tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46024832120714285122024-03-19T03:55:00.848-07:00The Golden Apple TeacherAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-60670224374833678642016-07-18T22:29:00.002-07:002016-07-18T22:47:54.965-07:00My New Teacher Planner- Create 365 "The Happy Planner"Over the years, I've experimented with different kinds of teacher planners. I like keeping all of my important information in one place. It's convenient to grab my planner and take it to all of my meetings for planning and note taking. One year, I tried keeping my calendar on a calendar app, but that didn't work too well. I prefer to have a full calendar view of multiple months at a time and a place to record things to do, along with other notes.<br />
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Two years ago, I ordered a very nice planner from a well-known website that lets you choose the cover and purchase other upgrades for the planner. While I thought the planner was beautiful, it was not very useful. It had an entire section for recording lesson plans that I did not use at all. In our school district, many teachers create electronic lesson plans. I ended up tearing out all of these pages, which was like throwing away money. My planner was over $70 (planner, shipping, extras). I didn't mind paying the high price, IF the planner would have met my needs.<br />
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Last year, I decided to create my own customized planner in Power Point. Then I took it to an office supply store to print it in color and bind it. I loved the final product, but it still cost me $60, even with a coupon. The color printing made it expensive.<br />
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This summer, I planned on creating my own planner again, but then while I was out shopping at Michael's Craft Store, I came across a beautiful planner from <a href="http://shop.meandmybigideas.com/collections/create-365" target="_blank">"Me & My Big Ideas"</a> in the paper crafting section. It's called <a href="http://shop.meandmybigideas.com/collections/create-365" target="_blank">"The Happy Planner"</a>. There were so many choices of covers and this planner met all of my needs. There's enough space within the planner to use it for school AND home. Here's a list of what I love about the "Happy Planner":<br />
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<li>interchangeable and trendy covers (laminated)</li>
<li>different sizes- large and medium (CLASSIC)</li>
<li>two-page monthly calendar spreads, with room for notes</li>
<li>tabbed dividers for the months</li>
<li>many versions available: 18-month planner, customizable 12 month planner, student planner, and a specific teacher planner (with pages for lesson plans); I purchased the 18-month planner because I do my lesson plans on the computer.</li>
<li>pages within each month- for recording notes, to-do lists, lesson ideas, etc. </li>
<li>colorful dividers with inspirational quotes</li>
<li>durable plastic binding</li>
<li>area to record monthly goals, birthdays, what you're grateful for, and important dates</li>
<li>ability to add more pages using the "Happy Planner Punch" tool from "Me & My Big Ideas". Click <a href="http://shop.meandmybigideas.com/collections/the-happy-planner-accessories-1/products/punch" target="_blank">here </a>to see</li>
<li>extra accessories available for purchase- coordinating sticky notes, notes pages, magnetic bookmarks, stickers, pens, pocket envelope pages, plastic pocket pages for photos, stampers, washi tape, more!</li>
<li>extension packs are also available</li>
<li>BEST PART- It's only $29.99! I used my Michael's 40% off coupon and got it for $19! What a deal! </li>
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Here are some pictures of my planner, but the website does a much better job of showing the contents with video clips on each planner's page.<br />
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Here's a picture of the one I purchased.</div>
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<a href="http://shop.meandmybigideas.com/collections/create-365/products/18-month-planner-july-2016-dec-2017-follow-your-heart" target="_blank">Create 365</a>: <a href="http://shop.meandmybigideas.com/collections/create-365/products/18-month-planner-july-2016-dec-2017-follow-your-heart" target="_blank">CLASSIC Happy Planner- "Picture Quote"</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlOdTWYFyczUQnyYyE2UC9wuu_uQYfhx2X9vZ6y_tUUQvDSrlCXVvzUSy8cP5w4Cyi0FM9PpL9X91ZZn_b13-jJpCmlt0ogMpxrX6bDu1uHLXKb93H0u9huMLTZSeFtue9vfZD93WKUg/s1600/20160718_204010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlOdTWYFyczUQnyYyE2UC9wuu_uQYfhx2X9vZ6y_tUUQvDSrlCXVvzUSy8cP5w4Cyi0FM9PpL9X91ZZn_b13-jJpCmlt0ogMpxrX6bDu1uHLXKb93H0u9huMLTZSeFtue9vfZD93WKUg/s640/20160718_204010.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Inside the cover</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHJETzSAJt2gloBOyccQKTghm7738XByIOANJrezG3AWcX4Dl5DMiXBjCuZKb-0IDbgAjibXU9XcoBIpJvpYVpP2Tw07rryqzncdL-HHFBAIGFqq0P131koVq3EJKZBcblhKDMXm7WU4/s1600/20160718_204036.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHJETzSAJt2gloBOyccQKTghm7738XByIOANJrezG3AWcX4Dl5DMiXBjCuZKb-0IDbgAjibXU9XcoBIpJvpYVpP2Tw07rryqzncdL-HHFBAIGFqq0P131koVq3EJKZBcblhKDMXm7WU4/s640/20160718_204036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tabbed divider on the right side, left side has the section for goals, birthdays, gratitude section, and important dates</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16om8SAG3qADfZ2yCecFbuioc694rRJ6Uk_K-Cc9r1ECr7wyqSZ0a28BpJ1sQhxMnzr7ObevkqNVWvbG3oDyNksojOIoKw6H3YFdEDzfl-RBbT2CVkVbVrhlN-lWs1ZrMpz-UQcEPETA/s1600/20160718_204047.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16om8SAG3qADfZ2yCecFbuioc694rRJ6Uk_K-Cc9r1ECr7wyqSZ0a28BpJ1sQhxMnzr7ObevkqNVWvbG3oDyNksojOIoKw6H3YFdEDzfl-RBbT2CVkVbVrhlN-lWs1ZrMpz-UQcEPETA/s640/20160718_204047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another inspirational divider</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh9bFC9zN8SiO-lpnLB_vD9vbGHoWrEkxEivxZukfygbWmcstODouB4GCuKqL5oN-r50GRgBfoBQu2pJXFxHwcOiDbqqLjLNT1DB3kMTX5EvrCPsOVQK-c8_pBgaXH_7FkDfPiTsnLE4/s1600/20160718_204243.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh9bFC9zN8SiO-lpnLB_vD9vbGHoWrEkxEivxZukfygbWmcstODouB4GCuKqL5oN-r50GRgBfoBQu2pJXFxHwcOiDbqqLjLNT1DB3kMTX5EvrCPsOVQK-c8_pBgaXH_7FkDfPiTsnLE4/s640/20160718_204243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two-Page Calendar spread with notes section on left side</div>
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Monthly tabbed divers along the sides</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwSm1soz2GZO4I8BdjNq9W8nQ_oVL-OxTd1Iw9fcdGyIbKatnah8dPgfS756jPyh6MnhmgPVbW3jScpMYYqYa4_2CZk4rcbo3dZORmv30Hw5ZfkuvohmHGrlXt7fuzWqrmwSP2yg2yDM/s1600/20160718_204100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwSm1soz2GZO4I8BdjNq9W8nQ_oVL-OxTd1Iw9fcdGyIbKatnah8dPgfS756jPyh6MnhmgPVbW3jScpMYYqYa4_2CZk4rcbo3dZORmv30Hw5ZfkuvohmHGrlXt7fuzWqrmwSP2yg2yDM/s640/20160718_204100.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Left side- pocket folder, Right side- note paper</div>
