tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64182769683367969972024-03-05T10:43:53.436-08:00Kickin' it in KindergartenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-24185930629893634982013-09-19T18:27:00.002-07:002013-09-19T18:27:41.347-07:00Confessions of a {somewhat} Thematic Teacher<div style="text-align: center;">
So...I don't know how to say this. </div>
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But I think I might be a thematic teacher. </div>
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Not completely, but there is a hint of theme. </div>
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I feel like you all just gasped. </div>
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I think I did as I typed this. </div>
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I just felt like I had to get that off my chest. </div>
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Now I can explain myself. </div>
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My first year of teaching, I had the most amazing mentor teacher. She had been teaching for over 25 years (still teaching) and was still the last person to leave the building. She let me come in and watch her and I would not be the teacher I am today if it wasn't for her. Even though we aren't at the same school anymore, I continue to learn from her. This teacher did not teach themes. We would all plan together and then she would kind of do her own thing. I latched on to everyone because let's get real...you have no idea what you're doing the first year of teaching. </div>
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It's a blur. </div>
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She would say "Well, bats are not in the standards so I am not going to teach about bats." </div>
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Ok. </div>
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I'm not going to teach about bats either. </div>
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That was my first year of teaching. You say and I do. </div>
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Now that I am on my fifth year of teaching and I have moved to another school, I have found my style of teaching evolving. I still study and follow the standard, but I do teach about bats (insert gasp) and pumpkins (no she di'int). </div>
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Yes, yes I do. </div>
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I was a h-e-double hockey sticks no to color days. </div>
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Well guess what...it's a standard. </div>
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So, we had color days this year. </div>
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And it was way fun and the kids loved it. They can all spell the color words because they can sing all of the color word songs that I played on YouTube. </div>
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Was it fun? </div>
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Yep.</div>
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Was it meaningful?</div>
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Mmmhmm.</div>
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And it just so happened that it would fall under "thematic"</div>
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From my many years (that's a joke) of teaching, this is the conclusion I have come to for myself. </div>
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I will not apologize for teaching meaningful reading strategies that happen to be about pumpkins, Fall, or insects. </div>
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I will teach about subjects that my kids love. </div>
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This year, my boys are obsessed with football. The label the football player that I did around Superbowl time last year came out last week. They actually cheered about writing. That's a win in my book. </div>
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It is all about the content but it is also about the delivery. If you aren't excited about it, then they won't be either. If you just stand in front of them or sit (I can't believe anyone would) then you're ineffective. </div>
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Bottom line. </div>
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We are going to do a farm unit next week (and community helpers and five senses). </div>
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You heard me correctly. </div>
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We are going to be making rhyming flip books, matching up beginning sounds consonants, stretching words and visualizing stories. </div>
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I'm just accepting it. </div>
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That same teacher gave me this little piece of advice. I wrote it on a sticky note that is still taped to my printer so I can see it every day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp8GocAiZBMevrtUqxcsvGDgK8kECnWdpCUb7lNYBhpDavSrihyphenhyphen0lW1ov9_bcOHpL49_BxnlAu_zjBX9qw3iTlvBQ2nUSiBubzCJPfDftQgIrUkGaqIPn1j1WShjfAdicf_ATF-t-CIDE/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp8GocAiZBMevrtUqxcsvGDgK8kECnWdpCUb7lNYBhpDavSrihyphenhyphen0lW1ov9_bcOHpL49_BxnlAu_zjBX9qw3iTlvBQ2nUSiBubzCJPfDftQgIrUkGaqIPn1j1WShjfAdicf_ATF-t-CIDE/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As long as you have reason for what you are teaching at that moment, then the activity or lesson is meaningful. If you just pull out a page because it has a pumpkin on it but looks like c-r-a-p, then maybe re-think it. There is some of that out there and you have to know your kids and what they need. </div>
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So go forth people. </div>
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Differentiate, themat-a-cize (made up word) and be purposeful.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-53364339032250800862013-09-17T14:35:00.000-07:002013-09-17T14:35:00.054-07:00Video Tip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I cringe when I do videos because I really (like everyone else) do not like the sound of my own voice! </div>
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There are so many people that ask me questions about getting stared, how to do this, etc etc. It's a lot easier to do a video and tell you about it instead of typing it out. If you are a new teacher blogger (or been blogging but still haven't figured out how to share resources outside of TpT) then you should be offering ideas for free at first. I'll tell you why...nobody knows who you are. I mean, your Mom and your friends know who you are. But, the bloggy world is full of great ideas and fabulous resources. You can't start off slapping price tags on all of your ideas because people are going to go to a resource that they already know and get it there. As teachers, collaborating and sharing is part of our job, so as you begin creating resources, you also need to collaborate and share. You also don't want to put in hours of work and then just give it away. Keep your freebies short, valuable, and simple. </div>
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Find a balance.</div>
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This video is a how-to for linking resources from your blog to your google docs. As much as I love all of those wonderful on-line teaching resources where you can buy and sell lesson plans...I also love just being able to click on a resource and get right to the document. I especially appreciate it when it's just a quick one or two page resource. I don't want to have to go to that web-site, sign-in, find it and then download it. </div>
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When you are creating a free resource...make it in PowerPoint and save it as a jpg and as a PDF. The jpg is for the picture within your blog post and the pdf is for when you up-load it in to google docs on your drive. I show you in the video where to put the jpg and where to put the PDF...but that's just a heads up while you are creating :) </div>
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Hope this is helpful to someone out there! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-48927490795027409112013-09-15T13:33:00.001-07:002013-09-15T13:33:18.126-07:00Peek At My Week! {and weekend} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It has been one busssyyy weekend! Whew. </div>
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I think that I may have more bridesmaids dresses than Katherine Heigl. </div>
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Love my girls, but dang they all are getting married! </div>
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We started yesterday at 9:30 a.m. and didn't get done til after midnight. </div>
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Lawd.</div>
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I did some pre-planning before so that today wouldn't make me want to cry. I actually have my plans done before I have to go to bed! </div>
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Wahoo!</div>
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Here's a peek at my week. We have a lot of assessing going on! It all starts tomorrow morning right when they get there at 8:30. We used to use <a href="http://www.aimsweb.com/">AIMsWeb</a> to determine RTI and show growth. Now, we are on to an entirely new data tracker, so we will see how it goes. It's all on-line. I can see the pros and cons to it being on-line. Mostly con because who knows if they are just click happy...</div>
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I am also going to be starting my assessment for DSA (Developmental Spelling) this week to determine spelling groups. My hope is to have reading groups and spelling groups up and running by the end of the month. </div>
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I love having two week station rotations! </div>
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It makes for a stress free set-up every other week. </div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaUU54NG5kSEQ4S2c/edit" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGh7xMUC69PIn9rc-ptTejc4K14Ky5-1HFNRYr1g5eD6l1rk8-XGP0JvwlaRVa7oWdWVIOBDc5BPeiubhMjAgOjvgCF8p-Q-oUCqBYmhl5u_zcKtSOt7HYMacAyN_CyuOgRphF-dtQMEWx/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaUU54NG5kSEQ4S2c/edit"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOHJhl5tY2Ps-HPb2uCTMOTpQLoZPrIPhvmJhXBgR2AuOXtPFZipxnuXzQTDhGdTv6_AcpMhaW1b5uWEYxqNEPbFONEdWRIZ-Drs03XV09SKdmFGZiHbKeJMG0JFAaK0RECPRcnpL263t/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's a peek at my Saturday...beautiful wedding and bride! </div>
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Even though it was a long day, it was fun and the reception was gorgeous! </div>
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I even had a cute date ;0)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncbk9sA39OiyJluIFn4nSgUPf9TgJvaPJM9kWxEc6UCBKx525hC-biD5umFbZGUFui_kr5xeRwKE9jI3SE-tvqktth3fJhzCr0eX2qzDicrukR3EAekBo1nZo6Eg-aMhHMBbspzKsV9MJ/s1600/1174275_10101013520274452_487017089_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncbk9sA39OiyJluIFn4nSgUPf9TgJvaPJM9kWxEc6UCBKx525hC-biD5umFbZGUFui_kr5xeRwKE9jI3SE-tvqktth3fJhzCr0eX2qzDicrukR3EAekBo1nZo6Eg-aMhHMBbspzKsV9MJ/s400/1174275_10101013520274452_487017089_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZJ3P7l30CDT13xPhJ3CCEFFinCzDh4JzDyB5bCmXNwDdPdTJElqc6jikPi78mm8NWzo6k-S804hu4lj_iolR-orOf81MVs0_9Vfu4loV_RUekQlYARXU8GpuktSGeOAnxUFULfNiCavH/s1600/1186340_10101014368978642_52783639_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZJ3P7l30CDT13xPhJ3CCEFFinCzDh4JzDyB5bCmXNwDdPdTJElqc6jikPi78mm8NWzo6k-S804hu4lj_iolR-orOf81MVs0_9Vfu4loV_RUekQlYARXU8GpuktSGeOAnxUFULfNiCavH/s400/1186340_10101014368978642_52783639_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hope you are enjoying the same weather that we are today! </div>
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Happy planning! </div>
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<a href="http://www.mrswillskindergarten.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyXCHbObzwDNosalB_hMaXhH-fSiPVs5kcw4SljM57DQc3_tqdO71ffVR2NXIDo66XitMchVZyBDMWki-YYsFsqOiCsqhTyslNTouCPAIIwcsHt_PgNg3hmhHGEuvPXxL-JTqE25JYSGj/s1600/Peek+at+my+Week+Linky+Button.png" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-80150511547111996502013-09-13T06:10:00.000-07:002013-09-13T06:10:41.023-07:00Five for FRIDAY!!! <div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, I am happy that it's Friday.</div>
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I apologize for the shouty caps, but let's get real. </div>
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I don't even care that it's Friday the 13th. </div>
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I could be standing inside under a ladder with an open umbrella as a black cat walks by if you could just get me to Friday this week. </div>
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Kindergarten is a beast of its own. </div>
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When is that point in the year when the tiredness shifts from me to them?</div>
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I know that it happens. I know they are worn out but I still feel like they could run in circles around me at the end of the day. </div>
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Praise <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/">Five for Friday </a>today is all I'm sayin'! </div>
