tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45459802690886413582024-03-13T06:03:54.384-04:00Read and Black and Learning All OverTeaching and learning are a growing experience ...Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-36180294469834435872016-08-11T13:02:00.002-04:002016-08-15T11:25:57.834-04:00Product Revamp and Something New -Plus Something Free for You! I love creating literature units to go along with the CCSS. Kids love traditional stories, so it's great to find ways to include these classic stories into lessons. But, the more units I've created, the more disjointed they started to feel. I looked at my TpT store, and saw that all of the covers looked so different.<br />
Last year I participated in the TpT Summer Challenge group where TpT sellers were encouraged to revamp a project and give it a makeover. This year, I decided to do the same thing ... on ALL of my CCSS Literature units. I wanted to give them all a cohesive look. (To check them out on TpT, click on the picture).<br />
<br />
Here's the finished product(s):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Aesops-Fables-An-Intermediate-CCSS-Alligned-Comprehension-Unit-1838690" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCJ7GVSw31IF6yZXUssGoBthChTn9VxTijQnbt9YK3ZHnE9Gdd4HkGwGc4eIOpE_Tomh1c2Uh4FGjdcmciXiRyff7XOw1f1nVUpfc4qSeL8341Kj1hQLnrUHd5R4znpfXaixjzOSXIZ4/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-08-11+at+11.52.09+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cinderella-Stories-CCSS-Comprehension-Unit-CompareContrast-672421" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LjhWpEQqjVqrWMaqUWWsI9jS-_55j384z1gZvOmQpB8jXF1yUIlPu3AS_laloGxiujAcnR905MGDkiYFDNFjPVkNMWj-vjoDBi3a4uCDsjJT4Awq5wNCoCMF3Oy1gUV4HUARXJNvr3E/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-08-11+at+11.52.56+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Red-Riding-Hood-A-CCSS-Comprehension-Unit-1714199" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHn2ivUxU0lTIx7GHt1h8I3Z_6gWVSFW0WpM__XOh2WHu7whkDxzDVqJTq0z8_mkFaty54xR5-1ZeddTOri2ec4XY03NlbrCaVkcp0xKNcZqJQcl0cZYcp1ZIDIQmZg_ui7MXxFBhHOUw/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-08-11+at+11.53.25+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Exploring-American-Tall-Tales-A-CCSS-Aligned-Unit-690766" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQHgLKlf6s8FJWM7Y0lGCqZ1yGQU-BzfUlsX9FrzCaDJjEoCEAkF9S1AykEaywni7hGbudYzrx1gFkx1kL8nB_-aLFIfhgHO3DfQSR0UXWFGuBvoUkyw2HW6g04aG1nL6gcdXF7GNxZg/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-08-11+at+11.53.57+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am really happy with the way they turned out. So happy, that it inspired me to finally finish another product I've had in the works all summer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-The-Little-Pigs-A-CCSS-Literature-Unit-2723850" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T8gw1jqeg7UuEA0HdIs_2smZb9CfsWOBh3IEL6ifQGxpvq6KQpTMZyjawOSwCUZ0dzdugqqwsWiW7W5Cah0zNJMaFlyzEcUR84cgXuW1Lq3VTo_dgy2zH26BY2E1EuiDbrki4A5U2LI/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've had the framework for this unit created since June, but it just kept sitting on my desktop .... unfinished. Thankfully, nap time this week has been peaceful and allowed me to get down to work and finally put the finishing touches onto the product.<br />
I'm really excited about this because it's going to pair nicely with one of the 3rd Grade Units we created this summer during curriculum writing. Take a peek:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxxHj2yy562a45LVHsB3O8jtMpaSW0sf-fN-42m8OfAj6-xB9uhHxAXeyn1GCFtOL3adx9CCJK4DIkl2-2et03pFQ9qYT12ZLguO52TZXVqLmM9EHExqOT-GQDoLGh5W2IyZZLQKOj2M/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxxHj2yy562a45LVHsB3O8jtMpaSW0sf-fN-42m8OfAj6-xB9uhHxAXeyn1GCFtOL3adx9CCJK4DIkl2-2et03pFQ9qYT12ZLguO52TZXVqLmM9EHExqOT-GQDoLGh5W2IyZZLQKOj2M/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqleDHxKuItCJrPb72_FBdjpf5MNQPeK6s6jFqpZJcmxS0FDhLW2VIp_v8XnM7pqOXRfu1b0zuaSd-hrXXOCHViR_5GUfYmtGET3kRzvwfLzrPg44lm-It8aivkGm7rzLzLoQYzi_4P8/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqleDHxKuItCJrPb72_FBdjpf5MNQPeK6s6jFqpZJcmxS0FDhLW2VIp_v8XnM7pqOXRfu1b0zuaSd-hrXXOCHViR_5GUfYmtGET3kRzvwfLzrPg44lm-It8aivkGm7rzLzLoQYzi_4P8/s320/Slide2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F6fsu6zcUtmKP46S-K8fsjcPrQtDZUsoV_SpvIPFPMHPmRebIvw7Q9Or9jboIlYoLCwmkx0tg_j16Uhwl2eyhBbMvU936nlhvLwmEoXmw0Tawb7XFzIBwpoSRtFwCQWP8nXxpiM8QRw/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F6fsu6zcUtmKP46S-K8fsjcPrQtDZUsoV_SpvIPFPMHPmRebIvw7Q9Or9jboIlYoLCwmkx0tg_j16Uhwl2eyhBbMvU936nlhvLwmEoXmw0Tawb7XFzIBwpoSRtFwCQWP8nXxpiM8QRw/s320/Slide3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One skill I wanted students to understand in this unit was character traits. But, in order for students to understand how to find character traits, they must first understand the foundation of character traits. Sometimes, students confuse outside traits, for example, what a character looks like, for an actual trait. Saying a character has brown hair is very different than saying a character is bossy. Below you will find an activity I created to help students with this foundational skill. This <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Three-Little-Pigs-Inside-vs-Outside-Character-Traits-2724031" target="_blank">10-page activity</a> is available for free on my TpT store, so hop on over to download yours now! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Three-Little-Pigs-Inside-vs-Outside-Character-Traits-2724031" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFocysWLB5XZEJO0rCUDSyYHMDmjvXQNPobyBJWg7VDtzI1hIfXk96D1-svCZIt-ADF5xThBQheqv0x7YH_5KjCK2dsTkDXtWjFbbO6r_He6BpelLHCmfAWH8CY7vTrMDAMtzGdAzbhM/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-08-11+at+12.52.15+PM.png" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Three-Little-Pigs-Inside-vs-Outside-Character-Traits-2724031" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7ILd-UNR3aNGIshooPtIcbHo2K-svFg8UwkO_x6yTZ811zoMoEJeXPipzDjjm1DOOL4qj9Wkm8QSt5MJ-kVp5CNkBYm6nTMqE-JY_45xyF0KW9VmlCwg_QcZO1N9sUumFeSyU7-1ruc/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-08-11+at+12.52.22+PM.png" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Three-Little-Pigs-Inside-vs-Outside-Character-Traits-2724031" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq1Valk2ueOvzT1sPnNJ40mgPjtOP9rhLnPsATrG7FlsD5XK9_XonQysW7vumN6qC94sWeJAr9WjIZv1E9NA_kklTFQ3kihigpzbUrkHr5PwDdaioMfL3PwInt4zq7hx2ncjeM3zQBco/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-08-11+at+12.52.30+PM.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Three-Little-Pigs-Inside-vs-Outside-Character-Traits-2724031" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_dSIuPLNuoN2_CyVcudq1ctAxb8nrreKxJ59yUfvDAU6Cj4o8fjfyy5xu1s0ypa3UdGH0A2hSWgTnwVESHYX-3R_dBjGJHIJnHK-q6f1DPVJOEPURNFe6rUNk9vx2xAIqRMRCXu7j00/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-08-11+at+12.52.38+PM.png" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
How do you use classic literature in your classroom? What are your favorites?Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-80466238492748185542016-08-09T16:28:00.001-04:002016-08-15T11:26:23.302-04:00Little Red Riding Hood - Understanding Theme Using Speech Bubbles (Free Resource)So, being a mom has gotten the best of me. Meaning, it's truly the best, but doesn't leave me much time for my other favorite pastime ... blogging! As a new school year approaches, I am trying to recommit myself to my blog.<br />
<br />
This summer I spent some time working on writing curriculum with a team of third grade teachers. We looked at standards, and studied standards, and looked at more standards .... you get the idea. Our goal was to use backward design to help construct cohesive ELA units that will help our students grow as readers.<br />
Our district is not currently using a purchased curriculum, so we, as teachers, craft our own units. It's a big job, but also allows for a lot of teacher input and passion.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZX0ipnau7QN7CVAgpBEzn2IKNjkq6zZ04pHrb4WT-9IzByO5KgrKVUuiMVEtLOqrmwuQx-Z7-rt3qSuXIgUMx4S2OXCqIyaNIU5fpLjTInS9ZDDQz1OjUdiTvgvVpfgq6DwgMttsghA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-09+at+4.10.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZX0ipnau7QN7CVAgpBEzn2IKNjkq6zZ04pHrb4WT-9IzByO5KgrKVUuiMVEtLOqrmwuQx-Z7-rt3qSuXIgUMx4S2OXCqIyaNIU5fpLjTInS9ZDDQz1OjUdiTvgvVpfgq6DwgMttsghA/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-08-09+at+4.10.04+PM.png" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
I had so much fun when it came to the creative part of the units - picking out literature and creating engaging learning activities. One piece of literature we chose for a focus of the "Cultures Around the World" unit was Little Red Riding Hood. It's a great familiar folktale, and has many versions. I particularly love Lon Po Po, written by Ed Young.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Us7ekHyPiqponiD-Uk_2OBDFMJNhzi3huKcw_pRpkkM073GXX2Cc1AMee0TvmvNkoNEG9_mlg3993swuDjLYKlFE6BYdzWIuC3qI4IlzWZeMaI2Ibv_KXGGv3S9FiZFm6BE-bIf2nPU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-07-26+at+6.21.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Us7ekHyPiqponiD-Uk_2OBDFMJNhzi3huKcw_pRpkkM073GXX2Cc1AMee0TvmvNkoNEG9_mlg3993swuDjLYKlFE6BYdzWIuC3qI4IlzWZeMaI2Ibv_KXGGv3S9FiZFm6BE-bIf2nPU/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-26+at+6.21.13+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One thing we really wanted students to understand was point of view as well as how to find the message of the story. For a third grader, that's a lot to think about! In an effort to scaffold their learning, we crafted lessons that would building upon their current knowledge in order to help them understand how stories can teach us lessons, and how we can learn a lot about characters based upon who is telling the story.<br />
<br />
In order to build these foundations, lessons were crafted with whole group (teacher led) and guided practice sessions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPilWLC_fEuZu3EIIZEInkFvSNuctEGl0ESZ-3FDuH6cQHSPNNZzorqUNQunlxxfPkiyglm4L5-vr6VQ20ts-o6RkmMRU27sYvaXFcWmtRh4PSsiK0k7U6OJR51PwRiPCGhRQ9_22YVG0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-09+at+4.14.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPilWLC_fEuZu3EIIZEInkFvSNuctEGl0ESZ-3FDuH6cQHSPNNZzorqUNQunlxxfPkiyglm4L5-vr6VQ20ts-o6RkmMRU27sYvaXFcWmtRh4PSsiK0k7U6OJR51PwRiPCGhRQ9_22YVG0/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-08-09+at+4.14.30+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One thing I really wanted was to engage the students in creative activities so they could show their learning and have fun! I wanted the students to think about how each character would feel about the message of the Red Riding Hood story. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIfh-wl9ifWpTLhLZkeEgfpL9T5RCv59_yxeyHq2-jRUSlde0LvxL201_y9dPgSjyzZXd2pvxu5B8N-Lk-nIPW7NNz4ZQPIpoS5-8DskEMxkjQij6JjcnJ_YrN7bgljFKwDyLQHxz9Vw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-09+at+4.18.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIfh-wl9ifWpTLhLZkeEgfpL9T5RCv59_yxeyHq2-jRUSlde0LvxL201_y9dPgSjyzZXd2pvxu5B8N-Lk-nIPW7NNz4ZQPIpoS5-8DskEMxkjQij6JjcnJ_YrN7bgljFKwDyLQHxz9Vw/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-08-09+at+4.18.18+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Red-Riding-Hood-Say-What-Its-THEME-2685485" target="_blank">HERE</a> to get the speech bubble activity for free from my TpT store! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRCRBWDjDnVXVdv-8PbkiwuOVA9H5mNmxb7AOKVLKn2s69k4YSar5WFPQa3a85z5fEKpBiSFF_pwCG3DF9obQhv4Umo-UmQDdfKJAFgW4JK-zvW4U_z6Dpb_NOUDGQ_9hiBRiV1vJwMM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-09+at+4.23.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRCRBWDjDnVXVdv-8PbkiwuOVA9H5mNmxb7AOKVLKn2s69k4YSar5WFPQa3a85z5fEKpBiSFF_pwCG3DF9obQhv4Umo-UmQDdfKJAFgW4JK-zvW4U_z6Dpb_NOUDGQ_9hiBRiV1vJwMM/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-08-09+at+4.23.19+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Interesting in using Little Red Riding Hood to teach core reading skills? These are the books I love!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Text Suggestions: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman</b><br />
<b>Lon Po Po by Ed Young </b><br />
<b>Red Riding Hood Was Rotten by Trisha Speed Shaskan </b><br />
<b>Petite Rouge by Mike Artell </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Interested in more activities to teach Little Red Riding Hood? Check out my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Red-Riding-Hood-A-CCSS-Comprehension-Unit-1714199" target="_blank">CCSS Look at: Little Red Riding Hood</a>.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuHK3ySqTkPeFvRcKmlUeUnN_15qTxWPrxuZVIP-esiCJ-G9-4mJE2nLRRhHIDQxo0VBoWIyQR1eNy4B-_gKrupST43Q1ru4rTm0SaULA0-z5iqf04VJC2mduoE3lqy7lWpy2scpQTWA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-08-09+at+4.26.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuHK3ySqTkPeFvRcKmlUeUnN_15qTxWPrxuZVIP-esiCJ-G9-4mJE2nLRRhHIDQxo0VBoWIyQR1eNy4B-_gKrupST43Q1ru4rTm0SaULA0-z5iqf04VJC2mduoE3lqy7lWpy2scpQTWA/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-08-09+at+4.26.58+PM.png" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-87912694403442434342015-12-21T14:09:00.000-05:002016-08-15T11:27:20.885-04:00Back to Work.... And Holiday ComprehensionWell, I'm back to work, and if your school is anything like mine, we are facing some excited kiddos! Wrangling in their craziness can be tough this last week before Christmas. It's even worse here in the reading room. The last thing my students want to do is come to our room and practice their decoding, fluency, and comprehension. And the last thing I want to do is spend 35 minutes trying in vain to keep them on task. So, I wrote up a nonfiction article on holiday lights are created a few short, fun, generic nonfiction activities to keep them engaged.<br />
