tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70900410990393082862024-02-06T19:50:19.964-06:00Paiges of LearningA first grade teaching blog.Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-63597860607740327452017-12-30T18:20:00.001-06:002017-12-30T18:20:42.768-06:00Spotlight on Steve Jenkins!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you don't have any <span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Steve Jenkins</b> </span>in your life, you need to get some Steve Jenkins in your life. Seriously. His books are amazing. I was first introduced to Steve (we'll pretend we're on a first name basis) in college, when I had to read <i><span style="color: #45818e;">What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? </span></i>for a children's literature class. </div>
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While I believe many of his texts are written at a third/fourth grade reading level, he has such a talent for making the text accessible to young learners. In fact, the inspiration for many of his books comes from the wonderings of his own children. And his wife helps him with the design of the books. Super cool, I know.</div>
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I read Steve's books to my first graders every year. They are not only perfect for meeting the Common Core informational text standards, but also cover some of the core ideas presented in the Next Generation Science Standards. A win-win, in my opinion. Which is why I present to you:</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spotlight-on-Steve-Jenkins-Nonfiction-Author-Study-3560112"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1g0F8uJzxDHBlhrYS1ts0xbeVKYjz_tNbM4AK8V5WtMvjYuuYXKODcvJinUsLJPLbS2u3gxpq7o0E-t0fx486h-hWXWBVulasJ1g5I11VfWm4jLT7eM-pHVp7ILm_Plm1hIMWpxHqGQe/s320/Steve+Jenkins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am <b><span style="color: #e06666;">so</span> </b>excited about this author study. How excited? Excited enough to dust off this old blog and write about it. This author study includes activities for eight of Steve's books and will have students reading, thinking, writing, creating, comparing, contrasting, predicting, questioning, determining cause and effect, using context clues, sequencing, classifying, finding textual evidence, and so much more!</div>
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The first book I included had to be the classic <i><span style="color: #45818e;">What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?</span> </i>I mean, that book and I go way back. This book is great for <b><span style="color: #e06666;">making predictions</span></b>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KWJsd2yzcmC2YbjqNvosH15P1YfKWXThsUyBUKe4xtnCujlxvINaKfZhqu1GQa2x9F0cm9PfTjZq28hu1GUcybGHIAuVy195dH41hHqDEPdMuJbYxtCjcLH3ndFPjrf0lsLObizGCZpU/s1600/Tail1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KWJsd2yzcmC2YbjqNvosH15P1YfKWXThsUyBUKe4xtnCujlxvINaKfZhqu1GQa2x9F0cm9PfTjZq28hu1GUcybGHIAuVy195dH41hHqDEPdMuJbYxtCjcLH3ndFPjrf0lsLObizGCZpU/s320/Tail1.png" width="243" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw01xZI4LSX_w335d0Lbljm_ETWEWLV2MUGijpU-tGCatW9Zbg0pQQR5s6d6ngi8YN-0H14DEntmxrz15eBdaYbvHJzf2VNnAiPDHdl78EB1L_A9Bs-0TzoIND-nRXabqpwtfLijzvVHd1/s1600/tail3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="674" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw01xZI4LSX_w335d0Lbljm_ETWEWLV2MUGijpU-tGCatW9Zbg0pQQR5s6d6ngi8YN-0H14DEntmxrz15eBdaYbvHJzf2VNnAiPDHdl78EB1L_A9Bs-0TzoIND-nRXabqpwtfLijzvVHd1/s320/tail3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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And learning about special <b><span style="color: #e06666;">physical adaptations</span></b>:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXb6UNwNE1020tspsSnsL_aaQ5pT39x22n37nAr-zKMZJvi1CnCFAKDevnxNBpW-auMuNhkCbSD4TZIgLZZOGkY-tCD0IegCbwssUvWiU-aso81lDY9JyM0BZEGGRUDHMiYbS5AA-YFn8/s1600/tail2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXb6UNwNE1020tspsSnsL_aaQ5pT39x22n37nAr-zKMZJvi1CnCFAKDevnxNBpW-auMuNhkCbSD4TZIgLZZOGkY-tCD0IegCbwssUvWiU-aso81lDY9JyM0BZEGGRUDHMiYbS5AA-YFn8/s400/tail2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students create their own "Amazing Adaptations" book based on information they learned.</td></tr>
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Next up is <i><span style="color: #45818e;">Creature Features</span></i>, which quickly became another favorite read-aloud. Again, students are learning about special <b><span style="color: #e06666;">adaptations</span></b> and will even use their knowledge of these adaptations to create their own <b><span style="color: #e06666;">unusual creature</span>.</b></div>
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Ready for adorable animal babies? Next is <i><span style="color: #45818e;">My First Day</span></i>. Students will work on <b><span style="color: #e06666;">comparing and contrasting</span></b>, as well as using <b><span style="color: #e06666;">textual evidence</span></b> to support claims.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgsiZE0kH1rPHxFgGtuVe72oU6Cd7okcC51l5Srq9KDl46zJD4uWTaQbGn5so3Oyq5o2ysz83lGKDQDy02PjeqbMXVunbZwVg93t-v6CJtF_AJ9xy0sfkhfmWtUd3b-W6yiyy38Ty3zNf/s1600/day1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgsiZE0kH1rPHxFgGtuVe72oU6Cd7okcC51l5Srq9KDl46zJD4uWTaQbGn5so3Oyq5o2ysz83lGKDQDy02PjeqbMXVunbZwVg93t-v6CJtF_AJ9xy0sfkhfmWtUd3b-W6yiyy38Ty3zNf/s320/day1.png" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vD7e5qkW8SbR1DTqEvpNJo1dny0ai5aFUWOj77EK3_ZfdiCkljH9IXkEV7mwGqC4KlQxXL1bT1ayhliMtOPrqrE48mrrz5Ly79aN1R3rxNKMCH5FG6nI-BRp4CQVt8aERoBVP1-0r5Fo/s1600/day2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vD7e5qkW8SbR1DTqEvpNJo1dny0ai5aFUWOj77EK3_ZfdiCkljH9IXkEV7mwGqC4KlQxXL1bT1ayhliMtOPrqrE48mrrz5Ly79aN1R3rxNKMCH5FG6nI-BRp4CQVt8aERoBVP1-0r5Fo/s320/day2.png" width="244" /></a></div>
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Students will see procedural writing in a whole new light with <i><span style="color: #45818e;">How to Swallow a Pig.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/519Iq3%2BEnJL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="260" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/519Iq3%2BEnJL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" /></a></div>
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The things that animals know how to do in this book are similar to things that humans know how to do, perfect for <b><span style="color: #e06666;">comparing and contrasting</span></b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UIgHSBkulxXwgUftqV7K06YB7wn7t2nfnjyU3aW0xsrFdS5rUHbkSLruh8IN_aOiHLJWy63TdIzsp9NBLQ8RmRelOiRJTmPLda_lVs_SyJ9tT9R40d7AQDz2LsJhByaY25ps4r1F0OJN/s1600/howto1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1126" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UIgHSBkulxXwgUftqV7K06YB7wn7t2nfnjyU3aW0xsrFdS5rUHbkSLruh8IN_aOiHLJWy63TdIzsp9NBLQ8RmRelOiRJTmPLda_lVs_SyJ9tT9R40d7AQDz2LsJhByaY25ps4r1F0OJN/s400/howto1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Students can have fun presenting what they've learned with these <b><span style="color: #e06666;">interactive flip-ups</span></b>:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8iNkTEmj_Ejb64tWO8neGWsfSClqFoILPt-MFWoQhcsosqXUoiAecZ9pOEnaGsST0mI0eyUxAJGXR0gHK_Y-km0htGBC0PtOykmmQvsoHXtq7PLHSZrqCRtPVAmbHWy4kT_LFm_WiE7I/s1600/howto2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="914" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8iNkTEmj_Ejb64tWO8neGWsfSClqFoILPt-MFWoQhcsosqXUoiAecZ9pOEnaGsST0mI0eyUxAJGXR0gHK_Y-km0htGBC0PtOykmmQvsoHXtq7PLHSZrqCRtPVAmbHWy4kT_LFm_WiE7I/s320/howto2.png" width="279" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students glue the flaps onto a different sheet and write/illustrate about the animal under each flap.</td></tr>
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And of course, students can work on <b><span style="color: #e06666;">procedural writing</span></b>, including sequencing and paraphrasing information:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma1jC2x9Ty2tu4Yg7RKk3eVUJnztWoZ4TcjoUSN4HVHxzvZHmeAeIS4C1rt_5nlrg4m7KKlpu1yYmGxxGu_Ek8aszkR1l26halgFOGP5vYQ8LMwiiCAngM6BT7vuEfJxGyed-gO7cIIdg/s1600/howto3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="858" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma1jC2x9Ty2tu4Yg7RKk3eVUJnztWoZ4TcjoUSN4HVHxzvZHmeAeIS4C1rt_5nlrg4m7KKlpu1yYmGxxGu_Ek8aszkR1l26halgFOGP5vYQ8LMwiiCAngM6BT7vuEfJxGyed-gO7cIIdg/s400/howto3.png" width="305" /></a></div>
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Next, students will receive some animal advice in <i><span style="color: #45818e;">Never Smile at a Monkey</span>.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.scholastic.com/content5/media/products/15/9780545933315_mres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://www.scholastic.com/content5/media/products/15/9780545933315_mres.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy means business.</td></tr>
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In these two activities, students are working on <b><span style="color: #e06666;">classifying</span></b> the information form the text and using <b><span style="color: #e06666;">context clues</span></b> to determine the meaning of tier II vocabulary words. </div>
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Inspired by Steve's son's love of superlatives is <i><span style="color: #45818e;">Biggest, Strongest, Fastest.</span></i></div>
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Students will practice determining between <b><span style="color: #e06666;">fact and opinion</span></b> and then will use facts and opinions to create their own <b style="color: #e06666;">animal award </b>(complete with graphic organizer to help get them started).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlgRMGTnyjo0plIqPO1iXB_iDGVKbHa9yVRXO-ggYOoW7OmIQPdQ4Y3r7zt3tpQohhqCoH0wlyZyeb5aLDFsfQhvawWGQh0zQkuI81CN_pPeJ2Zqo2eM8dP1ED1bYUre6QnTVZA2n3s_a/s1600/est1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlgRMGTnyjo0plIqPO1iXB_iDGVKbHa9yVRXO-ggYOoW7OmIQPdQ4Y3r7zt3tpQohhqCoH0wlyZyeb5aLDFsfQhvawWGQh0zQkuI81CN_pPeJ2Zqo2eM8dP1ED1bYUre6QnTVZA2n3s_a/s320/est1.png" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLO1TnwNiSs6DZqAgbS_AihLp0PLX0mGYsQNBhno80DhlumUUdtEmpVieW5DEb-TqjC0vo2Aood42Y5iFNbzLmH4mBs_DSG29KIo3BgmrXitk3pkBg4eGqheODJ-aEWOcU4krE0zAbrjB/s1600/est2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLO1TnwNiSs6DZqAgbS_AihLp0PLX0mGYsQNBhno80DhlumUUdtEmpVieW5DEb-TqjC0vo2Aood42Y5iFNbzLmH4mBs_DSG29KIo3BgmrXitk3pkBg4eGqheODJ-aEWOcU4krE0zAbrjB/s320/est2.png" width="244" /></a></div>
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Steve's book <i><span style="color: #45818e;">Move! </span></i>is great for reinforcing vocabulary and knowledge of <b><span style="color: #e06666;">verbs</span></b>.</div>
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<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348523809l/658359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="318" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348523809l/658359.jpg" /></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFWe5Xixbq7DYQA0w3oKVzw1-Q62HM6iG9_koX9VVyh-kHsO9Jiw_Q0ttyjL3vvIhEi2OaPc4R96BIQDEfnpKk2HFoimy_IW6BasYPGInuNCI7e6jWGcuzxhi0ESkNTHO_nSmBn3t0nC6/s1600/move1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFWe5Xixbq7DYQA0w3oKVzw1-Q62HM6iG9_koX9VVyh-kHsO9Jiw_Q0ttyjL3vvIhEi2OaPc4R96BIQDEfnpKk2HFoimy_IW6BasYPGInuNCI7e6jWGcuzxhi0ESkNTHO_nSmBn3t0nC6/s320/move1.png" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students start out by going on a "verb hunt" (magnifying glasses optional).</td></tr>
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Students will learn how different animals move and will <b><span style="color: #e06666;">connect</span></b> this knowledge to other animals that they are familiar with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi3YAdDukJzhls9IcXh0RtAzZHVgSK8ql0Vyk5MukYNIj62c8QBBO24NUbntHl0HaJiwjwK3CprmVQM8HvmLgN8xt2i7p-gHSMhFO_8cqs2c6mZLuRE-3WUz6AIeydp9f2KKlBkfvs1Tz/s1600/move2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1156" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi3YAdDukJzhls9IcXh0RtAzZHVgSK8ql0Vyk5MukYNIj62c8QBBO24NUbntHl0HaJiwjwK3CprmVQM8HvmLgN8xt2i7p-gHSMhFO_8cqs2c6mZLuRE-3WUz6AIeydp9f2KKlBkfvs1Tz/s400/move2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last, but certainly not least, is the ever-entertaining <i><span style="color: #45818e;">What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You?</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/eatyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/eatyou.jpg" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="318" /></a></div>