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<a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0iupZBu2Pb5Q5kUDXZKEQUqKOXZYRNWqDiiM9j76MKyJZs8RSywAOCSx0TAEbm6YTSxxSqFUkut8fgFTSq1x3LqkPSzbPARP9-CY9UQe9ZmZZRfW5uhYkrUFh3dZh0Rue_70D9TFhFga/s400/fiveforfriday2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. I am just beyond grateful for the amazing parents that we are blessed with at our school. I think it has been taken to an entirely different level. I have a "wishlist" part in my newsletter. Every year, I ask for alphabet beanbags. Every year...I don't get them. There are worse things in life. This year rolls around and I almost didn't even ask. </div>
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Well...I'm glad I did! </div>
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A parent sewed me a set with a cute little homemade pouch. She did uppercase on one side and lowercase on the other side. I have been doing a lot of Kathleen's ABC stations just to get the kids familiar with how to rotate, work quietly, and work together. </div>
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They have been loving these. After snack, they will go back to the library and play alphabet corn hole...</div>
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They have been using empty book baskets and they have created their own point system. They told me the rules. If you don't know the letter or sound, then you don't get the point...</div>
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Sounds like a winner. </div>
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2. We are no longer on dirt or just cinder blocks. </div>
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There is the looks of a frame going up for our house! </div>
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I've been so used to driving by and being disappointed that the daily progress is so exciting and a little overwhelming. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX1gfFZX11ZiD9nJ2ezOiMsdYsN_Sptg4d8hzPm325mLT9V49LSXcPriKVnf9eu9xyVh-RDXvAniVO-f9moMfZKwRkZMsJKaWlngwtBKVKW8cwogWd71J7JjFC-8ZQmcWwRrk41ky_vP6/s1600/securedownload+(11).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX1gfFZX11ZiD9nJ2ezOiMsdYsN_Sptg4d8hzPm325mLT9V49LSXcPriKVnf9eu9xyVh-RDXvAniVO-f9moMfZKwRkZMsJKaWlngwtBKVKW8cwogWd71J7JjFC-8ZQmcWwRrk41ky_vP6/s320/securedownload+(11).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. We have really been focusing on rhyming words this week. We talk about rhyming words all year, but I have never done an entire focused unit just on rhyming.<br />
Until I found my love for dust bunnies.<br />
We read <i>Rhyming Dust Bunnies</i> and <i>Here Comes The Big Mean Dust Bunny!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNOlp8grMbNfotrHy95Tm6GqerWpbMiA0pDhICSxED1V9PpHZM8KRUxCiBrwNs_PfJkf7Ks29DCCddas-zT21GHcMxZL7poZJI-2Qrlj4W5ns5-EezHqfxLKkD5BItNOzUskhT_KQrDQP/s1600/securedownload+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNOlp8grMbNfotrHy95Tm6GqerWpbMiA0pDhICSxED1V9PpHZM8KRUxCiBrwNs_PfJkf7Ks29DCCddas-zT21GHcMxZL7poZJI-2Qrlj4W5ns5-EezHqfxLKkD5BItNOzUskhT_KQrDQP/s320/securedownload+(9).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=kickitinkind-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=141697976X&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
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If you don't have these books, get them. You will not be disappointed and your kids will think they are hilarious. I found a video of a 3rd grade class that did a re-tell of the original story. We watched it after we read the books. My kiddos loved the fact that it was kids putting on the show! </div>
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It's way cute. </div>
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4. This sweet girl is getting married this weekend! </div>
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Can't wait to be a part of her big day! The dress actually fits and doesn't cut off my circulation. There's a good chance I won't pass out...that's always a plus. </div>
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5. I've got a post over a <a href="http://blog.hameraypublishing.com/blog/">Hameray Publishing </a>today (not sure when it's going up) about their new Wishy Wishy books. They may not be new...but "newer". They are new to us since we just got them and were able to incorporate them with our Wishy Washy unit :) Head over there to download a Wishy Washy freebie :)</div>
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Happy Friday to all of you wonderful fabulous teachers! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-9802012696131436552013-09-10T19:11:00.000-07:002013-09-10T19:11:01.149-07:00Let's Wash! <div style="text-align: center;">
My students and I have been loving Mrs. Wishy Washy these past two weeks!<br />
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What a perfect way to get little readers confident and excited about reading other than Mrs. Wishy Washy?<br />
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I just think that Shared Reading is such a powerful learning experience. This is my favorite one to start with. By the end of the week, they are so proud that they can read the book. A kiddo asked me today, "Wait, why are we reading this again?"<br />
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I explained it to them the same way I just told you...to build confidence as a reader and to find new noticings that we may have missed the day before. My students are very inquisitive this year and I love it! Some years you have kids that when you get to Friday (after reading the book and working on different skills all week), they ask something along the lines of "Have we read this before?".<br />
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As much as I love the original, it was really fun to receive these other versions from <a href="http://www.hameraypublishing.com/mrs--wishy-washy?&__hssc=&__hstc&hsCtaTracking=2c090d9c-cc66-405e-b46a-003d861d20c7%7Cb7a7aca6-893b-4110-84a1-d516f71cea28">Hameray Publishing</a>. You can head over to their web-site on Friday to check out my post I wrote up for them, but I am telling you (and not getting paid lol) that these books were so cute! I am so excited to get to add them to our library and for our study of our beloved Mrs. Wishy-Washy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0GK17j4ggraCcKvjU2HzdQ0yPOaTkbEFrl8h9oC51ls0OWtBq71TV0y7hNYTxbtk05dPU2uBBpNEcZEfSo7tdEHhfymKC2H82W3ND1K5c4LWq2iE22diVbcPgOQ-vFSDGMaalrQZZw7Z/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0GK17j4ggraCcKvjU2HzdQ0yPOaTkbEFrl8h9oC51ls0OWtBq71TV0y7hNYTxbtk05dPU2uBBpNEcZEfSo7tdEHhfymKC2H82W3ND1K5c4LWq2iE22diVbcPgOQ-vFSDGMaalrQZZw7Z/s640/Slide4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kids loved <i>Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Birthday</i> the most out of all of them. Mr. Wishy-Washy makes a cake for Mrs. Wishy-Washy's birthday.<br />
After we read the book, we brainstormed different items that Mrs. Wishy Washy might like for her birthday. Their answers reflected that they had a deeper understanding of the character. After they gave me their answer, I would ask them why? Why do you think she would like that?<br />
Justification of their answer =higher order thinking.<br />
Booyah!<br />
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Look how cute they turned out! We have been working on labeling and it looks like it stuck with them! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepIL2nay5ctW-7xJjgxgD1xzFcnQwJJeUw0Pjm5yIlq-MfBgY5b2qP6RTZsts-oailWc5yYaAqKw6nrkXIMAtLcG2v20aNhoK1RjMyrlIADUUlEK9MW8ri7T-oL2k3DLpx7phfSgZHQa-/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepIL2nay5ctW-7xJjgxgD1xzFcnQwJJeUw0Pjm5yIlq-MfBgY5b2qP6RTZsts-oailWc5yYaAqKw6nrkXIMAtLcG2v20aNhoK1RjMyrlIADUUlEK9MW8ri7T-oL2k3DLpx7phfSgZHQa-/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-9cPxQU1F9gZZXxCILqrR0v1PxbgSI25jMjKwf6CVi8Q6dEDydZpephqZ3KuvtQ126ir9L2T5r3Z37Re55lD6FLjaG5gsvUw6fjPiZe4cCdV0kZ3qBsFvRlLxlfuSYRCpd_2rEdX3vDB/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-9cPxQU1F9gZZXxCILqrR0v1PxbgSI25jMjKwf6CVi8Q6dEDydZpephqZ3KuvtQ126ir9L2T5r3Z37Re55lD6FLjaG5gsvUw6fjPiZe4cCdV0kZ3qBsFvRlLxlfuSYRCpd_2rEdX3vDB/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are so many great resources out there! </div>
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My kids loved doing this "I Can" book. </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mrs-Wishy-Washy-Emergent-Reader-481292"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kqS9OS0rHI3bkob4tyur5OwqU27l-i7hXrYNT1mIoEzRNQj9frOvwJUm0AfxxFJdqmaXAMIFeheqcbP9z6ICZ_Mh3zQuQaEj7625Zy4BVZ_-Mn_9O1ap_9r9wytdckWg-mR3m3Xk8-kG/s640/Slide3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another K teacher found this Wishy-Washy video on YouTube. </div>
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Don't let the crazy lady scare you from pressing play. I promise it's ok to play :) It will be stuck in your head all day though!</div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xsetijhYwX4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I also created some resources to use! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lets-Wash-866516"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPA8HtHebHc3gXdDLbKnfkmjOxux6FZtD5lXyHUcT2WLfNK5qk3mherJ1t3uAtsj6Omndy4UO2CswIgren7aj7pcYXs3f_OAfpyJULN-3aSv2RfYo-vw7uYqyikSqACpmkw5EPqXicbUN/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="322" /></a></div>
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Here is a free activity that you can find in this bundle that you can use as morning/word work.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaM01PVnlUbmlkVFE/edit"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dJWLtoYby7sQpXrUGu_jP5kWZETNGgidmghJh0f9MBSArpTAKTSJBod6U_nNM1IwJGHopr5zr7hUSosLyukbRObqoo2xhHYxaG-FzAjka-B8WIJV7EUPiEAkF9B0wFXLo4H2-c0OjNV2/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-8476309149766853542013-09-08T13:12:00.002-07:002013-09-15T13:57:23.484-07:00Gettin' It Together...barely<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mrswillskindergarten.com/2013/09/peek-at-my-week-thats-better.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MrsWillsKindergarten+%28Mrs.+Wills+Kindergarten%29"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqVnDq_rY2qz4qXcXk2eM6XARqYO0Ej9F_9CfJRThCDYi_9jRk6RU6R5ckpgUeePCoQ2sS8rO3K_hVmhyphenhyphen4kLZFalHJpf3NdToD7-l8i7hmtcZrPx4bAacXzMCyqTdWARuI1W-JKJ86LSx/s320/Peek+at+my+Week+Linky+Button.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Friday, my thought was "What am I going to do next week!?!" </div>
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The four day week completely threw me for a loop last week so I got all out of whack when it was Friday and it was supposed to be Thursday. </div>
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Next week, we are going to do be reading Rhyming Dust Bunnies and I am so excited! I created this resource over the summer and have been busting at the seems to pull it out. We are going to be <a href="http://liveitloveitlearnit.blogspot.com/2013/07/dust-bunnies-made-it-giveaway-included.html">making Dust Bunny pens</a> on Friday and the kiddos are going to be searching for rhyming words with their little dust bunnies. I think we are at the point that I can release them a bit. I have an awesome group this year so I feel like we are ready for this! </div>
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Fingers crossed. </div>
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We are still chugging right along with <a href="http://www.hwtears.com/hwt">Handwriting Without Tears</a>. We are going to be putting our writing folders together in the next couple of weeks. I had a lot of "How do you make that letter?" at the beginning of the year. HWT is quickly solving that problem for me. We are taking it two letters a day, but the resources that accompany this program are amazing and it is so age appropriate. Love, love, love it! </div>
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As you can see, we are still going to be labeling this week. Some of the plans that were there last week magically appear this week because we may or may not have gotten to everything I planned on (oops). My lesson plans do not look like this on Friday. There are a lot of notes to myself, arrows and crossing out that happens. I should show you an example on Friday :) It starts out pretty but ends up a scribble-ly mess. </div>
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Math is still a lot of number sense instruction. How to make the numbers. How to represent numbers differently..etc.We are going to briefly talk about shapes. </div>
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We are Wednesday Word Problem-ing it again this week. Last week, we did two and they did great so </div>
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I am also going to be starting math tub rotations for the first time. I am thinking that I am just going to stick their number next to their literacy stations and they are going to keep their same partner. I used to have a math tub partner and a literacy station partner, but why change it and use more room to organize? </div>
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Isn't it nice to not be a new teacher sometimes and you just magically gain sense and reason?</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaTjRZeldPZmRHU3c/edit"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4jszlsMW2u-GE_mcRtdoVLvkbSYnkZAioTdw2TB76OWNnqcgfdkuKYjE_WlrdyXcJhyphenhyphenRCyAq_HeAjNRda2F-DBCgXvYaSjfbYihp1q1iBk7KMJ3iS9kWgf-baivYeHrnvMYa9QUo4tBz/s640/Sept9-13.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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As we are learning how to use our "helping hand" this week, I will let you know what books and ideas I use as I introduce each skill. Here is the helping hand we are going to be using this year. I worked with my team and my literacy coach to tweek our old one. Here is the new one. </div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaZ2Q5TEdETEN4SDg/edit"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEG5FUc31dbnfhSecWWQ5o-t6k9lQhG9hYs-BOmpuJpEaA6X7KSblA5VMx11wCLXe-XDL558MhR0IhwQBz61XTjvPvZ4N0gzQtKNWnOZWBn7zqTP-GIKVmw5oC0nkFLGkPfmeFtIuKVBpz/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I copy this on colored card stock and laminate it for each student. They keep it in their book bag all year. I prefer it because it's tactile and if they don't have this hand in front of them, then they can use their own hand and visualize what's on each finger. I know a lot of people use the animals to help give cues to their students, but I have always used the hand. The other reason I prefer the hand is the order. I want students to do these steps in order. First, you get your mouth ready and say the first sound. Second, you check the picture. If you still can't figure it out, skip it and read the rest of the sentence and then go back and re-read to see if you can figure it out. Lastly, does it look right, sound right and make sense?</div>