Here's a little preview: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDukNflGZtrzHqDvXzNJwBK44H7phtDrD4ciONNV8kVE4rjiwQN9Jy_Th1oF3BuhutDZKjQbIK-ifQlV_L1as1HyIFNdky2zkcFVy-O-CxyUOrkuND_QVFWrBY3EgWvej_GDWQuT4Co4/s1600/Slide01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDukNflGZtrzHqDvXzNJwBK44H7phtDrD4ciONNV8kVE4rjiwQN9Jy_Th1oF3BuhutDZKjQbIK-ifQlV_L1as1HyIFNdky2zkcFVy-O-CxyUOrkuND_QVFWrBY3EgWvej_GDWQuT4Co4/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRO6018d1CcCAcTERlKpRkCuj-tLEJgq-vZ2TaCeagCd-nA4ot4i6Pq5d_zX_0kQe_FIkKU7RvhFna_N3vDz-Ez2aJCxFW_08agr4zkL0BLeKpXHp4W9HG4cxx4i_mLXwnbNJuHg7bvQ/s1600/Slide02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRO6018d1CcCAcTERlKpRkCuj-tLEJgq-vZ2TaCeagCd-nA4ot4i6Pq5d_zX_0kQe_FIkKU7RvhFna_N3vDz-Ez2aJCxFW_08agr4zkL0BLeKpXHp4W9HG4cxx4i_mLXwnbNJuHg7bvQ/s320/Slide02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00TvQPLaTpT3QqBn3WQ770CJQMbJRcPbOIOHu1Z6u9FxI7J99WrTFtsIDPgGrq7w5qSYAHX7WvuHS6qC6CE2APdkLgfhMZ7ggTPp9HCS4CMqIkzLAxsexgR42x_PouHErC0G34egVlrU/s1600/Slide04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00TvQPLaTpT3QqBn3WQ770CJQMbJRcPbOIOHu1Z6u9FxI7J99WrTFtsIDPgGrq7w5qSYAHX7WvuHS6qC6CE2APdkLgfhMZ7ggTPp9HCS4CMqIkzLAxsexgR42x_PouHErC0G34egVlrU/s320/Slide04.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKlPdmJP3GQHAw-HOTuCeYfUoKAqbiNuDZGD1ZzIV7CaHjzLDZyHWteBJKo4L64leBZY90k-tUVZ9Ednt-i_YNIOPWZ6PZ58VXAoMHt8KLREIfSI8cYRZ3JpkIPM5a9MX6rurj9F7FxM/s1600/Slide05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKlPdmJP3GQHAw-HOTuCeYfUoKAqbiNuDZGD1ZzIV7CaHjzLDZyHWteBJKo4L64leBZY90k-tUVZ9Ednt-i_YNIOPWZ6PZ58VXAoMHt8KLREIfSI8cYRZ3JpkIPM5a9MX6rurj9F7FxM/s320/Slide05.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Download the whole set at my TpT store <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holiday-Lights-Christmas-Nonfiction-Article-and-Comprehension-Activities-2267167" target="_blank">here</a>! Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-4874150170892028192015-10-16T14:06:00.002-04:002016-08-15T11:27:39.018-04:00Week 7 of Maternity Leave (and a FREE DOWNLOAD)Well, I've been off for 7 weeks now (really more if you count the summer). So, that's 7 weeks with my beautiful new daughter. Before she was born, I had grand plans of blogging every day and working on all the TpT projects I never get finished ... HA!<br />
Yeah right! Today, she finally took her first three hour nap (in her swing and not my arms) and I got some sleep last night. Hence, I'm not in zombie mode.<br />
<br />
Now that I've gotten some sleep, I realized I never posted all of the pictures I took of my new office/classroom in our reading department. Since I will staring a new job as a reading specialist when I go back to work, I had to pack up my classroom and prepare a completely new space for this school year (which was very fun while 8 1/2 months pregnant).<br />
<br />
Here's a peak at what it looked like when I saw it last at the end of August. I'm sure it looks a lot more "lived in" now that kids have entered the space and small groups have started.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHy52cF6ZegnfagGEj1AKjftao84MG3JGkbKdzj_o8bUMKnYp2ToS5NVhyoL3eaATeZr8JM0e-8JG40h7symyes3oaeDM60pfZ22lHHudIz8Y_5hQiG0UnrC5lt-8HG8VJJmyKduSZmc/s1600/IMG_4562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHy52cF6ZegnfagGEj1AKjftao84MG3JGkbKdzj_o8bUMKnYp2ToS5NVhyoL3eaATeZr8JM0e-8JG40h7symyes3oaeDM60pfZ22lHHudIz8Y_5hQiG0UnrC5lt-8HG8VJJmyKduSZmc/s320/IMG_4562.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1lAkXUskm-ORhEvLVkKmOUL6xLnhcMgeDY3jf4GWpu73kjcY2ypA0qnnVX_7aI51sfWnhWKR2mpAxePq_q_l_tMMWd2cXbg_FkMiNw-alS6a_7m7QvBo4YpZpe9FZix4OSBYRUcd75U/s1600/IMG_4563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1lAkXUskm-ORhEvLVkKmOUL6xLnhcMgeDY3jf4GWpu73kjcY2ypA0qnnVX_7aI51sfWnhWKR2mpAxePq_q_l_tMMWd2cXbg_FkMiNw-alS6a_7m7QvBo4YpZpe9FZix4OSBYRUcd75U/s320/IMG_4563.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIEBNIgBllySmqIWeMTJBUnYpUCBItXjcOWaIg-TgiI5eJ2-5Y7EAqesz9T0hnnnscThfc5KcXtulH3kVuw6uTN6nhYydZ2O27-ce36vYrPp6MnVbWa5eCEgGFexvSxLZAUjRJMYj2TA/s1600/IMG_4564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIEBNIgBllySmqIWeMTJBUnYpUCBItXjcOWaIg-TgiI5eJ2-5Y7EAqesz9T0hnnnscThfc5KcXtulH3kVuw6uTN6nhYydZ2O27-ce36vYrPp6MnVbWa5eCEgGFexvSxLZAUjRJMYj2TA/s320/IMG_4564.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid31x0GCFNp4adhRGDZj5p31k-CymKIEd8c1F4qjT51ud1QqFD_Y73S7xYoX1_X5WDIYWZwNGa04vfNePXYaQWD_7LlvXZK1hb3mv3i8SpUQpEWrtemDnPwAy2UttyUlzxsRK4ly02D0o/s1600/IMG_4568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid31x0GCFNp4adhRGDZj5p31k-CymKIEd8c1F4qjT51ud1QqFD_Y73S7xYoX1_X5WDIYWZwNGa04vfNePXYaQWD_7LlvXZK1hb3mv3i8SpUQpEWrtemDnPwAy2UttyUlzxsRK4ly02D0o/s320/IMG_4568.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uoSa4hslQ4jq6wG0_WgXoyRVhA7_pLXHLr1gnKlkA8Glv1tett3pL-V_gdxknrDmUmhQup6Yg0IIPNwYZcuUq8VCLAWJIV_3q7V2DZv7whH6H6qnq96qAwLl1MLy0YC7BJBEpt-_a-g/s1600/IMG_4569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uoSa4hslQ4jq6wG0_WgXoyRVhA7_pLXHLr1gnKlkA8Glv1tett3pL-V_gdxknrDmUmhQup6Yg0IIPNwYZcuUq8VCLAWJIV_3q7V2DZv7whH6H6qnq96qAwLl1MLy0YC7BJBEpt-_a-g/s320/IMG_4569.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLIvGpiFJXvQ2yipU-iPm76m6nORMXPMQGpjjrOwqB1C9E6a6NsD9dE3DHIjx1FJ-O_5T41TTcbkgamZUHr7hrq8rO-UU9KoVOUYzhY8UG0DryboWTH-dUv-wAkMECMDmg9k_JRNIqCw/s1600/IMG_4570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLIvGpiFJXvQ2yipU-iPm76m6nORMXPMQGpjjrOwqB1C9E6a6NsD9dE3DHIjx1FJ-O_5T41TTcbkgamZUHr7hrq8rO-UU9KoVOUYzhY8UG0DryboWTH-dUv-wAkMECMDmg9k_JRNIqCw/s320/IMG_4570.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiBFuIpjtQ3XcLu4PuDXCkZ2SMFj-EEnhD-fd2z-DrvphIad4uR5ZHcD6tnmaQIiPj9861QQgH4VhRAUAoWuoCNbBhL-YzQteybxpT10dEMqZmrcSfdj5iFASzVv7jqjJkQUkM15F9nE/s1600/IMG_4571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiBFuIpjtQ3XcLu4PuDXCkZ2SMFj-EEnhD-fd2z-DrvphIad4uR5ZHcD6tnmaQIiPj9861QQgH4VhRAUAoWuoCNbBhL-YzQteybxpT10dEMqZmrcSfdj5iFASzVv7jqjJkQUkM15F9nE/s320/IMG_4571.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I left some blank space to use for learning objectives, group work, and other things that I'll want to hang for the students to use. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How do you keep your space organized? I love labeling EVERYTHING! In fact, I just added the labels I made for this space to my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Draw-Labels-for-Organizing-Your-Space-2153363" target="_blank">TpT store</a>. And they are FREE :) Just click the link and download them for yourself. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-3632372076008305192015-08-05T11:33:00.000-04:002015-08-06T10:35:24.744-04:00A Look at Close Reading, Classroom Design, and a Freebie :)Well, this year is going to spell big change for me! Not only am I due with our first baby in two weeks, but I've also applied for and gotten a new position in my district. After my maternity leave I will begin a new career as a reading specialist for our 3-5 building! I'm really excited, but also really anxious for so many changes. It's hard to leave 4th grade, the only grade I've taught for the past 9 years, but this next step in my career is something I've really been looking forward to.<br />
<br />
CLOSE READING<br />
<br />
So, as a reading department, my colleagues have chosen a book to begin studying. They've chosen A Close Look at Close Reading: Teaching Students to Analyze Complex Texts.<br />
Close reading has become the new (old) buzz word in the past year. While close reading is in no way a "new" idea, it has picked up a lot of steam and created a rekindling of some very good practices with students. I'm excited to dive into this new book, not only to help me as an educator, but to also help others better reach the needs of their students.<br />
As the common core pushes the idea of close reading, it is important for us, as educators, to understand just what this means for our teaching practices. As I read and analyze this text, I plan on sharing my new learning here. I'd love to hear your ideas on close reading and how you've been applying it in your own classroom.<br />
<br />
In preparing to really focus on close reading this year, I made a few posters to hang in the reading room, but they'd be great for classroom too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsZektyvLfwrElXOiYH19SJ_ybbT1dQtRBfcaFyeR29QIo8VljGRQqX1vixrQkLf6o34DqWuSVcABZdBFUGAnoEFb_egWMnXm4yMx3rsuGm5r2FA2HtwxQAreBkqcKjTQwDtsoitNIE4/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsZektyvLfwrElXOiYH19SJ_ybbT1dQtRBfcaFyeR29QIo8VljGRQqX1vixrQkLf6o34DqWuSVcABZdBFUGAnoEFb_egWMnXm4yMx3rsuGm5r2FA2HtwxQAreBkqcKjTQwDtsoitNIE4/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbKXqltGvP3e4xlfRJMhbS0j0BEVIhQFVCXGIxUMmJ-6gm9GbDfRdFd6kwVxoj8iw1xFzGWf9mE1C_8sCqBYAo9wCZHDpP4S45iXQL4B0P3mR-ENVCxCiTzf1cEQUrcgIcbr-81lW1uk/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbKXqltGvP3e4xlfRJMhbS0j0BEVIhQFVCXGIxUMmJ-6gm9GbDfRdFd6kwVxoj8iw1xFzGWf9mE1C_8sCqBYAo9wCZHDpP4S45iXQL4B0P3mR-ENVCxCiTzf1cEQUrcgIcbr-81lW1uk/s320/Slide2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgKGk6_tKb_3PL-LQC2j8OYpA__ukgwJfL3zbGll8t0lJBG3ALZkLwryuhuN4SqwTeGNEjxNVReqHqqGaleEzlzqn5Wfzuv69qMm9ZvBkgwifcs2yqgcHqxpcN5aXmp0eg7Fx1-0FR5Y/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgKGk6_tKb_3PL-LQC2j8OYpA__ukgwJfL3zbGll8t0lJBG3ALZkLwryuhuN4SqwTeGNEjxNVReqHqqGaleEzlzqn5Wfzuv69qMm9ZvBkgwifcs2yqgcHqxpcN5aXmp0eg7Fx1-0FR5Y/s320/Slide3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Want to download these for your own classroom? Click <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Reading%20Closely%20BLOG.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" target="_blank">here</a>! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Classroom Design</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, I've been totally obsessed with black and white and neon. I think that is how I'll be decorating my office/small group area this year. Yesterday I was playing around with some designs and ideas, and it ended up turning into an entire set! So, I finished it and put in on TpT. Check it out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Black-and-White-and-Neon-Room-Theme-with-Editable-Pages-2010338" target="_blank">Neon Room Theme</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's a peak at what it looks like :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUWYx3I-vRnk7MUXKq38qdxnTXacSHZBB8yBwfr1fjNwQr-AFGXueDtCJHgeQX0401mLsuwrXRLv2vKSr-aO3TcXfGtU1DeJYDVPJD0OC2NI9epvj3Ntx2cZrFAGdvJ7T76otbN8X-zg/s1600/Slide001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUWYx3I-vRnk7MUXKq38qdxnTXacSHZBB8yBwfr1fjNwQr-AFGXueDtCJHgeQX0401mLsuwrXRLv2vKSr-aO3TcXfGtU1DeJYDVPJD0OC2NI9epvj3Ntx2cZrFAGdvJ7T76otbN8X-zg/s320/Slide001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPYv9qlc3NThyto1hJRapEjl4R71PnRdXWbtykVGmk3Q1DMVT6okviAOqzMX6M7nbrFL8hYmHtYdsY7lOZ5DMK2GnRkD6neYIcBEfukdXD5FN2qmKboG6Pco4hBJnEy6pI5Ppunw6zYs/s1600/Slide027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPYv9qlc3NThyto1hJRapEjl4R71PnRdXWbtykVGmk3Q1DMVT6okviAOqzMX6M7nbrFL8hYmHtYdsY7lOZ5DMK2GnRkD6neYIcBEfukdXD5FN2qmKboG6Pco4hBJnEy6pI5Ppunw6zYs/s320/Slide027.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeXg6hgiKfLJG5CEotFXqcmWezE4_Ee_gwOPaUAO8Y070DtzSYd3DMmBQH9bWj2qkI5QZAbkXMHWYCQ326UKfJ0RaaXoE0A-cYD1uQ0786o4LSWF7_XdIYCkssfNkAPQoBCRU2A9x4NY/s1600/Slide044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeXg6hgiKfLJG5CEotFXqcmWezE4_Ee_gwOPaUAO8Y070DtzSYd3DMmBQH9bWj2qkI5QZAbkXMHWYCQ326UKfJ0RaaXoE0A-cYD1uQ0786o4LSWF7_XdIYCkssfNkAPQoBCRU2A9x4NY/s320/Slide044.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0jlFryG8k_E1lHARnHDu7hv34kZF6PODcPIL2OuBsYX3wKpIWadYWNRCw5ApxxJWmImBUyqLl4hnAsFVzKDWxMEWXPR9gJROO1mCiTGee5B9MvMmUV6a8mHew8NKRc6DWilzHv6gPYk/s1600/Slide114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0jlFryG8k_E1lHARnHDu7hv34kZF6PODcPIL2OuBsYX3wKpIWadYWNRCw5ApxxJWmImBUyqLl4hnAsFVzKDWxMEWXPR9gJROO1mCiTGee5B9MvMmUV6a8mHew8NKRc6DWilzHv6gPYk/s320/Slide114.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7V3EerqYjZruht2OeV5BP1KTRXXabOqH2xtG5B1sjHhZ1dsby1VuZ0e22ZDGctn4q9bVxxLxUYEhQFtOhiPPdex_kIhpV2Mgn9pPoaekKxYExfje0X4dPZ8gnwMiEYY7cdWYVyP1kic/s1600/Slide159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7V3EerqYjZruht2OeV5BP1KTRXXabOqH2xtG5B1sjHhZ1dsby1VuZ0e22ZDGctn4q9bVxxLxUYEhQFtOhiPPdex_kIhpV2Mgn9pPoaekKxYExfje0X4dPZ8gnwMiEYY7cdWYVyP1kic/s320/Slide159.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GA-HfpHuSfdQR1iImhB4sapSijHYcFucJ3LrLP61x84WxQFdn9-_OjLV2OE4BJGG99f_FyE8dsuVov6eI1XL5ZFEm1BhrTP_ZC7otdyvPfb5k5cxrvyTl4t96hyphenhyphen0ujxh8qlPoasIwUY/s1600/Slide176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GA-HfpHuSfdQR1iImhB4sapSijHYcFucJ3LrLP61x84WxQFdn9-_OjLV2OE4BJGG99f_FyE8dsuVov6eI1XL5ZFEm1BhrTP_ZC7otdyvPfb5k5cxrvyTl4t96hyphenhyphen0ujxh8qlPoasIwUY/s320/Slide176.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oOv7k-3hqDqykCA4hs2GNP-dPIzHcs2IyLCVtSnEnn66hODeVAcICveqIy9gnq9SfOfhxRMy67ypU3BcJ-gNpijmRoRMuz0ScUZGur6h_yMHY8YWkPcKALIa3pBoG9UkAKthLOm6Dhw/s1600/Slide201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oOv7k-3hqDqykCA4hs2GNP-dPIzHcs2IyLCVtSnEnn66hODeVAcICveqIy9gnq9SfOfhxRMy67ypU3BcJ-gNpijmRoRMuz0ScUZGur6h_yMHY8YWkPcKALIa3pBoG9UkAKthLOm6Dhw/s320/Slide201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Any one else gearing up for a new year? Or do you just want to outlaw the "S" word? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-27719281045837284442015-07-20T21:49:00.000-04:002015-07-20T21:49:11.032-04:00Under Construction :) Tips welcome! So, I've decided to give my blog a bit of a facelift. The only problem is ... I know NOTHING about blog design or formatting in HTML ... so, for the next week or so, I am going to consider this a construction zone!<br />