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Students will practice with <b><span style="color: #e06666;">cause and effect, </span></b>as well as show off their <b><span style="color: #e06666;">creative</span></b> side in writing about what they would do if something wanted to eat <i>them</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5IzbrYSdm3-Rs7ZIrx4Tif1gzYU1B-vffgywoigquwE2tOybiH3lCFeC52cDdqSEbA-OJPMPVhbDMdAu8JPV4lN4vyb7adINY2thR7iSb6AFTORIaXa6bWNUVfCuSKFneNJOogR5nwaw/s1600/eat1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="858" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5IzbrYSdm3-Rs7ZIrx4Tif1gzYU1B-vffgywoigquwE2tOybiH3lCFeC52cDdqSEbA-OJPMPVhbDMdAu8JPV4lN4vyb7adINY2thR7iSb6AFTORIaXa6bWNUVfCuSKFneNJOogR5nwaw/s400/eat1.png" width="305" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxhNYNETSQzCV-9uAD5ttuBikSRU9q2sUuViBEMe4lvnsx02Z6c2KCgxWm3kFt97XlkLIai7l0ZBvADU7BeOATgyX1eMk72XC6hqp0UlNUWsf-Fel3J7WD-3BQHGeoevMBSL-izbGVDZA/s1600/eat2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="858" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxhNYNETSQzCV-9uAD5ttuBikSRU9q2sUuViBEMe4lvnsx02Z6c2KCgxWm3kFt97XlkLIai7l0ZBvADU7BeOATgyX1eMk72XC6hqp0UlNUWsf-Fel3J7WD-3BQHGeoevMBSL-izbGVDZA/s400/eat2.png" width="305" /></a><br />
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And of course, no author study is complete without materials to <b><span style="color: #e06666;">tie everything together</span></b>. Here is a sample<b> </b>of what is found at the end of the unit:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT0SG5dPPQLzI2qkW3zuYnn2G0wsUJu-bbc_6icMHs-CkE1ExGZUXPyO238cM2YE2qMN6SJ-8eJo6J0R0XdMrJ6FpXPR4AqvdyYOM13rFlx1dP7qx1K30ehEzLlFmqvcAjAMwhNqmLmVQ/s1600/gen1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1223" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT0SG5dPPQLzI2qkW3zuYnn2G0wsUJu-bbc_6icMHs-CkE1ExGZUXPyO238cM2YE2qMN6SJ-8eJo6J0R0XdMrJ6FpXPR4AqvdyYOM13rFlx1dP7qx1K30ehEzLlFmqvcAjAMwhNqmLmVQ/s400/gen1.png" width="400" /></a></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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnq65oh2wC4n13TWscz1P3ZP-qhxlNj7-vuWCo1Z3W1g7ylkSnPJ28_iYvW9hh5uRvrxE6vMz1qG8AvXnhgpLOy_F_762n51XmMW65qzakZg_HObKukbFKenOy9ozn3uFNwTgyd387KWn/s1600/gen2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1323" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnq65oh2wC4n13TWscz1P3ZP-qhxlNj7-vuWCo1Z3W1g7ylkSnPJ28_iYvW9hh5uRvrxE6vMz1qG8AvXnhgpLOy_F_762n51XmMW65qzakZg_HObKukbFKenOy9ozn3uFNwTgyd387KWn/s400/gen2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students will review Steve's books and/or write an opinion piece on which book was their favorite. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ2TlQjFsjRObcKfvX_0FqGzb5mnWEZ_HRgamZcNwJbhCdIg-nOVcyEziGQ9M4asYBHtMbxGMKazZmOWsZuFRsXRF2aZ6emGwtu05tfCs7QIxPuiKspEpVhSdqABsfJSa3Y9vpGs98HNo/s1600/gen3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="742" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ2TlQjFsjRObcKfvX_0FqGzb5mnWEZ_HRgamZcNwJbhCdIg-nOVcyEziGQ9M4asYBHtMbxGMKazZmOWsZuFRsXRF2aZ6emGwtu05tfCs7QIxPuiKspEpVhSdqABsfJSa3Y9vpGs98HNo/s400/gen3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing says "Steve Jenkins" like some collage art!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVxEqLvaKaOxuuQi2Jobx5kx2N__aTizVjvGykUtZ7wQ_aEfN2EyjBkpJAioBbXlYtILBgopURL-L6l8f4JEg_hefthU-rN0vFQon1-YYrymUZhQCdvqx5qvOPP_a8a03TlM3L0Q3ibTi/s1600/gen4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1123" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVxEqLvaKaOxuuQi2Jobx5kx2N__aTizVjvGykUtZ7wQ_aEfN2EyjBkpJAioBbXlYtILBgopURL-L6l8f4JEg_hefthU-rN0vFQon1-YYrymUZhQCdvqx5qvOPP_a8a03TlM3L0Q3ibTi/s400/gen4.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students select one of the animals in Steve's books to learn more about. After researching, they create a mini-book.</td></tr>
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I hope you enjoyed the preview of my Spotlight on Steve Jenkins nonfiction author study. This was just a sample of the 85-page product available in my TPT store. If your students love learning about animals as much as mine do, this is definitely a must-have!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeF4GmLVV_vt3HpkFefY7VHJ6g7GNMtWBa3lBQr2cTR4uQo702t1xIzV7Clj4aQ4qhqCd42-6wy6obV_Bp0Y6dc8DFnJaEvrIRSci33cEkZq7VS_HehG8TOVeQOLu3jM7WFWsDquqHEd8/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="399" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeF4GmLVV_vt3HpkFefY7VHJ6g7GNMtWBa3lBQr2cTR4uQo702t1xIzV7Clj4aQ4qhqCd42-6wy6obV_Bp0Y6dc8DFnJaEvrIRSci33cEkZq7VS_HehG8TOVeQOLu3jM7WFWsDquqHEd8/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-15994631455204789522016-09-10T22:41:00.000-05:002016-09-10T22:41:21.381-05:00The End of the No-Name Paper: A PSAThis post needs to be accompanied by angels descending upon us playing harps while showering the world with flower petals and happiness and smiles.<br />
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Seriously. I know I'm a bit late to the party, but...<br />
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The highlighter trick to getting students to put names on their papers?<br />
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<a href="http://freebie-licious.blogspot.com/2013/08/stop-getting-those-no-name-papers.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisABn5sJtKDox1y0XukJE0ODjjA673OsHS8Dvp5CIQxChfFhtIxEfPFyBZhlQNwnTWnoc49CtNJrHb6WPTQIg1wtidM7IYaMOl35JgC3I33izt98aFi4XOOytr1WE4IAbGdrqmPuKuUQk/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-08-24+at+10.08.44+PM.png" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">It. Works.</span></b><br />
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I mean, it really, <i>really</i> works.<br />
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<i>Why has it taken me until my fourth year of teaching to get on board with this idea? </i>Well, I'll tell you why. I was skeptical. I thought that adding a step to students' turn-it-in procedures would just confuse them more. Then I'd not only be policing the no-name papers and the kids who want to put their papers everywhere but the turn-in basket, I'd also be constantly reminding them to use the highlighters. Right?! Wrong. So, so, so incredibly wrong.<br />
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After telling them what to do with the highlighters, it took my firsties all of fifteen minutes to get on board with this procedure. Now they walk up to the turn-in basket, <strike>highlight their name, and turn in their paper</strike> turn around, walk back to their desks, write their name, highlight their name, and turn in their paper.<br />
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I don't want to jinx things here, but not one no name paper has shown up since that glorious day.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #45818e;">Not. One.</span></b><br />
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Whoever first came up with this idea should be a millionaire by now. Seriously.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZyLV25LNakpge3P3fSh8TwmVusGb20C6KREASeqxFDSFPcVhmnqVrbyFQd-P_naPAg5ZWFTHSKiNKXt_uXTutzif2N33C9OjouXVbl2XkBQZP0BqE1CsaFJSEBI1afLNCQupUDNMs5OP/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZyLV25LNakpge3P3fSh8TwmVusGb20C6KREASeqxFDSFPcVhmnqVrbyFQd-P_naPAg5ZWFTHSKiNKXt_uXTutzif2N33C9OjouXVbl2XkBQZP0BqE1CsaFJSEBI1afLNCQupUDNMs5OP/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-3633676306811628792016-08-01T10:01:00.001-05:002016-08-01T10:01:20.515-05:00Monday Made It: Refresh EditionThree. Weeks. In three weeks, I will be starting my <span style="color: #45818e;">fourth year</span> as a first grade teacher. I swear it seems like I've only been on summer vacation for three weeks...but I digress. Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.ca/2016/08/monday-made-it-with-head-over-heels-for.html">4th Grade Frolics</a> for Monday Made It.<br />
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<a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.ca/2016/08/monday-made-it-with-head-over-heels-for.html"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V2T0hoFyjLbsy7M1JftchRuOhOfFG0uK_WQjT4Pw5NRhm5BgQzEH3EAdoYM1q8xCAShJ9Q9N6CMduLGU4P4hWbhjqCl_cuGeKK0bqsi8t_aRN_F-mhBokIl6yOOJnIRRyGY8LTbuiz4o/s200/Monday+Made+It+1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
It's been a while since I've "made it". Actually, setting up my classroom this year has been pretty stress free so far (knock on wood) because my amazing custodian lets me keep a lot of stuff where it's at and because I'm finally content with my theme/color scheme/etc. that there really isn't much to do until I get my class list.<br />
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However, there are a few things in my room that I felt needed a bit of <span style="color: #e06666;">jazzing</span> up. So I put my DIY pants on and went to work:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB8MbV8R-vHa-GBzqB85442L2R6YYwF1OztiUArTklJ_TH6S2kivZCIikvo0xSNyjFSmF8Bbszx_tGDG3eEerlFHtru_NAOcQ3RjNanxOF0v59_4N-fbC8ihT97yPSI0J2G17ZxTYxirR/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB8MbV8R-vHa-GBzqB85442L2R6YYwF1OztiUArTklJ_TH6S2kivZCIikvo0xSNyjFSmF8Bbszx_tGDG3eEerlFHtru_NAOcQ3RjNanxOF0v59_4N-fbC8ihT97yPSI0J2G17ZxTYxirR/s200/1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Oh, seat crates. How I love you so. These were one of my first projects when I got my job as a first grade teacher. A brief run-down on why I began to despise them:</div>
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<li>The pattern. It doesn't match anything in my room. Plus, the fact that it was linear made it super obvious that I didn't put in the effort to make sure everything was straight.</li>
<li>The staple job. If you could only see the backside. It's terrible. And from the front, you can tell - the fabric is all baggy and lopsided.</li>
<li>The stains. After three years in the classroom, these seats began to look very well-loved, with marker splotches and other mysterious stains abound.</li>
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Even though my kitty friend Whiskers McMittens didn't seem to mind the above, I decided to "reupholster" my seat crates this summer. After a quick trip to Walmart, I was ready to go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqwi_7RAWsD0yeo0n-psCsZPC_ZU6UQJzbJialI6rZvweBn0rvkZZMd4QrxkFmHt7htBOLCAj2w4c28nEfr3Fq4QFhnCNU7fOPFLmrBc6WMVDpPVmAxWPBCTwrs-1bZBzTtzeQiMHqZbB/s1600/BeforeSeats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqwi_7RAWsD0yeo0n-psCsZPC_ZU6UQJzbJialI6rZvweBn0rvkZZMd4QrxkFmHt7htBOLCAj2w4c28nEfr3Fq4QFhnCNU7fOPFLmrBc6WMVDpPVmAxWPBCTwrs-1bZBzTtzeQiMHqZbB/s400/BeforeSeats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's how they turned out after. The fabric was in the bargain section at Walmart and only cost me seven dollars! I think the new pattern looks better, and a darker color means little "accidents" with our writing utensils won't show up as easily. I love how it's a thicker material, too! Plus, I clearly am a bit more skilled with a staple gun than I was before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnZZZ__TQvSE6XCHCWYYNaslFC_oQBRetghIY_eL-1S9hrMXl2I6ElbH9ngYPw_-hyq4gC-l8BJUSu7CSh7ZbbeBPB02hTvDMiB7-6CbQAVvZB9WStHveFh8WUPizmwD8ZtqQgdBwpran/s1600/AfterSeats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnZZZ__TQvSE6XCHCWYYNaslFC_oQBRetghIY_eL-1S9hrMXl2I6ElbH9ngYPw_-hyq4gC-l8BJUSu7CSh7ZbbeBPB02hTvDMiB7-6CbQAVvZB9WStHveFh8WUPizmwD8ZtqQgdBwpran/s400/AfterSeats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBrzG0hlJDjjRncDyRVJNTKDQf_Gdi_7ZPgMJLRY99BZLF4A_-ahULLIn0kcQ4-O_Ijr1IbHb91jQ6IRKvLMWnNbu0KFRMfr5XVbJ-y9-WUZ4ltubysbHnkEangz5SgLIHfo7D7rJNQpI/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBrzG0hlJDjjRncDyRVJNTKDQf_Gdi_7ZPgMJLRY99BZLF4A_-ahULLIn0kcQ4-O_Ijr1IbHb91jQ6IRKvLMWnNbu0KFRMfr5XVbJ-y9-WUZ4ltubysbHnkEangz5SgLIHfo7D7rJNQpI/s200/2.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Okay, so my newest obsession is spray paint. Have something you wish you could use but you just can't stand the color? Or maybe you're like me and the color would be okay for a normal person but it doesn't match the color scheme of your classroom and therefore drives you crazy...?<br />
