tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20585940936617016492024-03-05T23:18:51.511-06:00Sweet School Momentsa blog about the ons & offs, ups & downs, and sweet & sour moments of school (and life)!Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-37898924424689587602014-08-13T22:37:00.003-05:002014-08-13T22:39:59.012-05:00Our Many Colored Days!Today, first grade is starting Color Day Fun, courtesy of the wonderful duo (who are also fellow Kansans!), <a href="http://www.madefor1stgrade.com/">Kelly & Diane from Made for First Grade.</a><br />
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It is RED day today, and we will be making our first class book, as suggested from Kelly & Diane's resource:<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/Color-Day-Fun-136406"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvqO7Lx1CVUA_aW6038WqiRECX029-yrKLA8jVnBSjCnmwqZaZ1Vjj3Dig18mZ8aM4_PkYsOwdrQx_ghTw5qqUNV8DO7Y7MpovXboO48ZJt7dUfZS7tUqwVC0CADXZ2IIxTxrUUqnMhw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-13+at+10.23.14+PM.png" height="400" width="308" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Color-Day-Fun-136406">Click on the pic to check out this AMAZING resource in their TpT shop!</a></td></tr>
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Their mentor text suggestion for the classroom book is "Mary Wore Her Red Dress".</div>
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I own M A N Y kid-lit books (just ask my colleagues!) but I sadly do not own this timeless piece.</div>
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For the last few years I've used a poem on anchor chart paper, but it was only about Mary & her red dress; it didn't include all the other fun colors and names as does <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0899197019/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER">the book by Merle Peek</a>.</div>
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However, I found a YouTube video for the book!</div>
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Don't ya just love YouTube?!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="253" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4iIMa_CROQ4" width="450"></iframe>
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It makes the book into a fun sing along, as is probably intended:)</div>
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I never knew the tune, or I would have sung it all this time!</div>
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If you want to use this video in your classroom, you should HOPEFULLY be able to view it...I'm not always great at embedding videos.</div>
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We're off to enjoy our first color day!</div>
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If you don't already do something fun like this at B.O.Y for K or 1st Grade, I HIGHLY suggest checking out this amazing packet!</div>
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We treasure it every year:)</div>
Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-81499643856014793462014-08-10T12:57:00.000-05:002014-08-10T23:45:49.158-05:00And it starts...I mean, BEGINS!<div style="text-align: center;">
During our annual Back to School welcome gathering for the whole district, our Superintendent mentioned differences between the word "start" and "beginning". </div>
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I always considered them synonyms before, but she really gave me pause to consider each word and all its meanings.</div>
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I took away from her talk that to "start" something was to give it a sense of urgency, or to do something in a hurried fashion. </div>
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If the word "start" had a personality, it would probably be impetuous or careless. </div>
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To do something quickly and without much thought is to "start" something.</div>
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In contrast, to "begin" something is to plan and prepare. </div>
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If "begin" had a personality it would be relaxed, unhurried or carefree. </div>
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You <b>begin</b> a new school year, because you've put a lot of time, energy, and thought into the process.</div>
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Now, I know most of us aren't really feeling relaxed or carefree as we prepare for a new group of students (or is that just me feeling <strike>really</strike> a little stressed?), but I hope we can all admit that we've had weeks of summer to plan/PIN/prepare for a new school year, in addition to resting & recuperating from the previous one:)</div>
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With that in mind, I want to share an awesome YouTube party being hosted by the wonderful collaborative team that is Primary Chalkboard.</div>
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They are handing out many fun and relevant tips and tidbits for you to have a successful BEGINNING to your school year.</div>
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Click on the image below and you can check out 6 great videos today. </div>
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<a href="http://primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/2014/08/primary-chalkboards-bts-youtube-party.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gpIA6u-hLHqC1PLOhw4cmQmDG065JdDk4fsrW5vX04rhXnuWDpv1i0HqjnrQqeYyJ-1RE2iHhMB3sdpf5d12clqmHC0M-e9eZNGZ8HaXKbSJZS-AjQxM9kQxOFuVnhGCunI8snVOiFU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-10+at+12.53.48+PM.png" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
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They're not very long; I watched them all in under 15 minutes...that's less time than those silly health videos your district makes you watch:)</div>
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If you watch the videos, you can listen for a code word at the end and then enter a Rafflecopter with those code words to win one of 3 fabulous prizes, like:</div>
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$100 to Amazon</div>
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$100 to TpT</div>
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or a Michael Kors purse!</div>
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I'm not much of a bag-lady, so I hope one of you wins that:) </div>
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I'll take either of the Gift Certificates, thank you very much.</div>
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Honestly, though, the prizes aren't really the reasons to watch. </div>
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The tips and tricks are worth their weight, I promise you! </div>
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I feel like such an idiot for never using my teacher's desk the way <a href="http://teachertothecore.blogspot.com/2014/08/creative-use-of-your-teacher-desk-and.html">Katie Knight</a> uses hers! Genius!!!</div>
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Go watch the videos (there will be additional videos posted each day all week long) and good luck to you all, with regards to the raffle.</div>
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Have a FANTASTIC beginning to your school year:)</div>
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Mine starts this Wednesday with students. I can't wait!</div>
Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-5356079912197790022014-07-30T07:00:00.000-05:002014-07-30T07:00:00.963-05:00Monday Made-It...wait, what day is it?I can still use the excuse of not knowing what day it is because I'm still on summer break.<br />
For 6 more days.<br />
Ouch. It really hurt to type that!<br />
Sorry to those of you already back in the school-groove. I'll be joining you very, very soon:)<br />
I'll get on with my post now.<br />
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I was asked to make a diaper cake for a colleague's baby shower.<br />
I have never made a diaper cake, but figured I could find a tutorial on youtube, or some kind of instructions online.<br />
Or a pin on Pinterest.<br />
Yeah, let's start with Pinterest.<br />
(sneaky smile creeps across face knowing too-well the dangers of going into the abyss that is Pinterest).<br />
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However, when I searched "diaper cake" on Pinterest, I immediately became overwhelmed with the images of these huge, elaborate monstrosities!<br />
Surely someone somewhere has downsized and simplified these things, I thought.<br />
I typed "diaper cupcakes" and was immediately inspired.<br />
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One of the first images I saw was for a onesie cupcake.<br />
Have you seen them??<br />
The idea was brand-new to me, and I instantly knew I had to make those for my colleague's sweet little girl, rather than a boring & tired ol' diaper cake.<br />
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I wrote down the things I needed, went to Wal-Mart, & got to work.<br />
Take a look at the finished product:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9wcrx7AZ8PGgDeV9qsCC9phyphenhyphenukLgzcihGe4Y6iIfown3XYNznnWYissmEoAp3zGbzfAvCATT_Pc8Q8esRzBDVEackzX7_de-vDdAC-fpSbPuMRBR4rGdlK9akB4tmbc_t_aEYVAjNlw/s1600/IMG_0816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9wcrx7AZ8PGgDeV9qsCC9phyphenhyphenukLgzcihGe4Y6iIfown3XYNznnWYissmEoAp3zGbzfAvCATT_Pc8Q8esRzBDVEackzX7_de-vDdAC-fpSbPuMRBR4rGdlK9akB4tmbc_t_aEYVAjNlw/s1600/IMG_0816.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFAiNKr7zNhck3tKw6JTybXE5aWQERg5Wi55G_Ds6bMOBAM_icmiyHaC2izqS9pterqpH6im29vi-HMxIfQk_uOpI4whmqa1CEOZoCRf99EM4kZSlNu2ANVbFaWWX8Wm5Rlml9K4FgSk/s1600/IMG_0818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFAiNKr7zNhck3tKw6JTybXE5aWQERg5Wi55G_Ds6bMOBAM_icmiyHaC2izqS9pterqpH6im29vi-HMxIfQk_uOpI4whmqa1CEOZoCRf99EM4kZSlNu2ANVbFaWWX8Wm5Rlml9K4FgSk/s1600/IMG_0818.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnkD9ajYOzY2fhz723fKEFIyHOjFO1Yo765mPM3UUo-spSRr3w3xW5Td6WfbUUMvayWVW3ZkwhIiCTGVIO9J-yuNIH8NlXIFWWh3rRLPhjn9LLkKFAIEzp4ATJENd67uByajtlmpLxX8/s1600/IMG_0821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnkD9ajYOzY2fhz723fKEFIyHOjFO1Yo765mPM3UUo-spSRr3w3xW5Td6WfbUUMvayWVW3ZkwhIiCTGVIO9J-yuNIH8NlXIFWWh3rRLPhjn9LLkKFAIEzp4ATJENd67uByajtlmpLxX8/s1600/IMG_0821.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
I know, the hairbands around the cupcake wrappers weren't necessary, but I couldn't help myself in that baby girl section!<br />
How do all of you mothers with baby girls stand it?!<br />
You must have bigger bank accounts than I do.<br />
Guess God knew what he was doin' when he blessed me with 2 "all-boy" boys:)<br />
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Here is the pin I found:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdN9rm68ebIkXEYbtFU8d8pSU9NMNip3z3IxcT__d2fq7AZzOHsBWEZyOVXKt-MAfQIjRs6oOKeiMeIJVcwlRcBYim-s3Cifk8MZItplpj9E8MM__25F-CTYt94fsoL08M8jPE8ofEOA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-30+at+1.16.10+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdN9rm68ebIkXEYbtFU8d8pSU9NMNip3z3IxcT__d2fq7AZzOHsBWEZyOVXKt-MAfQIjRs6oOKeiMeIJVcwlRcBYim-s3Cifk8MZItplpj9E8MM__25F-CTYt94fsoL08M8jPE8ofEOA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-30+at+1.16.10+AM.png" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
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The pin didn't take me anywhere, so if you know the original source of this pin, PLEASE EMAIL ME SO I CAN CREDIT THEM!<br />
I didn't bother searching for the source because I got the gist from the picture, and didn't plan on selling them or anything.<br />
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I honestly didn't even plan on blogging about them, but they're just too cute!<br />
I won't be using a little cupcake box like the person above.<br />
I'll just put them on a display plate for everyone at the shower to enjoy:)<br />
With their eyes, of course.<br />
Though they look good enough to eat, in my opinion!<br />
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Enjoy your hump-day, friends (see, I know what day it really is) !<br />
I'm off to lock myself in my classroom until some progress is made:)<br />
6 more days....:,(<br />
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<br />Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-75874775144008704322014-07-27T21:22:00.002-05:002014-07-27T21:22:30.222-05:00Giveaway Winner & #mybeliefsoneducation<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=3186486707&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=9950435&frame=1&click=0&user=0">Amanda, aka The Primary Gal</a>, has a lofty goal of seeing this pic all over social media.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RZBamlH_fIiSFabNXvBMPZKBriXGYxZ_eDj_FNkzlLRa75V2IgCUU0zHUhIKGuDiJFQjmsIZzuH_gd145x53itDUANCGaidex9wqPgR4vgi7W_i3qo7fH7nXeQLQunmk-8MM7MMccK4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-27+at+8.42.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RZBamlH_fIiSFabNXvBMPZKBriXGYxZ_eDj_FNkzlLRa75V2IgCUU0zHUhIKGuDiJFQjmsIZzuH_gd145x53itDUANCGaidex9wqPgR4vgi7W_i3qo7fH7nXeQLQunmk-8MM7MMccK4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-27+at+8.42.27+PM.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm doing my part to help make it happen:)<br />
The reason is two-fold:<br />
Not only do I completely agree with her idea (from Debbie Miller) about knowing where you stand on your teaching beliefs, and making sure your practices align, but also ---though this reason is not nearly as important---someone that links up with her will win $50 to TpT:)<br />
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If you haven't checked it out yet, my little blog has its own Facebook page!<br />
Be sure to click the image below, and you can read all about #mybeliefsonteaching:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sweetschoolmoments?ref_type=bookmark"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oIVdtePVS9IPJpoH7mpfg697-qj4rDGxbzvBqV8Cum_VHn7q37FHDHvY4cg3hkezofHItCeFRM1Ks735xMCdWLly-cZr4DmeGqziV2TpJlLggGhQmp4x1OvbKpu77m61tgzG1_ACl2M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+5.13.57+PM.png" /></a></div>
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THEN, be sure to "link up" for yourself with <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=3186486707&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=9950435&frame=1&click=0&user=0">The Primary Gal</a>.<br />
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Sorry I hadn't announced the winner yet...been working to finish both book packets and they're thisclose to being completed:)<br />
Here is the winner of the BIG giveaway!<br />
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CONGRATS, Andrea!<br />
She should be receiving her paperback books and the digital resources by the end of the week:)<br />
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Thank you all so much for following this blog, my stores, and the supporting Facebook pages!!!<br />
Have a super fabulous week!Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-91973507584351282862014-07-25T17:21:00.001-05:002014-07-25T17:22:58.656-05:00Down to the Wire...Just about 7 hours left to enter my giveaway for prizes totaling $50!<br />
Click the image below for more details:<br />
