tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42381279458643958882024-03-14T00:14:54.437-06:00DillyDabblesMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-79532864942128202202017-03-05T11:41:00.002-07:002017-03-05T11:41:31.073-07:00The NIght Before St. Patrick's Day Breakout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2Rzq3X2hEaVM9XorOEuAT5SsY4wcTrP9coT6aKC9FI5Od1Vdxsvj4ODF7_2rYAPHRQl09E_Z-qi5LwaHvEYn3H-aGI-Qye-A3z4zVA4H4Zy40M0M9cnEu4VoMyuFijOPKmhW0NubMUKy/s1600/Leprechaun+Map+Breakout+Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2Rzq3X2hEaVM9XorOEuAT5SsY4wcTrP9coT6aKC9FI5Od1Vdxsvj4ODF7_2rYAPHRQl09E_Z-qi5LwaHvEYn3H-aGI-Qye-A3z4zVA4H4Zy40M0M9cnEu4VoMyuFijOPKmhW0NubMUKy/s400/Leprechaun+Map+Breakout+Cover.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have another breakout idea for you. This one is my first creation from scratch and I'm so excited about it! Based on the book The Night Before St. Patrick's Day by Natasha Wing. I've linked to a nice read aloud version on YouTube in the document and the book is <a href="http://amzn.to/2m8EeL0" target="_blank">less than $3 on Amazon</a>. Your school or local library probably has a copy too if you don't already. <div>
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This is a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and get in some review. The version of this breakout that I share below was made with 2nd Grade students in mind, but you could easily adjust the math tasks or the length of the breakout to fit your students and grade level. <br />
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To get your copy of the materials and instructions, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4DaIpFSWgnvcUFhOWctdm9ZX28/view" target="_blank">Click Here</a>. This is a view only, so you'll need to make a copy to edit it for yourself. Most of it is editable, in the spirit of the intention the creators of <a href="http://www.breakoutedu.com/" target="_blank">BreakoutEdu</a>. </div>
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I hope you'll give it a try and please let me know how it goes for you! I'll be trying it out on March 15 or 16, 2017 and will report as well how it went for us. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bi0vcb42ryvXzK1PUHUtq_QwNjJQpWy5hqPfoonuatthgbf-twQitkijCG0g7VT1ozKsjMHhcOoy5qnow4ol5RYmd4GGKW8JoX9NE_3P9eu1L1EFxD64Q5wNnA8PEeugdpSJtwCMhMrb/s1600/Untitled+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bi0vcb42ryvXzK1PUHUtq_QwNjJQpWy5hqPfoonuatthgbf-twQitkijCG0g7VT1ozKsjMHhcOoy5qnow4ol5RYmd4GGKW8JoX9NE_3P9eu1L1EFxD64Q5wNnA8PEeugdpSJtwCMhMrb/s200/Untitled+drawing.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-18050284053404770632017-02-28T18:08:00.001-07:002017-02-28T18:08:44.138-07:00Read Across America Free Digital Breakout<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLop_14CFSme3MmiWDylWX_JDnEYFKFsEkBeLOtmaAeIvBQ60vdTVh0GDalaC_EWt_YdIubhhsuPweyw9bAeoTXV1H3t1lpULO3iTfPjx8MbCuOvsDnz1b0kcJfDXpz0_QTaLEp_rDHQI/s1600/20170227_212525000_iOS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLop_14CFSme3MmiWDylWX_JDnEYFKFsEkBeLOtmaAeIvBQ60vdTVh0GDalaC_EWt_YdIubhhsuPweyw9bAeoTXV1H3t1lpULO3iTfPjx8MbCuOvsDnz1b0kcJfDXpz0_QTaLEp_rDHQI/s320/20170227_212525000_iOS.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.breakoutedu.com/" target="_blank">BreakoutEdu</a> is exploding in classrooms around the world. Based on the breakout rooms popping up in malls, <a href="http://www.breakoutedu.com/" target="_blank">BreakoutEdu</a> is a fun and engaging way for students to review, research and learn. If you haven't heard of it, go check out BreakoutEdu. When you register, free, you'll receive a code so you can access hundreds of breakouts that have been created by teachers at all levels and subjects. There's several Facebook groups for collaboration as well. </div>
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I don't have any boxes or locks, but I do have iPads, Kindles and Chromebooks. So, I took <a href="http://primarilygoogle.blogspot.com/2017/02/dr-seuss-breakoutedu-chromebooks-and.html?m=1" target="_blank">this breakout from the blog Primarily Google</a> and put it into a form to digitize it. Now I have a fun themed breakout my students can work through and access. You can access <a href="https://docs.google.com/a/nebo.edu/forms/d/1ZTWFXsQS98PCluIa7ysE7k5jyLkPq__LDcC3ya1lMzo/copy" target="_blank">my digital version here</a> where you'll be asked to make a copy so you'll have your own responses and can change the form in any way to fit your needs. The one thing you'll need to know for this, which you could also see in the edit side of the form, is that the code for the crossword is reader, so you'll just have to highlight letters in the crossword that could be unscrambled to make that word clue. I laminated a blank puzzle that I had highlighted, so students just compare their completed puzzle to see which letters they need. That was a whole lot easier than highlighting 25 crossword puzzles. The original crossword for printing and answer key can<a href="https://www.havefunteaching.com/product/worksheets/theme-worksheets/dr-seuss-worksheets/dr-seuss-crossword-puzzle/" target="_blank"> be found here</a>. Additionally, on the poster, the UV light clue is "The Author".</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/a/nebo.edu/forms/d/1ZTWFXsQS98PCluIa7ysE7k5jyLkPq__LDcC3ya1lMzo/copy" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSJp6olSwnx6Ck3NrlHdgFINKOROUg4qhAsRaWb41wLGTF8zOgRBdN3mbWL-9xIa8YuRqls2bh3Cu5POQawcLEYT2Tz8Yi8a5psSxnq2KCa4MOsB5OVQh99uHlzDPxttJs6hkgLGxcR9D/s320/seuss+trouble+screen+shot.PNG" width="256" /></a><span id="goog_842053713"></span><span id="goog_842053714"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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For the final clue, I have the form set so students have to enter the code in the form and then use it to open the one lock box I have. You can change the directions to fit the lock you have. I had a three digit lock, so I needed three numbers. Information about my lockbox are below. Inside the box, I will place the materials students need to create Cat in the Hat hat headbands. Materials include: </div>
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<li>red construction paper</li>
<li>hat templates cut out from tagboard for students to trace (Just freehand a wobbly rectangle and cut it out for students to trace, there are some templates online, but I didn't love any of them.)</li>
<li>white thin strips of construction paper for the stripes (each student needs 2)</li>
<li>white strip that is wider than those above for the head band from large construction paper or butcher paper so that it will wrap around student heads. </li>
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I'll add pictures of the hats to this post after my students make their hats. </div>
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I'm slowly aquiring the parts for a physical/original breakout experience as I think that has a lot of value too. I aquired a toolbox from Walmart that is 16 inches and probably 5 or 6 inches wide and a bit taller than that. <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-16-Steel-Hip-Roof-Box/46721974" target="_blank">You can find it online here.</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-16-Steel-Hip-Roof-Box/46721974" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4XY81TTe4yOyuecDSU7_o39du-L1EY6OqXNqCP8E2H1fVln190M0MLBJR6NqCpP1LouWG8-QjgdDFtzfgrMmGd61zD3_QwIwzupehLhuwNSCe3iFOkwvSttRTb_0ASCiYGZt8d6bSypQ/s200/toolbox.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Theres several other options. A toolbox with a place for a lock is a great option as they are inexpensive and vary in size. There were some larger options for less money, but I really liked the look of this one and seemed a bit more treasure like. I grabbed <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Master-Lock-646T-2-Count-3-4-in-Resettable-Combination-Padlock/19870041" target="_blank">this set of 2 padlocks</a> as well for locking the tool box. I just found that the lock boxes I was finding were small and I wanted a bigger option. </div>
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<a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Master-Lock-646T-2-Count-3-4-in-Resettable-Combination-Padlock/19870041" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd0cT7K20a87lwcUu88hrCOrpbc3-iPkHCU30QDMTyRAW7vAlQkfBEmEvvGZ1N8rqPRcQmls9Kkto36JKYS-utC_fxl5RAm_JF8Cy_DFvgkZd0ob1bNxu9RYm46KuLBbB5_9URocHfGRb/s200/locks.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I hope you'll give breakouts a try. I've only done the digital versions, but I think there's a lot of benefit to the tangible locks and boxes, which I hope to aquire over the summer. </div>
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If you give this a go, I'd love to hear how this works with your students!<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-48665962498865363622016-10-19T21:04:00.000-06:002016-10-19T21:04:40.876-06:00QR Codes Series - Creating a QR CodeI use QR codes daily, several times a day, in my second grade classroom. QR stands for quick response and they really do elicit a quick response. I get asked often in my building about everything from how to create a QR code to ways to use them. So, I'm creating a mini-series of blog posts about QR codes. We'll begin at the beginning with how to create them and move slowly forward on the many ways I use them. If you prefer a video, you can view a narrated screen-cast of me walking you through the process at the end of this post.<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">Creating a QR Code</span></div>
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QR codes can be created to point to:<br />
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<li>a URL</li>
<li>simple text</li>
<li>a picture</li>
<li>...basically anything stored online can be connected to a QR code.</li>
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A popular and easy site for creating QR codes is <a href="http://www.qrstuff.com/">www.qrstuff.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMK2w1QUp8OVjblX7rXHpVhXVbZ4allZh1ha0yEkdXTQ1kBKEznESRsRGr8dHiomtikZsrlT924vfOhSatl-u0csffMouRGk4I4PRbDV-zpzQm-aYTTXghbgK5ouor-pj-5TSIBN0HGipQ/s1600/2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMK2w1QUp8OVjblX7rXHpVhXVbZ4allZh1ha0yEkdXTQ1kBKEznESRsRGr8dHiomtikZsrlT924vfOhSatl-u0csffMouRGk4I4PRbDV-zpzQm-aYTTXghbgK5ouor-pj-5TSIBN0HGipQ/s400/2.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This free site doesn't require and information or sign in. It walks you right through the steps to create a QR code. </div>
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1. Start with step one and choose the type of data you want the code to point to. Most popular will be either a URL or text. </div>
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2. In the text bar enter either the URL or the text. I just copy and paste the URL from the navigation bar of my browser when I am on the site I want to use so I make sure I get it all correct and don't miss type them. </div>
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3. Choose a color, I've played with colors a bit because, well, color is fun. You can coordinate your colors and make all math QR codes a color or codes for a center a color, the sky's the limit. However, lighter colors won't be as easy to scan. My ipads seem to scan any color fine, but my Kindle's and especially Chromebooks have a much harder time with the lighter colors. </div>
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4. Wait a few seconds for the code to reset. I watch the code and make sure I see it change after clicking the enter button on my keyboard. Once I see the code reset, I know it's updated. </div>
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5. Download your code. I click the dark blue button under the code that says Download QR Code. It then downloads to my downloads folder, like anything else you download from online. It's a picture file. </div>
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">A few tips...</span></div>
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Insert your QR code immediately to your document. I usually use Word or PowerPoint and I open the file immediately after I download it and copy the code picture right from the photo editor that it defaults to open in. Then I paste it directly into the document where I have labeled what the code is. </div>
