tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60960340250806524782024-02-28T18:44:25.412-05:00Permanently PrimaryUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-37507384697181260872016-02-25T21:39:00.002-05:002016-02-25T21:39:43.794-05:00Easy-to-Manage Math StationsThis is a post I've been meaning to share for quite some time. But having two little ones and a lot going on, it's been hard to find the time to write. Last year I started playing around with math stations and eventually found some things that work really well for me. Now that I'm in "year 2" of running my math stations, I finally feel like it's a well-oiled machine. If you're interested in an easy way to run and manage math stations in your classroom, then keep reading! :)<div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBAs3rzvlec/Vs-qzVVdbtI/AAAAAAAADPc/S908HWhYT1w/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-25%2Bat%2B8.05.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="485" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBAs3rzvlec/Vs-qzVVdbtI/AAAAAAAADPc/S908HWhYT1w/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-25%2Bat%2B8.05.23%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The basic format of running my math stations is this:</div>
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- Our math block is approximately 50 minutes long.</div>
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- There are 4 rotations: Meeting with me for a small-group lesson, iPads, Fact Practice, and Book & Math Bags</div>
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- I meet with each group for 10 minutes to do a quick lesson from <i>My Math</i> (our McGraw Hill program).</div>
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- I have approximately 1 minute transitions for them to switch stations.</div>
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- Everything is run by music.</div>
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- There are a maximum of 7 students in a group (it used to be 6, but then a month ago I gained #25...so that means one group had to have 7). I ability group them so that I'm able to differentiate a little easier.</div>
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Here are some basics for management purposes:</div>
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I made a simple flipchart for my Promethean Board. It has the 4 stations within each rotation. It is projected on the board for easy student viewing. I simply click the mouse to change it every 10 minutes.</div>
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Our whole 50ish minutes are set to music. I put together a playlist on iTunes. I have approximately 10 minutes of classical music followed by 1 minute of more upbeat songs that let the students know we are transitioning. I use 2 <a href="http://www.heidisongs.com/" target="_blank">Heidi Songs</a> that total about 1 minute (I bought the ones I need off of iTunes). This repeats itself 3 more times so that I have a total of 4 classical segments, which is "work time". During the transitional music, the students know it's time to switch and have time to clean up real quick and start their next station.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSYW32FyAnU/Vs-sEYn9HKI/AAAAAAAADPk/F3W3L68KrNE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-25%2Bat%2B8.06.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSYW32FyAnU/Vs-sEYn9HKI/AAAAAAAADPk/F3W3L68KrNE/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-25%2Bat%2B8.06.00%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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All of their materials for the "Math Bags" and "Fact Practice" are stored in my rainbow drawer cart. Each drawer is labeled so they can easily find the things they need.</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>The first station is working with the teacher.</b></span></div>
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I work with my low group first so that they have the basis to do their following stations independently. I have my manual, manipulatives, and all other supplies right at my table so that I'm ready to teach. I found this handy plastic tub and tiny little ones at The Container Store a little over a year ago. Everything fits perfectly and I keep it right under my desk.<br />
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I go through the intro to the lesson and then we work through several examples and problems in their books together. I also use this time to differentiate. I'm able to slow it down for my low group and do some extension activities and problems with my high group.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">The second station is "Book & Math Bags".</span></b></div>
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After they work with me, they move right into their independent practice page. On one of the walls in my classroom, I have a ripped off cover from one of their math books and taped it to the wall and put a piece of chalkboard vinyl underneath. I use chalk markers to write the page number that they are to work on in their book. I have a helper erase it at the end of each day and I just write the new one up there every morning. They just have to look at the wall, find the book cover, and see what page they need to do that day. It eliminates questions of what page to turn to.</div>
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If they have time once they are finished (which they usually do), they go over to the rainbow drawers and grab a math activity. I have several bags of Common Core centers in a drawer and they can pick one to work on. They have the directions and parts and pieces in each bag. Everything is there and they just have to grab it and get busy! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Sarah-Kirby/Category/Monthly-Math-Centers" target="_blank">These centers are in my store. I have sets for each month.</a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4TsLLN47oI/Vs-sXgFZUdI/AAAAAAAADQU/Ns5yxcNglF4/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-25%2Bat%2B8.07.24%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4TsLLN47oI/Vs-sXgFZUdI/AAAAAAAADQU/Ns5yxcNglF4/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-25%2Bat%2B8.07.24%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>The third station is Fact Fluency.</b></span></div>
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I have many options for them to practice their math facts. Once again, everything is stored in the rainbow drawers. They can choose from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Educational-Insights-Flash-Cards-Addition/dp/B0006Q0DGE/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1456453627&sr=8-12&keywords=hot+dots" target="_blank">Hot Dots</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=wrap+ups" target="_blank">Wrap Ups</a>, Board Games, Roll and Cover, or fact practice on the iPads (more on that in a minute).</div>
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The board games (<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Addition-and-Subtraction-Races-Monthly-Bundles-2210547" target="_blank">Addition and Subtraction Races</a>) come from Jana Guerra from We Heart 1st. My students love them and they were super easy to prep!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Addition-and-Subtraction-Races-Monthly-Bundles-2210547" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxmwKbchbdA/Vs-2IYyHXZI/AAAAAAAADRE/6KJ5dpmWMMk/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-25%2Bat%2B9.18.21%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can find the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Roll-and-Cover-Addition-1642633" target="_blank">Addition Roll and Cover</a> games in my shop. Just print, laminate, and add some dice and playing pieces! Super easy to prep as well. The students love playing it and it really has made a difference in their ability to quickly recall facts.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Roll-and-Cover-Addition-1642633" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIcRrSHRoLw/Vs-1u_4bRVI/AAAAAAAADRA/o6tuXhhsYw4/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-25%2Bat%2B9.17.06%2BPM.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>The fourth station is iPads.</b></span></div>
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We use a free app called <a href="https://www.frontrowed.com/" target="_blank">FrontRow</a>. It's a differentiated, self-paced program that works on all math domains. The students are given a pretest in each domain and then it starts them where they are and progresses as they're ready. The data end of it for teachers is awesome. This year they added a "Fact Practice" section where the students can play a game to practice their math facts. The students can work on this during fact practice if they want as well. If you don't have iPads, don't worry - it's available for desktop/laptop computers as well!</div>
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The way math rotations are done in my classroom are super-easy to manage and very low prep. It took a little leg work up front (printing, laminating, and sometimes cutting) to get some of the math bags, Roll and Cover, and board games ready to go, but now it takes no time at all to prep for math.</div>
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Here is a view of my plans in PlanBook for how I do my lesson plans for my math block. I saved the template and tweak it each week to reflect the different lessons. You should be able to click on it to make it bigger. :)</div>
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I hope this post has given you some inspiration to start or help you organize your math stations! We do this every day and my students and I all love it. :)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-79884544398967878132015-11-30T01:17:00.003-05:002015-11-30T01:17:59.860-05:00Sight Words on DisplayEach year presents new challenges, right? Well, this year my challenge has been sight words. In the past, the majority of my students have picked them up fairly well. This year it seemed like they were getting off to a rough start. So my brain started thinking and searching for something to do to help them learn them. I tried every trick, worksheet, chant, etc. that I could think of. <br />
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My problem with Reading Street is that they introduce the sight words on Tuesday (look at them, say them, use them on a workbook page), review them on Wednesday and Thursday (with a quick workbook page), and bam. Tested Friday. I always thought that was insane to expect them to learn them with such little involvement and engagement with the words. Sure, they're in the story and maybe a decodable reader, but really? I use <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Words-Interactive-Notebook-1411103" target="_blank">Jessica Tobin's sight word notebooks</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Say-It-Write-It-Find-It-1st-Grade-Sight-Words-600529" target="_blank">my own Say It, Write It, Find It booklets</a>, and post the words up on my word wall and focus wall. The ones who "get" sight words got them just fine with these couple of supplements. But for my strugglers, it just still wasn't connecting for them.<br />
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One day I got desperate and made a comment, "It's like I have to walk around with a Post-It note on my forehead with a sight word on it so they can stare at it all day!" Stop. What? My brain started going crazy about how that might not be such a bad idea. I started thinking of all the ways I could literally make them stare at the words at every possible moment during the day. This is about as close to "in-your-face" as it gets!<br />
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I whipped up these little Sight Words Badges and wear one every. single. day. My students love it! They can no longer call me Mrs. Kirby. They call me Mrs. Whatever-Badge-Is-On-My-Shirt. I can't even tell you the excitement they have walking in the door to see what my new name is.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2_7BRwBXLc/VlvjUhCy-6I/AAAAAAAADMw/xtMrA9zhsSg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B12.48.34%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2_7BRwBXLc/VlvjUhCy-6I/AAAAAAAADMw/xtMrA9zhsSg/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B12.48.34%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I printed them all out and laminated them. I keep them in this cute little tin from Target so they are easy to find and grab. I found the badge holders at Wal-Mart in the office supply section. They fit perfectly into the plastic sleeves!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKoF3n9H7p0/VlvkoE0VkPI/AAAAAAAADNE/iYQ42BcXWss/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B12.54.17%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKoF3n9H7p0/VlvkoE0VkPI/AAAAAAAADNE/iYQ42BcXWss/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B12.54.17%2BAM.png" width="398" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XInqpvx_sSE/Vlvj-Wn1HnI/AAAAAAAADM4/e4ILBvyE7Ws/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B12.51.34%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XInqpvx_sSE/Vlvj-Wn1HnI/AAAAAAAADM4/e4ILBvyE7Ws/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B12.51.34%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have to warn you...you *might* get some looks, stares, and giggles from fellow co-workers when you forget to take off your name badge. Or they might just start jumping in on the game and calling you by your sight word. This may or may not happen to me... ;)<br />
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Another way I found to help my students retain their sight words is by labeling their tables by words. I used to call them, "Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, etc." I've even done letters, animals, colors, etc. But labeling them by sight word is JUST as exciting to them, plus their table name changes every week (although I may start moving them around each day, just for more exposure to each word).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXZcSywIUm4/VlvlpoGlY-I/AAAAAAAADNM/nG3c-jCLyWE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B12.58.38%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXZcSywIUm4/VlvlpoGlY-I/AAAAAAAADNM/nG3c-jCLyWE/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B12.58.38%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I simply put their sight words on a piece of paper, folded it in half so that each side has the word on it, and stuck it to their tables. SUPER easy to put together and to display! They're seriously so easy to change out. I also printed them on colored paper so that they pop a little more.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ItkN7GR4Fk/VlvmNIPjmTI/AAAAAAAADNY/R9CpG1Yvu5Q/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.00.49%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ItkN7GR4Fk/VlvmNIPjmTI/AAAAAAAADNY/R9CpG1Yvu5Q/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.00.49%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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You could hang these from the ceiling or simply fold them into little table tents that stand alone on tables. Our fire marshall prohibits us from hanging anything from the ceiling (boo! hiss!), so I had to get a little creative with how to label my tables. I found these fun, sparkly clothespins at Hobby Lobby. I got some short wooden dowel rods and some half-sphere styrofoam pieces.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQeDe9nOnKE/VlvnMB3WR6I/AAAAAAAADNs/9vIjPn1FLlY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.05.13%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQeDe9nOnKE/VlvnMB3WR6I/AAAAAAAADNs/9vIjPn1FLlY/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.05.13%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I simply glued the clothespin to one end, stuck the other end in the styrofoam, and then stuck the whole thing down in their table caddies. Voila! The kids don't mess with them because they had a ginormous warning from me. ;)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVFUibPHQzs/Vlvn8tO8EUI/AAAAAAAADN0/P6teztsy8aU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.07.53%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVFUibPHQzs/Vlvn8tO8EUI/AAAAAAAADN0/P6teztsy8aU/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.07.53%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yFh3PxyGacw/VlvoB2hl_PI/AAAAAAAADOE/1_ZG9-YZ5yE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.08.24%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yFh3PxyGacw/VlvoB2hl_PI/AAAAAAAADOE/1_ZG9-YZ5yE/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.08.24%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkSEPUj1oHU/Vlvn-Q9FYGI/AAAAAAAADN8/rNph67gRdEY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.08.05%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GkSEPUj1oHU/Vlvn-Q9FYGI/AAAAAAAADN8/rNph67gRdEY/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.08.05%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QnUD7V-FRg8/Vlvn_xUgVnI/AAAAAAAADOA/AJt7uLVBMFQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.08.16%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QnUD7V-FRg8/Vlvn_xUgVnI/AAAAAAAADOA/AJt7uLVBMFQ/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.08.16%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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To save myself some time (and maybe you, too), I've put both the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Words-on-Display-2236653" target="_blank">Sight Word Badges and Sight Word Table Signs</a> into a file that's easy to print and store. It includes sight words from 1st Grade Reading Street, 2nd Grade Reading Street, and all of the Dolch words. With the TPT sale right now, it's even on sale! ;)<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Words-on-Display-2236653" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-F8FVtThqc/Vlvo7036wrI/AAAAAAAADOU/KhVJnnAPzgg/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-30%2Bat%2B1.12.32%2BAM.png" width="308" /></a></div>