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<a href="http://sweetschoolmoments.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-do-you-teach-character-ed.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfk_CPNEksrACtTQoDx86GAkmGfJP0S62yImvVy60ix8_NRkYcH5S_O_KXnIKlpRmXo9HorRv8OPwfJxd99vmjhJKyT6o-n1XMhMWNb6pVDOvwxrnNsCgK5aVQ3ckINtKWlhs2aQ93aM/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Speaking of hours left, how many weeks/days/hours do you have left before you greet a new batch of students?<br />
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I report back on August 6th, but I don't have students in my classroom until the 13th.<br />
It's still too soon!<br />
I'm just not nearly as ready as I would like to be...<br />
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Other projects have taken a front seat to getting my classroom in student-ready condition, and I'm trying to put on the brakes when working on them, but I just can't stop!<br />
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After finishing my packets for EMPATHY/INNER BEAUTY and HARDSHIP/BULLYING, I decided to go ahead and start a packet that utilizes my cousin's other book: <i>The Brave Bald Knight.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.bravebaldandbeautiful.com/books-merchandise.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI8f8-ADsr0h6GFxeU0tm4XD1vkRp9leqoiZAP2IM4ARC1HdjdhuyonIh-Hm7A0jEnLswQiRKpI-uaOnv_mlJjTyMB7gE5haZlpavxZXib0hwvkF6KbZn77aci15JJTNga0mCtniMvK8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-18+at+12.04.52+PM.png" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
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This packet will help students understand how to face basic fears and what it means to be "courageous".<br />
I believe it's never too early to learn this important concept in building self-esteem; even Kindergartners have (simple) fears that need to be conquered by "standing up" and being brave!<br />
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Along with my cousin's book, I will pull from common classroom selections, such as:<br />
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This packet is nearly completed, but I have a very important question for all of you:<br />
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Which cover do you like better for the Bravery packet:<br />
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Knight close up OR Knight full body?</div>
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Less than 7 hours now 'til a winner is chosen! Good luck to all of you!!!</div>
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Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-65581566063567579052014-07-24T20:08:00.003-05:002014-07-24T20:08:41.080-05:00Check THIS Out!!If you have never visited <a href="http://www.teachingsuperpower.com/">Megan at "I Teach. What's Your SuperPower?"</a>, you need to.<br />
I mean, as soon as you finish reading my post, head to her blog.<br />
Specifically, her "Blog, Baby, Blog" section...the woman is a genius!<br />
<br />
People, I am not technologically-savvy.<br />
You should know that upfront!<br />
<br />
However, Megan is such an effective communicator that I was able to create a customized "Pin It!" button...THAT WORKS!!!<br />
<br />
I first used her directions for the general Pinterest icon, and that was fine.<br />
At least it was successful!<br />
It was quick and super-easy....but blah.<br />
<br />
Then, I thought, "maybe I can make my own Pinterest button that fits my blog's personality."<br />
So, I gave it a try...and I was able to whip up a button THAT WORKS in less than an hour!<br />
<br />
Megan, you are awesome!<br />
<br />
Wanna see my new Pin-It Button?<br />
Hover over the image below, then you can Pin my giveaway image to your Pinterest board:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDejGKRqMkvI1TpIvNa2DiOJHDZucb7MA5YczvhTfEOfvW95h4KzV_6g0PMjSC51hIpg1cwLrRN5oXVo2vwG9X7e5apmAVAVz5BHFNJTO3ifnKOPbdPhP_AaGKR61hSjEMqtE-MaP908/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDejGKRqMkvI1TpIvNa2DiOJHDZucb7MA5YczvhTfEOfvW95h4KzV_6g0PMjSC51hIpg1cwLrRN5oXVo2vwG9X7e5apmAVAVz5BHFNJTO3ifnKOPbdPhP_AaGKR61hSjEMqtE-MaP908/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Friendly reminder: the giveaway ends tomorrow!<br />
You can <a href="http://sweetschoolmoments.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-do-you-teach-character-ed.html">click here</a> to read more about it, in case this your first time visiting my little blog.<br />
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And look:<br />
Megan even taught me how to "remove" the button from an image!<br />
If you hover over her blog button, you won't see my cute little "synonym roll" :)<br />
Instead, you can go straight to her blog...<br />
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<a href="http://www.teachingsuperpower.com/" title="I Teach. What's Your Super Power?"><img alt="I Teach. What's Your Super Power?" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLlpKqQGh6Tv-jGJBAX5R3yxlbxfHGaxRe_eMd72y528J69xOJ9slRfDNZ-o3UCcIgTB5fLrty0Eo0ZqPxr2YrW4Jyysyv6tJNk0roVfcNo-gncQ7BMKH8QJ04AG1sgMXkhfVgcqfXIA/s1600/Round+Button.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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...I'm telling you, folks...she's AWESOME!Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-38242349926684922722014-07-23T07:30:00.000-05:002014-07-23T07:30:00.796-05:00Virtual "Friends" are some of the BEST!Although I didn't get to attend Vegas myself (next year, Melissa!), I have to say that I still enjoyed seeing everyone's pics on Facebook and reading their blogposts.<br />
<br />
I'm happy that many of my favorite bloggers were able to have a good time, learn new things, and celebrate our vocation with great friends and colleagues!<br />
<br />
Today, however, I am feeling a modicum of their joy:)<br />
And I want to share with you why:<br />
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<a href="http://shoelacesand.blogspot.com/2014/07/blog-recommendation.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBDG9CpV4Ccli3-o35dgNIym9jvIGTS4kwMUE9FCetEIh1LXp_HI_wyJ4RxfYYA96UAeV3NLVtqY1dETO_8sTthYmS87et7VAG8dzPqYgW9_khS3T2Jp8Lcie_emsmYF-DUb9xyhy3UA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-22+at+7.33.29+PM.png" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sweet <a href="http://shoelacesand.blogspot.com/">Tiffany over at Shoe Laces & Sweet Faces</a> gave a huge shout-out my way over at her blog.<br />
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Her words were a blessing to my soul and brought tears to my eyes.<br />
It is because of people like Tiffany that I love this virtual teaching community so much!<br />
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In what other way would a K teacher from Connecticut (Tiffany) and a first grade teacher from Kansas (me) connect, collaborate, and become "friends" ?<br />
Please go visit Tiffany's blog and become a follower!<br />
She and her teaching team have FABULOUS ideas to share with you!!<br />
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I tell you, technology can be a real pain somedays....but I am so very thankful that it connects us all in ways that would otherwise be impossible:)<br />
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Thanks for reading my quick post today, and...<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://sweetschoolmoments.blogspot.com/how-do-you-teach-character-ed.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhdy3Bz1qjdGRvg5rCxgA6u-tUCy43N9JprkB0nPA05anVkyKJBjK1C3mI7l-zQetyYF3uKYbNZgUOB6LL_murx3ObLiLLo1a0Pxh6ARQof2NuZve53UvVe60IkAK2v19SJBN5p-uxNU/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetschoolmoments.blogspot.com/how-do-you-teach-character-ed.html">click the pic to go to the Rafflecopter!</a></td></tr>
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<br />
...there's still time to ENTER MY GIVEAWAY if you haven't already!<br />
Have a wonderful HUMP day, friends!<br />
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<br />Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-64171000763987684572014-07-22T17:52:00.004-05:002014-07-22T17:52:46.514-05:00Have YOU Entered Yet???!The clock is ticking to enter my giveaway!<br />
<br />
YOU could win 2 children's literature books that would greatly enhance your Character Ed. lessons...<br />
...+ 2 packets FULL of activities and book suggestions that will help you plan for the instruction and implementation of those lessons...<br />
...+$25 to <span style="font-size: large;"><i>your choice: </i></span>Amazon or Teachers Pay Teachers!!!<br />
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<a href="http://sweetschoolmoments.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-do-you-teach-character-ed.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnaluhwe8UGUUynQHoECvz2mc3hKmDLjjalETeZzx_06Ck0VB67NDahlnMJLQw9xPXG-hfwSm7Wm9ysmN4RGOTOvoPM4SRF6F2JIMhLUedSwwlZRT-QkvbR2aiSxeudIgAYkopCkQutk/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sweetschoolmoments.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-do-you-teach-character-ed.html">Click here</a> to enter the Rafflecopter today!</div>
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Contest ends this Friday, July 25th at midnight.</div>
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Hurry!!!</div>
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I would just hate for you to miss out :(</div>
<br />Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-59661012185197607562014-07-21T23:37:00.000-05:002014-07-21T23:55:26.233-05:00How Do YOU Teach Character Ed?Do you have a program that your school or district uses for Character Education?<br />
Do you follow Character Ed standards your state has developed?<br />
<br />
I would have to answer "yes'' to both questions.<br />
And one thing I would like to do better than I have done the past three years is help my students fully understand EMPATHY.<br />
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Is that a word you use much in your primary classroom?<br />
Honestly, I don't think I taught it as much as I used it!<br />
Silly mistake, huh?<br />
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We elementary teachers should know almost better than anyone that you have to explicitly teach, give examples/non-examples, model-Model-MODEL, and practice in whole group & small groups any new idea/concept.<br />
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You would think I would have done that with the word 'empathy'.<br />
It's not even a word that many adults fully understand, I think:)<br />
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I believe that explicitly teaching the concept of empathy will better help the development of my classroom community, and be preventative for any bullying behaviors that might otherwise arise.<br />
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With that in mind, I would like to introduce y'all to a couple of key Kid-Lit books I will be using to help illustrate the concept.<br />
You've probably read posts about both these books already here on my blog...<br />
... but there is something in it for you if you will humor me and continue to read on to the end!<br />
(wink, smile)<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alex-The-Amazing-Lemonade-Stand/dp/0975320009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405926399&sr=8-1&keywords=alex+and+the+amazing+lemonade+stand"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0i8AFs2y2hX2pimemly4SqSRND9tAf7rq7E6HDOFoh9iSIGDEWJ7WPopf-37hOry_2VKD2AH3RIG_OO6IJpBhDDMiJ_YMKQM1NJOi4PxV9GlwIq7KBOfBGl-nMk0KBE3-DvALuYRaUAE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-18+at+12.08.05+PM.png" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
This story is a cute, rhyming biography of a little girl named Alex Scott.<br />
Alex became the original "founder" of the <a href="http://www.alexslemonade.org/">Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.</a><br />
If you would like to read about how my class helped this organization, <a href="http://sweetschoolmoments.blogspot.com/2014/05/when-life-hands-you-lemons.html">click here</a>.<br />
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This year, I will once again be hosting a Lemonade Stand Fundraiser for childhood cancer, and sharing this amazing little book with my new group of firsties.<br />
I can't wait until May:)<br />
I know, that's like a year away...let's focus on the now.<br />
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I usually do a fairy tale unit in the fall.<br />
Cinderella kinda ties into our pumpkin unit, I guess.<br />
Well, this year, I will be adding this new, princessy read to my repertoire:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Bald-Princess-Brianne-Banning/dp/1629940771/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405926426&sr=8-1&keywords=the+beautiful+bald+princess"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNem02CmKxHR9GC_uMXnRr1owB45s2AAI2W5d8Pyf2-Pz3UBbrKSRY3DFzvIKxmi7bgtI7imI0MzBfH8Wy7zwzH7s90cMR_imxsHWLAxVR2M177Gtsc6s9iOz3pjoJaTiqzxLrZ4I95BI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-18+at+12.04.24+PM.png" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
I'm a little biased about this book for 2 reasons:<br />
1)The story is based on the true-life story of my little cousin, Baylee. If you follow <b>Nikki, from Melonheadz</b> (and who doesn't?), you may have heard about Baylee.<br />
But if not, you can <a href="http://melonheadzillustrating.blogspot.com/2014/07/meet-bayleetig.html">click here and read all about how Nikki blessed our family with her talent</a>!<br />
2) It is written by my cousin (Baylee's mom), and Baylee helped her come up with many story components, as well as influenced many of the illustrations!<br />
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I used both these stories as the backbone for my new packets.<br />
When finished, both packets will have book studies on 6 different children's literature selections (6 stories per packet, totaling 12 different books) as well as lessons/activities for socio-emotional development for adversity, bullying, empathy, and inner beauty.<br />
Check out the covers:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEGbV2HQzOWeQ9Dyd7qn9wk9pCFxHEaM7qCqbtmvyFYuLQXSEaKQM_y3LRtX2tKHb0wbOalK9ftkUKzvTWENmNdMUqAhF05kTvmN4XpNGAgM_EyrOgw8yjlTqF_krhwAGb6kMAzr9a2Y/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEGbV2HQzOWeQ9Dyd7qn9wk9pCFxHEaM7qCqbtmvyFYuLQXSEaKQM_y3LRtX2tKHb0wbOalK9ftkUKzvTWENmNdMUqAhF05kTvmN4XpNGAgM_EyrOgw8yjlTqF_krhwAGb6kMAzr9a2Y/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPEU3sLxwxyRiRnaX6Di4Kmskb7cHpOspg1M7ENY4aCmJWDI3U7F5IWgNwQRjW5h9XoyMffyhsOFEYaJ1Xt_3gCXM0XPrryhHmv-jr7zbTwP5w8SkFXpuNuVf9eX_B-byZuih0Zwj0XY/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPEU3sLxwxyRiRnaX6Di4Kmskb7cHpOspg1M7ENY4aCmJWDI3U7F5IWgNwQRjW5h9XoyMffyhsOFEYaJ1Xt_3gCXM0XPrryhHmv-jr7zbTwP5w8SkFXpuNuVf9eX_B-byZuih0Zwj0XY/s1600/Slide2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I absolutely ADORE <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Baylees-Bald-Kidlettes-bundle-1331841">Nikki's bald kidlettes</a>:)<br />
Such a talented, generous lady!!<br />
<br />
I plan on finishing both packets and uploading them to my store by the end of the week.<br />
Although they will each have a cost attached, I will be donating monies made from the Inner Beauty packet to my cousin's foundation: <a href="http://www.bravebaldandbeautiful.com/">Brave, Bald, and Beautfiul LLC,</a> and funds from the Anti-Bullying packet will go to ALSF.<br />
I just simply have to pay it forward to both of these incredible organizations!<br />