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Here's an example of a PowerPoint I set up for QR codes directing students to audio for my listening center. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiE8sfNkNVxIUwot-KwNMJfDpOvPews5DN0WLxyh5xgOP5-Yq-Z-1kthHzVB1BpekRG26AvXHPkRwZW5Zc72D6ZdrknxntZAS2J9dvchjIwSr2SWAhSomgjTLitbO_mg2lFNG5mYeLUd7o/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiE8sfNkNVxIUwot-KwNMJfDpOvPews5DN0WLxyh5xgOP5-Yq-Z-1kthHzVB1BpekRG26AvXHPkRwZW5Zc72D6ZdrknxntZAS2J9dvchjIwSr2SWAhSomgjTLitbO_mg2lFNG5mYeLUd7o/s320/3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The other option is to go right to the folder and rename the code so you know what it is or copy and paste to a new folder destination, also renaming it so you know what it is. If you don't use the code right away or rename it, you won't be able to tell what the code points to. </div>
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View the video below to see me walk you through creating a QR code for a URL and for Text. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kV-Ag4_8ipo" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none;" />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-74615856028134777542016-07-29T06:00:00.000-06:002016-07-29T06:00:22.226-06:00Teachers, Share Your Profession!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been working in my home office for the last two weeks preparing for my new assignment in second grade this coming school year. In between, I've taken breaks to check out social media. This week several topics have hit my nerves and it's come down to one thing...<br />
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Teachers, share your profession!</div>
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What I mean by this is that we not only need to educate the students that come to our classrooms and spend 9 months with us, but we need to educate the public about what it means to be an educator. </div>
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We need to advocate for ourselves, inform ourselves and educate non-educators about our profession.<br />
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I have felt like a lone duck on many threads about education this week as I attempt to share the issues and realities of educators. I can't do it alone and neither can you, but together, we can make a difference in our communities and change the stereotypes and misunderstandings that exist about what it means to be an educator.<br />
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Here's how you can make a difference:<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">We currently have a taxation issue in our district area property taxes and a state wide policy change about licensing people to be educators without education training. </span></div>
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Add positive and informed thoughts to social media threads about education issues that affect you, whether in your own local community or nationally.<br />
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For goodness sake, I still talk to people who think they are getting a free private education for their children by sending them to a public state funded charter school instead of their neighborhood school. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dTq07wG1orOLA1-tq19A0qxd2oYIuwIegCg-FkBSd0D81Laj1n8OZIR-Adb3UHEb_P0Z8EmkRzwYsC_Eg21wtfigRwtM_DkXCYX3o2Tfq_SAv83Tww9VjsTVEQ0alqF3zcGPaL3N3N9R/s1600/Be+informed+about+the+education+issues+and+policies+that+arise+in+your+community+and+state.+%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dTq07wG1orOLA1-tq19A0qxd2oYIuwIegCg-FkBSd0D81Laj1n8OZIR-Adb3UHEb_P0Z8EmkRzwYsC_Eg21wtfigRwtM_DkXCYX3o2Tfq_SAv83Tww9VjsTVEQ0alqF3zcGPaL3N3N9R/s320/Be+informed+about+the+education+issues+and+policies+that+arise+in+your+community+and+state.+%252816%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Parents and community members don't realize that your classroom library wasn't funded by taxpayers, it came out of your pocket. A gentleman telling me I didn't have to spend money on my classroom was surprised to find out his children wouldn't have a classroom library, center activities, birthday gifts from me, class parties and so on without the money I spend from my income. </div>
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Complaining to your colleagues about the state of education doesn't make change. Write letters to your local and state school boards, participate in social media conversations, set neighborhood gossip straight. Be a voice for your profession. </div>
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<br />The public is basically our employer and from my perspective, its important for them to be informed about the job they have as employers. Being a teacher means being a public figure. In 2014, there was estimated to be 3.5 million public and private k-12 educators with a total population of 319 million people in the United States, that means K-12 educators make up about 1% of the population.* That's a lot of people who need to know about what it means to be an educator. Instead of hiding in our classrooms, we need to share our profession and help the rest of the world. <br /><div>
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What are your ideas about how we can stand together to help our communities better understand education so they can be better informed voters, policy makers and education supporters?</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Statements based on data from: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=28</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.census.gov/popclock/</span></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-86204854092258326222015-08-10T10:06:00.000-06:002015-08-10T10:06:06.536-06:00Getting Ready for Back To School - 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ-_-ZG7boJoUiW9e8Oj8_jbOMKmEeTnUrAEuHSobF50yhKsvU1RsflIGm1MWlnO4QdIynNfGP89aoiMjfdLXpy9hEyQ6k88wFxcttEBWxf97_6bwIGF_YD9JrRdMkK1VNf3brWWKaq8W/s1600/20150804_193046842_iOS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ-_-ZG7boJoUiW9e8Oj8_jbOMKmEeTnUrAEuHSobF50yhKsvU1RsflIGm1MWlnO4QdIynNfGP89aoiMjfdLXpy9hEyQ6k88wFxcttEBWxf97_6bwIGF_YD9JrRdMkK1VNf3brWWKaq8W/s320/20150804_193046842_iOS.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's the season when school begins to start all over the U.S. Teachers are back in classrooms getting ready for students, students are awaiting teacher assignments and picking out first day outfits. Some have already started and are in a week or even two and others have a month yet before returning. I begin this Thursday, with students' first day on the following Wednesday, August 19. I've been in my room here and there over the last two weeks to get things organized and set up. This will leave me with my PD days to plan my lessons and not stress about room readiness. I feel lucky that of the 4 days of PD that my district gave us this year, only 2 of them contain meetings. I will have all of Friday to plan, half a day on Monday and half a day on Tuesday. Our meet the teacher time will be Tuesday afternoon, so everything must be ready by 1:00 pm Tuesday!</div>
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I'm planning my next few posts to introduce you to my classroom and how I've prepared for students. First tip, make sure you're room is welcoming on the outside, not just the inside. I used the <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/EcoStatic-Inc-Beginner-Kit-Glue-Free-WhiteBoard-Sheets-and-SlickyNote-Sticky-Note-Pads/ECTKBE/spdv" target="_blank">Ecostatic</a> cling white board sheet from <a href="http://shoplet.com/">shoplet.com</a> on my classroom door to help welcome students to my classroom. My 11 year old daughter was excited to decorated it for me! I love that it clings to my door with static electricity, so does my custodian! Tapes can take the varnish off the doors so it's always a trick as to how to post something welcoming up on the door. This was perfect. I will probably still add some bulletin board border around the sheet to spruce it up a bit. I'll be placing the student desk name tags around the sign for meet the teacher. Students will take their tag off the door and choose their desk and attach the tag to the one they choose. We switch desks at the beginning of each month, so they'll only have their chosen seats for the first two weeks. This time allows me to get to know them and better understand where to seat them in September. It also gives them choice and ownership right off the bat. </div>
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It is a little difficult to smooth out, you can still see a few bubbles there. It's easy to clean off if you do so right away, but if you leave the dry erase marker on for more than a few hours, you'll need to use the specialty white board cleaner spray to get the marker off. These will post on any smooth surface, so consider turning your cupboard fronts into whiteboards and windows and doors. These would work great for around the room writing or group work. They're reusable and you wouldn't have to use and throw away large chart pages that are sometimes very expensive. </div>
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<a href="http://www.shoplet.com/EcoStatic-Inc-Beginner-Kit-Glue-Free-WhiteBoard-Sheets-and-SlickyNote-Sticky-Note-Pads/ECTKBE/spdv" target="_blank">Ecostatic</a> also makes the cling sheets in smaller <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/EcoStatic-Inc-Recycled-Glue-Free-SlickyNotes-Sticky-Note-Pads/ECTNL4100/spdv" target="_blank">notecard sizes</a>. I posted one up on my fridge for reminders. They might come in handy at school near your desk, but I couldn't really think of a reason I'd use the smaller size at school in place of regular sticky notes. Perhaps you can think of some ways you might use them. </div>
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Whatever you decide to use to decorate the outside of your room, it's great to have some way to welcome students and families into their new classroom. They'll be spending a lot of time there, and they want to know it's an inviting and comfortable place to be. </div>
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How do you decorate the outside of your room to welcome students and families? </div>
<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: shoplet.com sent me the Ecostatic Beginner Kit free to review. Opinions and my use of the product are my own from my experience with the product. Links in this post are not affiliate, they only direct to the shoplet.com website. </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-80785343063091665112015-07-13T11:12:00.000-06:002015-07-13T11:43:15.685-06:00Schneider Pens... Totally Awesome Pens!<br />
However much we might hate to see them, the back to school ads have started. Some of you just finished the last school year and some of us are half way done and others of you are nearly ready for the next year. Wherever you fall on that scale, you'll want to know about these pens that I just discovered. Most teachers I know are suckers for great office supplies, I am one of those suckers. This pen is going to be my go to pen for writing notes and such. <br />
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The best thing about these pens? They are manufactured in Germany, but are distributed by one company here in the U.S. that is women owned and operated. They also prefer to hire individuals with special needs that might not otherwise find employment. Those facts alone about this distribution company make this purchase a feel good one.<br />
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One of the best things is that there are several different points to choose from, so you can go with the type you like best. The <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Schneider-Xpress-Porous-Point-Pen/STW190001/spdv" target="_blank">Porous Point Pen </a>is much like a felt tip pen that many of you use. However, it's very thin at 0.8 mm. The wider barrel makes it a dream to hold as you write.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVLLlU-24zOhjvBsrZmPz_sOq4xX_qjREUZpMNlAuUFiyYDVFF1dr-_eV-fEuvOQ8HOtSsNcIIQuYG-V3TgZ6hQ7IvCM4nco16dcdDb7qguyWYHP8WT-f6ePrijikUZnsw9qcO-vK0HJR/s1600/EJ1028976605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVLLlU-24zOhjvBsrZmPz_sOq4xX_qjREUZpMNlAuUFiyYDVFF1dr-_eV-fEuvOQ8HOtSsNcIIQuYG-V3TgZ6hQ7IvCM4nco16dcdDb7qguyWYHP8WT-f6ePrijikUZnsw9qcO-vK0HJR/s200/EJ1028976605.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/14275189/?claim=7k66syseyu5">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
