting to go on this day. We discuss why sam put a mirror in the box and the students are so excited to share that THEY are authors. I pass out books and tell them to feel free to write a story about WHATEVER they want. We talk about the genres Sam introduced and tell them they can choose whatever style they want to. We also discuss Sam's helpful hint that they can write what they know. You will never see students so motivated to write! It is amazing what folding some paper into a book shape can do! For this lesson, it is not about the content of their stories, or conventions of writing...for this moment it is just to get students to feel confident and know that they have the ability to be an author! </div>
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I plan to share more lessons and ideas to teach writing monthly on my blog! I would love to hear your ideas for teaching writing! Please feel free to comment below...How do you inspire your students to write?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-9817889603785171602014-09-15T17:55:00.002-07:002014-09-15T17:55:28.754-07:00Happy TpT Birthday Simone...Let's Celebrate With A Giveaway!Everyone loves a birthday! Simone's Math Resources is celebrating 5 years on Teachers Pay Teachers with a giveaway! I have donated a $10 shopping spree to my TpT store along with many other teachers. This adds up to a great prize pack! Please hop on over to the giveaway! Become a follower of my blog for extra chances of winning! I have also included a link to my TpT store to start planning your winnings! Good luck!<br />
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<a href="http://simonesmathresources.blogspot.com/">Giveaway Link</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/My-Life-At-The-Pencil-Sharpener">My Life At The Pencil Sharpener</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-17444448007561107932014-09-06T09:54:00.000-07:002014-09-06T09:54:09.961-07:00Finding Some Fun In Teaching Non-FictionTeaching non-fiction, informational text, is such an important part of a teacher's life! While my students always LOVE to read these stories (which one of my boys this year described as "the ones where the animals don't talk"), comprehension can be difficult. I am always looking for and creating new ways for my students to excel at this essential skill. This week I am going to begin this journey by introducing non-fiction text features. To help with this I have created a "Non-fiction Detectives" sheet for use with any informational text. Students will look through the non-fiction story and find these features as they read.
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You can go to my Teacher's Pay Teachers store to find more products to help teach non-fiction! Please link your ideas or add comments below on how you plan to find some fun in teaching non-fiction!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-19155140114069007202014-09-03T04:17:00.000-07:002014-09-03T04:17:56.856-07:00Wordless Wednesday....To DOL, or Not DOL...That is the QuestionI am so excited to be linking up today with Miss DeCarbo for Wordless Wednesdays!
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For this week I am inspired by something my daughter brought home on her first day of school:
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The DOL. I can't be too much of a hater...I have used it in the past. Last year, however, when I was lucky enough to be a part of an Ohio Writing Project grant we discussed the topic of grammar a great deal. It was debated that having kids constantly look at the WRONG way to write a sentence (although they are correcting them) may leave them only remembering the errors. I was convinced that I need to start a new way of conducting daily grammar practice, but I cannot come up with a good, go to way. So I ask...
What does life after the DOL look like? Are DOLs really that bad? What could an alternative be?
I would LOVE to hear your comments and suggestions! Happy Wednesday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-88598554521219775722014-08-26T09:52:00.000-07:002014-08-26T09:52:38.261-07:00Book Talk Tuesday - The Chalk Box KidThe school year is upon us so many of us are searching for a great book to start the year out right. I have read so many cute picture books with my students so far this year...two of my favorites are <i>The Library Mouse</i> by Daniel Kirk and <i>Ish</i> by Peter Reynolds. When I think of a great book for guided reading groups, however, I can't get past a tried and true classic - <i>The Chalk Box Kid</i> by Clyde Bulla
What better way to share my thoughts on this story than to link up with one of the greats...Mrs. Jump's Class! This woman is AWESOME and I am so fortunate to have this chance!