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Spray paint it. Spray paint all the things. Like this bookshelf that was originally some sort of light wood color but was kind of falling apart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaaz-Mgyq-tFm20UKpuW07lFLVRcCJyoE2JrGk7o8AwMxJtl1waUYsMRC4DaQke_LSTAT4rx4BkRUETrY0mXvnVB-HDLPsoLwb-01AGMcqqf-eC0LXxlHuYiSDvMqqdCmZHEowc9IrY-o/s1600/Shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaaz-Mgyq-tFm20UKpuW07lFLVRcCJyoE2JrGk7o8AwMxJtl1waUYsMRC4DaQke_LSTAT4rx4BkRUETrY0mXvnVB-HDLPsoLwb-01AGMcqqf-eC0LXxlHuYiSDvMqqdCmZHEowc9IrY-o/s400/Shelf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I saw this idea somewhere on Pinterest and decided to give it a try (after passing up the coral drawer liner several times at the Target dollar spot). It's definitely not perfect, but I like it, at least for now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4I-V1BlXy9dA1bGv51QXWBDKak6QcB3jVMVbKoWWULqvRlo1ql8fDGsR_cXJbvkHUqxIJMlXvjKX_mZhB5f9dTeTN9QFxuXPbjI2VnaFxLKy60_-aEOqib_H2yuq3aGV0KHKyy4vtHcn/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4I-V1BlXy9dA1bGv51QXWBDKak6QcB3jVMVbKoWWULqvRlo1ql8fDGsR_cXJbvkHUqxIJMlXvjKX_mZhB5f9dTeTN9QFxuXPbjI2VnaFxLKy60_-aEOqib_H2yuq3aGV0KHKyy4vtHcn/s200/3.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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I also had a chance this week to put together my students' take home folders. Isn't this color gorgeous? Walmart actually earned a brownie point with me on this one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh420ddCRhK_S0TQghN8aWiXraFyCxtPst85Q6UV0yY-XYGUQPBVSv6srBu8xhfBbeUXGqqQz6vEGfa2eIsy92w1nFQOPZ651mxg1nHI6T3SEkVUji2fNs3bzT9Oyeuh70zS8gLKOU-jlUO/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh420ddCRhK_S0TQghN8aWiXraFyCxtPst85Q6UV0yY-XYGUQPBVSv6srBu8xhfBbeUXGqqQz6vEGfa2eIsy92w1nFQOPZ651mxg1nHI6T3SEkVUji2fNs3bzT9Oyeuh70zS8gLKOU-jlUO/s320/unnamed-1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Here's what the inside of the folders look like. One side is for things "Left at Home" and the other is for stuff that comes "Right Back to School". At the beginning of the year, I usually just call it the "house side" and the "apple side" for my non-readers. To save labels, I printed two on each and cut them in half. A version of my old full size labels are available as a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Take-Home-Folder-Labels-1362605">freebie</a> in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Take-Home-Folder-Labels-1362605">TPT store</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOF98tUyGIAs7jpvKvWwZPTWFjULwbNX3odSSQ9L5WxJbre870Pspv6IuNF7ypjCMvsRRxomFY7fjejPwisGn4X-Ws7_3evdU2mtWbd8x8sFZXzLX0GR5V6dg-TzrYIjRulJFuStLdk9c/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOF98tUyGIAs7jpvKvWwZPTWFjULwbNX3odSSQ9L5WxJbre870Pspv6IuNF7ypjCMvsRRxomFY7fjejPwisGn4X-Ws7_3evdU2mtWbd8x8sFZXzLX0GR5V6dg-TzrYIjRulJFuStLdk9c/s320/unnamed-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And of course my one cat couldn't have all the fame in this blog post. Here's Jingles, who didn't seem to mind me covering her in the backing from all the labels I used.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43tjTim0DJ2VKM2f7DxzDRtje7zIc7shXufIUrfar3L-nKMjubsRor8V6MqLPzmC19TO193EEwMzR3_LNI_Ldafl3PJwhPZGhjwyFw-P0iWh51BxZTKczHFcbe6UVhIG1OPBtWYkZP90o/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43tjTim0DJ2VKM2f7DxzDRtje7zIc7shXufIUrfar3L-nKMjubsRor8V6MqLPzmC19TO193EEwMzR3_LNI_Ldafl3PJwhPZGhjwyFw-P0iWh51BxZTKczHFcbe6UVhIG1OPBtWYkZP90o/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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After years of owning a Cricut (and after impulse-purchasing the newest version this past June) I decided it was time to finally get my vinyl on. My old reading center tubs were too big, took up too much space, and simply had colored construction paper circles on them to denote which basket held which group's materials.</div>
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My new ones match my classroom color scheme, will take up less space, and are labeled for each of my reading groups. Definitely a lot cuter. But yes, it is driving me crazy that my vinyl sampler pack didn't come with orange. Hopefully I'll get over it...</div>
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As part of our new school-wide behavior plan, we're implementing "cool down spots" this year. The idea is to convey to students that we want them in our classroom and that it's okay to have strong emotions - we just need to recognize when we need a quick minute to calm down.</div>
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In my cool-down spot, I wanted to have some materials that students can fidget with or that they might find calming. So far in this bucket, I have two squishy creature ball things, a twisty tangle, a mini-slinky, and a bendable flower. I plan on adding a timer and possibly some calming glitter water bottles, too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXByMshyphenhyphennWY-np_wv0C-2vOkedsonF8vTUqoIBSmPrxdtHHvPVLLJTQXTguNx4awODfSOxqLHUU0_KJD4T5sU7Ok_SZKyS3Xxu6uZb55B7NbOnaKpK48zeGR2C0fvGn_cg3c4jkKneW3wL/s1600/IMG_2464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXByMshyphenhyphennWY-np_wv0C-2vOkedsonF8vTUqoIBSmPrxdtHHvPVLLJTQXTguNx4awODfSOxqLHUU0_KJD4T5sU7Ok_SZKyS3Xxu6uZb55B7NbOnaKpK48zeGR2C0fvGn_cg3c4jkKneW3wL/s400/IMG_2464.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-50888077633985188412016-07-11T12:37:00.003-05:002016-07-11T12:55:08.498-05:00Differentiated Year-Long Spelling and Word WorkIn my district, we do not have a basal or a phonics program (pause for the angels to descend upon us in a beam of glowing light). While I love not having to plan my instruction around one, I know that there are many teachers in my position that wish they had some sort of guide or scope and sequence to help them plan their instruction.<br />
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Enter:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Differentiated-Spelling-for-the-YEAR-2636835"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tS6tPG2ADRU5fEBNf7X6tUqpnDcHfx6cdezArOjV999b6uA4VHgTe3z6aPHoFEEl8IRbu5IBEcaCqpjw034S_tUJM2xIC5qVCMLGV3D5wU86O9Y-i6W_-rQpM7MBUx-3KtLLqVmbmD5Y/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.12.13+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's here. It's differentiated. It's low-prep. And it has you covered for the whole year! (Click on any of the pictures to hop over to my store).<br />
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You get 30 weeks of spelling instruction. Each week focuses on a different skill and has two different lists (the standard "A List" and a more challenging "B List").<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Differentiated-Spelling-for-the-YEAR-2636835"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaVgjUjUITWfqMBQ9KdrREvWKzPfaO-I4KEkCHynjv8oeCwoj1WKtyMaEhz1rIapOw9DzGK9YzMosujz2_zGR2Z8GzB3lN27sMvgsKJ-5G4HOHi5UM1hgHRzuRU3XwrBK80YVRvbpaKWv/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.05.58+PM.png" width="240" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Differentiated-Spelling-for-the-YEAR-2636835"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0q50a615gmRbnnCTi1LGR7GTrgi_pD4lV_f716UqSPlhEVHniHsWX1RFXlT9QROnDhu8iX8JiYHhIg4vWCaEPGxDkRtl4SVv6LIV-ehYTFTJPYTyt1kRbSnXZxpy59kzAc0MXM239Kyrr/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.06.46+PM.png" width="236" /></a></div>
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Each week also comes with a say and sort page. Have students glue the pieces down or have them keep the pieces to complete other kinds of sorts throughout the week.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Differentiated-Spelling-for-the-YEAR-2636835"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPt_qHz9SZcBQv76VNZsGOQwI7VzbpicRqAKtr82ju4hp30f0aHbTYggWlCKGowTTa5un4q2vR9nRzdvm0D2GI1blASPPmp_VPNA9zLwqPYKPSoyuh7L1gdyjjp8MGypDolbqnCctLCkL/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.06.35+PM.png" width="239" /></a></div>
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Needing additional practice? With this product, students also have the opportunity to practice spelling with word configuration boxes. Alongside the spelling practice, students can also build their reading skills by filling in a sentence with the correct spelling word. These two types of printables come with every list, every week.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Differentiated-Spelling-for-the-YEAR-2636835"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfjSwQS4ytn49Eq5PrNmsEQdFod-J9Tz9qNhRdtGBvc-muOnT3KFPmYQws4Oe8Rw2AFmf6S1X55ne9Kmc8TgQtcyFIX7XmKwa9HFb8FB4_SGHwsQ313mgVLXarKgkoOpq5y0sIveuMeUb/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.07.15+PM.png" width="240" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Differentiated-Spelling-for-the-YEAR-2636835"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibXlnSO4oeP6FLGhDAEl7Ze6sTZ8jL2254ilZpc-S4nT79nfyejqhB0edBTK26_OufDdTOtC9loika7FnKLa5OGMnp5OyRCkiWAoma7vE3cJLb3y1Pef9Ut-V2Pt8vbozII4GFzCXy2ak/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.07.23+PM.png" width="239" /></a></div>
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But the fun doesn't stop there! Also included in this product is my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Activities-Packet-887339">Word Work Activities for Any List</a>! <span style="color: #e06666;">Yours for free!</span> So many practice opportunities! Here is a brief preview:</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Activities-Packet-887339"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVvVkw6owS8yvkxyZefzk77xoYvK5x5zzdASoIM9hTSjc7JWt9XclyKLq9OJWT-uBfilIk8mQH-UQmrqU6FL1E8fwoFJSnJLRY7Gt39PAMStVWKmoTXZvyMZaFFqCaaSze_8rUTgBiuzj/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.07.36+PM.png" width="242" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Activities-Packet-887339"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1KgIheNXIEzru2X3G2gQ77JXmix4jB_D4VBhZgWgj-AsnPOpgHjMaGQT_QA4rGCTZP2fwfk1_MkZ2gGPgkDItxSxKFmjbHax03Got7mxQkdl1vU5RNBHxG0_evs_cgmVW-6d3am1vxbn/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.07.51+PM.png" width="241" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Activities-Packet-887339"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa2uI5OQRlWmQEI-m2Mw0Z22iPTMS8zzUbFgQ5BDDRZ7AVmEsa67Fms0ASdNGOOqSCG4Vgb6SeYPo0h8xbaNFzWGBARn05cUFlkAsrdQrUOZS5gANB5bHjcCMFj1FKIv8SafyATgVTeFL/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.08.37+PM.png" width="238" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Activities-Packet-887339"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLBKDV-X499yMwgvy6xhmPGo1PVf2QHMFqHYw_XrbdVy1hQGp53vGnVJldVjYXZYIl2nmlzmguffkfmaakwwtKanfYVL7nrKVXwqnquNRP9qtdIqfURThWu_dkxGTezUxMOeyMPlOmzdB/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.08.26+PM.png" width="239" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Activities-Packet-887339"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtp4ZSoQ9jvAiy9H0HR27Wo9-Ah571_3Jgzvq9Ae8_eFukQ61k_NAjZBoqDL9T_NTwHwg4AHHhKVltcjURXHO6ZND__nRXnqQWs3EyxF34FhlDf0Z-uZc9d44xKWw_giqy27xQV9UOAx2R/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-07-11+at+12.08.09+PM.png" width="238" /></a></div>
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This product also includes 20 task cards and a rubric :)</div>
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I wanted to give you and your students plenty of options when it comes to spelling instruction. If you are interested in seeing more, the preview file in my TPT store gives you one week free to try out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgescRLNlfJb6cp453xEWdALbc6PPN4pvGtvuIkyqatzO8KIjFIY_HDhJwatK3qp8slRVmVnSTr5FmUtYBO6mlN6s9SDen6k2wrp0MFEB3cOVzHO16MdG1M8zKEKsXLxc3SvOGOs5JRwoJe/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgescRLNlfJb6cp453xEWdALbc6PPN4pvGtvuIkyqatzO8KIjFIY_HDhJwatK3qp8slRVmVnSTr5FmUtYBO6mlN6s9SDen6k2wrp0MFEB3cOVzHO16MdG1M8zKEKsXLxc3SvOGOs5JRwoJe/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-23469225320235670152016-06-29T12:53:00.000-05:002016-07-11T13:12:43.038-05:00Needing Math Games? I've Got You Covered!It's been a while, dear blog.<br />
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While my blog has taken a bit of a back seat lately, I have had a few sparks of creativity this summer when it comes to products for my TPT store.<br />
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A while ago, I did <a href="http://paigesoflearning.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-beginnings-of-math-workshop-with.html">a blog post</a> about the beginnings of math workshop in my first grade classroom. This was towards the end of my second year teaching. As I prepare to enter my fourth year, I am <span style="color: #e06666;">so</span> glad I decided to take the math workshop plunge.<br />
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Every day, my students get to go to the math facts center. In first grade, this takes the form of games that have students practicing their addition and subtraction fact fluency. But like I said, all of my kids go to this station every. single. day. One question I get a lot is "Where do you get all the games?" We all know that novelty and choice are the key to keeping our students' interests piqued.<br />
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Here's my little secret: My first graders basically play the same math games all year long. But they don't know it. The trick? Switching out the clipart. Slightly changing the rules. Adding another die to the mix. Voila! They think they are playing an entirely different game! Best day ever!<br />
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This is why I love <span style="color: #e06666;">Bump.</span> Once I teach my students the rules, they are good to go for the whole year. They get so excited when a new month/season/holiday rolls around and I set out some new bump boards.<br />
