My First "Made-It" !

I am linking up for a BIG first!

I am not a crafty person, by any stretch of the imagination.
I can always appreciate the craftiness and fortitude (how's that for a "juicy" word as we near back-to-school?!) of other people, but it is just not in my nature to make things myself.

Ask my mom.
That poor lady tried to teach me to sew, tried to encourage my scrapbooking efforts, and has tried to show me just how easy it is to arrange flowers and tie pretty bows.

I can't.
I don't have one single crafty bone in my body:)

I am okay with that, because I am creative in other ways!

Soooo....
My very first (and probably last) Monday Made-It comes with A LOT of assistance from Michael's & Hobby Lobby:)

Take a look:

center signs with adorable clipart and fonts...

THIS is my kind of crafty:) powerpoint love!

signs attached to pompoms from Hobby Lobby

calendar set made by moi :)

Check out my TpT store (to the left) to get this set for yourself!

I'll be posting exactly how I am going to use this lovely calendar set later this week.

I ran out of laminating sheets and couldn't get it all done today :(

BTW, the "so pretty!" is not actually displayed on the calendar; I added that to the photo:)

I'm sure you knew that, but I just don't want anyone to be confused.

I am SOOOOO in love with this color scheme!

I won't bother you with the photos of boxes and messes that are also in my room right now.

The instant I got to school today, I did the "important" stuff, like decorating.

I don't know about you, but that unpacking/putting junk away/organizing/cleaning stuff overwhelms me!

If I can beautify my room first, I am so much more productive:)

Who wants clutter and chaos junking up a pretty room???

Anyone else with their priorities in reverse??

How is your B2S prep going??

If you haven't linked up already with Tara, then you better do it now!

I'm like 239th or something....

Back to school again tomorrow to de-clutterfy!

Not a real word...I know.

It sounds prettier than what I really will be doing, though.

Who packed up my room at the end of the year anyway???#~!

I report back the 7th.

THE 7TH!!!!

I asked my boys how they feel about going back to school, and this is what they said:

Yeah.

That's me, too:)

Til next time, friends!

Not-so-far-back Throwback;)

This is my first time linkin' up with Cara, and I'm linkin' a linky!

 Make sense?
Let me explain;)

I decided to host a linky party based on what I had learned in a recent math instruction workshop.
This program, called CGI, encourages teachers to instruct math almost solely through story problems!
What better way to get ideas for math word instruction (and how to integrate across those CCSS) than to be a part of a math word problem linky!!

My linky ends July 30th, and I've only had a couple of takers...
...but I understand, given all the amazing linkies going on this summer!
I know I'M on top of what day of the week it is (not usual for summer), just because of what linky's coming up:D

If you have any great instructional strategies or products for math word problems, I would love for you to read my "Throwback" post, and then link up!

Here's my original post:
- -  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Okay, I made that cute little button for Day 2 of my CGI post and told you all it wasn't for a fun linky or anything...
...and then I thought, why not?
Why not host a linky for all of us to view and share resources and strategies for word problem instruction?!

I have never hosted a linky party before, so I am praying this works without a hitch.

Like I've said a few times, I am NOT technologically savvy, and HTML/coding/"computer speak" messes me up something awful!

Here's the button to grab if you want to link up and share your ideas on word problem instruction:

<div align="center"> <a href="http://sweetschoolmoments.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-math-revelation-linky.html" title="Math Revelation Linky Button"><img src="http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a638/SynRolAntMom/c8e61582-5857-4f43-8d04-af9e923f2e17_zps4b3f37ff.jpg" alt="Math Revelation Linky Button" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Graphics are by Ashely Hughes and Goodness & Fun

Fonts are by KGFonts and bmdesign

The last little piece of information I'll give ya from my training is to make all sorts of manipulatives available to students at their level.

I used to have my math supplies up on a shelf, a little higher than most first graders can reach, so that I could ensure that supplies were put away correctly (by me) and I could always find what I needed.

Gonna have to re-do my room and my thinking:)

Here is a brief (NOT all encompassing) list of resources most primary kids will need for problem solving in their way:

You could also include play money, though money is no longer a first grade standard, so I don't break mine out anymore:)

The main point is to let the students decide which manipulative to use, and give them TIME to solve the problem their way.