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One more way that I found that helps my students with their sight words is by writing them on the wall with a chalk marker! I write the words on the wall by the door each week. We read them as we leave the room and as we wait by the door. I'm constantly reviewing the words with my students because they are right there. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hW59hjtkGnc/VjgxGXsuPSI/AAAAAAAADL0/_I5dZiSaSaw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.30.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hW59hjtkGnc/VjgxGXsuPSI/AAAAAAAADL0/_I5dZiSaSaw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.30.30%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bottom line? Make sure your weekly sight words are EVERYWHERE and in plain sight! I have noticed a remarkable difference in my students' sight word retention. Plus, it's all so fun!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-64697835884252169502015-11-02T23:18:00.003-05:002015-11-02T23:18:51.171-05:00The Best Chalk Markers EVER!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83dgUJL8mtE/Vjgt4cvYkRI/AAAAAAAADJM/OUS333SAnc8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.44.43%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83dgUJL8mtE/Vjgt4cvYkRI/AAAAAAAADJM/OUS333SAnc8/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.44.43%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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My title isn't lying. I wasn't paid to say that. I truly believe that I have found the best chalk markers ever! I've used several different kinds and they're either streaky, dry out too quickly, don't write smooth, or just aren't that great. I've had the chance to review these chalk markers, by <a href="http://www.chalkola.com/" target="_blank">Chalkola</a>, and I will tell you I'm in love. Let me explain.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoLkpHhZb9o/VjgwGpoKhRI/AAAAAAAADLM/rVRJni0ZDaw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.29.08%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoLkpHhZb9o/VjgwGpoKhRI/AAAAAAAADLM/rVRJni0ZDaw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.29.08%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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First of all, there are 2 different types that I tried. I tried the "standard" version of what most of us probably think of when we think about chalk markers. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chalk-Markers-Chalkboard-Window-Whiteboards/dp/B00PM473TK" target="_blank">10-Pack of 6mm Bullet Tip</a> markers is a great variety for what you would need for most of your typical projects.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKXpPiIfDOg/VjguBveBrXI/AAAAAAAADJU/UJD66wI-dfo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.29.16%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qKXpPiIfDOg/VjguBveBrXI/AAAAAAAADJU/UJD66wI-dfo/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.29.16%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26uKboPqD4g/VjgwWusCV1I/AAAAAAAADLU/w8oLdsNItDM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.29.27%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26uKboPqD4g/VjgwWusCV1I/AAAAAAAADLU/w8oLdsNItDM/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.29.27%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI7UN5l02wQ/VjgwW60XL4I/AAAAAAAADLY/TtLcFAug6mA/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.29.36%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI7UN5l02wQ/VjgwW60XL4I/AAAAAAAADLY/TtLcFAug6mA/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.29.36%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used them in several ways, including writing my kids' names on their tables. Instead of using nameplates that get destroyed (some sooner than later), I opted to write their names instead. If I ever need to move a student, I can simply wipe off their name and write it in their new spot.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHbh45_dCSc/VjguJ15JtPI/AAAAAAAADJg/Fw8oUfm9DrQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.31.46%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHbh45_dCSc/VjguJ15JtPI/AAAAAAAADJg/Fw8oUfm9DrQ/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.31.46%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djUN-phYFbs/VjguJePKzGI/AAAAAAAADJc/NTwW2h75JdU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.31.54%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djUN-phYFbs/VjguJePKzGI/AAAAAAAADJc/NTwW2h75JdU/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.31.54%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also used them to write on our classroom windows! My plan is to write their sight words on the window once the pumpkins come down later this month. These markers work GREAT on glass. I used both types of markers to write on my windows. It draws on smooth and has vibrant color to it. With the sun peering through our windows each day, the glow through the chalk is gorgeous.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWvXhaYhsq8/VjguavduQEI/AAAAAAAADJw/k-bpgi5YXw4/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.30.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWvXhaYhsq8/VjguavduQEI/AAAAAAAADJw/k-bpgi5YXw4/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.30.57%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UKI_cHguqo/VjguaH5P0rI/AAAAAAAADJs/Guw9Wm2iRp8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.31.05%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UKI_cHguqo/VjguaH5P0rI/AAAAAAAADJs/Guw9Wm2iRp8/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.31.05%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also used them to write on the smooth tiles on our classroom walls (never mind the disgusting grout...ahem...). I wrote our sight words for the week in different colors. I LOVE this because my kids are constantly staring at them every time we line up and leave the room. I make them read them to me as they are waiting or before they can use the restroom. I've seriously written their sight words in so many places in our room. There's no reason for them not to be familiar with them! ;) Not only that, but they LOVE standing there reading them. Who knew?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hW59hjtkGnc/VjgxGXsuPSI/AAAAAAAADLo/CebISnuI6NE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.30.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hW59hjtkGnc/VjgxGXsuPSI/AAAAAAAADLo/CebISnuI6NE/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.30.30%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HeWrdZF8G44/VjgxF_r7u_I/AAAAAAAADLk/ykqPGsqZC04/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.30.39%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HeWrdZF8G44/VjgxF_r7u_I/AAAAAAAADLk/ykqPGsqZC04/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.30.39%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LN8l4MMXgqA/VjgxGVaTnmI/AAAAAAAADLs/-TNFQkfsvac/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.30.48%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LN8l4MMXgqA/VjgxGVaTnmI/AAAAAAAADLs/-TNFQkfsvac/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.30.48%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Chalkola also has another size marker that I'm GIDDY about! I wasn't sure if I'd use them much or even know WHAT to use them for. Oh my...I ended up using these the most! I love the thickness of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chalk-Markers-longer-Teachers-Chalkboard/dp/B0112OP7BY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1446519114&sr=8-3&keywords=chalkola" target="_blank">15mm Chalk Markers</a>. The awesome thing is that you can use it with the thickest part or turn it on its side to make your strokes a little more narrow.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDkc9FsN2PE/VjgvF2heRhI/AAAAAAAADKU/BgldDigMv3o/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.50.03%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDkc9FsN2PE/VjgvF2heRhI/AAAAAAAADKU/BgldDigMv3o/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-11-02%2Bat%2B10.50.03%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once I started using these, I completely went to town. A teacher neighbor walked by and wondered what on earth I was doing marking all over my room, but once I showed them to her and she looked at them, she stood there with me for a while coming up with more ideas I hadn't even thought of! I use these to write on my math chalkboard vinyl sheets so that students know what page numbers to work on during math rotations. I love the thickness of it because they can see it from all the way across the room.<br />
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I also used them to write on the floor! Yes, the floor. I wrote their numbers on the floor so they can stand on them when we line up. Last year I used calendar cards and used contact paper to attach them to the floor, but they ended up ripping off and peeling. The nice thing about using the chalk markers to write their numbers is that whenever it comes off, you just have to quickly rewrite it. No spending money on more numbers (or whatever you use) and contact paper. Let's be honest, contact paper takes way more time than necessary half the time. ;) They will get scuffed and scratched as people walk over them, but they look fine. I've had mine on for over a week and there's just a few numbers that could use a little touch-up.<br />
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We also have heaters/AC units in our rooms, so I thought ours could use a little sprucing up. ;) A simple quote every now and then is always an easy way to perk up your room while promoting fun and positivity!<br />
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I also used them to write on my chalkboard pennant banner from Target. Originally, I used a typical piece of chalk. I just couldn't get it to stand out or look neat enough, especially since I hung it so high. With one stroke for each letter with the 15mm marker, the letters look neat, tidy, and bold.<br />
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So are you convinced yet that these would be a GREAT addition to your classroom? I'm sure there are a few questions you might have before you take the plunge. Let me see if I can answer some of them before you even have to ask.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Does it come off????</span><br />
Of course! I'd be deader than a doorknob if this stuff didn't come off. Just use a wet paper towel, baby wipe, or some Windex and wipe it right off!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">What can you write on?</span><br />
You can write on any non-porous surface. Glass, tile, chalkboards, whiteboards, mirrors, etc. As long as it's not a surface that it can soak in, you should be able to write on it.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Are these safe to have in my classroom? Do they have strong fumes?</span><br />
Yes, they are safe. No, they do not have strong fumes. They have a slight smell, but I promise it doesn't knock you over. And I could only smell a hint of a smell while I was using it. It was honestly barely noticeable.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">What if I get it on my clothes?</span><br />
Not a problem! These water-based markers will wash right out.<br />
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I'm telling you, you need to own these! They are fun and easy to use. They are my go-to markers for a lot of projects now. And here's a secret...when I first had them at home, my 2 and 4 year old LOVED trying them out! I let them draw all over one of the windows in our house and they had a BLAST! <br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Where can I get some of these awesome chalk markers?</span><br />
If you'd like to order a set, you can use the code CHALK20A to get 20% off these already discounted markers! Put the code into the little box that says, "Add a gift card or promotion code" when you see the "Payment Method" section. That is SERIOUSLY a great snag!<br />
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I'm telling you, you need to own these! They are fun and easy to use. They are my go-to markers for a lot of projects now. And here's a secret...when I first had them at home, my 2 and 4 year old LOVED trying them out! I let them draw all over one of the windows in our house and they had a BLAST! I hope you enjoy them and find so many wonderful uses for these chalk markers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-16654702201062764202015-09-01T22:47:00.000-04:002015-09-02T07:04:46.483-04:00Classroom TourI have managed to make it through my first 7 days of school! Woohoo! My group this year is SO sweet and I love them already. I have a lot of REALLY high kids, so I'm already learning a lot this year myself! I'm really loving this challenge and excited to see what I can do with them.<br />
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So on with the classroom tour, because I know how much teachers love looking at other teachers' classrooms! ;) I'm linking up with Blog Lovin' for their Classroom Tour day. Perfect timing! :)</div>
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Ever since I started teaching 8 years ago, I've had the same classroom theme: brights and black. It's one of my favorites and I just love, love, love it, but this year I needed something different to look at. I was inspired by a piece of fabric from Hobby Lobby, which became my door curtain.</div>
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It reminded me of something Caribbean-ish or Mediterranean-ish. SO calming and soothing! I found everything turquoise and light-lime/mint-green that I could. Can I just say I love sitting in my room and just staring at it? :) I'm just going to list all these pictures right in a row and at the bottom I'll try and list where I got everything. Oh, and we are allowed to paint our rooms, so I used Valspar Limonata on the wall with the window. :)</div>