The <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Slider-Edge-1-0mm-Ballpoint-Pen/STW152201/spdv" target="_blank">Slider Edge Ballpoint Pen</a> writes very smoothly. It has a triangular shaped barrel which I loved because I love the Ticonderoga triangle pencils. The cap fits snuggly on the end so you won't lose it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_bNgZDPQnkfpUy5pB2QdMWdIwLO00TPRJIPROsS-eousDUKmvXeA4Py_JvKnEMZjSHpZzCl38yFniWuj5sEpvzAS2FLo-2sZubjtPFT9Lz5fcQ1rv94YLTRJ9L4xC1xXAs82Ihaq85NQ/s1600/EJ1023555793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_bNgZDPQnkfpUy5pB2QdMWdIwLO00TPRJIPROsS-eousDUKmvXeA4Py_JvKnEMZjSHpZzCl38yFniWuj5sEpvzAS2FLo-2sZubjtPFT9Lz5fcQ1rv94YLTRJ9L4xC1xXAs82Ihaq85NQ/s200/EJ1023555793.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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Also in the ballpoint family are the <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Slider-XB-ViscoGlide-Ballpoint-Pen/STW151201/spdv" target="_blank">Slider Basic XB</a>,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVMNDhfws_Z5f_vHVepJao-MV8svp7Fk5mbulq66vBBSDhFvl3qFFNQ9JsrQJ0qSQ_orhYyuKqc-gGIvfQ8kDMiXRnZZrZkWd_zCDNLa32pLw0BAu0E2-IY7389rf2rtZekuk9cn-3khO/s1600/ESI1022029393_OUT-OF-PACKAGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVMNDhfws_Z5f_vHVepJao-MV8svp7Fk5mbulq66vBBSDhFvl3qFFNQ9JsrQJ0qSQ_orhYyuKqc-gGIvfQ8kDMiXRnZZrZkWd_zCDNLa32pLw0BAu0E2-IY7389rf2rtZekuk9cn-3khO/s200/ESI1022029393_OUT-OF-PACKAGE.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Slider-Ballpoint-Pen/STW132501/spdv" target="_blank">Slider Ballpoint Pen </a>,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoNYYvWfuSPz6gl4aCUzijjGx0Mi9fgqZ4HyL5U8dOBG1F-eNbSo5u8Yye8AK8-BKitHzXVy57x0aruPciy9qc1J3wPOLQiLjJxnqGIB0ZuDZWJmB0Y32FevrA5yJMJQiGE_oF8xRQh77/s1600/EJ1023555780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoNYYvWfuSPz6gl4aCUzijjGx0Mi9fgqZ4HyL5U8dOBG1F-eNbSo5u8Yye8AK8-BKitHzXVy57x0aruPciy9qc1J3wPOLQiLjJxnqGIB0ZuDZWJmB0Y32FevrA5yJMJQiGE_oF8xRQh77/s200/EJ1023555780.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>and <a href="http://gsa.shoplet.com/Slider-Memo-XB-ViscoGlide-Ballpoint-Pen/STW150295/spdv" target="_blank">Slider Memo Pens</a> which come in several colors and would be great for color coding or correcting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcuWBm_OIv-LBm6RffFxtLgdVN6cQSuQlJELLNl9GQ0ORrXuKdkqmgvtWLoW_CBFQMstcJMQ8flFTvz3smRru2iq24JLHtTNwj_E2H7kqQUq8jSImGlS4miOwvvgD5sQcGuEH5uTchs1Q/s1600/EJ1023555791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcuWBm_OIv-LBm6RffFxtLgdVN6cQSuQlJELLNl9GQ0ORrXuKdkqmgvtWLoW_CBFQMstcJMQ8flFTvz3smRru2iq24JLHtTNwj_E2H7kqQUq8jSImGlS4miOwvvgD5sQcGuEH5uTchs1Q/s200/EJ1023555791.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They all write wonderfully, you just have to choose the style of barrel that fits your likes best and then get one! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*I received these pens free for evaluation and in exchange for a review from <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/" target="_blank">shoplet.com. </a> The review is my own and I receive no other compensation. Links above are not affiliate links. </span></div><br />
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-72990124860735198282015-06-23T05:00:00.000-06:002015-06-23T05:00:08.113-06:00Building Mathematical Comprehension Chapter 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4elvhNM9D3-2IoXX8Zq5_14WnUWRGMIjgs0djnyVOMYuG1hUAe6KZraYjTryCL_bv8rOtPOg4KHYsmUIfYgJ0QwbrhBFS58Mk4bImk07h3DODjWqsplFjlYMoIQKvZou0PALPO5wd6Jqd/s1600/chapter+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4elvhNM9D3-2IoXX8Zq5_14WnUWRGMIjgs0djnyVOMYuG1hUAe6KZraYjTryCL_bv8rOtPOg4KHYsmUIfYgJ0QwbrhBFS58Mk4bImk07h3DODjWqsplFjlYMoIQKvZou0PALPO5wd6Jqd/s400/chapter+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mathematical Vocabulary, that's the focus of Chapter 2 of Building Mathematical Comprehension.<br />
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There are several ideas on graphic organizers and some bulletin board ideas offered in this chapter. To be honest, I didn't do as well with vocabulary this last year as I had in the past. As I reflected on the year, vocabulary building and instruction was an area I let slip. I know how important it is to teach proper vocabulary to students, especially in mathematics. <br />
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One thing that I think was very helpful to me was a professional development where we collaborated vertically with the grade level teams below and above us specifically in the area of vocabulary. We discussed the vocabulary that was currently being used and then suggested vocabulary we'd love for the grade level below us to begin implementing and using. This was very eye-opening to my team as we spoke with the 6th grade team. We learned that there were some key vocabulary terms that if we used in 5th grade, would be tremendously helpful to students in 6th grade as they deepen their level of mathematical knowledge. <br />
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I would strongly encourage you to get with the grade level teams ahead of, and behind your own and have a vocabulary conversation. It can be informal and take just a few minutes. You might be surprised at what you discover either about your own instruction or the instruction that might be happening before your students arrive in your classroom. <br />
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I think it's extra important for primary grade teachers to use correct vocabulary. As a first grade teacher, I was certainly guilty of using "simple" names for math terms because I thought the true vocabulary words would be too difficult. I soon realized that if taught correctly and used over and over, young students can understand the vocabulary just fine and it sets them up to be more successful in the future.<br />
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One of my summer tasks is to create a template/master of a student interactive math notebook to guide me through next year. Vocabulary will be a strong part of that notebook.<br />
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How do you make sure your students get explicit math vocabulary instruction? Be sure to check out the other posts on Chapter 2 linked up below.<br />
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<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-83191574303349483332015-06-16T05:00:00.000-06:002015-06-16T05:00:05.637-06:00Building Mathematical Comprehension Chapter 1<br />
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Now that summer is here, I feel like I can blog again! Whew, the school year can be busy. I'm keeping busy through the summer though working on extending my knowledge to be a better teacher for next year. I love participating in summer professional book clubs. I plan to join Angela at <a href="http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/" target="_blank">The Cornerstone for Teachers</a> for her <a href="http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/summer-events" target="_blank">facebook book club </a>of her books beginning in July. I'll be posting about some of the other books I'm reading as well throughout the summer.<br />
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This post, however, is all about the first chapter of Building Mathematical Comprehension. Abbey at A Teacher Mom is hosting this study. Be sure to check out the link up to see all the posts from participating bloggers.<br />
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To be honest, I've had this book a few years and have skimmed it here and there. I tweek the structure of my math instruction each year and I'm still looking for a model that will work well for my students and for me. I'm excited to read the entire book and hope that it will help me get closer to that perfect model this coming year. </div>
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Chapter 1 focuses on comprehension strategies for Mathematics. Not surprisingly, reading and math comprehension strategies are very closely linked! The biggest take away for me from this chapter is that we need to use a very similar gradual release model that we use in reading with math as well. </div>
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We need to be very explicit in our gradual release: </div>
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1. Explain WHAT the strategy is. </div>
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2. Explain WHY the strategy is important. </div>
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3. Explain WHEN to use the strategy. </div>
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4. Model HOW to use the strategy. </div>
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5. GUIDE STUDENTS how to use the strategy. </div>
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6. Students INDEPENDENTLY use the strategy. </div>
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Think about the "Think Aloud" lessons you often do in reading. We need to do "Think Aloud" lessons during our math instruction as well. This model will be great for introducing students to using comprehension strategies in deciphering their math problems. The remainder of the book goes more deeply into each of the comprehension strategies of:</div>
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<li>Making Connections</li>
<li>Asking Questions</li>
<li>Visualizing</li>
<li>Making Inferences and Predictions</li>
<li>Determining Importance</li>
<li>Synthesizing</li>
<li>Monitoring</li>
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I'm really trying to move to a more conceptual/exploratory math model to introduce math concepts. So I wondered if this explanation model would fit into also sharing mathematical solution strategies. I think that this can certainly happen during the discussion and wrap up phase of those activities. I also think that we can teach students to model and explain their conclusions using this pattern. Students can explain to their peers WHAT the strategy is they have determined, WHY it would be helpful or important, WHEN the strategy is useful or if there are circumstances when it fails and model HOW they used the strategy. From there, they can guide their small group or class to use the strategy and time can be given for students to give the strategy a try. </div>
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This model of students leading the way would need to be carefully constructed and I think the teacher would need to carefully select students who give a full presentation and limit it to 2-3 strategies, depending on the concept. </div>
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How do you facilitate comprehension in your classroom? Do you consciously use a think aloud method for teaching comprehension or solution strategies to your students? </div>
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I'm excited to learn more explicitly about using each of these comprehension strategies in teaching mathematics. Come back each Tuesday for the next 2 months for ideas on the rest of the book. Join in the conversation by leaving comments on the posts. </div>
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-26480326492491396152014-12-07T11:30:00.000-07:002014-12-07T11:30:15.195-07:00Plans for the New Year<span 14px="" 20px="" arial="" font-size:="" grande="" helvetica="" line-height:="" lucida="" sans-serif="" tahoma="" verdana="">I've taken a bit of a hiatus from blogging, putting my family first. I've decided to focus on creating a quality product at least once a month and make blogging less of a priority. I spend a lot of time posting pictures of my classroom on</span><span 14px="" 20px="" arial="" class="text_exposed_show" font-family:="" font-size:="" grande="" helvetica="" inline="" line-height:="" lucida="" sans-serif="" tahoma="" verdana=""> our class instagram and twitter which you are welcome to follow to see what we're doing and use any ideas you see there. The handle for both accounts is @mrsgreengr5. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span> <span 14px="" 20px="" arial="" class="text_exposed_show" font-family:="" font-size:="" grande="" helvetica="" inline="" line-height:="" lucida="" sans-serif="" tahoma="" verdana="">Upon reflection, I found that keeping up with the DillyDabbles blog was consuming my time and thus I was not creating new products nor, more importantly, spending time with my 3 young children. I hope you'll understand and continue to keep in touch on FB, instagram, twitter, email and the more rare blog posts. I'm always happy to respond to questions or comments. My goal is to create items for my own use that will also benefit you. The pressure of having students learn all they can and perform well on end of year assessments along with all the other demands being placed on classroom teachers has also taken its toll. </span><br />