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With <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Addition-Bump-Games-for-the-YEAR-2622748">Bumpin' through the Year</a>, you get 30 different boards. Each one is themed for a different part of the school year. Students simply follow the dice directions in the upper corner to play. Click the images below to check it out!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Addition-Bump-Games-for-the-YEAR-2622748"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQOHIvPRtLIxFZuo1W2K3lE9WLbCP0Mfw5MJ3QhvV6nJgC3VlgXzbrKtY_jPi00oEaQFqufiYbGZKPtvL13DqOSy5WoJA6ifAfhDjETtVx7Vfdl8v6gSr-YOZdhWG9xYSgbipJE076nqu/s400/Cover.png" width="305" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Addition-Bump-Games-for-the-YEAR-2622748"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwauKLw9rd4PcYAdnk8CwMFpWchKRU7XOgqPVvdzu079-mbCk6FPM0E_LelFHzokgZ02JROMlKvNA6m4iG9hzOXZlVT1d2PGXuDk2ClaUB89c9gNtr5kx_VktEF2hYztwjc8rB9xNpqLqm/s640/Preview.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgescRLNlfJb6cp453xEWdALbc6PPN4pvGtvuIkyqatzO8KIjFIY_HDhJwatK3qp8slRVmVnSTr5FmUtYBO6mlN6s9SDen6k2wrp0MFEB3cOVzHO16MdG1M8zKEKsXLxc3SvOGOs5JRwoJe/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgescRLNlfJb6cp453xEWdALbc6PPN4pvGtvuIkyqatzO8KIjFIY_HDhJwatK3qp8slRVmVnSTr5FmUtYBO6mlN6s9SDen6k2wrp0MFEB3cOVzHO16MdG1M8zKEKsXLxc3SvOGOs5JRwoJe/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-74046399732433138062016-03-07T20:20:00.000-06:002016-03-07T20:20:07.942-06:00Opinion Writing & Text Evidence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've got a new evaluation tool about to hit in my district. Perhaps you've heard of my dear friend, Charlotte Danielson? Well I'm sure Charlotte is a nice lady and all, but quite frankly she's got everyone in a tizzy. There's a whole lot of <span style="color: #76a5af;"><i>How can first graders do <b>that</b> when they can't even tie their shoes and remember what they chose for hot lunch</i> </span>going on.</div>
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Well, I'll let you in on a little secret. I've found that when you really get down to it, first graders can do a whole lot more than you'd think (although I am still waiting for about 40% of my class to learn to tie their darn shoes).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6hZcxC-QnHwwFhbvGDdpumkIxNcuvzAHit1YkoF5eu9dZ2UoR5HmZL35V0ZlMqzy4ZdBBIlMAnDp2a5GIJAxq4PZJRN3w9JwptkRCpeniiYtkyETFVil4ho_tsrakjU1WvUkl68umZXD/s1600/Title.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6hZcxC-QnHwwFhbvGDdpumkIxNcuvzAHit1YkoF5eu9dZ2UoR5HmZL35V0ZlMqzy4ZdBBIlMAnDp2a5GIJAxq4PZJRN3w9JwptkRCpeniiYtkyETFVil4ho_tsrakjU1WvUkl68umZXD/s400/Title.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't know why, but providing support with text evidence is one of my favorite things to do with my first graders. I'm not sure if it's because I feel like super-teacher when they do it right or what. But you better believe that I show off our text-evidence-finding-skills every chance we get.</div>
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Enter: <i><span style="color: #e06666;">A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdAygoZOXBx7JTKBxW-SR1FrtD88jtm1EhD7c3rb5cc6WZ0ck9Qnn4YUvjqrVVKHp8yyJD7i85JsveMeSrIx_nQBx9Ud-kkM_3lU8ZokTVbqGRGtbjCTz7HSziWT01B5gMQ0gJd6njbni/s1600/51j75g9uU3L._SX382_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdAygoZOXBx7JTKBxW-SR1FrtD88jtm1EhD7c3rb5cc6WZ0ck9Qnn4YUvjqrVVKHp8yyJD7i85JsveMeSrIx_nQBx9Ud-kkM_3lU8ZokTVbqGRGtbjCTz7HSziWT01B5gMQ0gJd6njbni/s320/51j75g9uU3L._SX382_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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Oh. My. Word. Why didn't I know about this book until now? It is hilarious. The illustrations are fabulous. And it had all my students laughing - even Mr. Serious who I sometimes feel like I couldn't pay to crack a smile. It was a great way to start my morning.</div>
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The gist of the book is this: You might think that a pig parade sounds like a jolly good time, but you are <b>so</b> wrong. The author then goes on to tell you <b>why </b>a pig parade is a terrible idea.</div>
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Does this sound like CCSS W.1.1 material to any of you?! It did to me. And here's what we ended up with:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJNgiEMs7F55vqfvn2kR7YlvIw743qjqfxbQjXL0qiLEGS2jGLe2GYGQzp-htqS-JKTtkZklWHYr8UnVvM_w6-IIypANHrWtIOuYeMqW9p0SJ0EHas6mR9e5K5NwUdgOqxXdCPChu71n0/s1600/Uno.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJNgiEMs7F55vqfvn2kR7YlvIw743qjqfxbQjXL0qiLEGS2jGLe2GYGQzp-htqS-JKTtkZklWHYr8UnVvM_w6-IIypANHrWtIOuYeMqW9p0SJ0EHas6mR9e5K5NwUdgOqxXdCPChu71n0/s640/Uno.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsY0TvBkvNgmi6YMYT1ihNu63aSgJZ2c18VWFm8AOIH6rso_Gbi9XcUl7PFProfvtC7sAeSOOWgdQn_k3V99QoH0T0E2-wr9PnjArnnPJLNfNIy1ytx2Lvhgv7pjGq-bLdFCcers8BWxd/s1600/Dos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsY0TvBkvNgmi6YMYT1ihNu63aSgJZ2c18VWFm8AOIH6rso_Gbi9XcUl7PFProfvtC7sAeSOOWgdQn_k3V99QoH0T0E2-wr9PnjArnnPJLNfNIy1ytx2Lvhgv7pjGq-bLdFCcers8BWxd/s400/Dos.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf6I32BoziJWXadPON8hD2lIxnSQLSxWhPevaVIBHGMKrIrcJgR953A02y8onPUQRv4komtIrInBaQOP6mxJZfG0SN9WLVEA-zLtGdX1QG6rDAo5diOzVV74bSdRmnmdzVINawxxowq5M/s1600/Tres.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf6I32BoziJWXadPON8hD2lIxnSQLSxWhPevaVIBHGMKrIrcJgR953A02y8onPUQRv4komtIrInBaQOP6mxJZfG0SN9WLVEA-zLtGdX1QG6rDAo5diOzVV74bSdRmnmdzVINawxxowq5M/s400/Tres.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjNwnoCDg7RDEz4G8HuxPGVW6T0a0twPj47pMPFLtom9y7f-S2C8YbbmBDQctiBvxgbgurX2R3fF7vE_VBCNK8QHCkIXR2WAgXLogyyxA3foLj2lFXyhqUcjfYH7f6iqQNG7haSHoZ8IV/s1600/Last.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjNwnoCDg7RDEz4G8HuxPGVW6T0a0twPj47pMPFLtom9y7f-S2C8YbbmBDQctiBvxgbgurX2R3fF7vE_VBCNK8QHCkIXR2WAgXLogyyxA3foLj2lFXyhqUcjfYH7f6iqQNG7haSHoZ8IV/s400/Last.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Needless to say, my kids <b><span style="color: #e06666;">loved</span> </b>this mini-writing project. It will definitely be back again next year, hopefully with a cute craftivity to go with it!</div>
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Here are some additional ideas:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VSDnPcK-t4aHPpkhVlU9jYq2cZasGDF60M2YQWk0kBx-6F7NsKVaJevsqVfx4imCUNQXY4gWxlB89NHnJoOIqY2luwQXcry4w-21nsIQzDUAnYCRgzw4CAa0Wbd6SAPV50Iq8K0gMqzJ/s1600/Books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VSDnPcK-t4aHPpkhVlU9jYq2cZasGDF60M2YQWk0kBx-6F7NsKVaJevsqVfx4imCUNQXY4gWxlB89NHnJoOIqY2luwQXcry4w-21nsIQzDUAnYCRgzw4CAa0Wbd6SAPV50Iq8K0gMqzJ/s400/Books.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-7611919502821206172016-02-19T20:21:00.000-06:002016-03-07T20:20:24.430-06:00My Latest & Greatest: Science Prove-Its!One thing that I love about teaching science to primary students is that they come in <i>filled </i>with misconceptions. There are so many teachable moments when providing science instruction to first graders!<br />
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And, as we all know, there is a huge push for providing evidence. Every time I remind my students to explain <i>how they know, </i>they might say I sound like a broken record (if they knew what a broken record was...)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Me:</span></b> Providing evidence means can't just tell me the answer, you have to...<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">My Rockstar Firsties:</span><span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span></b>PROVE IT!</blockquote>
<i>Ah</i>, music to this teacher's ears!<br />
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This is where my idea of science "Prove-Its" came from.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Prove-Its-Space-Patterns-and-Cycles-2400968"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebymP9JCTVi7QzdwTvWt1FbEYBJEkFQX-4BWCHLLZzXeQEetVK1yomEsQfqJogE4giC3QwoaSB-gx_YK9HgFw8Z1nkamnMhAAfjZPnfvSaPT-rP6Cjblo3vGDLdfFroQ3RR-QdPCfGfDE/s400/uno.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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Students are given a scenario and they must <i>prove </i>their answer! My students' favorites were some of the prompts that included misconceptions, such as the example below. They loved explaining to their "sister" why she was so wrong!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74YpPYyMy0qLc0d9RmsIaY0u0ZNNzult0BUpTKL3QT99dSPZYrtZ2F0Tb4FM9e9OehoKKveoQGUSZ4mzAJllvj0TyduPjeTU2e1G3eb0Lswor6ueoJgihi_Egkv7Eb44P_sOEieoequPL/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74YpPYyMy0qLc0d9RmsIaY0u0ZNNzult0BUpTKL3QT99dSPZYrtZ2F0Tb4FM9e9OehoKKveoQGUSZ4mzAJllvj0TyduPjeTU2e1G3eb0Lswor6ueoJgihi_Egkv7Eb44P_sOEieoequPL/s320/unnamed-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxND9kknQTOZF6ZGCaR_fFyXS7cWLeJ19soHNhpzsRaFFE4WCfX_zCCN8uAMLeAUqR5WIc6iRhBh9wnUlstI1O2u7cs3HmajmM2tfEg43mmLOO9JHiYujQEXcU9a_WXzmpqpRrzYFfGox/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxND9kknQTOZF6ZGCaR_fFyXS7cWLeJ19soHNhpzsRaFFE4WCfX_zCCN8uAMLeAUqR5WIc6iRhBh9wnUlstI1O2u7cs3HmajmM2tfEg43mmLOO9JHiYujQEXcU9a_WXzmpqpRrzYFfGox/s320/unnamed-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3nhzGI5ZfUt8NvNXZ9gjoQY3EaZMLvYzrySyoiCYzrSaYAgMzCfM_rEHcFUr-u0LL1ZbbidEqbheQe_29s1HiVyCarwRSDXjHC1Q2eJ4RbOvMbKy2-WHlGpJfzQIpcO4OVb0BFXqSA2R/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3nhzGI5ZfUt8NvNXZ9gjoQY3EaZMLvYzrySyoiCYzrSaYAgMzCfM_rEHcFUr-u0LL1ZbbidEqbheQe_29s1HiVyCarwRSDXjHC1Q2eJ4RbOvMbKy2-WHlGpJfzQIpcO4OVb0BFXqSA2R/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I really saw a difference when it was time for our summative assessment. Students performed exceedingly well because they weren't just memorizing facts and answers; they knew the <i>why </i>and <i>how </i>behind them!<br />
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<b>Writing + Evidence + NGSS Science + Higher-Level Thinking =</b> <b style="color: #e06666;">WIN! </b>Check them out in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Prove-Its-Space-Patterns-and-Cycles-2400968">my store</a> and let me know what you think!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-76825244368139659442016-01-03T15:26:00.001-06:002016-01-03T15:26:02.809-06:00Ringing in the New Year with Math Freebies!It's Sunday and my back-to-school anxiety is in full swing. I haven't set foot in my classroom since I left at 3:00 on our last day before break and have completely forgotten anything and everything I had already planned out for this first week back. Anyone else in the same boat?<br />
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Hopefully some freebies will help get us all back into teacher-mode! Because there's nothing better than a good freebie, right?<br />
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Although I have a hoarders-worthy collection of math activities for my first grade classroom, there are always a few concepts I come to and feel that I need just a bit <i>more. </i>That is why I decided to create a series of free math printables to pull from when my students need additional reinforcement. Click through on the picture to head over to my store :)<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paiges-Of-Learning"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIqW1maYCMG_kNgNXyMLTVvt5hplLCDAj0kuo5NUkQzs0u3PL3h5-kMzx7G19ECkkNflnBMIgN_pLz23tCi1K0pH05vHkvKxDdqCoJFvn1kMcs-Tj0qIYNk0ATWBG_o1GmpZBXl1C7ZxP/s400/FotorCreated.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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Each freebie includes a few no-prep, print and go activities to help reinforce different first grade concepts. I am hoping to include more free math printable sets in the future, so be on the lookout over at <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Paiges-Of-Learning">my TPT store</a> :)<br />
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Good luck this week!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-43590063286369583002015-12-26T12:23:00.001-06:002015-12-26T12:24:44.112-06:00A Long-Overdue Update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A post on this blog is way overdue! And so was a makeover on my best selling product on TPT, my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ezra-Jack-Keats-Author-Study-Common-Core-Aligned-1059542">Ezra Jack Keats author study</a>. I've used this every year since I've started teaching and my kids love it. Bonus - my administrator also loved it. And a super bonus - I love teaching with it! </div>
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However, it definitely needed a complete overhaul. Apparently when I first started creating, I had no sense of cohesive fonts. Plus, everything just looked kind of "blah" to me. As I spend more time developing my creative style, I wanted this product to match my more recent products.</div>