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As I introduce the "Helping Hand" this week, we take a lot of time to work on each component. I have a poster sized version of it that we will use to do shared reading activities. I use Level A or B (DRA 1) to work on these skills and act like I am a Kindergarten Reader. I dramatize a bit to make it fun. </div>
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What are your tips and tricks for little readers? </div>
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Enjoy what's left of your weekend! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-61153296797997882362013-09-07T17:32:00.002-07:002013-09-07T17:32:38.685-07:00Football Time! <div style="text-align: center;">
Argh, I missed the Five For Friday. </div>
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How can you people keep up with it!? </div>
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You all are amazing. </div>
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That's all I can say. </div>
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I didn't get to share on my Five for Friday {since I didn't do it} but looky looky we have big bricks and a foundation! Yay!!!</div>
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Now my kids are going to think I live in a dirt/lego house. When I drove up I laughed because I can already hear their comments when I show them the picture. I wonder who is going to be more impatient through this process....them or me? </div>
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I love it when my husband (who is 6'5) and I take selfies because he looks like stretch armstrong and my head is usually cut off.</div>
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Focus on the dirt and bricks. </div>
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Thanks. </div>
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I am a total Football fanatic. I love everything about football. I love curling up on the couch with a bowl of chili in my leggings and watching football at home, I will march my butt out to the stadium and sit in the scorching sun or the freezing cold, and I will wave my foam finger (un-Miley Cyrus like) in the air like there is no tomorrow. I am that girl. I can't help it. </div>
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So when I started creating resources last year, I came up with a "Superbowl" unit because it was the end of the football season and I had to do something that related to football. Until I began this adventure with creating my own resources, I was very unaware of the endless possibilities of great teacher created resources and creating myself. The addiction began and I haven't hopped off the train ;0)</div>
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I decided to give my little football resource a face lift. You know that feeling of creating a product and you think it's so fab just to go back 2 months later and 1. Realize you can't name a product "Superbowl". Hello (smack palm on forehead)...that's why all the commercials call it "The Big Game" and 2. The fonts are too cute that it's probably unreadable for a 5 or 6 year old. </div>
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So, I fixed it. </div>
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It's a little more K-1 Reader Appropriate. </div>
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And in honor of football season, it's on sale while all of the big games are happening. </div>
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There are even some cheerleaders in there too :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Football-Literacy-and-Math-Unit-523032"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZTX8VWH-v_YXCTaSU_5VyG0CSnWd1kuY7lYLmF4-Rpr2nMYPPkwucnlPTDa3rzYf5ovHuAp6D-eCpiftE55HxnlpLftiuw8RHbPBTOXNjivzM4IiqOMbDD-nbymiQeCb16DJf93Jkm7W/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, I had all the kids wear their favorite team jersey to school and we sorted by type of sport and graphed it. Sometimes, I have kids that wear all types of sports but I mainly had football jerseys so we had to sort and graph by high school football, college foot ball and pro foot ball. I also had one hokey player and three cheerleaders. After we graphed by sport, we came up with other sorting rules. They sorted themselves by color of shirt/jersey, if they had numbers or no numbers, by football/non-football...etc. It was fun because the kiddos came up with the rules and it got them up and moving.</div>
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Since we have been doing so much labeling lately, I can't wait to use the football player and cheerleader this week! </div>
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I'll be back tomorrow with my lesson plans for Peek at My Week! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-48411630559935171732013-09-04T15:03:00.001-07:002013-09-04T15:03:18.755-07:00Label the Teacher<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't you know that Kindergartners think it's hilarious to Post-it note their teacher? </div>
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Especially when the teacher tells them to... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTxw7oqtIDfqMaSAzwJFQ93Q-BNlbvB6cDQ2J3qVqRSWPhiIBWcv5Oxk06eRaHJhiKRjQAWcMwkdn2TIxYULM5yI_oyQBsoTD9xUiad8ocNE3mNgzCImI-oj3XkQ5iqt0p6dJaW068d4z/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTxw7oqtIDfqMaSAzwJFQ93Q-BNlbvB6cDQ2J3qVqRSWPhiIBWcv5Oxk06eRaHJhiKRjQAWcMwkdn2TIxYULM5yI_oyQBsoTD9xUiad8ocNE3mNgzCImI-oj3XkQ5iqt0p6dJaW068d4z/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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{The picture quality is so superb because of the 5 year old photographer that snapped this keeper.}</div>
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I like to introduce labeling at the beginning of the writing process because Lucy Calkins does. I think her units of study are the most powerful and the most in depth. Writers start writing when they can get something on paper. Labeling is the way to get started (or at least that's what I think) and kids can feel confident quickly when they know that labeling is actually writing. </div>
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Last year, I used the Richard Scarry "Busy, Busy Town" to show how an author used labels. I could not, for the life of me, find it this year so I wasn't able to read it. </div>
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Tear. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17n3hD_FdPZHLXllThk1ZssG0iMG2k6sTXBk8Tqf-R_wkFONdex4-rlUm-hsVICcY_6cH6qZ7X-ZGL2908rZtSGD8lp-MvRLqQNDumafyKKttVpGk45Yb1flrW5AwwfMDmb1VkIqMnkQv/s1600/61rSjEJNC0L._SX260_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17n3hD_FdPZHLXllThk1ZssG0iMG2k6sTXBk8Tqf-R_wkFONdex4-rlUm-hsVICcY_6cH6qZ7X-ZGL2908rZtSGD8lp-MvRLqQNDumafyKKttVpGk45Yb1flrW5AwwfMDmb1VkIqMnkQv/s1600/61rSjEJNC0L._SX260_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_.jpg" /></a></div>
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I (and by I, I mean my student teacher) did make this poster last year that I found on Pinterest. </div>
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I am going to bring it out tomorrow to show them. I have them write the labels and stick it on the cat. I don't have the labels already on there. I let them choose what they want to label on the cat. </div>
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Before we labeled the teacher, we brainstormed some ideas that we could label on Mrs. Hall. Then, I helped them sound out some of the words they were wanting to write on their Post-it. We aren't quite to the "sound it out" stage yet so we did it together. </div>
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I sent them back to their seats and they wrote one body part that they wanted to stick on me. Then, I let them have at it. They were cracking up. Sometimes, you just have to leave your pride at the door as a Kindergarten teacher and allow 19 five and six year olds to laugh at your expense. You know they are learning it if they have a good feeling (like laughing) tied to the learning experience. </div>
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After they had a good laugh, they were given this page to go and label of themselves. All of the words were still up for them to refer to. You can click on him to get the pdf. </div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaa1V5VUdjZWpjSTg/edit"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz8fgPOGmErNWcMYX1gd-KzK9nOyhjdZEiHaez3I_RgxU8gP4EjD8BN5LY0w0Yh3rk8qfmk_iX542Lkh2fEdRQDMc2xSyuW-KBR-vUFVhDBmpmVVaF7NNfhgBqzZPC8xsuAWcuYDIHYNA/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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There are so many teachers out there that say Kindergartners can't write! </div>
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Not true.</div>
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They can write if you ask them to.</div>
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Don't be afraid to raise the bar one level higher. </div>
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Make it fun and engaging. </div>
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Yes, get on stage for them. </div>
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After they labeled me and themselves, I have them label their lunch tray, their family, their friends...anything that is meaningful to them. </div>
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Happy Writing! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-73855263243481752132013-09-01T22:27:00.000-07:002013-09-01T22:27:40.077-07:00The Post That Never Ends<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I started this post without the intention of it being so long and random but nonetheless...that's not how it turned out. </i></div>
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I'm back for Peek at My Week Linky! Now I'm a big fan on getting my lesson plans all straightened out and ready to put up for the whole world to see. It's a totally different feeling having your plans just out in the open for everyone to see as opposed to them being closed in your lesson plan book on your desk only for your eyes. </div>
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I have been having a hard time finding simple color word printables that just have the color words on them. I feel like maybe that was an old school thing? I don't know but my kids still need more color word work this week. We used the color word pages from my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Color-Words-Differentiated-Word-Work-765470">Color Word </a>bundle and the color activities from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-of-Colors-288094">Rainbow of Colors.</a> I loved using the poems that went with this unit. All of the songs are on You Tube...done and done. The kids loved it. </div>
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I created this freebie if you are in the market for morning work, assessing, literacy station...etc. It's simple and doesn't need much (if any) explanation.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Color-Word-Freebie-856604"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_Qi2d9gXCImphJm2slVl0H-Ji05JHL_VIQSOb9rG_JRGoX1ON6dNAYLRM3zWMiwKYuoJewoFqVY9Q0W85nGIGLy-nkzdZGVpQh9rkbmfcFSyKQx4wIeM1PCIYt6e4Z4my9yQjC-QBpRk/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For my literacy block this week, I am going to stay with Mrs. Wishy Washy. I am sure that I'll have some great resources to share later after I am done reading the other versions from Hameray Publishing. I found some great <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:wishy+washy">free resources on TpT</a>. I used some of them last week, but I have a couple of ideas that I need to get working on (especially since they are on the lesson plans for the week ;0) </div>
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I am so excited to read these new books. I'll have a review for ya when we're done! I love Mrs. Wishy Washy and so do the kids!</div>
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We are starting calendar folders this week and finishing up our second week of stations from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ABC-Centers-For-The-Frugal-Teacher-Letter-ID-COMBO-PACK-Set-1-and-2-768282">ABC Centers</a>. </div>
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We are also going to be starting Handwriting Without Tears this week. I used it for the first time last year and I can't say enough good things about this program. I think that it is the most age appropriate handwriting program out there. </div>
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We've got a busy (short) week as you can see :)</div>
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Moving on to more news for ya...</div>
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Irene (who is my bloggy bud) won the K Back Pack Giveaway! Woohoo!!! She is fabulous...I know you know her. She's the lovely lady over at:</div>