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Like what you've seen so far?<br />
Did you stay with me all the way to the end??<br />
<br />
If so, you can enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a paperback copy of BOTH books + BOTH packets shown above....+ a $25 GC to TpT <b>OR</b> Amazon (your choice)!!!<br />
That's a $50.00 prize packet that should start your school year off right:)<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/038d3ec51/" id="rc-038d3ec51" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Good luck, and feel free to pin any images above:)<br />
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And don't forget to link up to the oh-so-fabulous <a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/">Deanna Jump</a> with some of your favorite books!<br />
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<a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-talk-tuesday.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmAsnn-QXPrOu0QfXeM4u_EE9TuJ7EankcSm0FNr3m0X37ur_Mc4KiaOTK0AoDMLaRhXGK444Hi_eQG_MqdGNyjj978YtQqsMZfdEHi6iDqWi5Is8L_Gfj8yraGyR6zWXxw16fG46SXg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-21+at+11.43.56+PM.png" height="320" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-7239178689615441242014-07-21T02:49:00.001-05:002014-07-24T20:17:45.659-05:00The Days are Dwindling...How many days until you go back?<br />
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Less than 3 weeks for me!!!<br />
I'm not a huge SpongeBob fan, but I totally get his plight here:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJAGUyl9fEhwDwtMKrxGegNM3i8vhcZ6MTON77WFw5ADQ3mANMLmypjWNJf5TJ8EHd2xe9IgAVvI9YLCJqSpH8lmmaCLWWLTvA0ligrDtoYb97ThyphenhyphenLwDtA53VhWd1VS0B4UlEVCkQHWI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-21+at+2.40.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJAGUyl9fEhwDwtMKrxGegNM3i8vhcZ6MTON77WFw5ADQ3mANMLmypjWNJf5TJ8EHd2xe9IgAVvI9YLCJqSpH8lmmaCLWWLTvA0ligrDtoYb97ThyphenhyphenLwDtA53VhWd1VS0B4UlEVCkQHWI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-21+at+2.40.00+AM.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have been working on books, books, and more books:)</div>
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Organizing, creating a few products (more about that TOMORROW!), and doing some curriculum mapping.</div>
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I have to do a presentation for K-2 teachers in my district on mapping/bringing our purchased curriculum together with the standards, as not all of them align, VERY SOON...wish me luck!</div>
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In the meantime, my fellow colleague, blogger-bestie, and classroom neighbor has COMPLETELY FINISHED HER ROOM!</div>
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I know.</div>
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I, too, feel a mixture of jealousy, inspiration, despair, and utter amazement.</div>
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Take a look for yourselves!</div>
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Just click on the BEAUTIFUL pic (I definitely need her to come next door to my room and help me organize!) to go to her blog and read/see more:</div>
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<a href="http://baumgartelblessings.blogspot.com/2014/07/classroom-tour.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDewnyWMmYzTkvg5bruo_Xvo9Jf7ilikANbKUw-qD7F9s6zJ8fdGd3F9dRNKS24XFS8z0eJIiSzsM_g86hTw7eli7B2j0qpxktbJUpAp1KYTA8uza9IZ64M-l4MVCwdcSEHEQdvE2tvo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-21+at+2.45.04+AM.png" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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(pic by Mrs. B @ Mrs. B's Bright Blessings)</div>
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Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-15415796648577414782014-07-19T18:19:00.001-05:002014-07-19T18:19:23.539-05:00Free Fonts 4 COMMERCIAL-USE!<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kimberly-Geswein-Fonts">Kimberly Geswein</a> has not only influenced my computer's font book, she has also, in fact, contributed to many purchases from iTunes because of her catchy hit-inspired font names.<br />
True story.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel like I live under a rock because I really only listen to Christian music on the radio.<br />
So when I see a new KG font, I immediately go to iTunes and type in the font's name to see if it's yet another amazing song I've never heard but now must listen to all day on repeat.<br />
<br />
If I were going to make a list that accurately depicted my favorite fonts, it would probably be longer than your device can display without scrolling and consist entirely of KG or <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cara-Carroll">CC (Cara Carroll)</a> fonts.<br />
<br />
<b>Bottomline:</b> If I had all the money readily available to purchase a lifetime KG font license, I would have one:)<br />
For products I create for personal use, hers are about the only ones I use.<br />
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Because when you are just starting out in the teacher-created product world, you really don't have a lot to spend on fonts or digital papers or clip art...so you look for what's available for FREE, right?<br />
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Surely I am not the only one who scrounges the 'net looking for FREE digital resources!<br />
Don't leave me feeling like a cheapo all alone here:)<br />
Admit it. You've searched, too.<br />
<br />
Well, in case you missed these fonts on your scouring, here are my absolute favorite FREE fonts that you can use to your heart's content on COMMERCIAL products!<br />
That's right: these are NOT just for personal use, folks!<br />
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All of these fonts can be found and downloaded right from TpT.<br />
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Most of you have used or heard of <a href="http://www.fontsquirrel.com/">Font Squirrel</a>, I'm sure.<br />
In case you haven't, it is also a great resource for free fonts, and MOST of their free fonts are usable for commercial products.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fontspace.com/">Font Space</a> and <a href="http://www.dafont.com/">Da Font</a> are great sites, too...but you have to check the licensing info very carefully to know if you can use it on commercial products for FREE, or not.<br />
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I hope I have introduced you to a few new stores on TpT.<br />
I always appreciate a fab FREE find:)<br />
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If you haven't linked up with <a href="http://www.justreed-ashley.blogspot.com/2014/07/favorite-fonts-link-up-and-kimberly.html">Ashley @ Just Reed</a>, you should!<br />
Share with us your favorite fonts.<br />
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And please don't pay any attention at all to that Rafflecopter thing at the bottom of her page, because I'm REALLY hoping to win some KG font licenses!!!!<br />
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<br />
Okay, I guess you can enter if you want:)<br />
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Have a very restful Sunday tomorrow, my friends.<br />
I only have about 2 1/2 more weeks until I report back!!<br />
SUMMER, where did you go???? :(Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-11216663699774054082014-07-18T13:26:00.001-05:002014-07-18T13:26:46.317-05:00FIRST Five for Friday!As it states in the title, this is the first time I have ever linked up with the talented <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/">Kacey at Doodle Bugs</a>, for her fabulous "Five for Friday."<br />
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As most of you know, this link is about 5 random (usually unrelated) things from today or the past week.<br />
Most of my 5 will be related to my vacation this week, but there might be one or two random items:)<br />
{HINT: Please read all the way to the bottom! I saved the VERY BEST for last!!!!)<br />
Here we go!<br />
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Last Saturday, my kiddos and I piled into my parents' Honda Pilot for the 5-hour trek to Branson, MO. We had a great time with family and friends at my Grandparents' Timeshare condo. We visited some great Branson sites, like:</div>
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Of course, one of our favorite places to go is SDC. </div>
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MOST of us love the roller coasters (love you, my sweet-but-timid Aiden!), and ALL of us love the homemade goodies...especially the salt-water taffy. Yum!</div>
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A summer vacation trip to Branson would not be complete without one or two (or five...) visits to a mini-golf course. Branson has a lot to choose from, but the Pirate Cove is our favorite:)</div>
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They even donated a class set of pirate hats for my classroom this year!!!!</div>
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For the first time in my little family's history, we went to White Water park.</div>
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We had a blast on the water slides, lazy river, and wave pool.</div>
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I might have gotten a little too much sun, though....<span style="font-size: x-small;">ouch!</span></div>
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Okay, folks!</div>
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This is the most exciting of all the randomness!</div>
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Most of you know how incredibly sweet and wonderful Nikki @ Melonheadz is.</div>
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I mean, several bloggers got to meet her in the flesh this past week in Vegas! #jealousmuch</div>
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My cousin, Brianne, a former educator, wrote a couple of children's books while her daughter Baylee, a soon to be second-grader, was undergoing treatments for Wilm's Disease.</div>
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This was Baylee's 2nd diagnosis with cancer...at the age of 6!</div>
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That little girl is such a fighter!</div>
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I wanted to create some resources to go with Brianne's books, so I contacted Nikki to see if she would be so kind as to create a FEW images with bald princesses and knights.</div>
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Boy, was I blown away with her creativity and generosity!</div>
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You can head to Nikki's blog (if you haven't seen it already) to read more about it.</div>
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SHE IS AMAZING, y'all!</div>
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But of course, you knew that, too:)</div>
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<a href="http://melonheadzillustrating.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://honeybunchblogdesign2.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MIbtn2mi.png" /></a></center>
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<b>I will be back sometime before the month ends to blog about how one lucky follower can WIN a copy of Brianne's book, <i>The Beautiful Princess.</i></b></div>
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Enjoy your weekend, sweet friends!</div>
<br />Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-25600277641552809032014-06-17T16:59:00.001-05:002014-06-17T17:07:15.264-05:00Book Talk TuesdayIt's time again for Book Talk Tuesday!<br />
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Just today, I attended a workshop for "diving deep" into the Kansas College & Career Readiness Standards…that's Common Core to the rest of you:)<br />
The Sunflower State LOVES to rename things!<br />
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I have to introduce you to these awesome kid-lit books recommended today by the presenters.<br />
In the Read-Aloud session, the presenter talked about using fiction & nonfiction books hand-in-hand.<br />
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This idea is not necessarily new to me (or even you, I'm sure) but it was nice to hear an "expert" talk about it and give the go-ahead for this kind of practice!<br />
Here are a couple of pairings she recommended:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrLSBca44nFp2QGu4e6_MuUuA3cpVLnCYGWPzu6WzqRyzguEr2ydzuG7VIf_9g6QjFqPEWQY57L3kaN3e3eHLPbpK2GL4hkn0uvzqDxuxDOjXpx2UTPCqGc-BzQgR1WEsXoK2jsedarw/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrLSBca44nFp2QGu4e6_MuUuA3cpVLnCYGWPzu6WzqRyzguEr2ydzuG7VIf_9g6QjFqPEWQY57L3kaN3e3eHLPbpK2GL4hkn0uvzqDxuxDOjXpx2UTPCqGc-BzQgR1WEsXoK2jsedarw/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Obviously, these would work well for many reading & writing standards, but these could also cover Social Studies and Science standards, and maybe even math if you got really creative:)<br />
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Use the nonfiction texts to front load information that your students will need to comprehend the fiction companion, or use the fiction text as a "hook" for delving deep into the nonfiction book.<br />
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What made me HUGELY enthused was hearing every.single.presenter talk about the importance of interconnectedness among the content areas.<br />
Ideally, it would be lovely to get away from the "science block", "math block", "writer's workshop"…and move into a seamlessly flowing classroom day filled with all content areas pertaining/connecting to a theme.<br />
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Many of you do this already, probably.<br />
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I have liked the structure of designated times for each content…but I'm looking forward to mapping the curriculum more like the presenters described.<br />
Is it sad I'm actually <i>looking forward</i> to planning??!<br />
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There were also 2 professional texts recommended that I wanted to share:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbucLIRBlSF7y8aC66a9jYLOzZag1p_EF7h6qZG9SBQWiRd8-IAmBdP6CpV3fhi9nSPxfw3ql2RY7dcVz7DvngQ3b2o9uiKDmjrAIh4xa69PBHCtqTMPi1qIReRetCOHukR7jzjPtPLDU/s1600/Slide5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbucLIRBlSF7y8aC66a9jYLOzZag1p_EF7h6qZG9SBQWiRd8-IAmBdP6CpV3fhi9nSPxfw3ql2RY7dcVz7DvngQ3b2o9uiKDmjrAIh4xa69PBHCtqTMPi1qIReRetCOHukR7jzjPtPLDU/s1600/Slide5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
These were highly recommended by 2 of the presentations I attended today.<br />
LOVE that these presenters encouraged mentor texts for writing (something we are all doing in our classrooms, right?) and using picture books to introduce science explorations.<br />
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Can't wait to go back tomorrow and be inspired even more!<br />
I also can't wait to see all of YOUR suggestions for reading through Mrs. Jump's linky.<br />
If you haven't linked up already, go now!<br />
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<a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/2014/06/thanks-to-everyone-who-linked-up.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmF3KDguSv_SwodoeHcYEoE0E0HEkO_NTrV0rQ584cKtMQNbo5JRECMwc1dsOGCCUn4kmhPT674RykE_LuxeKJCL_YCv5urrT7QWuBRe-3OxBX5DYpyS42aCWXOGRWtX_UHObtK6TnBs/s1600/book+linky+button.png" height="320" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-19095221808041503392014-06-16T07:30:00.000-05:002014-06-16T08:54:40.426-05:00Letter to Me...<div style="text-align: center;">