Let them struggle a little bit!

DON'T swoop in and help them, the way so many of us want to (even those bitty K kids!).

Remember that one of those standards for mathematical practice is that students PERSEVERE in solving problems:)

Only if a student is really stuck and not doing anything, should you intervene and suggest a way/tool.

A disclaimer on that kind of instruction: our instructor for CGI suggested this, and I think it's brilliant!

She said she was going to give all of us permission to "lie" in that situation, so now I'm giving that same permission to you:)

~ Sneakily suggest that a former student solved it like this (then model how you would solve it), even if that student never existed! ~

Kids are almost wired to know that when an adult says to do something a certain way, that it can only be done the adult's way.

If you suggest that it came from a kid, then they feel they have the freedom to adopt another kid's way, or change it a little to fit their own thinking.

Okay.

Your turn!

PLEASE don't leave me all alone on my very first linky:,(

Link up and share your favorite tools, other resources, and instructional methods for WORD PROBLEMS ONLY, 

                                                        please and thank you:)

Feel free to mention a product you use (yours or someone else's)...

 but please LINK TO THE PRODUCT.

That's my only little rule:)

And if you missed any of my posts on CGI, 

click here for the initial post and here for the "sequel".

Thanks, All! :)

 

An InLinkz Link-up

Have you used this thing?

Just a quick post today to ask my readers what they think about this:

Of course, this is the sharpener that EVERYBODY blogs about, and I am dying to try it for myself!
It comes in 4 awesome colors: black, red (those 2 would match my room perfectly), Cool Blue---shown in the pic--- and green.

"They" say it is the quietest sharpener in the world! ooohh...
"They" say that every pencil has a perfectly sharp point every single time! ahhhh...
I'm curious to know if any of my followers have tried this thing...
is it all "they" say it is??

If you've never tried it and you're as curious as I am,
  Natalie from Teachery Tidbits is giving one away!
Go check it out for yourself!

Happy Birthday to My Blog!

It's my little blog's first birthday!

We NEVER get to have pink cupcakes at my house (my sons think pink is poison!), so my blog and I will share them;)

One year ago today, I launched this blog with the hopes of inspiring other educators the way so many Blog-Stars have inspired me!
It hasn't always been easy (or consistent) to balance life, school, and blog....but it has been an amazingly fun little journey, for sure!

I think one of the things I have enjoyed most is how blogging has encouraged my creativity and deepened my knowledge of content and practice in my field.
It's like collaborating with hundreds of other colleagues every day!
I measure my own creativity and knowledge of curriculum & management up against all of you other bloggers...y'all are so smart and creative!
Just look how creative you've inspired me to be:

This is a preview of a unit that I am finalizing to put on TpT.

The inspiration behind the unit is 2 characters I used in class last year to help my students understand the breve and macron marks (the little curve over short vowel sounds, and the line over long vowel sounds, respectively).

We called the breve a "grin", and the macron a "line", and then named 2 imaginary kiddos to represent each mark.

"Gavin Grin" loves short vowel sounds, and his name is represented by short vowels.

"Lacee Line" likes everything to have long vowel sounds, and has long vowel sounds in her name.

This packet has centers to use during your literacy block, as well as some whole group activities with "Gavin" and "Lacee".

These activities correspond to CCSS 1.RF.2a & 3b-c.

It also incorporates Nonsense Word Fluency and Alphabetical Order, as well as Sight Word Fluency through Fry Phrases.

It will sell for $5, which I think is a deal for all the work it's taken!

How do you other sellers create these 50+ pg packets every week or month?? 

It's taken everything out of me! #imseriouslyexhausted

Okay, if you want this little packet for FREE, leave a comment below.

I will be selecting 15 names at random to give this cute little short/long vowel pack, as a thank-you for supporting me on my bloggy journey.

Thanks so much for hangin' with me:)

You all mean the world!

Have a super Monday!! 

P.S. How many more days until YOU report back to school? 

Am I the only one who's excited?? 

I said "excited", not "ready":)

FREEBIES from an old PC:)

Oh.my.word.