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These were part of an accessory pack I purchased for $10, and 40% Michael's coupon made it $6</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAigA-eK8oY9x4eLqIZiWiwL0ZUYv28OPTWTlRpII2HDBMi8CsaBOfS6uWqc48icPWDM8dKq0D9jnGQCo6gKplgeG2aXJRUXk68b4YcOhPROr2ylWuMcas42P-xvmSASj-vtRCBgTNLyI/s1600/20160718_204334.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAigA-eK8oY9x4eLqIZiWiwL0ZUYv28OPTWTlRpII2HDBMi8CsaBOfS6uWqc48icPWDM8dKq0D9jnGQCo6gKplgeG2aXJRUXk68b4YcOhPROr2ylWuMcas42P-xvmSASj-vtRCBgTNLyI/s640/20160718_204334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The full pack is pictured below.</div>
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Here you can see how the cover is easily removed to change for a different cover. When you snap it back into place, it doesn't move or slide an inch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa2UHoDazXVtP-RSPq100RAfyd2-sQkJTP_IUh4glv2kjCGUvtmmzG-pds3BjLtwoVQUTD41k92iFUZRZITwSfRKqHTeOTK3IlKtcKsGll0FolMDA3ARWs1s620Ue5ef-uQvnWgdJpYM/s1600/20160718_204435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa2UHoDazXVtP-RSPq100RAfyd2-sQkJTP_IUh4glv2kjCGUvtmmzG-pds3BjLtwoVQUTD41k92iFUZRZITwSfRKqHTeOTK3IlKtcKsGll0FolMDA3ARWs1s620Ue5ef-uQvnWgdJpYM/s320/20160718_204435.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are sample planner pages that the packaging had on the back. I thought these pictures made planning and organizing look like a fun way to express some of your creativity, release some stress, and help you enjoy the art of organizing. </div>
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Screenshot from the Me & My Big Ideas website, click <a href="http://shop.meandmybigideas.com/collections/create-365/products/18-month-planner-july-2016-dec-2017-sugar-type" target="_blank">here</a>.<img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOeEE_4E4xtsCy32I2CYAdkX0AaZ0mgkuem3VpVZvSOgztlek0hd0HHRALgWjdgfTzAfKsNXtG9cyZi5z1eIiwb9vPj-4zcn0y-7wGPDuqYVtZbxHcLFrausvvfpqf1DMDKtDTyHy55w/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-07-19+at+12.45.20+AM.png" width="640" /><br />
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If you're searching for the perfect planner, head out to Michaels (since they have a coupon) and purchase the Create 365 planner - The Happy Planner from <a href="http://shop.meandmybigideas.com/collections/create-365" target="_blank">"Me & My Big Ideas"</a>, <a href="http://shop.meandmybigideas.com/collections/create-365" target="_blank">click here</a> to purchase. You can also find it online at Amazon, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ideas-Create-Happy-Planner-Hello/dp/B01BULDOUU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468906011&sr=8-1&keywords=create+365+happy+planner" target="_blank">here</a>. I'm so excited that I've finally found a planner that doesn't break my back-to-school wallet and is so customizable!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZp9yx5NVf8bzhr7OJ3g1kyuRxiJarbK_WogVEBovjRK9sHyF0-Rfbjx0jNAjGlqloSkEzQAAWnjbTZst192dukDN1PP3hEw2Gwd-WsmswF3Ex8RInEa6bN33GiZiO4O3K2BYDKdskUM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZp9yx5NVf8bzhr7OJ3g1kyuRxiJarbK_WogVEBovjRK9sHyF0-Rfbjx0jNAjGlqloSkEzQAAWnjbTZst192dukDN1PP3hEw2Gwd-WsmswF3Ex8RInEa6bN33GiZiO4O3K2BYDKdskUM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-3486602667178589542016-07-13T15:42:00.002-07:002016-07-13T15:56:03.475-07:00Chalkboard Paint Project in the Classroom<br />
I had one portion of the wall in my classroom that was too high to reach and use on a regular basis. I couldn't post student work or anchor charts without getting out the big ladder. Other teachers in my building painted this space in different colors and with chalkboard paint, so I decided to give it a try. I picked up some Rust-oleum chalkboard paint and searched for some of my favorite quotes to write on this space.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs3fPV_SDsgiFcPX9n_JMsvz2o4NI4vMFEwjZn2pnSvlSqxWNiXHojHCsZOsusPCf0zHOuZYovwf-oOvTmNkC3YjQ_06VIy120_AgTylNpsehCqZPGXyQUOE4K-CQl5iUlH2cQlkN8lE/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs3fPV_SDsgiFcPX9n_JMsvz2o4NI4vMFEwjZn2pnSvlSqxWNiXHojHCsZOsusPCf0zHOuZYovwf-oOvTmNkC3YjQ_06VIy120_AgTylNpsehCqZPGXyQUOE4K-CQl5iUlH2cQlkN8lE/s320/IMG_2969.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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This is my wall space before painting. Plain and boring!</div>
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I have the best mom and sister who come help me set up my classroom every year. They helped me buy the supplies and paint the wall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7MnLgdFfT8326tI_T_OVgtZcuVk0GMVH0tqj-0DLu4B93DKINmWrXR4n9ye_t6hH0oBFiIpZ3R77yHcCPlE0lt10KbtCUao6j-9D7e4cE2ELK6PyfLdW1VRhUBk1o9oNyfgHE2L2cms/s1600/51yWDjcK4vL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7MnLgdFfT8326tI_T_OVgtZcuVk0GMVH0tqj-0DLu4B93DKINmWrXR4n9ye_t6hH0oBFiIpZ3R77yHcCPlE0lt10KbtCUao6j-9D7e4cE2ELK6PyfLdW1VRhUBk1o9oNyfgHE2L2cms/s200/51yWDjcK4vL._SX425_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paint can be purchased on Amazon, Wal-Mart, or home improvement store.<br />
Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-206540-Chalkboard-Brush--30-Ounce/dp/B0006BAEI6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468448461&sr=8-2&keywords=rustoleum+chalkboard+paint" target="_blank">here </a>to buy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9UJWQoIeNXU1wNqOWiQ7C0hN1daW2PjKFc1PLBcOKVyY075SwjX5EvPY8c-1IfePANi1y9Xm24j4kMlGeWDQJ723hLHcBbyl8f2mEY7i02UAsQ_KCYAyfpT1f1cDiLF4SETWI7MbGHQ/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9UJWQoIeNXU1wNqOWiQ7C0hN1daW2PjKFc1PLBcOKVyY075SwjX5EvPY8c-1IfePANi1y9Xm24j4kMlGeWDQJ723hLHcBbyl8f2mEY7i02UAsQ_KCYAyfpT1f1cDiLF4SETWI7MbGHQ/s320/IMG_2967.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies: Rust-oleum Chalk Board Paint, paintbrush, paint tray, paint roller</td></tr>
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My sister and I painted two coats in just a couple of hours. Together, we finished quickly. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAa6BbRjvZNkjlmf-DY5puComIisXRfLk5vGdlIXUsgOIgYWhFPD_jNBc3P7VIwVYMjj1ko_jTUafoZY4NN4U-mFk3gUqFQRAI-Gij5k_AsDUjcjf3slV2VySaEXIguIa5PfgPPMUmzp0/s1600/IMG_2968.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Zt9usVrIzGQphxcSBPht89CC2ZTZ1EYKP0MMajKB2igfxi7k_NOTd6PIei_ZCH1a5BR63Zd_7tSGa8oCvjDoO8U8CtTN6epDuZn71vglrl9J71MBv3zh1yvOb0s4vZvH5BXnkNMXlQg/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Zt9usVrIzGQphxcSBPht89CC2ZTZ1EYKP0MMajKB2igfxi7k_NOTd6PIei_ZCH1a5BR63Zd_7tSGa8oCvjDoO8U8CtTN6epDuZn71vglrl9J71MBv3zh1yvOb0s4vZvH5BXnkNMXlQg/s400/IMG_2970.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After two coats of paint, we were done. I love the solid opaque black finish. </td></tr>