I am linking up today with the wonderful crew at </div>
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"<a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/">The Teaching Tribune</a>"!</div>
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<a href="http://www.theteachingtribune.com/2014/06/get-ready-for-week-3.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65BXFuYShk9IREp1FzI9EyU8Z-TfFYPZkPhO3Bp-rd4LDlRhI5pvzL2_vobSa_y_7A6reveOpykfOLkdXTA0Y-sfUgVe8SVKGrtHh0EAuy1oXBZDyMlvis9kers3yQwO4U8JWGmaRuLg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-16+at+1.14.31+AM.png" /></a></div>
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Their <b>Summer Bloggin' Series</b> is just too much fun!</div>
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I, personally, have LOVED the "Free Font Fridays":)</div>
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The theme for week 3's "Monday Meet-Up" was to write a letter to <i>present-day-self</i> from your past <i>first-day-of-blogging self.</i></div>
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This took me quite awhile to finalize.</div>
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However, I'm very happy with the final draft:) </div>
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Take a look:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3ymbHU6lvXPhEhC9y1Uhzz8gBHn4Kt8tnbi7hhjv6gb-yeeOIWRJDs98a8udfolVhk7zVuL_MK_KC_-fC_TIdQhS3OmjI_JZhtTtwafrJcR_UD2QxmNtaeWWbSWj0TCPeLOR-IEqoRY/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3ymbHU6lvXPhEhC9y1Uhzz8gBHn4Kt8tnbi7hhjv6gb-yeeOIWRJDs98a8udfolVhk7zVuL_MK_KC_-fC_TIdQhS3OmjI_JZhtTtwafrJcR_UD2QxmNtaeWWbSWj0TCPeLOR-IEqoRY/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you, my old eyes couldn't read the image above:)</div>
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The gist of it is "me" telling myself it's great I got out there with my little blog, and there are definitely some things initially that I did right…but I've got a long way to go!</div>
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In my own words, "…you let the early success go to your head and now you're just playing it safe. Yes, you need to make time for your family, friends, and school-related stuff…but you need to make blogging & creating a bigger priority!"</div>
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I encourage myself to come up with a plan and SCHEDULE my blogging/creating time intentionally!</div>
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I also give props to some uber-talented "blog-Stars".</div>
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In case you're interested, <a href="http://www.teachingmaddeness.com/2012/09/budding-blogger-showcase-synonym-rolls.html">here is the link to Amanda Madden's blog, Teaching Maddeness</a>, where she showcased me as a new blogger. </div>
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Waaay back then, my blog had a different look and name:)</div>
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That is the first blog-star reference made in my letter.</div>
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It was the first time I felt kinda "big"!</div>
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Here's the second referenced "BlogStar": <a href="http://luckylittlelearners.blogspot.com/">Angie Olson, the Organizational Guru over at Mrs. Olson's Lucky Little Learners.</a></div>
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This pic is what I'm talking about: see how she takes time to plan out her products?</div>
<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://luckylittlelearners.blogspot.com/2014/05/five-for-friday.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5uAAZcUsQKL3k7l0U7HbS996rfCwwteZuJaLXFQxNCo5uQcG143OE9VVP9rBf_whHcKX-7swi2AngQJJOJHt6CqwHQCAsCbUb2EXniMQfBYDtXxBvwp1VPggYa4cF-S9SOJMxNqjPR8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-16+at+1.26.08+AM.png" height="400" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on the pic to go the post!</td></tr>
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I'm sure this is just normal practice for most of you, but I rarely take the time to plan things out this way for my blog or TpT.</div>
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I definitely need to work on this!</div>
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Here is a product that would really help me in this department:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoSRUvMC7qq1SZ_rISIA2wkyUt3TK55mgQwWluPv6RphtmxyhCTGg_46f0efr0M5N7YuYVorjycRpqFasRgbLsR30S36WIqv5rf_U7RZfez5lIcQHEUmB5p1BL9yibkglcmg56Qv1TiE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-16+at+1.40.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoSRUvMC7qq1SZ_rISIA2wkyUt3TK55mgQwWluPv6RphtmxyhCTGg_46f0efr0M5N7YuYVorjycRpqFasRgbLsR30S36WIqv5rf_U7RZfez5lIcQHEUmB5p1BL9yibkglcmg56Qv1TiE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-16+at+1.40.44+AM.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9VDsoD3n-PXvoGfKURhyphenhyphen2uL1exJCUv-0OJImfk6-XoZGjxEKJFUAdeHbUbE4CjE_b-N3TJgs00JTDR8mgxjBBWYEs2zSCtoTzDAdg6qhEhXL4cRW_GOy-vrJPncIFPYSiys8Ks66eQw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-16+at+1.53.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9VDsoD3n-PXvoGfKURhyphenhyphen2uL1exJCUv-0OJImfk6-XoZGjxEKJFUAdeHbUbE4CjE_b-N3TJgs00JTDR8mgxjBBWYEs2zSCtoTzDAdg6qhEhXL4cRW_GOy-vrJPncIFPYSiys8Ks66eQw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-16+at+1.53.39+AM.png" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
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Leave a comment w/ a link if you know of any other fab blog/product planners!</div>
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The one pictured above is by Ashley Schroeder <a href="http://thebalancingacticalllife.blogspot.com/">@Schroeder's Shenanigans</a>.</div>
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Her stuff is AH-mazing!</div>
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Her TpT product organizer (for purchased/free digital files) has completely changed my life!</div>
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In fact, all of these ladies I've mentioned have INCREDIBLE ideas and positively PRAISE-WORTHY products!</div>
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If their blogs aren't on your list, you should go visit them right now!</div>
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<center>
<a href="http://www.teachingmaddeness.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Teaching Maddeness" border="0" src="http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o601/madden_amanda/teaching-maddeness.png" /></a></center>
<div class="Mrs. Olson’s Lucky Little Learners" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 200px;">
<a href="http://luckylittlelearners.blogspot.com/"> <img src=" http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/olson/button.png" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="http://thebalancingacticalllife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd"><img alt="Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd" src="http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag66/schroedershenanigansin2nd/e1832bc0-c6f6-40ba-bd29-f493f5fe85ff_zps1da61270.png?t=1391256382" height="174" style="border: none;" width="200" /></a><br />
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That is all for today, folks.<br />
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I'm spending the rest of the day in my classroom, arranging furniture and the like:) yay for me.<br />
I'll be spending all day Tues&Wed at a Common Core workshop so I can be a little more prepared for my presentation <span style="font-size: x-small;">-gulp-</span> this fall on curriculum mapping.<br />
On Thursday, I'm off to Tulsa to see <b><i>Wicked</i></b>….FINALLY!!!<br />
Have a super weekend, friends!</div>
Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-82966491060213734252014-06-15T17:19:00.003-05:002014-06-15T17:19:45.419-05:00Happy Father's Day!I always feel bad that we are never in school late enough to celebrate Father's Day…<br />
…dads, uncles, grandpas, male role models everywhere deserve to be acknowledged on their day!<br />
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Here's a little homage to all the "dads" out there, no matter your roles:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXKF7jf5XWQqFFgUtMfhW3ZY8ol9qbMaTyDazS4nXPiBBFXSbkyObHcoFytiZb2dGABYOH_E-mee_iM87J5MJA2Eybx4Whjlr-Lsn5Dmyn-gLvLaD2k69QOU83HmD36ujKvp5h05UXEU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-15+at+5.08.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXKF7jf5XWQqFFgUtMfhW3ZY8ol9qbMaTyDazS4nXPiBBFXSbkyObHcoFytiZb2dGABYOH_E-mee_iM87J5MJA2Eybx4Whjlr-Lsn5Dmyn-gLvLaD2k69QOU83HmD36ujKvp5h05UXEU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-15+at+5.08.53+PM.png" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZfgaovmCQNXnUI52h2CssiUgDmk7kSYCg3WaopJfjMUbKOuB6VmsiOD_HuTCK4ZZgsJulKxI4AanMpsmoyj6g1RNhSymq7q_Wlvqt8G2H0CM6155aRBUWerhwVlXmVGuQei6ugad7Uo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-15+at+5.16.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZfgaovmCQNXnUI52h2CssiUgDmk7kSYCg3WaopJfjMUbKOuB6VmsiOD_HuTCK4ZZgsJulKxI4AanMpsmoyj6g1RNhSymq7q_Wlvqt8G2H0CM6155aRBUWerhwVlXmVGuQei6ugad7Uo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-15+at+5.16.06+PM.png" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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And especially MY DAD!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoDi_X7LSGD9URTPgFWc1fMAjUisIj-1lJhtRG_Pqrf7_c997Q2dHQyaH16yiawMk8k3x7iJLzuFc-KfPXCTBFSnggORhzHd4WPaZo5hz73ze7mJuAkkg93tTd_q1o45VHziypL3uwC0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-15+at+5.03.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoDi_X7LSGD9URTPgFWc1fMAjUisIj-1lJhtRG_Pqrf7_c997Q2dHQyaH16yiawMk8k3x7iJLzuFc-KfPXCTBFSnggORhzHd4WPaZo5hz73ze7mJuAkkg93tTd_q1o45VHziypL3uwC0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-15+at+5.03.29+PM.png" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NHruG69TMvqXVtl_tPYNChDvkWqalnoBraj1lGXjWFiXhyphenhyphenzV1bBZPWvOcuF3Qe8IuLoYyhEfCHQ9_SHacXAZ9vox_uttxsefyJFngx1aaMI9uTpeKGfH6fDg1rTeY1TqR0VoUi9b7QI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-15+at+5.06.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NHruG69TMvqXVtl_tPYNChDvkWqalnoBraj1lGXjWFiXhyphenhyphenzV1bBZPWvOcuF3Qe8IuLoYyhEfCHQ9_SHacXAZ9vox_uttxsefyJFngx1aaMI9uTpeKGfH6fDg1rTeY1TqR0VoUi9b7QI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-15+at+5.06.29+PM.png" height="320" width="254" /></a></div>
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I love you, Daddy:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEuquW3XmY4bF2VuZ75TtSnhVbczdhxwTOG42BIf120jTjGpY6wrPVCGdMt9CpwrOmvoDg6rSfXcxu7YfgtZwAkXk6GWg462HbwoQMwfrZ6kPzRQH0kNSgwjsFSPxd9X4CLx2-AuSku4/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEuquW3XmY4bF2VuZ75TtSnhVbczdhxwTOG42BIf120jTjGpY6wrPVCGdMt9CpwrOmvoDg6rSfXcxu7YfgtZwAkXk6GWg462HbwoQMwfrZ6kPzRQH0kNSgwjsFSPxd9X4CLx2-AuSku4/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Give a hug, a kiss, a high-five, pat on the back or special acknowledgment of your choosing to all those men who step up to the plate.<br />
Of course, not to forget the Heavenly Father.<br />
Thank you, Father, for all the "dads" in my life and others' lives!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6g07BZzGHMBgWwMUhyPwFehMqEAaqmbdsn5jlIyIu57e_3R_OLAxRmtqb9cqX4omBKaaYQa0DC0kfjhWtSrdtZdalo18TpgJsyIVggHLGKrYbzDvSlEzPvC_dYOPfmUQmhoZfDJJZMU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-15+at+5.16.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6g07BZzGHMBgWwMUhyPwFehMqEAaqmbdsn5jlIyIu57e_3R_OLAxRmtqb9cqX4omBKaaYQa0DC0kfjhWtSrdtZdalo18TpgJsyIVggHLGKrYbzDvSlEzPvC_dYOPfmUQmhoZfDJJZMU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-15+at+5.16.55+PM.png" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Father's Day!</span></div>
Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-4623683622146086162014-06-10T15:51:00.003-05:002014-06-10T15:54:21.814-05:00Picture Book Linky & FREEBIE!I am linking up today with the uber-talented <a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/">Deanna Jump.</a><br />
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<a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/2014/06/lets-talk-about-books-linky-and-giveaway.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBm9hhDfdFsT4Fbw-d8406fTeVo3l_jZLHc4KHrynIuSyeXvCPTKfTB9ihwbfbOyYuu-w60SiXCNuMXRRyFUTl21bvfcTj5osejSIHOYCQN0gbHZOm12FoOck6-rbBvvasDqymLJ-k30/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-10+at+3.47.25+PM.png" height="200" width="193" /></a></div>
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I think her Book Talk Tuesday Linky is pure genius!<br />
I have a big heart for kid-lit, so I can't imagine I will ever blog about any other kind of books:)<br />
Maybe a professional book every now and then, but when I go to Barnes & Noble or Amazon online, I never get out of the children's books section….<br />
…anyone else with this problem???<br />
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File this away for October, but here is <b>THE BEST</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(IMHO)</span> Halloween book EVER:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Smasher-Anita-Benarde/dp/1484875923/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402433375&sr=1-1&keywords=pumpkin+smasher"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7VUkwvg_eXIsBLFZVZjGwIT2-rCNtgc6kEjV-FtD2yFq5_tT6y2td5J8qkLb5M8WLMItSxFqzJDPfuoVeofgjt_GOBtDzZn3zmYPZRhS8DrpGhajFYsdTmjN4iT6_BGhel0lnmLXrCI/s1600/pumpkin_smasher.jpg" /></a></div>
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My former mother-in-law and original inspiration for teaching introduced me to this amazing story. When she read it, she took two days. It lends itself to making predictions, and that's exactly what she did!<br />
Of course, for the past 3 years I've taught, I totally stole her idea...and it has been a HUGE success with my kiddos!<br />
They made very creative predictions for who they thought the Pumpkin Smasher was:)<br />
I also l-o-v-e the black & white-with-some-color-accents illustrations:)<br />
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I have 2 copies: one that I purchased for $50 (yikes!) from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Smasher-Anita-Benarde/dp/1484875923/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402433375&sr=1-1&keywords=pumpkin+smasher">Amazon</a> when the book was out of print, and one that my mother-in-law used to read her students during her 39-year career as an educator.<br />
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LUCKY FOR YOU PEOPLE, this book has been reissued due to its huge popularity & demand!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Smasher-Anita-Benarde/dp/1484875923/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402433375&sr=1-1&keywords=pumpkin+smasher">You can now get it (in paperback) from Amazon</a>…for about $13!<br />
Click the image above to go there & get your own copy!<br />
I promise, you'll love it:)<br />
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Mrs. Jump is giving away a copy of a cute book & her "3 Little Pigs" unit if you leave a comment on her blog!!!<br />
This is the book I commented about today, so I decided to go ahead and blog about it, too:)<br />