If I don't get my Mac back soon, I may go "tech naked" until it's ready!
Have you heard anyone use that phrase?
It means to just completely detach yourself from technological devices for a certain amount of time.
Now, that's a bit extreme, but I just might pull a Britney Spears and lose all my hair while I lose my mind!
That sounds like a definite possibility!

I can still read my blogs and keep up with all of you on my iPad, but I'm not smart enough to use it to post on my own blog.
I'm just not.

So,
I have had to use my old PC for the last week to publish anything on my blog....
...and it takes FOREVER!

I used to LOVE my hp:)
It used to bring me such joy!

Now, it's 5 years old
really heavy and cumbersome
and    s   l   o   w .
Like tortoise-slow, or watching paint dry-slow,
or (insert your own appropriate metaphor) slow!
And for some odd reason, I CANNOT type on this thing!!
I am constantly back-spacing, and stopping to look at the keys and realigning my fingers, and screaming and yelling like a banshee!

Here is a sentence without any back-spacing or editing whatsoever:
I bet all of you would luke me to joist shut ip and tyalk about athe title, which invludes the freebies:)

See?
Aaargh!

Anyway, I was looking through some old files on this PC, which for some reason, I never moved over to my Mac, and I found a couple of goodies that I thought I could revive and utilize this year.

The first is a reading checklist that students can use to keep themselves accountable during Daily 5.
I really could have used this little tool last year!
It would be absolutely perfect for second or third graders, but will require a lot of modeling and practice with K-1 kiddos before they become proficient at completing it indepedently.

I adapted mine from Beth Newingham.
She has the original file on Scholastic's website here.

I simply modified her file (which is editable) to fit my needs, and you can as well.
I changed the tasks to say things that are more appropriate for my students' needs.
Tasks like: I allowed others to work by staying quiet and in one spot.
                  I read and discussed a book with a friend.
                  I "talked back" to my book today.
In Ms. Olson's room, when we talk back to books, we write or draw about them (think story maps) in our Reader's Response Journals.

I changed the title of her Checklist, because we don't use IDR...but maybe you do:)
I just called mine, "Reading Checklist", as I will be using it for both R2Self & R2Someone.

Lastly, I changed the amount of genres students can circle.
We will only be formally introducing firsties to: Realistic Fiction (RF), Fantasy (F), Traditional Literature (TL)....like fairy tales, fables,etc....Poetry (P), Informational Text (I), & Biographies (B).

If you've never heard of Beth Newingham, or seen her genre posters, click here.
I forgot about these, as well, and I will be using them this year, too!

Another crappy thing about using this old PC?
I don't have ANY of my adorable, wonderful, super-cute clipart!!!!!
I am lost, people.
Lost.

But I did manage to use Microsoft Clipart to its fullest (but still sad) potential when I made my Learning Styles Survey more visually appealing.
However, I can't figure out how to get a pic of it to show you.
Hmm.
Click on the pic below if you want to download a survey I will be giving my students, at least 2 times this year.

This survey will help me understand how my little ones like to work and learn.
I'm hoping the results will change a little as they are exposed to different modalities in my room.
Just another piece of info to have on each kiddo:)
You can never have too much data, right?

There are 2 versions of the survey in the download:
The first one (with visuals) is the one I will use during the 2nd week of school, just to get them used to testing procedures and expectations.

The second version is one I will give after we have used CGI for a good 9-12 weeks, so they have had lots of practice solving math problems in different ways.
There aren't any visuals on the second version, but the wording is pretty simple.

I hope you can use all the resources I've pointed you towards!
I will leave you with one last goodie that I found today:
I was looking for a cute math journal label, and found this FREE download from
Angeline Stewart at First Grade Scoop.
I CAN'T BELIEVE I've never stumbled across her blog before!
She has some really cute labels that can be printed on Avery sticker labels for math journals, Reader's Response, Writing Notebooks, and a couple of other things.
Go check them out here!
And check out her yummy blog full of delicious ideas by clicking on her button.
 

The end of summer is fastly approaching!!