<br />
Any tips?Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-77629909998739112432015-07-17T16:28:00.003-04:002016-08-15T11:28:22.820-04:00Making My Masterpiece #tptsellerchallenge - just a little late :) Two weeks ago was "Make Your Masterpiece" week for the TpT seller challenge. Well, I'm just a little behind. I was on vacation that week and have been teaching summer school since I've come home. But, I was determined to finish this set! I did, after all, start it last summer.<br />
The other day I blogged about the set, and even offered a free download of the set as a preview. Today I finished editing and revising ... and it's uploaded! I definitely think it IS my masterpiece. It ended up being 250 pages long ... many more than I intended, but well worth it.<br />
The set is for grades 3-5 RL Comprehension and can be used with any text! It has anchor charts, graphic organizers, and interactive notebook pages.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Grades-3-5-CCSS-Aligned-RL-Comprehension-Set-and-Interactive-Notebook-Pages-1965092" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHwbL-q8maEw5hAQ6Uvv9dV0IWSSrLACNwR45g6AYsKXnidLXLFt8zlgJx9okBeIiEwvBRLNN2-xjN3ICccZxwEjbQxsCnaDVTolAMkU_8dbqj_SvskX6JrMAX_pveoh7QHS4BrN4uIc/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.22.39+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can check it out on TpT by clicking the image above! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a preview! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJePqRCKMe43qbrR0b79vDA7ElrP1XYIAiDewHOIpNyBTX_2OYyYLFKujSHyKp-RSo7ouVWtqXHT-OmRDJj9_dH1goZM_r6E0A4dCoGOZ67QDoOj8_zd7WPVcKsHJU1t8J7hPeTFmuR4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.25.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJePqRCKMe43qbrR0b79vDA7ElrP1XYIAiDewHOIpNyBTX_2OYyYLFKujSHyKp-RSo7ouVWtqXHT-OmRDJj9_dH1goZM_r6E0A4dCoGOZ67QDoOj8_zd7WPVcKsHJU1t8J7hPeTFmuR4/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.25.30+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w1o27sjW121j0GBc2ndeqk04XoXfdyIB2biwFeIUTpYjk0_3SqqF8WNHKVeNNFI8t-3LGTZ30D9iIp90utkDz2cwdmeSLp2WJHUfWtAgjf2eKhiUT-l-QpsxvUYqBHSIls6vfz7gUdw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.25.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w1o27sjW121j0GBc2ndeqk04XoXfdyIB2biwFeIUTpYjk0_3SqqF8WNHKVeNNFI8t-3LGTZ30D9iIp90utkDz2cwdmeSLp2WJHUfWtAgjf2eKhiUT-l-QpsxvUYqBHSIls6vfz7gUdw/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.25.41+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MYCpNlU8f4NUgXyzpHNocOvi16NTyp4pdv032PHk2IBFUXphwnC_cisdOMRA5mAFX5EsWKrgz0AWyCBa0kT_9lwdfEdv6ttp085upz6FdsD97gczSW0mHEc84JcVUCIoikvzXXl0pRY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.25.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MYCpNlU8f4NUgXyzpHNocOvi16NTyp4pdv032PHk2IBFUXphwnC_cisdOMRA5mAFX5EsWKrgz0AWyCBa0kT_9lwdfEdv6ttp085upz6FdsD97gczSW0mHEc84JcVUCIoikvzXXl0pRY/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.25.48+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbEAxfGGydRargoSbw7slpw0NzSawefjYDYr8nga9_3CWVzoao_87E3Ex8utc6N4lwT_51OVPg8xuDiGU4fCHUODUsQgISIEKH7wHqr45U4UBxR5yhujcifdnqW9ddboLRbgJRMSwA9A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.25.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbEAxfGGydRargoSbw7slpw0NzSawefjYDYr8nga9_3CWVzoao_87E3Ex8utc6N4lwT_51OVPg8xuDiGU4fCHUODUsQgISIEKH7wHqr45U4UBxR5yhujcifdnqW9ddboLRbgJRMSwA9A/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.25.59+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcgqdw_iYFeYAg2tJRvzdL8Nq0z0ICx_7rqRXra7fjN0_UVNLPYac0mU7WX9OQGHkF2uvVi_Es0zsR9YafvY5ewe07spzeDPyve2BqFsmPp4tcjgHmfYiUYOs4oCJ6QRvl-OqqLRzFz8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.26.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcgqdw_iYFeYAg2tJRvzdL8Nq0z0ICx_7rqRXra7fjN0_UVNLPYac0mU7WX9OQGHkF2uvVi_Es0zsR9YafvY5ewe07spzeDPyve2BqFsmPp4tcjgHmfYiUYOs4oCJ6QRvl-OqqLRzFz8/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-07-17+at+4.26.09+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to put it on sale in my TpT store for the next couple of days to celebrate it's completion! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, a special thanks to those who offered to help edit before I published. I appreciate it! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-55510211550500710312015-07-13T17:27:00.000-04:002015-07-13T17:32:40.550-04:00Making my Masterpiece - with a sneak peak to download!I've been trying to keep up with the TpT Seller Challenge over the past few weeks, but with teaching summer school and being in my 8th (almost 9th) month of pregnancy .. I'm tired! Last week, the challenge finished a new week called "Make Your Masterpiece". Well, I've been working on mine since last summer, and it's still a work in progress. I have over 250 slides, and now I'm focused on editing and refining the product to make it TpT ready.<br />
So the product is for intermediate teachers (grades 3-5) and focuses on reading literature. I've included anchor charts, graphic organizers, interactive notebook elements, and activities to help teach the standards no matter what text you're using in your classroom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljyUYARscCGE9_4FFuI0GYpWQ4vvwWvnK5ioOhkt7DETVXuItTNAdOpI8jX8IxDQAerL6xyyqBmN0rYrIEFeDjaJuxx4ojMXh_xnkTzUvLRmd8FtrGOwJjB-vCjHDScWWnpAPtVXQS8Y/s1600/Slide02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljyUYARscCGE9_4FFuI0GYpWQ4vvwWvnK5ioOhkt7DETVXuItTNAdOpI8jX8IxDQAerL6xyyqBmN0rYrIEFeDjaJuxx4ojMXh_xnkTzUvLRmd8FtrGOwJjB-vCjHDScWWnpAPtVXQS8Y/s200/Slide02.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE1l6fN4ea3DyPMF6t1Jgeq_i4xgPLxABUJm5smqhtYNgNiH2kUxk4yL_m27hnMnc-_-jgCJtPrNYnoIDSPevxWhQDtbNyIaQ8pFBicJ1epS3dSn5lfH5IPgsUy-yazV_8P2qJY40Z9M/s1600/Slide03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE1l6fN4ea3DyPMF6t1Jgeq_i4xgPLxABUJm5smqhtYNgNiH2kUxk4yL_m27hnMnc-_-jgCJtPrNYnoIDSPevxWhQDtbNyIaQ8pFBicJ1epS3dSn5lfH5IPgsUy-yazV_8P2qJY40Z9M/s200/Slide03.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrSTZNBE6iPXY31r3Bt-yAEtx4jzlWEiuhB7-eTgt5Ad5MFx7MzFt3sujMLU9lUeiNKsUxiLckjeeW-qcV7e4IsDbZsocjrSa_KszUER3ooFILgggiJa-sWgqimnQ_2IxQNCS4GTT_gs/s1600/Slide04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrSTZNBE6iPXY31r3Bt-yAEtx4jzlWEiuhB7-eTgt5Ad5MFx7MzFt3sujMLU9lUeiNKsUxiLckjeeW-qcV7e4IsDbZsocjrSa_KszUER3ooFILgggiJa-sWgqimnQ_2IxQNCS4GTT_gs/s200/Slide04.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FTav0GZ9p1umAlV0L5ELXyxaBrFDcSSO-gyoTTj6_UOKrb5LierxRt6VYt_ylS4C8IqZXEWqqvTbJWVlC9pTFMaFMKAlkQrbSyuc6fjN7bWdHXCOds3MKbFrQnntQeZ6G9GsNKbJLMk/s1600/Slide05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FTav0GZ9p1umAlV0L5ELXyxaBrFDcSSO-gyoTTj6_UOKrb5LierxRt6VYt_ylS4C8IqZXEWqqvTbJWVlC9pTFMaFMKAlkQrbSyuc6fjN7bWdHXCOds3MKbFrQnntQeZ6G9GsNKbJLMk/s200/Slide05.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd21CMlaYL34mKE8XZ-pGFsI7KANUp0AkDPdUL5ALUXvSxHdcXOwlK3NgkMguPF4gDzx5ukYde2-RmjQAnIQgT77Ad2JqXm1PCUZMkCSODNiDMkq79XJl8Macb1s-lvFbaXY1JjrcwZY/s1600/Slide06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd21CMlaYL34mKE8XZ-pGFsI7KANUp0AkDPdUL5ALUXvSxHdcXOwlK3NgkMguPF4gDzx5ukYde2-RmjQAnIQgT77Ad2JqXm1PCUZMkCSODNiDMkq79XJl8Macb1s-lvFbaXY1JjrcwZY/s200/Slide06.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbAxO_0Qjn1NN0vSoR19XfX2Y9WlaRk8k7gy30VatGccLUdVA3Y9BNj0Yv_nk0Sh6tOoZ0iYILqaKokQJqcOnytnQ-RbAfpWJThRgyiXkYncwccoPdHr5sk5O8tZhJyMp5Ld_oK2p9sM/s1600/Slide24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbAxO_0Qjn1NN0vSoR19XfX2Y9WlaRk8k7gy30VatGccLUdVA3Y9BNj0Yv_nk0Sh6tOoZ0iYILqaKokQJqcOnytnQ-RbAfpWJThRgyiXkYncwccoPdHr5sk5O8tZhJyMp5Ld_oK2p9sM/s200/Slide24.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now, I just need some feedback! I'd love if you'd download this free sample (materials that hit RL 1) and give me some feedback!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/RL%201%20Sampler.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgbDzcYRKteTsXwNdeV7twy72n1L2W-JU1dx_t-LufKpBW5CuWyVj3LS8g6ruH-Vo-1u_wXmc8YZJOW9m74dyuKkxhuUKr5TXXyQybvkPZRDx80H-yKZaJkaWo2rF5mboJKbOaecug5o/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Click on the image above to download the sneak peak. And please, don't forget to leave me some feedback!</div>
<br />
<br />Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-68022057897929982492015-06-16T20:11:00.002-04:002015-06-16T20:11:31.055-04:00TpT Seller Challenge and My MAKEOVER MADNESS! #tptsellerchallenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check this out! </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3Fz2OJlH5QCY3jiU5s3sp1Y7dvjHo25XMQPZkp7CpRA0rbirGgTyqiFPnxyJyasZVWe7WEpXdnBbFPCXhZ4iJx2FZnMky8VO8x_mfjw3assrFGpodzkc9Q6FQpqTEkDfkmNypp-wfGo/s1600/11292962_2497323922619_699541135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3Fz2OJlH5QCY3jiU5s3sp1Y7dvjHo25XMQPZkp7CpRA0rbirGgTyqiFPnxyJyasZVWe7WEpXdnBbFPCXhZ4iJx2FZnMky8VO8x_mfjw3assrFGpodzkc9Q6FQpqTEkDfkmNypp-wfGo/s320/11292962_2497323922619_699541135_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I saw this on Facebook yesterday and just HAD to join! Check out <a href="http://www.thirdinhollywood.com/" target="_blank">Third in Hollywood's</a> blog to read more about it! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This week's challenge is all about revamping an old product. I chose to revamp my top seller. First of all, it had NO COVER PAGE! What? Really? It was actually one of the first products I created for my store, and while I've updated it once since then, it still looked a little stale to me. I've updated my font library and TpT skills since then, so it deserved a little love.<br />
Check it out:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cause-and-Effect-Posters-Activities-with-I-Have-Who-Has-Graphic-Organizers-224609" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0BG5utwWKztAPQiYmZ39I0H2-plltLhPO-PKy9RJF05H2cpo0chZxM80RAa0EhQJQxnxY-Uwb1Uf1EGaFZ_X48zeCccb1Oozn4kGBJVT_c9A5AW6O1083i3u_g7kRzw2umDmPlMMnU0/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cause-and-Effect-Posters-Activities-with-I-Have-Who-Has-Graphic-Organizers-224609" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-KPN0uMkgZMAlIdglbA9qJ5NFkv4BY5-c71wraMdusqj4g4wxA2bZQ2mZLDaiqFzT_lnUMUXvMjt69y6fesyFRuMptZZ9D595lUynZT0WTzKRekyxikdnzkTw5hHaKaDMD2UYW5cSIw/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Click on the pictures to see this product in my TpT shop! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm really happy with the changes to the product, and I hope buyers are too! Now I'm wondering what other products could use a little revamp! </div>
</div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-7196395225783976582015-03-23T16:59:00.001-04:002015-03-23T16:59:21.082-04:00Using Classroom Displays I'll be the first to admit that I am guilty of putting too much on my classroom walls. However, I don't have windows ... so we need SOMETHING to look at! If there is one thing I cannot stand, it's bland, boring, white walls. I want my students to feel like they are walking into a place that is welcoming, not dread being stuck with me in a box for 6 hours a day. <br />
<br />
I try to use the wall space for colorful, but useful materials.<br />
<br />
Use #1 - Math Vocabulary<br />
I created Word Wall cards for each of our math units. We use EDM, so there are quite a few vocab words. Here is my wall for Unit 8:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxrAEU4Aj3DuzW2pbKa68GYbV3BFRe2Lfy8qTBjfFN8fk_yvRUvH7s1xQIzK6jTygusUqCntvsnZNXAKITKbgASy66uAFm-512p0rwLd7m3B9i71zrj3QUU-cuDnIZ2LOP8tpNM3pht0/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxrAEU4Aj3DuzW2pbKa68GYbV3BFRe2Lfy8qTBjfFN8fk_yvRUvH7s1xQIzK6jTygusUqCntvsnZNXAKITKbgASy66uAFm-512p0rwLd7m3B9i71zrj3QUU-cuDnIZ2LOP8tpNM3pht0/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I actually ended up liking the vocab cards so much, I decided to put them together in a set for TpT. I thought maybe other teachers could use them too! Find that <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Intermediate-Math-Vocabulary-Word-Wall-Cards-with-Definitions-1528690" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is probably one of the most used boards in my room. The kids especially use it during partner work when they can't remember the different between different terms. This way, they aren't constantly asking me for help.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Use #2 -Reading Language Board</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjak3sh2k1SDuv-BYUFCgme0ap7DbKpYtmWDfR0Neb18-faaxAWH27cB6x9UoUsYq0LTNWbIvMgiXG9dv4V0LDBd3tR-SfM_FaTCvKWmSJxBlhABSwZH6B0Ke9FY15NjKbZDSO6NygTwuA/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjak3sh2k1SDuv-BYUFCgme0ap7DbKpYtmWDfR0Neb18-faaxAWH27cB6x9UoUsYq0LTNWbIvMgiXG9dv4V0LDBd3tR-SfM_FaTCvKWmSJxBlhABSwZH6B0Ke9FY15NjKbZDSO6NygTwuA/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" /></a></div>
I also started to have a little fun creating posters for our language lessons. I made an antonym ant and a synonym cinnamon bun. There is also a magnifying glass for context clues and M&Ms for multiple meaning words. We are lucky enough to have a poster maker, so I can make these posters in power point and print them MUCH bigger. I've made quite a few others for other language standards. I've acutally considered making it a product for TpT, but wasn't sure if this is something others would use. Do you have a poster printer in your school?<br />
