tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51363446152533618722024-02-18T18:14:15.581-08:00Fifth Grade Way of LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-29437422120661084752014-03-02T13:31:00.001-08:002014-03-02T13:31:44.177-08:00A Peek at my Week: Government & Dr. SeussThis is my first time linking up with <a href="http://mrslaffinslaughings.blogspot.com/2014/03/currently-march-peek-at-my-week.html" target="_blank">Mrs. Laffin's Laughings</a> for a Peek at my week! I love the idea of seeing what everyone has planned for the week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwZodRptwoLu6ADNl0ODXoysfQK2hW9Fir8A8ObFsbGxRMKxLjJwjdEaWzclrlAdVkOF4yDBNrwTFb5fh_SDsgT4H0bo5BRLpWmzyIcnc5OhZHYw26FQTpJiZKrWvH-0yw0w0DY9zXyY/s1600/Peek+at+my+week.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwZodRptwoLu6ADNl0ODXoysfQK2hW9Fir8A8ObFsbGxRMKxLjJwjdEaWzclrlAdVkOF4yDBNrwTFb5fh_SDsgT4H0bo5BRLpWmzyIcnc5OhZHYw26FQTpJiZKrWvH-0yw0w0DY9zXyY/s1600/Peek+at+my+week.PNG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I left school Friday afternoon super stressed about what I was going to do for Reading and Language this coming week. We took our State Writing Test on Wednesday and finished our George Washington's Socks project this week. With only two weeks left until Spring Break, I really don't want to start our new novel unit yet, and my kids need a break from essay writing. After reading through a few blogs this weekend, I finally got inspired and found a perfect solution to my Reading and Language Arts dilemma. <br />
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<b>Social Studies:</b> We are continuing our look at the Constitution and formation of our government.<br />
M: Preamble- After a small dose of School House Rock to help them remember the words, they are going to break into groups with a small part of the Preamble to discuss and bring back to the class.<br />
T: Separation of Powers and Checks & Balances - Once again a School House Rock event.<br />
W: Three Branches- In the past I have used my Government Tree to teach this concept, but my tree got a little damage from having a box fall on it. So this year we will be using a graphic organizer instead. I also love to use the "We the People" series to help teach this concept.<br />
Th: National & State Powers: The "We the People" series has a great lesson on this too. We will use it to pull information from in order to create a Venn Diagram.<br />
F: Federalists & Anti-federalists: We will be creating posters in support or opposition of ratifying the Constitution.<br />
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<b>Reading: </b>We will be continuing our <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-RootPrefix-Suffix-Common-Core-Vocabulary-Program-Warriors-328484" target="_blank">Vocab Warriors</a> this week with the Midas set. We are almost finished with the Vocab Warriors. My students are so excited because we are having a party at the end for all students who made an 80% or higher on all the tests. It's still a few weeks away as we have to finish the next unit and have at least a week for redos, but they have been working all year to get to this point. <br />
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I saw this amazing idea at <a href="http://teachinginroom6.blogspot.com/2014/02/theme-and-inference-in-dr-seuss.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TeachingInRoom6+%28Teaching+in+Room+6%29" target="_blank">Teaching in Room 6</a> for using Dr. Seuss books to teach upper grade skills. You can view what she did and get the resources for Free at her site. I will be using The Lorax as my example throughout the week as the students work on their own books in small groups. I love that this lesson hits on Literal Understanding, Main Idea, Theme, and a fun end of book project of creating their own cover. My students will love this activity, and it will be a great skill review.<br />
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<b>Writing:</b> As I said, my students just took their State Writing Test, and I promised them they would not write another essay for a long time. With that in mind, I LOVED the free lesson at<a href="http://ideasbyjivey.blogspot.com/2014/02/workshop-wednesday-writing-tips-mentor.html" target="_blank"> Ideas by Jivey</a> for using a Mentor Sentence from The Lorax. This will be my first time using Mentor Sentences, but I am excited to see how it goes. I think my kiddos will love getting to create their own using the Mentor Sentence as inspiration.<br />
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With all that said, we just got a call that school is cancelled tomorrow. Sigh. I guess I'll be doing some rearranging when I know for sure how many days we will be out next week. Oh well, here is a peek at what was supposed to be my week. :) <br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-50442497086646804212014-03-02T11:45:00.002-08:002014-03-02T11:45:35.620-08:00Currently March<br />
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It's finally March which means Spring is almost here! A new month in my blogging world means it is time to link up with <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh' Boy 4th Grade</a> for this month's Currently. I love to do these and see how I change or in my case stay the same from month to month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc-55nYvdCmP3nbikdeaQtHUmHddaZrEdLBbrUVjfWmgK5H5E6vJCUEGr-FCM8wNK4pYBCTAfuAM1hiaxeD1r2Ba2zOFRZxIOlEJ96KGI8uzwS1UJyyEEvGL6YQ8saj1mvRrF36PsTcE/s1600/March.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc-55nYvdCmP3nbikdeaQtHUmHddaZrEdLBbrUVjfWmgK5H5E6vJCUEGr-FCM8wNK4pYBCTAfuAM1hiaxeD1r2Ba2zOFRZxIOlEJ96KGI8uzwS1UJyyEEvGL6YQ8saj1mvRrF36PsTcE/s1600/March.jpg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Most of these are pretty self explanatory. I really love snow, but I'm over missing school and crummy roads. We have been lucky and only missed six days this year compared to many of you, but still enough is enough. I miss my flip flops!! It is also really weird to hear it snowing and then thundering at the same time. I'm not sure my mind can really process the two different noises at the same time.</div>
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With the weather being so cold and roads icky, we have decided to lock ourselves in for the day. Luckily last weekend we went grocery shopping and got enough for at least another week or two. No reason to leave the house! I really should clean the house, but it was such a busy week and I need to just breathe and do my own thing. </div>
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If I had the money I would hire someone to help me with all the things I don't want to do. I love to cook, but I could go the rest of my life without having to clean the kitchen, bathrooms, or do laundry. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done.</div>
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On the last one you are supposed to guess the question, but I'll give you a hint. It is the number of days since I started a new journey in life...</div>
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Here's to a wonderful March for all!</div>
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-73172416435477424902014-02-22T18:18:00.001-08:002014-02-22T18:18:06.082-08:00Five for Friday(ish)<br />
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<a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/02/five-for-friday-linky-party-february-21.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/02/five-for-friday-linky-party-february-21.html" border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuxvNvJ2RoM/UwXkmCloDFI/AAAAAAAAWUc/sJ-hV-iXyJQ/s320/fiveforfriday2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well it's not Friday, but I also haven't blogged since the Summer so being a day late really isn't that bad. After a pretty crazy half of the school year, I'm back and had a great week!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrfAm8S2mkJqvE2hrFIRmgxgtQrm41lyb9kdXKKI6nRBDvI4m6wGq-HfEpSK27GM3_Vk3sAbSwTlGj9WMo8d4J90LpxgCOQixPEwLQp7QAUooC5zVx8k5IEE7nYVcoC_iE_hP-OWhPeQ/s1600/one.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrfAm8S2mkJqvE2hrFIRmgxgtQrm41lyb9kdXKKI6nRBDvI4m6wGq-HfEpSK27GM3_Vk3sAbSwTlGj9WMo8d4J90LpxgCOQixPEwLQp7QAUooC5zVx8k5IEE7nYVcoC_iE_hP-OWhPeQ/s1600/one.png" height="200" width="163" /></a></div>
After being sick all weekend long, my hubby and I finally got to celebrate Valentine's Day Monday evening. I can guarantee we will always remember our first Valentine's Day as a married couple. Below are the beautiful flowers he sent me at work.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMjcVtbkyRBQb4fxCmLF78qEgvV7l-anK3lM1n9NQPCwNjb-UWfB8o8glkvIEK0xPsX8NifBrCXY48zKBYg_SCtfyW70dIsslI5kNsolKKlxJkef9VpBRrF8LHyS5twTsOsK7QUSzgLs/s1600/Leslie+V+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMjcVtbkyRBQb4fxCmLF78qEgvV7l-anK3lM1n9NQPCwNjb-UWfB8o8glkvIEK0xPsX8NifBrCXY48zKBYg_SCtfyW70dIsslI5kNsolKKlxJkef9VpBRrF8LHyS5twTsOsK7QUSzgLs/s1600/Leslie+V+Day.jpg" height="320" width="281" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA30ijrknV-gaaXznLvBmu-BHdsTbfdDccyp3Ntip07PKIbMJBsDijEXweGh9fdCO3Jwzsje0Mt4CdfKNfFSkImkT5_VVr44XCPbzEBYviciUXreIuawDVK9lso8LYVd0Tzqs_VsyEyjk/s1600/two.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA30ijrknV-gaaXznLvBmu-BHdsTbfdDccyp3Ntip07PKIbMJBsDijEXweGh9fdCO3Jwzsje0Mt4CdfKNfFSkImkT5_VVr44XCPbzEBYviciUXreIuawDVK9lso8LYVd0Tzqs_VsyEyjk/s1600/two.png" height="200" width="163" /> </a></div>
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Monday was President's Day and my students spent some time learning about the leadership traits of one of my favorite Presidents: George Washington. After attending the Summer Institute at Mount Vernon a few years ago, I am obsessed with GW! I wish I could spend all year just teaching about our first President.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVo6rx_MjF9X_K_VNzP7ZqOqJnugbqDz3v-YM9ZT59SUPZDXE17y7cmKddsvthlzl2ID7rD8wRHR41f2TbAQRwo0zZpaGFfe_ZyX_06sNxn0RwSKnuPAfDPPhA4m370-H-5l76d2eHso/s1600/three.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVo6rx_MjF9X_K_VNzP7ZqOqJnugbqDz3v-YM9ZT59SUPZDXE17y7cmKddsvthlzl2ID7rD8wRHR41f2TbAQRwo0zZpaGFfe_ZyX_06sNxn0RwSKnuPAfDPPhA4m370-H-5l76d2eHso/s1600/three.png" height="200" width="163" /></a></div>
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For the last three weeks the students at my school have been bringing in money for our Pasta for Pennies campaign. The money all gets donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Friday was our final day and I had a student very quietly hand me a $100 dollar bill. To say I was shocked was an understatement. Most of my students come from homes that don't have much to spare at the end of each week. I was touched by the donation. Later, I found out from his mom that the $100 was that student's OWN money. He had been saving for an X-box, but after seeing a commercial on TV the night before about a child with cancer, he decided he wanted to donate it. I sat at my desk and let tears fall down my face and thanked god for the way he had just touched me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8PGXPuCLqx6Q-MkEwzu2l7TNT163D2plKbqTxHoJSc7-ARtheGxDdo5RIo1Ag8aKre-6wwBmrVbnJu124Sc_t4C_PAU04ZNn_f-IP4fDBVqrPTq5wkFFV7KpSemu8-PmFfWYAJuOT-U/s1600/four.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8PGXPuCLqx6Q-MkEwzu2l7TNT163D2plKbqTxHoJSc7-ARtheGxDdo5RIo1Ag8aKre-6wwBmrVbnJu124Sc_t4C_PAU04ZNn_f-IP4fDBVqrPTq5wkFFV7KpSemu8-PmFfWYAJuOT-U/s1600/four.png" height="200" width="163" /></a></div>