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Here are some before and after photos of the author study. The "before" is on the left-hand side, and the "after" is on the right. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0i06UORAS2osaCOf0_tVfCxCMndjoodnUxzBZj88kq77DbFRDuWAiNddUvwPYxH5gFka14t0PXg4QQ4AnbtSBysOZwZ1BjT_qtA-5PNqrtc3kphQ2WBkocgTlta24BAaMc335Igg3xoi/s1600/uno.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0i06UORAS2osaCOf0_tVfCxCMndjoodnUxzBZj88kq77DbFRDuWAiNddUvwPYxH5gFka14t0PXg4QQ4AnbtSBysOZwZ1BjT_qtA-5PNqrtc3kphQ2WBkocgTlta24BAaMc335Igg3xoi/s640/uno.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZUN3rU2FsP5eJhQ8_yePzM38QgsfQBrpldsxrX1fCYm6IrAeJa7uy9IR1Ts6QiExP8C9nkiZYYWRxjvXkUrqxrF658L43Kk6BAttEnc5AwjShFRjwUNBFv9f9VSbYWoPX130yR7Tyck7/s1600/dos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZUN3rU2FsP5eJhQ8_yePzM38QgsfQBrpldsxrX1fCYm6IrAeJa7uy9IR1Ts6QiExP8C9nkiZYYWRxjvXkUrqxrF658L43Kk6BAttEnc5AwjShFRjwUNBFv9f9VSbYWoPX130yR7Tyck7/s640/dos.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjoDWEt5E_bWfMiMzYq8yMyPLcDHFDre5rv_G_wRZVsqjO8B4Cv0ZUgyISRvbpIfrnggT6JEzTTQCMulsRywneqI6xDJS7J1K7OJHPBPc5TjGv4FaOM2fAfE0FJC9JyjYqjPdLqyP28gv/s1600/tres.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjoDWEt5E_bWfMiMzYq8yMyPLcDHFDre5rv_G_wRZVsqjO8B4Cv0ZUgyISRvbpIfrnggT6JEzTTQCMulsRywneqI6xDJS7J1K7OJHPBPc5TjGv4FaOM2fAfE0FJC9JyjYqjPdLqyP28gv/s640/tres.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6j2PSyakBc3m2Kt1tkx1sOqRmaKEA-owbNX-3chGAugiCfbD6Uj3orhjlqbJTFXi0fD04-DVY9UdYiTVRQEMC5CBMnbE5xFYdB5EM57hvGYRKC56fpxLLKcVJ5RMheUQfhIeeK3N11Zu/s1600/cinco.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6j2PSyakBc3m2Kt1tkx1sOqRmaKEA-owbNX-3chGAugiCfbD6Uj3orhjlqbJTFXi0fD04-DVY9UdYiTVRQEMC5CBMnbE5xFYdB5EM57hvGYRKC56fpxLLKcVJ5RMheUQfhIeeK3N11Zu/s640/cinco.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The product also includes new printables, including cumulative writing activities that encourage students to utilize text evidence to discuss the common themes of the stories. I also included an opinion writing activity where students write about their favorite Ezra Jack Keats book, giving details to support their opinions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1q8t2raicE4ts8hRvI7mNmpDA2Fu6LBM67asup2TCmT2RaAxJEUcZYDiYCw3pSBDLl1RCR_moSNG-RO5JIE6S_Xy_-cCAuCi3J2zsk80A3Xnzl07-Jwuqtd8zdhLymnt9yEJfnWwp1UjV/s1600/ocho.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1q8t2raicE4ts8hRvI7mNmpDA2Fu6LBM67asup2TCmT2RaAxJEUcZYDiYCw3pSBDLl1RCR_moSNG-RO5JIE6S_Xy_-cCAuCi3J2zsk80A3Xnzl07-Jwuqtd8zdhLymnt9yEJfnWwp1UjV/s640/ocho.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each of the seven stories also has a sequencing cut and paste activity and a flip book highlighting the academic vocabulary terms from the books.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN0mVyHZDGjPFRlNfbSjSNeHvCAiHU_FAvhcb9KKh9xMqX_yZEB1chATvWVt2RAfi9ww5iK953PbMlytv8_os1NVGj2l2hdGuKoKoXyen9yc2NzPQWt9wsiugS7EQVWDqo8BaGIt52xcw/s1600/seis.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxN0mVyHZDGjPFRlNfbSjSNeHvCAiHU_FAvhcb9KKh9xMqX_yZEB1chATvWVt2RAfi9ww5iK953PbMlytv8_os1NVGj2l2hdGuKoKoXyen9yc2NzPQWt9wsiugS7EQVWDqo8BaGIt52xcw/s200/seis.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKrfS3j7GE2pAFBw1ZBMXAwo3e1S4bc-wvfT7p3KWGdSWWupQoo3REu-vsERsKQvb2cQOTWcuZzFP6LzHqAgidi9nPmzs7MYCDzH2-_drofIKAY4icHn-TxPZqbMFgWwh6tfuc-2tBpFB/s1600/siete.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKrfS3j7GE2pAFBw1ZBMXAwo3e1S4bc-wvfT7p3KWGdSWWupQoo3REu-vsERsKQvb2cQOTWcuZzFP6LzHqAgidi9nPmzs7MYCDzH2-_drofIKAY4icHn-TxPZqbMFgWwh6tfuc-2tBpFB/s200/siete.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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If you are looking for a great way to incorporate quality children's literature into your classroom, look no further. This unit is jam packed with resources to help support young students' reading development!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-61582551920648941532015-12-02T20:59:00.004-06:002015-12-02T20:59:59.237-06:00December CurrentlyWelp, here I am again for Currently. I know I say this every month, but I <i>cannot </i>believe it's already December! We've had just a few dustings of snow here and there so it definitely doesn't feel like the holidays are right around the corner.<br />
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And again, here I am saying that I wish I was doing a better job keeping up with this blog! We've been up to some really great stuff in first grade lately but I've been too caught up in the moment to take pictures and blog about it. My kids are <i>loving </i>our light and sound unit in science. It is so super hands-on that they are really getting a solid understanding of the concepts and are having fun at the same time! Hopefully I can add some pictures soon :)<br />
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Here is this month's link up with <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/12/currently-december-2015.html">Farley</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfv-FNt7t268WoiIKbZvICCxtTEcN6LsGS9J_Z8XVjWHPpos3UBQtcK69bILkZM8m2RZUnsAxeSee28Gbow7xeTZS5UR9TU5RjxhvPv1p6v55PyuxIDm4Hw3tfSXQbAkEbPVN28MGsKrQ/s1600/Currently.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfv-FNt7t268WoiIKbZvICCxtTEcN6LsGS9J_Z8XVjWHPpos3UBQtcK69bILkZM8m2RZUnsAxeSee28Gbow7xeTZS5UR9TU5RjxhvPv1p6v55PyuxIDm4Hw3tfSXQbAkEbPVN28MGsKrQ/s640/Currently.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Listening</b>: </span>Laundry seems to be a constant in this apartment. For those of you who have kids, I know it multiplies even more than I could ever imagine. I don't know how you all do it!<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Loving</b>: </span>Christmas is hands down my favorite time of year. From the holiday music and the decorations and all my students getting excited about Santa - I love every second. Even if it does mean a couple of weeks of restlessness in the first grade world.<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Thinking</b>: </span>Tomorrow is our annual ornament exchange and it is definitely one of the highlights of the year! I can't wait to enjoy a fun night with my friends and co-workers. Then, this weekend my man and I are off to St. Louis to celebrate our anniversary. We're going to hop around town, get drinks and sushi for dinner, and then see the Christmas lights at the botanical garden. He totally surprised me with this idea and I can't wait to have a fun and relaxing weekend!<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Wanting</b>: </span>It seems that as it gets closer and closer, this pops up on my blog more frequently. After fall classes wrap up next week, I've got one more class until my Masters degree is in the books. I can almost taste the freedom.<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Needing</b>: </span>Holiday time means buying for others and getting sucked into all of the cute wintery clothing and the fabulous online sales. I should probably get a bit more consistent when it comes to saving.<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Christmas Tree</b>:</span> I always, always will choose real over fake! Although we do not have a real one in the apartment, we definitely will when we have the space in our own home. We always had a real tree growing up - nothing beats that pine-y smell!<br />
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Happy Holidays!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-62943942401496216022015-11-01T21:11:00.003-06:002015-11-01T21:12:18.068-06:00November CurrentlyIt's officially November and that means I need to put "change classroom calendar" at the top of my to-do list for tomorrow morning. Thanksgiving is like the shining beacon of hope at the end of this month but it seems so, so far away. Especially since we don't get a whole week off this year like we did last year. People complained about it. What's to complain about? But I digress...<br />
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Here I am ready for November, ready for a great week in first grade, and more than ready to link up with <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/11/currently-november-2016.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fjtmhg+%28Oh%27+Boy+4th+Grade%29">Farley</a> for Currently. It's one of the few things keeping me on the blogging track these days. If there were only a few more hours in the day...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghz5TWMWse1gF1lT4vDaY2ipkdc0JoBGau6O4k6T8qSEJGZ12qQzwIUj5qXZT0zkPyEXnKiTfXCHK2aD0dgXig-aW27oWi_qXpB9Kr5MTv6xDHq-f3WiL_nBDdkJo1WLsDYcuP3NBdeQCi/s1600/Current.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghz5TWMWse1gF1lT4vDaY2ipkdc0JoBGau6O4k6T8qSEJGZ12qQzwIUj5qXZT0zkPyEXnKiTfXCHK2aD0dgXig-aW27oWi_qXpB9Kr5MTv6xDHq-f3WiL_nBDdkJo1WLsDYcuP3NBdeQCi/s640/Current.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Listening</b>: </span>Should I be asleep right now? Possibly. But at least the silence is a step in the right direction, right?<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Loving</b>: </span>I recently ordered one of those de-stressing coloring books for adults and let me tell you, I am obsessed! I also ordered a pack of crayola pip-squeak markers and some prisma-color pencils to accompany my new hobby. I could do this all day.<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Thinking</b>: </span>Well, this week is finally my preconference, with my evaluation being Tuesday-Thursday next week. Yes, I said Tuesday-Thursday. Why? Because this crazy teacher has decided to try something all new for her evaluation and instead of having my principal watch one 45 minute lesson, I am having her observe three different 15 minute lessons. This year, I started teaching with Tara West's close reading packs and wanted to see what my principal thinks. Am I totally going to regret this? We'll see...<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Wanting</b>: </span>My favorite holiday is right around the corner and I am brimming with excitement! I've already loaded up my Amazon cart with some goodies and have a bunch of stuff bookmarked for various family members.<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Needing</b>: </span>When am I not needing this? Maybe I should get out of bed and work in my coloring book :)<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Yummy</b>: </span>Oh sweet heavens. My granny's candied sweet potatoes were the greatest thing on Earth. I don't care if you don't like sweet potatoes - you would have loved these. I give my mom some serious credit for using her recipe every year but we all know that nothing beats the original.<br />
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And now I leave you with a picture of my Jingle-cat, clearly loving on Halloween.<br />
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-52164611436189125792015-10-03T15:37:00.005-05:002015-11-01T21:12:09.266-06:00October CurrentlyThank goodness this is giving me a reason to blog today! If you're in a bit of a blogging rut like myself or you just love to chat with others, visit <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/10/currently-october-2015.html">Farley's blog</a> and link up for October's Currently!<br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">Listening:</span> I've got the windows open and am listening to nothing but the sound of the wind blowing through the trees outside. Here's to some peace and quiet!</div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">Loving:</span> While everyone is complaining that it's "cold" (and I'll admit I do need to start layering better), I am absolutely loving these fall temperatures. The air conditioning is finally off and the windows are open here at home and the fresh air is amazing!</div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">Thinking:</span> Our first grade team is wanting some new shirts. Naturally, I took it upon myself to design said shirts and the perfectionist in me is making it very difficult. I want to make sure I create things that are versatile enough and cute enough for everyone on the team to love. </div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">Wanting:</span> All of these pictures of fall football festivities are making me nostalgic for college tailgates. While the Illini are nothing to brag about, I still would love to get up to Champaign to cheer on my alma mater. Oskee Wow Wow!</div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">Needing:</span> So. Many. Assignments. Much of which feels like busywork. Yuck.</div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af;">Boo-tiful:</span> A much deserved shout-out to my man who always makes me feel beautiful no matter what. He deserves all the credit in the world for sticking by my side through all of my crazy moods. I am so lucky to have him :) </div>