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</span> <span 14px="" 20px="" arial="" class="text_exposed_show" font-family:="" font-size:="" grande="" helvetica="" inline="" line-height:="" lucida="" sans-serif="" tahoma="" verdana="">As a secondary benefit to this slight change in my focus and time, I hope to earn enough each month to provide piano lessons for my older daughters. Thanks for your support and understanding of my slight focus change;</span><br />
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<span 14px="" 20px="" arial="" class="text_exposed_show" font-family:="" font-size:="" grande="" helvetica="" inline="" line-height:="" lucida="" sans-serif="" tahoma="" verdana="">these three need their mama....</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksxdhSRhA47n8_-NTQlNZOVEpmdXeWFybVml_xbgiD6UwBO7lhYs7cNCYe4jH4G_WDsWlJV7MAINJgr7GRHgBL-78ednLWpV5bmvMKEefkGXHd9brKQSg-SNZqd9lYvk7E6UQRdibDEXQ/s1600/IMG1352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksxdhSRhA47n8_-NTQlNZOVEpmdXeWFybVml_xbgiD6UwBO7lhYs7cNCYe4jH4G_WDsWlJV7MAINJgr7GRHgBL-78ednLWpV5bmvMKEefkGXHd9brKQSg-SNZqd9lYvk7E6UQRdibDEXQ/s1600/IMG1352.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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and this crazy bunch needs their teacher.</div>
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Sincerely,<br />
<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-13483622129086713062014-10-08T05:00:00.000-06:002014-10-08T05:00:11.127-06:00Book Share Wednesday: Missing May<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439613833/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439613833&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=ELX3DVJLRZMVORNC">Missing May</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0439613833" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />is the book I chose for our listening station this rotation to support our literature circles in our current Realistic Fiction focus. It's a Newberry Award Winner by author Cynthia Rylant. This book was a new one to me, but has been available in our school resource library for a while. I wanted a book that was an easier read for my students, but also had some good meat to it. This was just perfect. In a very matter of fact, yet positive way, the author presents this story of a young girl orphaned early in her life and bounced from home to home among distant relatives. When May and Ob come to visit, they just know they have to take Summer with them. Summer continues to have tragedy in her life when May dies and leaves her and Ob to figure things out together. With the help of a classmate, Summer gets through the sadness and together they help Ob.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439613833/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439613833&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=ELX3DVJLRZMVORNC"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0439613833&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0439613833" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A click on the cover will take you to the book on Amazon.</span></div>
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I purchased this novel unit to help me out. I just choose a few of the questions that correlate with the chapters I've assigned to help my students practice answering in complete sentences. Since it a listening station book, I want my students to focus on the enjoyment of listening to the story. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgnAA3JCHB2rbAIvvUkYN5tzvaDK6_xjSZ8qfHrOIffW5LFuTzdxZvl3vYa0Hqy5M47hrYp23teJ-oUTRzxhkPHL3dVePaQFH4PX-ChWh4HrYCZ4BMAAW0fxtRKO-fEMCEd4zUUzQHVVp/s1600/original-1439408-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgnAA3JCHB2rbAIvvUkYN5tzvaDK6_xjSZ8qfHrOIffW5LFuTzdxZvl3vYa0Hqy5M47hrYp23teJ-oUTRzxhkPHL3dVePaQFH4PX-ChWh4HrYCZ4BMAAW0fxtRKO-fEMCEd4zUUzQHVVp/s1600/original-1439408-1.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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You can see a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Missing-May-CCSS-Novel-Unit-for-Grades-5-8-1439408" target="_blank">preview of this product here. </a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I'm getting no benefit for sharing this product with you)</span></div>
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I'd love for you to share a book as well! Please link up below or share your book in the comments. If linking up, please be sure to grab the button and link it back to this post. </div>
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" height="100" style="background: transparent; border: none;" width="200" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-1892967772258823362014-10-05T21:46:00.001-06:002014-10-05T21:46:56.872-06:00Organizing my GradingGrading, especially keeping up with it, has been an area in need of improvement for me. The actual keeping up hasn't gone as well, but the organization has been much better. It started with this great drawer system I found at Jo-Ann's fabric and craft store on sale over the summer. It has worked out beautifully to keep my in and out papers organized and out of the way. The one adjustment I need to make is specifying to the students which direction to hand in papers. I spend a lot of time turning papers back and forth. I added the two slot bin above for no-name papers and notes that need to go out from the school.<br />
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The second thing that has really helped me is using a class list and colored pens in combination. The class list allows me to quickly go through the papers and record scores to then quickly transfer to our computer grading system. They're already in alphabetical order, so I can easily enter them in the computer. I also like having a paper record, technology is great, but there's always a time or two that it fails. <br />
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I use the colored pens to help me track which grades have been entered in the computer. I use a different color every time I grade so I know that at the end of my grading time each day, I just look for all the grades marked in that day's color to enter or change in the computer. This works really well to keep track of late and missing assignments. It also helps in the way I grade math homework. Each homework is worth 2 points. Students receive 1 point when they hand it in and the second point is given when the homework is correct. So, using the different colors helps me to know when a grade needs to be changed from a 1 to a 2. <br />
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I have really liked these <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Pilot-B2P-Gel-Rolling-Ball/PIL36621/spdv" target="_blank">B2P recycled water bottle pens made by Pilot</a>. I didn't know they came in a variety of colors until receiving this lovely pack. As you can see in the photo above, the colors are vibrant and I think the pens write very smoothly. These are gel, which you can get in <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Pilot-BeGreen-B2P-Bottle-Gel-Rolling-Ball/PIL31600/spdv" target="_blank">single colors</a> as well, but the pen also comes in a <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Pilot-B2P-Recycled-Ballpoint-Pen/PIL32601/spdv" target="_blank">ballpoint option. </a> <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/" target="_blank">Shoplet</a> sent me these and a few other great pens to use and review a few weeks ago. I like to use the <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Pilot-FriXion-Clicker-Erasable-Gel-Pen/PIL31451/spdv" target="_blank">FriXion pens</a> in my gradebook and when I sew to mark the fabric. Since the ink disappears with friction or heat, it's perfect to erase easily from my planbook or remove with the iron in my sewing. The <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Pilot-Frixion-Lite-Erasable-Highlighter/PIL46502/spdv" target="_blank">FriXion highlighter </a>would be great to use for close reading. For writing throughout the day, I do really like the <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Pilot-Acroball-Pen/PIL31850/spdv" target="_blank">Acroball</a> pen. I've been using it when I do examples under the document camera. My students can't see pencil very well under the camera, so I often use pen and this one writes nice and smoothly. <br />
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My next step in grading organization is committing to do it everyday so it doesn't pile up for me to do for hours on the weekend. <br />
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How do you organize yourself to grade efficiently and keep it all in order? </div>
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" height="100" style="background: transparent; border: none;" width="200" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-3210106228549783152014-10-01T05:00:00.000-06:002014-10-01T10:58:39.543-06:00Meeting Shannon Hale and Dean Hale Book Share Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Me on the left with three of my fabulous colleagues surrounding Shannon and Dean Hale</span></div>
I had the opportunity to attend the UCIRA conference over the last weekend. It's the Utah chapters IRA conference. I had the pleasure of meeting and hearing from Shannon Hale, a local author with a big reach. Shannon lives in Utah and has written many books, including a few you might be very familiar with. Her husband, Dean, has co-authored several books with her as well. This is the case with her newest book to be released next week on October 14,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076366510X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=076366510X&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=KCVDX5EVCIZDESIG">The Princess in Black</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=076366510X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. This is the book they presented to us on Friday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076366510X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=076366510X&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=KCVDX5EVCIZDESIG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=076366510X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a></div>
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From the excerpt they read to us, I can tell this is a darling book. It's going to be perfect for the lower-mid grades of K-3. I'm thinking my fifth graders will even find it comical and a fun read. An easier read chapter book, The Princess in Black is all about the adventures that this young princess has. No-one identifies her because "princesses don't wear black." Shannon discussed the wide appeal her books have to both boys and girls, despite them often having female protagonists. She expressed the importance of offering all books to all children without caveats like, "I know there's a princess on the cover, but I really think you'll like it."<br />
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Here are some of her books you might already be familiar with:<br />