Monday my mom surprised me by walking into my classroom with a shopping cart. I had told her a few months ago when seeing a shopping cart at the end of some random parking lot, that I really wanted one for my classroom. I don't know about you but I always seem to come in the door with my hands full of stuff and have to make several trips back and forth to my car. I never thought in a million years she would find a store to buy one. My students and I are so excited! They kept finding random reasons this week to use it. Way to go mom!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZlEdgnC-BYTRf7MCNWDd3r3sWV7OoYo9sDfa2vREDwEoGZAIEEiJRFH5PEZkjd325wxmSZg8EdzOzDSMO04IlBuO2dteNyFHlENRnDA5zo_NoWVj6I23PLW1p4pxbXYBD4Whgyq1Yyg/s1600/five.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZlEdgnC-BYTRf7MCNWDd3r3sWV7OoYo9sDfa2vREDwEoGZAIEEiJRFH5PEZkjd325wxmSZg8EdzOzDSMO04IlBuO2dteNyFHlENRnDA5zo_NoWVj6I23PLW1p4pxbXYBD4Whgyq1Yyg/s1600/five.png" height="200" width="163" /></a></div>
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My students have spent the last few weeks preparing for our Black History Month Wax Museum. The kids each picked and read a biography of a famous or influential African American. They then competed research using the school databases in order to create a poster and paragraph about their person. On Friday, my students dressed as their person and presented their findings to the other students who visited their museum. They did such a fantastic job. I am one proud teacher!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZPkdjtpZo2rM-_tXS5BxEFS1RAsrEL494I0cm-SvfMu_WcHoCiEAozTn3NsXDE7-1LegXJ3yDa-GnSFymL5G6J5sA2llE9AmRAMKSHxI9uHKrd5zsd1C4xY1gsCeuqzUIiTM3hkz30s/s1600/IMG-20140221-00995+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZPkdjtpZo2rM-_tXS5BxEFS1RAsrEL494I0cm-SvfMu_WcHoCiEAozTn3NsXDE7-1LegXJ3yDa-GnSFymL5G6J5sA2llE9AmRAMKSHxI9uHKrd5zsd1C4xY1gsCeuqzUIiTM3hkz30s/s1600/IMG-20140221-00995+(2).jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
We have our state writing test next week. Fingers crossed my students do their best. Hope you had a fantastic week too! <br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-41891228176898761762013-07-18T19:12:00.002-07:002013-07-18T19:12:31.403-07:00Liebster Award<h2 align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vURKNSGz9CmELwxIu3fW0UhGHtyqozrQcS4oscbNWMCXKOuQo1zkIdhUu7jkQU8KakNsO8uM6Mei0pq0Bhll9TFtGTwt538tzvoIHf-_e4YZ_3YjspMEVkVCjiWJMceYn1oC4nOckAw/s200/Liebster+award.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_191369057="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vURKNSGz9CmELwxIu3fW0UhGHtyqozrQcS4oscbNWMCXKOuQo1zkIdhUu7jkQU8KakNsO8uM6Mei0pq0Bhll9TFtGTwt538tzvoIHf-_e4YZ_3YjspMEVkVCjiWJMceYn1oC4nOckAw/s200/Liebster+award.png" /></a></h2>
I was totally jazzed when Mandy at Caffeine and Lesson Plans told me she nominated me for a Liebster Award! I still feel way too green to think I would EVER deserve a blogging award. However, I feel very honored for her to think of me! For those of you, like me, that don't know about the Liebster Award here are the rules:<br />
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1. Link back to the blog that nominated you.
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2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 250
followers.</div>
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3. Answer the questions posted for you by your
nominator.</div>
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4. Share 11 random facts about yourself.</div>
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5. Create 11 questions for your nominees.</div>
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6. Contact your nominees by commenting on their
blog or sending them an email to communicate the nomination.</div>
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Thank you Mandy for nominating me! When I started blogging last year I had no idea if people would even want to read what I had to say. I can't tell you how excited I am!<br />
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<a href="http://caffeineandlessonplans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Caffeine and Lesson Plans" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapjFW8BeTAOaLTuXx57MIwVqIvRwSKZiyro3Fy4-zvv3r85K9ZmjSOmR0-1Cw_MiD1dwGoQ0nQpvPQEiCeXWS2VILM0NeIdHCTWv679YtTIwHE7QintNhg-9OdVZta9ffvkI_Q6oz2Yc/s1600/button.png" /></a><br />
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Mandy asked me eleven fabulous questions!<br />
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1. Heels or flats? Why?<br />
Flats all the way! I love the look of heels, but I can not even make it an hour while teaching in them. Even a kitten heel becomes an enemy after being on my feet a few hours. I always keep a pair of flip flops, matching my classroom colors, under my desk in case my shoes become too much. <br />
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2. What is your favorite color?<br />
Purple! My bedroom is currently painted light purple, and I have a dark purple bed spread.<br />
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3. How do you
spend your Saturdays?<br />
If my fiancé is off, I normally spend my time with him. We like to go to the bookstore, watch movies, and just chill. If he is working, I tend to spend the day sleeping in, running errands, and cleaning house.<br />
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4. What is your favorite vacation spot?<br />
Mount Vernon! I have been there three times and still want to go back. I guess it's the nerd in me, but I love the history and beauty of the place.<br />
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5. Do you
prefer summer or winter?<br />
Winter all the way. I love snow, hot chocolate, warm blankets, and cuddling! Besides, it gets way too hot in Oklahoma during the summer. Last year we had over a month of 100 degree days. No thank you!<br />
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6. What is your favorite subject to teach?<br />
Social Studies is by far my favorite subject. I love that in 5th grade my students still love history. Everyday is a new adventure into the past. I would rather change grades, schools, etc. than give up teaching Social Studies.<br />
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7. If
you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?<br />
A full time aide for my classroom. Seriously! Someone to do all the grading, copying, and filing for me. That way I can really get back to teaching and stop spending so much time on other stuff.<br />
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8. What is your
favorite TV show?<br />
Grey's Anatomy. I honestly rarely get to sit down and watch a show regularly. However, I always try to make sure I am home for Grey's. I've been watching and waiting for this last season to appear on Netflix.<br />
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9. Are you married or dating someone? What is your spouse's
name?<br />
I am currently engaged to an awesome man named Jason. We have been engaged since the day before Thanksgiving. He told me how "thankful" he was for me. Awww. We are getting married in January!<br />
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10. What is your "can't live without it" teaching tool?<br />
My Smartboard. I can't believe I ever survived without it. I love that it is interactive! I'm not sure a day goes by without me using it at least several times.<br />
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11. What is
your favorite restaurant?<br />
I love Mexican food, so my favorite in OKC is Cocino De Mino. I also love Alfredo's in Moore. However, I will NOT go to a Mexican restaurant that charges for cheese dip. How rude!<br />
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My Eleven Random Facts<br />
1. My babies are my two dogs and cat. My dachshund, Bella, thinks she runs the house and even pouts when she doesn't get her way.<br />
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2. My living room is yellow. Yellow may seem a little bright, but yellow reminds me of happy. I smile every time I go in the living room.<br />
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3. I love to go camping! I take my Girl Scouts several times a year and try to take at least one personal trip a year as well.<br />
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4. I have my Girl Scout Gold Award. It is the equivalent of the Boy Scout Eagle. I'm very proud that I grew up in Girl Scouting!<br />
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5. I love to craft and sew. I always have a mile long to do list of crafts and sewing projects.<br />
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6. I am about to turn 30! Yes, I said it (or typed it.) :)<br />
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7. I can never sleep the night before school starts. I am always way too EXCITED!<br />
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8. I am super afraid of heights but love roller coasters and used to go rapelling.<br />
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9. I almost always love the book better than the movie.<br />
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10. I own all the Harry Potter movies and would love to have a magic wand. Goodbye dishes with just one wave!<br />
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11. I'm going to Paris and London next year with my Girl Scouts. I have only been to London once, which really doesn't count since I never left the airport. It is one of my biggest dreams to go to Paris ever since I took French in high school. J'aime Paris!<br />
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Now it's time to pay it forward. My nominees are:<br />
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2 Super Teachers<br />
<a href="http://2super-teachers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="2 Super Teachers" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gZ5ywIaaehyphenhyphenruxKI65a6Z3pgven3EyCufvLat0AHv6nJNaRznJZ2odIEIjy91SBYhm5Bx8LLn49GfpDOXVYUAhbJhffEtMTWxTmMIefhafxZz2EHcbnvbONvJVJIvOGZutc0l0xDQtI/s1600/button.png" /></a><br />
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Ms. Cranfill's Class<br />
<a href="http://mscranfillsclass.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/eblecki/Cranfills%20Class/cranfillbutton.png" title="Pro Blogger Tricks" /></a><br />
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Numbers Rule My World<br />
<a href="http://www.numbersrulemyworld.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Numbers Rule My World" src="http://imageshack.us/a/img689/5129/numbersrulemyworldbutto.jpg" title="Numbers Rule My World" /></a><br />
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Questions for my fabulous nominees:<br />