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Next was the hard part, deciding on the perfect inspirational quotes to write on the wall. I collected quotes on Pinterest and in my Evernote Notebook. Here's a link to my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tgarza23/quotes-i-love/" target="_blank">Pinterest "Quotes I Love" </a>board. I included quotes from Dr. Seuss, Winnie the Pooh, Maya Angelou, Michael Jordan, Shel Silverstein, and the "Wizard of Oz". My teacher area faces this wall, so I love looking up at my favorite quotes. When I'm feeling overwhelmed by the everyday stress of being a teacher, these quotes lift my spirits. This was the perfect project for "dead" space in my classroom. Start searching for some quotes and give this project a try.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Here's the Finished Project!</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsSfagRtLN23YMQtOkfBgpZKPSXT7ViSAtbgLzNDVqCTUcemgClS-Wr2xHBwhkxXNYBWYVaEBmzzsbLnHvJnNk3Y4DN02PQvdTpX0xEcs0BeNN6nBulLxzW1Ugof0gngidiiL2oDd9e0/s1600/IMG_5896.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsSfagRtLN23YMQtOkfBgpZKPSXT7ViSAtbgLzNDVqCTUcemgClS-Wr2xHBwhkxXNYBWYVaEBmzzsbLnHvJnNk3Y4DN02PQvdTpX0xEcs0BeNN6nBulLxzW1Ugof0gngidiiL2oDd9e0/s400/IMG_5896.JPG" width="400" /></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk_wzcDxJKNpQB-VLfDKaUy0PQXpjF0RlUUHbOYOMMMVmzUDoxqb3HyhFHKSz9Ofd4bHx5QqjFa-p6ah1g0jAulrpwNllB-gzr5AGjvFifWEv2VHQs2HrZuRXPW14Eo4pxY99ci7TRVg/s1600/IMG_5897.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk_wzcDxJKNpQB-VLfDKaUy0PQXpjF0RlUUHbOYOMMMVmzUDoxqb3HyhFHKSz9Ofd4bHx5QqjFa-p6ah1g0jAulrpwNllB-gzr5AGjvFifWEv2VHQs2HrZuRXPW14Eo4pxY99ci7TRVg/s400/IMG_5897.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sWAI-ZC_fHY-x7OCDi-pG9XBQc_XwE1YRH8na5H9oRcBrysFyO7qSxUk813tAsTR11cV3vIh-krA7qmX0BNqEffnxH0qRbAJaOFvOeBhKYugRK4gYXRPIVNkSGtEsnFnNOLrco4KNTc/s1600/IMG_5898.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sWAI-ZC_fHY-x7OCDi-pG9XBQc_XwE1YRH8na5H9oRcBrysFyO7qSxUk813tAsTR11cV3vIh-krA7qmX0BNqEffnxH0qRbAJaOFvOeBhKYugRK4gYXRPIVNkSGtEsnFnNOLrco4KNTc/s400/IMG_5898.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Good news! I have finally solved the pencil drama! Actually, my teacher friend, Abbey Myers, solved it for me. She showed me her idea for pencils. She said she found it somewhere on Pinterest, so I don't know whose original idea this is. Abbey took some decorative Duck Tape and put it<br />
around the top of a pencil, creating a little flag. This flag lets students know that these pencils belong to the teacher, but they can borrow one at any time. I keep about 10 flagged pencils in a can on the counter. Students borrow, but the little flag reminds them that they need to return it at the end of the day. The Duck Tape brand has super cute patterns and colors from which to choose.<br />
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I also have students sharpen their pencils at dismissal time. This helps reduce time wasted in the mornings when they first arrive. I can't count how many times students walked around the room for 5 minutes in the morning trying to sharpen their pencils.<br />
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Here's to no more pencil drama!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-11374364624714617792015-06-16T05:40:00.001-07:002015-06-16T05:42:31.517-07:00The Phonics Dance<div style="text-align: center;">
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A few years ago, my fabulous friend and colleague, Madalyn Lanni Ketron, introduced me to the Phonics Dance<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">™</span>. She learned about it during her student teaching in Ohio. After her first performance, I was hooked! For years, I've been searching for a way for students to remember phonics patterns.</div>
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The Phonics Dance<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">™</span> is a quick and easy way for teachers to teach phonics using rhyme, movement, and chants. The Phonics Dance helps develop decoding strategies and build stronger writers. This use of "junking and chunking" word patterns helps students become more fluent readers<br />
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My students LOVE doing the Phonics Dance! We do it about four times a week at the beginning of reading. I introduce two chants per week. I call on a different student every day to be our "pointer" during the dance and point to the cards. Even my quietest students get involved. Boy or girl, they ALL enjoy the movement and are highly engaged. When the chart is almost full of cards, I let the pointer choose two or three rows for the class to do.<br />
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Some example chants:<br />
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s-h, s-h, sh sh sh (point to lips)</div>
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a-r, ar ar ar, a-r, ar ar ar, Stick your arm in a jar of stars (make a hook with fingers like a pirate)</div>
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During small group reading, I use the chants to help students decode words during guided reading. It works! Students are also able to apply the hunks and chunks patterns to spelling unknown words. The Phonics Dance is great for struggling readers. The movement engages them, and the repetition helps students retain phonics skills. I also notice growth in student writing and spelling. THE PHONICS DANCE HAS CHANGED MY READING INSTRUCTION AND STUDENT LEARNING! Check out the photos, links, and video below. I added a link to the official Phonics Dance video. It shows students doing the chants.<br />
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<a href="http://www.phonicsdance.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs7Iy1b7u_1hyphenhyphencWWQOhjMps_CSgWij7EAnAgOONZlqiRFQxoyeXck7i-CYW-GKZPH06-PVj43BpbUxeKX7_gj92_yDvzpbqj0f18MQu0howArigkK5DKiavZJV0LrTLOMdK9qS_i0HHM/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-06-15+at+5.14.47+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.phonicsdance.com/">www.phonicsdance.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoQMJ2374hEyY8gfurcY4SrqJdNJ2kcT9qSkFfEL4n1Hmfn5fF7m0hT4Pys3SEXyrjsSWE29XXJI5JWnD8ZdrlYdhI87KoyjZxndPZ0F9k9YRWCfTMPwvtzR73sra2PeX9oeBLa48Ho8/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoQMJ2374hEyY8gfurcY4SrqJdNJ2kcT9qSkFfEL4n1Hmfn5fF7m0hT4Pys3SEXyrjsSWE29XXJI5JWnD8ZdrlYdhI87KoyjZxndPZ0F9k9YRWCfTMPwvtzR73sra2PeX9oeBLa48Ho8/s320/IMG_1223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.phonicsdance.com/products.html" target="_blank">Purchase Here</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I asked our school Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) to purchase the manual and cards. The manual is $45 and the cards are $15 per set. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRH2X48TvkksJo3J_OSOCqPDS1GwkfbcO1yfUwOhOxgSIVt-Se5pcBySFqZpS8Ac0AZCx7YGv4Six6zeOoChkIukezWe8U4cZFO0wZMJBG8oIFDGZv61Wz1rA2ymhTBY7Tp1LAAt5dd0/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRH2X48TvkksJo3J_OSOCqPDS1GwkfbcO1yfUwOhOxgSIVt-Se5pcBySFqZpS8Ac0AZCx7YGv4Six6zeOoChkIukezWe8U4cZFO0wZMJBG8oIFDGZv61Wz1rA2ymhTBY7Tp1LAAt5dd0/s320/IMG_1227.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOmEoo08sC8#t=34" target="_blank"><img alt=" You Tube Video" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wKM56vfRA4l-MDRQnTL5SGvLt3bYmzXvWkN9vXADRoqZMBxPWvaei0OuFqMqiQlPW-FHkWuDI_oJtNxCFkKDwonAbT9LC_0KjwpH_LQRg5RYeyXpb8Hal_YMnBy6wIAMR7Kcu9DsyOE/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-06-15+at+5.18.02+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOmEoo08sC8#t=34" target="_blank">Official You Tube Video of the Phonics Dance</a></div>