I can hear the Target dollar spot calling my name:)

Linky Reminder and the Liebster

PLEASE don't forget to link up to my very first linky!!
I know there are soooo many other great linkys going on right now, but show me some love:)
Gracious Amber from School is a Happy Place is so far the only one to do so...and I really feel bad that she's all alone:,(
Thank you, Amber!
If you have a math/word problem product to "push", this would be a super time to post about it!!!
The linky will run until the end of the month, and I want you to link up!


this little boy is so much cuter than Uncle Sam, even though that's what I was really searching for:)
You know, the "I want you" posters??
 

Yeah.
He wants you to link up, too:)

In other news, Sweet Stephanie from Polka Dot Palace nominated my blog for the Liebster Award.
This is my second time receiving this award (though it looks completely different than it did last year!), so I guess I need to include it on my sidebar or something.
I did learn this time, though, that Liebster means "lovely, dearest, cute, and welcome" in German.
Doesn't it seem like every language other than English is wonderfully colorful??
(yet, strangely not as complicated?)

 

There are a few rules in accepting this award and here are mine:

     1. Link back to the blog that nominated me.

     2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers

     3. Answer the questions posted for you by your nominator

     4. Share 11 random facts about yourself

     5. Create 11 questions for your nominees

     6. Contact your nominees and let them know you nominated them

My nominations:
I actually received this award last July, from Cyndi @ Lacy's Letters, so if you want to read about my original nominations, click here.
However, two very good friends are jumping into the teacher-blogger world with me, so I am nominating them for the Liebster, as they are both very Liebster-worthy individuals, and working so hard to make their blogs equally so!
So I'm nominating these two fabulous bloggers/blogs:

      Melissa @ Mrs. B's Bright Blessings
&   Jennifer @ Live, Love, Teach Third Grade

Please go check out these lovely ladies' blogs, and support their efforts of entering the educational blogging world by becoming followers!
They are both FULL of such stellar, creative ideas!!!

Okay, now for the long fun part: Stephanie's questions!

1. What is your favorite childhood memory?

        One of my very favorite childhood memories is traveling to Tennessee for a family reunion.
I was 15, and my dad and I drove my mother and brother crazy quoting "Forrest Gump" for the whole 12-hour trek to Memphis:D We also had a fabulous time with family and seeing the sights, including Graceland and Beale Street. Memories:)

       2.  Tell me about your least favorite teacher in school?
   No disrespect to Stephanie, but I would rather tell you about my FAVORITE teacher than focus on the negative impacts of many least favorite individuals who taught me how NOT to be a teacher:)
My very favorite teacher inspired me to be a teacher, because she genuinely loved what she did; you could just see the passion within her! She believed in me (as I'm sure she did my classmates), but when I was with her, it seemed as if she was investing all she had right into me only;) I have never felt so special, or loved, by another teacher in my life...and she is the personal standard to which I hold myself. I know content is important, but the saying goes:

I will never forget you, Mrs. Chandler! Thank you so much.
It is my honor to carry out your legacy that you instilled in me:)

   3.  What is your dream teaching job?
I'm living it!
Teaching first grade in the school where I student-taught.
Y'all have no idea how I prayed for this job!!
It truly is a wonder to me, even still, how our God works:) He is so good!

4. Would you ever want to be an administrator? Why or why not? If you are an administrator, why did you want to become one?
Hmmmm.....
Well, someone in my district recently told me that I should consider it at some point in my career.
In her opinion, I had "what it takes"...but I really don't see myself that way.
I don't think I delegate well (I usually just take things on myself...even when it's WAAAY more than I can handle), and I do not view myself as a very good leader for my peers or colleagues.
I lead by example, and a good administrator must do so much more than that!

5. What was your first car?
What a random question:)
It was a white, Ford Sundance, which my very cool friends and I dubbed "The Beast" (because that's what it sounded like when you started it)...and I drove it for 3 whole months before totaling it.
I'm awesome like that.

6. What was the last movie you saw in the theater?
My boys and I did a "Double Feature" day yesterday:
We went to a matinee of Despicable Me 2, ate a quick dinner at DQ, then went to a showing of Monsters University.
BOTH movies were a laugh-riot!!
Super day with my two Super "men"...
seriously, loves of my life.