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<a href="http://learningwithmrsleeby.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Learning With Mrs. Leeby" border="0" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/a3o786.jpg" /></a></div>
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I started to wrap this post up and then I saw the Currently was up and ready to go so why not! </div>
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I'm just going to do a week of blogging right now since I don't have to get up for school tomorrow! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizLXpk41laHGpbMW9acoknvWzWmI4xPRDXV1Pd-a4rFIQ-1UL5Og0labe9D0oCU4d9-mQQkG9RQjMacpnJ8pj645ghyphenhyphenVoXEiqqg3_nc8rJzoBbU-LdmOxP7Ca6BdT60Yh2-hWiyyZfGQt/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizLXpk41laHGpbMW9acoknvWzWmI4xPRDXV1Pd-a4rFIQ-1UL5Og0labe9D0oCU4d9-mQQkG9RQjMacpnJ8pj645ghyphenhyphenVoXEiqqg3_nc8rJzoBbU-LdmOxP7Ca6BdT60Yh2-hWiyyZfGQt/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Obviously, I'm not paying attention to the TV because I'm blogging. Jon (hubs) loves comedy so that has been playing ever since Breaking Bad ended. Anyone out there watching this season!?! Crazy...</div>
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We have been to two football games already! Woohoo! WKU victory over UK last night :0) </div>
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I almost finished this post without mentioning what happened yesterday! </div>
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This sweet Kindergarten teacher (who is a UK fan but I am not holding it against her) from Kentucky came up to my and said, "I know this is totally random but I love your blog!" I sort of looked behind me like maybe Kim or Deedee was standing behind me but they weren't there so she was talking to me!? </div>
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She was so energetic and fun to talk to. </div>
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And last but not least, I am having a 20% Labor Day Sale at my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Elizabeth-Hall-6616">TpT Store</a>. I know there are a lot of you that missed the Back to School Sale (tear) but jump on it because it's only happening until tomorrow. </div>
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Happy Labor Day! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-40880324684692783052013-08-30T07:53:00.000-07:002013-08-30T07:53:51.880-07:00Five for Friday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yvXPc0n8LHNNaqUYm7V2WTr1QKfLSiS6iQUifU8uAHtmBn5CcT9uATZtINQEPMyUMfmfRywD2WDS0GA-X2HTsCj_rnM5081Uz5BX7uFs-22aW9Ry6jHgCsdOwckTL_T7YZZprcPrvvxK/s1600/fiveforfriday2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yvXPc0n8LHNNaqUYm7V2WTr1QKfLSiS6iQUifU8uAHtmBn5CcT9uATZtINQEPMyUMfmfRywD2WDS0GA-X2HTsCj_rnM5081Uz5BX7uFs-22aW9Ry6jHgCsdOwckTL_T7YZZprcPrvvxK/s320/fiveforfriday2_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you follow my instagram...you have seen most of these pictures but it's been an exciting week :)</div>
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1. They broke ground on our house!!!! We were so excited that we had to go take a picture in the dirt!</div>
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I showed it to my kiddos and they looked at me like I was crazy and then one kiddos asked "You are going to live in a dirt house?" </div>
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Bless. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMQEG07WV6_-3b7Eg3T3B0BUnUAMN_c-tInjY76zFUYZuNKPWa2EzIBqhX7FJYy-Bax6oFfngvpHmxHzgplLuqQ8eIBirnVyemgYB9TJal4yC64XQ-xJq9tHGtLrRbb-v_mbUR1t6bTTB/s1600/securedownload+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMQEG07WV6_-3b7Eg3T3B0BUnUAMN_c-tInjY76zFUYZuNKPWa2EzIBqhX7FJYy-Bax6oFfngvpHmxHzgplLuqQ8eIBirnVyemgYB9TJal4yC64XQ-xJq9tHGtLrRbb-v_mbUR1t6bTTB/s320/securedownload+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Obviously, it was a big day because we are still in our matchy-match "Go Titans" spirit shirts. Football is kind of our jam. Obviously, (as you can see) I am not a fan of any power house team (Cubs and Titans...winning is not the norm) but we love football and try to make it to every game. Our background is our fabulous city <3 Nashville!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGEugBTy5zr5-6fr8-qMACQeRdYT-Zf_9QEdPn-OeUr9iBrbGnLOOQKbCPnNuRGpQDZ1mckEISgVnuKaBOis7DdM0-Pao3HGqg58ZSWmnru-Fli4Omh3gYogrpEWf7sagvzhaMPAJ_oTE/s1600/securedownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGEugBTy5zr5-6fr8-qMACQeRdYT-Zf_9QEdPn-OeUr9iBrbGnLOOQKbCPnNuRGpQDZ1mckEISgVnuKaBOis7DdM0-Pao3HGqg58ZSWmnru-Fli4Omh3gYogrpEWf7sagvzhaMPAJ_oTE/s320/securedownload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. Got these new bad boys in the mail. If you are a runner or a tennis shoe buyer, check Rnjsports.com because you can usually get shoes at warehouse cost. </div>
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<a href="http://www.rnjsports.com/shop/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGx6Fxgeh20M22Bj9OG3fLNKIcXZwuNE01e2xLEpme_ytrynd4eZbZ1jth1msx4mdS2VfgzLxz29agmnh53Q__5SnMzTuBVbJZcExXtAkiR58nvXcfcIqW2fPcxEb8rEFd679NWuXWi3R5/s320/shoes+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. I finished a back to school bundle annndddd</div>
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I am giving <a href="http://liveitloveitlearnit.blogspot.com/2013/08/back-pack-and-giveaway.html">away one</a> to a fabulous follower!</div>
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I have been the worst about taking pictures of the activities we have been doing, but I got one snapped yesterday! We have been working on sorting and completed this activity whole group. I am planning on putting one in a math tub as well since we've done it together and hopefully they will remember what to do once it's in a tub (fingers crossed). </div>
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5. If you are wanting a sale...ePals (Tools for School) has one going on this weekend. They are hosting the sale for all of the shop owners. They are providing the discount, which is beyond generous! All of my products are there and there are many other great resources to check out. I love this company because</div>
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1. They are the fabulous group that sent me to Vegas so I will love them forever.</div>
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2. Their vision of education is long term and it encompasses a global community of teaching. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <u></u>Promo code: BACKTOSCHOOL13<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <u></u>Discount: 10% off site wide<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <u></u>Valid: 8/30 – 9/2 (ends <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1654034934" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">11:59 pm EST</span></span>)</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.toolsforschool.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=category&search=true&limitstart=0&keyword=Kickin'%20it%20in%20Kindergarten&1377828386137"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2AaScoETcurtzZC7RfjWeeLSkeaFeRvw3XHEIaUvFw4fTcp3CC3WRk-ncqhhWuLNskGGzxMoeTL-1tDDEEZBPV85ukfhs89uvKJMho_LWMdQbTz8ndKYq4dj_8V5GXKZqZSBXD2YZoW3/s400/TFS-LaborDay-Sale-BlogArt+(2).png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-16276551640654661362013-08-28T15:25:00.000-07:002013-08-28T15:25:21.962-07:00Back Pack and Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
Not like a backpack...but a pack for K that is back :) Even though they aren't technically back since this is the first time they are coming to "big school". Should have thought that one through...</div>
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I'm deliriously tired right now. I have been so excited about getting this together and using it this year. My obsession with clip art and fonts is now beyond fixing. I should probably have my own intervention. </div>
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I blogged about sweet Linda and her fabulous clip art a few weeks ago. Her back to school images are the feature of my newest shiniest product...woot woot!</div>
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I just think they are so cute! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/K-Back-Pack-850406"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGcf6pSCmq85LQFNLwnV75_rrnWjb3RGCyOMgIEwCxM8xoBiEC4fp8hkCNlZcZvItDyaR0ublAU0VN_H5gUDCNUDquuW_PxoNxRnNPgQDT3c07wf74PeaY5sBM0X3bzJ4yQN6HLrub42o/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is 50 pages to help you get through the first couple of days and maybe even a week or two. The main reason for this bundle is to help me keep all of my thoughts together and organized through the chaos of the beginning of the year. Of course, we've done half of the activities already and I haven't taken a single picture because it is c.r.a.y. up in here. There is a beginning of the year Wednesday Word Problem in here and we did it today. Do you think I took a picture of their work? </div>
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Nope.</div>
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I'd love to share with you (this is included in the pack but thought you might like to try it :) though and I would also love to give away one of these bad boys!</div>
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Wednesday Word Problems have been the perfect way to:</div>
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1. Make sure we are focusing on Common Core.</div>
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2. Promote higher order thinking. </div>
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I have done Wednesday Word Problems since I started teaching. I can't tell you how effective they have been. By the end of the year, students are able to locate the information they need in the word problem and solving addition and subtraction problems independently. But I start now...the first week of school. And we do it every week and don't miss because it's important and valuable. The kids love getting their clipboard and sitting on the carpet while we think through the problems together every week. Sometimes, we act it out and usually manipulatives are involved. </div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3abaa16/" id="rc-d3abaa16" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-3273159996556181362013-08-25T10:03:00.000-07:002013-08-25T10:03:05.480-07:00Peek at my Week {first timer} Linky<div style="text-align: center;">
This is like a never before rip the band aide off type post...</div>
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I have always been too intimidated to partake in this linky party because Deedee is one of those people that is so on top of her game...I mean seriously. You just don't know until you meet her. I had the opportunity to meet her in Vegas and attend her sessions and I heart her. I haven't been blogging for long, but every Sunday I kind of duck my head when I see this linky. I am organized but this is another level for me. </div>
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I am taking the plunge today and here are my plans. </div>
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I am pumped to use Kathleen's ABC stations. I also saw her present at the "I Teach K" conference and she has got all sorts of great ideas for ABC stations. Most of my kiddos know their letters, so this will be a perfect opportunity to introduce them to the procedures of literacy stations. </div>
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Since I am starting literacy stations this week, math tubs will have to wait. I can only have mass confusion planned once a day. The planned confusion and the unplanned confusion usually find a way to merge the first two weeks of school. </div>
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Ok Deedee...you are inspiring me to get it together! </div>
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On a completely different topic, I am a "no reply blogger"!? What does that even mean? How do I fix it?? </div>
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Help...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-44128743772200703912013-08-22T18:51:00.003-07:002013-08-22T18:52:19.630-07:00Etiquette Out There<div style="text-align: center;">
Quick thought tonight from my friend Tracy at <a href="http://socialstrand.com/">Social Strand Medi</a>a. I was just reading her post about </div>
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<a href="http://socialstrand.com/2013/08/21/mistakes-small-businesses-make/">12 Facebook Mistakes that Every Small Business Should Avoid</a>. </div>
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I loved reading it because </div>
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1. She's brilliant (she's the mastermind behind the new web-site) </div>
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2. We should be taking her advice as bloggers and teacher sellers. </div>
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Obviously, there is blogger and facebook etiquette that we should abide by. If you are reading this and you don't know what "etiquette" I'm taking about, click the pictures below to read up :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.artbyjacy.com/2013/03/5-blogging-etiquette-tips-for-newbies.html"><img height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gjKBwE6m0azUkrpVnjdI4rBwudMIQC7iSBz6zmlDJno1sc5bVXdZcxnzzdgzuwobWtDvxvE3KLCt5KNscdVpgGLPVU0u11MXtc-QIdhxgP929wSPabS8PpkiHZcOESU_Z4kt0YP1wuQx/s320/5+Blogging+Etiquette+Tips+for+Newbies++from+Art+By+Jacy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are two other great articles. </div>
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<a href="http://blog.ifabbo.com/blogger-etiquette-dos-and-donts/">Blogger Etiquette</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lorislatestlinks.com/2012/01/pinterest-teachers-pay-teachers-and.html">Lori's Latest Links</a></div>