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Sometimes we come across a certain sound or phonics chunk that is not included in the official Phonics Dance. So I create my own cards to meet our needs. See the two pictures below. I made these.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FqSBfElm1y2CCO_27WzMa1N-cca7HcWf9Tt4m4VSU4Ttr0GpYfqKH7l81xGrc8XXzfXAz7M6NNOu9s_9ADFILqUAqzmfPsOrZTmy8Get9ICIYulfY7WaNvk2mYqv3H2fpiDU3tdKiX4/s1600/IMG_1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FqSBfElm1y2CCO_27WzMa1N-cca7HcWf9Tt4m4VSU4Ttr0GpYfqKH7l81xGrc8XXzfXAz7M6NNOu9s_9ADFILqUAqzmfPsOrZTmy8Get9ICIYulfY7WaNvk2mYqv3H2fpiDU3tdKiX4/s320/IMG_1226.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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When you see the letter y, there are three sounds you can try: y-y-y, i-i-i, e-e-e</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWFFI6cijPpcd3wVjFkxE-w2SWLqzND-dDit55oBLTMChxGJUno-11t1vBNdLSfoVmXeVYPrldaDfN9SYFv2-LNqEITURcbVRwnfLR2DjRy5DkgMNj6VJadmUBr8qz3IVWEb7mac6kKE/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWFFI6cijPpcd3wVjFkxE-w2SWLqzND-dDit55oBLTMChxGJUno-11t1vBNdLSfoVmXeVYPrldaDfN9SYFv2-LNqEITURcbVRwnfLR2DjRy5DkgMNj6VJadmUBr8qz3IVWEb7mac6kKE/s320/IMG_1225.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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a-n-k, a-n-k, Thaaaaank You!</div>
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a-n-k, a-n-k, Thaaaaank You!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-460529399413404972015-06-15T14:45:00.003-07:002015-06-15T15:04:12.697-07:00Where in the WORLD . . . ?<br />
Do your students get confused about where they live? No matter how many times we go over "What state do we live in?", I always get the wrong answer. Nashville! The United States! Clarksville! At this point, it's a guessing game that my students lose every time. I get it. It's a difficult concept for a seven year old to understand where in the world we live. So to solve this problem, I created these posters to make a flow chart that shows where we live. I keep it posted in the room and refer to them often. Hopefully this visual will cement the concept. Best of all, it's a FREEBIE on my TPT Store!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Where-in-the-World-Do-We-Live-1907549" target="_blank">FREEBIE, Get Download Here</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Where-in-the-World-Do-We-Live-1907549" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyE0MElrC9hVrQpkIuabDGnPdB4H-JcX7cXD6cJy4lV7YnRo13iIKwL0cw2gHM-TA1yMFn-X-SlT0-T3b2wxvV8KwJYiKEMNF9oHqCiNs80Le9SKl2iffVs59P_L04mC1BxT8dCCl0uw/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Use these posters and arrows to create a flow chart to show where in the world we live. The display shows: city --> state --> country --> continent --> planet --> solar system --> galaxy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Where-in-the-World-Do-We-Live-1907549" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYu70g4JrMQWNdFX4x5dL3XhY5U5cz2gSMdotBEEhT5idOb5P9ueQAURbLyYYBTxB6o4lPld85Bi3MSXuIZxlQJAvyY9oZYlefppHBp3PdYU7WLtsn9DyanJIsFdK4uP8V_wDWohHL5w/s320/Slide11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blank pages are included for you to create your own city, state, country, and continent posters for your place on the planet.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-46565115732757796532014-12-06T13:26:00.000-08:002015-06-15T16:00:18.707-07:00Olive the Other Reindeer Reader's TheaterI searched all over the Pinterest, TPT, and Google to find a Reader's Theater Script for "Olive the Other Reindeer" by Vivian Walsh and J.Otto Seibold. I couldn't find one, so I created my own version. Check it out on my TPT. This holiday book makes a perfect Reader's Theater. The script is for 8-10 parts. Of course, parts can be combined for fewer parts. The script is 3 pages in length. The text level is created for 1st-3rd grades. However, 4th and 5th graders would enjoy performing it as well. Add some adorable props like reindeer antlers and a Santa beard. Your students will LOVE performing this Reader's Theater. And Don't forget to play "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer"!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holiday-Olive-the-Other-Reindeer-Readers-Theater-1596929" target="_blank"><img alt="Olive, the Other Reindeer Reader's Theater" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5uYBviAkH7m2WhAzQZyrjE5JZ13cJqjb8NrofLbhKy2g4kxZJ1ihmYZc-t32dreoLvvZe_mKc45V0jcJmv9hnhopZ1YxdJThOWKcO1CxnRpYLhBQO6SmZ5aHZbs6I1x87CWwkcrQDts/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-06+at+3.20.57+PM.png" width="291" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holiday-Olive-the-Other-Reindeer-Readers-Theater-1596929" target="_blank">"Olive, the Other Reindeer" Reader's Theater Script</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-59174139132369162782014-12-06T10:29:00.005-08:002015-06-15T16:00:35.811-07:00You Must Follow This Literacy Blog!I follow a lot of blogs for ideas, materials, and inspiration. However, there is one blog that I subscribe to for researched based information on literacy. While I'm always searching for ways to engage my students, I'm also searching for research-based ways to increase student achievement. His content is up-to-date, references common core, and full of advice on teaching reading.<br />
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The blog is called "Shanahan on Literacy" by Timothy Shanahan. His research emphasizes reading-writing relationships, reading assessment, and improving reading achievement. He is past president of the International Reading Association. In 2006, he received a presidential appointment to serve on the Advisory Board of the National Institute for Literacy. He was inducted to the Reading Hall of Fame in 2007. He is a former first-grade teacher.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-lLTf0_SRnHzKAUclpgsQJ4tmiDuabb5dy3qxphaCtdPSWkO64sra7oC9NXDqhtDi-GF0W5voezWfYdm5uS1hF8QyLMB-mMj2zrC-HsnB796R6i1oTyStTW82YcIhLq_hofGMYj4sJU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-06+at+12.16.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-lLTf0_SRnHzKAUclpgsQJ4tmiDuabb5dy3qxphaCtdPSWkO64sra7oC9NXDqhtDi-GF0W5voezWfYdm5uS1hF8QyLMB-mMj2zrC-HsnB796R6i1oTyStTW82YcIhLq_hofGMYj4sJU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-06+at+12.16.59+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Some recent blog posts are: <a href="http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/2014/11/what-is-proper-sequence-to-teach.html" target="_blank">"What is the Proper Sequence to Teach Reading Skills"</a>, <a href="http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/2012/07/planning-for-close-reading.html" target="_blank">"Planning for Close Reading"</a>, and <a href="http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/2014/08/to-teach-comprehension-strategies-or.html" target="_blank">"To Teach Comprehension Strategies or Not to Teach Them"</a>. If you are a reading teacher of phonics and/or comprehension in any grade level, I urge you to follow this blog!<br />