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Her Newberry Honor Book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UM5BNM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002UM5BNM&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=P74RXBYB3CFNWRLT">Princess Academy</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002UM5BNM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, the first in a 3 book series. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UM5BNM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002UM5BNM&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=P74RXBYB3CFNWRLT"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002UM5BNM&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002UM5BNM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">This is the first in a 4 book series. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UM5BJG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002UM5BJG&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=HUCUR7T7NASZM27F"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002UM5BJG&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002UM5BJG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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This one is now a movie and more for you, the adult.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00422LESO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00422LESO&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=H277J7VMTDYL2OMU"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00422LESO&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00422LESO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Reading to grab your reluctant readers, a twisted tale graphic novel. I picked a copy of this one up at the conference and got it signed by Shannon and Dean.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599902885/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1599902885&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=7P54HTMTBKA4CEF4"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1599902885&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1599902885" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Have you read any of Shannon's books? Share your experiences with her books in the comments below. Have a post about a book you'd like to share? Be sure to join our Book Share Wednesday link up below. Just grab the image to add to your post and link it back to this post. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Note, I have previously make only my posts on the third Wednesday of the month links. I thought I'd try making every Wednesday Book Share post a link up and see how it goes. </span></div>
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" height="100" style="background: transparent; border: none;" width="200" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-80578070277131344422014-09-17T21:00:00.002-06:002014-09-20T15:48:35.142-06:00Book Share Wednesday: How to Steal a Dog<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312561121/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312561121&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=YYDIWQRZ3PQVVQAP"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0312561121&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312561121" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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We started literature circles this week and I decided to choose realistic fiction books for our first round. One of the books I chose for students is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312561121/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312561121&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=E7V5IWMXM6JVJTRZ">How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0312561121" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It's a great realistic fiction book that discusses the issues that this family is dealing with as a result of their father/husband abandoning them suddenly. They are living in their car, Mom's working two jobs and the kids are fending for themselves. Georgina sees an ad for a reward in exchange for the return of a lost dog and she gets the idea to steal a dog to earn the money her family needs to get an apartment.<br />
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Although the book deals with some heavy and sensitive topics, the author keeps it light and focuses on the plans Georgina writes in her journal and the adventures she and her brother have, rather than bringing down the tone of the book with constant negative dwelling on the family's situation. <br />
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Readers will learn along with Georgina that bad times don't last forever and that everyone makes mistakes. Those mistakes can have happy endings when you work to rectify them. <br />
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Amazon lists the lexile at 700L. With the topics the book discusses, I would recommend it for 4th grade and up. It has been a perfect read for my low fifth graders. The storyline is engaging and they are able to access and comprehend the text. A caution to consider student situations and emotions before using this book. Though the author does a great job, some students may be sensitive to the family's situation.<br />
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Have a book you'd like to share? It's the third Wednesday of the month and that means Book Share Wednesday is a link up!! Be sure to link up your book share post sometime in the next week. The linky will be open through next Wednesday. Please grab the button to add to your post and link it back to this post. Don't have a post? Please share your book in the comments.<br />
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" height="100" style="background: transparent; border: none;" width="200" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-47629916184387765132014-09-14T11:59:00.000-06:002014-09-14T12:31:19.499-06:00Genius Hour in Our Classroom<span style="font-size: large;">Last year, I looked into the concept of genius hour and really wanted to try it. My biggest hurdle was the lack of computers access for my students. Last December, our district gave each 3-6 grade classroom 3 Chromebook computers. That was wonderful, and I was very grateful, but with 32 students, how does one effectively use 3 computers for anything really other than remediation for a few students? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the spring, my principal announced that he had some extra funds that he wanted to use to get more technology to us. My team decided we wanted more Chromebooks, so we each received 2 more. Then, I decided if I had 2 additional ones, I'd have enough for small group use and that would be a game changer for me. Amazingly, thanks to the kindness of several donors, some of which were fellow bloggers, I had them both funded through DonorsChoose. Now with seven computers in my classroom, we are able to use them to do so many things. We also borrow from the other fifth grade classes when they are not using their computers.</span><br />
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One of my favorite pictures. Totally didn't plan to capture this! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the things I implemented this year is Genius Hour, which I called passion projects and passion time in my classroom. It has been amazing! My students can't wait for Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings to work on their projects. My colleague suggested using the first 20 minutes of class three days a week instead of an hour block one day a week. I thought it was a brilliant idea, so that's what I chose to do. Instead of morning work those three days, students work on their passion projects three mornings a week. They have from the start of the day, 9:00, until 9:18 to work on them. Many students come in early and work on them from the moment they enter the classroom. I have students begin arriving at 8:30. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some of the projects that my students have chosen to work on include: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">How can I create a website?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How should one care for chickens? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How did the library get so organized?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How does the computer language of coding work? (A group of students interested in this are all working through the code.org lessons together)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How do you play the ukulele? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How do you play the mandolin? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How do you plan resonator bells? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Learning about birds of prey. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Teaching another student karate, the other students project is to learn karate. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And several more. Not only has the response from students been great, but the response from parents has been positive as well. Parents have expressed appreciation for my ability to not only find time in our day for students to learn what they want to learn, but for igniting the love for learning in their children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll continue to share with you about how it's going in our classroom. I'll also be sharing the results of each students passion work toward the end of the semester. For now, enjoy the pictures throughout this article of my students working on their projects this week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you tried genius hour in your classroom? Tell us about it in the comments. </span></div>
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I've linked up this blog post to<br />
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<a href="http://www.theteacherstudio.com/2014/09/september-loved-that-lesson-punctuation.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpxiBeK2pDHs292jc3xsJ09B592wi71XSNGUQGJ79ESeooHRhe-mVUFuYmyvouNvdChIfFFkjxV875V5vCf11gE85Gem9uRCazVQTIZNNmorLkLaao86uTUqYEpeG09jVtdA9lhyphenhyphen3HW9S/s1600/10252050_284793898355675_8716576885238192757_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-80591946198062004372014-09-10T05:00:00.000-06:002014-09-10T05:00:08.587-06:00Book Review: Rocky and Bullwinkle Graphic Novel<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1631400444/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1631400444&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=VFBVMD4K35JS662D"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1631400444&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1631400444" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Graphic novels are very popular in my class, and from my experience, many upper grade students. I was so excited when I had the opportunity to preview this new graphic novel all about one of my favorite childhood cartoons, Rocky and Bullwinkle. I found myself reading all of Bullwinkle's parts in that deep voice and Rocky's in that high pitched squirrel voice. How fun would it be to get your students hooked to this book by showing a teaser snippet of one of the cartoons? You can find episodes on YouTube that could be shown. Always remember to view before you show anything to your students! You never know what's really in a video that might look innocent.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LpnTTherziU?list=PLK-g3awj_KClTN5aL-qoK5JW-FbfluQ5D" width="560"></iframe><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">This book is comprised of several shorter stories, each as an "episode" of Rocky and Bullwinkle. They aren't necessarily stories of the show episodes, but the characters are the same with a similar plot line as the cartoons. The pictures are well illustrated and in vivid colors. There is a good mix of text with pictures and illustration only pages to tell the story. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Give this Graphic Novel a try and you just might snag some of your reluctant readers. The text in this story is not too difficult, I'd place the text readability itself around a 3rd grade level, but that's totally just my guess. I think my 5th graders are going to love this book! </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1631400444/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1631400444&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=TNICBRFMDTDKTLCO">Rocky & Bullwinkle</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1631400444" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> will be available on October 7, 2014. You can pre-order a copy now by clicking any of the cover or title links in this post. If your'e reading this after the release date, go grab your copy now!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">What are some of your students' favorite graphic novels? </span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1631400444" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: I was provided an e-book copy of the book in this review by the publisher in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. Links in this post refer to my amazon affiliate and I receive a small compensation for purchases made through these links. Your purchase helps me support my classroom and this blog. </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-89873668717643766472014-09-05T04:00:00.000-06:002014-09-05T04:00:08.497-06:00Social Studies Unit 1: ExplorersThese first two weeks of school, our Social Studies lessons focused on the early explorers. Our fifth grade curriculum focuses on U.S. history and geography from explorers to present day. As a fifth grade, we found around 20 explorers for our students to study. Each class was given 8 explorers so that we could have groups of 4 students each research an explorer. Each student group researched their assigned explorer and answered questions about him. Students then drew and "life sized" explorer character based on paintings and likenesses they found of him. They added the facts they had discovered around their picture and then hung them in the auditorium to create an Explorer Hall of Fame.<br />