<br />
Use #3 - Reading Comprehension Board<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcBvTL5y2g_rNRPJ2gqOfsLx_Csc4P9jly0Y_nHcCn4fDpXvWGaXyr7TAlUWM7lLiWc5W2WSk7UrsoAtzBLysqp92Yg89fCxSOahO68JT5rhREyzKHbA2NgfN5gwqK9Gr3fHnUwMgv8k/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcBvTL5y2g_rNRPJ2gqOfsLx_Csc4P9jly0Y_nHcCn4fDpXvWGaXyr7TAlUWM7lLiWc5W2WSk7UrsoAtzBLysqp92Yg89fCxSOahO68JT5rhREyzKHbA2NgfN5gwqK9Gr3fHnUwMgv8k/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" /></a></div>
I also turn many of our class anchor charts into posters. That way I can print them and hang them and they look pretty. Also, I can reuse them year after year because I tend to create the same charts each year with my kiddos (with slight differences). This is also a place they can reference during guided reading since it is right behind my table. I have a Power Point Presentation right now with almost 30 anchor charts typed up ... all pretty of course! I also thought about making these into editable documents for TpT so others could save time and use the templates I've already created. <br />
<br />
<br />Thoughts on anchor charts/room displays? I would love to hear your ideas, too! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-90437898790393914882015-03-19T16:37:00.001-04:002015-03-19T19:54:21.427-04:00Greek Mythology - Part 2 TEACHING RL 4.4I don't know about your class, but my students LOVE Greek Mythology. Thanks goodness, because teaching words and phrases derived from these stories is part of the CCSS for 4th grade.<br />
I made a set with stories and activities last year to help teach my unit. You can find it in my TpT shop by clicking on the image below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-Mythology-CCSS-Mega-Pack-783341" target="_blank"><img alt="Mythology Mega Pack" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKpdbMaNVVBL6C_stSIVqQEAHuGuP5FOnU6Sat9RARvf9JeMqKABnyuWvRygC3wdZlUlNW8FOQwGOU6gqRlGvyWbOcQ7VzoTB5slU_0NdMOd1P8TvW9XlY8BV3OlU4Yx8rPYOuBoiB8s/s1600/Slide001.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This set includes 10 myths for the following gods/godesses and heros, etc: Zeus, Icarus, Athena, Hercules, King Midas, Medusa,Odysseus, Orpheus, Pandora, Achilles </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also love to do center activities during reading time. Centers are a great way to engage students in meaningful work while still letting them have a little fun. It also helps to give them something engaging to do while I work in guided reading groups. So, I decided to make a center set to go with the Greek Myths. Find it in my store by clicking the picture. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-Mythology-Centers-CCSS-Based-Learning-RL-44-1155637" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-Mythology-Centers-CCSS-Based-Learning-RL-44-1155637" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrltaEzJ8HCPPo2YmsV38rk8g-iV7Ums0l-exJlmvGu-mNEdFzkc8yQ7NN8ZOmdQImC8bfVMEG-qhSM09g1kYKupP3AbtY6Nl-dycSccif19OredjOseGjk_xFWcvUiMgxqdSpeX-X9I/s1600/Slide01.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There set has posters and activities to learn about some popular mythological sayings: Herculean Effort, A Titan, Opening Pandora's Box, Beware of Greeks
Bearing Gifts, Achilles Heel, The Midas Touch, A Face that Launched a
Thousand Ships, Caught Between Scylla & Charybdis, An Odyssey, If
Looks Could Kill, A Trojan Horse, Food of the Gods</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It also has 3 center activities:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Mythological Memory </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Mythological Creative Writing</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Mythological Root Words </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My students really enjoyed reading the myths and finding out the meaning behind popular sayings. I'd say it's their favorite unit of the whole year (though Tall Tales come in at a close 2nd!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We start this unit on Monday after finishing up our traditional literature unit by comparing and contrasting the versions of Cinderella we've read. The kids are excited! But, I decided there were other myths I'd really like them to read. So, I got back to work and spent (way to many) hours creating a part 2 to my Mythology set. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is the link from my TpT shop if you want to check it out: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-Mythology-CCSS-Mega-Pack-Part-2-1770010" target="_blank">Greek Mythology Mega Pack Part 2</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This set includes the myths of Aphrodite, Arachne, Demeter, Dionysus, Hades, Hephaestus, Hera, Hermes, Persephone, and Poseidon. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm really excited to roll out these stories this year. I have my bulletin board all ready with my posters and I Can Statements. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kGrWnQB90VZbbUaFluKJIKXMjVt8oPccVQ3W_c2eBssLj_fLbniQcKrxYUesUonR-Lde0Xq31ZoxeohHClQziabN2rlsHS9RreBTcJukioySjIUmY6xSitwsfYhc-UldnxLtp-tOBBQ/s1600/IMG_3677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kGrWnQB90VZbbUaFluKJIKXMjVt8oPccVQ3W_c2eBssLj_fLbniQcKrxYUesUonR-Lde0Xq31ZoxeohHClQziabN2rlsHS9RreBTcJukioySjIUmY6xSitwsfYhc-UldnxLtp-tOBBQ/s1600/IMG_3677.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-6353533686390512832015-03-12T13:56:00.003-04:002015-03-12T13:56:40.536-04:00Thinking ThemeIt's about the time of year again where I am really hitting theme hard! We had a mini-lesson today to review what we'd learned previously and add on new thinking.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0R4Mo5QRndEjYOtgK7vyTBH4iR1nGSIJA83xpxjxEf2vi2Lk3ZqxlhFxaycCBZnxplFEaj-88gBsxc4whkf0k56tfHA_1vzNC0NlGosM2gyw0EXdbNBxhrWRxwSo6A2djXa8qwskmiY/s1600/IMG_0718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0R4Mo5QRndEjYOtgK7vyTBH4iR1nGSIJA83xpxjxEf2vi2Lk3ZqxlhFxaycCBZnxplFEaj-88gBsxc4whkf0k56tfHA_1vzNC0NlGosM2gyw0EXdbNBxhrWRxwSo6A2djXa8qwskmiY/s1600/IMG_0718.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(As a side note, I usually turn all of my anchor charts into digital copies so I can print them on our poster maker and hang them in the classroom. I can't stand hanging my hand-written posters .... I think they look messy and it drives me nuts!) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last week for Read Across America we really sunk our teeth into Dr. Seuss books. As we read, we verbally reviewed theme. The two main books we discussed were <u>Yertle the Turtle</u> and <u>The Sneetches</u>. Today, as we made our chart, we thought about EVIDENCE. Seems like it's the current buzz word in education. Using Dr. Seuss was a great way to use easy books as examples. They really understood the messages without a lot of thought. It was a great way to begin to scaffold their thinking by having them provide specific evidence from the text. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The main text we've been reading over the last week is the Cinderella Story. So far we've read Cinderella, Yeh Shen, and Cendrillon. We discussed the two main themes from these stories, "always be kind to others" and "good vs. evil". I sent them in pairs to find evidence from the text to illustrate these themes. In this way, I am gradually releasing the responsibility to them, with the end goal being each student doing it independently. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Need a visual for you class? Click this picture to download.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/THeme.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/THeme.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7v5Ae92DJ5A-AzH3ZPJammlDyyIt0kXD-zg-YN3WJTZt2Mis_rezZx_qpYXAYCOLIhb7Kxze_VgMkP8-gj4xhDuCEARXcASPAPocRsr1nWfm0bzstDM7B9-ZbPKahYqgNef4G4mdTz4/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-12458252090295843452015-03-06T10:29:00.002-05:002015-03-06T10:29:53.661-05:00Math Madness - Revamped So, as I sit here on our second snow day in a row ... I'm feeling a bit stir crazy.<br />
But, I've been productive. Last year, I created an activity for my students to practice math skills before our state testing began. See my original post <a href="http://www.readandblacklearning.blogspot.com/2014/03/march-madness-reading-challenge.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
This year, the rigor in our testing has changed, and therefor I need to up the rigor of the game questions. So, I've been scouring the internet for released test items. I find it best to use released items instead of creating my own. This way, the students are exposed to the language they will encounter. So, yesterday's snow day was spent creating two rounds of "Math Madness". Here is what it looks like:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFLEqXOqUsBGnAYO4tA4Tuuq4a4OodQ58OuE67HZbPDNT86sTc2sw6rpZryGGe9_NKbF5WvA2B6j8JSN5H6K4DASr4-84XacFoz5S_sGURpFpiSzcX_xxQpUHx-5Da4uLaQXO859NXjg/s1600/Slide01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFLEqXOqUsBGnAYO4tA4Tuuq4a4OodQ58OuE67HZbPDNT86sTc2sw6rpZryGGe9_NKbF5WvA2B6j8JSN5H6K4DASr4-84XacFoz5S_sGURpFpiSzcX_xxQpUHx-5Da4uLaQXO859NXjg/s1600/Slide01.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkD-ZpktnibQRb5ACfCPRtzkjufUGaMXFtbwINkLx2rRX3k8IRfw-5U45HfGYwKpfQuZyWOEZ8O2B2EyxnTaDJX-QXFG6AraZQpEje7qF4bPjogLer898kTZOPWhyphenhyphenZAPaVOV2V0YWsd8U/s1600/Slide02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkD-ZpktnibQRb5ACfCPRtzkjufUGaMXFtbwINkLx2rRX3k8IRfw-5U45HfGYwKpfQuZyWOEZ8O2B2EyxnTaDJX-QXFG6AraZQpEje7qF4bPjogLer898kTZOPWhyphenhyphenZAPaVOV2V0YWsd8U/s1600/Slide02.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0OKSKpXlVicJjIdpn1c-vnMWN1dV49FEqyePMicDkQDO8uy7AD855LaW59ESTwe4kCcU4B7-tppAVfYESSu6J0SdYZJi8J8Q_p6-G8BOp9yR244UbVXCUGl8fIImIvKdm9qVt3kCEW8/s1600/Slide03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0OKSKpXlVicJjIdpn1c-vnMWN1dV49FEqyePMicDkQDO8uy7AD855LaW59ESTwe4kCcU4B7-tppAVfYESSu6J0SdYZJi8J8Q_p6-G8BOp9yR244UbVXCUGl8fIImIvKdm9qVt3kCEW8/s1600/Slide03.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__D4C4OZCPEzy26Tp5E1m7rqOayO34jkgCQDA-f08-xXbj9cqPLooSQ5Rcvu73y0jcuul0TJYFUWb-n8LJ6NUxIbS2g9KPICeg6rQ0eGAREQUbH92w7BvMcL3czVFly_VIGmOkYUtz7k/s1600/Slide01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__D4C4OZCPEzy26Tp5E1m7rqOayO34jkgCQDA-f08-xXbj9cqPLooSQ5Rcvu73y0jcuul0TJYFUWb-n8LJ6NUxIbS2g9KPICeg6rQ0eGAREQUbH92w7BvMcL3czVFly_VIGmOkYUtz7k/s1600/Slide01.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEn_03hu2xEi70ZCSWtQ66sIqlVldYLHBK_1OYrZceskDcv_SSecW-Y0EbgMBy3lXAvYiJYTfclmdk7D3syAV5-8YqhmHd1m-ceQNvWHX90GnGoHtR-IWchzgEiMpcxX167riClLo48E/s1600/Slide02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEn_03hu2xEi70ZCSWtQ66sIqlVldYLHBK_1OYrZceskDcv_SSecW-Y0EbgMBy3lXAvYiJYTfclmdk7D3syAV5-8YqhmHd1m-ceQNvWHX90GnGoHtR-IWchzgEiMpcxX167riClLo48E/s1600/Slide02.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvJMTCWOWnLt8AXv6RdXSuZ_MEQg_AZdMw_EK4qWw-Yw_2Z8nblgbvGzintcxxs-9wEs2BY3xxVeAVfa7DxCyB5ot6tiCw0Jfz6Zn0Jb0-3FZK0xPTj04k5Cg1vTvwnEPtdLjOg7FoQw/s1600/Slide03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvJMTCWOWnLt8AXv6RdXSuZ_MEQg_AZdMw_EK4qWw-Yw_2Z8nblgbvGzintcxxs-9wEs2BY3xxVeAVfa7DxCyB5ot6tiCw0Jfz6Zn0Jb0-3FZK0xPTj04k5Cg1vTvwnEPtdLjOg7FoQw/s1600/Slide03.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's how it works:<br />
First, I ask a student to bring in a small basketball net we can use. I prefer the kind with suction cups because its sticks right to our white board (you can also use a trash can). Then, I put my students into teams. I prefer mixed ability teams. Students get a score card for their team. I take all of my question cards and attach them to construction paper and laminate them. Teams come up to the front and choose their cards. As a team, they solve the problem. The most important thing is that EVERY student does the work on their own scratch paper. This way, one student isn't doing all of the work while the other get nothing out of the activity. Once they feel they have successfully solved the problem, they bring it to me to check. <br />
<ul>
<li>If they are correct, I mark the points on their score sheet. Then, each player on their teams gets a change to shoot a basket and earn extra points (one point for each basket made). </li>
<li>If they are wrong, they do not get points or a chance to shoot, BUT they must go back and try the problem again.</li>
</ul>
At the end the points are tallied and the winning team is announced. I have not decided on a prize for the winning team yet, and I might let my students vote on a prize. My end goal is I want my students to all be engaged in review. There is nothing more boring that handing them packet after packet. It not only frustrates them, but burns them out before they actually have to sit down for the state testing. I want them to learn, but I also want them to have a little fun. Last year I let them chew gum every time we were reviewing, and that was a motivation in itself!<br />
<br />
I'm working on something now to review for reading, but I'm having some trouble brainstorming. Maybe something will come to to me today!<br />
<br />
How do you review for your state tests? I'd love to hear other ideas. <br />
<br />