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This story is perfect for 2nd-4th graders and has a wonderful theme for the beginning of the school year. Many students can relate to the main character, Gregory, as he struggles to fit in at a new school. He finds sanctuary in an unusual place and where he is able to showcase a true, hidden talent. Your students will learn the importance of friendship and acceptance as Gregory's classmates, who once shunned him, find he has much to offer their new school.
Each year that I read this with my students I am amazed by all that can be accomplished by handing each child a piece of blank black paper and white chalk (or crayon). Their imaginations run wild as they work to draw their "garden" or dream onto the page.
I love this story so much that I have created a book unit to go along with it. It is has been used in my classroom with much success! Find it at my TpT store by following this link:
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Chalk-Box-Kid-A-Complete-Literary-Unit-1144393">Chalk Box Kid Complete Unit </a>
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This pack includes chapter by chapter comprehension questions, weekly focus skills with activities, end of book projects and a context clue game!
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I love this story! There are so many great books out there, but sometimes oldies really are the goodies!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-9574600069770952392014-08-25T04:24:00.000-07:002014-08-25T04:24:22.622-07:00Monday Made It - Gutter Planter BoxI am linking up today with Tara from Fourth Grade Frolics. I absolutely LOVE her blog and have found so many great ideas from her "Monday Made It" section.
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My favorite "made it" from the last couple of weeks has got to be the adorable planter boxes that I have made for my classroom. With such a tiny space to work with, I had to get very creative. Two large (4 foot wide) windows seemed to be the focal point in the room, so I decided to go with it. This project was SO EASY and I couldn't be happier with the results.
Here is what I used:
- Rain gutters - I bought 1 rain gutter at Lowes (these traditionally come in 10 foot sections)
- Rain gutter end caps (for the number of planters you need)
- Silicone or hot glue
- Floral foam (I found this at the dollar store)
- Cute, whimsical flowers to match your decor (the flowers I used were on sale at Michaels)
- Some type of covering for the foam (I used burlap to match my room, but there is also moss or so many options)
- 3M/Command picture hanging strips
After buying the rain gutters (which are incredibly light weight) I cut them to fit the size of my windows. You can cut these with tin snips fairly easily. Next, I attached the end caps with silicone. I also attached the floral foam to the insides with silicone, but hot glue would also work.
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Adding the flowers was easy at this point. I just spaced them out and added them as I found looked best. To give it a more finished look you can add a covering over the foam. I found wide burlap ribbon that I wound around the stems to help tie the colors of my room together.
As a final step I hung the planters directly below my windows. For this I used the 3M/Command picture hanging strips. I attached 4 of these to each of the planter boxes and put the corresponding pieces onto the wall where I planned to hang them. It was so easy then to press the finished boxes against the wall at the hanging strips and it instantly added a great pop of color to the space!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-83930267603490097882014-08-15T20:25:00.001-07:002014-08-15T20:25:19.375-07:00Surviving The First Week!I have just completed my first week of the new school year! Yeah! There is such excitement in the air all around school. The new backpacks, supplies and stories to tell about summer have made getting back into the school routine a lot of fun. The first week is always jam packed with procedures, team building and getting to know you activities. Each year that I teach I begin to understand the importance of this time more and more. While the temptation is always there to rush through some of the "boring" rules and expectations...we have all learned that this only leads to disaster. I have also learned that there is nothing more valuable than finding time to learn about student's learning styles and interests. Through interest inventories and getting to know you games (bingo being a class favorite) we can get insight into how each student will best be motivated to learn throughout the year. This year I decided to do a learning style profile with each student online (since I will be working with students in small groups). Wow! This made the task more motivating for my students (who couldn't wait to get their hands on the school's new laptops) and so easy for me since the results were automatically calculated. I am sure there are many great online resources out there, but here is the website that I used:
http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles.shtml
To help celebrate this exciting time of year I made a quick freebie to share with you! This is an activity I used with my students to help get to know them a little better. Simply buy the individual packs of M&Ms or pass out a handful to each student and use the guide provided to learn more about each student.