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If you use this book during the Halloween season…or even if you don't…you can download this little literacy game to go with it.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6wr_APjUrX6V0ZBUlVMVm5qZjQ/edit?usp=sharing"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Vja-J68n9bvQOxGBbloovpd3vERnJmJTpZu1Ncd48Ek26x6BIX7B3KQ_6UgsmNOrDA-oXSczrTheSS2MG3g7vPW8X-BBxUq6zheF9rqLNv5sdct61f-kEMgkj6I9nSbiERgUOi-gMgo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-10+at+3.42.57+PM.png" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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This game can be used in small groups or at word work stations to practice consonant blends that start with 'S'.<br />
ENJOY!Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-8712524622476058862014-06-01T19:15:00.001-05:002014-06-01T19:15:48.950-05:00June 1st means….….it's time for <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.ca/2014/06/june-currently.html">Farley's Currently</a>!<br />
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Let's just get right to it, shall we?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUxjeTAoV4YDnQROydmvEcv2SvEL71r_5fiBobC7E8rkRvfDrMUe0gEZbOLgiVsK-juqZIJG7uEpfuhX7trJy5c9cwMuZd3RMpBks7n1kESkJ216z9Plm5bVmmGHk5FImcMU8o4srJnc/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUxjeTAoV4YDnQROydmvEcv2SvEL71r_5fiBobC7E8rkRvfDrMUe0gEZbOLgiVsK-juqZIJG7uEpfuhX7trJy5c9cwMuZd3RMpBks7n1kESkJ216z9Plm5bVmmGHk5FImcMU8o4srJnc/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
I just love Netflix!<br />
My oldest son convinced me to get it so he could watch shows, but I think I use it way more than my kiddos:)<br />
I have been able to get caught up on shows I forgot about, like Grey's:)<br />
And while I'm typing/folding laundry/watching, my boys are playing together…and not fighting!<br />
There are probably very few days left where that happens.<br />
Does anyone else have this problem?<br />
Surely my kids are not the only ones at each other's throats all summer long!<br />
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Tomorrow, we leave for a week in Branson, MO.<br />
I'm really looking forward to putting school out of my mind for a week and just having a good time with my kiddos and family:)<br />
But as much as I love going on vacay, I really hate packing for it! Ughh!<br />
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What I really would love to do is NOTHING.<br />
I'm talking about full-on veg-mode.<br />
Binge-watch Netflix, Pinterest, Blogging, taking long, luxurious baths…with or without a glass of wine:)<br />
….just nothing. For a week.<br />
A girl can dream;)<br />
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However, a really need to start organizing my classroom from the ground up.<br />
My principal asked me to work on a system for this year….I think she appreciates most of what I do as a teacher, but she sees:)<br />
I need to have a better system for EVERYTHING!<br />
I will be pinning-blogging for sure, but not for fun things:)<br />
It will be for organizational ideas.<br />
PLEASE LEAVE ANY TIPS/ADVICE/PINS that you find helpful below! & Thanks!!<br />
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After our trip to MO, we will also be spending a couple of days in OK.<br />
My oldest son, cousin, and I will see "Wicked" there (cannot wait!!!!), and we have plans to go to the aquarium.<br />
In July, we have one more trip to Branson planned with extended family, and there will be lots of fun Little League baseball games through out the next month:) love that!<br />
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I start training to be a mentor teacher for both my new colleague (bittersweet) and future interns.<br />
I also plan to attend webinars and classes for all things Common Core so that I can prepare a spot-on presentation in August for primary teachers in my district.<br />
That's right, people.<br />
In less than 70 days, I will be speaking to a group of my peers & colleagues about Common Core Curriculum mapping for the primary grades.<br />
Anyone have some go-to resources for this???<br />
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Thanks for any and all suggestions about organizing & curriculum mapping, and don't forget to link up for yourself!<br />
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/04fallingstar/Custom%20Blog%20Design/Meghan%20Farley/3am_MF_button2_zps7f6923d7.png" height="auto" width="200" /></a></center>
<br />Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-3093404224958339872014-05-05T07:00:00.000-05:002014-05-05T07:00:13.456-05:00When Life Hands You Lemons….If you're looking for something fun and relevant to do during the last few days of school, look no further!<br />
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Read on to see just what I mean…</div>
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About Spring Break-time (March), I was starting to plan for our units of study for the end of the year.<br />
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I knew both first grade classes would start our "ABC" countdown about mid-April and that when we got to 'L' day, I wanted to do some fun activities with lemonade.</div>
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I have these units that I always use at the EOY:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibizPDBforD3ticaPgrSLGYrIcIhuQQStPdwlgBQWYrwH9csyKaOw4mRUycVfD12JkO5ERRowkzLSwzWyLK0CF_uHC5yjjruRxRFlq80unSPhZx2-QK1qRk4irEvM_vv1I0_gPdHNGC5w/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibizPDBforD3ticaPgrSLGYrIcIhuQQStPdwlgBQWYrwH9csyKaOw4mRUycVfD12JkO5ERRowkzLSwzWyLK0CF_uHC5yjjruRxRFlq80unSPhZx2-QK1qRk4irEvM_vv1I0_gPdHNGC5w/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Its-Worth-the-Squeeze-7-Lemonade-themed-Math-Tub-Activities-246837">HERE to go to Cara's store</a> and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Backyard-Barbeque-ELAR-Math-Activities-252500">HERE to go to Miss Snowden's store</a> for these packets!</span></div>
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My small groups would be reading these books from Learning A-Z:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoC68l6DA37zlpSebhqJ7WYRJJRaO_V8BqnD3bO5hY_Lze9lQdz_-vcm2kA3_6C35n3G9yP_8ttnN2DoNmnkKTYQoaxlrW6rwlVsHT32iNJFhqSd7tY5EwmR6eWCvzKoHPKV72E-Wu2vg/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoC68l6DA37zlpSebhqJ7WYRJJRaO_V8BqnD3bO5hY_Lze9lQdz_-vcm2kA3_6C35n3G9yP_8ttnN2DoNmnkKTYQoaxlrW6rwlVsHT32iNJFhqSd7tY5EwmR6eWCvzKoHPKV72E-Wu2vg/s1600/Slide2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And I ordered these books from Amazon to enhance our lemonade activities:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdJoyefO2CzJy68e9K2tAgqeP5wyElz0F4MSxa8W5BahQatk3KseG7Mf8HYpTAeqjRLO7RGAo-N6fiBCda7WminToPPfvme1KU3OVS2rOWdQH0jzswkD7WyFduN6KJ4IxOh-gOnUzAq8/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdJoyefO2CzJy68e9K2tAgqeP5wyElz0F4MSxa8W5BahQatk3KseG7Mf8HYpTAeqjRLO7RGAo-N6fiBCda7WminToPPfvme1KU3OVS2rOWdQH0jzswkD7WyFduN6KJ4IxOh-gOnUzAq8/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Little did I know that the back page of "How to Make Lemonade" (small group Learning A-Z book) would tell us all about the little girl Alex Scott, whose story is told in "Alex & the Amazing Lemonade Stand"!</div>
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Suddenly, I was inspired to put together all we would learn and incorporate our economics unit in Social Studies by hosting a lemonade stand at our school!</div>
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AND we would donate all our proceeds to help fund cancer research…just like little Alex Scott did:) </div>
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I set a date for Friday, May 2nd to host a lemonade stand for <a href="http://www.alexslemonade.org/">Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation</a>.</div>
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The website is super easy to use. </div>
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More about that later.</div>
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We would make the lemonade ourselves that day, and sell the lemonade for $0.25 a cup.</div>
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Each pitcher of lemonade needs about 10-12 lemons, and one pitcher would be enough for a class of 20 students.</div>
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We have 12 classes in our building, and at least 20 adults, so I planned on purchasing 150 lemons.</div>
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Sold in groups of 6, I had to buy 25 bags of lemons from our local supermarket to have enough to make 13 pitchers.</div>
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They were about $3 a bag, so I spent about $75 in total lemon cost (next year, I will be asking for donations!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNY0srmDQXc-iJVlfAdExxf21277j3jdG-7ySB_6RDlAG_eo8IR51Lh5WDBovbHsftE0649OlHQIgjcWrieMaM3av4Nky_eNA1JX5QFeJ6Z303GGoCqI9Al8yvtmJnw9Twxnx-DCrRiY/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNY0srmDQXc-iJVlfAdExxf21277j3jdG-7ySB_6RDlAG_eo8IR51Lh5WDBovbHsftE0649OlHQIgjcWrieMaM3av4Nky_eNA1JX5QFeJ6Z303GGoCqI9Al8yvtmJnw9Twxnx-DCrRiY/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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If every student in the building purchased a cup, that price would cover the cost of most of the lemonade supplies and still provide $50 in donations (I decided to donate the cost of the lemons to the fund, as they exceeded the predetermined profit).</div>
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So, we set a goal of $50.00, and I really didn't expect too much.</div>
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We sent a note home the Monday before the stand with every student in the building explaining the purpose for our stand as well as to where its proceeds would go.</div>
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I had a parent ask me if I needed help, and I really didn't think I would need it, but agreed.</div>
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Maybe she could help watch students:)</div>
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An extra hand is always nice in first grade, right?</div>
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My grade level partner teacher was gone that day, but we planned on her sub and student teacher keeping the students on the playground while a building aide helped me rotate first graders in 15-minute shifts (I didn't really want all 36 first graders helping to sell lemonade at one time…too many cooks in the kitchen, you know!).</div>
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The day of the stand, I actually had the parent volunteer man the money-handling.</div>
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As soon as our lemonade stand opened at 2:15, I didn't get a chance to even breathe until the bell dismissed students an hour later!</div>
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We were S.W.A.M.P.E.D!</div>
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And check out this shirt a former student made! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqFHwn-HKnrArTFW6cVuRBJNKAQ_ZjPJEp6FG5rssB2OXnpe0ulBa7KMULponzbbOYu9KgXUv30zKM2FuHP_Pn-QqU_5hrUhqiDNYbGQ19oj6gfhdtMFVwa9pc7CeJ06eM4r3ZJzZaqk/s1600/100_2252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqFHwn-HKnrArTFW6cVuRBJNKAQ_ZjPJEp6FG5rssB2OXnpe0ulBa7KMULponzbbOYu9KgXUv30zKM2FuHP_Pn-QqU_5hrUhqiDNYbGQ19oj6gfhdtMFVwa9pc7CeJ06eM4r3ZJzZaqk/s1600/100_2252.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6tvaq_qvpPJgQZsZph3pXUrTSDI8-9IQsjS4q-aYq-zcfCCsOKou6WYNE4rzLPDnB2Fq4oP8ZWIzO4Jk8dKViP-QaEpfRP-YT46j17-siVCrSou_dS5QK_qax-nfgyCDdDA_QeNiE7E/s1600/100_2253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6tvaq_qvpPJgQZsZph3pXUrTSDI8-9IQsjS4q-aYq-zcfCCsOKou6WYNE4rzLPDnB2Fq4oP8ZWIzO4Jk8dKViP-QaEpfRP-YT46j17-siVCrSou_dS5QK_qax-nfgyCDdDA_QeNiE7E/s1600/100_2253.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
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So sweet and supportive:) </div>
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What I planned on not really being a big deal was a HUGE success…thanks in part to social media (a few parents posted the stand on Facebook).</div>
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Our tiny little goal of $50.00 was well-surpassed…we totaled $315.00!!!!</div>
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$50 is enough to fund 1 hour of cancer research….our $315 should fund almost an entire day:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EOu6xrSl-r7-pOBuWZYsOx38VTICua46kOK_OBXIRyObB62_fp_wyRCTBQ03QKqhrGJFRfkr6KNVW1GUT9q7H2g8EVDfTjvPXdW6IlXDzn3ks_sGsAjEO8Hj6lQz6tP_UoA94aLa39g/s1600/100_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EOu6xrSl-r7-pOBuWZYsOx38VTICua46kOK_OBXIRyObB62_fp_wyRCTBQ03QKqhrGJFRfkr6KNVW1GUT9q7H2g8EVDfTjvPXdW6IlXDzn3ks_sGsAjEO8Hj6lQz6tP_UoA94aLa39g/s1600/100_2331.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was so proud of our students, and not one complained about not getting the money or getting their lemonade right away (many had to wait until our customers were served).</div>
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Some older students had to even go without a second or third glass that they paid for because we actually ran out!</div>
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Everyone was very understanding and generous.</div>
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AND THANK GOODNESS FOR MY PARENT VOLUNTEER!!!! (Thanks, Carrie!)</div>
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You can set up your own lemonade stand for your class, or have one this summer with your own kiddos!</div>
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The website is very user-friendly, has downloads and information to help you, and they will even have a representative contact you by email a few times with pointers and advice.</div>
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Click <a href="http://www.alexslemonade.org/">HERE</a> to go straight to this organization, or click the icon below:</div>
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<a href="http://www.alexslemonade.org/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShqYsx9oTGab9x2JjiEoBuM9du8hdno8LauQWCPJ7vRLiyLaurSbFcSEAVDULDjgVwNCbMAYjIwCnPf0N75H5_UDR8j8_8HMngAu8MQtMqA0hNwCzfRgvsxfjv-jH7N6qPTSOq_mg_hs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-01+at+10.11.16+PM.png" /></a></div>
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What better way is there to teach young kids empathy, economics, and how to put others before yourself?</div>
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Next year, I will definitely plan more accordingly for what I'm certain will be a successful endeavor! :)</div>
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Have a good week, friends!</div>
Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-7849582761475685232014-05-01T22:14:00.005-05:002014-05-01T22:14:52.499-05:00Happy May Day!Here are some flowers…<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDyn6hDMeqbpDqb-iabmgb3pp7codpkH3LG1QX_ZiusamQEUqeQVuTLh0s7lYUcAV8lqM-C-H1sO4sPexiGedILBSTJLtoNsSKGrA1ScaXwIsEONCROjbeQgwHLmPuMVQ6zieIPgvCUs/s1600/May-Basket-001-228x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDyn6hDMeqbpDqb-iabmgb3pp7codpkH3LG1QX_ZiusamQEUqeQVuTLh0s7lYUcAV8lqM-C-H1sO4sPexiGedILBSTJLtoNsSKGrA1ScaXwIsEONCROjbeQgwHLmPuMVQ6zieIPgvCUs/s1600/May-Basket-001-228x300.jpg" height="200" width="152" /></a></div>