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Fabric for boards, window swag, and door curtain: Hobby Lobby</div>
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Little mini pails (striped and mint ones): Target Dollar Spot</div>
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Turquoise paper bins (on top of crayon drawers and on top of the file cabinet next to the door): Target Dollar Spot</div>
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Gray mini desk caddy: Target Dollar Spot</div>
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Mint green small plastic baskets: Target Dollar Spot</div>
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Turquoise chalkboard/bulletin board: Target Dollar Spot</div>
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Turquoise scissors, hole punch, and tape dispenser: Target</div>
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Turquoise mini 3-drawers (next to the Keurig): Target</div>
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Turquoise bins on white shelves on either side of the window: Meijer</div>
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Turquoise basket with striped lining: Micheal's</div>
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Chalkboard pennant banner (on word wall): Target Dollar Spot</div>
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White book bins: Target and Walmart</div>
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Turquoise and Lime pennant banners (above boards): Target in the party section</div>
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"Focus Wall" and "Data" board titles: Silver plates from Target in the party section and letters were from the Target Dollar Spot</div>
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Black calendar pocket chart: Amazon (made my Scholastic)</div>
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Lights over sink: Target</div>
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Turquoise tablecloth: Target in the party section</div>
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Gray couch slipcover: Wayfair</div>
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Black and white damask contact paper on file cabinets: TJ Maxx</div>
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Turquoise desk and rocking chair: I inherited the rocking chair and the desk is from Target. I painted both of them with a paint that I blogged about below. Check out the post right before this one! :)</div>
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I hope you enjoyed my little tour! :) I hope your school year is starting off well!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-39072639275335445582015-07-19T23:52:00.001-04:002015-07-19T23:53:10.373-04:00Monday Made It - The Best Paint in the WorldI promise I didn't fall off the face of the earth. If you follow me on Instagram (sarahlynnkirby), then you know I'm alive and well. The end of the school year got the best of me and summer has been full of family time, rejuvenation, and projects. I'm linking up with <a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">4th Grade Frolics</a> today to show you a project I just finished! I HAVE to share it with you because it has made me entirely too giddy and made me want to paint all the things. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GPRePCBXH8/VaxqZLkRGUI/AAAAAAAADBE/hQwg4GDTx6I/s1600/MMI%2BTitle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GPRePCBXH8/VaxqZLkRGUI/AAAAAAAADBE/hQwg4GDTx6I/s1600/MMI%2BTitle.png" /></a></div>
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So what is it that I just have to share with you? Just the most amazing paint in the world! A girl I work with told me about a place in Grove City, Ohio called <a href="http://zassystreasures.com/" target="_blank">Zassy's Treasures</a>. "They have this paint that you can use on anything! The have the prettiest colors!" So I checked it out and ordered it. But let me tell you, deciding on a color was nearly IMPOSSIBLE! The thing that appealed to me most and made me bite the bullet and get it was that you don't have to sand, prime, or anything! It's actually a self-priming paint. It also dries quickly, which makes adding other coats (if you even need to) very fast and easy. You can paint on virtually any surface. That had my attention, too, since a lot of stuff in my classroom is either plastic, wood, or sealed with a high-gloss coating.<br />
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I ended up choosing <a href="http://zassystreasures.com/shop/repurpose-paint-stain/re%E2%80%A2purpose-chroma%E2%80%A2color-paint-turquoise/" target="_blank">Turquoise</a>.<br />
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So what did I do with it? Well, my classroom rocking chair was in DESPERATE need of a makeover. After about 7 years of wear and tear on my good ole white spray-painted rocking chair, it was time for a facelift.<br />
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Using the turquoise paint, I MIGHT have used a quarter of the can. It went on so thick and smooth. I just used basic paintbrush, as seen above. For the most part it only took one coat. I touched up a couple areas with another coat, but this was the easiest and most beautiful paint job I've ever done.<br />
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I added some close-up pictures for you because I tried to capture how SMOOTH the paint is!<br />
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Sorry that this pictures isn't as nice as the others, but it was dark outside and raining...again...(if you're from Ohio, you know how our summer has gone!). But I found a pretty gray rocking chair cushion from Kohl's. It's made by Food Network. My son, Sawyer, always finds it interesting to see what mommy is doing with the camera! ;)<br />
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So what am I doing with ALL my leftover paint? I'm going to be painting my desk for my classroom this week. :D If I have any left after that I might try painting some of my book boxes. We shall see what happens! All I know is that I completely LOVE this paint and I can't wait to get these furniture pieces back in my classroom! I highly recommend this paint and the store I received it from. You might say, "But Sarah, is it really worth $30 for a quart of paint?" Yes, yes, and yes. :) Go for it! You won't ever want to use any other kind of paint.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-83355775599617885512015-05-07T14:15:00.001-04:002015-05-07T14:15:29.766-04:00Dum Dum Lollipop ActivityI am so excited to share a fun project with you that I've had the honor of doing with my students a few weeks ago. I partnered up with the company that makes <a href="http://www.dumdumpops.com/" target="_blank">Dum Dum suckers</a> (did you know they're made in Ohio? I had no clue!) to bring you <a href="http://www.dumdumpops.com/promos/the-magic-of-spring" target="_blank">The Magic of Spring</a>. They sent me a box of Dum Dums suckers and some "magic jelly beans" and asked me to use them with my class in some way. I saw a picture or two from friends that did something like this with their toddlers, so I was thinking how in the world could I do this activity with first graders that would keep them engaged, be educational, and teach them something?<br />
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Since Dum Dums and jelly beans are edible and made of sugar, I went with it. We created an edible treat that involved multi-step directions, predictions, and a little experiment.<br />
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Supplies for each student:<br />
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1. Ice cream cone<br />
2. Cocoa crispies<br />
3. Sugar packet<br />
4. Popsicle stick<br />
5. Jelly bean<br />
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I typed up a quick little packet for the students to fill out. The first thing they did was write out the list of ingredients. I passed them out one by one so the students could observe them, write them down, and put them together.<br />
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I used ice cream cones with flat bottoms so they could stand up. These were their "pots". I gave them each a small cup of cereal and they poured that in as the "soil".<br />
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Then the dropped in a "seed" (jelly bean).<br />
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Next, they wrote their name on a popsicle stick using a Sharpie so that we could identify each child's cone.<br />
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Then they sprinkled on some "water" (sugar).<br />
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Finally, they wrote out their steps of what they did. Then they drew a picture of what it looks like and what they thought it would look like when it grew. They wrote a prediction of what they thought would grow. The fun part was that NOBODY predicted that a sucker would grow from a jelly bean!<br />
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We put them in paper cups so that they wouldn't fall over and spill. I took them home over the weekend because I was afraid the ants might find them!<br />
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I used my Silhouette machine to cut out some paper flowers to stick the Dum Dums through. I just used some cute printed scrapbook paper. When they walked in on Monday morning, they were SO surprised! We talked about if their predictions were correct and why a sucker could grow from a jelly bean.<br />
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SO MUCH FUN! It just goes to show that you can use just about anything and make a great project from it. This was a cute spring activity, but it could also be a cute Mother's Day gift! So if you need a last minute idea for tomorrow, go grab some suckers and jelly beans! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-61251337853602093052015-03-25T23:40:00.002-04:002015-03-25T23:40:44.783-04:00Using March Madness to Cultivate a Love of Literature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I cannot take credit for this idea. I first saw it on Facebook, linked by a teacher-friend. <a href="https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/top-10-reasons-to-participate-in-march-book-madness-by-tony-keefer/" target="_blank">The article</a> had a simple picture that caught my attention. To be honest, I didn't even read the article. I just saw the picture and my mind started going crazy on how to make this work for 1st graders. <br />
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I took a large piece of butcher paper and drew a very large bracket with a big Sharpie. I hung it in the hallway across from our door so that the kids could see it, as well as the rest of the school. I can't tell you how many other students, teachers, and parents stopped to look. I even overheard a few older students talking about which books they thought would win. It made my heart smile. :)</div>
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One of the main questions I've had is whether or not I let the students choose the first 32 books. I did not, mainly because it was such a last minute project and I needed to get it going. I picked 8 books from 4 different genres. I created categories for Classics, Humor, Mixed-Up Fairy Tales, and General Fiction. I wanted to expose the students to a variety of genres and open their eyes to some literature that they may not have explored before. I tried to throw in some books I knew they liked, too. I Googled images of each book I chose and just copied and pasted the images into a PowerPoint, printed, and laminated! I put a little masking tape on the back of each image and put them on the bracket. The pictures of the books made it a little more exciting and colorful.</div>
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I had to get this done before Spring Break (which is this week, PTL!), so I read a set of books from each category every. single. day. </div>
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I started off each read aloud by saying that we were going to have another tournament. Within the Classics category, I gave a little bit of background for each book. They loved learning how old some of them were! ;)</div>
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After I read the two books, I passed out little paper ballots to each student. I reminded them each time that they had to vote for they one THEY liked best. The paper ballots were a good way to do it because they really did want to keep their vote a secret. If we simply raised our hands, well...you know how that goes, especially with little ones. ;) I have a feeling the race wouldn't be as close!</div>
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After all the votes were tallied each time, I would announce the winner and CHEERS would ERUPT. They were so excited every single time! There were some definite shockers, like The Giving Tree. I totally didn't expect that one to make it past the first round. </div>
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Another question I've had is if I read the books after reading them once. YES! I read them every. single. round. It got a little annoying by time the finals came around, but I felt it was important for them to hear them each time in order to compare them to the book it was up against. Surprisingly, they loved it each time and I really think it made a different. They had such a fresh perspective when it was up against a different text the next time.</div>
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After the tournament was over, we went around to a couple of classrooms that took a big interest in our competition and announced the winner. They ended up reading the book to them as a class because they practically had it memorized. ;)</div>
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So who is the 2015 book winner of Mrs. Kirby's 1st grade class? I'm so glad you asked. :) It was the ONLY unanimous vote during the whole tournament (which provided a great opportunity for a quick vocabulary lesson!).</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG</b></span> by Mo Willems!!!!!</div>
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I definitely recommend this activity for next year in your classroom! It was a DEFINITE hit with my students and I don't think they'll ever forget it!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-72494980827253160372015-01-28T09:00:00.000-05:002015-01-28T09:00:05.054-05:00Quick Organization Tip!Today I'm linking up with my gals from Primary Powers to bring you a little organization for the new year! There are so many little tidbits and goodies that we're sharing and you don't want to miss any of them!<br />
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<a href="http://www.sailingintosecond.com/classroom-organization/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GezRmB90ozk/VMhobpB_5YI/AAAAAAAAC3M/pwKbWqb-ho8/s1600/Organization%2BBlog%2BHop.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you didn't see my last blog post from a couple days ago, see the post below this one! I talked about how I organize my teaching data. :) I go into a lot of detail in the post, so if you want to see the specifics, just scroll down.<br />
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I made a quick little freebie for you to help you organize your own data binder! It's an editable file that allows you to type your name to personalize it AND you can type your own content areas if needed! I did the cover page in color and the rest are in black and white to save on that colored ink. ;) I hope you enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Data-Binder-Freebie-1675333" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> or click on the picture!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Data-Binder-Freebie-1675333" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydHxp-CrXik/VMhn8ljunoI/AAAAAAAAC3E/i-wm4iU8PMk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-27%2Bat%2B11.38.21%2BPM.png" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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Hop on over to <a href="http://mysecondsense.blogspot.com/2015/01/organization-ideas-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">My Second Sense</a> to see what's next! :)</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-75283005689468776702015-01-26T12:27:00.000-05:002015-01-26T12:27:16.414-05:00Data Collection: The Teacher Side of ItNo school today, which means I have a chance to catch my breath and catch up on my blog!<br />