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Each class took some time to visit the hall of fame. Students were expected to find 4 explorers and write down the information they learned from the posters. Students have a lot of fun learning about the explorers and seeing what all of their peers created. <br />
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Students viewing the Hall of Fame</div>
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Students pose by their masterpieces</div>
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We also learned about the many new plants and food items that the native people had that the explorers didn't know about until coming to the new land. Students used their sense of smell to discover items like marigolds, corn, vanilla, cocoa, pineapple and many more. I was quite amazed that students were able to guess the majority of the items just through smell. <br />
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Students smelling the New World.</div>
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We transitioned into discussion of settlements and colonies by reading this book by Jane Yolen <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689823215/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689823215&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=RD4JZM4LC5D5I4TP">Roanoke: The Lost Colony--An Unsolved Mystery from History</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689823215" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689823215/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0689823215&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=RD4JZM4LC5D5I4TP"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0689823215&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689823215" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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If you teach about early explorers, what are some of the ways you teach them? We're always looking for new ideas. </div>
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" height="100" style="background: transparent; border: none;" width="200" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-26125654422952547392014-09-03T04:00:00.000-06:002014-09-03T04:00:01.991-06:00Book Share Wednesday: The City of Ember<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375822747/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375822747&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=FHDHQNDVCBJLFXDJ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0375822747&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0375822747" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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How did I miss this book? I hadn't heard of it until last spring with my teammate said she was reading it for her read aloud book. I really enjoy the distopia sort of stories and this one sounded right up my ally. I added it to one of my Amazon orders this summer when I needed a little bit more to push me to be able to include an add on item. My mistake was starting to read it the day before the first day of school. I couldn't put it down! My dear husband was so sweet to let me read and to do some of the house tidying. I got to the end of the book and ran to see if the next book was on Amazon kindle because I was left hanging so dramatically off a cliff at the end. I pulled myself together enough to not order the book so I could at least get through the first week of school. That gave me the time to borrow the second book from another teacher. I'm now ready to read book three. <br />
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So, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375822747/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375822747&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=FHDHQNDVCBJLFXDJ">The City of Ember (The First Book of Ember)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0375822747" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and the rest of the series. It's especially well suited for upper elementary students and maybe even 7-8th grade students. I'm definitely going to need to add the 4 book series to my classroom library. A few of my students have read the book and it's been fun to have some book conversations with them about it.<br />
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Wait, there's more! It's a movie too! That's right, there's a City of Ember movie. I haven't watched it, but that's on my to do list. It's rated PG, so likely not an option for most to show to students, but it might be fun for you to watch or recommend to students after they read the books.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LPWGBO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001LPWGBO&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=OD7OANVAYUHJPYQX"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001LPWGBO&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001LPWGBO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Be sure to tell us what you're currently reading in the comments below and join the monthly Book Share Wednesday link up every 3rd Wednesday of the month. <br />
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" height="100" style="background: transparent; border: none;" width="200" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-88477816357425844872014-08-20T07:21:00.002-06:002014-08-20T07:21:05.478-06:00Book Share Wednesday: The Hundred DressesToday is the very first Book Share Wednesday link up!! I'm so excited to have a place for you to come together and share the great books you use in your classroom in any way. Today I'm sharing about the book I like to use as my first read aloud. Yesterday was my first day with my new class of students. It was a great day and I'm so excited for this group. Based on first impresssions, we have a great dynamic and we're going to have a lot of fun. I started reading aloud to them the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L0M73XO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00L0M73XO&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=RSZS6NNIGHPUVFB5">The Hundred Dresses</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00L0M73XO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It's one of my favorites that really illustrates the need to be kind and aware of others. It's a great medium through which to have some conversations about how your class should build a community that is caring and supportive of all class members. I highly recommend reading this one if you haven't. I've used this book in all three levels that I've taught, first grade, third grade and fifth grade. Every class has been attentive and had good conversation about the story and relating it to us. It's also a bit of a classic, so it's not expensive at all. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L0M73XO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00L0M73XO&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=RSZS6NNIGHPUVFB5"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00L0M73XO&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00L0M73XO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Now it's your turn! Once a month on the third Wednesday, I open up my Book Share post to all of you to link up to. If you have a blog, feel free to link up your post about a book below. It can be a novel, picture book, professional development book, etc. If you'd rather, you're also always welcome to respond to my post or share your book in the comments section below. Happy reading!!</div>
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-6510063943839594202014-08-16T08:00:00.000-06:002014-08-16T08:00:00.994-06:00Bright Idea: Taming Cords<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkARRI7FlCkPY7V4IWXQNjXmpb4wNFGTBSNYUhIdxtDj1rA5xE4MpOngQlLXpYgFHXz5R-1jqbYsjFIvMBClHu8UrRxQRucN_nXm6Qz7xNdg1nuoEMEZpleXAfAQ7M_KEZNw_Xq4ewziQ/s1600/20140813_002915346_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkARRI7FlCkPY7V4IWXQNjXmpb4wNFGTBSNYUhIdxtDj1rA5xE4MpOngQlLXpYgFHXz5R-1jqbYsjFIvMBClHu8UrRxQRucN_nXm6Qz7xNdg1nuoEMEZpleXAfAQ7M_KEZNw_Xq4ewziQ/s1600/20140813_002915346_iOS.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No tangled cords, everything has a place, all devices can charge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am so excited this year to have 7 Chromebooks to use in my classroom (waiting for the 7th to arrive that was recently funded through Donors Choose). Having at least a small group set will mean that we'll be able to use them throughout the day. I wanted them to be set up in a specific location and have the cords at hand so they can be always charging or, if they need to be moved, plugged in as soon as they are returned to their spot. There are many great ideas around for taming all your cords for classroom devices. This is what I came up with that is going to work great for me and my classroom set up. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cleXtHRg3WrfB7M0r2-JEmWmIAzRGz3GWQJXxX9iZ9rgTyaf-jg0NHVl9cfYGhLcPlLEByO2PTqwdEVsD0MnN4Dq-cA7_TA-akETPJDwHGmBs0kgAWM5-Aq_8222FskFS59t8pwSRq_J/s1600/20140813_002600331_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cleXtHRg3WrfB7M0r2-JEmWmIAzRGz3GWQJXxX9iZ9rgTyaf-jg0NHVl9cfYGhLcPlLEByO2PTqwdEVsD0MnN4Dq-cA7_TA-akETPJDwHGmBs0kgAWM5-Aq_8222FskFS59t8pwSRq_J/s1600/20140813_002600331_iOS.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Place adhesive velcro to the cord box. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPITTNpfxc7eXCe4HCZOIDHXshMjE9v8UN538c-BAXEM_s13jcKkm1DXY84vv2L2LADLRUpu9runwzpOBDQ309GbRNPa6-3mazlEAT9eeqp8T_ePaPokz5hds9zdtvXXe4R6UG-96acw0/s1600/20140813_002637220_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPITTNpfxc7eXCe4HCZOIDHXshMjE9v8UN538c-BAXEM_s13jcKkm1DXY84vv2L2LADLRUpu9runwzpOBDQ309GbRNPa6-3mazlEAT9eeqp8T_ePaPokz5hds9zdtvXXe4R6UG-96acw0/s1600/20140813_002637220_iOS.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take the paper backing off the opposite velcro and attach to the base so that they are lined up. My shapes didn't match, I just used what I had left over from other projects. It worked just fine. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOLvD2K1Gyrl_ObYro-K7hvY1d7qtOplo6GOa-BhhMBSjQyo8-_TgbJ566SM7lrs3ONSem1ujIR12X6jSLEMEULOg6bbhRvPSMtyEVGctEtn4eNb58NQDWAXM5kl-UgWCfVZ1C_XmBYxG/s1600/20140813_002651533_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOLvD2K1Gyrl_ObYro-K7hvY1d7qtOplo6GOa-BhhMBSjQyo8-_TgbJ566SM7lrs3ONSem1ujIR12X6jSLEMEULOg6bbhRvPSMtyEVGctEtn4eNb58NQDWAXM5kl-UgWCfVZ1C_XmBYxG/s1600/20140813_002651533_iOS.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Place the box to the underside of the table where you desire. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVFq9i6oxp92VPbB8LBAbjhZFXV7_X7OtwtbOE-AuQLIqyHwZBCuiN8nPsxBCZgA1MnIHX-NLAGpus5tpyjr5i0wxR8CrE9aclRoGNFsdcrv1adaTa9asWOuQy4TAfC6bUxWanb2CdU8G/s1600/20140813_002823779_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVFq9i6oxp92VPbB8LBAbjhZFXV7_X7OtwtbOE-AuQLIqyHwZBCuiN8nPsxBCZgA1MnIHX-NLAGpus5tpyjr5i0wxR8CrE9aclRoGNFsdcrv1adaTa9asWOuQy4TAfC6bUxWanb2CdU8G/s1600/20140813_002823779_iOS.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do the same process with a power strip. It will need a bit more velcro. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs92mSxdkQ4RS2ISIp7oP88XSowX7KbZZDWNFz675_jGdNmWva64_4NwSWh_lZazT74_tWdxrFr9gcfK-X-irIzmD1XDLjfow4x-mavTIIneewVfunPndh8ya3AGdfY6X9_k1VwSqU6j0/s1600/20140813_002906275_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs92mSxdkQ4RS2ISIp7oP88XSowX7KbZZDWNFz675_jGdNmWva64_4NwSWh_lZazT74_tWdxrFr9gcfK-X-irIzmD1XDLjfow4x-mavTIIneewVfunPndh8ya3AGdfY6X9_k1VwSqU6j0/s1600/20140813_002906275_iOS.