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<a href="http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" Shanahan On Literacy Blog" border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e1OaFuUpmXWKojUZ8QDVEgt3bYL_GFq7yEJ4iJD0yq04vXWBGNotRPJVTVd5gcWd6FH570afnQnbmvfGzFGJRercN-YNuIrxii4lvBEfVkgYQsYkc_Y45jdvvFvBoq82C-7xX69Z1No/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-06+at+12.27.52+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/" target="_blank">Shanahan on Literacy Blog</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-69595630066503904022014-12-06T08:55:00.003-08:002015-06-15T16:00:47.351-07:00Group Maker AppsIn my classroom, we do a lot of group work. My students don't have desks. They sit at large rectangular tables with chair pockets. This forms a natural group of 4 or 5 students. The usual way I create partners is by saying "your shoulder partner" (next to you) or "your face partner" (across from you). Now sometimes, students get tired of having the same partner/group or TOO comfortable (super talkative or off task). To shake things up, I've used these two Group Maker apps. The first one is a free online website tool called <a href="http://www.superteachertools.com/instantclassroom/group-maker.php" target="_blank">"Instant Classroom"</a> from Super Teacher Tools. All you have to do is sign up with your email.<br />
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<a href="http://www.superteachertools.com/instantclassroom/group-maker.php" target="_blank"><img alt=" Instant Classroom" border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla8biCpoyHfo8Q5aBASI4Gg3WQHVsxALNOIeDxNBpjLwEhfApjkfx4FPn1NThafe-1GINZDuu0TTiC93mT8Pwl1sP6uMQqQLub5huw-3mIvGTCoPTv5cz19UFCzbMv9XTdFAfLhgDXXk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-06+at+10.52.28+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The second app, I use on my iPhone called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/team-shake/id390812953?mt=8" target="_blank">"Team Shake"</a>. I like using this one because I'm able to access it quickly. It's not free, but it's worth the 99 cents! It's easy to use, and I can email myself the groups or take a screen shot.<br />
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/team-shake/id390812953?mt=8" target="_blank"><img alt=" Team Shake" border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd9KT_EeLszxgaeejxKVeXyk-3znON8eYtlHET3dCy4OaNdWZNmYVChS3YFMX7APYoaRfiaKPBuiwqlYb_XsKPNgQE4DyXuBL6Si3dgB4LjIGnsvcKp500A60VGhHWL9hj8HkcKfZE4c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-06+at+10.00.25+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/team-shake/id390812953?mt=8" target="_blank"><img alt=" Team Shake" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjpgdwN67PHOblb4-h3Jkm04XpFyhQhZAHjz7uEl_bsqIkmgUCoY1jj_izbgDolJjSfob4M0MeHzsBix6alEAo_I-aI8aG0gObhQ4i0zS2alrjpnRQsIQyzuLmlRRTxHGRuH3Ti-4YVY/s1600/Image-1.png" width="262" /></a></div>
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So check out these apps the next time you form your groups. Let me know which one you like best!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-61971356834687370602014-11-30T15:04:00.003-08:002015-06-15T16:01:00.930-07:00Holiday Christmas Activities<br />
The month of December flies by. We still have standards to cover, but I still want to create opportunities for fun holiday activities. I created this pack to teach our standards while having some holiday fun. This pack contains 19 pages for only $2! I included addition and subtraction math tasks and word problems with a Holiday twist.<br />
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The first page is a cute Christmas Graphic Organizer for students to complete independently.<br />
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The first page is a cute Christmas Graphic Organizer for students to complete independently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuTCLCmwMviFLybgGjNWJyADCI-W9LgEw2csLLbVZKYseG3INj1jI46OMaE-4uoUdWmLZygN5mq84dKMK_mvqTPvUTjVApGG4aW6vy94db6czKvnzJ7L-06_-kH4Qlzi-opeEL2GehJ0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-30+at+4.35.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuTCLCmwMviFLybgGjNWJyADCI-W9LgEw2csLLbVZKYseG3INj1jI46OMaE-4uoUdWmLZygN5mq84dKMK_mvqTPvUTjVApGG4aW6vy94db6czKvnzJ7L-06_-kH4Qlzi-opeEL2GehJ0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-30+at+4.35.30+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is a writing Graphic Organizer to help students recount Holiday Memories. The Graphic Organizer can be turned into Narrative Writing Paragraph/Piece. </div>
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There are many Math Tasks/ Word Problems.<br />
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The last Math Task is connected to making a Handprint Wreath. Students solve the math tasks and create their own Handprint Wreath. Directions and tasks are included.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-74751282073653002822014-10-10T20:41:00.001-07:002015-06-15T16:01:23.953-07:00Ps and QsPs and Qs. Bs and Ds. My struggling readers can't seem to get them right. I've tried every trick I can find on Pinterest, but nothing seems to work. I tried the thumb trick, the bed trick, sticky note reminders on desks, and the baseball & bat visual. I asked some Special Education teacher friends for some advice, and they both told me that the reversals can be fixed with letter formation practice. So I watched my students write bs, ds, ps, and qs. I watched where they started the formation, and guess what? Their formations were totally incorrect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENLAifPAQZNwZDkuI-9D8dSNg6LIbk-hJ4kx9GqD_c18Nb1A7ETaE1N5CpCGbdKChYnRr1kdtbiCYFaXpo9lPjYcJxevmg8G86_lkPtWn2WhiECo0Ms5z5avjAdSl0hCyb3Xu7crakyc/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENLAifPAQZNwZDkuI-9D8dSNg6LIbk-hJ4kx9GqD_c18Nb1A7ETaE1N5CpCGbdKChYnRr1kdtbiCYFaXpo9lPjYcJxevmg8G86_lkPtWn2WhiECo0Ms5z5avjAdSl0hCyb3Xu7crakyc/s1600/Slide3.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_1w9hoHKFPBMIv0HOliffWDs1rJmD1tohf3LCu5ZsBDjfbyglUDtl0CO2xD7zIalIyZBPUhb5fsfSIYzfFZKkxIsfYqB9P2W87XfwoAbELbw1j7ZdU1317H9uTkK9WTClvkmAudrk-U/s1600/LetterReversalcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_1w9hoHKFPBMIv0HOliffWDs1rJmD1tohf3LCu5ZsBDjfbyglUDtl0CO2xD7zIalIyZBPUhb5fsfSIYzfFZKkxIsfYqB9P2W87XfwoAbELbw1j7ZdU1317H9uTkK9WTClvkmAudrk-U/s1600/LetterReversalcollage.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