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Okay, end of sappy moment. Happy October!</div>
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-44408521555630896032015-09-22T21:29:00.000-05:002015-09-22T21:29:56.221-05:005 Reasons to Support the Common CoreIt's a tough time to be a teacher. More than ever, we seem to have the weight of the world thrown upon our shoulders. The term "Common Core" seems to be constantly at-large, on the lips of everyone from teachers and administrators to news reporters, Facebook friends, and that one guy/gal down the street who always has an opinion on everything.<br />
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It can be challenging to stay positive when it seems like your job and your purpose is being surrounded with negativity. That is why I think it is important to stop and think about the positive things that are happening in our profession. While the Common Core is by no means perfect, there are many things that people tend to overlook when criticizing it. <span style="color: #e06666;">I therefore present to you:</span><br />
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I'm sure I missed some good ones so this is, by all means, not an extensive list :) I just think it's time for us to start having some constructive conversations about the Common Core. Here goes!</div>
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As teachers, I believe it is essential that we <span style="color: #e06666;">advocate</span> for ourselves and for our profession. Part of this includes supporting what we are doing within our classroom walls. How do we expect parents and community members to support what is going on in the schools if the teachers within those schools are not supporting it themselves? </div>
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This also includes educating parents on the misconceptions behind the Common Core - it's the first step in shrinking the wide range of misinformation and/or ignorance surrounding the standards.</div>
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For the time being, the Common Core is here to stay<span style="color: #e06666;">*</span>. Why not learn to embrace it? You don't need to love it in its entirety, but while it's here, why not focus on its positive aspects?</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">*</span>For those who are quick to jump in at this point and say that other states are pulling out of the Common Core, compare the "new" standards with the CCSS. I'm willing to bet they look suspiciously similar ;) </div>
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This is probably the misconception that drives me the most crazy. The curriculum (albeit "Common Core aligned") and the standards are two <span style="color: #e06666;">completely</span><b> </b>different things. All of these "crazy" "Common Core" math problems parents are posting on Facebook are nowhere to be seen in the Common Core. These are problems based on the publisher's interpretation of the standards and their implications for learning. Even ten frames (which are seen practically everywhere these days) are not in the standards. </div>
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Thus, the problems most people seem to have with the Common Core are actually problems with the publishing companies and corresponding curricula set in place by a school district. Take a look at the standards <span style="color: #e06666;">by themselves</span>. It's hard to argue that any of those standards are irrelevant or unimportant to teach. Chances are, these are things you were already teaching in your classroom before the CCSS came along. </div>
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Oh, and hey: <span style="color: #e06666;">This includes PARCC </span>(I see you over there, PARCC). The PARCC test is <span style="color: #e06666;">not</span><b> </b>part of the Common Core. PARCC is a test that was designed by a "he-who-shall-not-be-named" publishing company as one standard way of measuring students' proficiency of the standards. It is not part of the standards themselves. </div>
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Reality check: The Common Core is <span style="color: #e06666;">not</span> taking <i>anything </i>out of education. It is <span style="color: #e06666;">not</span> a curriculum and it is <span style="color: #e06666;">not</span> telling teachers how they should be teaching (if you have a basal/specific program, see reason #2). Personally, this is the main reason why I <i>do </i>support the standards - it gives me a set of goals that I should be working towards with my students. How I achieve those goals is <span style="color: #e06666;">up to me.</span></div>
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For example, the first standard for both literature and informational text in first grade is asking and answering questions about a text. Any text. A text that I love to read. One of my favorites. Or, perhaps, one of my students' favorites. A text for which I have a cute craft or extension activity. A text I might use as a connection to another subject area or standard. A text that I genuinely enjoy teaching. The opportunities for this one standard are practically endless. It is all of the possibilities that ignite the creative excitement within the teacher-me. I can teach in a way that I think is both <span style="color: #e06666;">effective</span> and <span style="color: #e06666;">engaging</span> for my unique group of learners, as long as it meets the standard. A wide-open opportunity to differentiate <i>and </i>teach things the way I think is best? Score.</div>
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A huge problem we have right now is the fact that the world is changing but our minds are fighting to stay the same. Many are beginning to question why we are changing our instruction from the way things were "<i>always done".</i></div>
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The simple answer: Because the world is not how it <i>"always was". </i>It's no secret that the United States has some significant competition out there in the world market. If we want to stay in the ring as one of the world's leading nations, our students need to be equipped with <span style="color: #e06666;">higher-level skills</span>. Which brings me to point #5...</div>
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<i>"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars." </i>As trite as this inspirational quote may be, I think it is applicable to the vision of the Common Core. Some argue that the standards are unrealistic and unattainable for some students. I definitely agree. While it would be perfect if all students in the United States could reach the same end goal within the school year, we all know that is unrealistic.<br />
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However, <span style="color: #e06666;">why not aim high?</span> Why not shoot for the moon? If the goal is for your student to reach the top of the tree, the tree is most likely the highest they will go. But what if we set the same high standards for everyone? What if by appropriately scaffolding material, we made it so that some students reach the top of the tree, while some go even higher? More often than not, we end up surprised by our students' abilities to rise to the challenge at hand. Maybe they don't all reach the same end goal, but by providing them with high expectations, they just might have gone further than they would have before.<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>*Exhales deeply* Just some food for thought. Feel free to share any constructive thoughts in the comments :)</b></span><br />
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-91042526410261104972015-09-06T09:02:00.000-05:002015-09-06T09:02:40.540-05:00Back to School {Yay or Yikes}Thank goodness for long weekends! We just finished up the end of week three in first grade and there truly ain't no tired like back-to-school tired.<br />
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In the spirit of back to school, I am linking up with the Primary Pack to share my feelings on this time of year! Does back to school make you say "Yay" or "Yikes"? <a href="http://theprimarypack.blogspot.com/2015/09/yay-or-yikes-honest-feelings-about-back.html">Click here</a> to link up and share your thoughts.<br />
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<b>Reminds me of </b>school supply shopping with my mom. I LOVE all things school supply (born to be a teacher right here) and I was always SO excited to go back to school shopping. Where I grew up, we didn't start school until the end of August - for this reason I wasn't even allowed to mention the words "school supplies" until the end of summer. The anticipation always drove me crazy!</div>
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<b>Makes me want </b>to fast forward a month or two. First graders in August are basically kindergarteners. They are lost, scared, disoriented, off-task, and anything but the independent first graders who I sent off to second grade last June. I'd be perfectly okay with skipping forward a month or two. Practicing routines is tough and monotonous!</div>
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<b>Drives me to </b>seek out caffeine ALL. THE. TIME. I drink my normal 800 cups of coffee in the morning. I go to Starbucks to get more coffee. I drink diet coke throughout the day (which I <i>never </i>do at any other time of year). Caffeine, caffeine, caffeine.</div>
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<b>Makes me need </b>a whole lotta sleep! I know you all feel me on that one. When I do sleep, I am knocked out. It makes me have some really bizarre dreams!</div>
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<b>Causes me to </b>think about teaching pretty much 24/7. There is so much to do at the beginning of the year. My mind is constantly in plan mode.</div>
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<b>Makes me think </b>of all the progress we will make this year in first grade. I know that come May, I will look back at the beginning of the year with a full heart, realizing just how far my first graders came from the first day of school. It's one of the most amazing parts of having this job!</div>
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-9394232624090632752015-09-02T18:33:00.000-05:002015-09-02T18:33:49.626-05:00September CurrentlyHi all! While I'm failing miserably at my Teacher Week posts, here's my September currently (only a day late...as usual). <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/09/currently-september-2015.html">Click here</a> to join the fun over at Farley's blog!<br />
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<b>Listening</b>: After the craziness of a first grade day, a little bit of silence (with some intermittent cat meows) is all that I need.<br />
<b>Loving</b>: I work at a pretty amazing place :) Shout out to all who make it so special!<br />
<b>Thinking</b>: This weekend I have to go home for a doctor's appointment. I'm so happy that it's a long weekend and that I will get to see my family and my hometown friends. Just what I need after the chaotic back-to-school rush.<br />
<b>Wanting</b>: So. Hungry. We are meeting my man's parents for dinner and I am so ready to chow down. Love me some good Chinese food!<br />
<b>Needing</b>: Holy moly I am exhausted. Last night we had parent orientation and then I had to go to grad class for two and a half hours. It left me really drained this morning. I even took a nap after work today and still feel like I could go to bed soon.<br />
<b>Goals</b>:<br />
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<li><b>Think positive thoughts</b>. For every negative Debby Downer moment I find myself having, I am trying to find a positive thought to take its place. Because we all need to rant sometimes, but we also need to remember everything that we have!</li>
<li><b>Strengthen my writing instruction</b>. Writing is definitely the area in which I am least confident. Many of the other first grade teachers feel the same. We're planning on doing some collaboration this year to strengthen our instruction. I'm hoping to really give it my all so that my students can really benefit!</li>
<li><b>Show love </b>to those around me. I've got a lot to love and a lot to be thankful for. </li>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-88842796004699371402015-08-31T16:02:00.002-05:002015-08-31T16:02:34.069-05:00Teacher Week 2015: Five Fun Facts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyone else find themselves having a serious case of the Mondays lately? Sure, Monday was no problem-o for me during the summer because it was just like any other day of the week - but now that I'm back in the land of first graders, I find myself begging for just <i>one more day </i>tacked on to the end of my weekends.</div>
