tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43274917569146507002024-03-13T21:36:19.172-05:00Miss A's KindergartenSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-67854730863360491782013-07-30T16:14:00.001-05:002013-07-30T16:14:18.430-05:00Classroom Tour 2013!I've had this post as a draft for a long time! (Since last week!!) I figured it was time to just put it out there so that the world could see my classroom all organized and spiffy! I guess I felt bad just posting only photos, but I figure that you enjoy looking at them anyways. There's a fun video tour at the bottom, so keep that scrolling finger moving!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nF5aDRwoqv8/Ufgn9sCiswI/AAAAAAAABRE/Z5oggc0gCMQ/s1600/word+wall+banda.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nF5aDRwoqv8/Ufgn9sCiswI/AAAAAAAABRE/Z5oggc0gCMQ/s640/word+wall+banda.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 word wall compared to 2013 word wall!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jNBwKmRdiE/UfgpTkJPNAI/AAAAAAAABRQ/PlfF2IUV49I/s1600/front+of+the+room+banda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jNBwKmRdiE/UfgpTkJPNAI/AAAAAAAABRQ/PlfF2IUV49I/s640/front+of+the+room+banda.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8MQkpx9F-aI/Ufgp1ch2fAI/AAAAAAAABRs/_x3SrosR9Yg/s1600/2013-07-22+12.09.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8MQkpx9F-aI/Ufgp1ch2fAI/AAAAAAAABRs/_x3SrosR9Yg/s640/2013-07-22+12.09.21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cubbies, filing cabinet, and teacher work area! Love the openness of it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpoG4ChHszo/Ufgp2vux_FI/AAAAAAAABSA/WYjRfKj0mPI/s1600/2013-07-22+15.07.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpoG4ChHszo/Ufgp2vux_FI/AAAAAAAABSA/WYjRfKj0mPI/s640/2013-07-22+15.07.46.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Student supply area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCt6fNzenB8/Ufgp1-Ec_oI/AAAAAAAABR0/GQDkST6ybMg/s1600/2013-07-23+12.04.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCt6fNzenB8/Ufgp1-Ec_oI/AAAAAAAABR0/GQDkST6ybMg/s640/2013-07-23+12.04.52.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bookshelf organized by genre, theme, or author</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVaUnDbeiE4/Ufgp5F3ji4I/AAAAAAAABSM/om59QDC-aJ0/s1600/2013-07-24+10.13.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVaUnDbeiE4/Ufgp5F3ji4I/AAAAAAAABSM/om59QDC-aJ0/s640/2013-07-24+10.13.40.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My spiffy new bookshelf that I assembled all by myself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LJObH3w8oU/Ufgp48kwYmI/AAAAAAAABSI/0xq6rCLrOqM/s1600/2013-07-24+14.49.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3LJObH3w8oU/Ufgp48kwYmI/AAAAAAAABSI/0xq6rCLrOqM/s640/2013-07-24+14.49.01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the classroom listening station, tables, and other lovely things</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15M3biPtmNw/Ufgp5VA8XVI/AAAAAAAABSU/Bngg88A5vUc/s1600/2013-07-24+15.11.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15M3biPtmNw/Ufgp5VA8XVI/AAAAAAAABSU/Bngg88A5vUc/s640/2013-07-24+15.11.52.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decently organized cabinet!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVuSEqrMbU0/Ufgp6V-ENrI/AAAAAAAABSg/lsX4LHH-A4c/s1600/2013-07-24+15.12.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVuSEqrMbU0/Ufgp6V-ENrI/AAAAAAAABSg/lsX4LHH-A4c/s640/2013-07-24+15.12.16.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered up my ugly shelf with pretty fabric.</td></tr>
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Here's a quick video tour of my classroom in case you want to see a panorama!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="889" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/71161894" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/71161894">2013-07-24 15.17.40</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user19770295">Sarah Adams</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Hope that you enjoyed my tour. Leave me a comment letting me know what you think. When do you go back into your classroom to get it ready to roll?<br />
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I start back to inservice tomorrow...Pray that I can get up early enough!<br />
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<img alt=" photo smallsignature.png" border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/sadams21/smallsignature-1.png~original" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-54663677186977893572013-07-16T16:03:00.000-05:002013-07-16T16:06:05.239-05:00Organizing Writing Supplies!Just popping in to write a quick post about my plan for organizing Writing Workshop supplies for next school year! As you saw in my recent post about my Target haul, I bought some really cool mini-drawers to organize things.<br />
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Well...I decided to get a little crafty! (Shocker!! I'm not one who is typically very crafty...) Enter hot glue gun stage left.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3OqP2gKHQ4/UeWxRiIHm-I/AAAAAAAABMU/QmHKro4_WM0/s1600/2013-07-12+15.56.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3OqP2gKHQ4/UeWxRiIHm-I/AAAAAAAABMU/QmHKro4_WM0/s320/2013-07-12+15.56.00.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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The next step was to start cutting out each little tiny label from the "<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Supply-Labels-for-your-Writing-Center-279436" target="_blank">Supply Labels for Your Writing Center</a>" pack from Teachers Pay Teachers.</div>
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I got each one cut out and then organized them by how I would glue them onto the drawers. I decided that three different colors in a drawer would work well. We will see...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3hRMG2Okk8/UeWxS45DN2I/AAAAAAAABMo/8eqCwvU4Y2o/s1600/2013-07-12+16.05.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3hRMG2Okk8/UeWxS45DN2I/AAAAAAAABMo/8eqCwvU4Y2o/s320/2013-07-12+16.05.21.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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I also decided to include a drawer for erasers, date stamps, glue sticks, and scissors, since the students would be using those items frequently during Writing Workshop. Speaking of date stamps, check these out!! (Ignore all the practice stamping... I couldn't resist!)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X40hc_N5pIU/UeWytsX4GhI/AAAAAAAABNM/w2mXmVV6FB8/s1600/2013-07-16+15.51.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X40hc_N5pIU/UeWytsX4GhI/AAAAAAAABNM/w2mXmVV6FB8/s320/2013-07-16+15.51.53.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Okay, back to explaining my Writing Workshop drawers! After I organized them by drawer, I got my hot glue gun out and ready to go. Needless to say, I burnt my fingers at least twice. Okay, maybe three times. Don't judge me!<br />
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Here's the final product! Drumroll, please?<br />
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Yes, the date stamps one is wonky. I need to see if I can make it cute and matching. Ignore the date stamps one. At least I used my nice handwriting instead of making it too sloppy. And there you have it! Simple drawers for the students to use while they're working on writing their lovely stories of dogs, rainbows, and unicorns!<br />
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Thanks for reading! I am linking up with Tara's Monday Made It for this post, even though I'm late to the party. =)<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-80568556678212711842013-07-10T16:46:00.000-05:002013-07-10T16:46:10.581-05:00Confessions!When I saw #kinderblog13's most recent blogging challenge, I was not sure what to say. I don't feel like I have anything big to confess! After thinking for some time, I realized that I would post about things that I really love and don't share all that often. Here goes!<br />
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1. Blog designing!<br />
I am now working alongside Erika and Misty at Honey Bunch Blog Design creating custom made blog templates AND premades! If you want to see some of my work, click this link or the image below. Blog designing has always been something I enjoyed doing for fun, and now I get to do it all the time!<br />
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2. Skype<br />
I love Skype. I use it every single day, and don't know what I would do without it!<br />
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3. My journal<br />
Last year, I started writing in my 5 year journal. It has one page for every day of the year with 5 sections in that day to write in. Every day, you write the year at the top of a blank section and write 3-4 sentences of what you did that day. It's really fun to go back and see all the cool things I did last year at this time.<br />
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4. Acer V5 Touch<br />
I bought this laptop just a few weeks ago and cannot believe how much fun it is to use! It has a touch screen and Windows 8. I love the touch screen because I can flip through the open applications quickly and also click things faster than I did with a mouse. Fantastic little laptop!<br />
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5. Target and Dollar Tree<br />
They have wonderful stuff there. Affordable enough for a private school teacher who doesn't make a fortune.<br />
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My last confession is that my inservice starts on July 31st...and I haven't even gone back into my classroom yet. The first day of school is August 9th!! Maintenance hasn't even cleaned our classrooms!! I'm getting a little desperate here. Scared and nervous that it won't come together in time!<br />
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<img alt=" photo smallsignature.png" border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/sadams21/smallsignature-1.png~original" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-9874363355465406212013-07-06T14:18:00.000-05:002013-07-06T14:18:36.605-05:00A Room with No Bulletin BoardsI am faced with a dilemma. A major one that causes me much grief throughout the school year. Many times, I find myself staring at my walls thinking to myself, "<em>This room looks so cluttered even though it is full of wonderful student work.</em>"<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6-B3PZW4_rM/Udhq8q0f5jI/AAAAAAAABHQ/IK_RD1i6g5c/s1600/no+bulletin+boards+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6-B3PZW4_rM/Udhq8q0f5jI/AAAAAAAABHQ/IK_RD1i6g5c/s640/no+bulletin+boards+1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh my. This picture scares me.</td></tr>
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I want my classroom to be eye-catching--a true representation of the students who work there. When I have to just staple a child's paper on the white bare walls, I feel it doesn't do that piece of work justice. It's like saying to the child, "Wow! You did a fantastic job! You worked so hard. Now I will NOT work hard in making your work stand out. I will just put it up because this spot on my wall looks a little empty."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMDDZGtRnHI/Udhse4TexzI/AAAAAAAABHg/iyx1gyob4bg/s1600/no+bulletin+boards+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMDDZGtRnHI/Udhse4TexzI/AAAAAAAABHg/iyx1gyob4bg/s640/no+bulletin+boards+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the school year after everything was taken down</td></tr>
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It's difficult to really centralize student work when I have no designated spaces for it. In a typical classroom, most people have bulletin boards to decorate which make it easy to replace old work with new. I'm really not sure how to tackle this problem. I'd really prefer not to have to spend a fortune on it, but I do want something that is year-long, meaningful, and a place where students know that their work will live. (And want to put it up there!)<br />
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What would you do in my shoes? Any advice or ideas would be wonderful.<br />
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<img alt=" photo smallsignature.png" border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/sadams21/smallsignature-1.png~original" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-65692772889293256972013-07-05T11:19:00.000-05:002013-07-05T11:19:42.539-05:00My Passion for Teaching
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My goal is to inspire. My love is to teach. My dream is to
help children see that they are special, talented, meaningful, beautiful, loved.