<br />Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-60865548810386681142015-02-24T13:20:00.000-05:002015-02-25T11:46:01.265-05:00Teachers are Heroes :) and Little Red Riding Hood GIVEAWAY! I love a good TpT sale! It seriously makes me so happy. So, get ready for a good one!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5roLSSFuSDytNVoivRQp1vnGKNaKnNVmCqpJhW9xFL25TR00zcNkFzobIzkNds_onBBbLIlIE8prrcvMZ_mUOKDIyV8g2W5z72lo5ntJMp0dJ8th7PyXicI0TmrDQjJKd-_FQMVQoTx8/s1600/sale_300_250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5roLSSFuSDytNVoivRQp1vnGKNaKnNVmCqpJhW9xFL25TR00zcNkFzobIzkNds_onBBbLIlIE8prrcvMZ_mUOKDIyV8g2W5z72lo5ntJMp0dJ8th7PyXicI0TmrDQjJKd-_FQMVQoTx8/s1600/sale_300_250.jpg" /></a></div>
Are you ready? If not, I'd start browsing tonight! I went through my wishlist yesterday to prioritize what I want to buy. Here are some things I've picked out:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bQOItdK1xmRiyZDbovLcC8g21pA8KP99ODrVOs84eG1lb11HeUv9s3m4Z363ayFkcJJpQEC06vczKp4vhuJ5YRkYVcanF1A8ZbaumiEUFW-bRbJR17o4J1fxmGcIvMNVedIMrz-WOrA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-24+at+12.52.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bQOItdK1xmRiyZDbovLcC8g21pA8KP99ODrVOs84eG1lb11HeUv9s3m4Z363ayFkcJJpQEC06vczKp4vhuJ5YRkYVcanF1A8ZbaumiEUFW-bRbJR17o4J1fxmGcIvMNVedIMrz-WOrA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-24+at+12.52.52+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Oh-The-Places-Youll-Go-writing-and-craft-activity-853414" target="_blank">by: Times are Fun in Grade One </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I plan to use this for Read Across America Day to create a display in the hallway :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBtmkkM5QTuq-9vy0GpJCnxJ_lElXtiMkb7a65fI-prUaQg88mnF8PbcTOnQ_b1vfdcw0uj3J9ksx7sbG6tI-YIFwkzEEB93DhREoO6NTXmEPsJqXrU_MC6_aQA7eVAH9tBvpF12dEE0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-24+at+12.57.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBtmkkM5QTuq-9vy0GpJCnxJ_lElXtiMkb7a65fI-prUaQg88mnF8PbcTOnQ_b1vfdcw0uj3J9ksx7sbG6tI-YIFwkzEEB93DhREoO6NTXmEPsJqXrU_MC6_aQA7eVAH9tBvpF12dEE0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-24+at+12.57.37+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Point-of-View-Using-Informational-Text-Common-Core-4th-and-5th-Grade-912700" target="_blank">From the Teacher Next Door </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've been practicing this in our mini-lessons, but it's so hard to find good resources! I've been looking and looking, so I can't wait to make this new purchase! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have a few other things on my Wish List, but it's so hard to choose!! What's on your wishlist? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been also working hard on my own <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Heather-Geist" target="_blank">store</a>. (Click the link to visit!) There are so many products I have in the works, I find myself with adhd trying to finish them all at once. So, I picked one on which to focus, and I'm pretty happy with the results! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My Cinderella set on TpT is pretty popular, and I love Little Red Riding Hood just as much. So, I decided to work on another set for my fairy tales/fables unit. The main focus on my unit is comparing and contrasting literature from different cultures, but I also included RL 1, 2, 3, and 6 to review these for my students. Check it out and see if you think it may be helpful for you and your students. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81e0P9ATvUOZcqdVM6o1LPixTwUbREOEqan1R-e5waxRcwmFRJHyEwD9QpfinmkVbpH867EekXE1GWLU44QOmUkl5kG4gXNLCi4gcGtJI88F-EmcsHQCwJRZlGTFvxDfp3KCWt8Z-L6g/s1600/Slide001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81e0P9ATvUOZcqdVM6o1LPixTwUbREOEqan1R-e5waxRcwmFRJHyEwD9QpfinmkVbpH867EekXE1GWLU44QOmUkl5kG4gXNLCi4gcGtJI88F-EmcsHQCwJRZlGTFvxDfp3KCWt8Z-L6g/s1600/Slide001.png" height="200" width="150" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHzntIpWFEZL2LcIRNiLSnuXiFTfd3J_QV_AS6J5sGOYeqTIdkhl8Uz4ciY-iVlcAk0NOXnGsjRyqy9OZvVo6Ur7veQ8SHQ6s7RZbf6aN_trbAe2uiTrxgFKzrJS4j7jVs5A22OS-f6A/s1600/Slide017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHzntIpWFEZL2LcIRNiLSnuXiFTfd3J_QV_AS6J5sGOYeqTIdkhl8Uz4ciY-iVlcAk0NOXnGsjRyqy9OZvVo6Ur7veQ8SHQ6s7RZbf6aN_trbAe2uiTrxgFKzrJS4j7jVs5A22OS-f6A/s1600/Slide017.png" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZNHzRY1lYqmJfjHMSLZuUkqs47Jn5XT_3HPHYjiU2JrYcsdHIBM7wpeVtYP0kbXiJtqBgzDIJhFvqdH0KxJmJ5xsHoXIz3O-wD6BEZP2-euOJGLC7WBij3HNiY93yNfGPU5mD0y7LJg/s1600/Slide030.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZNHzRY1lYqmJfjHMSLZuUkqs47Jn5XT_3HPHYjiU2JrYcsdHIBM7wpeVtYP0kbXiJtqBgzDIJhFvqdH0KxJmJ5xsHoXIz3O-wD6BEZP2-euOJGLC7WBij3HNiY93yNfGPU5mD0y7LJg/s1600/Slide030.png" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Little-Red-Riding-Hood-Grades-3-5-CCSS-Alligned-1714199" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see it in my TpT store. <br />
<br />
AND... I said GIVEAWAY! So, if you are one of the first two people to comment on this post with your name AND email address, I'll send you the set for FREE!! But, make sure to include your email address!` <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-81527564837780239222015-02-18T14:29:00.001-05:002015-02-18T15:11:15.052-05:00Back to Blogging! In more ways than 1! I have been really absent on blogging this year. For some reason, this school year has been really tough for me. The pressure is really getting to me. Anyone else feeling this way?<br />
<br />
So, I'm back blogging to talk about blogging. I just resumed using Kid Blog with my class. In past years I've started it much earlier, but my class this year just didn't seem ready. They really struggle to compose a well-written reading response, and I was not ready to throw technology into the mix (for my sanity and theirs).<br />
<br />
Do you use blogging in your classroom? How do you manage it? Do your kids buy into the process? What works for you? What doesn't? Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-91405521231965925322014-10-13T20:13:00.003-04:002014-10-13T20:17:48.878-04:00Lovin' Language ... standardsBy the fourth grade, my students have a lot they are expected to master. The language standards are no different. The list is lengthy, and can be overwhelming. It seems, that every curriculum's way to teach these standards is giving students worksheet after worksheet! If there is one thing that my kids don't need, is more worksheets.<br />
So, I've been trying to come up with some creative ways to let them have fun while still learning. Here's what I've come up with so far:<br />
<br />
<b>Synonyms and Antonyms</b><br />
<br />
We've begun our journey into context clues, and one of the big clues authors give us is synonyms and antonyms. The trouble is, students need to know the many meaning of common words so they can easily connect words they know to new, unfamiliar words. I've been trying to create challenging and hands-on activities for my students so they can have fun while exploring "fancy" words.<br />
The first activity we did was "Synonym Snail Races" (click on the picture to find the file on TpT)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Synonyms-Snail-Races-1497500" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Synonyms-Snail-Races-1497500" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLht0ViTcLCigXH5zBD3ocS-mxyBCpAfENU6hyphenhyphenmh1A-3Nh00S_1FKJWovEPWrCARoj4HgYV7CfA6Y2ELJepOuDpPWReOLb6wZ11fy6LTRNyhl-1FIJVkPXDEJbIA-TMPwD3qm6MsPZhQ/s1600/Slide01.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA12O6SubFLC2yO3XCPPWOHfBpllVy6UhEqP8e2okYJCzF5w84uuArEJw5MMtJNkR7Ekq6FvAgGZeza9qnzIqPz5Gz4ExFG0UmkMEJ6hm4J4GLKtrlubpTU-s5AZyHwbE4xPM0kQnxfE/s1600/Slide02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA12O6SubFLC2yO3XCPPWOHfBpllVy6UhEqP8e2okYJCzF5w84uuArEJw5MMtJNkR7Ekq6FvAgGZeza9qnzIqPz5Gz4ExFG0UmkMEJ6hm4J4GLKtrlubpTU-s5AZyHwbE4xPM0kQnxfE/s1600/Slide02.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyfLqetVarfl_jMEMAFzpKFaW2BKKQcwUs5sOnoSMb4WeyBkQvob9YbQQhQEMFlkaz8-MiF6XK62TGGHlDVj6Kit8OxVdtQOx13pEqyXl6Cu6EX1NrF2MOnE-xCsQZJPFQkn51w4v1XQ/s1600/Slide38.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyfLqetVarfl_jMEMAFzpKFaW2BKKQcwUs5sOnoSMb4WeyBkQvob9YbQQhQEMFlkaz8-MiF6XK62TGGHlDVj6Kit8OxVdtQOx13pEqyXl6Cu6EX1NrF2MOnE-xCsQZJPFQkn51w4v1XQ/s1600/Slide38.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My class had so much fun trying to outdo each other with the most creative synonyms. For the first "round", teams were only allowed to use their own brains to come up with synonyms. In order for their snails to count, the word had to be a good synonym, spelled correctly, and colored neatly. They really had to work together to make sure everyone had work to do. (This was a real eye-opener to see which students were good team players and which need some more guidance). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the second round, students were allowed to pick one classroom resource to use for their group. Once they picked their resource they were stuck with it, so they needed to pick wisely. There choices were: dictionary, thesaurus, synonym/antonym dictionary, and Banish Boring Words. That second day the race was on! I let my students work for 20 minutes the first day and 25 the second. By the second day, we had a winner. They had so much fun! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From there, we did a shades of meaning activity. We talked about the fact that synonyms, even though they have similar meanings, can still be different. Some have stronger meanings than others. Thankfully, a friend of mine snagged me a stack of paint chips and I was all set! We took our snails as an example and laid them out in order from weakest synonym to strongest. Once they had done this collaboratively, they all picked another bland/boring word to try on their own. Each student grabbed some post-its and a thesaurus, and got to work. They found synonyms for their word and wrote each on a post-it. Then, they ordered them right on their desks. This way, I was able to check and help them revise their thinking (if needed), before creating a finished product. Here is what they look like:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5I1iwKfhU85ivKvXbx03-yfPHMdFmCag0YSNukvAliwk9wRcvWm89HWON1QRDwRAkhnRanlR6PHfI55paOWAPtKtTjJnTLFwb7NtD54WixCiII-j8tz4rEpJsw29rcI89UlaYV_oAx0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-13+at+7.58.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5I1iwKfhU85ivKvXbx03-yfPHMdFmCag0YSNukvAliwk9wRcvWm89HWON1QRDwRAkhnRanlR6PHfI55paOWAPtKtTjJnTLFwb7NtD54WixCiII-j8tz4rEpJsw29rcI89UlaYV_oAx0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-13+at+7.58.31+PM.png" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then I decided it was time for a "craftivity". They seemed to be getting the idea that we have classroom resources to help them find more interesting versions of common words they know. Now, I wanted them to think about other basic words, and find more interesting versions in order to build their repertoire of vocabulary words. So, we created <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Synonym-Spiders-and-Antonym-Ants-a-craftivity-1479581" target="_blank">Synonym Spiders and Antonym Ants </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHRfZ-iMg1qeQH7BebZ2vRttKDsViHxKVD0fRjLOA80oGvZgqESTT8yY3NE_RFL7obs6ni4YR8E6i1O3Rev_x0yfOJzoGxZY97Uj3z9Q2ZwPppI2b5u6aeZFZR8KKA6kv-W1cl1f9ACo/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHRfZ-iMg1qeQH7BebZ2vRttKDsViHxKVD0fRjLOA80oGvZgqESTT8yY3NE_RFL7obs6ni4YR8E6i1O3Rev_x0yfOJzoGxZY97Uj3z9Q2ZwPppI2b5u6aeZFZR8KKA6kv-W1cl1f9ACo/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnEq5kmV3noOnN34elOy6frM6DIFhAzUERkbyF08qSnumSPN07It4aDn679nH8B6y-hzMkSmCqgwLB-iQofNIitgfWdPCqOiYvUm42C5EaMx7bJR2BcMagcCOV4B8nALlWEUKdnc80cY/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnEq5kmV3noOnN34elOy6frM6DIFhAzUERkbyF08qSnumSPN07It4aDn679nH8B6y-hzMkSmCqgwLB-iQofNIitgfWdPCqOiYvUm42C5EaMx7bJR2BcMagcCOV4B8nALlWEUKdnc80cY/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cute and just a little creepy right? Perfect for this time of year! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I decided I needed to make it a full product for TpT. Here are few preview of the pages from the product: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUCN5jYEilUGrduoLtzeVeeFxXyC04zwFUUtnrz_M1q8M8RfFeH08onVp_QyjYFtPJ4R5Kk3HzjRe7eiQdYDJvOuKD4a7qrWB1VYrdloK_OpZ7NDDUVUNrWcvl8Fj5iwf8jxiz6yMhbE/s1600/Slide15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUCN5jYEilUGrduoLtzeVeeFxXyC04zwFUUtnrz_M1q8M8RfFeH08onVp_QyjYFtPJ4R5Kk3HzjRe7eiQdYDJvOuKD4a7qrWB1VYrdloK_OpZ7NDDUVUNrWcvl8Fj5iwf8jxiz6yMhbE/s1600/Slide15.png" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZfVSdWIJD-ClTvG4KPVfhdDiCEWn3nfE_XZqTLfMfJMVSJamZ_AwVzx3lvZKheKoJgWinh6eysOUcd_SgaKH5djn4tSgW5n-kxVM06dGOhnLGOhsTbwIJm5LKweGOlC-ay8IZ-ZX1PU/s1600/Slide04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZfVSdWIJD-ClTvG4KPVfhdDiCEWn3nfE_XZqTLfMfJMVSJamZ_AwVzx3lvZKheKoJgWinh6eysOUcd_SgaKH5djn4tSgW5n-kxVM06dGOhnLGOhsTbwIJm5LKweGOlC-ay8IZ-ZX1PU/s1600/Slide04.png" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlNeNfdJrSxBvXH8daovcTFSqY9REF0xfWggaBfvCbL99hDwHk2-6tk7RtNt2Ep3zgQZrTVoTGHE9Tdh-_mJn5g_yvuHyYGpyI1Bzmxg9yAeIjBpRgSvLOCUEp0Ws_42U-cpizEAyqyc/s1600/Slide17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlNeNfdJrSxBvXH8daovcTFSqY9REF0xfWggaBfvCbL99hDwHk2-6tk7RtNt2Ep3zgQZrTVoTGHE9Tdh-_mJn5g_yvuHyYGpyI1Bzmxg9yAeIjBpRgSvLOCUEp0Ws_42U-cpizEAyqyc/s1600/Slide17.png" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORxG2Ne_-FvC6ICZwSmiy-QBxOvhUWyZOhxLvzAej5T4qmr9ugO1dxqXzva4V-NqpuOxM3VPsUygErqnC4b19PFpyL0weCK4ro0D_5fR9YTj89gdu27BZe8EZHWKu8mdEaX4krunmjKM/s1600/Slide06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORxG2Ne_-FvC6ICZwSmiy-QBxOvhUWyZOhxLvzAej5T4qmr9ugO1dxqXzva4V-NqpuOxM3VPsUygErqnC4b19PFpyL0weCK4ro0D_5fR9YTj89gdu27BZe8EZHWKu8mdEaX4krunmjKM/s1600/Slide06.png" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