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The view from under the table with attached cords. You could certainly pull up all the hanging cords with some twist-ties or zip ties to tidy it all up a bit more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Shelley for organizing this monthly link up. Be sure to check out the many other Bright Ideas by clicking the links below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3BmrXAvRdyrGDVgNto81b1hoe_YLdtQKCWoOWcWmoULZggGEXk_sB1tLbbxmXEvkNJFQAMjZmwdEQHYd_T5tnAzvgs5S-8PzZV1Zyb6YBfuX9MNZrNdHJuZDFBa9RWv7YlaHhraq6imK/s1600/bright+ideas+2.001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3BmrXAvRdyrGDVgNto81b1hoe_YLdtQKCWoOWcWmoULZggGEXk_sB1tLbbxmXEvkNJFQAMjZmwdEQHYd_T5tnAzvgs5S-8PzZV1Zyb6YBfuX9MNZrNdHJuZDFBa9RWv7YlaHhraq6imK/s1600/bright+ideas+2.001.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-83752329020657165512014-08-15T08:32:00.000-06:002014-08-15T08:32:00.554-06:00Avery Binders and Divider Tabs<span style="font-size: large;">Just in time for back to school, I received some Avery brand products to review from <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/" target="_blank">Shoplet</a>. Here's how I put them to use. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">I'm going to give "Genius Projects" a try this year. I had a great discussion with a sixth grade teacher yesterday about how we might implement it in our classes this year. I set up the binder with a tab for each student. I'm still working on the tracking sheets that will go inside; I'll post about them as soon as I get them done. I plan to include a record sheet behind each students' tab to help me keep track of their projects and how they're doing and what support they need. I'll also put in a copy of their proposals. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC0CUCHF7z4od1ubqHglPiuXqaGoAr9nkeGVGgbQnuRqXdPiSrsT5VIbgjt65N6TgnrOq8COYgGUNll1CsVcisnNmtajwisP90Awrm_4d0uXD-7U8EC73ei2pux96kGA4fD0qBfmcFxGQ/s1600/20140815_141406463_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC0CUCHF7z4od1ubqHglPiuXqaGoAr9nkeGVGgbQnuRqXdPiSrsT5VIbgjt65N6TgnrOq8COYgGUNll1CsVcisnNmtajwisP90Awrm_4d0uXD-7U8EC73ei2pux96kGA4fD0qBfmcFxGQ/s1600/20140815_141406463_iOS.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sDf2sxFyydPRaS00XyOMuqcAJ10ww3HY0ymIR2N9X3A46W8Vw3PQpsOa9eS6QLfbWalRmwHBxEwwqHpzrhGwQ-3q7Mejr_E4Q6cgb89JuGw4qj3VK4T3QNOgic_oRCO7lfFmMUv4lXrW/s1600/20140815_141412094_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sDf2sxFyydPRaS00XyOMuqcAJ10ww3HY0ymIR2N9X3A46W8Vw3PQpsOa9eS6QLfbWalRmwHBxEwwqHpzrhGwQ-3q7Mejr_E4Q6cgb89JuGw4qj3VK4T3QNOgic_oRCO7lfFmMUv4lXrW/s1600/20140815_141412094_iOS.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">I have always appreciated the quality of Avery products. The <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Avery-Heavy-Duty-View-Binder-With-One-Touch-EZD-Rings/AVE79199/spdv" target="_blank">view binder with one-touch EZD rings</a> is super easy to open. The one pull tab on the bottomhas a rubber surface for easy and comfortable grip. You really can open it with just one hand pulling on the tab (You'll need your other hand to hold the binder in place as you pull.) The two pockets mean that you can be more organized and hold more papers in the front and back cover of the binder. The pockets are clear so you can easily see what you've put inside of them.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">The Index Maker Clear Dividers with <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Avery-Index-Maker-Clear-Lavel-Contemporary-Color-Dividers/AVE11991/spdv" target="_blank">Color Tabs</a> and with <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Avery-Index-Maker-Clear-Label-Dividers/AVE11436/spdv" target="_blank">White Tabs</a> are durable, professional looking dividers. The thick paper the tabs are on will help them stand up to a lot of flipping in your binder. The tabs come with labels that can be printed on for an even more professional and organized look. Both the Easy Apply labels and the traditional formatted labels were included in the box. The Easy Apply labels are designed to be applied to all the tabs at once for ease and time saving. I was skeptical at first, but I actually really liked how easy and well they worked. I loved that I easily downloaded the template from the website included on the label sheet and easily named and printed the labels all at once. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can view a great tutorial video on the dividers below:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="270" id="flashObj" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=3298272343001&playerID=887424810001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAzrtXxzk~,OKF-WvWFmrgIK7VbhylldJzAFrnJn6s3&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=3298272343001&playerID=887424810001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAzrtXxzk~,OKF-WvWFmrgIK7VbhylldJzAFrnJn6s3&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">Do you do "Genius Hour" or "Genius Projects"? How do you make it work well in your classroom? </span><br />
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I received the Avery products as a courtesy from Shoplet in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own from my experience with the products. </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-51426386789929948532014-08-13T05:00:00.000-06:002014-08-13T05:00:01.977-06:00Draw-a-Saurus: Book Share Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmod7GQ2nYko4QP05je4AJXY3lzpTvnOfqWeytqGCJwLr8SBJ6278A6lmOXmlTbAaXvnM-tHVn0M3J8xsAksPB8FuW9ml5etJgla66dpt8m-I6gN1oOpFrMwhZ1ST0oVpUjFp8fyqfA6X/s1600/3AM_mg_B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmod7GQ2nYko4QP05je4AJXY3lzpTvnOfqWeytqGCJwLr8SBJ6278A6lmOXmlTbAaXvnM-tHVn0M3J8xsAksPB8FuW9ml5etJgla66dpt8m-I6gN1oOpFrMwhZ1ST0oVpUjFp8fyqfA6X/s1600/3AM_mg_B5.png" height="320" width="311" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to Book Share Wednesday, a weekly post that I introduced last week. Each Wednesday, I'll share with you a book, most likely new to the market. It could be a picture book, novel, or professional development book. Besides learning about a new book each week, you can join the fun in sharing a book on the third Wednesday of each month when my post will be a linky that you can link up to. That's next week, if you're wondering, so be sure to plan a post and link up next Wednesday beginning at 5:00 am MST. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today's book is a fun how-to book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J1IQW5O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00J1IQW5O&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00J1IQW5O&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00J1IQW5O" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Draw-a-Saurus will be released on Septebmer 9. I really appreciate the front matter in this book that is humorous and gives the reader some background information about dinosaurs and drawing tools and techniques. The reader really gets a lot of information before the drawing lessons even officially start. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, you are taken through step-by-step lessons in drawing several different dinosaurs or groups of related dinosaurs. Along with the drawing steps, the author includes information about each of the dinosaurs through each step of the drawing. Students will have fun drawing and learning about these mysterious creatures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think this would be a great book to add to your classroom library. It would be especially appealing to your science kiddos, and likely your reluctant readers. There's so much text and information along with the drawing that reluctant readers will be sucked right into reading about the dinosaurs as they draw. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is a jam-packed book at 160 pages. I was able to take a look and read through the Kindle version of the book. I would highly recommend getting the paper copy of the book. The Kindle version would do, but I have a feeling that the paper version would be easier to navigate and more user friendly for the type of book it is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can preorder <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J1IQW5O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00J1IQW5O&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20">Draw-A-Saurus: Everything You Need to Know to Draw Your Favorite Dinosaurs</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00J1IQW5O" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> now and have it delivered either to your Kindle or to your door on September 9, 2014. Be sure to come back next Wednesday and link up your Book Share posts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are some of the books you find that your reluctant readers or "science smart" kiddos enjoy?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></span> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-58676590995206117062014-08-10T07:00:00.000-06:002014-08-10T07:00:01.760-06:00Loved That Lesson: Introducing my Class Theme of the Year<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'm so excited for the first day of school, just so I can introduce the theme for our classroom this year:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">"be the change"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It all started when I watched a music video by Alex Boye and then a viral video about some German students who stop to support a homeless man on the street. It all just seemed meant to be, so I decided my theme for the year would focus on being the change based on this quote from Mahatma Gandhi:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj5OJEkR-emEGUbP40cbfgR-2hI1kbYrLrNk6sVXF4yFgQnWr4COYfUL9WA49RCNb8IueS9kPl9DpD3STWqX9wNbxNonEPLdG_4YToD3noWiVL8S-uMmcAz3dK_QD7oY7h7352Yy6mEv2/s1600/Slide1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj5OJEkR-emEGUbP40cbfgR-2hI1kbYrLrNk6sVXF4yFgQnWr4COYfUL9WA49RCNb8IueS9kPl9DpD3STWqX9wNbxNonEPLdG_4YToD3noWiVL8S-uMmcAz3dK_QD7oY7h7352Yy6mEv2/s1600/Slide1.PNG" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 15.693333625793457px;">So, on the first day of school, I'm going to introduce our classroom theme. I"ve planned three lessons that introduce and explain the theme to students and lead us to the ultimate end of having students set goals on a regular basis throughout the year to make change in themselves, thus influence those around them. Below, I've outlined the first lesson. You can get the full three day outline along with the student goal sheets in my full mini-unit set linked at the end of this post as well as a link to get posters of each quote for free. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Start by sharing the Mahatma Gandhi
quote with students, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world”. Hang up the poster of the quote. Ask students what they think this means and
support students in a discussion without giving your opinion or steering
students toward a “right” answer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Then, show this video about three German
students who stop to help a homeless man.
Ask students to think about how the quote relates to this video. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Then, have groups of students write their
thoughts on some post-it notes. Have some chart paper or your whiteboard ready
for students to stick their notes. You
can label sections with the reflection questions or just have a parking lot
area ready for students to place their notes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Some reflection or guiding questions might be: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->What were some correlations with the quote and video?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->What strengths/skills did these people bring to the situation? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->What strengths can you offer to help make change? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As students are writing notes and
posting them, wander among the groups and take note of some of their ideas to
ready yourself for a class discussion following the group brainstorm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bring the students back together and
hi-light some of the recurring ideas or those that especially stand out as
ideas to share and discuss. Lead your
discussion to the conclusion that we have the power within ourselves to make
change that then affects others.