<br />
...pretend I just knocked on your front door:)<br />
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That's the text I got from a sweet friend this morning, so if you didn't get a May basket today, now you can say you did!<br />
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Onto the real reason for today's post: <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-currently.html">Farley's Famous Linky</a>!<br />
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Don't you just love baseball season?<br />
I do!<br />
And this movie (above) is just one of my all-time favorites for the season:)<br />
<br />
So glad the weather is FINALLY starting to act like spring!<br />
<br />
How many more school days do you have?<br />
We are counting down, folks!<br />
<br />
My little cousin is getting married tomorrow!<br />
Both my boys are in the wedding…they are so grown up!<br />
My youngest has to hold hand with the flower girl….so stinkin' cute!<br />
Take a look:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYIxioMnQ_h95IdZFB6IWyM7k0JkFazFK-1OKjR-2wGGTuVMgAajjXSPqphTeAzMex00ARmGvkwLgFR0hYWmNv6zsjmcyAu1VTApPmfdiCMQxzzzWKSHddLXvSOtVtltwdqfHtMmQlkI/s1600/2014-04-21+02.57.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYIxioMnQ_h95IdZFB6IWyM7k0JkFazFK-1OKjR-2wGGTuVMgAajjXSPqphTeAzMex00ARmGvkwLgFR0hYWmNv6zsjmcyAu1VTApPmfdiCMQxzzzWKSHddLXvSOtVtltwdqfHtMmQlkI/s1600/2014-04-21+02.57.45.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wish this was closer up…take my word for it, it's cute!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPDExH54NkRQryzoP7yNDuHq1OhvsuU7jwAwo2oBU21196HA99JR3sprdPZe2_gmh_fY2FEPaUaaM9tLUFmhE_sMlbRV3GCp9-OYZp0xMUjzX_a43PBfrZldXBbBbyq2EEYkEejP-wPA/s1600/2014-04-21+02.56.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPDExH54NkRQryzoP7yNDuHq1OhvsuU7jwAwo2oBU21196HA99JR3sprdPZe2_gmh_fY2FEPaUaaM9tLUFmhE_sMlbRV3GCp9-OYZp0xMUjzX_a43PBfrZldXBbBbyq2EEYkEejP-wPA/s1600/2014-04-21+02.56.10.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
My oldest is an usher, and he looks like such a young man:,(<br />
<br />
Wish I looked a little better (i.e., thinner) so I could look as great as they will tomorrow!<br />
<br />
On top of the wedding, my students are hosting a fundraiser for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation in the afternoon.<br />
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<a href="http://www.alexslemonade.org/"><span id="goog_1179849692"></span><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBs3DN_uzmT_4LqLLvsZ1luh1avI8mUDWthyUpooFRxNrDOXulsMxayaYZbjiVeL_glGSqaPIdRein92D2cMsuWNyFY9gUsHdPIT_cJckIT7tii8ZdvSFhbpGJQ34Wx20aufMhcGUQzw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-01+at+10.11.16+PM.png" /></a><span id="goog_1179849693"></span></div>
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Are you familiar with that organization?<br />
<br />
Have you ever seen this book?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81rkUM9cOJs-bsmg4es0IfUYlU8MUwtbte0UQagcYddoHmPC3bRoE5EFm7chu5dbyWesOCLEvS0ALpTVj5QsvSomDz13d9z2nUxO4zkqLBC91YT4WkE4soHv-r-W_Y9C87ElvZbZBMfo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-01+at+10.11.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81rkUM9cOJs-bsmg4es0IfUYlU8MUwtbte0UQagcYddoHmPC3bRoE5EFm7chu5dbyWesOCLEvS0ALpTVj5QsvSomDz13d9z2nUxO4zkqLBC91YT4WkE4soHv-r-W_Y9C87ElvZbZBMfo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-01+at+10.11.44+PM.png" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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Look into it!<br />
It's an amazing opportunity!!<br />
I'll be back this weekend to blog more about it!<br />
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Til then, Happy Friday Friends!!!Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-81515440228204661672014-04-30T10:00:00.000-05:002014-04-30T12:25:04.087-05:00AWESOME Math Station Resource, Anyone?Do you use math stations in your classroom?<br />
<br />
With the trend of incorporating differentiated instruction and more small group time, my class has enjoyed "math stations" at the end of the day while I work with individual students or small groups (i.e., intervention).<br />
<br />
I have LOVED Daily 5 for reading stations, but sometimes struggle to find just the right math resources for workstations during this instructional block.<br />
Even when we practice, <b>and I take time to reteach</b> math tubs, my students <strike>always seem to</strike> occasionally get off task because they suddenly just don't remember the directions for the activities.<br />
<br />
Thank goodness for Casey Williamson, aka <a href="http://www.secondgrademathmaniac.com/">Second Grade Math Maniac!</a><br />
She has an AMAZING product called "Take Home Math Kits".<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/Take-Home-Math-Kits-30-Games-for-Students-and-Their-Families-377451"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCk6MKwnaukw8506GgmjQ-EK27YkZtBAdaSAFSnd2AID_H9KmTThzaaqKcyeTaFC214sk52w5HfaCubBcKSr9zbuMvMrlJQvdTp7i4t10M__z10QiPeUxh6fpHsydHZEMPX3W-uWqWQu8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-27+at+9.42.41+PM.png" height="200" width="154" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Take-Home-Math-Kits-30-Games-for-Students-and-Their-Families-377451">click on the photo to check it out in Casey's TpT store! </a></td></tr>
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Seriously folks: LOVE this product!<br />
<br />
I have only used it a short while, but the activities are very kid-friendly, and my students have stayed engaged the whole time during station choices.<br />
Yesterday, there were actual GROANS when it was time to pick up and get ready to go home!<br />
Gotta love that:)<br />
<br />
Here are some photos of my students using <i>just a sampling</i> of what this packet has to offer:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb7WVl7TUont8jSR2y0aaI13SQPviWCObbWmi1Vyp1h4fGG2K5sWqhKMMIet-E9T8_TDMbg3g3G2ZEk9C0DMSCjUqbJD5HGywy8Q6VDSoNwiwDehqPNJmfl6NzEhcpzoVwoOcFD7oszk/s1600/Slide01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb7WVl7TUont8jSR2y0aaI13SQPviWCObbWmi1Vyp1h4fGG2K5sWqhKMMIet-E9T8_TDMbg3g3G2ZEk9C0DMSCjUqbJD5HGywy8Q6VDSoNwiwDehqPNJmfl6NzEhcpzoVwoOcFD7oszk/s1600/Slide01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxzIC1Bidmm8jIKaIyp5enFlPuOGwWoj6kGx_oQqdbKw8wwXZzRV8gZWVexnYfNCwMzLVUTab5zQY3E4FoT4bIQfryPxWCn-hkwBCqP9EwHu8LgF6FMDRhKUF7aug54P_4_0HE0r3sgQ/s1600/Slide02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxzIC1Bidmm8jIKaIyp5enFlPuOGwWoj6kGx_oQqdbKw8wwXZzRV8gZWVexnYfNCwMzLVUTab5zQY3E4FoT4bIQfryPxWCn-hkwBCqP9EwHu8LgF6FMDRhKUF7aug54P_4_0HE0r3sgQ/s1600/Slide02.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNsC0qJ1KJgcQEDP8P91DQvDAAaMM3V6bbStyqZpv8bnIhr8KDzoYSYRhKaeGgHjUFwSH20Lc9RyPIdo_rCRx7C4ZoNAOquRQrlx351V6qBs2VJOohAudRwytLiW5DL9LZb35lzAvGPM/s1600/Slide03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNsC0qJ1KJgcQEDP8P91DQvDAAaMM3V6bbStyqZpv8bnIhr8KDzoYSYRhKaeGgHjUFwSH20Lc9RyPIdo_rCRx7C4ZoNAOquRQrlx351V6qBs2VJOohAudRwytLiW5DL9LZb35lzAvGPM/s1600/Slide03.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQjQyX7rqkEJ9pmK-ZuFbHZAlKZGX0jTDEGAKHCIk2cezCHmaYW32vO0NXbRdVuRmQB4Yu3EdVo1Me7PRHBqIG1VrlC-U7ciaO5QU_m62A8YEAhgxJti6f4icPZbnMcSoz4W7wusICdM/s1600/Slide04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQjQyX7rqkEJ9pmK-ZuFbHZAlKZGX0jTDEGAKHCIk2cezCHmaYW32vO0NXbRdVuRmQB4Yu3EdVo1Me7PRHBqIG1VrlC-U7ciaO5QU_m62A8YEAhgxJti6f4icPZbnMcSoz4W7wusICdM/s1600/Slide04.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Casey designed this product as a resource to help students at HOME (hence, the "take home" part in the name) to help them retain math knowledge, in addition to other homework.<br />
<br />
These activities cover all sorts of standards from first to second grades.<br />
<br />
Because I received the packet a little later into the school year, I decided not to go the "parent route" in implementation…YET.<br />
However, I fully intend to use this packet as a take-home resource during the next school year.<br />
Casey makes the use of this resource completely fool-proof, as she is <i>passionate</i> about improving the Home/School Connection (everyone needs that!)<br />
She's included check-out sheets, tips for teachers, parent letters explaining the resource, and even answer keys you can include (for the parents, of course!).<br />
<br />
BUT I plan on offering the games as a resource to choose during daily math stations, as well.<br />
I figure I will get the most 'bang for my buck' this way:)<br />
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Students can use the activities at home with their parents, and parents can have a taste of what their children are doing during math stations.<br />
I don't know about you, but many of my parents think we "play" during that time.<br />
Well, obviously we do!<br />
But it's relevant practice, people. Come on.<br />
Wasted instructional time?<br />
Ain't nobody got time for that:)<br />
<br />
And no more excuses for not remembering those pesky directions for games and activities.<br />
If students have practice at home with the activities, it is even more likely they'll be confident in playing or teaching others how to play the games that should be familiar to them.<br />
<br />
Casey has stated that the goal for using this product should be for familiar practice, not for teaching new skills (as any good homework SHOULD).<br />
Since we are getting ready to wrap-up our geometry unit, these games are getting ready to come into rotation:<br />
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We are just getting ready to start the measurement review from this chapter, so my students will have the pleasure of using THESE games, tested and approved by my very own "guinea pigs" (thanks, boys!):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IE20QOKBuMdsGqA0X6Q3K2sGpJFCMgv2VhfYQNm6_qYOJAr-xL9SS3qiFxcpw8sERDGKh02KWQDOogRdkrfb8WerATvnZRUA-tUTsF9HxRJ49Rwq5vEiNo3NI2tBCZVFZ4cwVRbycNQ/s1600/Slide05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IE20QOKBuMdsGqA0X6Q3K2sGpJFCMgv2VhfYQNm6_qYOJAr-xL9SS3qiFxcpw8sERDGKh02KWQDOogRdkrfb8WerATvnZRUA-tUTsF9HxRJ49Rwq5vEiNo3NI2tBCZVFZ4cwVRbycNQ/s1600/Slide05.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
---<b>side note on this measurement game</b>: The directions & recording sheet say to use the inches side of a ruler for the objects, but we have only used nonstandard measurement, so my students will use paperclips & "inchworms". I won't worry about offering the recording sheet for now:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNwFWngS0hHRFCZlqq_hYOwoqHQJqI5ceUkaB5xISbcQFVFbf7Xj2mT9UGdt5AXIFy0fIqdqPJP3UNR8NCS1ahv6rmsfiIRovCS4RyAXEtnJ8bkpnblpvA-I-DMckkMjBwV9HfgBMI9Y/s1600/Slide07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNwFWngS0hHRFCZlqq_hYOwoqHQJqI5ceUkaB5xISbcQFVFbf7Xj2mT9UGdt5AXIFy0fIqdqPJP3UNR8NCS1ahv6rmsfiIRovCS4RyAXEtnJ8bkpnblpvA-I-DMckkMjBwV9HfgBMI9Y/s1600/Slide07.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are also a few activities that I am going to incorporate whole group, rather than for stations.</div>
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Check these out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYyr0rrzJgaaci7GGvqJhGWiS9v9TWk-9FE9ciT4Y8QJiIlXlaYAf4AraQBNDtQSv766qXn_PxKp9fHETzyaLVV-WhffPzizg9sZdP3SbbJ7FSz4Qz8SyMDYtwecJ0H5qVm1-y145RcE/s1600/Slide11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYyr0rrzJgaaci7GGvqJhGWiS9v9TWk-9FE9ciT4Y8QJiIlXlaYAf4AraQBNDtQSv766qXn_PxKp9fHETzyaLVV-WhffPzizg9sZdP3SbbJ7FSz4Qz8SyMDYtwecJ0H5qVm1-y145RcE/s1600/Slide11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this activity will have to be adapted slightly. </div>
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We are gearing up for our zoo field trip, so I just KNEW I had to include these skip-counting puzzles!</div>
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BUT they are definitely geared towards 2nd graders (or very high firsties) as they use numbers in the high hundreds, so I will make a "CHALLENGE" set (printed as is) and a "GOOD PRACTICE" set, that will be 'white-out-ed' (I'm sure that's a word) over the hundreds value of the number.</div>
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Finally, my enrichment group will enjoy this resource with my paras and aides while I work with students needing intervention:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Xycsp7xAlVak18XUQc3OSUvTGv-My-FWAFk0oM63ShQqDZ-To3v-eXFCCwVjEj3EdoKq-j2a2s0T9Nc3ZwI0oIZ44cMkWjjK5Z4uduRGY43OsZcxHNEMVqw3WKfnZ_V9qotNT2r2JOM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+8.53.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Xycsp7xAlVak18XUQc3OSUvTGv-My-FWAFk0oM63ShQqDZ-To3v-eXFCCwVjEj3EdoKq-j2a2s0T9Nc3ZwI0oIZ44cMkWjjK5Z4uduRGY43OsZcxHNEMVqw3WKfnZ_V9qotNT2r2JOM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-29+at+8.53.56+PM.png" height="192" width="200" /></a></div>
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Never too early to introduce & reinforce repeated addition (aka, multiplication) concepts, right?</div>
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As you can see, this packet is extremely versatile.</div>
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If you want a great resource for parent involvement/home practice, this will do the job (that's the primary intention for the product, anyway)!</div>
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If you need additional resources for math stations in your first or second grade classroom, this works wonders!</div>
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If you want some fabulous enrichment activities for your primary students or fun intervention games for your intermediate kiddos, this will fit the bill.</div>
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Most teachers are looking for a product that will do a little more than expected…and this certainly does!</div>
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I am very grateful to have been chosen by Casey to receive and review this amazing product!</div>
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I only wish I had found it at the start of the year:)</div>
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If you're unfamiliar with Casey's blog, you should head over there now for some really fabulous math (and other) ideas!</div>
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<a href="http://www.secondgrademathmaniac.com/" title="Second Grade Math Maniac"><img alt="Second Grade Math Maniac" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmmvFnStkwgLygcoLpGTdZOjjQZ64qNxhDBHYrZAzxeRJtX0kSplp7cFhb4GVCWbhpvprVKe-ccNnFEuPVuNVMbLLXuzEKigW7WBJc2TAnijHxL3pkBcZP-j9uGL_WtbUtR0P7D54NJRz/s1600/Round+Button.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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*caveat: I received no financial compensation for my thoughts…just this packet.</div>
Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-40277317685222882872014-03-17T19:44:00.001-05:002014-03-17T19:44:12.259-05:00Telling "Secrets"…& a FREEBIE!Has anyone else out there in bloggy-land checked out Deanna Jump's blog when Katie Garner has guest blogged?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchQj_-rTn415glru8JPW8S3IB94yj8Wj0l0qtdW7FVBI0hZ3GOpehXB03jhBa6Xy-5t6dooCYxivHynzmMAJvDH3RTaWYprUijxZR7MRuCvv6vNxO5PD6IwOFTpqWN1A2XybYRzOtVR8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-17+at+6.14.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchQj_-rTn415glru8JPW8S3IB94yj8Wj0l0qtdW7FVBI0hZ3GOpehXB03jhBa6Xy-5t6dooCYxivHynzmMAJvDH3RTaWYprUijxZR7MRuCvv6vNxO5PD6IwOFTpqWN1A2XybYRzOtVR8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-17+at+6.14.15+PM.png" /></a></div>