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One thing that's bound to brighten up your Monday is that Blog Hoppin' is back with Teacher Week 2015! Today's post is for sharing five fun facts about yourself. So here goes! </div>
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1. I have never had a glass of milk. Ever. My bones are probably crumbling into dust right now as we speak. I was born deathly allergic and over the course of almost 12 years, I slowly outgrew it. But after all that time my taste buds thought milk was the yuckiest thing ever. I'm definitely a water girl.<br />
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2. I'm a sorority girl. I spent all four years of college as a member (and executive board member) of the Delta Zeta sorority. It was one of the best decisions of my life and I am proud to say that I "paid" for my friends ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh_wpRx2bog5ov18mPcYlRGQ06LFf3_X9eqcg41onFn_5vVV8bz2Rqtv-Dhk_w9DqJAXnQfhuOd03YqnDlcXyRUz6yEby-oEcebNiPGueGRIdw04orbjzpweKzKyttQwktblrf0inYMnF/s1600/281444_2248888499835_4618877_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh_wpRx2bog5ov18mPcYlRGQ06LFf3_X9eqcg41onFn_5vVV8bz2Rqtv-Dhk_w9DqJAXnQfhuOd03YqnDlcXyRUz6yEby-oEcebNiPGueGRIdw04orbjzpweKzKyttQwktblrf0inYMnF/s400/281444_2248888499835_4618877_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some sisters and I at a DZ leadership conference in Oxford, OH. I'm third from left.</td></tr>
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3. I am a big hockey fan. But really, how could you not be if you're from Chicago?! I'd go to every game if I could.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOd1D0KbNwm_OZ30CJky2_fHGtDBysE1UUtAuDO_XkSEVIOiM1N08LvOHMv8thNzegV5BHsXeKZn1PDlpSUt4IugHOnmGpsD6r5742Lagc1eBcQrTQ04nza1E8syzbk87DQ8jKXV2kvEz/s1600/10968496_10203442504560411_2373464135613759788_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOd1D0KbNwm_OZ30CJky2_fHGtDBysE1UUtAuDO_XkSEVIOiM1N08LvOHMv8thNzegV5BHsXeKZn1PDlpSUt4IugHOnmGpsD6r5742Lagc1eBcQrTQ04nza1E8syzbk87DQ8jKXV2kvEz/s400/10968496_10203442504560411_2373464135613759788_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother, me, and my dad at a Hawks game in St. Louis this past winter. Hawks win!</td></tr>
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4. My mom is my absolute hero and role model. We've had our moments of not seeing eye-to-eye (I inherited my stubbornness from her...) but at the end of the day she is my best friend and the one person who knows me better than I know myself sometimes. Did I mention she is also a teacher?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwnxetFnORaqbuBpljQppT5BMgSj35zdQswCMiNOFDCfuGK5drWEwkjqCAnPpsu3C-aSC5cIsLUf86C_frRl7m1GVLghlz9hXiWA684ZkmtyrPPZ30sSxbUF2cFu9697sqKvELCY70DeF/s1600/38516_1406619682634_1393444_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwnxetFnORaqbuBpljQppT5BMgSj35zdQswCMiNOFDCfuGK5drWEwkjqCAnPpsu3C-aSC5cIsLUf86C_frRl7m1GVLghlz9hXiWA684ZkmtyrPPZ30sSxbUF2cFu9697sqKvELCY70DeF/s400/38516_1406619682634_1393444_n.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before my senior prom - She hates taking pictures and this is unfortunately one of the most recent ones I have!</td></tr>
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5. I <b>110% love </b>to teach. Even on my hardest days, I can't imagine doing anything else. I am constantly thinking about teaching and reading about teaching and planning for teaching. It's kind of an obsession. But it's great because my passion and my profession truly become one.<br />
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-54408896441025469732015-08-23T21:53:00.001-05:002015-08-23T21:57:59.968-05:00A Peek at Week #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our first full-ish week of school starts tomorrow and I am seriously regretting not going into work this weekend. Anxious teacher is <i>very </i>anxious and while I did have a much-needed fun and relaxing weekend, I am wishing I could have set aside a few hours of my time for the classroom so that my Sunday night worries would be more in control.</div>
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This next week includes more procedures, especially when it comes to our workshop model. I <i>love </i>teaching in small groups and am chomping at the bit to get going. However, I need to remember that my first graders will need a lot of repetition when it comes to modeling our expectations and routines. </div>
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Here's what I have going on for week two:</div>
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Enjoy your week!</div>
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-13686323535267311022015-08-21T20:44:00.002-05:002015-08-21T20:44:35.010-05:002015-2016 Classroom Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Week one is officially in the books! I had <i>almost </i>forgotten how completely exhausting the first week of school is. I don't think I've slept this hard in months! I am glad that I have four days with my new first graders under my belt and am excited for all of the amazing things they will do this year. Read on for a peek at my classroom! This year, I decided to keep the camping/woodland theme and incorporate a more cohesive color scheme, which is why you will see turquoise, coral, navy, and grey/white repeated throughout :)</div>
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These were the sheets I had on their desks on the first day. They colored them while I greeted parents and got everything settled. I made my own name tags this year because I am terrible at D'nealian-style handwriting! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3eORNA4qAuUY8T8qLN-NBV5ufaY9KqDmLhjhK3dRYa8LMm2m8iIJ6Gb0SDq6OWzRd4LfKiU7CiBLqCLKf1lTKjSMeLn2K_UnLJDbvT1XE2Mu1CxuolALuIp3H9GGa79OwL48s43_bmJ0/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3eORNA4qAuUY8T8qLN-NBV5ufaY9KqDmLhjhK3dRYa8LMm2m8iIJ6Gb0SDq6OWzRd4LfKiU7CiBLqCLKf1lTKjSMeLn2K_UnLJDbvT1XE2Mu1CxuolALuIp3H9GGa79OwL48s43_bmJ0/s400/unnamed.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This board is in the front of the room and is where I post our objectives, schoolwide expectations, clip chart, and s'mores board. The s'mores board is a group incentive (when they get 12 for outstanding behavior, we vote on an experience-based reward). My clip chart is positive only - I select a few students each day who were overall positive role models and I move their clip up one spot. When they reach the top, their clip gets a jewel. Five jewels means they move to our "wall of fame" and get to pick out a special experience-based coupon, which can be found<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Positive-Reward-Coupons-A-Classroom-Management-Freebie-1323620"> free here</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsX-NCMQQgiHLAoAkpywMb0psF_2GYTdgfD-gad3RNEnTnfmRJGduGx6lxBpca2LMyoWp5rA-a8jq8ZwelKo-L0D_iV7V7_hcRRUuCKwMj7YW_oyVpZUNz6vUwc9aOyRWoVQKAeeutN48/s1600/bulletins.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsX-NCMQQgiHLAoAkpywMb0psF_2GYTdgfD-gad3RNEnTnfmRJGduGx6lxBpca2LMyoWp5rA-a8jq8ZwelKo-L0D_iV7V7_hcRRUuCKwMj7YW_oyVpZUNz6vUwc9aOyRWoVQKAeeutN48/s640/bulletins.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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My writing center and math bulletin board. Empty for now but not for long! My math workshop schedule is another freebie, which can be found by <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Workshop-Rotation-Board-1716342">clicking here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV-m2aH6zqKnTjicvC-VDiep7uWHl1jayOTO77lCfr1tfvmUp16ciQilzjNH0KlEKZ6urLJYTi8ATLLmgvxa4wLUYML15dXCQYZtWZMEyxTSp2UxnY2yT_G1blpOjrTUOcsEosXEUjGNb/s1600/cal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV-m2aH6zqKnTjicvC-VDiep7uWHl1jayOTO77lCfr1tfvmUp16ciQilzjNH0KlEKZ6urLJYTi8ATLLmgvxa4wLUYML15dXCQYZtWZMEyxTSp2UxnY2yT_G1blpOjrTUOcsEosXEUjGNb/s640/cal.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is what my back chalkboard area looks like. You can see a glimpse of my calendar, number line, and inspirational posters. This is also where I post my reader's workshop schedule and any current reading anchor charts that may be of use to my students.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuvp7lZra8Y27KdOCTDNWs6bjuA-lmDUC9YRVtNqclCNq4wR487oBmKvfp-rV2EhXhfkWTdj3xUL2HdOYzgomAorkJkOZ3AV3UHC25BN3oec3zlouGcfGHcJ5M14cqOpgDX7G6ZVb0MKJ/s1600/front.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuvp7lZra8Y27KdOCTDNWs6bjuA-lmDUC9YRVtNqclCNq4wR487oBmKvfp-rV2EhXhfkWTdj3xUL2HdOYzgomAorkJkOZ3AV3UHC25BN3oec3zlouGcfGHcJ5M14cqOpgDX7G6ZVb0MKJ/s640/front.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a bit of the front of my classroom. To the far left, you can see my classroom library. In the middle is our meeting area, which you can see a bit better in the second photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj0yhFAE-NtAuWVsPaDU6xF1Mo95O0718jM1LAfPIM9lG-sXiCYWX3R1XkwyOkZ_H9g6bcBQQAZjp0V8hzW6k8ZgGPXJKMcQW50ck3_c3huTgeujqmYKtj-y4iwOrc1FEOk6fAkFmaJsW/s1600/lib.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj0yhFAE-NtAuWVsPaDU6xF1Mo95O0718jM1LAfPIM9lG-sXiCYWX3R1XkwyOkZ_H9g6bcBQQAZjp0V8hzW6k8ZgGPXJKMcQW50ck3_c3huTgeujqmYKtj-y4iwOrc1FEOk6fAkFmaJsW/s640/lib.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favorite part of the room - my classroom library! Here is a view of the fiction section and the pine tree that caused me to staple through my finger this summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YGY2-khCmMHhbXGzdJ7LERpCjLrqoxkE__hSVLtp0Jwu-dYLy_-RlOZXKC9N_8g4hx4b8wTCztIVQeYtrhZGoBKD3Y1vjY0vSImteEMOXj7hz0EsanyUpRD9sohb518kMeKj0rQ65N9I/s1600/mine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YGY2-khCmMHhbXGzdJ7LERpCjLrqoxkE__hSVLtp0Jwu-dYLy_-RlOZXKC9N_8g4hx4b8wTCztIVQeYtrhZGoBKD3Y1vjY0vSImteEMOXj7hz0EsanyUpRD9sohb518kMeKj0rQ65N9I/s640/mine.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the area behind my small group table. It's where I store mentor texts, weekly activities, my binders, centers, small group materials, and other teacher-y tools.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx49Js4MJJA5aPvDyC5pYOCQGV0OyHLVweD4z5nSRrsd7LYgGd07C7Lk4KzuZY77nkYmjAXbPGVZC2tN6dk9ZS3YGnB6e-Z4F_1zcJld7rKrmWtrJQju3LDuXvdULA2v7SfMo7vnQui3Rc/s1600/outside.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx49Js4MJJA5aPvDyC5pYOCQGV0OyHLVweD4z5nSRrsd7LYgGd07C7Lk4KzuZY77nkYmjAXbPGVZC2tN6dk9ZS3YGnB6e-Z4F_1zcJld7rKrmWtrJQju3LDuXvdULA2v7SfMo7vnQui3Rc/s640/outside.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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What my students see outside of my classroom. I finally got around to adding a border to my outside bulletin board this year and am so relieved - it looks so much better than it did before!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNN1nztl-US0IUFUUp_hEp0lRtuJNhomcI7K3A1bo2_xBiPYaDis1MuOuylCivlSZHbpH2e0lGKx0Awc6zAZAWBO54ysv-1knfHC_NYpx5lQuNNN7EGrJnbUAobCagg6Kxj75QoLIDXWi/s1600/walls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNN1nztl-US0IUFUUp_hEp0lRtuJNhomcI7K3A1bo2_xBiPYaDis1MuOuylCivlSZHbpH2e0lGKx0Awc6zAZAWBO54ysv-1knfHC_NYpx5lQuNNN7EGrJnbUAobCagg6Kxj75QoLIDXWi/s640/walls.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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A closer look at my calendar/schedule, birthday board (which has yet to be completed), and phonics sounds. I will be adding more sounds as the year goes on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAAPCcyVJ5Gnr7-6Qam70DaKxCbbzffyYkvjSrOTT9ZTAnB3MUIRok7XaHoe8jxIWsSYdS3GLtWbJPDudB3-26BQxfxKdgaOvm_levmVNR4DMAea8faYG6H4srwx_K8wileb9ghz_jy_x/s1600/xtra.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAAPCcyVJ5Gnr7-6Qam70DaKxCbbzffyYkvjSrOTT9ZTAnB3MUIRok7XaHoe8jxIWsSYdS3GLtWbJPDudB3-26BQxfxKdgaOvm_levmVNR4DMAea8faYG6H4srwx_K8wileb9ghz_jy_x/s640/xtra.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last but not least, the extras. On the left are my early finisher drawers, which holds things such as write and wipe cards and play doh mats. On the left is where I keep our indoor recess activities.</div>