7. If you have kids, how did you come up with their names? Something you liked, family significance, etc. If you don't have kids, what would you want to name them if you ever did?
Funny how her previous question led right into this one, with the answer I gave!
My oldest son's name is Breckin, and his namesake is Breckin Meyer, who I had a serious crush on in high school:)
You know, the goofball "Travis" from Clueless? (if you weren't a 90's kid, then you don't know!)
My youngest son's name is Aiden, and his name actually came from my husband (at the time).
I wanted to name him "Jacob", but Daddy didn't like that as well as Carrie's love interest from Sex & the City...yes, both of my boys get their names from Hollywood.
Where did we go wrong???:)

8. Tell me about one of those lessons that just went wrong, it didn't work.
I am not a perfect teacher, by any means, but I honestly can't think of one right off the top of my head.
However, I am constantly reflecting (even while I'm teaching) and changing things (even while I'm teaching) when I sense kids aren't "getting it"/engaged.
I also (voluntarily, at times!) have a horrible short term memory....
...that's why we all keep coming back each August, right? :)

9. What do you do to relax?
Uh, Blog.
Pin.
Plan for the next day/week/month/year.
I'm sure I'll get a real life, eventually...
one that has nothing to do with school (maybe).

10. What was your most memorable vacation?
Going to Disney World for my boys' birthdays/my graduation/getting a job celebration/my parents' anniversary in May, 2011.
My mom's brother's family came, too, so there was 11 of us partying Disney-style for a week in Florida.
It was the best!

11. Are you a Coke or Pepsi person?
Neither.

I wish I was a "w-w-w-water girl", but sadly I have a slight addiction.
If there was room on the sign, it would also say "& coffee---preferably from Starbucks"

Okay.

That wraps it up for me!
I know I'm supposed to give 11 random facts about myself, but I'm wiped OUT!
I've had to type this whole post on a PC, people!!!
I am now and forever a Mac girl....
and I don't mean the cosmetics:)

Thanks, so much, Stephanie for thinking of me as deserving of this super award:,)
 Have a STELLAR weekend! (and don't forget to link up!!!)

A Math Revelation Linky!

Okay, I made that cute little button for Day 2 of my CGI post and told you all it wasn't for a fun linky or anything...
...and then I thought, why not?
Why not host a linky for all of us to view and share resources and strategies for word problem instruction?!

I have never hosted a linky party before, so I am praying this works without a hitch.

Like I've said a few times, I am NOT technologically savvy, and HTML/coding/"computer speak" messes me up something awful!

Here's the button to grab if you want to link up and share your ideas on word problem instruction:

<div align="center"> <a href="http://sweetschoolmoments.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-math-revelation-linky.html" title="Math Revelation Linky Button"><img src="http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a638/SynRolAntMom/c8e61582-5857-4f43-8d04-af9e923f2e17_zps4b3f37ff.jpg" alt="Math Revelation Linky Button" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Graphics are by Ashely Hughes and Goodness & Fun

Fonts are by KGFonts and bmdesign

The last little piece of information I'll give ya from my training is to make all sorts of manipulatives available to students at their level.

I used to have my math supplies up on a shelf, a little higher than most first graders can reach, so that I could ensure that supplies were put away correctly (by me) and I could always find what I needed.

Gonna have to re-do my room and my thinking:)

Here is a brief (NOT all encompassing) list of resources most primary kids will need for problem solving in their way:

You could also include play money, though money is no longer a first grade standard, so I don't break mine out anymore:)

The main point is to let the students decide which manipulative to use, and give them TIME to solve the problem their way.

Let them struggle a little bit!

DON'T swoop in and help them, the way so many of us want to (even those bitty K kids!).

Remember that one of those standards for mathematical practice is that students PERSEVERE in solving problems:)

Only if a student is really stuck and not doing anything, should you intervene and suggest a way/tool.

A disclaimer on that kind of instruction: our instructor for CGI suggested this, and I think it's brilliant!

She said she was going to give all of us permission to "lie" in that situation, so now I'm giving that same permission to you:)

~ Sneakily suggest that a former student solved it like this (then model how you would solve it), even if that student never existed! ~

Kids are almost wired to know that when an adult says to do something a certain way, that it can only be done the adult's way.