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Mrs. Garner has been presenting precious pearls of wisdom that relate to phonics instruction and reaching kids who may not 'get it' from implemented core or supplemental resources, through what she calls a "back door approach" to phonics and spelling patterns.<br />
<br />
I have used most of what I learned from Mrs. Garner's blog posts and videos.<br />
My Tier (Intervention) group has really latched onto, and recalled, the "Secrets" I've taught them.<br />
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If you are not familiar with her ideas, I strongly recommend you go to her first (of many life-changing) post here:<br />
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<a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/2014/01/grown-up-reading-writing-secrets.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOukkviETVUc1xcfZOUc2cGeDB1B43EF07pPiSNlUViH0OIPl8n-avuVIrwFAyiL37iFfh-1y5dW0Hj4f1BmCB6vrSVbrGJJjrakJrFcuBRLPRp_5v3Y4nmtojN-VnnV65MFcJ2T60kdc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-17+at+6.13.09+PM.png" height="89" width="320" /></a></div>
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My post can wait.<br />
Go.<br />
NOW!<br />
<br />
K…did you read it?<br />
In its entirety??<br />
Or did you do the teacher thing and skim through...<br />
I'll wait while you go re-read:)<br />
<br />
Seriously, her system is mind-blowing!<br />
I have since become subscribed to her vlogs on YouTube, and her own blog, as well.<br />
I am obsessed! #slightlystalker-ish<br />
<br />
I had already planned to purchase her book this summer, just to check it out and see what I thought.<br />
I was super curious about her background (i.e., how credible she is a researcher/instructor).<br />
I wanted to know more about where/when this idea of revealing spelling patterns as "Secret Stories" to her students was created.<br />
I desperately needed to learn all her other "Secrets", since the few she has told worked so well!<br />
<br />
The price seemed a little steep (when you're talking about out-of-pocket purchases for school-use items), but I was more than willing to fork it over if I felt it would really help my students! (which I do)<br />
<br />
Little did I know (<a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/2014/02/skill-ownership-down-to-bone.html">until this post</a>) that if you comment on her posts (at Mrs. Jump's blog or Mrs. Garner's own blog) or vlogs, you are automatically entered in a monthly drawing to win an entire set of her resources!!!<br />
<br />
Should your lucky name be drawn, you get the whole enchilada:<br />
her book, a CD with all sorts of fun phonics songs, & BEAUTIFUL, LARGE posters of her "Secret Stories" patterns.<br />
Just look:<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://thesecretstories.com/products/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvCvVOdqwe9fx9PwrkkXTnI3QPoaaG3qiT3vJre-JYJEF5E3tB18voMIw_BjgkK_cXC2B4RKgh54zjxLTr1qTptxYj2_gKqSgVpo_xmMKEBmUZpLkSAFigep9ALocgRI-yXKc0LZYglc/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click on the pic to be taken directly to the SECRET STORIES website/store/blog!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don't you know I was tickled pink---okay, more like completely psyched out of mind!---when Katie emailed me letting me know that <b>MY NAME HAD BEEN DRAWN AS THE FEBRUARY WINNER!!!</b><div>
Whaaat??!</div>
<div>
I know!<br /><br />
That lovely box came in the mail this morning.<br />
It must really be a 'lucky' day:)<br />
<br />
I have spent all morning perusing her book, listening to the CD, and admiring the posters.<br />
I thought I would wait until next fall to fully implement her ideas…I just can't wait that long!<br />
Now, I'm planning on "telling secrets" to my whole class as soon as we get back from Spring Break.<br />
<br />
I'll preface the secrets by telling them:<br />
"Now that you are almost 2nd Graders, and getting to be so grown-up, I can let you in on some actual grown-up reading & writing secrets! Most adults don't remember these secrets, because they've just been reading and writing for so long…but teachers are special and get to remember the secrets of the alphabet!<br />
If you all are working hard like almost 2nd Graders, and doing your very best every day, I will let you in on a grown-up secret at the start of the next day.<br />
But, if I feel like you aren't doing your best work, I will know that you aren't quite grown up enough to hear a "secret", and I'll have to wait until a better day to tell you."<br />
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Here is me crossing my fingers, toes, eyes and whatever that this will keep our behavior in check as we zoom towards the end of the school year!<br />
<br />
I'll start with the secret that goes with our spelling pattern for that week (ai-ay), and release other secrets when the need arises.<br />
THAT is the true beauty of Katie Garner's system: it really does work best on a "need-to-know" basis!<br />
You teach your students based on the necessity of classroom content---when the students notice a "secret" or it comes up context.<br />
ANY CONTEXT!<br />
Not just the reading block, but anytime they encounter a word that just doesn't seem to read like it should.<br />
<br />
For those of you who need a clear-cut "scope and sequence" to anything you implement, you may want to set that kind of control aside.<br />
Even developmental readiness shouldn't get in the way of teaching your students these secrets…they will use them when they are ready, but you should present them whenever it is appropriate.<br />
<br />
Okay, I'll let Mrs. Garner herself fill you in on the rest!<br />
I hope you are intrigued if you haven't already heard about/from her.<br />
Check out one of her coolest vlogs by clicking the button below, and COMMENT, COMMENT, COMMENT!<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n8VJxtvObU"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGtI3svORIBcnbqRabtJaK0P7RDD5BXoLHK47AIBtSXuLTzbylAuLqui6ruNWfjkiPgqDlmp3PuKYQ8YN99nd2KPK2oK8BRCi2bYBC8EcVIjK73CFoFunNJPbWYDQnhoqKXqFaw6S9zo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-17+at+7.08.04+PM.png" /></a></div>
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Best of luck to you that your name comes up as the winnah next month:)<br />
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Oh yeah…I promised a freebie:)<br />
In one of Mrs. Garner's routines to build automaticity, she uses a vertical alphabet chart.<br />
This chart helps with the ease and flow of her "Better Alphabet" song and "letter runs".<br />
Already thinking about implementing these routines into my day, I created one for me to use.<br />
Click on the image below if you want to download it for free to use in your classroom:)<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Vertical-Alphabet-Chart-1165722"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpG-Rc_e7uDw1YehXjJxws400DCGiPfQCDhap6sjBN1gq7nk7UyDCS2yhKgs9kA9986aDFs4TV-Xzmu4Ez5fTWhPR9LhlKC7_TKR5_O4Gn-Nw-Y3AG6s-Ztn8CILf11a9R-d_nzlLKzQ/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
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Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-70046424030431065532014-03-15T20:59:00.000-05:002014-03-16T15:50:10.787-05:00Spring Cleaning:)So, spring is nearly here...<br />
and, being on Spring Break, I have some time on my hands.<br />
<br />
My good friend, Mrs. B, decided to give her blog a facelift…and it's adorable!<br />
If you've never checked her out, click on her cute little button below:<br />
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<a href="http://baumgartelblessings.blogspot.com/" title="Mrs. B's Bright Blessings"><img alt="Mrs. B's Bright Blessings" src="http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r745/mbaumgartel/5666d5d2-5d69-4e82-9276-a4f7da605e25_zpse09bb81f.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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She inspired me to do a little "clean up" myself…and I'm pretty happy with the change.<br />
I am, by no means, a professional 'tech-nerd' (I just pretend to be one), so it's taken me all day!<br />
<br />
I also changed my blog name to reflect my actual URL…<br />
but I kept my adorable "synonym roll", as a little homage to the old look:)<br />
Maybe the updates will help me be a little more consistent in my blogging habits;/...here's hoping.<br />
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Thank you SO MUCH to <a href="http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/">"The Cutest Blog on the Block"</a> for their premade templates and banners!</div>
LOVE THEM! <3<br />
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<a href="http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqEI8bx7_SCV-qThc-7XPDxCr1N2gfqt30PlVGVlcKlHq_yMfdmswB8dHI35x9YnyMjkecDxxud0om93cmlTzUSKSBgIiZQPXzFoQyBuacVsjaQOTxnsqZndELgE7GN41VXSWCheilwE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-15+at+9.37.45+PM.png" /></a></div>
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Enjoy the rest of your weekend, friends!<br />
Happy St. Patty's day on Monday!<br />
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<br />Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-59371155679221703322014-03-05T11:00:00.000-06:002014-03-05T11:00:01.098-06:00Favorite Reading Strategies and TipsI'm linking up with <a href="http://primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/">Primary Chalkboard</a> again for their "Read Across America" celebration.<br />
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<a href="http://primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC-3xzdfjm6N0-pgISCpqguROr4jhWINOS3nTsneBJiXhXIF_T3szodQDWmPrdzifp3tdBlCe0kxrMvCaCFFQyL_vOu_qcSrtsTJIzvp_13bu_rBHQxzpwq69UfySzXKhNWlB8UD4oQ0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-05+at+1.56.06+AM.png" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the best things I have been introduced to since becoming a teacher is the Daily 5.<br />
Last year was my first year with the Sisters' reading block structure, and I loved it!<br />
I HIGHLY suggest anyone that might be curious to read their book, and give it a go.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/department104.cfm"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprkpqdGbTwhmMJtiBErwy8OzrJAFpyPcsiETm_TXRCbbGToQyFeb-5LwjLTzCteAprCRk7tL0qdjaptpjB4F5mPrUM5tKBCv9VlWan9aXUpfK7uL6poSTbrvnxcptUYTcPv08vXcmK94/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-05+at+1.40.01+AM.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/department104.cfm">Click here to go to the Sisters' site and learn more!</a></div>
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One of their biggest ideas that I really took to heart was to trust in the process, and really <i><u>take time every day</u></i> to build that reading stamina.<br />
Start small, and increase that time ONLY WHEN THEY'RE READY!<br />
I just can't stress that enough:)<br />
I learned very quickly this year how important it is to be flexible and understand that each group of students is different…and you may need to adjust your management accordingly, with this system!<br />
Choice has really not played as big a part this year as I would like...<br />
<br />
I have said it before, and I'll say it again, that one of my very favorite sources (and inspiration for jumping in with this structure) is <a href="http://first-grade-garden.blogspot.com/">Amanda, from the First Grade Garden</a>.<br />
I gained so much from <a href="http://first-grade-garden.blogspot.com/search?q=daily+5">reading this post</a>, and it helped my first year of D5 start off successfully.<br />
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<a href="http://first-grade-garden.blogspot.com/search?q=daily+5"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xujFs2SPrxk9NPycVLikTdut6pluqL4-ZGL3F4Hjo9Fh8UkuH94rXcCMs18lRwZH8q_0BscWT6Uk-7Snk27Xn8Fve9wm4GqR2D4ZQZw3X2Vpgxe0Nf6Pn2v0q1Xt6HeOTsMbm1M_1wA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-05+at+1.39.14+AM.png" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before I implemented this structure into my classroom, I read and re-read (a few times) the Sisters' book--- it's a very short & quick read!<br />
Then, I set up my own implementation plan.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6wr_APjUrX6bXJNZV9BOWZNT3M/edit?usp=sharing"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0m_pt3kGY-AzQEIYkTutRtyLvHsIDXo50WvDRV2AQQm1o_oh0Tzl8pkWLvLgmANCg54no1nXNbbCV7ckT8fOTqkjDz0h9AhWMfAcqJ0iZSFhP-sVv7Tezzxy7GBWWPi-WvkE2Xn3pwY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-05+at+1.44.32+AM.png" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6wr_APjUrX6bXJNZV9BOWZNT3M/edit?usp=sharing">You are welcome to download it here.</a></div>
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It's not perfect, and I adjusted a few things this year, but it will give you a good jumping off point if you're just getting started with the structure.<br />
<br />
<i>Be advised, <b>this download in no way substitutes for reading their book.</b></i><br />
I simply outlined their structure in a pacing guide for myself---but you will not learn anything about each of the components from my outline!<br />
In other words, READ THE BOOK first:)<br />
<br />
There are many titles of Children's literature mentioned in my outline.<br />
Most (if not all) of them come from Amanda's post.<br />
<br />
Right now, most first graders are working on developing reading fluency and increasing their WPM in repeated readings.<br />
One of my reading groups gets a kick out of using these "funny voices" cards to lighten up repeated reading practice (it can become so tedious at times!).<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6wr_APjUrX6Q0lPN2FJem9Sdnc/edit?usp=sharing"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFItDGH0uZBrEaWNciCKoJOzQdxliiYaK4LJGntp1V4Re4yu1Tap1drwz75Up0iS6YDQIyyM8J0UrB8gfbGPuybm7FsnjvQVR9nJK2L85lWfScZcD_m5fP__mnc5v5v6NxK2SY4sjMgcg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-05+at+1.48.27+AM.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6wr_APjUrX6Q0lPN2FJem9Sdnc/edit?usp=sharing"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanG8qo2hTyQiQ3vHHl0jrbfx_TdKAnjFmysYVb7ioFsbXS9X5xNz0RAk96-kNmw1lHnbdLcjFze3KM0dSEiR_AnFEoOs7-Tk0k9UwbRNXZo0Df2ekGR6A49kCgbLbN9hG9R6ahkmh2KI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-05+at+1.48.37+AM.png" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Click the pic to download.</div>
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Finally, I have a few firsties who are still struggling with letter reversals.<br />
One of my students even reverses m & w constantly…which isn't completely uncommon, but not quite as commonplace as b/d, p/q reversals.<br />
I couldn't find any m/w reversal visual cues ANYWHERE, so I made one up.<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="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6wr_APjUrX6VE5YOFJTcVJWdXM/edit?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMNm7VxHgxl-i_jvhNcI1HsEPxL-Yb8dHEKyaY-n_grao0JzLWuR4I6wjY4upCtquK-hYoTUVqyjEYQglWBmVM9GZCQCag0jkoAEmgzce_H44Vxrkp7VvlSPeUwwZ6fgNMrxt4GINFuc/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">graphics courtesy of <a href="http://clker.com/">clker.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you think it might come in handy for you or your students, click the pic to download!<br />
I know my students have gained a lot from the <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/207869339023758288/">b/d reversal song found here.</a><br />