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1. Why did you decide to work in education?<br />
2. What teacher had the most influence on you?<br />
3. Where is your favorite place to visit but you wouldn't want to live there?<br />
4. Who is your hero?<br />
5. What phrase do you say most often during your day?<br />
6. Would you rather give up your cell phone or give up your favorite food for the rest of your life?<br />
7. What is your favorite movie?<br />
8. Why did you start blogging?<br />
9. If you could travel back in time to meet one person, who would it be?<br />
10. Who is your celebrity crush?<br />
11. What was your favorite memory from this last school year?<br />
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Once again, thanks Mandy for nominating me!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-45347727291361503112013-07-14T11:49:00.000-07:002013-07-14T11:49:18.987-07:00Sunday SmorgasbordThis summer has been flying by so fast. I can't believe it is coming to an end in less than a month. One of my goals was to work on blogging this summer. Well I haven't been great about that, but have spent some time catching up on some of my other goals like sleep, reading, swimming, and working out. To catch up on my summer I am joining <a href="http://fabulousinfirst.blogspot.com/2013/07/hi-friends-its-sunday-and-you-know-what.html" target="_blank">Fabulous in First's Linky Party: Sunday Smorgasbord</a>.<br />
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<h3>
Working Out: </h3>
As many of you know I'm getting married in January and HATE the idea of wedding dress shopping. I decided the only way I would even begin to want to shop is if I knew I was working on making myself feel more comfortable in my own skin. This summer I have started taking Zumba classes with some of my favorite girls. I've been having such a blast going to class that I actually bought the DVD's so I could do it on my own. Let me tell you, I am by far not coordinated and have no rhythm. However, I am loving Zumba and can't believe how fast time flies when you are having fun!<br />
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<h3>
Reading:</h3>
I have visited the library several times this summer, and the book store more times than I should admit. I get so busy during the school year, that I feel like I go months without reading a new book. I have greatly enjoyed catching up on my reading.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Business-Lizzy-Diesel-Novel/dp/0345527771" target="_blank"><img alt="" id="main-image" rel="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CeEx0KziL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a></div>
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Janet Evanovich! After catching up on her Stephanie Plum novels, I moved on to her Wicked series. She has two books in this series so far, but I hope there will be more soon. These novels are silly and make me laugh my head off. A little bit of magic, hilarious characters, and a monkey make me not able to put the books down.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bared-You-Crossfire-Sylvia-Day/dp/0425263908/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373826634&sr=1-1&keywords=bared+to+you" target="_blank"><img alt="" id="main-image" rel="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/817V%2Bw44ogL._SL1500_.jpg" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41cTSloetyL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a></div>
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I love books that are part of a series, so I randomly picked up Bared to You when I was at Hastings one day. There are three books in this Crossfire series, though a fourth is set to come out sometime in the future. Once I started reading this book, I could not stop. I had to go back to the bookstore two days later and get the other two books. If you liked Fifty Shades of Grey then you might really enjoy this series. The books present a love story of two very complicated characters with a whole lot of border line too steamy parts. This series has me rooting for the two characters to find their happily ever after...<br />
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<h3>
Summer School:</h3>
Summer School started last week. I am teaching Vocabulary. I have forty minutes every day to teach Vocabulary! I have been using the Reading Olympians to teach Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Reading-Olympians" target="_blank"><img alt="The Reading Olympians" src="http://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbuserhome/The-Reading-Olympians-1373759134/78462.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is the first time I have used The Reading Olympians system, but I am really liking it so far. This is kind of my test run before I start using it this school year.</div>
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I have also pulled in some fun games like Blurt and Apples to Apples. They love these games and are quick and easy to use once they know how to play them. I have also introduced using vocabulary cartoons to learn a new word every day. We are not using the premade ones, but are making our own to go with the novel they are reading in another class.They really enjoy making these cartoons.</div>
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I have never had this much time in my day to focus on just vocabulary. If you have any cool activities you use to teach vocabulary, I would LOVE for you to share them with me!</div>
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Well, my time for some random catching up is over. Hope your week and summer are going great!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-19630731018852145182013-06-07T13:19:00.001-07:002013-06-07T13:19:24.940-07:00Tricks of the Trade: Homework Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven't linked up with <a href="http://lawlerjoyinthejourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/tricks-of-trade-thursdays-homework.html" target="_blank">Tricks of the Trade</a> for a few weeks, but now I'm back... I love this week's topic about Collecting and Returning Homework.<br />
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The first question many are discussing is their view on homework. Some hate and others love. In my classroom, I rarely assign something as "homework." Homework in my class is from any assignments not completed during class. I try to give students as much time as possible to complete an assignment, but if it is not finished when class is over, it becomes homework. I want my students to complete most of their work in class where I am available to help them. If I notice most of my students do not have an assignment completed at the end of class, I will NOT normally make it homework, but instead adjust my schedule to allow time the next day for the students to complete it. My only exception to my general homework rule is that I do ask my students to read thirty minutes a night!<br />
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Now on to my tricks!<br />
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<strong>Tip 1: Use GOOD baskets and label them clearly.</strong><br />
My collection baskets are wire, and I LOVE them. I tried the plastic ones, but had to constantly replace them. I have three classes that I teach two subjects to each, so I teach six sections. I have a basket for each section. They are color coded by subject. Blue is S.S. and Red is Reading. Then each basket also has the homeroom teacher's name on it. I stack the baskets in order of when they have me. Once they learn the trick of "this is my last class, so we are the last basket," most of them don't even have to look for the teacher name.<br />
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<strong>Tip 2: All on time assignments go in the basket.</strong><br />
I do not have students hand assignments to me. I am a busy human and do not trust myself to get EVERY assignment to the correct place, so I have the students turn every assignment into the baskets. The only exception is late work, which I have the students place on my chair. Chair? I know it sounds silly. I have tried a late work folder and was never able to remember to check it. I also tell my students to not put things on my desk because my desk will eat it. The chair method may sound crazy, but if it's in my chair, I have to deal with it before I sit down. Then I can make sure it is labeled late and put in the right stack of papers.<br />
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<strong>Tip 3: Use a slip with all the students' names on it.</strong><br />
When I grab a stack of papers out of the basket, I attach a slip that has each student's name on it as well as a place for the assignment name and due date. I highlight off the student's names that have turned them in. It makes it easy for me to look down and see who has not turned it in because his or her name is not highlighted. I then list the assignment and any students missing it on the board which I leave up until I will not accept it anymore. The students erase their name once they have turned it in.<br />
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<strong>Tip 4: Keep written records of your grades!!!</strong><br />
When I grade the papers I write the grades down on the slips as I grade. I then have a list of all the grades, and don't have to go back through the stack of papers in order to put them in the grade book. I'm sure what I am about to say sounds crazy, but I have three copies of my grades. The first is the slips, second is a paper grade book, and the third is my official online grade book. I know this sounds obsessive, BUT during my first year of teaching my online grade book CRASHED. My grades were lost! I of course had not kept any copies because I was trusting technology completely. They were able to recover my grades but it took about a week, and I was a basket case trying to recreate the grades until then. NEVER going to go through that stress again! <br />
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So after I have graded the assignments and written the grades on the slips, I then record the grades in my paper grade book. At that point, I then return the assignments. Once or twice a week, I sit down and type my grades from the paper grade book into my online grade book. I'm not going to suggest for everyone to keep three copies of their grades. BUT please, please, please keep a written copy of all your grades. My obsessiveness to keeping my copies actually paid off a few weeks ago. When the tornado hit the technology building in our district, it hit our server. Once again, my and all the other teachers' grades were LOST. Luckily, I had no problem replacing my grades, but many others in my building had no copies and had to scramble! <br />
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Hope you enjoyed reading my tips!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-83693826428357621022013-06-07T12:16:00.002-07:002013-06-07T12:16:39.957-07:00Five for Friday- June 7thAfter a couple weeks of a constant grumpy mood I finally feel back to myself. I spent the last week hanging out at Girl Scout Day Camp, and it has done wonders for helping me find my smile. With that said, I am happily joining in for this week's <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2013/06/five-for-friday-linky-party-june-7.html" target="_blank">Five for Friday with Doodle Bugs Teaching</a>!<br />