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I thought of a different way to teach these reversals. Since the letter q is usually associated with the word queen, I tell my students that q stands for queen. I say, "Q is a queen. She likes to put on her make up and lipstick first. So we must write her face first, then make the line for her hair." P stands for prince. I say, "The prince likes to have his body done first, then his face". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNyGf3bCdQW50D9whV3muGGqT13zmkzsLpwmiwJhTPZ1D8hp-THVefNDcajUYHlwVtU14ED0JzpXw_fukV05pylSG6bvTGX5aXvypAhx252PZ8yyzZWOgvyLzTSpJEUUhMIG3UUa7xKA/s1600/20141006_132024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNyGf3bCdQW50D9whV3muGGqT13zmkzsLpwmiwJhTPZ1D8hp-THVefNDcajUYHlwVtU14ED0JzpXw_fukV05pylSG6bvTGX5aXvypAhx252PZ8yyzZWOgvyLzTSpJEUUhMIG3UUa7xKA/s1600/20141006_132024.JPG" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRfaIGA7666AjzSWKMgSI1GuIjNP-8IdfE1rUIaVK6jjzzVpt_Zk8UBalyIYTfBNss8N-CxMzWLVTu537mbYZkniKm8xX2gCffWx1wAjyguius5gkFeFng7Lzw_4gRP27hCphH7T8Lnk/s1600/20141006_131916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRfaIGA7666AjzSWKMgSI1GuIjNP-8IdfE1rUIaVK6jjzzVpt_Zk8UBalyIYTfBNss8N-CxMzWLVTu537mbYZkniKm8xX2gCffWx1wAjyguius5gkFeFng7Lzw_4gRP27hCphH7T8Lnk/s1600/20141006_131916.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1074584433"></span><span id="goog_1074584434"></span>I added a star to each letter to show where you should start when writing the letter. Here's the correct formation for Ps and Qs:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAKpcBSfryyBN1KUk81e0SB8RREhgtITDB92o7lVkpLx_d7FSwUq2WnuV_1YzsPnv347bM3RLMvn0NiajDhespvUG0yCWa1fU5lvoQrFdYGwo01i7Q0jEZLrNM8o-T349JoR4x7wuMqk/s1600/q-letter-formation-sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAKpcBSfryyBN1KUk81e0SB8RREhgtITDB92o7lVkpLx_d7FSwUq2WnuV_1YzsPnv347bM3RLMvn0NiajDhespvUG0yCWa1fU5lvoQrFdYGwo01i7Q0jEZLrNM8o-T349JoR4x7wuMqk/s1600/q-letter-formation-sheet.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4JZ4dvgEf2EMg_oSA-Z3Ha_-p6jmPrPlvodqbXf5ZoAMNV4E3c-AxRaACWrc7iv8HCZhtUeem8tuTj7YASNnBT5gTgXe-c3s0HFE_fn2jQtLjSqw8iV563vBZoZXX3i5QW_M21Jol4o/s1600/p-letter-formation-sheet-721x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4JZ4dvgEf2EMg_oSA-Z3Ha_-p6jmPrPlvodqbXf5ZoAMNV4E3c-AxRaACWrc7iv8HCZhtUeem8tuTj7YASNnBT5gTgXe-c3s0HFE_fn2jQtLjSqw8iV563vBZoZXX3i5QW_M21Jol4o/s1600/p-letter-formation-sheet-721x1024.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
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So far, these visuals seem to be helping my students improve their reversals. The key is to keep practicing writing and recognizing them until they stick for good. It's taken my students 2 years (K and 1st grades) to make these mistakes. It's going to take a while to undo these mistakes. Patience and repetition are the keys.<br />
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I also have a trick for B and D that I'll post soon.<br />
Have you found any strategies that work for your students? Please share!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZp9yx5NVf8bzhr7OJ3g1kyuRxiJarbK_WogVEBovjRK9sHyF0-Rfbjx0jNAjGlqloSkEzQAAWnjbTZst192dukDN1PP3hEw2Gwd-WsmswF3Ex8RInEa6bN33GiZiO4O3K2BYDKdskUM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZp9yx5NVf8bzhr7OJ3g1kyuRxiJarbK_WogVEBovjRK9sHyF0-Rfbjx0jNAjGlqloSkEzQAAWnjbTZst192dukDN1PP3hEw2Gwd-WsmswF3Ex8RInEa6bN33GiZiO4O3K2BYDKdskUM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-64879149517422995442014-09-06T22:56:00.001-07:002014-09-06T22:59:17.933-07:00S'more Paragraph Writing<br />
I LOVE teaching writing to my second graders. It's a process, but by the end of the school year, their growth amazes me! This year I'm teaching my students that a paragraph is like a S'more. The top cracker is the topic sentence, the marshmallow and two layers of chocolate are the supporting details, and the bottom cracker is the closing sentence. I've used many graphic organizers, such as the hamburger. However, I wanted to try something new. For some reason, my students don't get excited over a hamburger paragraph. But a S'more paragraph sounds so much more delicious! To motivate them, I plan to make S'mores with my kids and make the comparisons to a paragraph. I'm hoping this analogy will stick! The poster is a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Smore-Paragraph-Graphic-Organizer-Poster-1434885" target="_blank">Freebie</a> in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store. I also created a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Smore-Paragraph-Graphic-Organizer-Set-1434879" target="_blank">set</a> which includes the poster, rubrics, and graphic organizer.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4eiF1FPWYedLTY_FHBpHIU2WOTpYmISZQvjsxn9ZatzEeM6rkHISHPmiN10vAaDdeqo-FQ8vces-AhlTiq1pQezU4PUslyOr8FnRiKjmWwQfd6GR9R9_IN4fpjtc2H2ByuOoZ1HxqVc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-07+at+12.44.08+AM.png" height="277" width="320" /></div>
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Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Smore-Paragraph-Graphic-Organizer-Set-1434879" target="_blank">here</a> to download the poster, graphic organizer, and rubrics.</div>
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Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Smore-Paragraph-Graphic-Organizer-Poster-1434885" target="_blank">here</a> for the Freebie poster</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHvOg1SJY98YrXBqkUHAt51XfhcbpbIQxU1djzEsjg_52KUKjA_8Cs24YQoT2ZgrhwQMtZVOU-UzPhjzeJgLmxxTEw9gj_bOA5deQgIahSwcLeQbNH2fRyx2CaFkAQ4vmELXPsOUS-MU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-07+at+12.57.35+AM.png" height="210" width="320" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6J124c6JIcj8ytWH_9VB-_nISjkufs-Vb3wIgTC3MAXBJ6WhRx_2IgcyXBWHLfndOHGnfkbok-3Gcltcrd1uyggK6jEDBvH5-HkccH0ohb5-BJGhtBHB4KItgLhZso2bkrmJQdnSQh0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-07+at+12.58.10+AM.png" height="320" width="246" /></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-50901544043535367472014-08-12T19:20:00.001-07:002015-06-15T16:01:44.251-07:00A Word About Word WallsEvery year I set up a Word Wall with the best intentions. However, I have always struggled with making it actually usable. I think I finally have it down! So here's what I'm doing to "Make it Work!" (as Tim Gunn says).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXEA16Na3GlQoFuzRdHfRX6xF6STgfoOerQQbEkriOs5vYUlWBoelURj1Zbd_hsYY5VI5jVNLTiZiHGPdZpNQAYD3HTjnkL0C83Exj5EhmW2YDFOrKlk4vCCwpmtmCN-gmNMUxezxqx1U/s1600/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXEA16Na3GlQoFuzRdHfRX6xF6STgfoOerQQbEkriOs5vYUlWBoelURj1Zbd_hsYY5VI5jVNLTiZiHGPdZpNQAYD3HTjnkL0C83Exj5EhmW2YDFOrKlk4vCCwpmtmCN-gmNMUxezxqx1U/s320/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>I use a chalk board or dry erase board so I can easily add & remove words</li>
<li>I use colored chalk or markers to color code my words- one color is for high frequency words, another is for enrichment vocabulary words. I bought Bistro board style chalk markers from Hobby Lobby (see pic below). They are perfect!</li>
<li>When the wall is full, I'll take a picture of it, print it, and have it available in the room for kids to refer back to during writing.</li>
<li>Pictures- I'm going to try adding pictures next to the enrichment vocab words as visual cues.</li>
<li>Get your enrichment vocabulary words from read alouds. Thank you Junie B. for the word suspicious!</li>
<li>Use SOME of the vocabulary words from your basal story. Be selective!</li>