And this poster for p/q has helped a few kiddos.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/2451-2455/sb2453.html#.UxbYJ_36rS5"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PkN97NRFiFEg0YnNVu6EtH6qTQsl65XQ71Lr-R0YvgKpLyJMOIHmjqiGZbhkuVEIfO0qGfSuaLnHk2f9mTwha76JSeuiSxUDmSYMu0bhosvR17Se4vSHQZ4n_t8obh8CuFalA_GLZTE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-05+at+1.37.30+AM.png" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this t/f reversal reminder!<br />
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<a href="http://practicalpages.wordpress.com/2010/01/29/remedial-games-for-bd-pq-or-tf-reversals/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QWSFcjkrx0rXjPiNO9Kz7ZvAfy_fNf3OAX__OkpWo3LvU-dcrM1NwaRdtPgf8ZvmppIXj0ImpQ-r_pCDdvjsoe-VPClONvmttGRyFWO8zo8xC0Vv5jHy3muuZOCimrFln_FzZvzGS7Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-05+at+1.37.41+AM.png" /></a></div>
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I haven't had any kids with that issue this year, but I will definitely keep it in mind!<br />
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I hope this has been a somewhat helpful post!<br />
Having only taught 3 years, I'm still learning myself:)<br />
Let me know below if anything was especially inspiring, or comment with some of your OWN favorite strategies & tips!<br />
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Til next time, friends:)<br />
<br />Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-53540130417650047812014-03-03T09:33:00.002-06:002014-03-03T10:39:03.290-06:00Read Across America LinkyHello, all!<br />
<br />
Remember yesterday when I said I was <strike>praying</strike> kind of hoping for a snow day??<br />
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Well…<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/k4SUl69RFJ8" width="525"></iframe>
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Woohoo!<br />
I really needed this.<br />
My house is in a very scary state, and could use some TLC!<br />
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So, today I am linking up with <a href="http://primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/">Primary Chalkboard</a> for their "Read Across America" week long party.<br />
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<a href="http://primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/2014/03/monday-favorite-childrens-author-and.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3zR5QBCY23-VYdwIejnf5Ztwszzt7r5YZayZ6taXUYRNmceK_Fp3KwvUjLB-zwbui5kEIB1-OmRwvvt_dSGvxwWbEC3nEqmaEUMbAWPCwskTx0afX1NN6ZMunYf-9LfWDLbwZiD_4vI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-03+at+8.52.48+AM.png" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today's topic is "Favorite Children's Author".</div>
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Well, my favorite children's author is actually Dr. Seuss, people!</div>
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I wanted BOTH my sons' nurseries to be Seuss-themed, but that wasn't very popular 12 years ago, so I could't find much to help with the decorating.</div>
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I had to settle for Winnie-the Pooh, but that was okay since it was Children's literature, too:)</div>
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Because tomorrow's topic is "all things Seuss"</div>
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(and I am going to really try to blog 4 days in a row! I know!),</div>
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I will post a few of my other favorite authors.</div>
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Let's start with the late, great Barbara Park.</div>
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<a href="http://juniebjones.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OA299DHNo-gi41Ups8TerzZwYfMTTfqo8_i7quB55bMuPr1kwGOoGevKuKj_T6ioKAnYVhaFN4eqt7oCUpIUxqXtXbVWAHmZK8S4ceERHV6LzMlOM_tYoqkG5EwqpvA3nGOEIg7dReE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-03+at+9.04.29+AM.png" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
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I LOVE Junie B.!</div>
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I know I would absolutely want to <strike>strangle</strike> gently reprimand her constantly if she was in my class, but she commands the attention of primary students!</div>
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A little controversial, this heroine uses words and phrases that teachers and parents detest….but let's be honest, no child is completely perfect! </div>
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They've all thought or used those words once or twenty times.</div>
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Besides, you can use her outbursts as teachable moments: "Students, should we say/think something like that about someone? What would be something that Junie B. should do/say instead?"</div>
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My own son (a first grader this year) is a decent reader, and thrives on nonfiction text.</div>
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However, he ADORES the antics of this character!</div>
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He will drop whatever he's doing to read a chapter or two of Junie B.</div>
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If this series is good enough for him…and my own students…it's a winner in my book! </div>
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(pun intended)</div>
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Another author fave: Judy Sierra.</div>
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If you have never heard of her, here are a few of my favorite books she's written.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Judy-Sierra/e/B000APDW0A/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1393860053&sr=8-2-ent"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsoCjozXE1Jfs_BRjtyEjlVM2GGtrVpAbNKyzJGfko_Ppvf5bqQv5rUXLzdayfrYhImLdNLnytZhSzMGk8p9pXDIZMqxIBzcupYwddV9g5TUAT1OkQLNwHv-fGQSWZhc8VyZBacobiak/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Click the pic to go to her Amazon page!</div>
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One of her biggest inspirations was the good Dr., so many of her texts have a sing-song rhyme that he was so famous for using.<br />
"Born to Read" was one of my student's very favorites this year, and they often reference how they are still becoming readers because they were all 'born to read'. Adorable:)<br />
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Last but not least, the very talented Steve Jenkins.<br />
Here is my very favorite of all his texts:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Actual-Size-Steve-Jenkins/dp/0547512910/ref=la_B001H6O27S_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393860297&sr=1-5"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCYkhegZ2f4Z-OGOISuunOC_8SVSfDvAykr2O5iBkQCnCe__XpDsDSHoqCLZ_9TRkPSz7wdGC2KqyEhItq51ljPtR9forDFlkxnzoG1bKRXnSNogJcPGKMVuTG0-VMpCOzxCih9QpSoU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-03+at+9.25.12+AM.png" /></a></div>
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Click on the pic to go to Amazon's page for this book!</div>
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My students literally fight over this book when it's available!</div>
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Most of his books are based on animals, and I just love the collage-Eric Carle-type illustrations that many (if not all) of his books contain.</div>
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I could go on and on about more of my favorite authors.</div>
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I would love to feature one every other week in my room, but where is the time to implement an author study?</div>
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I'll wrap it up today, and set a goal to be back tomorrow:)</div>
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Who are your favorite authors?</div>
Let me know in the comments below!<br />
I'd hate to not be in the know of some good kid-lit!<br />
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Okay…enough procrastinating!<br />
The day is young and the house beckons:(<br />
Wish me luck...Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2058594093661701649.post-46324662852186326922014-03-02T15:14:00.000-06:002014-03-02T15:24:43.969-06:00Happy……………Day!So, today is the official birthday for the good Dr., who shall not be named. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxDsucQDdUPsnBR1ifEezHmuntxfPNRntQUPX8TAQq3HexECTbcsY77uQ97NF_GLYTmfsC2DixexJaItOe7EItzE4MFOA-N5osbIvVukEKzKujb5G8b7wE_Bq5PtnbpZRf-6XHO5HKiM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-02+at+2.36.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxDsucQDdUPsnBR1ifEezHmuntxfPNRntQUPX8TAQq3HexECTbcsY77uQ97NF_GLYTmfsC2DixexJaItOe7EItzE4MFOA-N5osbIvVukEKzKujb5G8b7wE_Bq5PtnbpZRf-6XHO5HKiM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-02+at+2.36.37+PM.png" height="292" width="320" /></a></div>
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(picture borrowed from a pin on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/source/reallygoodstuff.com/">"Really Good Stuff"</a>)</div>
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Tomorrow (and for the rest of the next couple of weeks), my students will be participating in some fun "Featured Author" activities.<br />
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Last week, we kicked off our celebration by making "Thinklings".<br />
I don't know what they are actually called, but they are the bird-like creatures from the book "Oh! The Thinks You Can Think!"<br />
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My inspiration came from <a href="http://theinspiredapple.blogspot.com/2012/03/pirate-day-seuss-inspired-mini-unit.html">Babbling Abby</a>, but since her cute little packet is no longer available (ahem…), I had to create my own templates.<br />
I think they turned out pretty cute!<br />
What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F3qEVoxeTvzwt4yTcBbsy2zsAawJhdqtLP76svgUov33JdmBRZqVtx5jPLT1ffhjtJ-FUy_V387qfBNuMZjmOZbcUr93Z0nCPg2eheVkPjr-TnBJKCnd5Htenlja6C_ZpfWi2TlfeNs/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F3qEVoxeTvzwt4yTcBbsy2zsAawJhdqtLP76svgUov33JdmBRZqVtx5jPLT1ffhjtJ-FUy_V387qfBNuMZjmOZbcUr93Z0nCPg2eheVkPjr-TnBJKCnd5Htenlja6C_ZpfWi2TlfeNs/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkbucIkxtET4YAvJzHtERrRZm-2e9uUO7MAJaAgTLbwxQw8tHPy7H2tCPLUMKz7Tw_GJ2U-3AC0Lml_XJV8o7lmFMbVrT_akXis0shKFutwc643uPwLrajg3HThmiy_Dc0qEYjlPfzBs/s1600/100_1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkbucIkxtET4YAvJzHtERrRZm-2e9uUO7MAJaAgTLbwxQw8tHPy7H2tCPLUMKz7Tw_GJ2U-3AC0Lml_XJV8o7lmFMbVrT_akXis0shKFutwc643uPwLrajg3HThmiy_Dc0qEYjlPfzBs/s1600/100_1998.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFTwCj2wcuppbHgLUWaocUA5fReNK1xCHH-3WQMlc5tw-kDw8tKO_pE_sVV8vAPAnuy5k1zPsiibcHsF48p48MN64tHZhz1uK6bKvwFJJzxJhbcf2VjaCN3sp_Su7IyG_knxzoQS3cfw/s1600/100_1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFTwCj2wcuppbHgLUWaocUA5fReNK1xCHH-3WQMlc5tw-kDw8tKO_pE_sVV8vAPAnuy5k1zPsiibcHsF48p48MN64tHZhz1uK6bKvwFJJzxJhbcf2VjaCN3sp_Su7IyG_knxzoQS3cfw/s1600/100_1996.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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I can't provide the template for the bird creatures, but they are pretty easy to make, if you try!</div>
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However, I'll include the writing template and thought bubble I used for our project.</div>
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Simply <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6wr_APjUrX6RXlPcjJYa1p0b2M/edit?usp=sharing">click here for the paper</a> that goes on top of the Thinklings' shirts!</div>
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For this project, I asked my students to sit quietly for 2 minutes and just think…. </div>
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(<span style="font-size: x-small;">btw, that is no small feat for this group of kiddos!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We are a very wiggly, energetic group this year! Oh my)</span></div>
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…then each student contributed a thought to our graphic organizer:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK4ZKOwTUJZLM-Jn_8uw-_pSi6oEwejINJ9MjRwTtmHJ5QZwN8HqkdVRSAzql0awVXnkIKKpsSKtisfrDeYl8ejSj0R1bw4fEVngzOSUHU5cRII6ovmZYJQJ65mPwjbX-9Uj-6l-FnaM/s1600/100_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYK4ZKOwTUJZLM-Jn_8uw-_pSi6oEwejINJ9MjRwTtmHJ5QZwN8HqkdVRSAzql0awVXnkIKKpsSKtisfrDeYl8ejSj0R1bw4fEVngzOSUHU5cRII6ovmZYJQJ65mPwjbX-9Uj-6l-FnaM/s1600/100_1994.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some of their thoughts were creatively zany!<br />
A crab fighting a buffalo! Really?<br />
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As you can see, they went in all directions.<br />
From hot-glazed donuts (student after my own heart) to being with friends, and even "light and black", it was incredibly interesting to hear the thoughts of six- and seven-year-olds!<br />
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Then we read the book, AND THE STUDENTS DIDN'T SEE THE ILLUSTRATIONS UNTIL AFTER THEY WERE<u> GIVEN TIME TO VISUALIZE</u> the words used.<br />
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After listening to the story, we drew WITH PENCIL (no color at first) on our thought bubble paper what we had been thinking.<br />
Then we added some color and started to put together our 'Thinklings'.<br />
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I was very glad to finally get some work out in the hall!<br />
I'm telling you, this group of firsties wipes. me. out.<br />
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We also took some crazy pictures with these cute photo booth props from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/chelawilliams?ref=l2-shop-info-name">Chela's etsy shop</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qHRhiDfGfqRVg8zOnNZpQXEa9IgcrCPm0A9gPUd0XcvhDQ5ft4sl3gHq-XFTIOtbxDKraln_P-ZZv5HTmlGQ1CBAq1-Zn0JibSy6_nwf2ciU6TfMhdnKKHHEyryOqqto5OXXR1eyPDg/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qHRhiDfGfqRVg8zOnNZpQXEa9IgcrCPm0A9gPUd0XcvhDQ5ft4sl3gHq-XFTIOtbxDKraln_P-ZZv5HTmlGQ1CBAq1-Zn0JibSy6_nwf2ciU6TfMhdnKKHHEyryOqqto5OXXR1eyPDg/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can't read the poster, but the girls holding it made a poster for one of the good Dr.'s famous quotes:</div>
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"<span style="color: red;">Why fit in when you were born to stand out?</span>"</div>
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If you want these cute little props for yourself, read more on <a href="http://mysecondsense.blogspot.com/2014/03/photo-prop-discount.html">Tania's blog, My Second Sense</a>! </div>
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As I'm typing, there is snow coming down, and I'm <strike>praying for it to fall harder</strike> kind of hoping for another snow day.<br />
We haven't had very many this year….a few more won't hurt us, right?<br />
I know it will affect our celebration, but I'm okay with that:)<br />
We all must make sacrifices...<br />
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Enjoy your Sunday, friends!<br />
7 more school days ( & 2 days of P-T conferences!) until Spring Break:), for me!<br />
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<br />Amber O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07965938347372020092noreply@blogger.com0