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Last Friday night I missed Five for Friday because we were packed up in the car trying to get a few miles South out of the path of a really bad storm. As traumatizing as it was for the adults, my German Shepard, Missy, loved the several hour car ride!<br />
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Many of the trees in my neighborhood didn't survive the storms real well. The first picture is of the pile right outside my house of cut down trees. There are so many piles just like this all over town. The other pictures are of my shed out back. We're not sure what happened, but we think it may have been a trampoline that hit the shed.<br />
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Despite all the sad piles of trees, I am enjoying my roses (the few that weren't destroyed by the storm.) I can't wait for a few weeks for the roses to grow back!<br />
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This week I got to spend my days at Girl Scout Day Camp! I had a blast with my unit "Zany Zebras!" We learned and explored animal habitats and did tons of zebra crafts. Even though it rained a few of the days, I couldn't have asked for a better week. <br />
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The BEST part of my week was getting to spend time with two of my nieces while we are at day camp. Here they are learning how to spin plates and dressing up as clowns during a relay race. I love those silly, sweet, and awesome girls!<br />
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Hope your week was as fabulous as mine!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-78156352271056899052013-06-03T19:46:00.000-07:002013-06-03T19:46:54.212-07:00Just keep swimming...I'm officially on the start of my second week of summer vacation. I wish I could say that I'm having the best summer ever, but man this vacation makes me miss working. I hate sounding so negative, but it has been an awful few weeks for my city and state.<br />
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I spent most of last week cleaning the house because it was getting a little out of control. I also spent an afternoon helping call all our students to see who would or would not be coming back after our terrible tornado. We have many who lost homes or have severe damage. Then on Friday night, guess what comes through Oklahoma again?!? Another tornado! This one was headed for my house. We got very lucky that only really strong winds hit our house. We have some tree damage and a huge hole ripped in our shed. I am very thankful for our safety, but this weather needs to stop. In the last two weeks I have about been ran down by two tornadoes and had my power out two different extended periods of time. My poor parents still don't have electricity! Once again I am very blessed as so many have it worse than I do, but this stuff is just killing my mood. If the weather doesn't settle down I may have to crash on someone's couch who lives far away from here to save my sanity.<br />
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Time for some positive ramblings. I started a TPT store last week. I only have two items so far in it, but starting one was on my summer to do list. I'll try to link it on here eventually.<br />
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This week is Girl Scout Day camp. My mom and I are the leaders for my niece's unit. We are the Zany Zebras! Today we did some cute crafts and took a "Habitat Hike." I'll try to get some pics posted throughout the week. We also had a juggler who came and taught the girls to spin plates!<br />
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Hopefully this week will help me relax and weather willing to finally begin to enjoy summer. Until then my motto borrowed from Finding Nemo is " just keep swimming, just keep swimming..." Hope you are swimming into a great week!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-14128029780536637372013-05-27T20:45:00.001-07:002013-05-27T20:45:27.218-07:00Must Have Mondays- Clipboards, Sticky Notes, and DPToday I am linking up with a<a href="http://teachingwithatouchoftwang.blogspot.com/2013/05/must-have-mondays-7-hour-interactive.html" target="_blank"> Touch of Twang for Must Have Mondays</a>.<br />
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1. Clipboards</h2>
It doesn't matter what subject I am teaching, clipboards are a MUST have item. The students become super excited when they find out they get to use the clipboards during class. My one rule is that you can sit anywhere you want with your clipboard as long as you are working. They will work so much harder when they get to pick a spot and use the clipboard. They are also super helpful when students are working in small groups.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><img class="mainImage" height="200" src="http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00VeyTuLSZEPbk/Clip-Boards-Files-33053-.jpg" style="background-color: white; height: 360px; width: 360px;" width="200" /></a></div>
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2. Sticky Notes</h2>
I love my sticky notes! I use them for everything. I have sticky notes of every size, color, and shape. I use them more than you would think possible. One small confession: I rarely share my sticky notes with my students. I know, I'm so mean.<br />
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<img height="200" src="http://www.goclinic.net/hosny/notes2day/images/stickynotes.jpg" width="197" /></h2>
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3. Dr. Pepper</h2>
Most people need their coffee to make it through the day. My must have drink is my Dr. Pepper. On a good day Diet Dr. Pepper will do just fine, but on a bad day I need the real thing. For teacher appreciation week I received MANY Dr. Peppers. My favorite was this huge one that one of my most needy students brought me.<br />
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Those are just a few of my must haves. What is on your list?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-27789625922295770132013-05-26T12:33:00.000-07:002013-05-26T12:33:25.521-07:00Summer Bucket ListI've finally processed my last week of school and have come to terms that it is officially summer break. I'm linking up with the <a href="http://acupcakefortheteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Summer Bucket List Linky Party</a> to share my summer goals.<br />
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I'm a list maker, so I sat down and started my to do list. After about ten minutes, this is the list I have come up with so far. I decided the reason teachers need a summer vacation is to catch up on all the work we have neglected the rest of the year.<br />
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<h2>
1. Wedding</h2>
I'm marrying the most wonderful man in January, and I have very little actually done. My goal this summer is to get as much wedding planning done before I return to school. I know that more I get done this summer, the less stressed I will be as it gets closer.<br />
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<h2>
2. Household</h2>
I'm not sure about you, but my house begins to become a mess about a week after Spring Break from pure lack of time to take care of it. I need to do some organizing and deep cleaning! There is NO WAY I would ever show you a picture of the mess I call a home right now.<br />
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3. School</h2>
You can see from my list above I have ALOT I want to get done for school this year. One of my top items on my list is to work on my Interactive Reading Notebook. I started it this year before I even knew it was called an Interactive Notebook. I want to spend some time finding really good resources to add to it for each of the Common Core skills.<br />
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I also want to start a TPT store. I have an account and frequently download other teacher's fabulous ideas, but I have yet to start adding my own things. Any advice on how best to do this would be greatly appreciated. I also plan on really committing myself to blogging and blog stalking to get some great ideas for next year.<br />
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4. Fun</h2>
In addition to cleaning, wedding planning, and working on stuff for school, I really need some fun time. My biggest need right now is sleep! I could seriously sleep a week straight, and I MIGHT begin to feel less exhausted. I also want to get some reading, sewing, and crafting done. In addition to fun time for me, I also plan on spending at least one day a week (if not more) volunteering to help my fellow Oklahomans with tornado relief. I have several coworkers and many more students who lost homes in the storm and can use as much help as possible.<br />
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Whew, my Summer Bucket List is a little scary with how much is on it. Maybe I should throw the whole thing away and just sleep this summer?!? Nah, I guess I'll go get started on some of my items on my Bucket List. What's on your Summer Bucket List?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-2544392178309388252013-05-24T22:40:00.000-07:002013-05-24T22:40:44.837-07:00My Journey with OrganizationI'm pretty sure I have said it before, but I will say it again. Organization is my biggest enemy. Each year I try a little harder to make it all work. I figure by the time I retire I MIGHT have everything in my room an organized masterpiece. Okay, probably not even then. With that said I am linking up with <a href="http://funin4b.blogspot.com/2013/05/optimum-organizationcome-join-party.html" target="_blank">Fun in Room 4B</a> for an Optimum Organization linky.<br />
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Most of the ideas I'm going to share I got from Pinterest last summer. Some worked really well, and others would be considered an epic fail.<br />
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Successes:</h2>
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No Name Board</h3>
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I can't even begin to describe how this simple board has saved my sanity. All I do is clip the no name papers to the board. No more trying to play detective, having to ask each class if it belongs to one of them, and somehow keeping up with the paper until it's claimed. I can't believe how simple, yet truly helpful this has been.<br />
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Teacher Desk Organizer </h3>
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I love, love, love my teacher crate. I have a file for everything I could possibly need during my day. It makes it super easy for me to put something where it goes as soon as I get it and avoid large piles of paper on my desk. I made the mistake of putting it on the side of my desk at the start of the year. Since it was out of sight, out of mind, I rarely used it and had the dreaded pile problem. However, once I moved it to the front of my desk, I have been so happy I made it.<br />