While teaching is my profession, I take it seriously. Each child that walks in
my room is someone's baby, and for that reason I must do all I can to help him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teaching was not always my dream, but I have found a deep
passion for it that helps fuel my instruction every day. This will be my second
year of teaching, can I can't wait to begin!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This life we are given is brief. God has blessed me with
purpose, with ambition, and with a love for the pursuit of knowledge. My hope
is that I transfer the love of the Lord to these little ones and instill in
them a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.</span></div>
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<img alt=" photo smallsignature.png" border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/sadams21/smallsignature-1.png~original" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-51266611687714127762013-06-29T15:08:00.002-05:002013-06-29T15:08:44.630-05:00Target Classroom Organization Finds!Today was the day I've been anticipating! My trip to Target to get ready for next school year. =) I had taken measurements of certain areas of my classroom to be sure to get what would fit properly. Here's some pictures and descriptions of all the things I decided to get!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rD4yQnNf_GI/Uc86oyov4wI/AAAAAAAABDo/kizgh6sKEpc/s1600/2013-06-29+14.34.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rD4yQnNf_GI/Uc86oyov4wI/AAAAAAAABDo/kizgh6sKEpc/s640/2013-06-29+14.34.34.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
As you walk in to Target, there's the awesome dollar spot. I decided to take a quick peek into the aisles and see if anything struck my fancy. Amazingly, I found these really nice magazine files for only $1 each!! I've been reading a LOT of Fountas and Pinnell lately for grad school, so I decided to get them for the students' browsing boxes. I may end up only using one per guided reading group, but we'll see. I think the kids would like to each have their own box. How do you do browsing boxes?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EGclTZaGLe8/Uc86r2YmIjI/AAAAAAAABEc/UdmBq0ZIwTE/s1600/2013-06-29+14.37.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EGclTZaGLe8/Uc86r2YmIjI/AAAAAAAABEc/UdmBq0ZIwTE/s640/2013-06-29+14.37.37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I bought these paper filing racks (4 of them) to organize my Writing Workshop. I'm going to start that this year, and F&P recommend a central location at which students can get all their paper and supplies they need. These were fairly cheap and stack nicely. I may need to zip tie them together so the students don't "accidentally" take them apart. We may need to have a mini-lesson on taking care of the WW areas. =)<br />
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In addition to the filing system, I purchased these really nice 3 drawer units to store crayons and <span style="font-size: x-small;">maybe</span> markers. We will see. I want to have the crayons organized by color instead of just tossed into a scary crayon tub of mystery. That would help the children learn to clean properly AND it would minimize the amount of time spent searching for the correct color crayon.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf-VO4HlzY0/Uc86qqq_pII/AAAAAAAABEQ/ZVakvoTnrgY/s1600/2013-06-29+14.35.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf-VO4HlzY0/Uc86qqq_pII/AAAAAAAABEQ/ZVakvoTnrgY/s640/2013-06-29+14.35.22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I discovered this super cute shower caddy in the home and organization section! I couldn't resist! There's a hot pink one and a black one there, too. I plan to use this to store important items to use during guided reading/writing so everything is handy and ready to roll!<br />
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I found these pretty "Sterilite" drawers (in case you are wondering...no, they're not Sterilite!) to put underneath my computer desk in my classroom. Since I am combining my kidney table and my computer table, I thought it would be a good idea to have a place where I could store necessary office items and teaching tools nearby. I'll probably have to label them nicely so I can make sure to put things back in the proper spot. (Knowing my own lack of organizational skillz.)<br />
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I hope you liked seeing all my organizational finds! I will be posting more about how I use these when I get back into my classroom and start setting up.<br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.ladybugsteacherfiles.com/2013/06/grading-differentiated-spelling-tests.html" target="_blank">Ladybug's Teacher Files'</a> and <a href="http://funin4b.blogspot.com/2013/06/optimum-organization-june-29.html" target="_blank">Fun in Room 4B's</a> Optimum Organization linky party. If you want to see more organizational tips and tricks, head on over to their pages and see what they have in store for you. =)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's a resource that you absolutely cannot live without during guided reading or writing time?</b></span><br />
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<img alt=" photo smallsignature.png" border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/sadams21/smallsignature-1.png~original" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-28547186911246806382013-06-28T14:59:00.000-05:002013-06-28T16:17:08.086-05:00Easy to Use Math AssessmentAt the end of the school year, my principal asked us to either find or make a benchmark for our grades to assess math skills. We tried the DMA (Developmental Math Assessment), but found it very time consuming because we do not have aids or people who administer testing for us. It all has to be done in small groups.<br />
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SO, I got tech-y. You know I love to use technology. :) My "co-teacher" (she teaches the other K class next door to my room!) and I decided to look online and on Texas TEKS to figure out what all we need to put into the assessment. We gathered information and I got to work.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwz7xEAcMbI/Uc3nNUDqSJI/AAAAAAAABDI/7XYqlz_ST4g/s1024/math+assessment+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwz7xEAcMbI/Uc3nNUDqSJI/AAAAAAAABDI/7XYqlz_ST4g/s640/math+assessment+collage.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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I created an easy to use assessment that can be given in one large sitting or in several small sittings with students one-on-one. It covers all the Texas Kindergarten TEKS, and it is very hands on for the students. I put all the manipulatives into a <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-12-Quart-Dishpan-White/16351103" target="_blank">dish pan from Walmart</a> and had it sitting on a shelf behind my kidney table. Then, I would call a student to my kidney table and work with him on a portion of the assessment.<br />
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It contains the basics, like addition, subtraction, and just plain ole' counting. I even had to put my thinking cap on and create sections to assess graphing and area and measurements. It was a challenge, but I think it all came together quite nicely. It really showed me how much my students had learned throughout the year. I wish I had this assessment to kick-start last year so I could really help my littles reach maximum potential by the end of the year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Math-Assessment-747957" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_XUIycUpyc/Uc3oNNMmC3I/AAAAAAAABDU/LF2wfinAAqE/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you would like a copy of this assessment, please hop on over to <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Math-Assessment-747957" target="_blank">my TpT store</a>! This is my first really BIG product, so I would love any feedback or thoughts on it. Even though this test is not "Common Core" I believe it really is hands-on and can meet a lot of the standards found in Common Core.<br />
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Hope you like it! The first three to leave a comment below with their email address will get a free copy of the assessment!<br />
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<img alt=" photo smallsignature.png" border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n599/sadams21/smallsignature-1.png~original" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-9279967498037052712013-06-22T08:00:00.000-05:002013-06-28T20:27:25.906-05:00All About Running Records Coding!Lately, I have been working very closely with <a href="http://blog.thinkwonderteach.com/running-record/" target="_blank">Misty from Think, Wonder, & Teach</a>. She offered me the chance to guest blog on her page! I wrote a lovely post about running records over there. If you would like to go check it out and get a freebie, please make your way over there by clicking this link here OR the image below. :)<br />
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Do you use running records? Or does it seem like a scary mystery to you? Let me know in the comments below!<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-15297817569494256162013-06-18T22:12:00.000-05:002013-06-18T22:12:16.769-05:00My Teacher ALWAYS says...I saw this linky from <a href="http://foreverin1st.blogspot.com/2013/06/my-teacher-always-says-linky.html" target="_blank">Forever in First,</a> and I couldn't pass it up! During my first year, I realized that I repeat some of the same things over and over to my students. As the year went on, the students were able to say my quotes before I even got a chance to say them! It's amazing what they pick up.<br />
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Our school really focuses on teaching students to be helpful, kind, and considerate of others. Many of you have probably heard this called "being a bucket filler." Whenever I see a student who needs to be reminded that he or she should try to be kind instead of yelling back at someone, I would say, "Be a bucket filler!" Works like a charm. I even had a time at the end of the day where the kids would share who filled their buckets that day!<br />
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This one just popped out of my mouth one day when I was explaining an activity they were going to work on. One of my boys asked, "Ms. Adams...What do you mean 'a piece of cake?'" I thought they all knew that idiom already! From that day on, anytime we had an assignment, they would go, "Will it be a piece of cake?"<br />
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Every time we would come back from out class or lunch or recess, I would get their attention in the hallway and tell them where to go. They got to the point where I didn't have to say it anymore! I switched it up sometimes and asked, "Where do we go?" They all would say "GO TO CARPET!"<br />
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When things weren't going their way, I would pull this one out. I would shrug and say, "It's cool," if I couldn't find something I was looking for. When the kids had to leave recess early, I would say, "It's cool" to show them that they don't need to get all worked up about it.<br />