Hopefully, we use that power to effect positive change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'm so excited for this to be my theme and to come back to it frequently throughout the year. I'll also be relating it to my introduction of the 7 habits for effective students that I introduce the first week or so of school. We're not a Leader in Me school, but we introduce and refer to the habits as a grade level team throughout the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you'd like the posters of the quotes that I made you can get <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Quotes-about-Change-1377565" target="_blank">the set here</a>. There's a quote and video for each lesson. You can get the second two lesson plans and goal planning sheets for the entire school year <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Be-The-Change-a-MIni-Unit-Leading-to-Student-Goal-Setting-1381474" target="_blank">in this set</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Be-The-Change-a-MIni-Unit-Leading-to-Student-Goal-Setting-1381474" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Zs73vANsa6rOHkUh67N7AjQr3V2jiCLhqDC5R0kTs_qiFYJYQr9nrE7z3Xj-XrP0pFrLncbTR2jkOxnqfg6vcGUmPC1GfMXMr1iUcfplS83y69tAcZW5m9RGS042nlcXxa7MViGO76xF/s1600/Presentation2.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Be sure to click below to see many other great lesson ideas and link up your own great lesson idea as well!</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.theteacherstudio.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sam-5mg7k2CI-caMeo88xxWntXF7xtcwV9YhGQznLtJWIM_ybQXJ1jIiIrba2W3Vw0IkiPQ8K7bLpjj6HhTQceFwQ68FvSubJB_emmpfDXplE0SEIF-eSL53HEfZ25BGUTSFOiV_ushg/s1600/10252050_284793898355675_8716576885238192757_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></span> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-19502335323991827712014-08-08T16:16:00.000-06:002014-08-08T16:16:02.025-06:00Back to School Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfW5mW4fZEgKFIJWGg_Z0UiGWU53q9o8jd6g8Mp7rxVmUFbcdWgVemhQJae2NEoK58rSPkcpPRp1wxIvrQizLR5M23gqArIu-CW5EmcA2hIuzcxhk4aJcf2pox190tfwkiX6S9AGv_us-c/s1600/BTS-logo-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfW5mW4fZEgKFIJWGg_Z0UiGWU53q9o8jd6g8Mp7rxVmUFbcdWgVemhQJae2NEoK58rSPkcpPRp1wxIvrQizLR5M23gqArIu-CW5EmcA2hIuzcxhk4aJcf2pox190tfwkiX6S9AGv_us-c/s1600/BTS-logo-2.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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I'm happy to be collaborating with several other 5th grade teachers to bring you some back to school tips and a giveaway! </div>
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My tip is to not be afraid to let students know about you. On the first day, share with them about some of your hobbies, what you did over the summer and about your family. When students feel like they can connect with you, they are more likely to trust you and to be open to receive information and advice from you. </div>
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I'll be sharing a PowerPoint slide show with my class on the first day filled with pictures of my summer and family. I'll also be sharing my "3 about me bag" with the students. It will serve as an example for students as they will each be asked to bring a bag containing three items that represent them in some way to share with the class. I'll assign ten students per day to bring in their bags for the 2-4 days of school as a way to help us get to know each other and start to get comfortable in front of the class. </div>
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Be sure to hop through all of us to get all of the tips. You can enter to win some amazing prizes below or at any of the other blogs along the hop. You'll find the next tip from Nicole at </div>
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-78872739255510133272014-08-06T14:19:00.000-06:002014-08-06T14:19:58.626-06:00Book Share: The Fourteenth Goldfish<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixET9r25M76x0VEXOYdc_nP7XwdPXxFqHrhfjopXh55HcFtZnZc4-1UjTsY9L0jdDAeZy1RnKsRaBo_DdqtTxa1YqZ9vv7akI5SWk_awQKiz0tQ1oc3TzqImD7MSpuaB7WAceUkgDqUvnd/s1600/3AM_mg_B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixET9r25M76x0VEXOYdc_nP7XwdPXxFqHrhfjopXh55HcFtZnZc4-1UjTsY9L0jdDAeZy1RnKsRaBo_DdqtTxa1YqZ9vv7akI5SWk_awQKiz0tQ1oc3TzqImD7MSpuaB7WAceUkgDqUvnd/s1600/3AM_mg_B5.png" height="320" width="310" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am so excited to introduce to you a new weekly post. Book Share Wednesday! I'll post a book review or a lesson idea correlated with a specific book each Wednesday. Some of the books will even be for newly or pre-published books! Even better, on the third Wednesday of each month, Book Share Wednesday will be an open linky for anyone to link up their posts about a book or lesson idea for a book. You can share picture books, novels or even professional development books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This first Book Share Wednesday post is all about a book that will be released on August 26, 2014. It's one of the books for the Global Read Aloud this fall. You can get more information about the <a href="http://www.globalreadaloud.com/" target="_blank">Global Read Aloud here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IQRN4PW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IQRN4PW&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=SF3YSHLSREQSORGY"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00IQRN4PW&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dillyd-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IQRN4PW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IQRN4PW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IQRN4PW&linkCode=as2&tag=dillyd-20&linkId=SF3YSHLSREQSORGY">The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dillyd-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IQRN4PW" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is a light-hearted novel about discovering that anything is possible. As Ellie works through the changes that come with moving from being a child to a teen, she realizes the joy in discovery and the possibility that lies within trying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The book has several themes and a couple of story lines that weave between each other. It is very thought provoking and leaves the reader wondering a bit as Ellie thinks about the damaging side of some inventions that have changed our world for the better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Fourteenth Goldfish will be a great independent, group or class read for grades 4-6 and some third grade students. It would be a great teacher read aloud and lend to some good conversation. I appreciated that I didn't have to worry about questionable language, themes, or scenes at any point in this novel. It reflects reality with an element of fantasy that many students will be able to relate to without a depressive nature. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll be reading this book to my 5th grade class starting October 6th during the Global Read Aloud and would love for any of you to join us. Pre-order your copy now by clicking the book cover above. We will be chatting about the book on twitter using #GRA14 from the @dillydabbles twitter account. My class will also be blogging about classroom happenings from the same account using #sierrabonita5, we'd love to connect and join with you in sharing classroom experiences!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please join us each Wednesday for a new book share, especially on Wednesday, August 20 for the inaugural monthly Book Share link-up.</span></div>
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<img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238127945864395888.post-85790866856048706922014-07-28T06:00:00.000-06:002014-07-28T06:00:07.043-06:00Must Have for Back to School: Trashy Crafter Book Bracelets<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Well, back to school is just around the corner. I feel like I've been preparing for fall all summer!! I bet many of you feel the same way. I've had some relaxation, but not nearly enough. My daughter's swim teacher mentioned to me that we need two summers, one for relaxing and one for getting things done. Maybe we just live in the wrong place! Southern California or Florida were seeming like really nice places to be!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtDhzXbfhar8bPPtL1nAs5i22kRzOitxh0VZ7BUVbGSkRWfbg-UD7Q6S09TF6WCvEU4xZwsbKgxqKJ_F0cy_D-pLKONgAu6JcHu2qiiTOS-nWS-QyuFzysqq5wgQEsojf6vrfCo9vGocO/s1600/20140725_205415057_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtDhzXbfhar8bPPtL1nAs5i22kRzOitxh0VZ7BUVbGSkRWfbg-UD7Q6S09TF6WCvEU4xZwsbKgxqKJ_F0cy_D-pLKONgAu6JcHu2qiiTOS-nWS-QyuFzysqq5wgQEsojf6vrfCo9vGocO/s1600/20140725_205415057_iOS.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Thinking of heading back to school means not only getting the classroom and lesson plans ready, but you need to get yourself ready too. New clothes and accessories are usually on that list. I was recently introduced to Kim of Trashy Crafter who makes darling bracelets from old books. There isn't a better accessory for a hip teacher than a bracelet made from her favorite book. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQSCDEHQYiZZUEfOt6PZOvHY4I1M2emTiRWBaOYYF4-mUkRKdzPpABWV8kWl1hKfLysad3b1XPEMPAVdcNf5LmvkwwoxERiFSnEXR7BfBrX6IdritKGaYaj5VHo4KeBq79SSqMLVeLANj/s1600/20140725_205300697_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQSCDEHQYiZZUEfOt6PZOvHY4I1M2emTiRWBaOYYF4-mUkRKdzPpABWV8kWl1hKfLysad3b1XPEMPAVdcNf5LmvkwwoxERiFSnEXR7BfBrX6IdritKGaYaj5VHo4KeBq79SSqMLVeLANj/s1600/20140725_205300697_iOS.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Kim sent my bracelet set right away in this darling packaging from an old map. It's a map of Texas, I know you wanted to know! Inside, was the set packaged as you see above. The back gave me a few directions about care for the bracelet. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZuoV-tm_v25V8FFsd-FIqeJFcxRRL9o5SkAKp9A2p96EJCiu8idjlHYmrjL_ST-ABShEZZa7nhmypUuE0YTbEh4VZDTpdwo7ruaHyKauyleiPeyqYZHbjvMBqEaZy21gUCamRXFyZB71/s1600/20140725_205439121_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZuoV-tm_v25V8FFsd-FIqeJFcxRRL9o5SkAKp9A2p96EJCiu8idjlHYmrjL_ST-ABShEZZa7nhmypUuE0YTbEh4VZDTpdwo7ruaHyKauyleiPeyqYZHbjvMBqEaZy21gUCamRXFyZB71/s1600/20140725_205439121_iOS.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I chose to get a bracelet set made from the pages of Winnie the Pooh. It's my favorite book from my childhood. A.A. Milne had his characters share the most profound thoughts about life like:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."</span><br />
A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude."</span><br />
A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How could you not love Pooh Bear, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, Roo and Christopher Robin?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj419XuNpkeHlts7UZjt7e_C9kg5H6hGHI4dYaRF9uixCbFIDkFNf29yS7SHNORlsqXgamuG_u5P8ZfckVl3VkBqafK_qiasgBBQuVSrh2NGNxdv0bk4rq2xFoBMwc3AcUWaOrwK0GP7CWu/s1600/20140725_205549607_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj419XuNpkeHlts7UZjt7e_C9kg5H6hGHI4dYaRF9uixCbFIDkFNf29yS7SHNORlsqXgamuG_u5P8ZfckVl3VkBqafK_qiasgBBQuVSrh2NGNxdv0bk4rq2xFoBMwc3AcUWaOrwK0GP7CWu/s1600/20140725_205549607_iOS.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You can totally see Tigger and Piglet in those beads can't you!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The beads are strung on a jewelry quality elastic, so they fit everyone perfectly. You can see how well they lay on my wrist. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LjrWLqHZ6bBhqgqZbX1w6lcnLSLngxMkfG4vnlwKvQ3W0mon7zAl488XUm4F7KED8y4Ioc1z70pgF96uLut0f1mffosMOAZSdTGJtCpIXAPn8H7zVqiPnMkYyy0V95vgPi8J0GnrnJ4Z/s1600/20140725_205510609_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LjrWLqHZ6bBhqgqZbX1w6lcnLSLngxMkfG4vnlwKvQ3W0mon7zAl488XUm4F7KED8y4Ioc1z70pgF96uLut0f1mffosMOAZSdTGJtCpIXAPn8H7zVqiPnMkYyy0V95vgPi8J0GnrnJ4Z/s1600/20140725_205510609_iOS.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Kim makes each bracelet from the pages of discarded or no longer wanted books. Of course you have to have one to coordinate with your favorite book to help share your love of reading and books with your students. There are also bracelets from sheet music, many children's classics and adult books too. There are even coordinating earrings! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here's some great news for you! Kimberly is offering readers of this post a special discount! You can get your own bracelet set (or anything else you like in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrashyCrafter" target="_blank">her store</a>) for 15% off by using the code tc2014 at checkout in her Etsy shop. Hurry over and make your order now so you'll have yours ready for back to school. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Don't miss anything new from Kim. Be sure to follow her by clicking the links below: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://trashycrafter.com/" target="_blank">Trashy Crafter Blog</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrashyCrafter" target="_blank">Trashy Crafter Etsy</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrashyCrafter" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://instagram.com/trashycrafter" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/trashycrafter" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Go get your book jewelry now! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/melissag-signature.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></span> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06329334326173104926noreply@blogger.com0