If you suggest that it came from a kid, then they feel they have the freedom to adopt another kid's way, or change it a little to fit their own thinking.

Okay.

Your turn!

PLEASE don't leave me all alone on my very first linky:,(

Link up and share your favorite tools, other resources, and instructional methods for WORD PROBLEMS ONLY, 

                                                        please and thank you:)

Feel free to mention a product you use (yours or someone else's)...

 but please LINK TO THE PRODUCT.

That's my only little rule:)

And if you missed any of my posts on CGI, 

click here for the initial post and here for the "sequel".

Thanks, All! :)

An InLinkz Link-up

CGI Math, Part 2

Thanks so much for checking in with part 2 of a "math revelation" from my recent training!

Button Graphics by Ashley Hughes, and Goodness & Fun
Fonts by KG Fonts, and bmdesign

I know I really don't need a button for this post---it's not a linky or anything fun like that:)
But I just couldn't help myself; I am just so pumped about how this training is going to impact my kiddos!!
And if graphics designers and font makers would just stop already, we would all have a lot more time on our hands, right? ---but PLEASE DON'T STOP MAKING GRAPHICS AND FONTS, YOU TALENTED PEOPLE!!

In case you missed yesterday's post (with a much-needed intro to today's), click here.
There is a freebie for math journaling, but do read the post all the way through so you have an idea of what I'm building on today:)

I think the most mind-boggling tidbit I came away with from this training was that even K-1 kiddos need to be exposed to multiplication and division, through word problems---and NOT just at-the-EOY/for-your-"high"-kids-only!
Many of these problems are actually easier to solve than double-digit addition/subtraction or missing addend/subtrahend problems.
Does that make sense?

Honestly, I was mystified by that concept. 

Obviously, you would never give your average Kindergartner or 1st grade student a "naked number" problem like this: 2 x 6 = ?
Unless they had quite a bit of exposure to it, they would have no idea what to do.
But if you set up a problem with words and actions they understand, they will surprise the heck out of you!

Here's an example:

This is a very simple multiplication problem, for most of us:)
We might be inclined to think that students in K-1 would struggle solving this.
Based on how we teach them to solve word problems, they might even add 2 and 6...and be frustrated when they do not get the right answer.

However, if a young child has no prior knowledge of how you want them to go about solving this problem, they will DIRECTLY MODEL exactly what the problem says!

They might want an object to represent the pan, or they might draw a pan.
Then, they will probably want a manipulative to represent each cookie (counter, unifix cube, etc) or they might draw circles for cookies, and they will do exactly what the problem says by putting 6 "cookies" on each pan.
After that, a direct modeler will probably count each cookie by 1's and tell you there are 12 total cookies (if they can count that high without error).

Once you think about it in that light, it does seem easier than 22 - 15, right?
Think of all the steps involved with solving that problem---if you were a brand-new mathematician!

CGI has completely changed the way I want to teach mathematics to my students!
I realize my district (like many of yours) has an implemented math "program" to help teach the standards to our students, and I will utilize this program to its fullest potential....
...but I will also be pulling much of what I learned during small group time to help my students build confidence in their problem-solving abilities!

I am obviously not a trained instructor for CGI.

If I was, these posts would be in a much more sequential order:)

So if anything I have said leaves you cloudy on the subject,  

here is a very informational link that might clear some things up!

I also suggest you talk with your principal or curriculum coordinator and see if they can find more information, or trainings to bring to your area.
Getting this information second-hand in no way compares to getting your hands on it yourself!

A HUGE push for me to 'pay attention and listen up' is the fact that CGI's practices and information seems to clearly be embedded in the Common Core Math Standards.
CGI identifies "problem types" to give your students, and these are precisely (though worded differently) what you can find in Table 1 of the Math Glossary for CCSS.

Well, that about wraps it up for me.
Oh yeah, I promised you a freebie for coming over 2 days in a row:)
Click on the pic below for 15 simple word problems I will be using at the beginning of the year!

Each problem stems from stories I will be sharing with my students during August and early September, to help enforce procedures and routines in my room.
I just thought it would be fun to also use these characters with some early word problem practice.
I didn't label it on the cover page, but these problems are best for K-2 students, though probably more mid-year for K kids.
The numbers deal with sums of 5, then a few sums of 10, with the exceptions of the two multiplication problems (like the one pictured earlier in this post).