It includes instructions for the craft, synonym and antonyms posters, template for the craft it you don't want the kids cutting by hand from construction paper, and a sort activity (cut and paste). <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, we are having a lot of fun, but doing some great learning at the same time! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>How are you having fun in your classroom while still learning? </b></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zrP-jbgdq5w%2FVDxo-Hu02mI%2FAAAAAAAAA8A%2FqKcelyQNOR8%2Fs1600%2FSlide04.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZfVSdWIJD-ClTvG4KPVfhdDiCEWn3nfE_XZqTLfMfJMVSJamZ_AwVzx3lvZKheKoJgWinh6eysOUcd_SgaKH5djn4tSgW5n-kxVM06dGOhnLGOhsTbwIJm5LKweGOlC-ay8IZ-ZX1PU/s1600/Slide04.png" -->Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-33369761403221313802014-09-24T13:57:00.001-04:002014-09-24T13:57:31.648-04:00Back in the Swing of Things --PLUS, Twitter as a Teacher's Tool? This year I'm making myself a promise. I'm promising to make more time for myself, and more time to blog about the things I love, namely- Teaching. Last year my blog took a back seat to life changing, a challenging class, school-wide initiative .. etc, etc, etc. But, I guess there are always things that can get in the way of doing things on your to-do list. This year, however, I want to get back to basics. Teaching and blogging .... loving my job, learning from others, and sharing my classroom fun. Period.<br />
<br />
Twitter in the Classroom?<br />
<br />
This year I'm trying something new. A goal our school community has this year is staying in better contact with parents. Many parents work full time and may not know what we do in our classroom from day-to-day. Not to mention, kids like to go home and say they did "nothing" all day. NOT TRUE!! We do A LOT! I'm sure you do too. Enter Twitter ....<br />
At an inservice at the beginning of the school year we were lucky enough to have Alan November speak to our entire faculty. He mentioned some really great ways to include technology into the classroom. My takeaway from that day was using Twitter as a communication tool. I went home, set up an account, and started Tweeting away.<br />
<br />
Some questions I had:<br />
1. How will i get parents involved in our classroom tweeting?<br />
2. What are some potential questions parents may have (or concerns)?<br />
3. How will my students be involved in a way that is safe and appropriate?<br />
<br />
1 and 2. I collaborated with other teachers in my building who were also interested in starting this new journey. One of them created a letter to parents explaining how we would be using Twitter in our classroom, laying out the ground rules, and asking for permission to include their child in the process. This was the most important step for us. I want the parents in my classroom as partners and to be on board with our routines. Here is the letter she drafted:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2nFijapFqVeOWlSsHopHLN6L_1Znv2wUgKl6FAfPHEqgReOpkeHLwz2L5HNTg9th4v52EjEdyrRhFsurQ3L8Zv3BwNb_F8uOXlLlixp0RrbyP0-sjeF_GUgXtxnoK57mrOblobWctr0/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2nFijapFqVeOWlSsHopHLN6L_1Znv2wUgKl6FAfPHEqgReOpkeHLwz2L5HNTg9th4v52EjEdyrRhFsurQ3L8Zv3BwNb_F8uOXlLlixp0RrbyP0-sjeF_GUgXtxnoK57mrOblobWctr0/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbXG2GcY_BEgabzAEA_8b5u0iGkGwEwWuymwtYyN9NNRm_brpNQra22PAYN9PigIrGcMJtAvUASTaqe10Gy_xdZ-n9ZB5uJ8G_uIc52V1Y6mzkS4TXDxEF74tGB_KY-DtL5WhM2TF1fc/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbXG2GcY_BEgabzAEA_8b5u0iGkGwEwWuymwtYyN9NNRm_brpNQra22PAYN9PigIrGcMJtAvUASTaqe10Gy_xdZ-n9ZB5uJ8G_uIc52V1Y6mzkS4TXDxEF74tGB_KY-DtL5WhM2TF1fc/s1600/Slide2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I only have two students whose parents have not given permission, so I think that's pretty good. I'm still trying to get parents on board to follow us. So far I think 1/3 of the parents are followers. It's so fun and easy to tweet out info about our class! Here is a post from this week:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R2NI4q1x9RzyptTbCqZUHowf7aDA2dRipPVJWm6UkHQq9aU_LCTdmDA6E3XBfiFeEfdmU-5I3m_sFPFUOkNPLeSpjhlVcV3LuuzJy5suFw1NYvaGcoG7VgUCAZtEfN1_qCbv6FGf5h4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-24+at+1.48.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R2NI4q1x9RzyptTbCqZUHowf7aDA2dRipPVJWm6UkHQq9aU_LCTdmDA6E3XBfiFeEfdmU-5I3m_sFPFUOkNPLeSpjhlVcV3LuuzJy5suFw1NYvaGcoG7VgUCAZtEfN1_qCbv6FGf5h4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-24+at+1.48.33+PM.png" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So is tweeting worth it? Here is an article from <a href="http://www.nea.org/home/32641.htm" target="_blank">NEA</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Want to incorporate learning into the Twitter process? Here are some products I found that can have your kids "tweeting" about their learning! </div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Twitter-Feed-Bulletin-Board-Set-297350" target="_blank">Classroom Twitter Feed</a> by the Tallest Teacher</li>
<li><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Twitter-Board-for-Exit-Tickets-1066183" target="_blank">To Engage them All's Twitter Board </a>is what I printed for my classroom! </li>
</ul>
Are you using it? How? Has it been successful? I want to hear from you! Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-63668637266968646652014-07-12T15:03:00.001-04:002014-07-12T15:16:06.009-04:00Hello Summer ... Hello teacher perksThe air seems calmer in July. Maybe that's because I know there is absolutely nothing to think about in the school world. No kids, no grading, no inservice ... nada. Just the sweet, sweet sounds of summer.<br />
So why am I still thinking about school?! I'm sure I'm not the only one guilty of this. I'm already thinking about next school year. How will I arrange my classroom? What changes need to be made to lessons? Will the year go smoothly? On and on and on and on! I just can't help myself. However, while some of the stressing is a little premature and ridiculous, sometimes thinking about school can be profitable.<br />
<br />
Did you know the container store is doing a giveaway just for teachers?! They are doing a sweepstakes to win a $1000 classroom makeover to help you be the most organized teacher in your school. How cool is that? Just go to the link below and fill in the required fields to enter!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://standfor.containerstore.com/teacher-sweepstakes/" target="_blank">http://standfor.containerstore.com/teacher-sweepstakes/ </a><br />
<br />
The Container Store also has a teacher discount program. If you haven't already, you can sign up here: <a href="http://standfor.containerstore.com/teacher-sweepstakes/">https://www.containerstore.com/teachers/index.htm</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyOibZ0x6E8fxgnmi4Vsm8Gj4KW5dC0KypynAeslaLGMOgYAL_i9s1u3yE2eS_uIRdqN5ushPPoCAy7_p1iMSCrUXHeOwIWOZ_rIafErgXREV91L1wwrcON3jSJYzh-Q97va6QWxj-OA/s1600/Organized+Teacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyOibZ0x6E8fxgnmi4Vsm8Gj4KW5dC0KypynAeslaLGMOgYAL_i9s1u3yE2eS_uIRdqN5ushPPoCAy7_p1iMSCrUXHeOwIWOZ_rIafErgXREV91L1wwrcON3jSJYzh-Q97va6QWxj-OA/s1600/Organized+Teacher.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What are your favorite teacher discount programs? I've gotten into the habit of asking at stores now just because I know there are so many companies that offer something for teachers, and I just don't know them all. Please share below! </div>
<br />Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-83308069276747452102014-05-07T12:08:00.001-04:002014-05-07T12:08:21.919-04:00AAAAH, I forgot TpT was having their big sale. Can you tell I'm feeling overwhelmed!?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/SitewideSales"><img alt="120 × 125" src="http://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/img/sale_banners/sale_120_125.jpg?rand=002196" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I just went onto my store and changed all my products so they are now on sale! Sorry if you went on earlier! Here's the link <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Heather-Geist" target="_blank">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Heather-Geist </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You still have 11 hours left to save. My shopping cart is full! What are you purchasing? </div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-73822236363314632972014-04-16T20:54:00.002-04:002016-08-15T11:27:06.650-04:00Creating a Model of the Solar SystemSomething I NEVER thought about: EVERY model of the solar system in books and concrete are not really to scale. It's really hard to explain to kids how far apart from each other some of the planets really are when they are inches apart on a page.<br />
<br />
Then, another teacher at my school offered to do an awesome activity with my class. She found it here: <a href="http://www.noao.edu/education/peppercorn/pcmain.html" target="_blank">http://www.noao.edu/education/peppercorn/pcmain.html </a> <br />
<br />
Here's what you need to represent each planet:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>The Sun </strong>= A bowling ball </div>
<div>
<strong>Mercury</strong> = A pin head</div>
<div>
<strong>Venus</strong> = A peppercorn</div>
<div>
<strong>Earth</strong> = A peppercorn</div>
<div>
<strong>Mars</strong> = A pinhead</div>
<div>
<strong>Jupiter</strong> = A chestnut or pecan</div>
<div>
<strong>Saturn</strong> = A hazelnut or acorn</div>
<div>
<strong>Uranus</strong> = A peanut or coffeebean</div>
<div>
<strong>Neptune</strong> = A peanut or coffeebean</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65Mul3pFVzg0EmwMEY-o1B59ePOnMOryBE8jQljtSR1iGITEc2g8ed99B3ksglBBUoiOGHC0z2AeO4x7l5nUcA55YHbj6nfbCRI7W-Qi_lqunHuFYXvKCzfdCiMdPk9szWM2hgZVpRjQ/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65Mul3pFVzg0EmwMEY-o1B59ePOnMOryBE8jQljtSR1iGITEc2g8ed99B3ksglBBUoiOGHC0z2AeO4x7l5nUcA55YHbj6nfbCRI7W-Qi_lqunHuFYXvKCzfdCiMdPk9szWM2hgZVpRjQ/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Most can be found at the grocery store or already in your kitchen. The hard part is creating the model. You need A LOT of space! We went into the fields behind our school on Monday because the weather was finally awesome. To get to each planet, you need to "pace" out your steps. For example, once we placed the bowling ball as the sun, we had to take 10 paces to get to Mercury. Here is a list of the distance between planets. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<strong>Mercury</strong> = 10 yards (or paces)</div>
<div>
<strong>Venus</strong> = 9 more paces</div>
<div>
<strong>Earth</strong> = 7 more paces</div>
<div>
<strong>Mars</strong> = 14 more paces</div>
<div>
<strong>Jupiter</strong> = 95 more paces</div>
<div>
<strong>Saturn</strong> = 112 more paces</div>
<div>
<strong>Uranus</strong> = 249 more paces</div>
<div>
<strong>Neptune</strong> = 242 final paces</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeH3Sx_m_js1qPUjf55Aga4XrkZJtBBjEueRRaVdXRs827Kyl_2aWWspZSICF0YDZKZhM4x0zHgVAzSa2aCzS6bUTz9jZkOmxQZzDA9mzLvPBh-slUHjlVe7dlcWDYd9Z3JeJPONYwhck/s1600/IMG_0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeH3Sx_m_js1qPUjf55Aga4XrkZJtBBjEueRRaVdXRs827Kyl_2aWWspZSICF0YDZKZhM4x0zHgVAzSa2aCzS6bUTz9jZkOmxQZzDA9mzLvPBh-slUHjlVe7dlcWDYd9Z3JeJPONYwhck/s1600/IMG_0238.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
After we counted out the distance, we place a card with the "planet" on the grass. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA_HXEafMx-NK8OY_s0qIB5fTlKXPuPWulcXxr-opcXmzreehDwcREt8cioqi3lepgHfKgImzsYrLnBboEYc1GQP46h7G38JkQF0Bk1ajio0E-SVIi44_hfPT-MGMgnhaxm7bCdTJxqo/s1600/IMG_0240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA_HXEafMx-NK8OY_s0qIB5fTlKXPuPWulcXxr-opcXmzreehDwcREt8cioqi3lepgHfKgImzsYrLnBboEYc1GQP46h7G38JkQF0Bk1ajio0E-SVIi44_hfPT-MGMgnhaxm7bCdTJxqo/s1600/IMG_0240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
(It was windy so we had to hold down our cards with sticks!)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
If you teach the solar system, I HIGHLY recommend this activity! </div>
</div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-54669143135299790442014-03-10T16:01:00.000-04:002014-03-11T15:47:34.821-04:00March Madness: A Reading Challenge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Ditch%20the%20Electronics.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Ditch%20the%20Electronics.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgAPiMPkY43-Ctw8quEUFUoYvqmuUUu1Ru6Wrm6VvOGIAOePtWJn5XG1tWPZ8jZuC5WYOx8DioRaLbYyeYBvncX15i3dliXIKu4FQd7P1k9heCIVEGU_rT7fUz4CwxUhuN-a9KowRzq0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-10+at+1.56.12+PM.png" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If your students are anything like mine, they are in a bit of a reading slump. It's not that they aren't enjoying reading, it's just practicing for our state test has gotten them .... well ... bored to tears. If it was up to me, test prep would not be on the table. Alas, it's not up to me and I'm following the rules. BUT ... and I mean <span style="font-size: x-large;">BUT</span>, I still like to bend things, just a bit. Seriously, who wants to have students sit for 30 minutes a day doing mind numbing multiple choice? <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">UGH!</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">Enter March Madness and Math Madness .... (mini drum roll)</span></span><br />