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Data collection. I think it's one of those things that you either love or hate. I, myself, probably get entirely too giddy about it. I love seeing those graphs go up and seeing how much my students have grown. I also love the information it tells me. If you really use it as it should be used, it will honestly help you drive your instruction to best plan for your students. It's an insanely helpful tool that we really have a lot to learn from!</div>
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I always get a lot of interest and questions about the types of data I collect, what I do with it, and how I keep it organized. This blog post will hopefully answer those questions for you. If you think of other questions or want more clarification, leave a comment below and I will answer them the best I can. :)</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>What types of data do you collect?</b></span></div>
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Great question! There are so many things that you can collect. Some of it is useful, some of it is not. My rule of thumb is to keep it as simple as possible and to collect data on things that assess the general knowledge/abilities of your students. You can always break it down further, but that's more of what your RTI process is for. In talking about the general classroom, I collect the big things: fluency, math facts, sight words, reading levels, and scores from a 1st grade math test. I'm never big on tracking a "test", but the one we give is a test with all of the 1st grade standards that they should learn by the end of the year. We give it the first week of school, in the winter (we will be giving it the first week of February), and at the very end of the year. It shows me their mastery of 1st grade math skills. Short and simple!</div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">That seems like a lot of paperwork. How do you keep it all organized?</span></b></div>
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Binders are my best friend! :) I keep all the info in one binder so that I have allll the data I need right at my finger tips. I put tabs in it to separate all the different categories so that it makes it easy to find what I need. I also keep my AIMSWeb reports in here.</div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">How often do you collect data from the students?</span></b></div>
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It truly depends. I collect it often enough to see growth and be able to accurately plan for my students, but I don't do it so much that they don't have time to grow between checks. :)</div>
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For math facts, I check them weekly. We use <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gumball-Math-Expansion-Pack-123602" target="_blank">Gumball Math</a> from Made for 1st Grade. I have a math fact program in my shop called <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Camera-Club-Math-Fact-Mastery-1st-Grade-Edition-1056287" target="_blank">Camera Club Math Fact Mastery</a>. Here's the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Camera-Club-Math-Fact-Mastery-2nd-Grade-Edition-1384366" target="_blank">2nd grade version</a>. They are more aligned with Common Core. :) Use whatever program you're used to using or that which works best for your needs. I keep little checksheets in my binder in sheet protectors so that I can quickly write down the date they pass each level.</div>
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As I mentioned above, we also give a general math test that checks all the standards for 1st grade. We use My Math, so we just use the end-of-year test. We give it at the beginning of the year, in the winter, and at the end of the year.</div>
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I also keep my AIMSWeb data in my binder as well. We do beginning of the year, mid-year, and end-of-year checks with those. I have a student who gets progress monitored weekly, so I will keep his information in here as well (he just started Tier 3, so I don't have his info printed yet.)</div>
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For sight words, I use <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-Words-A-High-Frequency-Word-Learning-Assessment-System-295883" target="_blank">Rainbow Words</a> from Jen Jones. My students LOVE this program! :) I assess their sight words every other week. Again, I put a checklist in a sheet protector and then write the dates of when they pass each level.</div>
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I assess fluency each week as well. We use Reading Street, so they have fluency passages included for each week. That's what I use for these and then I use the unit fluency checks at the end of each unit. I typed up checklists for each unit and placed them in sheet protectors. </div>
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For reading levels, we use Fountas & Pinnell. This year I bought a subscription to Raz-Kids, so I'm better able to monitor when they pass each level. We used to check their reading levels at the beginning of the year, mid-year, and end-of-year (and we still do), but now that I have Raz-Kids I check them more frequently. THEN when it comes time for those big checks 3x a year, it doesn't take as long because I don't have to have the read for a lot of levels! It really cuts down on the time I spend assessing those weeks. I just glance at Raz-Kids and when I see a child has passed a level on there, I check them using the books. This will be different for each student. For some I might assess them every couple of weeks, for some it will only be 3x a year if they aren't progressing through Raz-Kids. I keep a big list of the 3x a year and what level they are on, but I also keep a checklist in which I write down the date they pass each level if I assess them more often.</div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">Do the different colors of ink you use mean anything?</span></b></div>
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Actually, they do! I'm one of those who loves colored pens. Hello <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-PointGuard-Assorted-74423/dp/B000J09CO6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422291521&sr=8-1&keywords=flair+pens" target="_blank">Flair Pens</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-InkJoy-Advanced-Colored/dp/B0067Y5KWG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1422291489&sr=8-4&keywords=ink+joy" target="_blank">Ink Joy</a>! A teacher's best friend. :) I color code EVERYTHING I do. So in my checklists, I use a specific color for each month so that I can easily glance and see trends or big leaps in a short amount of time. I love seasons and holidays, so of course my colors coordinate with each month. ;)</div>
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August = orange, September = red, October = orange, November = brown, December = green, January = light blue, February = pink, March = green, April = purple, May = pink</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>How do you store and organize all of your assessment materials?</b></span><br />
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Binders, boxes, and folders!<br />
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For Gumball Math, I found this cute flip-top box a couple years ago at Target. I put hanging folders in it and labeled them for each level. I grab my binder so I know what level they are on and pull the sheets from the box when it's time to pass them out. I call up all the kids (by name, not level) who are on the same level so that it goes a little quicker.<br />
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For Fountas & Pinnell, I have the kit that neatly stores everything. I also have purple tub where I store a binder with all the master sheets and all of the books. I just grab the tub and my binder and I have everything I need!</div>
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For Rainbow Words, I keep everything in a binder. I clip the assessment sheets to the front cover so that they are ready and I don't have to spend a ton of time looking at which level they are on, finding the corresponding sheet, writing their name, and filing them. Once they pass a level I put the sheet in their individual files. Then I just grab the next one right then and there so that it's ready for next time. I also keep a plastic pocket in the binder with the certificates to fill out and send home when they pass a level.</div>
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I keep my binder front and center! It's kept near my computer so that I can grab it at any moment, especially if an administrator or parent walks in and wants any info.</div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">Do you display any data for your students? How do you do it?</span></b><br />
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Absolutely! I have a "data dashboard" in my room where I track class averages for the kids to see! They get so excited and amazed whenever they move up! These pictures are from a couple weeks ago. I just updated it last week with all the mid-year data and they were so excited about their gains!<br />
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For Gumball Math I also have an individual board. The kids LOVE it and then they get to take their sheet home with them at the end of the year. <br />
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I've had some people ask me, "Well what if a kid doesn't have any stickers on their gumball machine? Isn't that mean or discouraging for them? Don't other kids make fun of them?" In a short answer, it's fine. :) There are many ways to address this. You could lower their goal to ensure success for them so that they can still pass levels. Nobody else has to know if their goal is different. I've never had a child make fun of another child, but that's because we really emphasize equal vs. fair. We build up the community so much in our class that they are such big cheerleaders for each other. Those who have a limited amount are bummed if they don't pass a level, but boy you should see their faces when they finally do pass! AND you should hear the cheers from their peers when they pass! It makes me cry every time, haha. Like I said, there are many ways you can address this problem. Every classroom is different and is made up of different students. You know what works best for you and your students! And don't be afraid to try something new. You might be surprised. :)<br />
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I will actually be back on Wednesday with a little freebie to help you keep organized! ;) Next weekend I will be blogging about student data binders, so stay tuned!!! Have a great week! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-69656960078160489272014-11-29T08:00:00.000-05:002014-11-29T08:00:04.278-05:00Cyber Monday Blog Hop Stop #16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Primary Powers and <a href="http://www.gonoodle.com/?ref_id=primarypowers" target="_blank">GoNoodle</a> have created the dynamic duo! We are sharing all of our best ideas on using GoNoodle. You have landed at hop stop #16. You can also <a href="http://www.luckytobeinfirst.com/2014/11/cyber-monday-blog-hop-stop-1.html" target="_blank">start from the beginning</a>! :)<br />
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We have used GoNoodle in so many ways in our classroom, but an idea I had this year was to use it after fire drills/tornado drills/lockdown drills. Some of my first graders have a hard time readjusting after such an intense interruption. Others have just gotten off task and have a difficult time settling down again. Those situations can either be scary or exciting for students. Therefore I turned on GoNoodle after these drills to give them a couple minutes to bring them back and help settle their hearts and minds.<br />
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Imagine going from this...curtains drawn, doors locked, students huddled in a corner...<br />
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...to turning on this! Did you know GoNoodle offers calming and relaxing videos and exercises? There are several options so that you can find something to best suit the needs of your students.</div>
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I watched this video again to get some screenshots and I wanted to fall asleep. ;) </div>
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These GoNoodle videos have done wonders for helping my students cope with the stress of different drills that go on during the school year. Give them a try! There are so many options with GoNoodle that help my students in SO many aspects.<br />
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Now that you have yet another idea on how to use GoNoodle in the classroom, let's move on to the swag! Want a chance to win this FUN GoNoodle tumbler??? I drink out of these all the time at school. ;) Enter through the Rafflecopter below!<br />
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So what are you waiting for? Keep hopping! More great tips, free swag giveaways on each site, and a great last stop! Your next stop is Ashley's blog at <a href="http://flyinghighinfirst.blogspot.com/2014/11/cyber-monday-blog-hop-stop-17.html" target="_blank">Flying High in First</a>!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-89516185134223655432014-11-22T12:31:00.000-05:002014-11-22T12:31:36.233-05:00BOB BOOKS Giveaway!Have you heard of <a href="http://bobbooks.com/" target="_blank">BOB Books</a>? I first stumbled across them in a Scholastic book order. Now I keep seeing the everywhere! <a href="http://bobbooks.com/" target="_blank">BOB Books</a> offered to send me a set of books to try with my students. I ordered Set 3, Word Families because I have some students who really struggle with vowel sounds. I thought they might be good to use with those kiddos and may give them some additional support.<br />
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In this sweet little box is a set of 10 books. 8 books focus on different word families.<br />
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I started out with this book. I love how they fit so perfectly in their hands. They are so simple and I LOVE simple! The font is just the right size and the simple pictures really helped him focus on the text while still having that picture support.<br />
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I noticed my student was having troubles every time he came across the word <i>was</i>, so I used some of my highlighting tape and placed some over the word each time in the book. It really helped!<br />
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Each book has a list of words used on the last page. It was helpful when I was trying to figure out which book to use with him. He needs a lot of practice with short vowels, so this quick glance was perfect in helping me make my decision. It also gives a list of sight words in the book, which I love as well. You could also easily perform a running record with one of these books! It even has the total number of words listed. :)<br />
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The last 2 books are small activity books. If you purchase these for your own child, they can write directly into the book. I prefer to make copies so that I can use them year after year. ;)</div>
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I was so in love with this set that I purchased the sight word set! Each book has a few sight words that it focuses on, with the words listed at the front of the book.</div>