I hope you can use them for journals or small group time.
Enjoy!

What's CGI?

I completed an "introductory course", if you will, for CGI just three days before the recent holiday.
What is CGI, you ask?
Well, I'm so glad you asked:)

Many of you are probably thinking computer graphic training at this point---I am NOT that technologically savvy!
So...no, it has nothing to do with computer anything!
CGI stands for Cognitively Guided Instruction.
It is a very different way of thinking about teaching mathematics.

CGI asks teachers to consider math instruction almost solely through the use of word problems!

Scared? Shocked? Ready to run???

I was, too.

Because this used to be me:

Actually, this is still kinda me:) 

Because I was sort of "taught" to fear word problems...weren't you?

They were like reading a mystery novel: you kept trying to figure out what the heck was going on, only to have a big twist at the end that completely messed up your thinking.

So, we were taught to look for "key words".

We were taught specific procedures and "steps" to follow in order to get the right answer.

In fact, the whole goal of working on the problem was to get the right answer through the "right steps".

Now, I'm not saying that we shouldn't still want students to get the correct answer, but I am here to argue that there is certainly not "one specific way" to go about solving word problems.

And that's the whole point of CGI---to let students show what they already (innately) know; to let students build on their thinking and construct new knowledge.

We need to allow students to show us their way of solving the problem, rather than "the" way.

During my 2 years of teaching first grade, I only integrated word problems if it "came up" that day in our math program, and we did them whole group almost always.
I attempted to "help" my struggling students who weren't great readers or mathematicians by having other students read and provide models for solving the problems presented by our program.
I reasoned that these kids were just beginning their journey with math, and they would be exposed to word problems more in the next year, and would gradually become more adept at completing them independently.
I rationalized that I was "scaffolding" this process for my struggling kiddos.
I realize now that I could have helped them sooo much more if I had had this training!!

I really don't have time right now to go into everything I learned in three days (and I am still so far away from knowing everything I need to---some of that is going to have to come from experience!), because if I continue writing, many of you will be checked out and moving on:)

So, to break up a little of the "lecture", here's a freebie.
Most of us utilize math journals, and this little poster is just something you can post in your room to let students know exactly what you expect to see in their journals:

My plan for this poster is to introduce it in steps.

First, we will talk about (and model, model, model!) drawing or writing which manipulatives students used to solve the problem....the rest of the poster will be covered up!
Secondly, we will talk about (and model, model, model!) showing the step-by-step actions taken to solve the problem.
At this time, we will uncover this second "must" on the poster:)
Then, we will be including the answer (though many students will probably do this initially), &
Lastly, we will talk about/model-model-model writing the correct number sentences....and, yes, I will introduce my firsties to the word "algorithm", in constant reference to my go-to phrase, "number sentence".

I am getting a little ahead of myself by talking about math journals, but I realize they have become more commonplace among teachers in blogland, which means many of you have already begun to incorporate word problems on a more regular basis!
Yay for you!!

I plan on posting more about CGI tomorrow afternoon.
I don't wanna bog y'all down with too much info all at once:)
It IS still summer, after all...even if those days are dwindling fast.

So, if you're a little bit intrigued with what you've heard so far...
...come back tomorrow for Part 2 of a great "math revolution" :)

Yes, there will be another freebie.
If I have to bribe ya to get ya back here, I'll do it.
No shame.

If you've heard of/utilize CGI, I would LOVE-LOVE-LOVE to hear about it:
Please comment below!!

That's all for today.
Enjoy your Saturday, friends!

One Nation, Under God

If you don't often think about the fact that God has certainly blessed you with being born in, or becoming a legal citizen of, this country...
...I hope you will take the time, now, to considerate it.

I am proud to be an American...that song ALWAYS makes me misty-eyed:,)

But I am so much more honored to be called a Christian, and a friend of Jesus Christ.

Thank you, God, for blessing me here, in the land that I love.
But as much as I do love this country, I recognize that we need You, Father, more than ever.
I pray that each person reading this post today, whether from this nation or another, would feel blessed, and share their blessings (financially, inspirationally, or however best you can) with others.