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Days of the Week Organizer</h3>
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I did not want to pay for a simple container with the days of the week on it, so I created my own. I have really enjoyed having this. I can put the supplies for each day in the correct box and have my whole week ready at my fingertips. One problem I have been facing is I don't always fully clean it out from the week before so sometimes the containers get really full.<br />
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Failure:</h2>
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My Teacher Binder</h3>
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I like so many of you decided to create a really cute teacher binder for this year. I have super cute labels and dividers between each section. However, unlike many of you, I have HATED my teacher binder. First of all my two inch binder has probably three inches worth of "stuff" in it. I also rarely have the time to put each new thing in it's spot, so it just gets shoved in the front. Then I have to sit down and spend at least an hour reorganizing the thing. Also, I have such a hard time finding things that go in multiple categories. For instance CRT and Gates scores, did I put them under Student Info or Assessment Info? I finally gave up lugging the thing back and forth about February.<br />
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Even with all my trials and tribulations with my teacher binder, I will not be giving up on it. I brought it home to clean out this summer and spend some time perfecting my system. A few things I have learned to help those of you who decide to create one. <br />
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1. Limit the scope of the binder to only things you really need portable. Did I really need the master copies of each assignment and the answer key in my binder? No! I should have never put the master in it and removed the answer key when I was finished with the grading. <br />
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2. Create categories that are clearly defined and be consistent. Don't put one set of test scores in one section and the next in a different section. You will drive yourself mad!<br />
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3. Organize it EVERY DAY. Do not wait until you have an inch of unfilled papers in the front to organize it. Otherwise you will spend more time looking for what you need.<br />
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These are just a few new ideas I tried this year to solve a problem/problems I had been having. I'm sure I'll be looking (stalking) to try to get some new ideas for next year!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-84190249512721480602013-05-24T21:27:00.000-07:002013-05-24T21:27:48.325-07:00Five for Friday May 24th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Normally I try to stay pretty upbeat and positive as I am blogging, but today I am giving myself permission to be a little less than happy. I'm going to preface this entry with saying that I am a teacher at Moore Public Schools. The same Moore Public Schools that has been in the news all week for the terrible tornado that tore apart two elementary schools. My school, luckily, was NOT one of the schools destroyed by the storms. With that said, we had a few very scary moments and a less than ideal last week of school.<br />
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1. Monday Morning- Our last Monday morning of the school year started off great with an upper grade monthly assembly called "Cub Call." At this assembly we give out awards, honor each homeroom's "Cub of the Month," and have a grade chant. (My grade won the chant contest!)<br />
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2. Monday morning after the assembly- I don't have a good picture of our activity for class that day, but it was our final step in our Bill to Law simulation. My dad came in and acted as our President to sign and veto the laws our mock Senate and House of Representatives had passed the previous week. <br />
I do have some cute pictures of the voting and such that I will post in another post later.<br />
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3. Monday Afternoon- During my last class, the sirens went off warning that a Tornado Warning had been issued. My students are used to hearing the sirens so they didn't freak out too much. We got in our tornado procedures along the inner most wall in our classroom and waited and waited and waited. The kids stayed pretty calm while waiting. We talked about how the sirens go off ALL THE TIME and nothing usually happens. <br />
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Other teachers and staff were keeping track of the storm, and we soon realized a tornado was on the ground and headed straight for us. I threw the kids the pillows out of our covered wagons. And we waited some more hoping it would not reach us. Then the power goes out. And we wait and discuss how the power goes out all the time during storms. The last report we get of where the tornado is located before all cell phone internet is gone, is that it is headed straight for downtown Moore. My school is in downtown Moore. <br />
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With that news we start grabbing backpacks and covering the students with those as well. It was pretty obvious when the tornado reached us as the atmosphere completely changed, and we could actually hear things hitting our building. We knew it was over when the wind died down. On the map below the red shading is the path of the tornado. My school is the yellow star.<br />
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We got extremely lucky as the tornado got drastically smaller as it reached us. With that said, you can see how close it really got to us. It was actually only eight blocks away. My school only got hit by debris and some high winds. Later I found out that some of my students completely lost their homes and even more had some sort of damage to their homes. However, most importantly, they were all safe! I can not even imagine the heartache and loss of the teachers and families who lost their kids during the tornado. My heart just breaks for them.<br />
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4. Tuesday and Wednesday- Tuesday and Wednesday were supposed to be full of fun last week of school activities like going to the park, awards ceremony, and kickball tournament. Instead, school was cancelled as many of my students and so many people in our community needed to begin the process of picking up the pieces after the horrible tornado. When I walked into my room Wednesday after a very sad, yet uplifting staff meeting, I was greeted with a mess left from our pillow protection and desks that were still in the middle of a lesson.<br />
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5. Thursday- Last Day of School<br />
Since school was cancelled for the rest of the year, we did not get to have a Last Day of School. The kids were invited to come to the school to pick up their belongings and say goodbye to their teachers. Normally, I am super excited for the last day of school, but a quick come and go session was NOT the way I wanted to say goodbye to my kiddos. <br />
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One of my co-teachers came up with the idea to give each of our students a bear to take home that last day telling them how proud we were of them and glad they were safe. We all posted the idea to facebook to get a few donations. Boy did we get a few donations! We not only got teddy bears, but also backpacks, coloring books, and Frisbees. We got enough for every child and all their siblings to take one of each thing home.<br />
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It was very bittersweet to say goodbye to my students. There was a lot of hugging and even a few tears. Overall the parents were so grateful for how we took care of their kids during the storm. To be honest, I didn't really know how to respond to the parents. A simple it's my job really doesn't cover it. I heard another teacher on the news today whose school got hit talk about how those kids are her kids too. That's the answer. I protected their kids because they are MY kids too. <br />
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Sorry for the pretty negative post, but I thought it was time to share my story. Now that I have the words out, maybe I can begin to move past this week. I'm not sure what my summer entails, but I do know that I am going to be spending a good chunk of my time helping others who lost so much during the terrible tornado on Monday. Thank you for all of you who have posted with your support for our schools and kids!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-74822398271203316402013-05-21T08:50:00.001-07:002013-05-21T13:37:39.667-07:00Teaching in MooreI have always been proud to be a Moore teacher. Yesterday was one of the scariest days of my teaching career. We were very close to being hit by the tornado that ripped through our city. We felt it coming, but we were very lucky that it passed us with just some huge wind and the debri ball. So far we have had several staff members who have lost their houses, and I have no clue how many students have lost their houses or even if all my students are okay. My heart aches for my fellow teachers and students in my district who were not as lucky as my school was. We are out of school today as most of our schools have no water and no power and many of our patrons in our district have no home or school to go back to. Please keep Moore in your thoughts and prayers as we face the process of digging out, mourning, and rebuilding.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-50972380118330496002013-05-11T08:28:00.000-07:002013-05-11T08:28:28.940-07:00Five for Friday...uh SaturdayIn a perfect world, I would have posted my five for Friday yesterday. Unfortunately, exhaustion hit yesterday evening by the time I finally got to sit down at like 11:00. I decided my bed needed my company.<br />
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I have loved linking up with <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2013/05/five-for-five-linky-party-may-10.html" target="_blank">Doodle Bugs Teaching for the Five for Friday</a> linky. Now for my five fabulous events from this last week...<br />
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1. Teacher Appreciation Week</h2>
Our PTA spoiled us this week with breakfast one morning, a great bbq lunch another day, a candy bar, and tons of other little things. They also came up with themes for each day like sticky note day and soda day. My kids obviously realize my favorite drink is Dr. Pepper because I got a bunch of them. This pile is mostly from one kid who to be honest is a HANDFUL. It makes me feel good that all the extra time and attention I give him is appreciated so much by him and his family.<br />