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I know that new people get in here (me included) and get all crazy by posting and wanting everyone to "FOLLOW ME FOLLOW ME!!!!" because, of course, we all have fab ideas we want to share with everyone and we like the idea of having a little side business. Our brains are of that of a teacher and we don't think quite so "businessy (not a word but go with it)". It might be a natural thing for you, but it is not for me. Even though, I think you have to have a minor in PR to be a Kindergarten teacher....</div>
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As I was reading Tracy's article, it got me thinking about blogging/facebook/pinterest/TpT/etc world that I entered in to last January not knowing what I was getting myself in to! It's a wonderful world, but there are things we have to do to be respectful of one another and not worry so much about our "followers".</div>
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They will come. You are your product. You and your ideas will come alive through your writing and your enthusiasm.</div>
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<u>The best part of the article is #3 </u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">"Too worried about the “number”</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Too many small businesses are worried about their fan base number rather than interacting with their fans. But what they don’t realize is that the more comments they get by posting interesting content that is relevant to their audience, the more people will actually see their brand and potentially become fans. It’s the best word-of-mouth there is."</span></span></div>
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Your followers will become loyal followers if you don't try to push to "like" you. It's hard for us teachers because we just want everyone to like us!</div>
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I would rather have quality than quantity. I want my readers to be able to connect with me and find value in my ideas and come back for more. I am not, by any means, a perfect example of this. I have had my milestone follower giveaways (which I think is fine as long as you aren't doing it for every 50-100 followers). As hard as I try to keep up with my comments, it can be difficult to respond to every single one. But I try and know I can improve. </div>
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I've got lots of exciting changes happening over here in the next couple of weeks! </div>
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Hope everyone is having a great back to school or almost back to school week.</div>
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I had to have me a glass of "kindergarten teacher blend" and a scoop of ice cream to cushion the blow of 4 days back in the classroom. </div>
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Happy almost Friday!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-32659335799847899772013-08-19T18:47:00.000-07:002013-08-19T18:47:08.406-07:00I survived the first full day of K!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Holy mcMoly...</div>
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I made it!</div>
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I made it the entire day without losing a Kindergartner. </div>
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Don't you feel accomplished when you say that for the first couple of days? Those poor babies just stand there and stare at you like lost little puppies. I am having my students line up in number order this year so that I've kind of built in a buddy system. The self awareness isn't quite there so I can't assume that the awareness of others has developed yet but that's the method behind the madness. </div>
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I was SO excited to get to take pictures of students working today! I love getting to put my products together, but I love it even more when I get to use them in my classroom and show other teachers what we're doing. This was part of my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Color-Words-Differentiated-Word-Work-765470">color word</a> set. It's a differentiated pack but lawd I had them all do the same page today. I would have loved to see myself running around trying to give 2 separate sets of instructions. Half of them were cutting every line they saw on the page or were gluing upside down...you know the drill in the beginning. </div>
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The level 2 stuff will be saved for a later date...a "to be continued" if you will. </div>
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I've never really gotten on board with the color day thing. I can't keep up with what color they should be wearing and neither can the parents. There is always one kid that never participates and then if they forget then there is a whole mess of tears...etc etc. </div>
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I also felt like most of them got colors in pre-school. </div>
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Well, now it's standard so I'm all in on it. I still haven't jumped on the "let's all wear red" but this is what we did today. </div>
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BTW...this work was done by kiddos that were there on their first day...whhhattttt. I did not rig this and do it for them ;0)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1I8EM7R8Ju1FX4VucWR3hbYRgCCIq-I8UlHX4YOSGTjzLPQ4frqM_byvgjVCeerL6LsUzrbV7EKvxVZ1r-2LUnTWBEAF9jx4Hqvwt7oQjcnqWLP2yv_pMSr7GzdUdLVaJsmkr5kvUw5v/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1I8EM7R8Ju1FX4VucWR3hbYRgCCIq-I8UlHX4YOSGTjzLPQ4frqM_byvgjVCeerL6LsUzrbV7EKvxVZ1r-2LUnTWBEAF9jx4Hqvwt7oQjcnqWLP2yv_pMSr7GzdUdLVaJsmkr5kvUw5v/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kiddos did the level one page for morning work. </div>
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I also love doing the color poem songs every year. </div>
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I found a F.A.B. resource to go along with the songs. </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-of-Colors-288094"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt1H4RmQQ17NWMK3QTlAluIC3x8cjKehOr8yKdIeC8xXTJkjIVwUpEl9QaecVjsLJTeEeIvpDys6p72T2KzmhhFCZg9uqBQVC0njwQsLoqmAaPDJT2wugdQ3fvY_JCROz8U8ThUS-M7V2/s320/rainbowofcolorsd.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I linked in the youtube video you can watch to go with it. Kelly has all of the songs with pages for the students to fill it. I am using these pages for all the days we talk about color words (which will be foreves).</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z42JXHZbTU0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Sharing is caring so here is the red page (level 1) for ya for free...gotta love some back to school lubin'</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaek5yYmlnZ1dxSWs/edit"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_pyNCIE6CG5J0lwA-7arUO_kHgi7uGUQYXqpEvmjyQnSG8145sBT2tK2iRkrIih5N4O3MbIkAcLmTWVLrlE-DG6Rj7Rxz4RMRQ8GNuCfhdCf5M6Ny1DptVYmN0ZPzQdTkZNwfxYN7tqw/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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Of course, we also had to read Pete.</div>
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His shoes are red...it fits. </div>
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I have been loving this TpT sale and I have gone a bit cray...the amount of things I have purchased will probably need to be saved for a future post. </div>
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Happy Monday peeps...hope you are all surviving out there! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-71012928878712897812013-08-16T20:39:00.001-07:002013-08-16T20:39:21.651-07:00Friday Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcAFL60csUzMww8Q_F3YjAOPu9ESWE__Epw90qX3RQqTebTdZ3y8hTbK7vzkytc3B9fGXCKzLwpj8qniZVdtRch1o_Vv8ff90mv-ZaZKKtPufcLU_emrCHjrKNzFDdaXL8HVv2S_VBrCA/s1600/fiveforfriday2%5B7%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcAFL60csUzMww8Q_F3YjAOPu9ESWE__Epw90qX3RQqTebTdZ3y8hTbK7vzkytc3B9fGXCKzLwpj8qniZVdtRch1o_Vv8ff90mv-ZaZKKtPufcLU_emrCHjrKNzFDdaXL8HVv2S_VBrCA/s320/fiveforfriday2%5B7%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today is the first day with my entire group of kinders. Comin' in hot. I am so thankful for all of the great classroom management tips I have picked up from other amazing teachers or like Deedee says "The monkeys will be running the zoo." </div>
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1. I had totally forgotten about this, but I was featured on The Curriculum Corner this week...or this month. I'm not sure how long it's been there. However, I l.o.v.e. Jill and Cathy that run this web-site together. I was able to sit with them at a dinner in Chicago during Blogher. Wonderful ladies and stellar teachers. I am beyond humbled that they thought I was "Spotlight" worthy. Thanks girls! </div>
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2. We finally got through all 110 assessments this past week. We used this packet to help test those little ones coming in I loved having something that was readable and easy for everyone to use. We could just pick it up at any table and test the student. It made it easy on all of us! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Assessment-Pack-812542"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAZd5YY89Zf5IojK9yQRoBS_w0EThigud7v0FdRcO3eZdIat8ve2QmpWbb3_K9GQXVw3bNRXpO2q4H9un48ZqJlzGlMIhgdSBI2N1wMiGuptUmSSbek6W60UZyvCg3KRiz1EUBQIT01gs/s320/Kassessment.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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3. Here is a little sneak peak at a back to school unit I am working on. Hopefully, I can get it done in time so that it's actually "back to school" but it may not happen. Just being realistic here. </div>
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I love to read "I Like Myself" and then take a picture of them and have them tell me why they are special. It always turns out super cute. </div>
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Since my pack isn't done, grab this one for free :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjsN13NjZ2cNYT2YlXTw7EWHfY-A6YW51W2FytdNrwhskzlia7O8tfl2BQc2Q8gOC-hwfWmDe4K4WilVwWiyvxtKbe0G-GTBQCouHwOQ9gTCaHCRebdylsJ_MkcHockoeW40FOdHoAxnB/s1600/ilikebooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjsN13NjZ2cNYT2YlXTw7EWHfY-A6YW51W2FytdNrwhskzlia7O8tfl2BQc2Q8gOC-hwfWmDe4K4WilVwWiyvxtKbe0G-GTBQCouHwOQ9gTCaHCRebdylsJ_MkcHockoeW40FOdHoAxnB/s200/ilikebooks.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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4. In order to keep my room somewhat put together, I took pictures of everything that has a "place" in my room or that is a center. This way, the students have a visual for what "cleaned up" looks like. I always get so frustrated when I go back to the art station, puzzles or home living and it's not picked up but the kids think they did a perfect job. Well, it's because they can't remember what it looked like before so shoving anything anywhere works well for them. </div>
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I took a picture of the pictures I took :) </div>
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I posted up pictures of how it should somewhat look when they leave that station or center. I just hope that it can be more visual for my kiddos. </div>
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5. Apparently...there is a sale going on this weekend.</div>
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I can't wait to make a dent in that wish-list I got going on...</div>
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Have fun shopping :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-35995315730806460612013-08-15T05:40:00.000-07:002013-08-15T14:59:55.811-07:00Holy Back to School<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid32foMLNUpQArLW4G-6cWfUtJcDUsthgTJhyREx31_1JLOyHb7jA_2MhW-JzVLGKgqDMF3jeTk6eus_YV-kzDr10cQngp2fzv5BIrqq5JhMbL9-Mvys_VOmddMYQJOrgoUXIUYP4yQeg/s320/Teacher+Week+Button.png" /></div>
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You always say you forget how much they don't know once they come to Kindergarten, but you really don't forget until they come in the first day and it's like the zoo released for the day. </div>
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Stars.</div>
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Needless to say, I have been a bit preoccupied for the rest of teacher week! I am going to try try and squeeze Tuesday-Thursday in to one smaller post for ya. I had my room all put together and cutified ready to show off! Then, open house and back to school got the best of my blog. Sorry peeps.</div>
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Here is some of my room! I am so excited to have my carpet in the middle (you heard me right) of the room. It feels much more like a community. The K classroom revolves around the rug. We do more than half of our day there. It should be the center of the room! It just took some adjusting on my part. </div>
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This picture is my reading table (my Dad built me that amazing shelf that is behind the reading table...so nice to have a handy pops!)</div>
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I'm in love with my new rug in the home living center from Big Lots. $16 for that bad boy. Then of course, my sweet little library. It's actually a bit ridiculous for a classroom, but Amazon and I have a great relationship :)</div>
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Part of this post is to show you part of my classroom, but it also has some secret organizational tips. </div>