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Instead of activity books, the sight word set comes with a set of flash cards. The words are printed on one side and are used in a sentence on the other side. I'm a huge advocate of practicing sight words in context, so I was totally surprised and in love with this feature! They are perforated so that you can easily tear them apart.<br />
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I honestly can't wait to get my hands on more <a href="http://bobbooks.com/" target="_blank">BOB Books</a>! They are so perfect for RTI and my students love them!<br />
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How would you like to win a set??? <a href="http://bobbooks.com/" target="_blank">BOB Books</a> and I are teaming up to offer one lucky winner a set of books of their choice! Enter through the Rafflecopter below! In the meantime, check out the <a href="http://bobbooks.com/books/" target="_blank">BOB Books website</a> so that you can decide which set you want! The winner will be announced on Wednesday, November 26th. Good luck!!!!<br />
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<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-42950951550052606222014-11-13T09:00:00.000-05:002014-11-13T09:00:00.107-05:00SUPER Thankful!It's the time of year when I tend to get very stressed out. With parent-teacher conferences, report cards, holidays, field trips, cold weather setting in, the year being in full-swing...it's just all very stressful for me. I have to be very intentional about being positive and thankful for what's right in front of me.<br />
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I'm linking up with my gals over at Primary Powers for a Thankful Linky.<br />
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A lot of these are very cliche and very standard answers, but they are honestly what I'm truly thankful for.</div>
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<li>My family: I'm sitting here staring at my husband lounging in bed watching "The Goldbergs". Sawyer, my one-year-old, is playing with the remote control. Rowan, my three-year-old, is watching "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" on the iPad. <i>Kids and their technology</i>. My heart is so full with these 3 guys. My life just wouldn't be the same without them. </li>
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<li>My home: We have another polar vortex, or so they call it, coming through Ohio right now. Thank goodness it's November, otherwise we'd be looking at temperatures below zero right now. Instead it's just 30 degrees. Tell me again why I didn't stay down south? An inch or two of snow is expected on Saturday night. I HATE winter. It makes me SO thankful for my home. Full of warmth, comfort, and love. When I'm protected from the elements, I'm even more thankful for it.</li>
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<li>My faith: Without God in my life, I don't know how I'd even be here today. Having a future to look forward to is the only thing that keeps me going some days. This earth is not all there is (thank goodness!). I'm so far from perfect and mess up in so many ways each and every day, but yet Christ forgives me without question. He gave His Son (and when you become a parent, that becomes even more remarkable) so that I can be forgiven and be given a one-millionth chance.</li>
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<li>My coworkers: Let's face it. Our coworkers are like our second family. Next to our immediate family, we are with them more than anyone else. I'm so grateful to share life with them. I love getting to know them, sharing ideas with them, and being there for each other when the tough gets going. From losing loved ones to losing pets to having bad hair days to struggling with health problems, it's so nice to have a support group and friends that stand by your side and are willing to help you at the drop of a hat.</li>
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<li>My friends: High school friends, college friends, blogging friends, church friends...we need friends. We need encouragement. I'm so glad to have some gals (and guys) in my life that stay in touch, plan playdates for our kids, send a text message to show they care, get excited for each other, and just encourage each other in life. Life is so tough sometimes. Reach out to those around you and be a blessing. We need each other.</li>
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<li>My students and their families: I was watching my students run around on the playground today with pure joy all over their sweet faces. Innocent, cheerful children. I'm so grateful to have the honor of having a moment of their life to help mold them and shape them for their future. We had conferences last Thursday and last night and I just love meeting with parents and hearing the encouragement seeing their faces light up when I praise their kids. Even if their child is struggling and I have to relay that information, I think it's so powerful to sit and plan together as to how best help their child. The parents I've had are so wonderful and I'm so blessed to have such wonderful students and parents.</li>
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In the midst of the craziness that is starting to unfold during this time of year, I hope you're able to take a moment to breathe and think about all the ways you are blessed. :)<br />
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Don't forget to check out the other <a href="http://primarypowers.blogspot.com/2014/11/super-thankful-thread-linky.html" target="_blank">Thankful threads from Primary Powers</a>!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-34817786450330399362014-10-25T22:47:00.000-04:002014-10-25T22:47:16.518-04:00How We Do RTIRTI...so good and so frustrating, all at the same time. Kind of like the Ole Miss vs. LSU game I'm watching right now. Excitement, frustration, good plays, bad plays, flags, unsportsmanlike conduct...I feel like it all applies across borders! ;)<br />
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I know the whole RTI process looks so different everywhere. Last year we started something new in our building. We take the Tier 3 students and divide them up amongst teachers with their reading endorsement or Masters in reading. Tier 3 groups are no bigger than 4 students. Our building has "RTI time" from 9:10-9:40. The students can cross grade levels, depending on the skill level they need help with. For example, I teach phonemic awareness. Students who struggle with phonemic awareness come to me for 30 minutes and we do exercises and activities built around increasing their phonemic awareness skills. We progress monitor weekly to keep data on the students.<br />
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In order to determine the exact skills a child needs help with, we use a tool I created called, <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Finding-the-Root-of-the-Problem-An-RTI-Assessment-Probe-1434821" target="_blank">Finding the Root of the Problem: An RTI Assessment Probe</a>. This helps us determine how to place the students in each group. <br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Finding-the-Root-of-the-Problem-An-RTI-Assessment-Probe-1434821" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaTNX40Xvwk/VExePr2AkdI/AAAAAAAACp0/MQ9wSzq-9SM/s1600/RTI%2BAssessment.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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During this 30 minute block of time, I inherit 4 students. We do the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hello-Two-Peas-In-A-Pod" target="_blank">Phonemic Awareness Curriculum</a> from Two Peas in a Pod. Then I pull all sorts of resources that focus on sounds.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzj1HwsG-b4/VExe9eGcosI/AAAAAAAACp8/JbbP-qJZOl0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-25%2Bat%2B10.28.43%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fzj1HwsG-b4/VExe9eGcosI/AAAAAAAACp8/JbbP-qJZOl0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-25%2Bat%2B10.28.43%2BPM.png" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the past, the rest of my class would've gone to another first grade classroom to work on grammar and handwriting. Since I have no Tier 3 students this year and since our class sizes are much larger (24 students), that means there would be about 40 students in a classroom at one time. No thank you! We're talking crowd control at this point. So this year I decided to keep my students and have them work at their own pace on their own reading level. I purchased a subscription to <a href="http://www.learninga-z.com/products-reading.html" target="_blank">Raz-Kids</a>. They each take an iPad, make themselves comfy, and read at their level for 30 minutes. They love it and everyone is working at their own pace!</div>
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This is working so much better for my students and I feel like everyone is really learning a lot. What I love most is everyone is learning at their level. They are at a spot that's perfect for them. This transition to more of a 21st century classroom is proving well-worth the effort!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-31972867414850587062014-10-15T07:00:00.000-04:002014-10-15T07:00:10.509-04:00It's Here! The Introduction of Primary Powers!Friends, I can't believe today is finally here. There are several of us bloggers who have joined together to begin a new collaborative blog called <a href="http://primarypowers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Primary Powers</a>! <br />
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This has been in the works for MONTHS and today is the day that we can finally share the news and show you what we've been working on! Words cannot express how excited we are to start sharing with you! There will be a new post almost every single day of the month, so you'll definitely want to follow closely! AND during everyone's first post, we'll EACH be sharing a freebie! This first month will be so exciting. :)<br />
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To kick off our grand entrance, we are hosting an AMAZING giveaway that you seriously don't want to miss. There are over $300 worth of prizes to be won!<br />
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<a href="http://primarypowers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iyr-3-Q4a4/VD2_J8YV42I/AAAAAAAACoI/ouIRETdd7to/s1600/Slide1.PNG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seriously, check out all these prizes up for grabs!!!! (Can I just say I'm a little jealous I can't enter? Ok, maybe a lot jealous...)</div>
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Head on over and enter right away! I'm so excited to be working with these ladies on such a fabulous blog. I can't wait to read it myself, let alone help contribute! :D</div>
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One last thing we have up our sleeve is an amazing Educents bundle! We have each contributed one of our products from our TPT stores and combined them together for you</div>
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And the news gets even better because we are celebrating the launch of Primary Powers with an exclusive deal with Educents!</div>
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<a href="http://www.educents.com/#PP14" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfOEZlYJh0bHKRl9LAJMi1qwM5Rs5HH-6uxekWKDVcfJH8D6b-qWcZb4edCUBkaYcbDDtwo2mWLqAeMQviYrPwc4TbWx7kfTYqruO_kOufimEHRcZcArvz0Ktmk9gsacZc9gOUzWTA0M/s1600/Slide1.png" height="640" width="635" /></a></div>
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21 instant downloads, over 1,000 pages of materials that are ready to use, and variety of topics to pull your through months of teaching! $100.75 retail value available for a limited time for $29.99 which is 70% off! Extreme value alert!</div>
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Concepts covered are: addition, subtraction, graphing, time, money, reading, fluency, spelling, writing, close reading, grammar, story element in fiction and nonfiction, and much, much more! </div>
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<b><u>Products are thematically correct for the upcoming seasons! </u></b></div>
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- spiders and camping for October</div>
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- turkeys, Thanksgiving, scarecrows for November</div>
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- winter, penguins, the holidays, and New Years for December</div>
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<b><u>Other great items include:</u></b></div>
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- a calendar that could be used as a parent gift</div>
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- a data folder to track student growth</div>
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- literacy and math centers</div>
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- printables</div>
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- units of study</div>
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Check out the previews below....</div>
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Eeek! I can hardly contain my excitement about all of this! I sure hope you'll check it all out. Be sure to follow Primary Powers on Facebook and Instagram, too! :) Happy Hump Day! We're almost through the week already!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-46047634160720168102014-10-13T22:49:00.000-04:002014-10-13T22:50:16.363-04:00Classroom Setup, Plus Some Little Miss MuffetAs I've been wrapping my brain around this new way of incorporating more technology into my classroom and making it more 21st century friendly, the first thing I thought about was the way my room was set up.<br />
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This year I have 24 students. For our building and district, this is quite large for first grade. This is the largest class I've ever had. I had 4 groups of 6 desks and I hated it. I hated every second. I am SO not a put-them-in-rows girl, either. Don't get me wrong, I liked that they were in groups, but that was kind of the only thing. Our rooms are kind of small, so I felt like the students and I had no space to maneuver around the room. It was so cramped and there wasn't any good flow. Here are other issues I had with desks:<br />
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- They kept moving, which means the groups would clump up even more, limiting space EVEN MORE.<br />
- The students would play in their desks when they were supposed to be doing something else because the stuff inside was a constant distraction. Let's face it...they could hide tons of stuff in there!<br />
- Their stuff could get so disorganized and messy. They could keep millions of papers just stuffed in there or paper scraps or leftover breakfast (truth.).<br />
- They were crammed right next to each other which meant they had a neighbor practically on top of them that they could talk to! Arg.<br />
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This is what my room looked like before.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWZYfFtaq3A/VDyFWu71YrI/AAAAAAAACmI/y3f1keI7toc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.06.15%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWZYfFtaq3A/VDyFWu71YrI/AAAAAAAACmI/y3f1keI7toc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.06.15%2BPM.png" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkWwkprRDFM/VDyFYJyZwBI/AAAAAAAACmQ/sH7-mF212W4/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.06.24%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkWwkprRDFM/VDyFYJyZwBI/AAAAAAAACmQ/sH7-mF212W4/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.06.24%2BPM.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I ditched the desks. One morning my students walked in and they were just gone. It's how I roll. I'm not afraid to change things, even if it's the second day of school, middle of the year, or 2nd to last day of school. If it doesn't work, change it! That's my philosophy. ;)</div>