<a title="Getting To Know You Candy Activity" href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Getting-To-Know-You-Candy-Activity-1393438">Getting To Know You Candy Activity</a>
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I would love to hear about some of your fun first week activities! Happy first week of school!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-72695011521577784042014-08-12T18:57:00.000-07:002014-08-12T18:57:05.916-07:00New year...new classroom decor!There is something about decorating your classroom and getting ready for a new school year that I love! Maybe it is the anticipation of all of the good things that could happen, maybe it is the thrill and excitement of a fresh start...whatever it is, I LOVE IT! This year, however, I had a double dose of this fun! As I mentioned in an earlier post my classroom setup has been very unconventional this year. I had completely decorated and prepared my third grade classroom when I was offered and decided to take a position as a K-6 intervention specialist. This began my second decorating/organizing challenge of the summer. My new position, however, meant that I had to move from a large classroom to a small, closet sized office space. After downsizing and bringing home about 8 large bins of teacher materials I had a completely blank slate to work with. This is what the room looked like (this picture is actually of an identical office down the hall...you may notice later that it is facing a different direction than my room).
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The space is SO small and the walls were so bare and white that I felt they were caving in on me! I am not claustrophobic, but this room was beginning to make me understand the feeling! I had to do something, ANYTHING, to give this room some much needed love. I decided on a nature/outdoor theme. Bright blue and burlap were going to be my primary colors, but I have added some touches of pink and lime green throughout. Here is what I have come up with so far (trust me...there is still work to be done!)
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My room has 2 BIG windows in it (both are 4 feet across). They really seemed like a focal point in the room so I decided to use this to my decorating advantage and create flower boxes. To make these I utilized rain gutters to hold the flowers and wrapped burlap around the flowers to help give it some more visual appeal.
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My lonely little white board also needed some attention. I decided to make add some texture with the flowers at the top and have also added my bright blue colored border around the room.
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I do not have a traditional "desk" in my new room. I do, however, have some great cabinets that I plan to utilize to help me post the "I Can" statements for each group I teach. These will be held in the frames you see in the picture.
So, there it is. I am so happy with how it turned out! I no longer cringe when I walk in the room and I can see myself having a fun and productive year with my students in this room. Another successful year decorating...x 2. It is a good thing that it is one of my favorite parts of a new year. What are your favorite things about a new school year?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466209849017023721.post-79470307761688243242014-08-09T19:14:00.000-07:002014-08-09T19:15:42.987-07:00My New Classroom...AlmostOk, so this year's classroom reveal has been a little complicated. As all teachers do I worked hard trying to find the perfect "theme" and game plan for the upcoming school year. At the end of last year I decided to enlist the help of my third graders to get their input on what would make a great classroom. We had great discussions and students wrote some compelling arguments about their opinions. In the end it was decided that a "Hollywood/Movie Theme" would be best in the room. We worked together to plan and create the new bulletin boards (incorporating learning experiences such as math - measurement, area and perimeter and reading - researching some great topics in movie making). Below you will find some pictures of what we came up with. Some of these ideas were inspired by some other great teachers with some of our own little twists:
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This picture includes a bulletin board where students will be posting writing works in progress to get feedback and ideas for editing. Also you can see my Hollywood sign inspired math board.
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A "Star of the Week" or "Celebrity of the Week" idea is always something I enjoy doing. It helps so much with building classroom community and getting to know all members of our class. I tried to put all of my ideas and resources for this theme into a product in my store and I made it editable so that it could be meaningful for anyone who purchases! Check it out:
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hollywood-or-Movie-Theme-Classroom-Resource-Pack-Decor-Printables-MORE-1282956">Hollywood Themed Classroom Resource Pack</a>
Now, why is this my new classroom...almost? Well, midway through the summer I was contacted about moving to a new position at my school. I will now be an intervention specialist for my school. I am currently working on my new room (which is actually the size of a small office) and will post my progress soon! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08310227269407638847noreply@blogger.com0