<br />
What exactly is March Madness? It is certainly NOT a basketball bracket! It IS a reading challenge. We have 6 classes of 4th grade on our team. Each class was challenged to READ! And read ... read ... read! Each class has a month to read as many books as possible (If you want a copy of the poster, just click on the picture to download it).<br />
In order to get credit for books. Students must read books:<br />
-In the month of March<br />
-on their reading level<br />
<br />
Then they take an Accelerated Reader quiz (a program our school pays for). You could also have them writing summaries to show what they've read or have parents sign a log. Either way, whichever class reads the most books in the month is the big winner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22ce3XGmOoxM9MnItay-QLcDOr2KvJ0K0-yUjSbE9uXSSwLZvDVRN78f92sFz0aSmI8EEPDB2ZR1w4KOhMPWXeVCPz2N_nN8oSx3_j7yBhGuw4KRX2RYFbDDBrzJPaABcNU0WZ3-SgWw/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22ce3XGmOoxM9MnItay-QLcDOr2KvJ0K0-yUjSbE9uXSSwLZvDVRN78f92sFz0aSmI8EEPDB2ZR1w4KOhMPWXeVCPz2N_nN8oSx3_j7yBhGuw4KRX2RYFbDDBrzJPaABcNU0WZ3-SgWw/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dd0iHOIh4vxcwnOKvpyNPEaHSsl47CAhKyvQZlIXJHrG7hpjq317hseJdlcOtOa_6R-4COdY1TeeoMTtQBi7Tx0pqw2dg_cSj2LJf7nh2lfmikPmUyBIYqcKEG0VAcCw3BaFy5e7WD0/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dd0iHOIh4vxcwnOKvpyNPEaHSsl47CAhKyvQZlIXJHrG7hpjq317hseJdlcOtOa_6R-4COdY1TeeoMTtQBi7Tx0pqw2dg_cSj2LJf7nh2lfmikPmUyBIYqcKEG0VAcCw3BaFy5e7WD0/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I put a display in the hallway so students can track their progress as well as the progress of other classes. Once I approve their book, they write their name and book title on a Shamrock to hang in the hallway. We are losing .. big time! But, that's ok. Today I tried to get them all riled up to read. Will it work? Who knows?<br />
<br />
We are also doing some ELA testing practice. I found some practice questions from old released items and books I've collected. Students are working in partners to answer questions and find text evidence to support their thinking. We have also been talking a lot about text taking strategies and ways tests "trick" us into picking answers that aren't correct. It's not the most exciting way to do it (and I'm open to anyone's suggestions!). BUT, one way I motivate them is to do some brain break activities at the end of our activity. Have you ever heard of GoNoodle? Check it out! Its FREE and my kids love it.<br />
<a href="https://www.gonoodle.com/" target="_blank">https://www.gonoodle.com/ </a><br />
Their favorite are the Zumba videos. Though, today we did The Cupid Shuffle :) <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: lime;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: lime;">Then, we have Math Madness...</span></b></span><br />
<br />
It's basically math practice with a fun twist. We have to practice math questions like the ones that will be on our state assessment in two weeks. So ... I changed it up a little. I could not stand the idea of my kiddos sitting and doing packet after packet of problems. Instead, I split them into "teams". Each team has three students. The teams pick a question card from my pack (they are old released items from previous tests).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVddtZ1l8A1-rGftQs6js7EmWDWniAX_QLiujcDdW1SWWhyphenhyphen3DMvnBdVv-kumYadUgTVdJd81GbGOT9Mqi3w0bSq9VxMjuTJ46RnLNaLaG8KpWB6168Xn6Pd6SM8VrmrhJxbtdWdpqJoI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVddtZ1l8A1-rGftQs6js7EmWDWniAX_QLiujcDdW1SWWhyphenhyphen3DMvnBdVv-kumYadUgTVdJd81GbGOT9Mqi3w0bSq9VxMjuTJ46RnLNaLaG8KpWB6168Xn6Pd6SM8VrmrhJxbtdWdpqJoI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Questions all have different point values. They range from 1-4 points depending on difficulty and number of steps required to solve the problems. Each person on the team has to solve the problem on their own scratch paper and explain their answer. If each person does this AND gets it right, they earn the points to record on their points sheet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XQMM4OIac42_rSdntelX4fkn02-iMc-qOBtBJQPqlErcYZuRT1rZqBsmSAi_lCBKO6mSBzZahmMynLzBBr6LkM66B514V1k_FK8eN39mPYMdihW_ofJqOmqcumFWFzMej4NNB84f0dY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XQMM4OIac42_rSdntelX4fkn02-iMc-qOBtBJQPqlErcYZuRT1rZqBsmSAi_lCBKO6mSBzZahmMynLzBBr6LkM66B514V1k_FK8eN39mPYMdihW_ofJqOmqcumFWFzMej4NNB84f0dY/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
That isn't the madness part of it. The madness is that once they do that, they may each shoot a basket to earn extra points for their team. You'll notice that the recording sheet is numbered. So are the questions. They record their points for a correct answer and any baskets made in the box that correlates to the question they just answered. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8dm4K6HNJISASyabIoAcGYbRLdMG7N3SOZCZcgzRwL2I99-OaBI-hmC775Z3wt988OuQ-WywNQHTO08Ue2gs3Buk3S_PXDzD6RK3mXe08GwSZOuNbBwhPidDDSw2LW7pd6qgJaTqUVI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8dm4K6HNJISASyabIoAcGYbRLdMG7N3SOZCZcgzRwL2I99-OaBI-hmC775Z3wt988OuQ-WywNQHTO08Ue2gs3Buk3S_PXDzD6RK3mXe08GwSZOuNbBwhPidDDSw2LW7pd6qgJaTqUVI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
They are so excited to work together to get the correct answers. I split the groups up so they are all mixed ability. My math students who struggle are getting the benefit of hearing other students explain strategies. My high fliers are getting the benefits of being made to explain and verbalize their processes.<br />
<br />
And, if that wasn't exciting enough ... I also give them GUM!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHQKxH6D_poMO0KKPXo8zfxUm3bBaCIbkewVTSiPP65YC_vgU_giokm4Ymye5-nSfiw4V-JXQ-vVyxIvKnoApH5XGoEvwk0xYHlq_iFxjd279B8Yw7or9gwwWonmFjjL5omtVP36SgZ0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHQKxH6D_poMO0KKPXo8zfxUm3bBaCIbkewVTSiPP65YC_vgU_giokm4Ymye5-nSfiw4V-JXQ-vVyxIvKnoApH5XGoEvwk0xYHlq_iFxjd279B8Yw7or9gwwWonmFjjL5omtVP36SgZ0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Here is my box of gum and questions. I do think they are enjoying it AND getting a lot of good review from the activities. <br />
<br />
2 minus two weeks until we can go back to normal education. Where standardized testing doesn't rule the world .... <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-15224864382683466232014-02-10T21:14:00.001-05:002014-03-11T15:48:12.604-04:00The Olympics are HERE!! They only happen once every four years, so it's pretty exciting. For my fourth graders, it's really a big deal since they don't remember much about the last winter Olympics.<br />
<br />
And sometimes, just sometimes, curriculum and current events line up just so nicely. <br />
<br />
We just finished reading and exploring Greek Myths, and we are ready for a nonfiction unit. I have to tell you, my kids loved that unit, so it is a really hard one to follow up. They were so interested and engaged ... and I didn't even have to stand on my head. (To supplement my unit I used my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-Mythology-CCSS-Mega-Pack-783341" target="_blank">Greek Mythology Set</a> on TpT). <br />
<br />
Enter the Olympics ... originally created in .... ANCIENT GREECE!! Perfect.<br />
<br />
On Friday we worked on crossing over from fiction to nonfiction. The great part about the transition was that we could talk about the Greek gods in reference to the Olympics. Did you know the Ancient Olympics we held in Olympia and honored the Greek God Zeus?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYDyWf1J8uU74fQ1oANFAEqVG_ugPFjpePipZRJSMRMaI0TrwUZ5jOaJqyA6L7hJ5vOPQ8QwAWAgrArEHhzZZunfui6OoA34mY-WwviFYTfz6L2hwqlHn0ITUkpYg3dm_nSM8q-z9Vsc/s1600/Slide010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYDyWf1J8uU74fQ1oANFAEqVG_ugPFjpePipZRJSMRMaI0TrwUZ5jOaJqyA6L7hJ5vOPQ8QwAWAgrArEHhzZZunfui6OoA34mY-WwviFYTfz6L2hwqlHn0ITUkpYg3dm_nSM8q-z9Vsc/s1600/Slide010.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To get the kids excited about our new unit, we decided as a 4th grade team to have a little fun. Each classroom picked an event as their theme. My class picked hockey. Then, each classroom had to decorate their door with their theme. I let my kids take the reigns, and this is what they came up with: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV0l0XmvrNd29B6X1y1xtlk7dm7ZTgTYrdjlhqR29kO1US-bRpiuUnOeC_F8MixYqSel9c8xne9o_BqCKlbSIGylr6d97W9nDfEM2UBwagj5mftyusZm8McsAaiB5ZCvr2x6vz2qlsgE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV0l0XmvrNd29B6X1y1xtlk7dm7ZTgTYrdjlhqR29kO1US-bRpiuUnOeC_F8MixYqSel9c8xne9o_BqCKlbSIGylr6d97W9nDfEM2UBwagj5mftyusZm8McsAaiB5ZCvr2x6vz2qlsgE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrescu3n1Bw3-jgA_TGtk3vbNdkxovY9pxW7eTpeOzxfhcZv8LFesm0QotW2IwjPd54OF2xV2qzMRDwf6wUZAD9UzwUKiPkLp8JdEk6DVqlQqwNO00L4p4zRrET9gZfGRnJsy2TKIqts/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrescu3n1Bw3-jgA_TGtk3vbNdkxovY9pxW7eTpeOzxfhcZv8LFesm0QotW2IwjPd54OF2xV2qzMRDwf6wUZAD9UzwUKiPkLp8JdEk6DVqlQqwNO00L4p4zRrET9gZfGRnJsy2TKIqts/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They aren't quite finished, but I think they are doing a great job. They also did an amazing job researching the rules of hockey. Each student picked a fact about the game and wrote it on a hockey puck. Obviously they aren't all finished! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I usually also do another display on the wall outside my door featuring student work. So, I decided to keep with the hockey theme. We were hitting idioms hard, and I wanted to have them show what they learned. So, I looked up some idioms commonly used in referencing hockey, and used them in a lesson. My students picked their favorite idioms we've learned and wrote the idiom and meaning on another hockey puck. We are a little puck crazy right now ...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyMsD0Gbtwk823tRVDl1jndNW-Q8lmRLC2vek593DyaKfGmhcyyMXCXJPsXbqMozPu3WNtgen1sr3UYPg11yObRwKCyP4ORGo6K5gHPKBOFbZZ493L2j0P9Ds6qK4rc89nD41Xw3Ns1E/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyMsD0Gbtwk823tRVDl1jndNW-Q8lmRLC2vek593DyaKfGmhcyyMXCXJPsXbqMozPu3WNtgen1sr3UYPg11yObRwKCyP4ORGo6K5gHPKBOFbZZ493L2j0P9Ds6qK4rc89nD41Xw3Ns1E/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also put a description of the game of hockey outside the door with a lovely graphic by the extremely talented Nikki at <a href="http://melonheadzillustrating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">MelonHeadz </a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolCknTPrhGnlhQmDcAmXzDNHC03iNrwxOiLuLvsrRf9NqetVOPOmWE6DT6QiIeqtQmiYQUHmSca-Wu8-rtNASRT-bDkhyphenhyphenRyCAGiYln5RvoLx9RCKcOd5Qc7wRDZKqeQv9QcUU-2eepcA/s1600/Slide05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolCknTPrhGnlhQmDcAmXzDNHC03iNrwxOiLuLvsrRf9NqetVOPOmWE6DT6QiIeqtQmiYQUHmSca-Wu8-rtNASRT-bDkhyphenhyphenRyCAGiYln5RvoLx9RCKcOd5Qc7wRDZKqeQv9QcUU-2eepcA/s1600/Slide05.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I decided to make an event card for each of my teammates as well, and then printed them to our plotter. After I got that far, I decided I may as well make my document TpT worthy ... so I created 12 event cards as well as a graphing activity where students can pick and justify their favorite Winter Olympic event (click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Olympics-Mini-Pack-1086873" target="_blank">HERE</a> to check it out). Here is our class bar graph: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAGeraZ6oth7t4aZ2ARBrWZtIfnJkrvSldxpJ1ebYMQp43fYia8ud9pL0XyeizZWNJrpb9Kpe55Sokic5TnYHVAilTRq-s_3pPbl1JACjKqU8dSswTCSLS9adcR60cjrzBaFijTm2ufA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAGeraZ6oth7t4aZ2ARBrWZtIfnJkrvSldxpJ1ebYMQp43fYia8ud9pL0XyeizZWNJrpb9Kpe55Sokic5TnYHVAilTRq-s_3pPbl1JACjKqU8dSswTCSLS9adcR60cjrzBaFijTm2ufA/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the exit slip they filled out. I tried to back them with construction paper to mimic the look of the Olympic rings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2o0Agryz-4TODaTARzymbFH18GiL4u_b7J5IYXxyB7qwo5GZGEdbb7LCCW0AnA5Y0hiiNRyruFzZi5DUbv40fM78x561aALqWpdpqzoeLj1rRIwc7F_MMidlJz2hY0va2DRffNS3qJg/s1600/Slide11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2o0Agryz-4TODaTARzymbFH18GiL4u_b7J5IYXxyB7qwo5GZGEdbb7LCCW0AnA5Y0hiiNRyruFzZi5DUbv40fM78x561aALqWpdpqzoeLj1rRIwc7F_MMidlJz2hY0va2DRffNS3qJg/s1600/Slide11.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Today we actually started digging into our nonfiction reading. Reading A-Z has some great nonfiction texts on the Olympics. I found a 4th grade level text titled <u>The Olympics: Past and Present</u>. We started reading it today, focusing on the structure of the book initially to gear us to better understand the text. This week we are really going to focus on RI 4.3: I can explained what happened and why in a historical, technical, or scientific text.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zil8KP51dI0zyUpQo8YgaZ-RlVzw5yGX1vjc4b7yHNzEaa1unAPYo3CHVJstH7eD07FIQQtBRef2GMKsXic5hJ39clCrEUgiJX9Q2_KhU2m91xIhOGtZMdJt17fEvQMnJxb3Jnv45Gw/s1600/Slide08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zil8KP51dI0zyUpQo8YgaZ-RlVzw5yGX1vjc4b7yHNzEaa1unAPYo3CHVJstH7eD07FIQQtBRef2GMKsXic5hJ39clCrEUgiJX9Q2_KhU2m91xIhOGtZMdJt17fEvQMnJxb3Jnv45Gw/s1600/Slide08.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I usually like to put the graphic organizers I plan to use in my lesson plans. That way I can pick out the responses I want the students to give beforehand in order to guide their thinking. Otherwise I completely forget what I've picked out of the text. Does this happen to anyone else? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best part of today? Hearing cheers when I told my students the texts we would be reading ... SUCCESS!!! :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-77501734606786536382014-01-21T21:54:00.002-05:002014-03-11T15:48:28.094-04:00Cinderella and the Common Core - with a RL 4.9 FreebieOk, every once in a while the Common Core makes me so happy. Take RL 4.9 for example. 4th graders are expected to compare and contrast traditional literature from different cultures.<br />