Happy Independence Day, fellow Americans!
Please take some time today to thank Him for all the ways we are truly blessed:)

And if you or a loved one has made sacrifices for this nation, thank you SO MUCH, as well.
Thank you, Brandon W. (you know who you are!)

Ten Pins for Reading

I am in training for a new math resource all day, but Ashley's PinParty is about reading, so I'll have to shift gears a little:)

My Pinterest collection has built up a little, thanks to this faboo linky, so I'm excited to share these reading-related Pinspirations!

Amanda from the First Grade Garden has the BEST little resources for helping your Daily 5 stamina-building & implementation run smoothly. Her post from the pic above includes stamina charts, posters, I-charts, and book suggestions.

I fully believe my launch of D5 last year was so successful in huge part to her services!

And the very best thing about her resources? They are f-r-e-e FREE!!

Another good source for help with your D5/literacy centers?
Second Story Window!

I recently purchased their CCSS morning work, and am so excited to begin using it this year.

But I was equally excited to read their ideas for work on writing and other D5 inspiration.

LOVE this mini-word wall idea! 

I do not have much space for a word wall, so this seems extremely practical!

While we're talking about words and Word Work, this idea for word families looks way cute!

Don't ya love this cute anchor chart idea for consonant "blends"! Haha:)

Can't wait to use this chart with Teacher Mom of 3's "Blending up a Great Smoothie" pack that I purchased during Teacher Apprec.Week! yay for fun resources:)

I never have enough spaces for kids to read to self, so most end up reading at their own desks.

How boring:/

Wouldn't it be so much more fun to turn your chair upside down and read like this?:)

Gotta find me some extra throw pillows to make this doable...

...course, I wonder if their chairs will slide and not stay in place on my linoleum floor??hmmmm...

Love this visual with a kid-appropriate definition for those early days of building stamina!

Wouldn't it be great to formally introduce your students to a different author every week, or every-other week, or every month?

I love the idea of an active, updated "Author's Corner" to squeeze in a little author's study.

Do you do an author study in your room??

How do you work it???

And last, but certainly not least:

I'm such a believer in the systematic approach of Daily 5 that I am shamelessly promoting it throughout this entire post:)
D5 is the biggest & best change I've made to my reading block in my whole two years of teaching! :D

If you need some D5/CAFE posters to display in your room, Amy from the Resourceful Room's got ya covered...in almost any color scheme!!

The above pic is the set I'll be using in my room this year:)

Well, that's all folks.

I'll be back later this week for some math freebies from my totally AWE-some training:)

Check in tomorrow for some much-needed perspective for the day's festivities!

Goin' on a Blog Hunt!

Today, I am linking up with Laura from Corkboard Connections for her linky, which is sweetly called "Goin' on a Blog Hunt".
I just love that book---you know, the one about hunting bears:)
And Laura's little linky badge is a direct homage to such a classic read.
Look how cute it is:

In case you lost all your blogs to GRC13 (that's, "Google Reader Crisis, 2013"), you can click on the button above and find a whole bunch of great elementary blogs!
AND...
if you have an elementary blog, you can link up for yourself so others can discover your blog for themselves while reading a few of their favorites.
Laura does ask that you please download and read her directions before linking up for yourself, but anyone and everyone is welcome to check out the blogs that are already linked...no directions required:)

I hope that if you are "hunting" through my blog for the first time, that you will take a few minutes to peruse old posts.
I try to post a good ol' freebie now and then:)
AND my blog is just 2 weeks away from celebrating it's first birthday! Awww;)
There's sure to be some freebie-goodness then!! {hint-hint}

If you're not followin' me on bloglovin', you can click on the button below:

 button from Cait, of "Sliding into First"?!

Don't you just love that super cute button from the sweet Cait of Sliding into First? Adorbs!

I have been in CGI training for the past two days, and tomorrow is my last day.
That is NOT computer graphics stuff:)
It IS incredible math information, and I can't wait to share with all of you what I've learned!
I'll DEFINITELY be posting some freebies then, so look for that later this week!

Thanks for checking in (or checking me out!) today:)
Have a totally tubular rest-of-your Tuesday, friends!