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Obviously, I've got my pinterest crate seats there at my reading table. You do not want to know how much "stuff" is in those babies. I did a post a last January on how to make them. If you didn't make them this summer, maybe Christmas (unless you are a superhero teacher and can do it in a weekend during BTS)?</div>
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The other organizational tip is for your library. I have to organize my books in three different ways. </div>
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First, by level. All students need to be able to read books that are "just right" for them. </div>
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Second, I have books by themes. For example...insect books, weather books, Star Wars, sports, etc...</div>
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My last set of baskets is by author. </div>
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I found some great book labeling systems on <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:book+label">TpT</a>.</div>
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I don't really have one I like better than any other. I made my own for the authors and then also purchased the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/classroom-set-up-starter-kit-chevron-theme-bundle-711987">Classroom Chevron Themed Bundle Set from Cupcake</a> because I had to chevron my everything this year...apparently. </div>
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I can admit I have a chevron problem because you do too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEP39uv7vvRyWJEkYWI-UUN8o3zRMMd6PeTCmVXbaheygkAQmrbMv540eER7CrkC47f86w8STaysbcNllccvmbE__hVm_zQu5ruiz4uihpO-i4_Irgpx0zw6IDEQR2VsSbosiFsg9dRCy/s1600/securedownload+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEP39uv7vvRyWJEkYWI-UUN8o3zRMMd6PeTCmVXbaheygkAQmrbMv540eER7CrkC47f86w8STaysbcNllccvmbE__hVm_zQu5ruiz4uihpO-i4_Irgpx0zw6IDEQR2VsSbosiFsg9dRCy/s400/securedownload+(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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All about management.</div>
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Right. </div>
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So here's what I've been working with on the first two days. </div>
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Mind you, I've only had half of my kids each day. </div>
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They alllll will be there tomorrow. </div>
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I use my "Good Work" board and it has always been a hit. Keeping my fingers crossed it remains the same way this year and we don't have to do any crazy behavior plans and all that mess. MusicMis</div>
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I always let the kids come in the door on "Good Work". If they have a good day, they get to stay there. If they do something extra like help a friend or go above and beyond, they may get a "WOW". This is a trip to the treasure box after 3 "Wow" days, so it's a pretty big deal when you get to move your clip there. </div>
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Hand signals have always been implemented. I had to change some of my hand signs this year because 1. I was getting bored and 2. I had to have chevron to match. </div>
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I have four rules in the classroom, you can only see two of them here, but if you are interested you can click to grab them for <a href="http://liveitloveitlearnit.blogspot.com/2013/07/rules-vs-procedures.html">free</a> if you are looking for something! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxfJYsw2U1p-MNWM7nWe2NPf2ytyiYt9CZ9J0Uz7X2M4UdPG5zfjlnc-Wu_NUqicFBbaQsrNtUQv3xWktX9xerg1sCc5j5QzMGR_KGDJlpfNIeCsFoJUYhJbOe0XUR0TLLvsg_5OlTOnv/s1600/securedownload+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxfJYsw2U1p-MNWM7nWe2NPf2ytyiYt9CZ9J0Uz7X2M4UdPG5zfjlnc-Wu_NUqicFBbaQsrNtUQv3xWktX9xerg1sCc5j5QzMGR_KGDJlpfNIeCsFoJUYhJbOe0XUR0TLLvsg_5OlTOnv/s400/securedownload+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am also going to be using Heidi Songs this year to work on Classroom Management. My best teaching bud next door recommended that we all try it so I am diving in with it! </div>
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It's always better to have them up and moving as much as possible. </div>
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Especially in the beginning :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.heidisongs.com/our-products/details.php?id=153&keywords=Music_for_Classroom_Management_DVD"><img src="http://www.heidisongs.com/mediafiles/product_records/md_153_ClassMgntDVD.png" /></a></div>
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Hope you all are having a fabulous week!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-66502178329166904452013-08-12T04:53:00.000-07:002013-08-12T04:53:21.430-07:00Day 1- Meet the Teach<br />
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<a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid32foMLNUpQArLW4G-6cWfUtJcDUsthgTJhyREx31_1JLOyHb7jA_2MhW-JzVLGKgqDMF3jeTk6eus_YV-kzDr10cQngp2fzv5BIrqq5JhMbL9-Mvys_VOmddMYQJOrgoUXIUYP4yQeg/s320/Teacher+Week+Button.png" /></a></div>
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This is falling perfectly with my back to school week. Thanks to the girls over at Blog Hoppin' for organizing this linky party!</div>
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The older kiddos are starting their second day back and we have one last day of assessments for our K kiddos. They will be here in full force on Wednesday and I can't wait to meet my new little kiddos! They are just the cutest. I am getting this together because we all know what it's like the first week back...especially in Kindergarten. Bedtime is 5 p.m. every night. </div>
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I'm not talking about the kids...</div>
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So the schedule is as follows for the week. I can't wait to show you my classroom pictures! It has been an undertaking this year to get my classroom set up so that it works best for what I envision. </div>
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<img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv6YR2Q8TWRPfwtP1ZkTMDM6cK5k4I5QvpGD1jAoHk0m5Wt2oZK1n73B8FIUqN8qUimrdtXgOQ6kCd68wW9zsq5lAz9OnopA70rYvKuGll1rPPw1skIMONkYKlTg6xEgxL0JA4Cqmp6Y/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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I'm meeting the parents tomorrow night so this is perfect and I can use these slides to tell them a little bit about myself. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JPuS2JW7MtygDk8UhIUnbUJyZ8tK27npfiA_WWDwAgxUViWT0q2SoFOutKu2V0s3mst3uYHNX-PEH35aEjDtUmL86HLlxgKY_PRzaF26XooVob7AkPITnK484HjZcl-i2HTC-Z8_RGSH/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JPuS2JW7MtygDk8UhIUnbUJyZ8tK27npfiA_WWDwAgxUViWT0q2SoFOutKu2V0s3mst3uYHNX-PEH35aEjDtUmL86HLlxgKY_PRzaF26XooVob7AkPITnK484HjZcl-i2HTC-Z8_RGSH/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fdFv4MzgA90llBiQoUeVC98yNvaNNb2tzHqIwQ108xLGQepk814whXKDImX9WZyw47FxSKfKaqmyHh8d40_6OSEDRJ1gc2PNACDYFyYyQ-0-UsKjfbYdBLHop4j7WQdvQ4FIsVouf0NW/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fdFv4MzgA90llBiQoUeVC98yNvaNNb2tzHqIwQ108xLGQepk814whXKDImX9WZyw47FxSKfKaqmyHh8d40_6OSEDRJ1gc2PNACDYFyYyQ-0-UsKjfbYdBLHop4j7WQdvQ4FIsVouf0NW/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My husband and I love sports and enjoy going to football games together. I can't wait for football season to be back in full effect!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyyGiuMGlmuLMV-_iTvwazSSKvYT1jWtufdkN4iQoeNLrDH8tVvfXpt8e9B07B__uaFZnt-ko2in5zZ1XYrXH4KznMMN0mD7nJ6JDr7E8w4ZJdBkrsNpnzHcSQv5tW6IL2c0COpgthHGB/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyyGiuMGlmuLMV-_iTvwazSSKvYT1jWtufdkN4iQoeNLrDH8tVvfXpt8e9B07B__uaFZnt-ko2in5zZ1XYrXH4KznMMN0mD7nJ6JDr7E8w4ZJdBkrsNpnzHcSQv5tW6IL2c0COpgthHGB/s640/Slide4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't wait to meet other great teachers!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-73185056839286433392013-08-10T08:47:00.001-07:002013-08-10T08:47:22.995-07:00Back to School Happenings<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/elizabethh1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqcy9qOnN_UWEXxRxew8N-0yjZrD42P9Wg2V2kN1FzTtLOthdh_STY2WM0R1HmsH-1BF6G-kIgWf92slBoR3_jgGg5JUN2VPWJU4tOOPyeRxyX3gW-Wn2umUojHCnAEZEYFhakSZWJEg/s400/teachers+notebook+25+sale.png" /></a><br />
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I am joining in on all the fun that's happening over at TN starting today.<br />
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I'm not just having a sale at my store. There are a lot of different options that you can partake in.<br />
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I did my very first video about the Moving Word Wall. I really don't like the sound of my own voice, but I did it anyways! If you want to hear about how it can work instead of reading about how it can be used in your classroom. I also show you where I got everything to get it assembled. It's really not a big deal though...I am so excited to use it this year!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teachersnotebook.com/bts2013/videos/1"><img src="http://e1116033ab3e88926c52-2b41f629154c42b2e75c2d9b546379dc.r28.cf1.rackcdn.com/bts_badge_videos.png" /></a><br />
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I also have some of my products bundled together with some other great resources. There are so many great bundles at TN that I can't keep it all straight! I think that you will be excited when you see all of these great bundles that are being offered!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teachersnotebook.com/bts2013/bundles"><img src="http://e1116033ab3e88926c52-2b41f629154c42b2e75c2d9b546379dc.r28.cf1.rackcdn.com/bts_badge_bundles.png" /></a><br />
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Like I said before, I am also having a sale on individual products as well from today until the 18th.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teachersnotebook.com/shop/elizabethh1"><img src="http://e1116033ab3e88926c52-2b41f629154c42b2e75c2d9b546379dc.r28.cf1.rackcdn.com/bts_badge_sales.png" /></a><br />
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So there's a lot going on over at Teacher's Notebook this weekend!<br />
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Head over to check it out and stock up on some great ideas and resources for your classroom this year!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-81302380272050905562013-08-09T12:17:00.002-07:002013-08-09T12:17:17.768-07:00Back in the game...Five for Friday! <div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="fiveforfriday2" border="0" height="291" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p-RZ9hynFX8/UfuvEBYGv1I/AAAAAAAATtk/rZiqmusJ2o0/fiveforfriday2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fiveforfriday2" width="400" /></div>
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I didn't get a chance to join in all the excitement last week because...well...it's back to school time. I am beyond exhausted. But I am loving the little faces that have been coming in to assessment. They are so stinkin' cute and you can feel their excitement. I have loved meeting all of them but I know I am going to have a hard time watching my kiddos from last year disperse and go in to different classrooms. </div>
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I got teary eyed last night at our popsicle party watching them walk around to their new rooms.<br />
I'm such a sap...<br />
Here we go.<br />
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1. First and foremost...I need to announce the winner of the clip art giveaway! Sweet Linda was so generous to donate some of her clip art and Sara Edgar won my giveaway! Such luck because she is one of my favorite bloggers!<br />
Sometimes Rafflecopter is just on your side like that...check your inbox sista.<br />
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2. Speaking of Sara...she is having a 400 follower giveaway. Check out her blog to see what you can win! There is all sorts of good stuff over there you can win.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polkadotkinders.blogspot.com/2013/08/bogo-sale-400-fabulous-followers.html"><img alt="0001MC.jpeg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=726f49c237&view=att&th=140612ed79f00151&attid=0.1&disp=thd&realattid=f_hk4upx2a0&zw" /></a><br />
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3. Thank goodness for the the clipart artists (<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kitty-Cat-bundle-by-melonheadz-705621">MelonHeadz</a> is obviously the inspiration here) that made this door happen. I am an A+ tracer. And I'm reallll good with a crayon. I have a Pete guitar that one of my students brought last year. I'm going to figure out something to go with shoes and add that to the door. I don't have a class list yet so I can't do anything more than what I've got right now.<br />
He just looks like he wants to give you a hug. I love it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qTNyii5l-JYVihStazQ5x-HcB4-NDoAw7k4yQFBgOisBG_ezSOfJqpngMzMb9Leg32zISlxziz93tZqdYlaAwv4NbuxW-PfggQ2jfn7_BvYvGYm3ipBNTCqRSzOwqcLaWUUOraeUZS2a/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qTNyii5l-JYVihStazQ5x-HcB4-NDoAw7k4yQFBgOisBG_ezSOfJqpngMzMb9Leg32zISlxziz93tZqdYlaAwv4NbuxW-PfggQ2jfn7_BvYvGYm3ipBNTCqRSzOwqcLaWUUOraeUZS2a/s320/securedownload.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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4. So more about my classroom. Haven't you felt like you have been living in your classroom? I wish that I could just roll out a sleeping bag and take a shower in the sink for next week. My whole classroom (of course) is now chevron theme. Every single label, sign, alphabet...etc had to be in chevron. OCD much?<br />