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This was a hard one! Whew! Some students love to report to me. I would always ask, "Did you talk to him first?" to see if the student had tried to solve the problem before reporting to me. If they said no, I would have him go talk to the person and explain what bothered him. Usually, the problem worked itself out. If not, I'd step in and guide the confrontation. I need a recording of this quote so I can just click play instead of wearing my voice out repeating it!!<br />
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Let me know what some of your most used quotes are! I'd love to know what you tend to say often. :)<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-18432690968062087212013-06-17T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-28T20:28:06.974-05:00Twitter Chats - My Latest ObsessionIt began with a little curiosity. You know what they say about that. I wanted to know what was so unique about Twitter. I thought it was just a bunch of people proclaiming their random thoughts into the world. I was wrong. #mindblown<br />
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I decided to participate in Really Good Stuff's #teachchat on a Wednesday evening, and I was hooked. I had to go to ALL the chats related to education. If I missed one, I was sad because I didn't get to be a part of the joy of conversation. Many people's schools have even allowed their teachers to use Twitter to receive PD credits! Can you believe that?</div>
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In case you're confused, here's the low-down. Twitter has this magical world of "chats." You can participate by typing in the correct hashtag (this symbol # plus a word) into the search bar at the top. Some people use Twitter programs to follow multiple streams of hashtags. </div>
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Say you really enjoy gifted and talented education...there's a Twitter chat for that. What about kindergarten? Yeah, you guessed it, there's one for that too! If you decide to participate, all you do is write out your message and attach the appropriate hashtag to the end of the message! #easypeasy</div>
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Click the image to take you to a Google Doc that has all the Twitter chats that I follow and participate in, just in case you would like to join me! If you can't click the image, just <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjJlaQtDaSoXdE9yNHM0bmpJVjhVdF9LSXhWV2hXTXc&usp=sharing" target="_blank">click this link</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjJlaQtDaSoXdE9yNHM0bmpJVjhVdF9LSXhWV2hXTXc&usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpNIA1L4t_s/Ub1EaHJzZbI/AAAAAAAABAs/-3DAHWqfcmQ/s400/twitter+chats+image.png" width="312" /></a></div>
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Word of caution: Every message you post will be seen by your Twitter followers AND the people watching the chat. Also, be careful what you say because it can be viewed by people in high places! (Such as Scholastic, Really Good Stuff, and even state Senators) The other warning I give is that most times, these chats are high-intensity and very fast paced.</div>
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<b>Let me know in the comments if you have ever participated in a Twitter chat! </b><b>If not, which education topic interest you most?</b></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-50009244052849599132013-06-15T20:47:00.000-05:002013-06-15T20:47:01.597-05:00Thank you!I just wanted to post a quick "THANK YOU" to all of my lovely followers and viewers at home. ;) I reached a staggering 30,000 views today! Oh wow!!<br />
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When I reach 300 blog followers I maaay consider doing a giveaway, so I hope you're excited about that! Today, I started planning out future blog posts for this blog. I have a few updates to technology tutorials, and hopefully I can teach you some new technology tips to use in your own classroom. Summer is a great time to try out new things, so I hope you join in with me as we learn together.<br />
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I've been reading a LOT of professional development books recently, and I can't wait to share some of my knowledge with you. I may need your help in figuring out ways to implement what I'm learning. You all are amazing, so I'm sure you can help me out!<br />
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I have a really cool product created and almost ready for launch. I think you will like it a lot!<br />
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Again, thank you for all your views, comments, and joys you have brought me throughout my blogging journey. I can't wait to kick this blog back into action! It's been far too long since I posted frequently.<br />
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<b>Post in the comments below if you have a suggestion for a tech tutorial that I can do for you!</b><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-34118870777164968052013-06-10T08:44:00.000-05:002013-06-10T08:44:12.061-05:00First Day!At the beginning of the school year, the children are anxious, worried, excited, and pretty much every emotion possible.<br />
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Today is like that for me! <b><u>It's my first day of grad school</u></b>, and I'm anxious, worried, and excited! I've got all my textbooks ready to pack into my bag. I still need to take off my chipping nail polish so that I can meet everyone looking much nicer. I may even <b>paint </b>my nails for this week!<br />
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I was introduced to a computer program called <a href="http://evernote.com/" target="_blank">Evernote</a> this past week. It's a place where you can take notes and pictures, and then the content syncs to all connected devices (like your iPhone or iPad!)<br />
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<a href="http://evernote.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://wcrlv.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Evernote-Logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I plan on using it today to take notes in class, but you can use <a href="http://evernote.com/" target="_blank">Evernote</a> in many different ways, such as:<br />
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<li>Making and checking off your grocery list</li>
<li>Planning supplies needed for a classroom party</li>
<li>Writing your classroom inventory (so it doesn't take up computer space!)</li>
<li>Storing all the fabulous ideas you find on teacher blogs!</li>
<li>Keeping notes during Professional Development workshops</li>
<li>Collaborating with your co-teacher next door to you and sharing documents with them</li>
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The list could go on and on! It has voice record, video record, and photo capture options as long as you have a webcam/microphone on your device. Very helpful!</div>
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You can go to their website by <a href="http://evernote.com/" target="_blank">clicking here</a>, and while you're at it, go download the free iPhone app!</div>
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I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I have had something <i>extra awesome</i> occupying my time! I'm not sure if I'm allowed to tell about it at this point, but it has to do with <b>design</b>. I'm SO thrilled about it, and I have been working nonstop on projects for the team that I haven't stopped to think of new blog post ideas.<br />
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Let me know in the comments:<br />
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<li>Do you use Evernote?</li>
<li>How do you or would you use Evernote?</li>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-64705784761203536812013-06-06T10:42:00.001-05:002013-06-06T10:43:36.580-05:00Quick Tech Tutorial - Pin It Button!I'm back with another technology tutorial! Have you missed those? I know I have! This time, it's not a web 2.0 tool. It's all about our favorite site, Pinterest!<br />
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Have I piqued your interest? :)<br />
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I hope so! Here's the video tutorial to make it super easy to understand.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_Wh3Ch4_mlc" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Here's the link to the Google Chrome Pinterest app: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/kl2s9rl" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/kl2s9rl</a><br />
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What do you think? Easy enough, right? I hope this was something that you can use. If you would like for me to make a tutorial for a pin it app button for the Firefox browser, let me know! Thanks for watching. I'd love to know what you would like to see next. I'm thinking of remaking my <a href="http://missaskinder.blogspot.com/2012/06/prezi-tutorial-for-teachers.html" target="_blank">Prezi</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjIY1oEiH6c" target="_blank">Beeclip</a> tutorials, so be looking forward to that!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-6288255554739396272013-06-04T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-04T08:28:40.327-05:00The "Mini Clip Chart"Last summer, it was all the rage on teacher blogs to use a clip chart for behavior management. There were so many options and colors and themes, and I was <u>on board</u>. I even made my own that I wanted to use! (Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Three-Jungle-Clip-Charts-269603" target="_blank">here</a> if you would like to see it.) I appreciated the concept of moving the clothespins up and down the chart depending on behavior, and I liked that students can improve and clip back up.<br />
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The only concern that I had was that the whole class was able to see it from everywhere in the room. Also, if parent volunteers came in, they would be able to see certain students always toward the bottom of the chart. I wanted a more positive learning environment where students were not ashamed of their behavior, but took ownership of their mistakes.<br />
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I started off the school year with whole group management. I had a small, plastic container and some river rocks. Whenever I caught someone being good, I added a rock to our collection. If the class was not following the rules, a rock came out. It worked very well at the beginning of the year! We filled that jar up and got to have extra recess. :) Fun!<br />