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At first I had NO desks and NOTHING to replace it. Then I slowly added things as I saw what worked. I now have 3 tables. That means I only have enough for about half of my class. But stick with me...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1YRO1Cz238/VDyGanSuJhI/AAAAAAAACmY/o_zvnMGNRuI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.11.18%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1YRO1Cz238/VDyGanSuJhI/AAAAAAAACmY/o_zvnMGNRuI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.11.18%2BPM.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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You'll probably notice I added a black rug in the middle as an extra space for students to sit and spread out.</div>
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I also added a couch.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU8MY9yw_oU/VDyHCXLrFUI/AAAAAAAACmg/kXY_z63DNCM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.14.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xU8MY9yw_oU/VDyHCXLrFUI/AAAAAAAACmg/kXY_z63DNCM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.14.00%2BPM.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My school also purchased plastic lap desks from Hobby Lobby for the students to use around the room. They LOVE these things! So do I!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMXw4N_Frkg/VDyHxZYLLNI/AAAAAAAACms/lqEjRFjAWWw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.17.08%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMXw4N_Frkg/VDyHxZYLLNI/AAAAAAAACms/lqEjRFjAWWw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.17.08%2BPM.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also have a crate full of clipboards that the students can use around the room.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx45ZaW0e4U/VDyIMW6x51I/AAAAAAAACm0/Hjev9vk77kw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.18.55%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx45ZaW0e4U/VDyIMW6x51I/AAAAAAAACm0/Hjev9vk77kw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.18.55%2BPM.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of my fears when I first decided to do this was where to put all of their things. I just did some reorganizing to make some space! I had these book boxes from Really Good Stuff, so the students just store their workbooks, textbooks, and folders in them. I have them numbered with their numbers so that they have their own individual box. They are pros at finding their things! They store their school boxes on the shelf underneath when they aren't using them. During the day they just keep them near their workspace as long as they are out of the way and nobody can trip over them.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1xgTMj8VQM/VDyJMF21QeI/AAAAAAAACnA/uecbDjkjaBg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.23.12%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1xgTMj8VQM/VDyJMF21QeI/AAAAAAAACnA/uecbDjkjaBg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.23.12%2BPM.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The biggest thing about this room layout is <span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">student choice</span>. It's all about what is comfortable for them. For some teachers, this might drive you crazy. This might be a little bit too lax and not be enough structure. I totally respect that. I read somewhere to think of it like walking into Starbucks to study. For me, I completely prefer that environment. I love that they have couches, tables, comfy chairs, high-top chairs at a bar, and traditional tables. Depending on my mood that day, any one of those might suit my needs. To be honest, most of my students sit on the floor, on the couch, at a table, and curled up on a rug with a pillow <span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">all in one day</span>. Can I be honest? Sometimes I work at my desk in my office. Right now I'm laying on my stomach in my bed. I feel more relaxed and I feel a little more creative.<br />
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Some students need more guidance. It's true. You just have to pay attention to your students and help them. You're their coach. Their guide. Their mentor. Their teacher. I'm just a firm believer in options.<br />
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I'll be back next week to share how our RTI time works, but before I go today I want to share what we did today!<br />
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Our first grade does a nursery rhyme study. I like to take them as deep as I can with nursery rhymes, since they are something they've been exposed to in preschool and in their homes when they are little. I found a wonderful resource from Teaching In High Heels called <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Close-Reading-for-Little-Learners-Nursery-Rhyme-Edition-1077332" target="_blank">Close Reading for Little Learners {Nursery Rhyme Edition}</a>. I'm sure you've come across close reading, but in case you haven't, close reading is big in Common Core standards. It's taking the text and looking at what's explicitly written. Nothing more, nothing less. Today we looked at Little Miss Muffet. I popped it up on the screen and we began to dissect the text. Can you believe this is what they started saying:<br />
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"Hey, this is really fun!"<br />
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Seriously. My kids love learning this year. They love writing. They LOVE close reading.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-171sHCcuv5k/VDyM6Ik5LSI/AAAAAAAACnM/UrvVuabq2RU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.38.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-171sHCcuv5k/VDyM6Ik5LSI/AAAAAAAACnM/UrvVuabq2RU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-10-13%2Bat%2B10.38.58%2BPM.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have to teach our own art, so I tied in a quick little spider craft to go along with Little Miss Muffet. Paper plates, black paint, 1-inch wide construction paper legs, google eyes, and chalk to draw faces...voila!</div>
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I'll be back Wednesday with an exciting post/announcement!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-58093952478002987542014-10-06T19:51:00.000-04:002014-10-06T19:51:53.371-04:00A New DirectionRaise your hand if you're finally finding your groove for the 2014-2015 school year? Raise your hand if you're still trying to figure it out? For me it depends on the day. ;) I'm truly starting to feel a lot better about the year. Now that I'm getting settled into my routine, I have so much to share about what is going on in my classroom! I'm hoping you'll find it as interesting as I do. :) <br />
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This post is going to be all background as to my thoughts over the past several months, what I've found so far, and what my plan is. <br />
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A few random thoughts from my oh-so-random brain:<br />
1. I'm not a huge fan of whole-group teaching.<br />
2. I love, love, love small groups.<br />
3. Too much to do, not enough time.<br />
4. I always want to incorporate more technology.<br />
5. Math has been the most dry to teach (for me...I know it can be so much better and so much more fun...).<br />
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Let's rewind to sometime last year. I started entertaining the thought of math groups/guided math/math centers. Sadly, I only had 35 minutes to teach math last year. This year isn't too much better, but I have about 45 minutes this year. I'll take it! :) With such limited time last year, the thoughts just were just fleeting.<br />
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Then we had this past summer where I started thinking about my ideas a little more seriously. It was going to be my professional goal this year to implement some sort of guided math. Even if it was one day a week, I was going to make it happen.<br />
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Enter August and I was completely overwhelmed with trying to readjust to school. Preparing my room, making copies, lesson plans, hosting a student teacher, having a new aide, learning about my students, SLOs, professional growth plans, RIMPs, baseline assessments... the last thing on my mind was trying to implement something new. Especially with a student teacher teaching, it just wasn't a good time to throw something new at her. ;)<br />
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Then my principal showed us something that she saw at a local principal's meeting. Before I watched it, my thought was, "I can't possibly do one more thing. I can't even do what I'm supposed to, let alone something new." But then the wheels started turning, the sparks started flying, and I couldn't help myself but to jump all in.<br />
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I want to share the videos of this local teacher so that YOU might be inspired, and so that you know where my inspiration came from. This is what sparked it and this is the root of what is currently evolving in my classroom. I take no credit of where she has already paved the way. :)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFcbpmKbc8o" width="480"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/65qvdMOjDkk" width="480"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gUE1dqJWQzQ" width="480"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wf1Jn0xgNuo" width="480"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Osc0U_7gkcM" width="480"></iframe><br />
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I also found a short article comparing the differences between a 20th century classroom and a 21st century classroom. I love it and it helps give me a vision and direction on how I want my classroom to make a turn for the better. <br />
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<a href="http://www.21stcenturyschools.com/20th_vs_21st_Century_Classroom.htm" target="_blank">You can access the link by clicking here.</a><br />
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Now, I will say there are plenty of obstacles and things that I have to wrestle with in my mind about what makes sense for myself, my students, my building, our community, and all of the nuts and bolts (space, length of school day, available resources, etc.). So this whole thing is evolving on a day-by-day, minute-by-minute basis.<br />
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I really hope you'll stay tuned as I show you how this is looking! I've already started changing things and within a week's time, my classroom is drastically different. I truly can't wait to share! :)<br />
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In closing, I want to give you a sneak peek about something exciting that's happening! This is all I'm leaving you! ;)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-69242514507749645392014-09-01T09:51:00.001-04:002014-09-01T09:51:07.768-04:00September CurrentlyI have officially made it through my first week of school! And my class is the SWEETEST. They are SUCH a great group! I have a lot of advanced kids, which means I need to figure out how to challenge them this year. I have my work cut out for me! So now that the beginning of school is out of the way, I have some new products up my sleeve that I think you're going to love! I'm going to work on one today and hopefully start the other one later this week. Stay tuned! ;)<br />
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But TODAY is SEPTEMBER! Already! That means it's time to link up with Farley at <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh Boy Fourth Grade!</a> for Currently!<br />
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LISTENING: I sure do love listening to my family at home in the mornings. It feels like a Saturday with waking up whenever, eating cereal in bowls, and watching cartoons. Makes my heart happy. :)</div>
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LOVING: I KNOW I am not the only one excited about fall! I have to admit, I started burning Toasted Apple Butter in my Scentsy on Friday because I just couldn't help it. I love seeing all the fall scents out and all the fall displays in stores. Now if the weather would just cool down a tad...</div>
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THINKING: My house was totally neglected during my first week back to school. We are in desperate need to get the laundry done and this place cleaned!</div>
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WANTING: Our gym has been closed since Wednesday for their annual deep-clean. I'm so appreciative that they do this, but going 6 days without the gym being open is almost more than I can handle!</div>
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NEEDING: Being a 4 day week, that already makes things a little condensed as far as lesson plans are concerned. We also have a day and a half of AIMSWeb testing this week, so I just need to come up with some plans for tomorrow, Thursday afternoon, and Friday. I'm going to be starting writing workshop this week, but I definitely need to come up with a few other things.</div>
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3 TRIPS: Fiji just looks gorgeous and I'm a sucker for the beach, I've been DYING to visit Vermont in the fall, and I love the south and Charleston seems to have plenty of southern and plenty of culture!</div>
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I hope everyone has a great week! I'm putting together some blog posts about our RTI process that I'm hoping others will find helpful. And make sure you visit Farley's blog to read other Currently posts! See you soon!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-52003705307612728982014-08-19T21:49:00.003-04:002014-08-19T21:49:39.749-04:00A Boost of Encouragement As You Head Back to SchoolI have a sneaking suspicion that not all teachers are excited to go back to school. Maybe I'm wrong. But I don't think I am. For those of you who are insanely excited and giddy to head back, some teachers envy you. They wish for those days where heading back to school was thrilling and invigorating. But some years...some years are just hard to go back. It's not that you hate teaching. If you did, you probably wouldn't go back.<br />
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Maybe you had a baby recently and will be heading back after a glorious summer with your little infant.<br />
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Maybe you have a baby and toddler at home (like I do) and you hate to see those precious moments go.<br />
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Maybe the morale is down at your school. Nobody wants to be there. Your admin is tough, they don't understand, they put too much pressure on you, they don't understand you, nor do they care...about any of it. Just test scores.<br />
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Maybe your district is struggling. Financially, they've hit rock bottom. You're dealing with bare bones for staff. Your plate is full. You don't know what the year will bring. Will you even have a job at the end of the year? So much is riding on levies, bond issues, whatever you call them.<br />
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Maybe you've recently lost a loved one. It's too soon. It's all you can think about. The last thing you're thinking about is school. All you can think about is someone that's no longer with you. And it's hard.<br />
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Maybe you just sent your child(ren) off to college. Your house will never be the same. It will be so quiet. You'll wonder and worry about them. You'll miss them. You can't wait until the next time they're home.<br />