I'll post up pictures for my classroom revel.<br />
The suspense...I know.<br />
Anyways, leading to my point. I found this great chevron dismissal clip chart (from our first grade team) that I love. Even better...it's a freebie!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chalk-Chevron-Dismissal-Circle-Posters-767586"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjCfUrfYML56UJ_nHDM0g9Pi99suTBYrqrEC79mQwLJUTTPxrL5K_L6uZH6Q5NqWsj0lWVuok4uFD4JTOQMYmvE_i29LYMRD8vGHfm6g9B1TvZWmyqFM2PwvMGgzhDeW7C47G30jO2liV/s1600/behavior1.png" /></a></div>
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5. We are hosting a baby shower this week. I ordered this adorable sign to hang on the front door to give as their gift and use as decoration.<br />
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Two birds...one stone. Check.<br />
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Have an awesome weekend...rest up :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-49210582345757580772013-08-07T11:45:00.001-07:002013-08-07T12:08:41.172-07:00Clip Art Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
I found this super cute clip art gal yesterday. </div>
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Is it just me or are all of our products starting to look alike? </div>
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It's because we all have superb taste in all things that are fabulous. I also see clip art credits at the end of other units and think..cuuuutteeee. Gotta. buy. that. now.</div>
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Of course, I still love me some Digiweb, Scrappin' Doodles, KPM, Ashley Hughes, and Creative Clips. I was looking through Etsy and and found Linda from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyClipArtStore?ref=l2-shop-info-name">MyClipArtStore</a>. Uhhhh...dorbs.</div>
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I e-mailed her to ask her T.O.U. and to see if she might like to do a giveaway with me. Her web-site is under construction at the moment so what better time to feature all of her cute products right here! How perfect are these for us teachers?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIXgysEXzrIOLfWDqJb1rTX4Dd1PjkHpX_WBmmFi0m9Dw8xTy8woTb7Y6L6BmqDBUA6VWwtqGAMKo_Li84rR5jo1lDb_ofpD5vXN82uQw8weg9OYhUhxkrx4aAXRJsNwGwQy48DNuwmzM/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIXgysEXzrIOLfWDqJb1rTX4Dd1PjkHpX_WBmmFi0m9Dw8xTy8woTb7Y6L6BmqDBUA6VWwtqGAMKo_Li84rR5jo1lDb_ofpD5vXN82uQw8weg9OYhUhxkrx4aAXRJsNwGwQy48DNuwmzM/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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She also has other cute clip art, but these were some of my favorites. </div>
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I am also loving these backgrounds!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kjAwepXDe2LjHfJ0ZjYFRF4KAuIJejP46DfUroHwgfsPJx9MnbHYG25ew4IzPknYWKpETtWINoCBF00q8bhJFuJoPgmEuIUFcyMwYPHqN6tiRtO5J9ui_SjGd-1gzoptnOYCdPgVM-nx/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kjAwepXDe2LjHfJ0ZjYFRF4KAuIJejP46DfUroHwgfsPJx9MnbHYG25ew4IzPknYWKpETtWINoCBF00q8bhJFuJoPgmEuIUFcyMwYPHqN6tiRtO5J9ui_SjGd-1gzoptnOYCdPgVM-nx/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Linda and I are teaming up to do a little giveaway together.<br />
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She also has a TpT store... so you should just follow her there too.<br />
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Even if you aren't a seller, you can use this super cute back to school clip art and backgrounds for all of your back to school "stuff".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDRXF1RUgGlqOOsXsU-WAy2xWbtjCjPNky84pyuD2Z3ihJob6ghobYJgLRuToHDVRGhj-6miJMrdefNyfA94k5BFX4eNEUnhNqUVxc_J5yj1rfbx3qmPNNMEr3S7OjQDjfbSwE6jnp2N4/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDRXF1RUgGlqOOsXsU-WAy2xWbtjCjPNky84pyuD2Z3ihJob6ghobYJgLRuToHDVRGhj-6miJMrdefNyfA94k5BFX4eNEUnhNqUVxc_J5yj1rfbx3qmPNNMEr3S7OjQDjfbSwE6jnp2N4/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am also adding a product of choice from my store to help "team" up with Lisa :)</div>
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
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<br /><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
<a id="rc-d3abaa15" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3abaa15/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-32796482648143082082013-08-06T06:27:00.000-07:002013-08-06T06:27:02.735-07:00You can find me...<div style="text-align: center;">
I am guest blogging today for one of my best blogger buddies :)</div>
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Head on over to her blog to check it out and grab a freebie. </div>
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If you found me through Kimberly Ann...hey! Glad you stopped by <3</div>
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<a href="http://livelaughilovekindergarten.blogspot.com/"><img alt="My Photo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIzzKFJD_iN41QFcbuYFf1-CXDsIVWHJwKG3Suxt87Ah29L1IhX-AgA4_5xy5g8ZI9u-tjkv0QyHAscDPZwMVbqdLL2WIvRAtkNIT5uT-aWOi44uhgnuklN4fTEfu6q4uaNDa0djIW3w/s220/pinkwithheart.png" /></a></div>
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And nothing to do with education...but who's excited about the next bachelor?!?</div>
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<img height="320" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/3786193006/fd914ef5d5e4afd68ac0fcbf7c654e6e.jpeg" width="320" /></div>
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I have a feeling this is going to make up for the absolute snooze of a series with Desiree...did I spell her name right? </div>
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Chris Harrison, you're wrong. </div>
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It was not the most dramatic season yet. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-15583045683005342422013-08-01T12:50:00.000-07:002013-08-01T12:50:01.810-07:00Surprise...it's August! Winner announced<div style="text-align: center;">
I woke up this morning and my husband had switched the page on the calendar that we keep on the fridge to August. I had to brace myself when I saw it. Surely...it's a mistake and I'm not starting back to school tomorrow!?!?</div>
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My room is utter chaos because I can't just keep it the way it was last year. Nope. </div>
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I have to rearrange everythang....</div>
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I shouldn't have sat down because now I might not get back up to continue on my classroom situation. </div>
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But I gotta do the currently linky...have to. </div>
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It's a priority. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgle7q_waMq3NYrJdtnST7XEWQDi8Pn5r8MhvzrCFFR_tKVOyzX5ZajYScjPpd8zBegwesFcQ1JqtIgl-pYjvJV6GRbHzDfvb9ezhHmc6qv_i4fCpEHaeWNUPubka0qQ7sSA3zZcsN-RIte/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgle7q_waMq3NYrJdtnST7XEWQDi8Pn5r8MhvzrCFFR_tKVOyzX5ZajYScjPpd8zBegwesFcQ1JqtIgl-pYjvJV6GRbHzDfvb9ezhHmc6qv_i4fCpEHaeWNUPubka0qQ7sSA3zZcsN-RIte/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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While I set up my classroom, Pandora is a must. </div>
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John Mayer station is my current station of choice. </div>
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I did a post about the Moving Word Wall a few weeks...days...something like that ago. Every teacher that has walked in has made a comment about it. Nothing else, like furniture, was set up. The moving word wall...is a hit. Distraction from the pandemonium is the key while you set up your room. Set up something colorful with chevron and you are set. </div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFpBqdrfUrFFRXbUykCKQ7w30BHsUeo5xBLbTzR7prc3TnAnoUUOkVf616F7uVp4PprE5lP5wOH-Nb9yfDRa7vhsGzPMO_n5PbzY_07mnGIb1XjZFRD-IVZZbGcs0dqnLo0bgXldDPNvZ/s400/movingwordwall.png" /></div>
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Moving on. </div>
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My husband and I are in the beginning stages of building a house and we live right around the corner. We have driven by for the past two weeks in hopes that there would be a shovel in the ground. </div>
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No such luck. </div>
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Growl. </div>
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Again...what the world. It's August people. </div>
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How does this happen!?!?</div>
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Don't you love my back to school "must haves". I live in an alternate reality I suppose :)</div>
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Thank you all for leaving such thoughtful comments about your goals this year. I loved reading them and hopefully we can all keep each other in check as the year unfolds. </div>
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Kelly Brown was lucky comment number 14.</div>
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Check your e-mail Kelly.</div>
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I had a great dinner this past Monday night with someone you all might know. </div>
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Kim Adsit...anyone heard of her? :-P</div>
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I have enjoyed getting to know her along with so many other fabulous bloggers this summer! </div>
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I'm already counting down the days til Vegas next summer! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-11698884534379280842013-07-29T08:35:00.001-07:002013-07-29T08:35:17.711-07:00BlogHer Recap! $100 Food for Thought Giveaway <div style="text-align: center;">
I have been beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to attend such great conferences this summer. I am charged up about the approaching school year from the "I Teach K" conference and the opportunities I have with my blog from all the ideas I gathered this past weekend at the BlogHer conference.</div>
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It was a bit overwhelming at times because some of these bloggers are on an entirely different planet than I am as a blogger. I remembered some good advice I got from <a href="http://kindergartencrayons.blogspot.com/">Fran Kramer </a>that you don't need to compare yourself and what your doing to anyone else. I remembered that advice and just made the decision to take away a couple of important key things at each session and not to stress out about it! </div>
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Where do I even start!?!</div>
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BlogHer happened in Chicago this year. That is a win win for me because Chicago is my all time most favorite city (other than Nashville of course :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03n6k4lyMVvYIm7cRf7ljY34Esp9kD60b_BgPPnVJgJ8CQ9faefc6HtYjgZanxHPReezhKPxPrh73J9ofqe51M3uMEcL39NxKUfGJ5TZy13bT7YCDsx4g-blxWX-ZkYDUtHJiB9UP_Gqt/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03n6k4lyMVvYIm7cRf7ljY34Esp9kD60b_BgPPnVJgJ8CQ9faefc6HtYjgZanxHPReezhKPxPrh73J9ofqe51M3uMEcL39NxKUfGJ5TZy13bT7YCDsx4g-blxWX-ZkYDUtHJiB9UP_Gqt/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two of my closest friends live in Chicago so I went a day early to spend time with them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE1Lmhq5PNIf678iTBUSeqxTHKZXsVZWn58sWGoQRloGy7NztMmNJoudgoAKWHFYwuL41oTm74Yr1c5v-7pWguVXSmBQTNJCwqsNlgPRdAbITCzJkRSiZ8LnQCUFTIj2b-zyeo149SjU3/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE1Lmhq5PNIf678iTBUSeqxTHKZXsVZWn58sWGoQRloGy7NztMmNJoudgoAKWHFYwuL41oTm74Yr1c5v-7pWguVXSmBQTNJCwqsNlgPRdAbITCzJkRSiZ8LnQCUFTIj2b-zyeo149SjU3/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On Friday morning, I got up super early and headed over to the hotel to do the 5K run that Blogher was putting on for us. I met a couple other bloggers and we had a great time running before the conference started. </div>
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That night, Queen Latifa showed up to host the keynote speakers. She is pretty fab. I loved getting to listen to her speak! </div>
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That night, I had the opportunity to meet and hang out with Jill and Cathy from <a href="http://www.thecurriculumcorner.com/">The Curriculum Corner</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ukpE3bVrSehHiujL5S87Mz10DcUn5MnUmnEeIHlWPBoCVdCWkHY5ZKslS926UKc-O41bCVmfI7E2k14dF6ElnZuUHsAzvzM3O6OlRfRaqG39jG2Y2ewLynXpA3mQGJ61Ssytzw3_3JNy/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ukpE3bVrSehHiujL5S87Mz10DcUn5MnUmnEeIHlWPBoCVdCWkHY5ZKslS926UKc-O41bCVmfI7E2k14dF6ElnZuUHsAzvzM3O6OlRfRaqG39jG2Y2ewLynXpA3mQGJ61Ssytzw3_3JNy/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Saturday was the last day of the conference. I took full advantage of all the activities that were happening in the Expo Hall. It was a bit out of control. There were cars, booths like you wouldn't believe and Dr. Travis from the show "The Doctors". </div>
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I was a total swag hag that day...</div>
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That night, I got to go to dinner with Amanda from <a href="http://mrspauleyskindergarten.blogspot.com/">Mrs. Pauley's Kindergarten</a> and Erin from <a href="http://missandersonkinder.blogspot.com/">It's Owl Good in Kindergarten</a>. </div>
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Finally!!!</div>