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Towards October, I realized we needed a little more...motivation. I really wanted to have a clip chart because I could see some students who needed the individual behavior plan, but I couldn't think of a way to do it so that it was not a page or chart on the wall. After much brainstorming came the idea of a miniature clip chart.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgqnHB7d0Sw/Uay7Y9TovuI/AAAAAAAAAvI/66WoiqJU3vM/s1600/clip+chart+mini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgqnHB7d0Sw/Uay7Y9TovuI/AAAAAAAAAvI/66WoiqJU3vM/s400/clip+chart+mini.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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As you can see, it's a much smaller version of the clip chart! I used the four colors red, orange, green, and blue. Here's what they mean:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Red means teacher's choice. It means parent contact of some sort, whether it's a phone call, office visit, or just an email. The child may not move the clip back up if it gets to red.</li>
<li>Orange is a warning. The students can move up from orange. There will be lots of movement between green and orange (hopefully!). If a child asks to move back up, they are not allowed to move back up yet. I have to actually see the students making good choices, not just begging for green.</li>
<li>Green means ready to learn. The students start their day off at green. I have them change their clip back to green at the end of the day so that we can start fresh the next day.</li>
<li>Blue means the child is making super choices! If you see that child who is staying on task, working hard, and helping others, move him or her up to blue! You can even find a way to reward that behavior. (Such as a positive note home, a positive phone call, etc.)</li>
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All you need is a large craft stick, some markers, and a clothespin.<br />
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First, I labeled the clothespins with my students' names. I also put their name on the craft stick so that they can be sure to keep track of both pieces. Next comes the messy part. <b><span style="font-size: large;">Word of caution: Your hands will get marker on them.</span></b> We're teachers, so we're used to messy hands, right!? Get the four colors you want to use and hold the very end of the craft stick. Start coloring the stick with the magic marker in small rectangles with each color.<br />
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Yes, the color will stay on.<br />
Yes, it will dry.<br />
And yes, the color will come off the stick if it comes in contact with water. Believe me.<br />
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That's it!<br />
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I did not need to use treasure box or follow-up incentives for this tool (mainly because I didn't have ideas on how to manage that). I loved that it sat at each child's table instead of in plain view on the wall. I believe it really made our classroom more positive because they really had the chance to move back up when they made good choices. I didn't ever hear, "Robert is ALWAYS on red!!" :) I count that as a success.<br />
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If you have any ideas on how to extend this tool to make it more interesting, please let me know in the comments!<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Do you use a clip chart? What is your go-to method of behavior management?</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-64622417564015290252013-06-02T23:48:00.001-05:002013-06-04T08:28:59.235-05:00Third Time's a Charm (I hope!)Backstory:<br />
I was really excited about Oh' Boy 4th Grade's Currently linky party. I made my graphic all nice and neat. I posted up the blog post...and as I was browsing my posts, guess what I did. I deleted it. Yeah. So now the link on the linky party goes to empty cyber space. Sad face. I reposted AGAIN and realized that even if I changed the permalink title, it wouldn't connect to that deleted page again. So I deleted again....<br />
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Third time's a charm. Here's my currently!<br />
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Lindsey Stirling is a violinist that covers lots of pop songs, but also does original songs. She is fantastic. Pentatonix is really good too :)<br />
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In case you've never heard it, here's the video:<br />
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She's wonderful. Go check out her YouTube videos!!<br />
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Thanks for posting this fun linky, Farley! :)<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-77010681384163303682013-06-01T07:48:00.001-05:002013-06-02T14:32:52.584-05:00My Lesson Plan ExperienceI spent a lot of time last summer visiting lots of awesome teacher blogs. From what I saw, a teacher binder was a sure-fire way to succeed in being an organized, efficient teacher. I put a lot of work into making one -- I made customized weekly lesson plan pages, added monthly calendar pages, a student info section, a birthday list page, and so on and so forth. It was <b>FULL </b>before school even started!! I was thrilled, thinking I'd be so organized and that I would keep up with it every week.<br />
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Want to know what happened?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't!</span><br />
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I got so many new handout pages from faculty meetings, and I just shoved them into the binder without even hole punching them! It was a mess in there. Around November, I had given up on the binder and it was just laying on the giant pile of junk in the corner of the classroom.<br />
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Judging me.<br />
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With it's judgmental binder pockets full to bursting.<br />
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So since that was a complete and utter failure, I decided that this next year I would simplify. I decided to create a simple lesson plan book that was just for that -- lesson planning. Not for student info, not for birthday lists, not for anything except the basic essentials. And especially, <u>no pockets</u>. <i>None</i>. Zippo.<br />
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Here's how the cover turned out:<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Lesson-Plan-Book-Pages-714221" target="_blank"><img alt="2013-14 Lesson Plan Book" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkDRMK7eIWw/UabFjzjyyJI/AAAAAAAAAsI/b6jjzuE-f-U/s640/new+planner+cover.png" title="2013-14 Lesson Plan Book" width="512" /></a></div>
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Nice huh? I thought it was cute as could be. :) I had my school laminate the front and back cover pages so that it would be a little more sturdy, and I printed it on heavy cardstock paper.<br />
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On the inside, I only have 4 sections:<br />
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1) A page for continuing education-<br />
If you're a new teacher reading this post, here's something that I did not know about until almost the end of the school year. You will have to turn in your CPE information and certificate copies! OH MY GOODNESS. I had no idea, so obviously I just put the workshop certificates into the giant corner pile of doom after every workshop. My suggestion is to write down the name of the training, the date/time, and the location of the event. Also, keep a file folder of all the certificates handy so that you can add to it as you go along. Sorry for the rant. Here's a picture. :)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Lesson-Plan-Book-Pages-714221" target="_blank"><img alt="Lesson Plan Book CPE Page" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wienVN-E1rA/UabGEk8bdZI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/pXeH4AQSxIw/s640/2013-05-29+21.56.10.jpg" title="Lesson Plan Book CPE Page" width="476" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Lesson-Plan-Book-Pages-714221" target="_blank">Lime green! Lovely :)</a></td></tr>
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2) A page for DRA Scores (because it's helpful to keep track during the year for grouping) -<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Lesson-Plan-Book-Pages-714221" target="_blank"><img alt="DRA Scores page" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmu6h9S4-68/UabGZiePJXI/AAAAAAAAAsY/eXBjWZk0v48/s640/2013-05-29+21.56.14.jpg" title="DRA Scores page" width="476" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Lesson-Plan-Book-Pages-714221" target="_blank">Sorry for the retina-burning sensation caused by a ridiculous amount of orange.</a></td></tr>
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3) Weekly planning pages -<br />
I chose this setup because I prefer the days to be vertical instead of horizontal. It is easier for me to follow. Also, I put just the subject because my old planning pages had the actual time there, which really messed me up on days that did not follow the routine. I was looking into getting a cute Erin Condren planner, but she puts the lesson plan days horizontal. Sad :(<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Lesson-Plan-Book-Pages-714221" target="_blank"><img alt="2013-14 Lesson Plan Book" border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZlb7LLsfxg/UabHOWy-E1I/AAAAAAAAAso/XyJxcK4IMII/s640/2013-05-29+21.58.15.jpg" title="2013-14 Lesson Plan Book" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Lesson-Plan-Book-Pages-714221" target="_blank">Purple is my favorite color, so obvs I picked purple for these pages!</a></td></tr>
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4) Monthly calendar pages -<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Lesson-Plan-Book-Pages-714221" target="_blank"><img alt="2013-14 Lesson Plan Book" border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BjN1G_57vm4/UabHvYd7e7I/AAAAAAAAAsw/j8xPJDX5Gj8/s640/2013-05-29+21.57.15.jpg" title="2013-14 Lesson Plan Book" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Lesson-Plan-Book-Pages-714221" target="_blank">The blue color is WAY prettier in person. Silly iPhone. And yes, I did already fill the calendar out through to next May. Don't hate.</a></td></tr>
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My goal for the summer is to really get myself organized and get everything to have its own home in my classroom. I learned from my mistake, and I am <b>not </b>going to let it happen again!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If you would like a copy of the documents shown above, just click any of the photos!</span></b><br />
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You can also <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Lesson-Plan-Book-Pages-714221" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> for the link, if you haven't figured it out otherwise. If the link doesn't work, please, oh please, let me know so I can figure out what I did wrong. Thanks!<br />
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I hope this was interesting to you in some way. Maybe it will give you the motivation to minimize like I did. The coil binding was done at Office Depot for only $3 and some change. Not too shabby.<br />