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2. Louisiana Purchase Lapbooks</h2>
My students have been working on these lapbooks to finish up our study of the Louisiana Purchase. They are turning out really cute, but I way UNDERESTIMATED the time it would take for us to get them done. I'll probably do a post with more pics and details on these in the future.<br />
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3. My school's 65th Birthday Party</h2>
I posted last week the cute decorations my students were making for our birthday celebration. The final displays turned out really good.<br />
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One of my co-teachers and I went a little crazy decorating our hallway. I think it turned out really cute. <br />
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Our students also picked a piece of artwork they had made to display as well. I have some awesome artists.<br />
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4. Focus Questions</h2>
I got an idea from my Student Teaching Mentor Teacher recently. (Yes, I have taught for seven years but still value my mentor teacher.) She started this year teaching her Social Studies using Focus Questions with each lesson. I loved the idea and decided to give it a try with my Westward Expansion Unit. <br />
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Each day I had the students copy down the two to four questions I wanted them to focus on during the lesson. At the end of the lesson I would go over the questions with the students to make sure they all had the correct answer. Yesterday, we had a Westward Expansion Focus Question Quiz. The students had to use only their brains for the first five minutes of the quiz. They were then allowed to use their Focus Questions and Lapbook for the rest of the time to finish the quiz. Overall, the scores were great. They loved that they got to "cheat" off themselves.<br />
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5. Lunch with my fiancé</h2>
I had a training one morning this week and decided to take the rest of the day off as a recharge day. Considering I have been gone a total of three days this year, I really needed it. My fiancé surprised me by taking the day off too! We went to lunch at an awesome burger place neither of us had been to since we were kids. It was a blast from the past, and the burger we shared was HUGE!<br />
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Hope your week was as fabulous as mine!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-39730090466755596652013-05-09T18:34:00.000-07:002013-05-09T18:34:08.288-07:00End of the Year CrazyTime is running out on this school year. We have ten total days including tomorrow left! While I am very ready for summer to start, my schedule for these last few days keeps getting more and more full. Only three out of those ten days don't have some sort of scheduled assembly, fun event, or planned interruption.<br />
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Somehow in the middle of all the "fun" I still have so many things to teach.<br />
1) Finish our novel: Loser<br />
2) End of the novel unit project<br />
3) Finish Westward Expansion<br />
4) Bill to Law simulation activity<br />
5) Two part Gates testing<br />
6) Brochure for upcoming 4th graders<br />
7) Reading and Social Studies class survey<br />
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Wow!<br />
I think I need another week!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-59239476202091505292013-05-04T13:18:00.000-07:002013-05-04T13:18:01.463-07:00Spark Student Motivation- Brownie Points<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://headoverheelsforteaching.blogspot.com/2013/05/spark-student-motivation-medals.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohpc-QK-20MFMW74xCKR9XVg3AIC_HVB7vDF5S2D6IJxd9KmgSd_7WYJOg5LUU6VBweD0KrcnVyUUYJ90ml0Old4I4lBMryVnN213kJfeEEOgweuyxXEoPXsmW3Mab8Cx_iP4XRfFglg/s1600/Spark.png" /></a></div>
It's Saturday, which means I get to spend some time catching up from my LONG week. I'm linking up with <a href="http://headoverheelsforteaching.blogspot.com/2013/05/spark-student-motivation-medals.html" target="_blank">Head Over Heels for Teaching for Spark Student Motivation Saturdays.</a><br />
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This week I will be sharing my Brownie Points system I have been using all year. I saw the idea last summer on Pinterest and knew I wanted to use it. Thanks <a href="http://firstgradesweeties.blogspot.com/2011/08/classroom-tour.html" target="_blank">First Grade Sweeties</a> for the awesome idea! I apologize in advance for the poor picture. I couldn't find a more up close picture.<br />
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This motivator is used to encourage my class to act appropriately in all parts of our school. My homeroom students earn a brownie to be added to the pan anytime they get a compliment from someone else. Once the pan is full, I make brownies and bring them to class. So far they have only earned brownies once this year, but they are a few pieces away from getting them again.<br />
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I love that this motivator is cheap to start. All you need is construction paper, a cheap pan from dollar tree, and an empty box of brownie mix.<br />
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My students love when I add a brownie to the pan. If a teacher gives them a compliment when I am not around, they will make sure to ask that person to tell me. <br />
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This motivator is by far not my idea, but it has worked well for me this year. I am positive I will continue to use it next year. Hope you enjoyed learning about one of my most yummy motivators!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-81376391199308525822013-05-03T15:49:00.000-07:002013-05-04T12:34:05.927-07:00Five For Friday- May 3rd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5kU2HQfE7wD1h2ptmO4lNdODWxAll76G_DPfJRucrkpDwqcqQc6ojFRA8ggyZqpKhTinx2CE_xuQaMiqawJ9X48-gzPqlf9nzqdBSAP509RKHyRAFhp4QWcsjgE5oR7NKA38V_-cxtE/s1600/fiveforfriday%255B7%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5kU2HQfE7wD1h2ptmO4lNdODWxAll76G_DPfJRucrkpDwqcqQc6ojFRA8ggyZqpKhTinx2CE_xuQaMiqawJ9X48-gzPqlf9nzqdBSAP509RKHyRAFhp4QWcsjgE5oR7NKA38V_-cxtE/s320/fiveforfriday%255B7%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Time to link up with <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2013/05/five-for-friday-linky-party-may-3rd.html" target="_blank">Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday</a>! I had a LONG, but fun week.</div>
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1. Counting Down to the end of school</h2>
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I saw this idea somewhere to count down to the last day of school. Pinterest perhaps? Anyhow, each balloon has a number on it and a slip with a special treat inside it for my homeroom. Each morning we pop the balloon and get to do whatever is on the slip. Since my students switch classes each day I did make the rule that they only got to do the special activity or get the treat if they got good reports from the other teachers. I know that probably makes me look mean, but I REALLY need them to keep their behavior in check for the next few weeks.</div>
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2. Tiger Safari</h2>
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This week the Tiger Safari came to our school. They brought several animals for the students to pet and learn about. The kids got so excited to see all the animals! Sometimes I forget that even my big kids get excited about little things.</div>
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3. We got an award</h2>
I'm sure it seems silly, but I got so excited the day the custodian walked into my room and said it was so clean she didn't need to vacuum. I was already happy, but when I came in the next day to this certificate it put me over the moon. It's the little things that get me through the crazy times at the end of the year.<br />
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4. The Great Pencil Challenge</h2>
I saw this last week on Ladybug's Teacher Files and got beyond excited. My co-teachers loved the idea, so they started it the same day as well. I started this challenge on Monday, and guess what? Most of them still have the same pencil! This is almost a miracle as they were losing a pencil a day and even some losing a pencil per class. Woo hoo!<br />
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5. Getting ready to party</h2>
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Our schools 65th birthday party is next week. Today one of my co-teachers was gone, and we had to spilt her class. So we decided to start working on some decorations for the party. They turned out super cute. My favorite is the one that says "I like Central Elementary because Ms. Bateman is Awesome." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MkVLKjhhlp-jM74AbY3BxScI3FPrnlvb8FXvQoE7kyVyYyH1wkYOenDhjNup_tebyT-cRioLzbW3dp53AkhJK5YeyiVK6UE0Njw7R8GYigCxDg34liayrPQZckoONTTW-YR6GtLEjUY/s1600/IMG-20130503-00592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I'm so excited to have some new followers! It makes me so happy to see that other people are reading what I say. I'm also learning so much and getting tons of ideas from everyone. Hope your week was awesome! </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-21941601977344183742013-05-02T17:11:00.000-07:002013-05-04T12:30:14.402-07:00Tricks of the Trade Thursday- Bulletin Boards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFDogQM5AJm3NEYah1bXEue9UOKiaQBUph4teB2n3jf0-yEdk8UwTIin8FbT6o73ubwwVW7pOhummFACgNvLCDUJYCyfMIyOvApzF5WP8Y9LmEssL6qIMs_p7nURMBdWYK5vUAgqy-EE/s1600/Tricks+of+the+Trade+Bulletin+Board+Creation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFDogQM5AJm3NEYah1bXEue9UOKiaQBUph4teB2n3jf0-yEdk8UwTIin8FbT6o73ubwwVW7pOhummFACgNvLCDUJYCyfMIyOvApzF5WP8Y9LmEssL6qIMs_p7nURMBdWYK5vUAgqy-EE/s1600/Tricks+of+the+Trade+Bulletin+Board+Creation.png" /></a></div>
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I saw a new Linky by <a href="http://compassionate-teacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Compassionate Teacher</a> and <a href="http://lawlerjoyinthejourney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joy in the Journey</a> called Tricks of the Trade. I think this is a great idea to help new teachers and just teachers who want new ideas! <br />
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Time for an honest confession, I am the WORST bulletin board decorator. I have a storage system in which I have TONS of stuff stored to make all kinds of bulletin boards, yet in the box my decorations normally stay.<br />
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Tip #1: I like my boxes, but they are boxes. If you want something that will last a long time, buy something made of a longer lasting material than cardboard.<br />