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Erin was in Vegas with me but we didn't get a chance to hang out. </div>
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Amanda and I have been b.b.b. (best blog buds) since I started blogging and I was so excited they both drove in to sit down and talk. </div>
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We didn't get home until after midnight because we had so much to talk about. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht11BJ2gxUy8vJCfQGgFF7seep_f69gbFAS-RT8eTLctrDJcIIrjhbRwKfA7iB7EW2hFOcmtCWwzDCQOlf3mGwWFycsx2yJfArFFwj8JFI8eigKUBqkMMdEHF_TqIW0Luh5HOB9a0oS0vr/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht11BJ2gxUy8vJCfQGgFF7seep_f69gbFAS-RT8eTLctrDJcIIrjhbRwKfA7iB7EW2hFOcmtCWwzDCQOlf3mGwWFycsx2yJfArFFwj8JFI8eigKUBqkMMdEHF_TqIW0Luh5HOB9a0oS0vr/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took this picture from my hotel room the first night I was there. </div>
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Amaze-balls...ah.</div>
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I loved it! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OvLeJkIVysMxKs0aWvO7MrLauclUeljDJiQTbhNJjMmsBOy5qDJMmF5XtkM9rQ8WiYExSTpo0OdqkWE6Wego_fQaS45KaWLxXtWg3tq_4_wEPDhrkBs1CJJYmipeeT5EyzaeinDrLMNe/s1600/securedownload+(11).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OvLeJkIVysMxKs0aWvO7MrLauclUeljDJiQTbhNJjMmsBOy5qDJMmF5XtkM9rQ8WiYExSTpo0OdqkWE6Wego_fQaS45KaWLxXtWg3tq_4_wEPDhrkBs1CJJYmipeeT5EyzaeinDrLMNe/s320/securedownload+(11).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Again, this trip would not have happened if it weren't for the amazing people at <a href="http://www.americanreadingathome.com/">American Reading Company</a>! I could not have asked to represent a better company! </div>
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If you have iPads in your classroom (or at home and you have kiddos) you can download <a href="http://www.americanreadingathome.com/bookshelf/">12 free eBooks</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://www.americanreadingathome.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxTBuuUvq1klDBqt8q-WFshcw-Vy8P4gCoffOKF534etyJil7AXl6xuR39DXA1yUq7-y2DWOEdFHEl9buHpVgZfa9UQZsmtaSDMiVLiu09lMeW1HLJqlBagFF_6WS1FdcJmAE9fj7ovOo/s320/securedownload+(12).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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More than anything, I got some great food for thought at this conference. I thought about how to use my voice as an educator to reach a bigger audience. How can I inspire others and how can I be inspired?</div>
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I <a href="http://liveitloveitlearnit.blogspot.com/2013/07/what-is-your-voice.html">posted about all the thoughts</a> swirling around in my head on Saturday afternoon. I was finished with all of my sessions and I listened to some amazing women speak. </div>
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I also got some incredible "swag" at this conference. Like you wouldn't believe it even if I took a picture of everything in the bag. </div>
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So this is going to be a "Food for Thought" kind of giveaway. You don't get an entry on rafflecopter just for following me on my 50 different types of social media. I would be honored if you decided that you would like to stick around and be a follower, but it isn't a requirement. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRE4qObZVoWFIZ4BfJ8yzqbKxIhWRfTPY_DSgiUaduH0Q4fSx5LpD5ymlVgjA1yyzT3QF8qNxKzoWhqkS-dXIFYhoxTQmo__aeDu_7Y7_u8zk5MbzOgTfrrtqWX2pVmU8CU_GQLNr7Xgs/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRE4qObZVoWFIZ4BfJ8yzqbKxIhWRfTPY_DSgiUaduH0Q4fSx5LpD5ymlVgjA1yyzT3QF8qNxKzoWhqkS-dXIFYhoxTQmo__aeDu_7Y7_u8zk5MbzOgTfrrtqWX2pVmU8CU_GQLNr7Xgs/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's almost back to school time and I think before the craziness of it all begins, we should all take some time to think about what our goals are this year...as a teacher, parent, friend, spouse...anything in your life you feel like you want to improve. </div>
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Maybe you want to think about your voice as a teacher blogger. </div>
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Maybe it has nothing to do with any of the things above, but you have a goal that you would like to reach this school year. </div>
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What is it? </div>
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All you have to do is leave a comment. It can be about any of the things above or all of them!</div>
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Maybe some of the inspiration I took away from BlogHer will find its way to you! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-53053611896204837112013-07-27T09:51:00.002-07:002013-07-27T09:51:50.549-07:00What Is Your Voice?<div style="text-align: center;">
Why did you start blogging?</div>
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Teachers are tapping in to the online lesson plan ideas and their blog is their platform. That's part of the reason of why I started. I have (or I like to think I have) good ideas that I would like to share with other teachers. The blogging community amongst teachers is like nothing I have ever experienced. I have met smart, motivated amazing teachers. </div>
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Being at Blogher has been inspirational because of all the voices that have been exposed from behind the computer screen. I think so many of us focus on product promotion that we forget our voices as educators as we type away. As educators, we are exposing our ideas and creativity that takes place in our classrooms. </div>
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When we spend all of our time pushing products on each other, under-valuing our work, and complaining...our voices are heard. You are a reflection of your articulation and beliefs that you write about on your blog. </div>
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Should you promote you amazing products that you have worked tirlessly on for hours and hours? Of course you should. I do. That is not all that I post about because I enjoy the writing part. <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">But remember, you have a voice behind those products. You have a classroom where those ideas come alive. You don't need to push yourself on to others if you are passionate about what is happening in your classroom and your life. People will come to you. Do not limit yourself because there are so many other opportunities out there if you are a passionate about your platform.</span></div>
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What is my voice? </div>
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I thought about this in depth last night after listening to the key note speakers at Blogher.</div>
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I would like to think my voice is humor, heart-felt, and helpful.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Unintentionally, all "h" words...</span></div>
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For new bloggers (teacher or not) you need to decide what you are passionate about and how your ideas will set you apart. If you have never thought about your voice, maybe it's time to start!</div>
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What is your voice?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418276968336796997.post-50267049998277891082013-07-26T07:00:00.000-07:002013-07-26T07:00:03.816-07:00Rules vs. Procedures<div style="text-align: center;">
You know it's coming and there is nothing you can do to stop it. </div>
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Back to School. </div>
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For most of you, that means a class coming from the previous grade level. There is some sense of "school' there. Even though they might still need to dust off the summer, they come in knowing what is expected at school. </div>
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Us Kindergarten teachers have it coming. If you have never taught Kindergarten then this is foreign to you. Those of us in the K club know that in August we will drink more wine in a month than we do over the course of an entire year, we will cry just as much as the kids, force ourselves not to fall asleep on the drive home from school, and we will be covered in some sort of bodily fluid at one point or another in the first few weeks. </div>
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When I tell people I am a Kindergarten teacher, they usually smile and tilt their head to the side and say something along the lines of "Bless Your Heart" or "I could never do that."</div>
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Yeah, I know you've heard it too! </div>
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When I think of back to school, all I can think is procedure procedure procedure. </div>
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So while someone is crying or running away, the other kids have a general idea of what they are supposed to be doing and it doesn't turn in to mass chaos. </div>
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The thing is, rules and procedures are different. A procedure should not be a rule and vise versa. </div>
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Walking in the line is a procedure, not a rule. </div>
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Raising your hand...even though you expect them to do it...it's a procedure. It's something that you have to practice for them and with them over and over again. </div>
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Procedures are practiced and rules are expected.</div>
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Rules have consequences. </div>
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I have only four classroom rules.</div>
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You can click on the picture and have them for yourself if you are looking for classroom rules this year. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaeVVtdDQyY3oyUm8/edit"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivd_AEnnXeffNdGZzxIGSQ24Dr3wQ0XoxF5GZ1Iiwd4SWdXU3nqZVjJLwZ9XGEqtYvk78ZAANeyCColSKeztLOl29vLUZ6CeKO5Wh-jA2rbuSvtb0WT6k5u16JltGQCMO4cZxzCAYIUh-R/s400/2013-07-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaeVVtdDQyY3oyUm8/edit">Clipart- DigiWebStudio</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaeVVtdDQyY3oyUm8/edit">Borders- Creative Clips</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaeVVtdDQyY3oyUm8/edit">Font- Cara Carroll</a></td></tr>
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So the thing is, you have to discuss these rules in depth. Responsible and Respectful are big words for Kindergartners. They may not even know what that means. It's your job to brainstorm each of these rules with the kiddos as they are introduced. </div>
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What does being respectful look like? </div>
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What does it not look like? </div>
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How can we create an environment with respectful learners? </div>
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Talk about it and be open with your students from the beginning. Even though the rules are somewhat broad, they encompass a lot of different behavior issues that find their way in to your classroom. </div>
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I (usually) give one warning and that's it. If you want to check out my "Good Word" board from my guest post on <a href="http://keepinitkoolinkinderland.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-keepin-it-kool-in-kinderland-guest.html">Keepin' it Kool in Kinderland's </a>blog you can see how I use it for consequences and rewards. I don't want to go all over the place with this post so I'll just send you there if you are interested :)</div>
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When I really feel like a parent needs to be notified about a problem that happened, I send home this page. </div>
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I let the parent know that this will be coming home and the incident that happened needs to be discussed at home. </div>
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This way, the students know that I'm working with their parents and we are a team on helping them make better choices. Some kids have gotten one of these in their folder once a week until Christmas...usually for something different. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-7S0XkGYnDaX3d6TDNLWlR4b0k/edit" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hrIVag47-mUaEm-3rR7b3OSbdX8sn3q0-52GIMMlFMlUfCaBsjLaDHngcqSMaR9t3UkdSKmmjZaMHPKDKxqyqxPBBaqx-fYF9hxljJKAWPLI9c4T_wxtz93TnrsPWbNUpEg2hxrObdBM/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fonts-Hello Fonts<br />
Border-Creative Clips</td></tr>
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Behavior can be tricky. It can also be the destruction of our learning environment from day one if we don't get a handle on it. </div>
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I'm doing a guest blog post to go along with this one for Kimberly Ann next week about some great books to read for the first couple of days. I'll be sure to let you know when that happens! </div>
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I hope this helps! </div>
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What are the rules in your classroom? </div>
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How do you keep yourself and the kids sane?</div>
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I'd love to hear from you!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03607836849980183821noreply@blogger.com8