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My next challenge? The scary cabinets in my classroom.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQbZf9OuLiM/UaeODMP-76I/AAAAAAAAAtE/-Yw8cNFR5iQ/s1600/2013-05-30+11.01.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQbZf9OuLiM/UaeODMP-76I/AAAAAAAAAtE/-Yw8cNFR5iQ/s640/2013-05-30+11.01.35.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Math and Art and random junk closet. The math items are organized by concept (geometry, counting, time, money, weight)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZHBiOqFUV4/UaeOCz8FKMI/AAAAAAAAAtA/rSKkun6Ems4/s1600/2013-05-30+10.59.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZHBiOqFUV4/UaeOCz8FKMI/AAAAAAAAAtA/rSKkun6Ems4/s640/2013-05-30+10.59.12.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literacy and Fine Motor. And random junk. This one needs lots of help. I need a professional organizer to come help me!!!</td></tr>
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Looks like I will be one busy woman this summer! Thank goodness I have the Optimum Organization linky party that helps me keep my mind focused on a goal. I will need all the support and encouragement I can get. Cleaning/organizing is NOT in my nature.<br />
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I'm also linking up with Manic Monday and Monday Made It...because I made my lesson plan book! :) Also, I made a huge mess of my cabinets. Does that count?<br />
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If you want to check out the linky parties, click the images below.</div>
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<a href="http://classroomfreebies.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Classroom Freebies Manic Monday" src="http://www.theorganizedclassroomblog.com/images/stories/classroom-freebies/manicMondayOrangebutton.png" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LeVxxrzQREw/UaemeQSEv2I/AAAAAAAAAtg/EyzZP5ikAik/s1600/mondaymadeit2_240x240.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LeVxxrzQREw/UaemeQSEv2I/AAAAAAAAAtg/EyzZP5ikAik/s200/mondaymadeit2_240x240.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://funin4b.blogspot.com/2013/06/optimum-organizationnow-weekly-linky.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-joXuJkLJ0pU/UaelxJc6KkI/AAAAAAAAAtY/ARCh6ZnqOws/s200/Optimum+Organization+Linky.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">How do you manage your lesson plans? </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Do you have any advice on how I should tackle the scary cabinets??</span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-41119732979052104732013-05-27T22:11:00.000-05:002013-05-30T07:10:35.748-05:00America the Beautiful!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_w6XlAW3g4/UaQdiOb1enI/AAAAAAAAArc/Abngb2u_VaI/s1600/american+symbols+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_w6XlAW3g4/UaQdiOb1enI/AAAAAAAAArc/Abngb2u_VaI/s400/american+symbols+1.png" width="297" /></a>A while back, my class studied American symbols. We talked about the Statue of Liberty, the bald eagle, and more. We even got to focus in on some of Texas' symbols, such as the mockingbird and the bluebonnet. It was a fun unit of study. I thought I would share a craftivity that the students did during their Art workstation time. This wasn't an original idea. I believe Mrs. S. from next door found the idea on Enchanted Learning...or something. Sorry I can't source this!<br />
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Each child got to create their own bald eagle! They had to trace their foot and both hands for this activity, so it kept them REALLY busy. Some had their workstation partner help them out with the tracing. It took a while to cut out, and some got a bit frustrated after they cut off a finger or two from the hand tracing. (Nothing a little glue can't solve!)<br />
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It turned out really cute. I loved how each child did the project just a little bit different. I had a completed one hanging on the wall at the station so they had an idea of what they were trying to accomplish. It was amazing to see all the varieties on the same idea!<br />
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If you haven't heard of <a href="http://www.brainpopjr.com/" target="_blank">BrainPop Jr.</a>, you should really look into getting access to the site from your school. It is a fantastic learning tool! My students love to watch the videos on there. During this unit, we watched the video on the American symbols. I wish the site was free, but it's worth the cost.<br />
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I hope this gave you an idea for a future patriotic art project for your class!<br />
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How do you teach the American symbols? Let me know in the comments below!<br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.kindergartenworks.com/2013/05/kindergarten-teaching-ideas-530.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Kindergartenworks+%28KindergartenWorks%29" target="_blank">KindergartenWorks</a> for her Kindergarten Show N' Tell linky! You should go check her blog out if you haven't before. She's fantastic!<br />
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<a href="http://www.kindergartenworks.com/2013/05/kindergarten-teaching-ideas-530.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Kindergartenworks+%28KindergartenWorks%29" target="_blank"><img alt="KindergartenWorks" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3wIVu0KDhE/UXIsBMFOowI/AAAAAAAAMMQ/Xm8_NJCRGYU/s1600/showntellkworks.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-57617028144452693932013-05-26T15:25:00.000-05:002013-06-04T15:03:32.484-05:00I'm Back! (Summer Bucket List and Lessons Learned)<br />
Can I just say... WOW! I've been gone for a long time. Sorry to all those who were following me here and enjoying my blog posts. It's now summertime, so I have more spare time than before. I finished my first year of teaching and LOVED IT!<br />
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Here are some of the things that I learned:<br />
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<ol>
<li>There will be challenging times, but talking to a veteran teacher about problems or concerns really helped me get through them. I am blessed to be working alongside a veteran teacher and dear friend (she taught me in 4th grade!!) that really understands me and wants to guide me.</li>
<li>Don't be afraid to be firm. I had a hard time at the beginning of the year with classroom management, but once I stepped up and was very firm, the students responded well. I had one girl who cried daily for almost the whole first semester. When I stepped up to the plate and was consistent with her, it was almost like magic!</li>
<li>Saying goodbye is hard. Enough said. :(</li>
<li>If you don't have a good organizational strategy for tackling the constant paper flow, you have to spend an eternity cleaning your classroom at the end of the year.</li>
<li>I take way too many pictures of my sweeties. Seriously!</li>
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Obviously, I've learned a whole lot more than that (like don't-trust-email-to-inform-parents-about-field-trips-because-it-will-go-to-junk-mail-and-the-parents-will-be-confused-the-day-before-the-field-trip), but I want to get to the fun part of this post. The linky party!! </div>
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<a href="http://acupcakefortheteacher.blogspot.com/2013/05/summer-bucket-list.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_EHbS14sek/UZrRV3HXVAI/AAAAAAAASLs/rn8143ZwgRc/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-05-20+at+6.40.35+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Yay! Here's my SUMMER BUCKET LIST!</b></div>
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--- Sleeeeep! Waking up at 5:20 everyday is NOT COOL.</div>
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--- Start grad school to begin the path of getting my Master of Education - Reading Specialization</div>
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--- Train for the Run or Dye 5k</div>
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<img alt="Run or Dye" border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EPcfsZ8JEg/UaJrisbKBOI/AAAAAAAAArE/MoICrnRRC7E/s400/2013-03-22+17.45.27.jpg" title="Run or Dye" width="400" /></div>
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--- Clean the horrifying mess of a classroom that is left after this whirlwind of a school year. Here's a terrifying, horror film picture of it. I hope it makes you feel better about your own classroom and/or gives you a chance to share your awesome organizing tips to help me out... It's a bit embarrassing to post this, but the first step to fixing a problem is owning up to it!</div>
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<img alt="Messy classroom fail" border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3S_m-kFze1c/UaJsRxxyYqI/AAAAAAAAArM/sNReNM3Q_IM/s400/2013-05-23+16.14.38.jpg" title="Messy classroom fail" width="400" /><br />
--- Use up all my awesome gift cards from super sweet parents.</div>
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--- Buy and label some Sterilite storage shelves and ACTUALLY USE THEM FOR SOMETHING this year. The one you see hiding in the corner back there in the picture? See it? Yeah, it just held all my junk and didn't even help me out this year. Woe is me!</div>
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--- Go shopping for new teacher clothes! :)</div>
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--- Read for enjoyment and for professional development. Mainly for enjoyment.</div>
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So that's it! I've missed all the interaction that I received last summer from you guys. Your advice helped me out tremendously this school year. I will post some cool stuff I've done and some ideas that really worked later on.</div>
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What's your favorite way to manage paper flow in your classroom? Is it even possible!?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DvtqN2bB50/T836m4kv_WI/AAAAAAAAAR0/WZSwFAuUg6E/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DvtqN2bB50/T836m4kv_WI/AAAAAAAAAR0/WZSwFAuUg6E/s200/Signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-12845021286010514102012-10-14T12:53:00.001-05:002013-06-04T15:04:01.311-05:00Workstations Frustrations!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAVeeFw63HA/UHq3bMcwSEI/AAAAAAAAAnA/KK89GfNZObA/s1600/2012-09-28+10.05.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAVeeFw63HA/UHq3bMcwSEI/AAAAAAAAAnA/KK89GfNZObA/s400/2012-09-28+10.05.19.jpg" width="297" /></a>I have been slacking in posting on my blog! Don't hate me! I miss the blogosphere, too. :( Especially now.<br />
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I'm having some trouble with my workstations. My kids really enjoy them, and center time is their favorite part of the day. I want to give them more time in each station, but the way I have it set up doesn't allow but 5-7 minutes in each one. I have from 10:00-10:40ish for stations, and they don't get their work done. I want them to finish their work!!<br />