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<img alt="File n Save System Bulletin Board Storage Box" height="240" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=CBdAT5xtVJmFK%2fQ&pid=Commerce" style="margin-top: 5px;" title="File n Save System Bulletin Board Storage Box" width="240" /><a href="http://www.bing.com/shopping/enterprises-bulletin-boards-and-accessories-file-n-save-system/p/1B5A70E4716257425001?q=bulletin+board+storage&lpp=3&lppc=16&lpq=bulletin%2bboard%2bstorage&FORM=EG"><img alt="Enterprises Bulletin Boards and Accessories File n Save System ..." height="160" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=CNcaG%2bjY2dNH%2fHw&pid=Commerce" title="Enterprises Bulletin Boards and Accessories File n Save System ..." width="160" /></a><br />
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Tip #2: Buy a flat staple remover. They are only a couple bucks, but make pulling staples so much easier. No more ripping things to shreds with "the claw." It also catches the staples as you pull them. Brilliant invention!<br />
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<a href="http://clickserve.dartsearch.net/link/click?lid=43000000209959317" o="IADQaWGZkgNI6neCdSnb2cEyaV"><img alt="Flat Staple Remover" height="160" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=C%2fHgSP5CdrGn%2ftw&pid=Commerce" title="Flat Staple Remover" width="160" /></a></div>
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Tip #3- If you want things to last go with fabric behind the board and laminate everything especially the border and store bought decorations. You want the money you spent on your stuff to last.<br />
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Tip #4- Make boards that serve a purpose versus just looking cute. I love cute boards with fun themes, but I barely have time to look at my boards let alone change them out each week or even once a month. Boards with a purpose will be used much more often and will seem like a better use of your time.<br />
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With those few tips shared, here are a few pics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDWLYd7Mz896HhB6D2aaqxiUv13aTNzHpo7zkj7azIYVuxZZc6C0hvEN3yK_NyiTsZDRPi7iHG7uBv7WW24Rqf41mUGKQ0u9FrPu8vtWoZ52zA4hs37MLPyURHRGqHc9U8oewXny5KOM/s1600/Twittercrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDWLYd7Mz896HhB6D2aaqxiUv13aTNzHpo7zkj7azIYVuxZZc6C0hvEN3yK_NyiTsZDRPi7iHG7uBv7WW24Rqf41mUGKQ0u9FrPu8vtWoZ52zA4hs37MLPyURHRGqHc9U8oewXny5KOM/s320/Twittercrop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is my bulletin board in the hallway. The students tweet about Genre using this board. The board has stayed the same since December, but I update the tweets every so often.<br />
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This is my CAFE Reading board. I know it looks a little busy. It's a work in process. If you'll notice the background is a fabric. This fabric has been used for five years and still looks awesome. The content on the board changes, but the cute fabric stays.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4b05qJu8Q1bxx8ROxsFjqiwy2byHbDGzMeQq13LOG-R1rw7sRBWJDlz3lL1o2EL3tWkrLmWTuapE6YW-xfL-bqdCk4mCgRenclmlBNKc6L9ks_kxVLvm9H4JUEM9cV3BQDikkl0uxo0/s1600/IMG-20130429-00563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4b05qJu8Q1bxx8ROxsFjqiwy2byHbDGzMeQq13LOG-R1rw7sRBWJDlz3lL1o2EL3tWkrLmWTuapE6YW-xfL-bqdCk4mCgRenclmlBNKc6L9ks_kxVLvm9H4JUEM9cV3BQDikkl0uxo0/s320/IMG-20130429-00563.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is probably the board that gets used the most in my room. It actually isn't even a bulletin board, but a chalk board at the back of my room. I covered it in fabric using hot glue and magnets. Voila, bulletin board! My students check in each morning using the stars which have magnets on the back. The stars have their numbers on them, so I can reuse them every year. I'm all about saving money. Also, my calendar numbers are put on using paper clips. You simply poke a hole, thread half the paper clip through, and then slip the number in the clip. It makes it super fast and easy to change out the calendar.<br />
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Like I said before, I am such a lazy bulletin board decorator, but I thought my few tips might help others have an easier time as they create beautiful works of art. Decorate on, you creative people you!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-39516945275377940922013-05-02T15:33:00.000-07:002013-05-02T15:33:23.693-07:00May CurrentlyToday I'm linking up with <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2013/05/may-currently.html" target="_blank">Oh' Boy Fourth Grade for the linky May Currently.</a> I like this linky because it's super easy, and I'm having fun reading what everyone else is currently doing in May.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BsvUaaWa0Pjz0nlpx8kZBBB3vU8u0zQuIeSXkNm67oPvavzWwXhHLLQ09CzGv-YleMxYqIg4SnV-gI83wjXYQXiRi0ZUKnzrFy732HYAHiSvF8Bk9hJiohBcpDsfoAVdEN_qsd17-wI/s1600/currentlymaya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BsvUaaWa0Pjz0nlpx8kZBBB3vU8u0zQuIeSXkNm67oPvavzWwXhHLLQ09CzGv-YleMxYqIg4SnV-gI83wjXYQXiRi0ZUKnzrFy732HYAHiSvF8Bk9hJiohBcpDsfoAVdEN_qsd17-wI/s640/currentlymaya.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Listening- I love this song by Miranda Lambert. Luckily, I am not suffering from a broken heart. But it offers some great advice. My favorite part says to "Run and hide your crazy and start actin’ like a lady..." We all lose it sometime, but being a Southern Girl we are taught to keep it together no matter what. I actually had a discussion yesterday with our fifth grade girls to start acting like ladies.<br />
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Loving- Pajama pants. Need I say more? Such a long day deserves pajama pants and possibly a glass of wine?!?<br />
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Thinking- It's the end of the year. I love my students, but the closer it gets to the last day, the closer they get to losing it!<br />
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Wanting- It would be wonderful if my state would pick a season. Yesterday was AC and tank tops. Today is jackets and heater. My wardrobe and allergies have no clue what is going on.<br />
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Needing- I stayed up way to late watching the Thunder game last night. After a really long week and getting little sleep last night, I REALLY need a nap.<br />
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Summer Bucket List- I'm having a blast planning the wedding, but I really need to make some decisions this summer. I have lots of ideas, but very few things set in stone. <br />
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Hope the rest of you have a fabulous May!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-47524147725517225942013-04-29T17:41:00.000-07:002013-05-04T12:49:46.947-07:00Must Read Mentor Texts: George Washington's Socks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0v4IVM6JZxlaA3Q7lEYAfaL4uHggzczOwq-pZLKiFcv2ieiMMPunWR1BWUDDijfV1S2wyvakA0H0TFelN5qShm9BzEzk2ko1pJXZEzk9U7fA1wXt8w65P-YLaq7lzK1cAMhYNf-2Khw/s1600/linky+button+sparkly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0v4IVM6JZxlaA3Q7lEYAfaL4uHggzczOwq-pZLKiFcv2ieiMMPunWR1BWUDDijfV1S2wyvakA0H0TFelN5qShm9BzEzk2ko1pJXZEzk9U7fA1wXt8w65P-YLaq7lzK1cAMhYNf-2Khw/s1600/linky+button+sparkly.png" /></a></div>
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Today I'm linking up with the <a href="http://collaborationcuties.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-wouldnt-want-to-beseries-for-must.html" target="_blank">Collaboration Cuties- Must Read Mentor Texts</a>. I'm super excited because this week is Social Studies Mentor Texts. Since I started teaching Reading last year, I have found tons of books to use in Reading that fit perfectly with what we are studying in Social Studies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6AhTLZ4IvqmlvjFqTDn5RMmgoewSJFFuarr2d5uIalImTESpBVipdj9sujCRs_Plbn_yS3qj8DkXKzwhOTojJ8nVKMliD6G5APXZSvek_OYR7RvzX-4QLZdIaVQafo7a51i7sHCJdHg/s1600/Mentor+Text+Memo+SS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6AhTLZ4IvqmlvjFqTDn5RMmgoewSJFFuarr2d5uIalImTESpBVipdj9sujCRs_Plbn_yS3qj8DkXKzwhOTojJ8nVKMliD6G5APXZSvek_OYR7RvzX-4QLZdIaVQafo7a51i7sHCJdHg/s1600/Mentor+Text+Memo+SS.png" /></a></div>
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One of my favorites that my students just finished a few weeks ago is George Washington's Socks by Elvira Woodruff. In this book a group of kids travel back in time and wind up right in the middle of the American Revolution.<br />
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My students love that is isn't just a simple Historical Fiction, but has an element of Fantasy with the time travel. <br />
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This book does have a second book called George Washington's Spy about the same group of kids. One of the activities I have my students do with this book is to create an idea for another book for this same adventure club. They have to pick an event we have learned about in class, create a short plot, and a title for their new book.<br />
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I love the teacher and student guides that came with the novels. They have activities, comprehension questions, and vocabulary study from the novel.</div>
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I number all my novels I use in class, and the students have to use their number. It helps so much in tracking down who has each of my books.</div>
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I would greatly recommend this book for any wanting to get kids interested in novels about history.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-11637644052685122222013-04-28T12:02:00.000-07:002013-04-28T12:02:36.620-07:00Motivated, motivated, down right dedicated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohpc-QK-20MFMW74xCKR9XVg3AIC_HVB7vDF5S2D6IJxd9KmgSd_7WYJOg5LUU6VBweD0KrcnVyUUYJ90ml0Old4I4lBMryVnN213kJfeEEOgweuyxXEoPXsmW3Mab8Cx_iP4XRfFglg/s1600/Spark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohpc-QK-20MFMW74xCKR9XVg3AIC_HVB7vDF5S2D6IJxd9KmgSd_7WYJOg5LUU6VBweD0KrcnVyUUYJ90ml0Old4I4lBMryVnN213kJfeEEOgweuyxXEoPXsmW3Mab8Cx_iP4XRfFglg/s1600/Spark.png" /></a></div>
I know it's Sunday, but I couldn't resist to join in on the <a href="http://headoverheelsforteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Spark Student Motivation Saturdays with Head Over Heels for Teaching</a> Linky Party. Her warm fuzzy post is so cute and reminds me of when we used those when I was little.<br />
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My motivation tip is not as cute as hers, but has solved a huge problem for me this week. In my school we have the last fifteen minutes or so as a study hall. It drives me crazy that very few of them come into class and actually use their study hall time wisely. Well this week I got an IPad to use in my classroom. My students and I were both so excited! I wanted to give the students a chance to use it as well. Somehow it occurs to me that I can solve the study hall dilemma using the IPad as motivation!<br />