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Maybe your teaching team is tough. You don't always see eye to eye and they don't want to listen to you. You feel left out. You try to be nice, but for some reason you feel like an outcast.<br />
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Maybe you're going through a divorce. Life is just upside down. You don't know what to think or feel. You're frustrated, upset, angry, depressed, and so heartbroken.<br />
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Maybe your best friend at school took a job somewhere else. Maybe they retired. Maybe they left teaching. You feel lonely stepping back into your school.<br />
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Maybe you're dreading the busy schedules. The packed planner. The grading. The meetings. The events.<br />
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Maybe you're broke. Summer utilities, vacations, school supplies, and unexpected things that chewed up every single penny. You feel like you can't get off on the right foot because you can't afford anything you need for your classroom, let alone treating yourself to a new first day outfit.<br />
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Maybe you look at your class roster and know that your class will be a challenge. You're tired just thinking about it.<br />
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Maybe there's just too much left to do at home. Too much summer to be had. Too much time to enjoy with those you rarely get to spend time with (or not enough time) when school is in session.<br />
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Maybe, just maybe, you aren't ready to go back. If you're like me, you might even still be worn out from last year! ;) You feel terrible about it and you *WISH* you could hype yourself up for what's to come. But you just...can't.<br />
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Friends, it's OK. No, really. Every year brings something new to the table. Some years you're eager with anticipation, other years you're filled with dread and sorrow. It happens. Don't beat yourself up over the fact that you aren't "into it" yet. It might take going into your classroom and working, it might take looking around on Pinterest and some blogs, or it might just take showing up and doing the thing. I'm hoping and praying that we all find our niche this year and are truly blessed. We honestly have one of the most incredible jobs. Let it be your safe place. Let it be a time where you focus your thoughts and energy elsewhere. I'm not saying that life might not be hard anymore, but sometimes when we do something else, we forget (even if just for a little bit) our struggles outside the walls of the school. And if your struggles are INSIDE the walls of the school, it might take YOU being the light in a dark place. Not an easy task (and quite honestly, it can be harder than anything else), but I'm a true believer that we are placed where we are for a reason. No one ever said it would be easy. But it's where we are called, at least for a season.<br />
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I was talking to some friends who were feeling down and negative (um, my life story a lot of times, let's be honest). In a rare moment of positive thoughts, I was encouraged to make a set of teacher notecards to keep on our desks to lift us up throughout the year. It was a glorious idea and I whipped it up within a couple days. So if you need an extra boost of encouragement, head on over to see my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Positive-and-Encouraging-Teacher-Notes-1403196" target="_blank">Positive and Encouraging Teacher Notecards</a>. There are 100 notecards (60 positive and uplifting quotes, 20 Bible verses, and 20 Christian quotes) for you to print and keep near in your room. I have mine sitting right by my computer. I got a $0.95 acrylic frame from Wal-Mart and it works perfectly! You can even use a fun or pretty 4x6 frame (hello, Hobby Lobby!!!!).<br />
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Another idea is to print them off and pass them out throughout the year. You might notice when someone else needs a little boost. Just cut one out and write a little note on the back. </div>
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Or you could go REALLY crazy and tape them all over your desk area! If you do that, I'll need a pic. ;)</div>
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Teachers, you've got this. Just take a deep breath and know that it WILL be ok. Don't feel guilty if you're not ready. You will be. :)</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-63061147069025944132014-08-16T10:00:00.000-04:002014-08-16T12:01:24.393-04:00A Quick, Easy Way to Line 'Em Up!I'm linking up with Bright Ideas today to bring you a really simple way to line up your students.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqcRZVKoh3g/U-7NzHaZThI/AAAAAAAACik/cnEG6SlyxE8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-03-09%2Bat%2B2.30.45%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqcRZVKoh3g/U-7NzHaZThI/AAAAAAAACik/cnEG6SlyxE8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-03-09%2Bat%2B2.30.45%2BPM.png" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
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This year I will be using numbers for the first time. I feel like numbers are everywhere in my room now! Including...my floor!</div>
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I don't know about you, but my students argue ALL. THE. TIME about where they stand in line. I've tried line leaders, I've tried cabooses, I've tried special helpers. My students have fought with each other over where to stand in line. They cut each other, tattle, cry...I even had students MISS RECESS because they wanted to be first in line, so they'd line up on the playground and just sit there to ensure that they got the spot they wanted! I don't know what it is. My famous line is, "We're all going to the same place and we'll all get there at about the same time. IT DOESN'T MATTER." Sound familiar?<br />
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So this year I though, "I'm done." No more arguing. <br />
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I bought calendar numbers from Lakeshore Learning and used clear contact paper to stick them to the floor. Easy peasy!<br />
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Now there's no more reason to fight and miss recess! They each have their own spot. It's visible in the classroom to help them learn where to go. It should be so easy for them to find their number and stand there. I teach 1st graders, so we won't have to waste any time trying to line up in numerical order and figure out who is in front of each kid and who is behind. I'm so excited to see how smooth these transition periods go when they have a specific spot in line!<br />
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Be sure to follow me on Instagram if you don't already! I'm constantly posting pictures each day! :) You can follow me at "sarahlynnkirby".<br />
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There are TONS of bright ideas out there today! Make sure you take a look around and visit the other blogs to see their tips and tricks! I *LOVE* reading these and find so many easy, fantastic ideas! Happy Saturday and Happy Reading! ;)
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-4175445074215741082014-08-11T00:45:00.001-04:002014-08-11T00:45:27.711-04:00Using Formula Canisters for StorageY'all. This is my FIRST Monday Made It. Seriously. I can't believe it took me this long to link up. So are you ready to see what I made? I'm linking up with Tara over at <a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">4th Grade Frolics</a>! If you need some good ideas on getting thrifty/crafty/artsy, check out all the links!<br />
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I'm a mom of 2 sweet, darling boys. My oldest son is 3 and my youngest just turned 9 months. Sweet. as. pie. A little biased? Probably, but they seriously melt my heart. I nursed my youngest for the first 5 months. After that, we switched to formula. If you use formula you know 1.) how expensive it is and 2.) how often you buy it! So I figured I might as well get some use out of all these canisters that keep piling up! Hello, reuse!</div>
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I have an atrocious cabinet full of random craft items in my classroom. There is so much stuff in there and half of it is still in little bags or spilling into drawers. I decided to keep my formula canisters and use them as storage! So here's how to do it...</div>
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1. Grab as many formula canisters as you can or need. Select your color spray paint. I got this spray paint from Walmart in Sea Glass.</div>
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2. Peel off the labels.</div>
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3. If you use the Similac canisters, the lids were kind of tricky to get off. I found the best way to do it is to lay it on it's side on the counter and push down. Pull the lid off.</div>
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4. To remove any leftover stickiness from the labels, smear some peanut butter over it! It works like a charm. Let it set for a few hours and then just wipe it off with a paper towel!</div>
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5. Lay out all the lids and canisters outside in a well-ventilated area and spray a couple coats on until you have your desired look. I decided to spray paint the lids and canisters different colors, just to make them a little more fun. :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovj6Rrj0TmY/U-hIHXKPv-I/AAAAAAAAChU/MuRmDBtHWMM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+12.35.05+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovj6Rrj0TmY/U-hIHXKPv-I/AAAAAAAAChU/MuRmDBtHWMM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+12.35.05+AM.png" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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6. I used my Silhouette Portrait to cut out vinyl letters to stick to the front of the canisters. You could also use a Cricut or simple letter stickers.</div>
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7. Then I stuck the letters on once the canisters were dry and put them together!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqVdtQ9XfDY/U-hJLZ_cJcI/AAAAAAAAChs/BUAW4YW4_50/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+12.39.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nqVdtQ9XfDY/U-hJLZ_cJcI/AAAAAAAAChs/BUAW4YW4_50/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+12.39.56+AM.png" height="360" width="400" /></a></div>
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I filled all of my canisters with all sorts of little odds and ends! They turned out so pretty! :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYQ1mezmusA/U-hJoGYtPmI/AAAAAAAACh0/TL0aYoP-G7I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+12.41.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYQ1mezmusA/U-hJoGYtPmI/AAAAAAAACh0/TL0aYoP-G7I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-11+at+12.41.43+AM.png" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll be back on Saturday with a bright idea post! ;)</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-2681956282964523412014-07-21T17:27:00.002-04:002014-07-21T17:28:26.683-04:00The Next Step in Guided Reading - Chapter 6 and a FREEBIE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMutukeSnFY/U6mmVYv6VkI/AAAAAAAACck/paGQ4x4WL3E/s1600/Book+Study.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMutukeSnFY/U6mmVYv6VkI/AAAAAAAACck/paGQ4x4WL3E/s1600/Book+Study.png" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was a loooooonnnnnnggggg chapter! Considering I teach 1st grade, the majority of my students are not at this level. Every once in a while I'll get one or two, but a lot of this just went in my memory bank in case I ever switch grade levels, tutor, or move into a different position. I still really enjoyed reading this chapter! What did you all think?</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">1. What part of the reading caught your attention? Maybe it's something you never thought about. Maybe it's something that you've been trying to get a grip on. Maybe it's something that you've never heard quite they way it was put.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Droid Sans;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">I noticed that with the fluent level, a large majority of the focus is on vocabulary and comprehension. I knew it would take a hard look at comprehension, but I wasn't expecting the heavy emphasis on vocabulary. But it makes so much sense! Vocabulary is always a skill that can be taught, no matter what level a person is on. Even adults can refine their vocabulary skills!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Droid Sans;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">I was also captured by the VIP strategy. A lot of my higher readers struggle with identifying the most important parts. They get so caught up in the details that they miss the bigger picture! I like the idea of having the small sticky notes on hand so that they can flag it when they read it.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">2. How do you already incorporate this into your guided reading routine? There's probably at least some part of the chapter that you're already doing! Tell us about it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Droid Sans;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">Even though my students aren't this high, we still focus a lot on comprehension. We will occasionally stop during our reading and check our comprehension. We also have a chat after reading the book about different aspects of the story. I typically try to ask a lot of green (literal) and red (inferential) questions.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">3. What is something new you want to try next school year? How do you want to make your guided reading time better or what new things do you want to try?</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Droid Sans;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">I want to try and incorporate more yellow questions when we discuss the book. Some of my higher groups could totally handle this. I also love the idea of the reading notebooks for vocabulary recording, comprehension notes, and guided writing. I probably won't have the opportunity to use this a lot since I teach 1st grade, but I'm glad I read it so that I know what to do in case I have kids at this level!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">4. What are some resources that you ALREADY HAVE that you can use to teach what you read about in this chapter/section?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Droid Sans;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">I have these retelling cubes that I love! I actually use them with all of my groups. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Retell-6-Pack-LER7233/dp/B000T1J4LG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405975264&sr=8-1&keywords=retelling+cubes" target="_blank">Retell a Story Cubes</a></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><span style="color: #262626;">For nonfiction, I just wrote some simple questions on large popsicle sticks and put them in a cup. The students draw one out and answer the question.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">5. What are some NEW resources that you want to get or try to use to teach what you read about in this chapter/section?</span></div>
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Reading notebooks are the biggest thing I'd want to have on hand during fluent level groups. Staples has a deal on notebooks for $0.17! I got 24 for $4 and some change AND free shipping! You should really snatch them if you think you'll use them! This is seriously a great deal!</div>