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Could you give me some suggestions on how your rotations work? I do not want it to be a free-for-all type situation because I want 1-2 in each station. Preferably just one. (I have 10 kids! I know!! Don't throw any tomatoes at me!)<br />
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What has worked for you? Maybe I'm just over thinking it. How would you organize my classroom stations if you had 10 kids to work with?<br />
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My stations are: Listening, Write the Room, Word Work, Puzzles, Math, Writing, Play-doh, Library, Computer, and Creative (Art).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpWaqbeNfNU/UHq4MVQwOWI/AAAAAAAAAnI/Vj6BX-ORFz4/s1600/2012-09-10+10.18.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpWaqbeNfNU/UHq4MVQwOWI/AAAAAAAAAnI/Vj6BX-ORFz4/s400/2012-09-10+10.18.00.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Word Work Station</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQDh1b_O_oo/UHq6sV1BgBI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/oD-VlETcvQI/s1600/2012-09-10+10.15.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQDh1b_O_oo/UHq6sV1BgBI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/oD-VlETcvQI/s400/2012-09-10+10.15.35.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Math Station</td></tr>
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I'll ask another question next time! Thanks for all your love and sharing!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-7409090507558692272012-09-03T19:17:00.002-05:002013-06-04T15:04:48.758-05:00My Super Short Post!Well guys, I'm very sorry I've been MIA.<br />
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Blogging in my first year of teaching was a great idea at first, but let me just say that it is pretty much the hardest thing ever to do. I've been so busy planning, printing, talking, eating chocolate, and lying in bed in the evening thinking,"Is it normal to want to sleep at 8:30???" that I forgot to post.<br />
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I've been asking tons of questions on my Facebook page about the ins and outs of Kindergarten, though. Drop by to help me out!<br />
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I'll be posting a lot of classroom pictures sometime soon. For now, here is my September Currently!<br />
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Hope you're well! Leave me a comment with an answer to this question:<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What kind of behavior management systems have you tried? Which are your favorites?</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubtFTnF_HbU/T8k0PyPpkDI/AAAAAAAAALs/2rmSsOOCUA0/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubtFTnF_HbU/T8k0PyPpkDI/AAAAAAAAALs/2rmSsOOCUA0/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-52645619569199219672012-07-28T11:58:00.000-05:002012-08-28T18:46:29.396-05:00My Little Jungle of a Classroom!I'm sorry I've been MIA all week...I've had a lot to do! Monday was the first day I was able to go in and really get down to business setting up my classroom. I was so excited because my classroom has a GREEN accent wall! Can you believe my luck? :) My aunt took some before pictures, so here they are!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnBuGj3CySw/UBQQjBVpvAI/AAAAAAAAAho/xa5GXYAUPSY/s1600/2012-07-17+16.51.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnBuGj3CySw/UBQQjBVpvAI/AAAAAAAAAho/xa5GXYAUPSY/s400/2012-07-17+16.51.55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NnzTTeRYr8/UBQQk-G7qiI/AAAAAAAAAiA/DigH56Nrt04/s1600/2012-07-17+16.52.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NnzTTeRYr8/UBQQk-G7qiI/AAAAAAAAAiA/DigH56Nrt04/s400/2012-07-17+16.52.07.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vgWVoL-HSJs/UBQRA3ais9I/AAAAAAAAAiU/ahkDh5Z2eAo/s400/2012-07-17+16.52.21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I moved the right cabinet to beside my teacher desk!</td></tr>
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The previous teacher left quite a bit of stuff for me, and I wanted to change up the layout of the room to make it my own. So...my cousin and I <b>attacked</b>. We moved furniture, hung posters, sorted books, put things in cabinets, went through curriculum...<b>EVERYTHING</b>! It was fun because we put some music on and talked a ton. She was so helpful and I'm blessed to have had her help! I still have some work to do on the room before the kiddos arrive, but I think I'm pretty much set to go.<br />
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I hope that you like the pictures. Let me know if you have any fun ideas that I should add in!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzYOmTjjyFg/UBQTO64TyBI/AAAAAAAAAjY/JFs7ujM4CQ8/s1600/2012-07-27+13.59.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzYOmTjjyFg/UBQTO64TyBI/AAAAAAAAAjY/JFs7ujM4CQ8/s400/2012-07-27+13.59.12.jpg" title="Little classroom library area!" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little library area! I store other things on that shelf as well. Should I cover it somehow?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oituw1wgYIs/UBQTCUnGDAI/AAAAAAAAAic/msc907o1JpA/s1600/2012-07-26+13.53.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oituw1wgYIs/UBQTCUnGDAI/AAAAAAAAAic/msc907o1JpA/s400/2012-07-26+13.53.28.jpg" title="Decorated hallway window looking into the classroom" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallway window to my classroom! (Ignore the mess on the inside!)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzJahkvxpSo/UBQTGCgucFI/AAAAAAAAAis/E7UnQ0sfMoc/s1600/2012-07-26+13.54.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzJahkvxpSo/UBQTGCgucFI/AAAAAAAAAis/E7UnQ0sfMoc/s400/2012-07-26+13.54.20.jpg" title="Word wall" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Word wall! I have no bulletin boards so I made due.<br />
We added the missing letters, don't worry :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRh46slYwKo/UBQTLX4VLXI/AAAAAAAAAjI/Wxw7CrCK2ic/s1600/2012-07-27+13.57.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRh46slYwKo/UBQTLX4VLXI/AAAAAAAAAjI/Wxw7CrCK2ic/s400/2012-07-27+13.57.53.jpg" title="Job rotations pockets! Just add craft sticks with names!" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Job rotations! I will put craft sticks in these pockets and move them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbXLIHs_S9k/UBQTNE7SM9I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/zJ4r23smzQo/s1600/2012-07-27+13.59.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbXLIHs_S9k/UBQTNE7SM9I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/zJ4r23smzQo/s400/2012-07-27+13.59.02.jpg" title="Cubby entrance hall to the classroom" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made my cubbies into a little entrance hall.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-16jqsGsuFMc/UBQTVwh3sPI/AAAAAAAAAj8/-SwlTFJ3-lE/s1600/2012-07-27+13.59.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-16jqsGsuFMc/UBQTVwh3sPI/AAAAAAAAAj8/-SwlTFJ3-lE/s400/2012-07-27+13.59.45.jpg" title="My little jungle of a classroom" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpBxluWACLI/UBQTXoa7ZrI/AAAAAAAAAkE/qMHxcejKeEw/s1600/2012-07-27+14.00.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpBxluWACLI/UBQTXoa7ZrI/AAAAAAAAAkE/qMHxcejKeEw/s400/2012-07-27+14.00.12.jpg" title="Whole group instruction area with a word wall" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All that's missing now is a teaching chair and little sweethearts!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGZ8Kz6rQZs/UBQTZfOx-4I/AAAAAAAAAkM/F4QeV9gXrMg/s1600/2012-07-27+14.00.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGZ8Kz6rQZs/UBQTZfOx-4I/AAAAAAAAAkM/F4QeV9gXrMg/s400/2012-07-27+14.00.30.jpg" title="Calendar at the front of the classroom" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calendar and Skippyjon Jones! Oh, and Blue. That's my shelf's name.<br />
I promise I'm not crazy.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8C1_mAwCAy4/UBQTcby1gaI/AAAAAAAAAkc/kfA2EG3XENQ/s1600/2012-07-27+14.00.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8C1_mAwCAy4/UBQTcby1gaI/AAAAAAAAAkc/kfA2EG3XENQ/s400/2012-07-27+14.00.59.jpg" title="What's a jungle without a palm tree?" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's a jungle without a palm tree? The coconuts will have<br />
student names labelled on them!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rl4wu88OyCc/UBQTgC2SVHI/AAAAAAAAAko/Zg2jDjIRLwI/s1600/2012-07-27+14.01.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rl4wu88OyCc/UBQTgC2SVHI/AAAAAAAAAko/Zg2jDjIRLwI/s400/2012-07-27+14.01.05.jpg" title="Guided reading table and curriculum storage cabinet" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guided reading table. The blue cabinet has curriculum in it!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wt-QeWK8P8E/UBQThr1NeKI/AAAAAAAAAkw/AIJV1kHhgU8/s1600/2012-07-27+14.01.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wt-QeWK8P8E/UBQThr1NeKI/AAAAAAAAAkw/AIJV1kHhgU8/s400/2012-07-27+14.01.52.jpg" title="Organized teacher desk" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My desk! I had no desk drawers, so I put sterilite drawers and fabric drawers under!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-efea0jmIjwQ/UBQTjJpQswI/AAAAAAAAAk4/wj2j-vFr_jA/s1600/2012-07-27+14.02.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-efea0jmIjwQ/UBQTjJpQswI/AAAAAAAAAk4/wj2j-vFr_jA/s400/2012-07-27+14.02.01.jpg" title="Teacher desk countertop" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have you tried Veggie Sticks? LOVE them! And I couldn't live without my label machine! </td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xsgu6uV3tJg/UBQTmRHraGI/AAAAAAAAAlI/svfCdCMe45Q/s1600/2012-07-27+16.09.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xsgu6uV3tJg/UBQTmRHraGI/AAAAAAAAAlI/svfCdCMe45Q/s400/2012-07-27+16.09.51.jpg" title="Welcome sign!" width="298" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8U8sQKRTHo/UBQToGZfVbI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/xAToStqsFhI/s1600/2012-07-27+16.09.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8U8sQKRTHo/UBQToGZfVbI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/xAToStqsFhI/s400/2012-07-27+16.09.58.jpg" title="Praying children bulletin board set" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallway poster set of praying kids! I thought they were precious!</td></tr>
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I left some space for classroom rules, but I haven't even put them together yet...I seem to be procrastinating on creating my classroom rules and procedures. How do you post your rules? I was thinking of doing the Whole Brain Teaching rules because they seem really good, but I don't like the two that say that they need to constantly raise their hand for permission to do things.<br />
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Other things I need to are set up workstations a bit better, organize my picture books, organize cabinets, and hang up some paper lanterns! I'd really like to get some fake plants to spread around the classroom. I think it would make the room look more like a "jungle."<br />