<li>Sparkle Words- Reward students who actually use the enrichment vocabulary words in their writing. A skittle goes as long way!</li>
<li>Feature words by putting a magnet, pom-pom, etc. next to a word. If a student uses it, they get props (or a skittle)!</li>
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Yellow is for high frequency words and pink is for enrichment vocabulary words.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK0tBV1nMJTGIsJQE4ypjmcZHDBR36Jqj3JRff7CgYxGoOXGUGRBmNhyphenhyphenXTLqR8KYgyXOO4bZPw1I0eCzw9rHuZFoTbDig7h-Sa8xEhozA0SBWNMYvL-NjdR4Y_9zJ8I5oxLOr484onZ4a/s1600/photo%5B4%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVK0tBV1nMJTGIsJQE4ypjmcZHDBR36Jqj3JRff7CgYxGoOXGUGRBmNhyphenhyphenXTLqR8KYgyXOO4bZPw1I0eCzw9rHuZFoTbDig7h-Sa8xEhozA0SBWNMYvL-NjdR4Y_9zJ8I5oxLOr484onZ4a/s200/photo%5B4%5D.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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Hobby Lobby <a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/fluorescent-bistro-chalk-marker-set-103960/" target="_blank">Bistro Chalk Markers</a></div>
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They are bright and beautiful!</div>
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<a href="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/fluorescent-bistro-chalk-marker-set-103960/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMRPG6696MwJ-9GDVKTUiA3P2Wst_OBRu75roiMK7Guk04LFal0s1su9NTc_Am9FhL7eeZ3-oBjn1kI5Ol_opWTiWBq80Wc23z1P_Mq79zFAVbqMQKy-dy_whwZ8isdJIyOZfJ9Iv2ZOy/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-08-25+at+7.26.31+PM.png" width="138" /></a></div>
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Sparkle word & reward students who use it in their writing</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFsM-2ergQQLcRXmfXyNOSv4CNJdI3Vjx3i3JxeWD3-H_Y4YTf7Hbecf2SsYim0txKHjIaqHdXh1EJhoUNKzj0rRT3jRW7PM2zjZlmjVjE3FUXYW393JxkPYBMOBoT1rSKIhQPQm8tL8d/s1600/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFsM-2ergQQLcRXmfXyNOSv4CNJdI3Vjx3i3JxeWD3-H_Y4YTf7Hbecf2SsYim0txKHjIaqHdXh1EJhoUNKzj0rRT3jRW7PM2zjZlmjVjE3FUXYW393JxkPYBMOBoT1rSKIhQPQm8tL8d/s200/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Side Note: There's a "I'm Invisible" light button on my board. I turn it on when I'm testing or in small group. For some reason, 7 year olds don't understand "Do not interrupt me." But they understand a light! Thanks to my grade level team mate for sharing this idea!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbvbMdub0mQRP7ZCTgI4Sdo83-LAbc9wAateed8t6k_5Qq7hbCq-NpQwtD9VUWOQNazyQjsTl-PGII6LX8jZxkcjnvLoBf3bH8fQru37Zp01qu7vrw3YF1qbYdRjEqyymeYuu9Wm9DM52/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbvbMdub0mQRP7ZCTgI4Sdo83-LAbc9wAateed8t6k_5Qq7hbCq-NpQwtD9VUWOQNazyQjsTl-PGII6LX8jZxkcjnvLoBf3bH8fQru37Zp01qu7vrw3YF1qbYdRjEqyymeYuu9Wm9DM52/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-57945129857123938862014-08-12T19:17:00.002-07:002014-08-12T19:17:41.493-07:00Bye-Bye Name TagsOne of my pet peeves is when name tags start to curl, peel, and look like they just came out of the trash can. This all usually happens by October.<br />
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Introducing: "Sharpie Paint Pens"!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXMU-7qnGJHR28tvt07LDRq23joOuIh2p3vJHDYTRvtHN889FdAtOJivEyE0Al_kenfDipPr77dgogq_W3z4cCSp4dvgDkF_CTVgep1l6xCfHo0JNLr9p6mZ1HXTppZtf3lxpdHGavc2f/s1600/marker.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXMU-7qnGJHR28tvt07LDRq23joOuIh2p3vJHDYTRvtHN889FdAtOJivEyE0Al_kenfDipPr77dgogq_W3z4cCSp4dvgDkF_CTVgep1l6xCfHo0JNLr9p6mZ1HXTppZtf3lxpdHGavc2f/s200/marker.jpeg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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I got this pack at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon. Don't forget the coupon! Then they only cost $12. Did you know that if you don't have a coupon, you can just bring it up on your smart phone at the register? </div>
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I first saw this fab idea at the blog "<a href="http://timeoutsandtootsierolls.blogspot.ca/2012/11/no-more-name-plates.html" target="_blank">Timeouts and Tootsie Rolls</a>". My friend, Madalyn, and I decided to try this out this year. Then Madalyn had the great idea of color coding names so that we could create groups by color. So now we can say, "Purple People" pick up your group's papers.", or "Orange people will work together."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vznEjIIDy9u8iurF7BjnOWg6roQCN1Q3cephoy3J3hRh8muDOnf309rJIY1waLS7Hi9OeATz9312L0HBpzbtcbrduktyuMdnCJKdoyeHYK3YRzEoNGLUCy9vakPWo2f41hWiBmypttiS/s1600/color+tags.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vznEjIIDy9u8iurF7BjnOWg6roQCN1Q3cephoy3J3hRh8muDOnf309rJIY1waLS7Hi9OeATz9312L0HBpzbtcbrduktyuMdnCJKdoyeHYK3YRzEoNGLUCy9vakPWo2f41hWiBmypttiS/s200/color+tags.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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All you need is a Magic Eraser or nail polish remover to wipe off the names when you're ready to switch around seats. I've discovered that nail polish remover works best!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NyPpeulUaEOrH3ChdS6xzN5-PsD_OhJREPbBgCh_oksh7UMdHRG5hhWrKykoIGI5rKP4doQWNV9F8rf1ccm7Ju3F1A_iI4Xx1-U6ol_7FYktlVF0E-AMFsexcrdSatQP3Rvs7SpN8XkU/s1600/name+tag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NyPpeulUaEOrH3ChdS6xzN5-PsD_OhJREPbBgCh_oksh7UMdHRG5hhWrKykoIGI5rKP4doQWNV9F8rf1ccm7Ju3F1A_iI4Xx1-U6ol_7FYktlVF0E-AMFsexcrdSatQP3Rvs7SpN8XkU/s320/name+tag.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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BYE-BYE name tags!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-43955777110559787552014-08-12T19:16:00.002-07:002014-08-26T16:30:55.890-07:00Get Organized with a Teacher BinderHow do you keep all those important papers organized throughout the year? When you go to a meeting, do you have to scour your desk and files for just the right paper work? I hate losing things and not being prepared. So after browsing Pinterest, I found the Teacher Binder idea. A Teacher Binder is a binder (with divided sections) to keep your most used & important papers. This past school year was the first time I used a Teacher Binder, and let me tell you, I will never do without one! Here's a photo of my heavily used, but sturdy, binder:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg5ytLLkV1YJRE-Xs8Yk8bliR3Uypqyij7945pOGiaMA078XXt4bM8cMFE9W29Xa6lGEyP7gDJB3DHoZGQFSg9t7JcDlQR30O63CfHJqBUHT-IHBy_eb54kGSleEcpPUhz5l1vHKcV5CS/s1600/photo%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-WOW-Binder-dividers-733337" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdobiVMoJkCXA55d7PB07KXxULBSibKpiOik3NfMLh2-pIa2FTp4WEdjfGkzYaGFRu6reNyoUSmQI3bKMwPd3VWklYq0ARZgf5uy073-khPW9GMiEfjcgMLSsLLxgFoMBKcEeFpvdtaEv/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-07-15+at+4.50.08+PM.png" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
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Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-WOW-Binder-dividers-733337" target="_blank">here</a> to download this freebie</div>