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<a href="http://www.staples.com/Staples-1-Subject-Notebook-8-inch-x-10-1-2-inch/product_321463" target="_blank">Staples Notebook Sale</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.staples.com/Staples-1-Subject-Notebook-8-inch-x-10-1-2-inch/product_321463" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6WmTOfSfA4/U818Gg2zA0I/AAAAAAAACf4/LNyn48QxlSo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-21+at+4.45.51+PM.png" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
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I put together a little freebie for you all today! Remember those green, yellow, and red questions? Well, I made a little question card ring for reference during your groups. You can make one for each student, have one at your guided reading table, or have it on hand for YOURSELF to remember what types of questions to ask! :) Click on the following link, photograph, or picture to download! Enjoy! :)</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0OpL1CniDVbNWxzeXdMcjV3T2s/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Traffic Light Questions</a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0OpL1CniDVbNWxzeXdMcjV3T2s/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VH4jCozjNac/U82Fi_wW-xI/AAAAAAAACgU/eYviD4rOXeI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-21+at+5.25.05+PM.png" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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See you next week for the LAST chapter of The Next Step in Guided Reading! Woohoo!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-60626181958020261692014-07-16T13:13:00.002-04:002014-07-16T13:13:50.330-04:00The Next Step in Guided Reading - Chapter 5Gracious, I am behind! Lots of catching up to do on the blog, TPT, and getting ready for school to start! I usually get the itch to start working in my room and prepping for the year at the end of July. We don't start until August 25th this year, so I feel like I have a couple more weeks until I go full blast.<br />
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FYI, I'm working on some Bright Stripes decor! Last year I did the whole chevron thing. I needed a change for this year. Not a big one, but just something a little different. I really like my bright colors with black, but I don't want to spend the time or money redoing EVERYTHING, ya know? So I'm just changing out a few things to freshen it up and breathe some new life into my room. Here are a couple pics to give you a sneak peek! I'm TRYING to get it done and uploaded to TPT today, but it might be tomorrow. It's taking me a lot longer than I thought it would!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRltVcRK2bY/U8arAa3HcdI/AAAAAAAACfo/R_usLbVfYbE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-16+at+12.39.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRltVcRK2bY/U8arAa3HcdI/AAAAAAAACfo/R_usLbVfYbE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-16+at+12.39.31+PM.png" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now for our book study on <u>The Next Step in Guided Reading!</u> I am REALLY loving the meat of this book!<br />
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Chapter 5! Did y'all enjoy it? I have so many ideas floating in my head and I'm getting excited to start my guided reading groups this fall! So here are my thoughts:<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">1. What part of the reading caught your attention? Maybe it's something you never thought about. Maybe it's something that you've been trying to get a grip on. Maybe it's something that you've never heard quite they way it was put.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Droid Sans;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">Almost everything caught my attention! Since the Transitional stage is where most of my kiddos left, I feel like this is where my brain is right now. I thought it was interesting they way the lesson plan is tweaked for this level. It has a lot of the same elements as the early guided reading plan, but at the same time it is definitely differentiated to more capable readers. I always used the same format for all of my groups and just tweaked it according to their abilities. Looks like I need to make some templates for each level! I have this sudden urge to work on updating my guided reading binder in order to reflect the different levels and needs.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">2. How do you already incorporate this into your guided reading routine? There's probably at least some part of the chapter that you're already doing! Tell us about it!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;" /><br />
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Droid Sans;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">We always preview and predict the book before we read it. We normally take a picture walk to see what's going on and make predictions from there. We also talk about different reading strategies as we go through the text. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">3. What is something new you want to try next school year? How do you want to make your guided reading time better or what new things do you want to try?</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Droid Sans;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">I absolutely want to incorporate more guided writing and more vocabulary introductions. We normally don't talk about vocabulary very much, unless it's a big word that they can't pronounce. How silly is that??? I often assume that my students know more than they do. :(</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Droid Sans;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">My students always struggle with retelling. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">Can I just say I LOOOOOVE the sticky note idea? I love the idea of giving them some support by placing the sticky notes on pages at strategic places in the beginning, middle, and end. Such a great idea for the kiddos that can't differentiate between the different parts!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">4. What are some resources that you ALREADY HAVE that you can use to teach what you read about in this chapter/section?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><span style="color: #262626;">Lord knows I have a million sticky notes ready to go! FYI, they have packs (90 notes) at Walmart right now for $1! I stocked up yesterday! I also have Amanda's <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sticky-Note-Jot-Spots-Formative-Assessments-for-the-Common-Core-604020" target="_blank">Sticky Note Jot Spots</a>, which I think can be used perfectly within these lessons!</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">5. What are some NEW resources that you want to get or try to use to teach what you read about in this chapter/section?</span></div>
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I searched for some retelling products on TPT and found these cute little <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Retelling-Checklists-for-Buddy-Reading-and-for-Self-Checking-962851" target="_blank">buddy checklists</a>! And they're FREE! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-35949028830438665212014-07-12T19:21:00.002-04:002014-07-12T19:21:42.931-04:00Vegas is Amazing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At this very moment, I am sitting inside the airport in Las Vegas. This past week has been one of the best in my entire life. I am so grateful and thankful for the experience of I Teach 1st! and Teachers Pay Teachers. More than anything, the friendships I have made over the last week are the most amazing part. I have truly gained lifelong friends. I don't know what I would do without them!<div>
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On Wednesday I presented a workshop at the I Teach 1st! conference hosted by SDE. It was my first time presenting outside of my district, so I was insanely nervous. A few days before the conference, my session was sold out. Needless to say, I was practically hyperventilating, haha! But it went 10x better than I could've EVER hoped for! I had so many positive comments from those who came. If you came to my session, THANK YOU! You were a GREAT audience and I loved getting to be with you! If you e-mailed me, I will e-mail you back tomorrow or Monday once I get to my desktop computer at home. ;) </div>
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I know I missed The Next Step post on Monday, but I promise I'll be back on Monday for the next one! I'm getting ready to read the chapter on the plane! :) Have a great weekend, friends!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-78130139815359696212014-07-01T22:24:00.000-04:002014-07-01T22:24:17.320-04:00July CurrentlyDo y'all ever watch <i>Extreme Weight Loss</i>? Seriously sobbing right here. She lost her husband to suicide. Kyle and I are sitting here talking about our kids and how we want to be here for each other and for them. Oh goodness. I need happy thoughts! So let's do some JULY CURRENTLY!<div>
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I just love that <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh Boy Fourth Grade</a> puts this together each month!</div>
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<span style="color: red;">LISTENING:</span> This is one of my favorite summer shows! I don't know who I am rooting for yet. Do you have any favorites?</div>
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<span style="color: red;">LOVING:</span> Summer vacation is complete necessity. This year was pretty rough, so it's like a breath of fresh air for my well-being. I'm having such a good time with my boys and just being with my family. I'm spending more time in God's Word, too, which is also transforming me!</div>
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<span style="color: red;">THINKING:</span> I honestly can't quit thinking about Vegas next week! I'm presenting at I Teach 1st a week from tomorrow (ohemgee...from TOMORROW?!?!?!) and I'm insanely nervous and excited! I'm so excited to go to the other sessions as well. Then the TPT conference is on Friday! Blogger meetups, lunches, dinners, workouts, shows, shopping, the pool...it's going to be amazing!</div>
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<span style="color: red;">WANTING:</span> There are storms in Ohio tonight, but it seems like they're all to the south of us. :( I just want this insane humidity to die down a little!</div>
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<span style="color: red;">NEEDING:</span> I have a huge chunk of my presentation done and only a little bit left. The goal is to get it done tomorrow!</div>
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<span style="color: red;">4th PLANS:</span> We are heading to my parent's house for a cookout and some fireworks. My parents drove to another town tonight to purchase some fireworks. He's a little bit obsessed. ;)</div>
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Have a HAPPY 4th OF JULY! I'll be back Monday with thoughts from Chapter 4 of The Next Step! See everyone then! :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6096034025080652478.post-25933451048408863712014-06-30T09:00:00.000-04:002014-06-30T12:36:11.462-04:00The Next Step in Guided Reading - Chapter 3Hey friends! Today we look at Chapter 3! Our host with a freebie this week is <a href="http://mrspspecialties.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. P's Specialties</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://mrspspecialties.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-664zivUfk18/U7CbfzQS0UI/AAAAAAAACdU/56Lk1INmjKk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-29+at+7.03.35+PM.png" height="138" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teachingwithgrace.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9I87xBmK20/U7CbzHz2OAI/AAAAAAAACdc/Q7GpqQWSqS8/s1600/Book+Study.png" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">1. What part of the reading caught your attention? Maybe it's something you never thought about. Maybe it's something that you've been trying to get a grip on. Maybe it's something that you've never heard quite they way it was put.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">I loved this chapter because it felt like the authors were really starting to get into the meat of what a guided reading lesson looks like. I love the structure of the lesson plans that they suggest. Even though most students are beyond the Pre-A level in first grade, some years I always get at least a couple that fall into that category. It's really helpful to have a guide on what to do with those students. I also love the Interactive Writing segment. I honestly have never done much writing in guided reading because I always focus so much on the reading. This is something I definitely want to incorporate this coming year. </span><br />
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I also noticed that the author mentioned not doing 1:1 matching once you get to Level C. Oops! I've definitely done 1:1 matching with almost every group. I can see why she wants to discourage it because it kind of gets in the way of fluency. It makes their reading more choppy!</div>
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Did anyone else notice that it said NOT to read the book chorally? That's how I've always done it! As I think about it, I like the idea of having them read it independently first so that they can practice those strategies and figure things out on their own (since that's how they'll usually read anyways!).</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">2. How do you already incorporate this into your guided reading routine? There's probably at least some part of the chapter that you're already doing! Tell us about it!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Droid Sans;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">I have already been doing the Introduction of the New Book, Text Reading with Prompting, Teaching Points After Reading, and a short phonics practice. I've never really liked what I've done with phonics during guided reading, so I'll definitely be changing that up as well.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">3. What is something new you want to try next school year? How do you want to make your guided reading time better or what new things do you want to try?</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">Next year I want to be more intentional with the text I select for the students. In Chapter 3 it talked about choosing books with sight words that the students know. It also said to have a new sight word in the book to teach. I normally just pick a book at their level and go with it. Time to get a little more selective!</span><br />
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I've honestly never done much with cross-checking, either. Sure, I talk about it here and there when appropriate. But she really emphasizes being able to cross-check before they get to Level D.</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">4. What are some resources that you ALREADY HAVE that you can use to teach what you read about in this chapter/section?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;">Our school is starting to build a guided reading library, which is fabulous! I hope they continue to add more books to it in the future. I also have plenty of whiteboards, pointers, and magnetic letters.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: 'Droid Sans'; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">5. What are some NEW resources that you want to get or try to use to teach what you read about in this chapter/section?</span></div>
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I need to make some little guided writing books for the end of each lesson. Fortunately, all I need to do is staple some paper together OR grab some little cheap notebooks when the Back to School Sales appear! ;)</div>
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Make sure you check out everyone else's blog posts on Chapter 3! <br />
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