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Hopefully this post wasn't too picture heavy for you! I thought you all would appreciate these pictures the most! :) Feel free to pin these photos to your heart's content!<br />
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<a href="http://swimmingintosecond.blogspot.com/2012/08/show-off-your-space-linky-party.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiJypFmBngY/UD1YLXjuMZI/AAAAAAAAAl8/acTGekT7hEU/s320/linky+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://mchaffiek.blogspot.com/2012/08/were-going-on-tour-linky.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZkxhLoXQaQ/UD1YL99E3-I/AAAAAAAAAmE/tvKfVGqRkwM/s320/linky.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2012/07/crunch-time-monday-made-it-9.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58iJ2Gyjb2o/UA09qJghdGI/AAAAAAAAAhY/D5MnHcB-L2U/s1600/mondaymadeit2_240x240.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What are your classroom rules?</span></h2>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-74432178527883456302012-07-22T22:22:00.000-05:002012-07-23T07:27:12.949-05:00Magazine Holders Redesigned!During my time as a student teacher, my cooperating teacher/mentor taught me so many tips and tricks about kindergarten. Her main tip was planning lessons and getting materials ready on Friday so that Monday doesn't sneak up on you.<br />
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She used these wonderful magazine holders to store her lessons. There were five holders labeled with the days of the week. Each holder had a manila folders for math, phonics, shared reading, etc.<br />
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I decided to use this form of planning as well, so I took a trip down to one of my local Walmarts. (I'm from a huge city where there are a billion Walmarts within driving distance. It's ridiculous really.)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKNZKJIsHa8/UAy6GVrGndI/AAAAAAAAAgc/Eu_hmVTxwg0/s1600/2012-07-22+16.14.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKNZKJIsHa8/UAy6GVrGndI/AAAAAAAAAgc/Eu_hmVTxwg0/s320/2012-07-22+16.14.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I found some really nice magazine holders for $5 each. I wasn't too excited about the price, but after looking on my phone and comparing prices quickly on Amazon, OfficeDepot, and other stores, I decided to just splurge. They're made of metal, so I know they will last through the years. Not sure what the holes are for. Any ideas?<br />
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My only problem is...they're not so cute. I mean, if you're a minimalist, it would probably suit you. But I'm a teacher. There's not enough...personality! I needed to do something about that--FAST!<br />
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Out came the scrapbook paper and the black cardstock. I booted up my trusty <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Y1CPSU/?tag=misaskin-20" target="_blank">Silhouette Cameo die-cutter </a>(which is my absolute favorite thing right now besides my laptop!) and got to creating. It didn't take long before I had these little babies all assembled and ready to stick on.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijFCZI5k4YM/UAy7sVhST_I/AAAAAAAAAgk/48zLai_Lns0/s1600/days+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijFCZI5k4YM/UAy7sVhST_I/AAAAAAAAAgk/48zLai_Lns0/s640/days+cards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used the font <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/fonts/freescrapbookfonts/elise/" target="_blank">Elise by Kevin and Amanda</a>. I love their fonts. So cute, yet so free! :) Anyways. Back to my creation. <br />
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After I laminated and cut each one, I got out my packing/masking tape. You know, the clear tape that's super sticky? I pulled off a bit so that I could wrap the ends around onto the holders. It turned out really cute.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UqtCAYd7vE/UAy_KpbBrMI/AAAAAAAAAgw/Wzc86LWzKRo/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magazine Holders Redesigned! Use these to store your week's lesson materials." border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UqtCAYd7vE/UAy_KpbBrMI/AAAAAAAAAgw/Wzc86LWzKRo/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" title="Magazine Holders Redesigned! Use these to store your week's lesson materials." width="640" /></a> </div>
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Here are some photos of the completed project! It really took very little time to do this, and I'm definitely excited about them!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rerpb_Mlgfc/UAzB6ne0XsI/AAAAAAAAAhM/UMDEbWOQNKA/s1600/two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Redesign your boring magazine holders!" border="0" height="363" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rerpb_Mlgfc/UAzB6ne0XsI/AAAAAAAAAhM/UMDEbWOQNKA/s640/two.jpg" title="Redesign your boring magazine holders!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V88jX12J6fM/UAzB4LekeuI/AAAAAAAAAhE/ludoBe1cgUY/s1600/three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Get crafty with your magazine holders" border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V88jX12J6fM/UAzB4LekeuI/AAAAAAAAAhE/ludoBe1cgUY/s640/three.jpg" title="Get crafty with your magazine holders" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rerpb_Mlgfc/UAzB6ne0XsI/AAAAAAAAAhM/UMDEbWOQNKA/s1600/two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1b18RecJRA4/UAzB0xEMRdI/AAAAAAAAAg8/ZZ0tG-_rGh0/s1600/one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Magazine holders redecorated to store your lesson materials" border="0" height="417" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1b18RecJRA4/UAzB0xEMRdI/AAAAAAAAAg8/ZZ0tG-_rGh0/s640/one.jpg" title="Magazine holders redecorated to store your lesson materials" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2012/07/monday-made-it-8-wowza.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58iJ2Gyjb2o/UA09qJghdGI/AAAAAAAAAhY/D5MnHcB-L2U/s1600/mondaymadeit2_240x240.png" /></a>I hope I inspired you to try this out, too. It's really fun and can go with any classroom theme and color scheme. My theme happens to be jungle/wild animals, so that's why I picked these adorable animals!<br />
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Thanks for dropping by.<br />
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I'm so thankful to Tara at 4th Grade Frolics for hosting this fantastic linky! It makes me work. :)<br />
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OH!! Classroom pics will be up sometime THIS WEEK! Keep your eyes peeled for that!<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">How do you organize your teaching materials?</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubtFTnF_HbU/T8k0PyPpkDI/AAAAAAAAALs/2rmSsOOCUA0/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubtFTnF_HbU/T8k0PyPpkDI/AAAAAAAAALs/2rmSsOOCUA0/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-28547065608138411142012-07-18T17:06:00.000-05:002012-07-18T21:26:52.028-05:00Bubbl.us and MindMeister Video Tutorial!<span style="font-size: x-large;">This post is going to be short and sweet!</span><br />
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Quick Sidenote: Things have been getting a little crazy in my life right now, and I hope that you can go through this wild time with me. I definitely need all the encouragement I can get right now! I'll be going to set up my classroom hardcore next week -- I got my keys!! Woo hoo! I'm official.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Okay, back to the cool tools!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.bubbl.us/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LeuDhRusJK0/UAcua6ZVYVI/AAAAAAAAAfY/XSXvn2Dluqk/s320/bubblus+mindmeister+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a>Today's tutorial is on TWO different web tools. I know that you're going to love them. :) I did! Some of you may already know about them, but it could help you still. They are called<a href="http://bubbl.us/" target="_blank"> Bubbl.us</a> and <a href="http://www.mindmeister.com/" target="_blank">MindMeister</a>.<br />
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These tools are meant to allow you to get your thoughts down in a logical manner. This can be called "brainstorming," "concept mapping," or "mind mapping." It can be used in so many different ways, but the focus is to start with a concept and come up with tons of branches that come off that idea. (If you get my drift!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">How can they be integrated?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here are some simple ways to use these tools:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">Create a whole class concept map when the season changes! (Start with "Summer" in the middle and branch off of that)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Plan your letters that you send home to parents.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Let the class plan stories (using main character, setting, etc)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Allow students to use these tools as a way to accommodate them in essay writing. Some kids think better when they have a chance to brainstorm in a different way. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I hope that this tutorial helps you out! Here's the video!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wAd4PWf-h8w" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Oh, and here's the quick survey. I'd love if you filled it out! I read all your entries and cherish each one. They brighten my day!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Which do you like better: MindMeister or Bubbl.us? Why?</span> </div>
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<img border="0" height="73" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubtFTnF_HbU/T8k0PyPpkDI/AAAAAAAAALs/2rmSsOOCUA0/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="677" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dEw0TmFaYVQ2OVNnY2xibmhjS1dHZWc6MQ" width="760">&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;</iframe>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-64765564065019852392012-07-16T09:53:00.000-05:002012-07-17T19:09:07.099-05:00Monday Made It! (and other news)<div style="text-align: left;">
My wonderful followers, I did it! I Monday made it! </div>
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<a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2012/07/monday-made-it-7-and-vacay.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo9QtD652jQ/UAQe4T76HeI/AAAAAAAAAdo/IiAyHskJWcI/s1600/mondaymadeit2_240x240.png" /></a></div>
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I've never linked up to this fun party, but now I can actually show you something I made for my classroom. I'm going to go in and work some on my classroom this Wednesday, so I'll have at least <i>one</i> crafty thing to hang up in my room :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CUsd1z1bGr0/UAQpGpnFTBI/AAAAAAAAAes/SktvFkRg3ZU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CUsd1z1bGr0/UAQpGpnFTBI/AAAAAAAAAes/SktvFkRg3ZU/s400/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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I made these with my Silhouette Cameo! (My first ever project!!)<br />