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The first time I do this I wait patiently for the students to put away their stuff from the class they just returned from and for ANY student to get busy on work. It took a good five minutes for anyone to do so. When I saw the first student working, I walked over and placed the IPad on her desk. I said loudly that since she was working so hard she could play a game. I also made sure to tell her that when the game was over to raise her hand so I could pick someone else who was working hard to play.<br />
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That did the trick! Everyone got very busy very fast. When study hall was over I made sure to point out that I would be looking for some kids to play before class tomorrow morning as well. What a super easy way to motivate and encourage them to review whatever skill I want each student to reinforce! Tip: I keep track of who has had a turn by highlighting on a class list who has gotten to play so I make sure everyone gets a chance to play.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-6247301420695233302013-04-28T11:49:00.000-07:002013-05-04T12:30:42.719-07:00Let's Get Aquainted Linky Party: My Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF8hrZYhEBRIg-aeKTNrwWsjNqmayl22TzhH3qHfa6MiJmq3Xkd2amqdBZYgWmK8PiFfvQKjN7dHSRRrC0ES1CnN3_iQciaY7GVSqfF1o7SVGAw2ZXxvp6rgfoNN42b17sulKRISZm7k/s1600/linky+party2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF8hrZYhEBRIg-aeKTNrwWsjNqmayl22TzhH3qHfa6MiJmq3Xkd2amqdBZYgWmK8PiFfvQKjN7dHSRRrC0ES1CnN3_iQciaY7GVSqfF1o7SVGAw2ZXxvp6rgfoNN42b17sulKRISZm7k/s1600/linky+party2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've decided Linky Parties are my new favorite thing. <a href="http://flyingintofirst.blogspot.com/2013/04/lets-get-acquainted.html" target="_blank">Let's Get Acquainted Linky Party from Flying into First Grade</a> sounds like the perfect way to make some new blogger friends and have a blast blogging! This week 's topic is to show three things I love in my classroom.<br />
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1. My Reading Covered Wagon</h2>
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My students love to get to go into the covered wagon and read. This picture, from before school started, is missing the ten different pillows that normally lay on the floor and the red, white, and blue garland that normally wrap the poles holding up the top. Hopefully you get the idea. Once again, anything that gets them excited to read is a winning idea in my book.<br />
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2. The Mayflower</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkJeaCLvP6JKMxwJGX2TH_zmWAZPtL01uoLfsUJZphWVfmUIXulUFDnToTd8Sl3sH_cUJjzOd8Lu11EM8R0NsFD3F88neq8tMSw4QsgCok3pn4Fhhlo1Nrc3xSStMZ18RXaXBM2vQZQc/s1600/North+Cleveland-20130402-00528+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkJeaCLvP6JKMxwJGX2TH_zmWAZPtL01uoLfsUJZphWVfmUIXulUFDnToTd8Sl3sH_cUJjzOd8Lu11EM8R0NsFD3F88neq8tMSw4QsgCok3pn4Fhhlo1Nrc3xSStMZ18RXaXBM2vQZQc/s320/North+Cleveland-20130402-00528+(1).jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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I wish I could have found a better picture of this one, but this is my Mayflower. The green sign is covering the word "Mayflower" because this was taking during state testing, and they somehow think that seeing the word Mayflower might help my students cheat. Sigh. Anyhow, what teacher likes just plain off-white empty wall space? I love it because the kids love to see it, and it is a super easy decoration I have had up for probably five years. I simply change the water out when it starts to fade. Best of all it hides the hideous wires that run along that wall.<br />
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3. No name board</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VHj-XzTE0llFexb14piTxtm7gTyYoOmpvokh_fYoKyzYj8ClcHKzWUDjCigYcklnEEDQeaLZTMiKbbz1T_SQy9Go1eNp1QZM_f8J4_jW_h7cicdZuxf51IZzOjwB_HvSnbvtXj1JI6g/s1600/North+Cleveland-20120807-00355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VHj-XzTE0llFexb14piTxtm7gTyYoOmpvokh_fYoKyzYj8ClcHKzWUDjCigYcklnEEDQeaLZTMiKbbz1T_SQy9Go1eNp1QZM_f8J4_jW_h7cicdZuxf51IZzOjwB_HvSnbvtXj1JI6g/s320/North+Cleveland-20120807-00355.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I probably have TONS of other things I could put as my number three, but this is used every day in my room and saves me tons of trouble tracking down the owner of papers. I normally make a big deal of walking over and putting papers on this board. I have used it so much some of the clothespins have had to be hot glued back on from falling down. Surprisingly, I still have a few papers each week which are unclaimed. However, it keeps me from holding on to these papers and gives the students a place to look without ever having to say a word to me about a missing assignment.<br />
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Hope you enjoyed learning a little about my favorite things in my classroom!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-48907298854281976242013-04-26T21:28:00.000-07:002013-04-26T21:44:23.765-07:00My First Linky Party- Five for FridaySo excited to join my first Linky Party! Let's give this a try...<br />
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<img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5kU2HQfE7wD1h2ptmO4lNdODWxAll76G_DPfJRucrkpDwqcqQc6ojFRA8ggyZqpKhTinx2CE_xuQaMiqawJ9X48-gzPqlf9nzqdBSAP509RKHyRAFhp4QWcsjgE5oR7NKA38V_-cxtE/s320/fiveforfriday%5B7%5D.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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1. This week we learned about George Washington, and as one of my activities the students learned how to be surveyors. They loved the activity, and it was a great cross curricular activity.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtDUofatxlTSoeSJTZUdUUNsZb1mg6UurUMu8mpr4_18efW_dJRWBetpv98BILVxCVmN2KMDVgHNBxGsdapXc9krYId0UqinxtCiPOz7fhmXJ8i1EBlRupt9EfiInQZAciib-ZuWXXHA/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtDUofatxlTSoeSJTZUdUUNsZb1mg6UurUMu8mpr4_18efW_dJRWBetpv98BILVxCVmN2KMDVgHNBxGsdapXc9krYId0UqinxtCiPOz7fhmXJ8i1EBlRupt9EfiInQZAciib-ZuWXXHA/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. With less than a month to go of school, I taught my students how to journal "Sixth Grade Style." They got so excited to learn something from sixth grade!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZQOY_8xu5cSVitWOUJqYwj9je8GBFCaEpIWwxnybmoppzrMTHujv7KooFM0XyPIqPdbJTF_gDIxjxvL7PZWPC8Sec2UagGdly170syJyNM9OXVOfn2zlbyUw-k9DzGqPBtyKqVCSZls/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZQOY_8xu5cSVitWOUJqYwj9je8GBFCaEpIWwxnybmoppzrMTHujv7KooFM0XyPIqPdbJTF_gDIxjxvL7PZWPC8Sec2UagGdly170syJyNM9OXVOfn2zlbyUw-k9DzGqPBtyKqVCSZls/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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3. I got an I-pad for my classroom. To say I'm excited is an UNDERSTATEMENT! I won't even begin to try to guess the number of hours I spent searching for free apps.<br />
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4. With my new a I-pad I made a book about our surveying using the App "My Story." I had such a blast doing it and can't wait to show my students next week. I can think of countless ways to use this FREE App in my classroom!<br />
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5. Since we didn't have school on Friday, my last item will be about me taking the time to really get back into blogging. I have already read tons of blogs today and made a bunch of catch up posts.<br />
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Hopefully next Friday I'll have more pics to add to my Five for Friday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-75918179051908809832013-04-26T14:46:00.000-07:002013-05-04T12:33:02.867-07:00Genre TweetsI saw an idea on Pinterest for a classroom Twitter board. I loved the idea of incorporating "Twitter" into my classroom. I decided to give my Twitter board a theme: Genre. One of our school's lowest reading areas is Genre, so I thought it would be perfect. The students are required to submit at least one Genre Tweet a nine weeks. I also allowed them to submit more for extra credit. They loved being able to make up their own names to tweet under. They tweet had to include the name of the book, genre, and why. All correct tweets with all three items included were posted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PDQi0gWItNav29tdGygtguiBi06w49C6bAJzkR9SQKcINq6FtOz96EKEUQykH2wq4ZdQPavaGSSPOuFA6B2lw1p8_hZ5BxRb64HM9GTpAogWRVh720BhMlcSihfOHNhPG5gIvVPraqA/s1600/North+Cleveland-20130118-00504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PDQi0gWItNav29tdGygtguiBi06w49C6bAJzkR9SQKcINq6FtOz96EKEUQykH2wq4ZdQPavaGSSPOuFA6B2lw1p8_hZ5BxRb64HM9GTpAogWRVh720BhMlcSihfOHNhPG5gIvVPraqA/s320/North+Cleveland-20130118-00504.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDWLYd7Mz896HhB6D2aaqxiUv13aTNzHpo7zkj7azIYVuxZZc6C0hvEN3yK_NyiTsZDRPi7iHG7uBv7WW24Rqf41mUGKQ0u9FrPu8vtWoZ52zA4hs37MLPyURHRGqHc9U8oewXny5KOM/s1600/Twittercrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDWLYd7Mz896HhB6D2aaqxiUv13aTNzHpo7zkj7azIYVuxZZc6C0hvEN3yK_NyiTsZDRPi7iHG7uBv7WW24Rqf41mUGKQ0u9FrPu8vtWoZ52zA4hs37MLPyURHRGqHc9U8oewXny5KOM/s320/Twittercrop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our Genre Tweets board is in our hallway so the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes get to see it. By having it in the hall more kids are getting to see it and hopefully learn something. I love anything that gets them excited and talking about books.<br />
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Lesson Learned:<br />
Next year I think I'll make it open to all grades to tweet on it. I will also try to update it more often.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5136344615253361872.post-29338929852037373142013-04-26T12:38:00.000-07:002013-04-26T12:38:16.813-07:00State Testing...yuckWe finished our state testing last week. All I can say is don't get me started. I'm sure you don't want to hear my endless rants about how a standardized test can in NO way measure how much my students learned or how well I did my job. I also really shouldn't mention how asking ten and eleven year olds to test for six different days over two weeks is WRONG! Once again, I'm sure you don't want to hear how our testing company messed up the directions on field tested items which left most kids confused as to what to do. With that said and SO much more I won't say for fear of going off the deep end, I did want to post a few pics. I see all the time the pics of teacher's classrooms when they are super cute at the start of the year. I thought it was time I showed the world what a real teacher's classroom looks like during testing. <br />
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And yes the paper covering everything DROVE ME NUTS! The only good part was that the kids loved getting to tear all the paper down, wad it up, and play basketball into the trashcans. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/278/DB4B623295A8DEE8E15D5CE87E8FB98F.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00187928000813178725noreply@blogger.com0