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With the new school year quickly approaching, I got the itch to create some new Teacher Binder designs. You can download these for free at my TPT store. There are three different designs- Multi Chevron, Chevron, and Apple Dots. I've included 12 different divider pages- Teacher Binder, Student information, Student Data, Common Core Standards, Lesson Ideas, Groups, Classroom Management, Meeting Notes, Resources, Parent Communication, Calendars, and a blank page. After you print the dividers, put them in page protectors, and you're all set! I added small tabs to label the sections on the sides. When you walk into your first team meeting with your new Teacher Binder, everyone will be impressed with your organization! I promise. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Binder-Multi-Chevron-755330" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu0HCbEWS2MlKxULE9SaXS0VKzZOz97zZYTb_pZHPzlHxaKt5jW8MABrn2BDXIrKJ8sL1GfNJjS7KMOQk4HNV7iLZ0pUBWN_juTvm68o29J9QkhvnPFKI-B_Wl_auC-TlVFnp48YfjWYL/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-07-03+at+6.53.30+PM.png" height="142" width="320" /></a></div>
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Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Binder-Multi-Chevron-755330" target="_blank">here</a> to download this Teacher Binder freebie</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446316318962176108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4602483212071428512.post-20935293149494646362014-08-12T19:15:00.000-07:002014-08-12T19:15:01.286-07:00First Day of School ActivitiesPicture this: It's the first day of school and your students are arriving with their parents. The kids are lugging in bags of supplies, you're chatting with parents, and you're trying to get everyone settled and busy. Every year I struggle with the constant flow of parents coming in to meet me and ask questions. So I decided to come up with an activity that would keep students busy, engaged, but not overwhelmed. I also kept in mind some ELA Common Core training that I recently received. One of my areas to grow is the opportunities I give students for speaking and listening. My plan is to have the following "This is Me!" graphic organizer on students' desks as they arrive. Then students will have the opportunity to share them with the class (hit those Speaking & Listening standards!). I'm also going to give out play-dough for students to create their favorite animal and to tell their groups WHY it's their favorite. Click on the picture & link below to download my "Back to School Activities" pack.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjfmpDcXycpNdipR98W0khcDwOAlmfFHKOZZuULuM8vLJNNVr75F1RAhv3Iy_q5f8J-b13v3B54ZRBikS2vOpbEiUPuSOMDnTpwg7s9SsMK9D7rmFhyjwk5PBml26AsL58fEMy_z8sYCL/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-18+at+11.53.06+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjfmpDcXycpNdipR98W0khcDwOAlmfFHKOZZuULuM8vLJNNVr75F1RAhv3Iy_q5f8J-b13v3B54ZRBikS2vOpbEiUPuSOMDnTpwg7s9SsMK9D7rmFhyjwk5PBml26AsL58fEMy_z8sYCL/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-07-18+at+11.53.06+AM.png" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
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Click <u><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Activities-Pack-776921" target="_blank">here</a></u> to download FREEBIE</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Activities-Pack-776921" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVc-jUtJIrBrC-MjHDozfG62mKTChpFcN_swsKCOB-Fu5szUmGenVlXagQEt6OiSUyUc7Vc3a_9afSfqqTItvk-Fg2Rqaujbjdy1F4kYnc3IB9bcDNXfUFuX-xIkzaVRH2w0bFuslMgDx/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-07-17+at+4.24.29+PM.png" height="238" width="320" /></a><span id="goog_339265406"></span><span id="goog_339265407"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIGGSi6yXR_bB5pgAogPM8pe-NwtwAUE_lx6FLrqWqOr9uIZFJObnDleAPo0d0FoH0WiMgEXRLhfauZ9Ro84AdXrcPL13_0PvJQpps1VvfTSH-LYsY_w8XAdFEy7CX_0xLWQhIffeoQf1/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIGGSi6yXR_bB5pgAogPM8pe-NwtwAUE_lx6FLrqWqOr9uIZFJObnDleAPo0d0FoH0WiMgEXRLhfauZ9Ro84AdXrcPL13_0PvJQpps1VvfTSH-LYsY_w8XAdFEy7CX_0xLWQhIffeoQf1/s200/Unknown.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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For the first piece of writing, students may use the graphic organizer to write a paragraph about themselves. I like to collect a first day writing sample from my students so I can determine where each student is with writing. Plus, who doesn't like writing about his/her self?</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Activities-Pack-776921" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIuIIzaALwxs_tr1U7xq-VX2Zue_jPo5A3-cUspSu_ay4IUNGsKfZXufjv3aG2a3zy85DeUpL4g8qJUxr50YjFH3KX7S9tAEOs1Y0oXNs8Kb4QTTX2itZ0QW3jN_QozIMgAOqg3usTCgq/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-07-17+at+5.24.14+PM.png" height="152" width="200" /></a></div>
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The next handout is a short back to school math task. This will help keep those early finishers busy!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Activities-Pack-776921" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX1QYNBONvYp7ke1HOMVIBqRQt9JpscS4cS0dY1oT9Ce3HExxaS6Ras_mAYAE6Wz-8FFnZ8eDakQ7ER5oi7FL92ZbdFqpwGjQzYBT_UQANv1qzQ8qSXNC5GGz_0pqd2ko8-SSlweJA09O/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-07-17+at+5.56.47+PM.png" height="151" width="200" /></a></div>
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Lastly, on the first day, I enjoy reading the book <u>Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge</u> by Mem Fox. This is a must-read! After the read aloud, I share a Memory Bag with three things that tell about my memories (this is my modeling how to share). We discuss that a memory is something you remember and how memories can be happy, sad, funny, etc. I send home a brown paper bag with each student and staple a note to the front explaining their homework- Collect 3 objects that represent your memories. The following day, students share their Memory Bags. I take this opportunity to explain what makes a good listener (there's a good anchor chart I found on Pinterest about good listeners). This share time will provide another opportunity to hit those Speaking & Listening Common Core standards. Yay!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Activities-Pack-776921" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHpHFdLKzy0zdOQaQixP8jsBCSdcaU7YlhvlG66IOZJySdXGHPye_EX8AXuErklaM_y8pc0DDhZQgUUJRU90r1mcW9zM65hAcQl5TAo1NNGB00zkpY_UWQ0bA-R1gUCLGCQmRpJRE9GZx/s200/Mem+bag.png" height="200" width="133" /></a><span id="goog_339265424"></span><span id="goog_339265425"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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I hope you enjoy this free pack of activities and ideas. They are great way for getting to know your students and building those relationships!</div>
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Speaking of memories, here's a picture of one of my Yorkie babies, Elphie. She brings me joy every day!</div>
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