<br />
I'm not crazy. I know the standards can be overwhelming at times, BUT ... The reason I really like the standard is because I love Cinderella. And, that's as traditional of a story as you can get. Right?<br />
<br />
I know I already posted about the Cinderella CCSS set I made for TpT, click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cinderella-Stories-Compare-and-Contrast-CCSS-aligned-672421" target="_blank">here</a> to check it out, but this week I got brave and took some pictures of my anchor charts...EEK! They aren't pretty, but whose are? Ok, some of you probably have beautiful anchor charts ... not me.<br />
<br />
To begin our lesson we read a very traditional version of Cinderella written by Charles Perrault. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img class="irc_mut" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlB14--L3X4GCV_d-i6eQCrJ93HTtnfO61YhWSfoJisMErgwRzww" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="148" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a class we filled out a story-map like graphic organizer (the students created their own and did it with me in their response journals). The was the "I Do" part of our lesson. We talked about characters, plot (to review summarizing), and theme. This really hits on RL 4.2.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We then read one of the oldest recorded version of Cinderella, Yeh-Shen as retold by Ai-Ling Louie. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img class="irc_mut" src="http://gatheringbooks.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/yehshen.jpg" height="200" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="160" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a "We Do" activity, we again fill out our story map. This time I had the kids help me fill out the graphic organizer. They again created their own in their response journals. This again helped us review RL 4.2, which is an important building block for RL 4.9. In RL 4.9, students are expected to compare and contrast themes, plots, and patterns of events. So, they need a firm grasp on summarizing and theme before this can occur. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is the anchor chart I created. Again, I know it's not completely pretty, but it's what it is since I try to write quickly for the lesson. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxA8hIdqvsIkcSqEWG4Sj7k_qKaP6IDPhlpZtI2cRXVy7sjqaAdZFUJRKXRudOpp-XFQn1a-TGUC2Ikf1Xk2R8VtKt0xkW0Bg2hEUVDeFPbq7dbB_oImwfuEz7bKHoastDiSCPokqVvY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxA8hIdqvsIkcSqEWG4Sj7k_qKaP6IDPhlpZtI2cRXVy7sjqaAdZFUJRKXRudOpp-XFQn1a-TGUC2Ikf1Xk2R8VtKt0xkW0Bg2hEUVDeFPbq7dbB_oImwfuEz7bKHoastDiSCPokqVvY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next step was for us to look at the stories side-by-side. I find that this works the best by using another graphic organizer. My big thing is teaching my students how to create their own organizers. Handing them out to just fill in doesn't give them ownership on the process. When they draw them themselves, it's my hope drawing them becomes muscle memory. Here's the organizer we created to compare and contrast the two stories (using a mix of "I Do" and "We Do"):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrbfEGGXuoBptlKtMrngn8IkaT71pFA8m8EYOe5jYRIBFle6z0Le5jILfK1aQCQKAGZDHv75b50mu0D3mp0Z049fjCyRaLLIuXoXTGPWZaimv-EN2DkGtEhzprmrPeyagTuwnLnKo7-k/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrbfEGGXuoBptlKtMrngn8IkaT71pFA8m8EYOe5jYRIBFle6z0Le5jILfK1aQCQKAGZDHv75b50mu0D3mp0Z049fjCyRaLLIuXoXTGPWZaimv-EN2DkGtEhzprmrPeyagTuwnLnKo7-k/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My students did a really great job picking out details from the text. The key is to show them that they have to mention BOTH stories. Students tend to want to say things like, "They are different because Yeh-Shen had a fish for a fairy godmother". Instead, I want to visually show them they need to say, "The stories are different because Cinderella had a fairy godmother who granted her wishes, while Yeh-Shen had a pile of fish bones she used to ask wishes". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We used this graphic organizer to write an open-ended compare and contrast paragraph, similar to what they may need to do on a standardized test. It was definitely a LONG process and took MANY mini-lessons. However, I do think my students are really getting a handle on the skills. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As an extension for the lesson I also split the kids into group by their reading level. I passed out other versions of Cinderella for them to read together. As a group they filled out another story map and did a compare/contrast chart using their story and the traditional version of Cinderella. Here are a list of other Cinderella stories and their levels:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Levels are approximated using the F&P conversion chart and Scholastic Book Wizard)</div>
<ul>
<li>Cindy Ellen: A Wild West Cinderella by Susan Lowell - LEVEL M</li>
<li>Cinderella by Charles Perrault - LEVEL O</li>
<li>The Egyptian Cinderella by Shirley Climo - LEVEL O </li>
<li>The Korean Cinderella by Shirley Climo - LEVEL Q/R</li>
<li>Yeh-Shen by Ali-Ling Louie - LEVEL R</li>
<li>Smoky Mountain Rose by Alan Schroeder - LEVEL S</li>
<li>The Rough Faced Girl by Rafe Martin - LEVEL S<br /> </li>
<li>The Golden Sandal by Rebecca Hickox - LEVEL T</li>
</ul>
After reading together and creating their graphic organizers, students used the model of the open-ended response to write another compare/contrast. I then collected them to use as an exit slip and gauge student progress toward understanding the standard.<br />
<br />
And just because I love all of you who read my blog, I created some anchor charts you could print out to display/fill in with your students. We have a poster maker at my school, which makes printing out large anchor charts so easy.<br />
<br />
Here are the images of the file: (Click the images to directly download the PDF)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Compare%20and%20Contrast%20Texts%20RL%204.9.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Compare%20and%20Contrast%20Texts%20RL%204.9.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIbnuZq1ewoAUTOzN4YGuEGpA7vqWu_ly-sF8Xm0AddCNMV7-64HAby5pjPeq2g0p86sUgVKUAsqUq83Bm8IYTEXsQcPIHLRBPndYBWxx3i54GtqXol5UIdsU3iOskAJAgYlQE18bgbA/s1600/Slide2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Compare%20and%20Contrast%20Texts%20RL%204.9.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1"><img alt="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Compare%20and%20Contrast%20Texts%20RL%204.9.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SqnEcvRfvoI35krOjKTT30Y62G06ucArbOUn1Q_zu-trXpotdQKm48onse0dEMGuz4UPVhirk9wOU_q3JRU7l9GRbv8Et6wQP74XRJUsL4XOvX9HqR7VU5IMPWqk-1NvcSymg7Rvg0k/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Compare%20and%20Contrast%20Texts%20RL%204.9.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Compare%20and%20Contrast%20Texts%20RL%204.9.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLkGuah9eARdX6hJByAer2uyvARzsGNXzM5lP9OquspG6mx0luHEU6H4lKlXv4h8QvKlVIpSdAyhW0JZOFTfiu6f1WuzQDgJPAHn_fxdXefBEDJXdjnfJlTjIohB54BfDiVKXDJvlsm8/s1600/Slide4.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Compare%20and%20Contrast%20Texts%20RL%204.9.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Compare%20and%20Contrast%20Texts%20RL%204.9.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57GZ76dH4Bi62RfzAHq6lNhxu_XNJPgJm1R1ZVoSJoQITv7fYKzP3wkf9Npuz78weU0LhcxRBvaF4gBSm4q0rfCzzwKUM-7VDRpLdyroM9ZuhlMwlw4N3srkUzMpKfv_5t7No7HY4aOk/s1600/Slide3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some other things you may find helpful if you too are teaching this standard: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Compare and contrast terms - click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Compare-and-Contrast-Words-Handout-216428" target="_blank">here</a> for a free list of compare and contrast words to display for your students. This really helps them create their responses! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Visuals to help your students engage in your unit. The picture below shows one of my bulletin boards for our unit.These visuals are from my Cinderella unit and were printed using our school's plotter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1HMlP6Vn8wCl42NqTtbyAckNtSqHiU6j-R6BFWOiRFjLIDG91rRjmLm8pCpKvu4tXYpAMDaF6xDCE0FMdQnPVG1GbTIoAqKusmyLVBNTQPlkNDe3YE6GtTzvSh6_HLNENN1XHrNuuoU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1HMlP6Vn8wCl42NqTtbyAckNtSqHiU6j-R6BFWOiRFjLIDG91rRjmLm8pCpKvu4tXYpAMDaF6xDCE0FMdQnPVG1GbTIoAqKusmyLVBNTQPlkNDe3YE6GtTzvSh6_HLNENN1XHrNuuoU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-8680725853031410122014-01-06T20:37:00.001-05:002014-03-11T15:48:38.301-04:00Math Centers - and a little freebieI don't know about you, but I'm always looking for things to put in my math centers. My kiddos tend to finish their work at varying speeds. Also, sometimes I have students who need more help and guidance than others. This leaves me with some students who are bored, and others who need more direct instruction.What's a teacher to do?<br />
I decided to make some games for my students to do. And when you're creating, why not make it TpT worthy? At least that's my motto. So, I put together a set of 19 games to help review and practice intermediate math skills.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/readandblackandlearningallover/Intermedite%20Math%20Game%20Preview.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1" target="_blank"><img alt="Games Set Preview" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8KYm1KeCFs6gLTzH7Rmk2ShyKmg6Q2a5zTBuBYKWoI7ObEo8BotTFum52gH-AhPMo4U9LFPulW1MDmRt3ZWuQBoMIGya26a2gmWgBT5NShHb7IcYW9pLHUyCZreA9ENvnqCtAMTBG7w/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7E-xT-_00dIoUGlh-htSK5mEzTlOkyVNp8l2miqM8UB4mLd97dAiyEaOsybl3gK81dXrFf_DykeKZFGRTcqafHLtRCnDLxuT7rMzTI0wsqjiaaM0XnfTFz9FB5WEtqX6LAwl1TpyJfQ/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7E-xT-_00dIoUGlh-htSK5mEzTlOkyVNp8l2miqM8UB4mLd97dAiyEaOsybl3gK81dXrFf_DykeKZFGRTcqafHLtRCnDLxuT7rMzTI0wsqjiaaM0XnfTFz9FB5WEtqX6LAwl1TpyJfQ/s1600/Slide2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you click on the first picture you will not only see a preview of the set, but also one of the game included for FREE!!<br />
<br />
Like what you see? Here's the link to my TpT store: <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teacherspayteachers.com%2FProduct%2FIntermediate-Math-Games-Set-Math-facts-and-skills-1046102&ei=1lvLUsbgLezLsQTc-oCwDQ&usg=AFQjCNEMVUtk2VwjvFr_nPsPUFeU12JAuQ&sig2=odboGKFaAn07YbTAwiEhXQ&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc" target="_blank">CLICK ME!! </a>Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4545980269088641358.post-86399609526133435802013-12-18T13:53:00.001-05:002013-12-18T13:53:14.665-05:00Holiday Card Exchange!Have you ever done a holiday card exchange with your class? This is my first year doing it, and it's actually really exciting. We joined a group through a teacher who runs the exchange every year. She put us into groups of 30 and sent out the class names and addresses.<br />
Two weeks ago we put 29 holiday cards in the mail.<br />
This week... we began receiving our cards! Here is a picture:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid90LCla-NEtkmJ7ElXMThaSWXoqdhBG4FTPXsAFzn-qyzLMIuwSZWR8pCnNzy62ScVeubxDNQTkwgxraCh_uCdsSxKLkPUnLbDn7a9P-XMV741LkvXpkt6_e3cDkskJlWVIs4-4dfkyk/s1600/photo+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid90LCla-NEtkmJ7ElXMThaSWXoqdhBG4FTPXsAFzn-qyzLMIuwSZWR8pCnNzy62ScVeubxDNQTkwgxraCh_uCdsSxKLkPUnLbDn7a9P-XMV741LkvXpkt6_e3cDkskJlWVIs4-4dfkyk/s400/photo+copy+2.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wanted to think of some activities to do with my class now that we have the cards. Friday is our last day of school before our break, so I have a few open blocks of time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My first idea was to do some map skills and have them mark the places the cards came from on a state map. This would help them begin to learn the locations of our 50 states since this is part of our social studies curriculum coming up. I also thought about doing some map scale activities. I coiuld pick out a few of the cities and we can figure out how far each card traveled. We can also see which traveled the furthest and which traveled the shortest distance. They can also compare and contrast the distances and do some problem solving. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'd love to hear other ideas if anyone has ever done extension activities with a project like this! </div>
<br />Heather (TeacherBug)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13808637198050083231noreply@blogger.com0