If you don't have a die-cutter, you need one. </div>
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Like now.</div>
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I got the idea from Kim at <a href="http://www.fortheloveofkindergarden.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">For the Love of Kinder Garden</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://fortheloveofkindergarden.blogspot.com/" title="For the Love of Kindergarden"><img alt="For the Love of Kindergarden" src="http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz170/candacepelfrey/kinderbuttoncopy.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a></div>
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She told me that one of the things she puts up every year is a collection of question words. I thought it was genius! SO, I created these. I will point at the words when I have the students ask questions. I want them to understand what the words LOOK like and not just how they sound.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ0-QN8B0zA/UAQpVF2sRRI/AAAAAAAAAe0/-Ri0uqD7LIg/s1600/all+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ0-QN8B0zA/UAQpVF2sRRI/AAAAAAAAAe0/-Ri0uqD7LIg/s400/all+together.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seeing the print is great for connecting the sounds to text. <b>PHONICS!</b> Labeling everything will help students grow their schema, so I figured that those words are <u>super important</u> to label. They use them on a day to day basis. (Especially "<i>WHY??</i>")</div>
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I also cut out these fantastic schedule cards from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jungle-Daily-Schedule" target="_blank">Barbie Roper's TPT page</a>. They're too stinkin' precious! I think I love them!</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1TS0aFMec4/UAQmYRPJRhI/AAAAAAAAAeI/JD8oOvPPNX0/s1600/2012-07-16+09.27.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1TS0aFMec4/UAQmYRPJRhI/AAAAAAAAAeI/JD8oOvPPNX0/s400/2012-07-16+09.27.42.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the snack one! The kids are dressed as a Lettuce and Carrot! :)</td></tr>
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I'm thinking about doing the Sterilite bins tutorial from <a href="http://www.kindercraze.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kinder-Craze</a>. She's awesome, and totally inspires me. I got a 5-drawer bin last week at Walmart. I couldn't resist. It was calling to me. This last week I shopped till I dropped.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are some of the things I bought for my classroom!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txlm3EmQiNU/UAQivQc8tbI/AAAAAAAAAd0/YADGGwpqJN4/s1600/2012-07-15+23.02.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txlm3EmQiNU/UAQivQc8tbI/AAAAAAAAAd0/YADGGwpqJN4/s400/2012-07-15+23.02.34.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calendar kit with cute monkey number pieces from Lakeshore! <br />I RAIDED that store. <i>Seriously</i>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ94n4NJ6_U/UAQi7ozsToI/AAAAAAAAAd8/uGWQcycGcQ0/s1600/2012-07-14+14.52.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ94n4NJ6_U/UAQi7ozsToI/AAAAAAAAAd8/uGWQcycGcQ0/s400/2012-07-14+14.52.43.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uppercase Letter magnets, a large stamp, color words <br />poster, and a Magna-Doodle!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGRXFfazQEU/UAQmiwhzG2I/AAAAAAAAAeg/UuhXTEuRBiU/s1600/2012-07-16+09.29.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGRXFfazQEU/UAQmiwhzG2I/AAAAAAAAAeg/UuhXTEuRBiU/s320/2012-07-16+09.29.43.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yI1eph57IjU/UAQmcZDozRI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ZU47T50sXOk/s1600/2012-07-16+09.28.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yI1eph57IjU/UAQmcZDozRI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/ZU47T50sXOk/s320/2012-07-16+09.28.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 6 foot tall palm tree for my wall. I may just end up <br />using the trunk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yT_1OOuEz_Q/UAQmgYiHMrI/AAAAAAAAAeY/psCUFYpAaCs/s1600/2012-07-16+09.29.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yT_1OOuEz_Q/UAQmgYiHMrI/AAAAAAAAAeY/psCUFYpAaCs/s320/2012-07-16+09.29.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 sets of border and one <b>PURPLE </b>pointer! Oh my goodness!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I love shopping with gift cards!</span></div>
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In other bloggy news, I will be posting my technology tutorials on <b>WEDNESDAYS </b>from now on. I'm sorry I skipped last week. I had a lot going on, so please don't be too disappointed! I will post up this week's tutorial on Wednesday. You're going to <i>LOVE </i>it. You may already know the tool, but maybe it will help refresh your memory!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Name idea: Web Tools Wednesday? </span></div>
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Do you have a better name idea for my series of video tutorials on web 2.0 tools for teachers? Comment below! If you haven't seen one of the posts, you can <a href="http://missaskinder.blogspot.com/search/label/web%202.0%20tutorial" target="_blank">find them here</a>. I made a little handy link for you to click and take you to all of them! :) You can also look in the Tech Tutorials tabby page at the top of my blog.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
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Make sure you <a href="http://www.google.com/friendconnect/signin/home?st=e%3DAOG8GaCmfnQCJ2xnFFKKQDwQc%252Bn3dByCcP2caGwhvx2FheuGuXLm9eir%252BcTdAewqTSlVDcTk9I9EjxGE6KahUbzODQdKlS2%252F4GdlRSKyA3U%252FMaBzXso6cZjkWhFdVurw9v3a9M6%252BzF4j4rtiDykzT13dCsJLqNwBPN0EkC66Yw2jwXN3qbnElqkpQlNiOibCFeT%252BEFN%252FPSF0CQyzdf7ETeAR7lLrs3b%252FMTfGkFLZrW7cMscpwpwnfGs%253D%26c%3Dpeoplesense&psinvite=&subscribeOnSignin=1" target="_blank"><u>click the follow button</u></a> on the sidebar OR <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MissAsKindergarten" target="_blank"><u>follow by Facebook</u></a>! I'd love for you to stay a while and see what other goodness I have planned for this blog.</div>
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Thank you to <a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">4th Grade Frolics</a> for hosting this linky party. I love getting all those wonderful ideas for my classroom! It's such fun!</div>
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Oh, and please leave a comment! I love comments! It's similar to the feeling of opening Christmas gifts early. I will take the time to reply to each one of you, too! :) </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubtFTnF_HbU/T8k0PyPpkDI/AAAAAAAAALs/2rmSsOOCUA0/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubtFTnF_HbU/T8k0PyPpkDI/AAAAAAAAALs/2rmSsOOCUA0/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327491756914650700.post-67065927537584517782012-07-08T13:30:00.000-05:002012-07-08T15:09:45.096-05:00WallWisher Tutorial for Teachers!<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm back with a new <b>VIDEO TUTORIAL!</b> :)</div>
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Today's tool is super exciting.<br />
I can definitely see myself using it.</div>
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So without further ado...</div>
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Let me teach you how to use...</div>
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<a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6IlxcXm1us/T_nJhHhoY1I/AAAAAAAAAbI/i9EVmDuCNcg/s1600/wallwisher.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/" target="_blank">WallWisher </a>is the name. It's an online bulletin board, of sorts. You can add sticky notes to a "wall" you create and then share it with people so they can add on to it. It's very collaborative, interactive...and best of all...</div>
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It's <b>VERY FREE</b>!</div>
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Yes, <i>a free tool</i>. We love the word <u>F-R-E-E</u>, don't we?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">How can it be used in a classroom?</span> <br />
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Here are some tips on ways to implement this amazingly free tool:<br />
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<li><b>Use it in centers!</b> You can put a group of videos from YouTube on the "wall" for kids to watch and to give a response. It can also be a great way for you to teach a concept while they're at centers.<br />
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<li><b>Give the link to parents for planning parties, field trips, etc! </b>This tool will allow parents to quickly respond and let you know what they plan on bringing to that Valentine's day party you're planning.<br />
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<li><b>Share with your colleagues! </b>Make a wall where you can post encouraging messages to the people you work with. It may be a great bucket-filler activity for us teachers. Everyone loves a warm fuzzy!<br />
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<li><b>Keep some of your important information or to-do lists there!</b> It can be set to only be viewed/edited by you, and it's pretty customizable. <i>AND </i>it's online. Who'da thought!</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Watch the video!</span><br />
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<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yG26gpg7-IM" width="560"></iframe></center><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out the wall where you can respond to my question!</span><br />
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<a href="http://wallwisher.com/wall/junglebook2" style="color: purple;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Click here! </span></a><br />
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I'm also including a form below that allows you to respond to my video. I use the feedback to help me make my next tutorials, so I'd LOVE it if you took the three seconds to fill it out. Thank you so much!<br />
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I'm excited about the responses I've been getting to my video tutorials!<br />
You make it all worth it.<br />
I hope that I'm helping lots and lots of people learn about free tools to use in the classroom!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">How could you use WallWisher?</span> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubtFTnF_HbU/T8k0PyPpkDI/AAAAAAAAALs/2rmSsOOCUA0/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubtFTnF_HbU/T8k0PyPpkDI/AAAAAAAAALs/2rmSsOOCUA0/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="677" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dEQ3OU5yWlJManV4dF9nXzlFSE1aZ1E6MQ" width="760">&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;</iframe>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05796516778304104557noreply@blogger.com3