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That's it for now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-26260065377538266652015-08-16T22:06:00.001-05:002015-08-16T22:06:18.147-05:00A Peek at My Week: It's Go Time!Well, the first day jitters are about to be in full swing in first grade! Tomorrow is our teacher inservice and Tuesday is the real deal first day of school. While I am definitely excited to go back, I am already overwhelmed by the huge list of routines and procedures and expectations that I need to make sure to cover in these first few days. Here is a look at what we are doing this week:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rTaaWYVa-XP6sGJe4AEv1bco_m343u1T2k0zPFMqYyJOI1mpykyU6FH8DY_IutZG2vB60lQly49NoinPa10DHX5TGnlnV9H_MWxOOKlXtCLRrquuhUez-J6y3LsaRf7QvQedhkFA1ZRU/s1600/Week1a.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rTaaWYVa-XP6sGJe4AEv1bco_m343u1T2k0zPFMqYyJOI1mpykyU6FH8DY_IutZG2vB60lQly49NoinPa10DHX5TGnlnV9H_MWxOOKlXtCLRrquuhUez-J6y3LsaRf7QvQedhkFA1ZRU/s640/Week1a.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDCFfrwml9bDNBHt820pLmOpAMVejvxn8dahins7fi46zsnU5p_TLgMiXERoiyRsvel7YsKVtiantIV-SW5PliUDep7eZurwFODmwLQJLKoxQV5G5iWSY_Bc4t7pRURntOlpt-GhzfTau/s1600/Week1b.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDCFfrwml9bDNBHt820pLmOpAMVejvxn8dahins7fi46zsnU5p_TLgMiXERoiyRsvel7YsKVtiantIV-SW5PliUDep7eZurwFODmwLQJLKoxQV5G5iWSY_Bc4t7pRURntOlpt-GhzfTau/s640/Week1b.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDCFfrwml9bDNBHt820pLmOpAMVejvxn8dahins7fi46zsnU5p_TLgMiXERoiyRsvel7YsKVtiantIV-SW5PliUDep7eZurwFODmwLQJLKoxQV5G5iWSY_Bc4t7pRURntOlpt-GhzfTau/s1600/Week1b.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Happy back-to-school week!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-741507152242222802015-08-02T21:44:00.002-05:002015-08-02T21:44:20.972-05:00August CurrentlyWelp, it's officially <b>Back to School</b> month. For most of us, at least. Am I ready? Still not so sure about that. Students report on the 18th, with a teacher inservice the day before. I'm all sorts of emotions but mostly can't wait to meet my new kids and have a fabulous year!<br />
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<strike>First</strike> second of the month time with <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/08/currently-august-2015.html">Farley</a>! (Silly to think that I might actually link up on time this month!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmxQ5n9mOt18qEkTmaQ0SzkcEGeaYhJDLoDv7KqBRe3ltC7vQnYHgWWZSywlffiZ8oztvKBTuvlwhaPQthfoXAwUzKT-cAv76hDury1Thjyiox2ftDPej_ZWfOPbShdMBdtNZaFIUkBgB/s1600/here.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmxQ5n9mOt18qEkTmaQ0SzkcEGeaYhJDLoDv7KqBRe3ltC7vQnYHgWWZSywlffiZ8oztvKBTuvlwhaPQthfoXAwUzKT-cAv76hDury1Thjyiox2ftDPej_ZWfOPbShdMBdtNZaFIUkBgB/s640/here.png" width="483" /></a></div>
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<b>Listening</b>: The Bachelor is my guilty pleasure. The Bachelorette is also my guilty pleasure. Bachelor in Paradise is like a guilty pleasure on steroids. It is so completely terrible and I love it.</div>
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<b>Loving</b>: For once, I feel like I had a productive Sunday. I'm tired and I'm <i>still </i>going to ignore the pile of laundry that needs to be folded...but still, a pretty productive day!</div>
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<b>Thinking</b>: My cart. So full. Can't wait for tomorrow!</div>
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<b>Wanting</b>: I'm on a one-track mind lately. I can spend two hours working in my classroom and within minutes of leaving I am already wanting to go back and finish something I'd left undone. I've done some reorganizing and changing of colors/decor and I am so excited to see everything come together!</div>
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<b>Needing</b>: Summer is just so nice because a lot of the time I don't have to worry about getting my booty to bed at a decent hour. I'm going to seriously regret it come school time if I don't start to get on a regular schedule now.</div>
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<b>B2S RAK</b>: This summer I've been working on creating tons of new resources. While some are bound for my TPT store, some I am creating just for my first grade team that will hopefully be helpful for them throughout the upcoming school year :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL-xHkmXDVnTPNrLTELQBABHs3oF-TdPGJjQeFu7KBi71xalgmwUljPPXepmfxvZYSJyUXXO0PxmnElSNmYNm2pMevipvbK9Suwo1y5Dgf9pxaK2B6OV1D6ykJO5Rn77HqenKAJg8L60F/s200/Signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-8899232919650236642015-07-31T08:03:00.000-05:002015-07-31T08:03:01.539-05:00Five for Friday - Back to School Edition!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Does it feel like a Friday to you? It definitely doesn't feel like a Friday to me. Summer Fridays are just like any other day, as opposed to school-year Fridays which are the holy grail of all work days ;)</div>
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It looks like I'll be back to valuing my Fridays pretty soon! Tomorrow is already August 1st. We return for inservice on the 17th and our students report on the 18th. I am supposed to get my class list this upcoming Monday and I am <i>itching </i>in anticipation!</div>
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In the meantime, I've taken on a few little projects to help me get ready for the upcoming year. Check them out below in my <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2015/07/five-for-friday-linky-party-july-31st.html">Five for Friday</a> post {hosted by Doodle Bugs Teaching}.</div>
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One thing I decided to do is update my classroom newsletter. After reading a bunch of articles about reasons why parents might not be reading the classroom news, I opted for a bolder look that is broken down into more distinct sections. There is room for a brief teacher message at the top, followed by important dates, learning targets, and questions to ask students throughout the week to review content. At the very bottom I have my contact information listed. I love how it turned out and can't wait to use it!</div>
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Okay. I saw this shirt and I just couldn't resist. Pete the Cat fanatic for life.<br />
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This year I really want to implement math journals within my math workshop rotations. I love the idea of having smaller math journals because first graders definitely do not need an entire page per math prompt. I had heard that stores will cut notebooks in half for you but I guess I was always too nervous to ask (does cutting notebooks in half make me look like a crazy person?) I'm so glad I finally bit the bullet and went through with it! Each notebook was only 50 cents at Staples. Although the women at the copy center had never heard such a request before, they were super helpful and even packed my little notebooks into a cute little cardboard box for me.</div>
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After ordering a bunch of decor from School Girl Style, I realized I neglected to order turquoise borders that I wanted for my classroom. Stubborn me did <i>not </i>want to pay almost ten dollars in shipping for a few feet of border, so I grabbed a random color from my local Staples and decided to attempt spray painting!</div>
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In the middle picture, you can see my man helping this first-timing spray painter get an even coat onto the borders :) I love the color - the pictures do not do it justice! The paint only cost me a bit over three dollars at the Home Depot and apparently works on a bunch of different materials and surfaces. </div>
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Although my students' folders are all color-coded by subject, labeling them makes everything so much easier (and cuter!) I can't tell you how many times I had to remind certain students which color their writing folder was or which folder held their reader's workshop materials. Hopefully this solution will alleviate some of those issues! To save space, I printed two subjects on each label and plan on snipping them in half when the time comes. I'm now realizing I could have just purchased smaller label sizes...maybe next year!<br />
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What kinds of things are you doing to prepare for back-to-school?<br />
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-36754918820093489582015-07-26T13:59:00.003-05:002015-07-26T13:59:50.503-05:00Assess Me! {Week One}Who said assessments can't be fun?! In the spirit of back-to-school, Rachel from The Tattooed Teacher is hosting some fun getting to know you activities for us teacher-bloggers. Read on to get some brief facts about me and click on the image below to join us!<br />
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<a href="http://www.thetattooedteacher.com/2015/07/assess-me-a-get-to-know-you-linky/"><img border="0" src="http://i0.wp.com/www.thetattooedteacher.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/week1header.png?resize=300%2C184" /></a></div>
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-83868249477186486492015-07-20T11:23:00.000-05:002015-07-20T11:23:11.676-05:00Child-Approved Learning Games In my reader's workshop and math workshop, one of the rotations available to students is technology. During their technology center, students use either the computers or the tablets to play learning games. {The games in this posting are all computer-based}.<br />
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The following games are the ones I notice my students gravitating towards most often. Best of all, they are completely free!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ0U5rNnjrmkwC1F-G_iRa7lKfpkfHwPLaqECl3hh7c3Cv3r667nJ2qciJXPtMLo2PFWsUv2mg4jzXn1VgHcuUyN-0oDRttOFDQOvF6Fdhvbkn3YfeytKR2J_L4RsoEkM9kbxtoCc3mT-/s1600/GamesPhoto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ0U5rNnjrmkwC1F-G_iRa7lKfpkfHwPLaqECl3hh7c3Cv3r667nJ2qciJXPtMLo2PFWsUv2mg4jzXn1VgHcuUyN-0oDRttOFDQOvF6Fdhvbkn3YfeytKR2J_L4RsoEkM9kbxtoCc3mT-/s1600/GamesPhoto.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fun4thebrain.com/subtraction/subgranny.html">Granny Prix</a>: To a seven year old, there aren't too many things funnier than a granny wheelchair race. This game is available for both addition and subtraction. At the beginning of the game, students get to customize their granny.</div>
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<a href="http://www.fun4thebrain.com/subtraction/flurrysub.html">Cone Crazy</a>: Another game that has both an addition and subtraction version. Kids help the penguin scoop up some ice cream and end each level decorating their own ice cream treat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo4CJmxE3oRHUESwrfw8_fD4a66KEujCSpSIKOoIHbzDAOfM027RTMcqSm2Gekx3dLKm7lovXWDkYHegiI0OWz16NcOW0W-1rKPt1BcAwWXO8csQK3WRzaCZ31X8WhY9o-2LZMYvWFmpa/s1600/mathmatch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo4CJmxE3oRHUESwrfw8_fD4a66KEujCSpSIKOoIHbzDAOfM027RTMcqSm2Gekx3dLKm7lovXWDkYHegiI0OWz16NcOW0W-1rKPt1BcAwWXO8csQK3WRzaCZ31X8WhY9o-2LZMYvWFmpa/s400/mathmatch.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.abcya.com/math_match.htm">Match Match</a>: I think my students like this game for the bonus round (picture on the right). This game is played like concentration and has various levels of difficulty. The bonus round involves trying to clear as many little squares from the screen as possible within a time limit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfg92xruhAc-y-JUs1r4JWNKlbD579cTt_RbiZ-ZGgX_eCZRT63zeBGiHbEScfshs21lyC6lw8si0MrD5RpIad04jvX7FTGPLADCeqVD_oMgQSMBjnrX5RQEzH1Z-B1a1R0IyeM-ktM-I/s1600/comparisons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfg92xruhAc-y-JUs1r4JWNKlbD579cTt_RbiZ-ZGgX_eCZRT63zeBGiHbEScfshs21lyC6lw8si0MrD5RpIad04jvX7FTGPLADCeqVD_oMgQSMBjnrX5RQEzH1Z-B1a1R0IyeM-ktM-I/s400/comparisons.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fuelthebrain.com/games/comparison-shootout/">Comparison Shootout</a>: This becomes a class favorite after we learn about greater than and less than. It has three different levels (the highest level deals with comparing fractions) so it is truly great for students across grade levels!</div>
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<a href="http://www.abcya.com/sight_words_recognition.htm">Kitten Hop</a>: Kittens. Sight words. Racing. What could be better? In this game, students can play against the computer or against other students. The computer calls out a word and students need to quickly identify the word to advance their kitten.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67fiFzlrP7QUWuKT1NJI_n2R9Bwt1t8MGlyM0NzPmOGNcr5MqLHFF8GddBkbiiZliPQEgZOpYmbdS0n6N0Py3T2D43QtxA5Fn6_fiB2Qv3bOCnFiQdozsH2IU4D8VRvUaDiAndK1IXXLU/s1600/jumble.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67fiFzlrP7QUWuKT1NJI_n2R9Bwt1t8MGlyM0NzPmOGNcr5MqLHFF8GddBkbiiZliPQEgZOpYmbdS0n6N0Py3T2D43QtxA5Fn6_fiB2Qv3bOCnFiQdozsH2IU4D8VRvUaDiAndK1IXXLU/s400/jumble.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pbskids.org/electriccompany/games/junglejumble">Jungle Jumble</a>: This game is great for helping students with word families and chunking words. It also help students practice clicking and dragging with their mouse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF6j2AC0iUTsJ759-fK1SU7jrapKYJVAZ8evaAtCzrD8o8-32yq1m8c1amQh8jpfqm7K3CFHbN8AHFlC_prZMKopiBK5khJjGqNhc-Ef1e8XX4OHOhFwEyagcl0ku5uh3fXY9Vrn4-4H2/s1600/challenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF6j2AC0iUTsJ759-fK1SU7jrapKYJVAZ8evaAtCzrD8o8-32yq1m8c1amQh8jpfqm7K3CFHbN8AHFlC_prZMKopiBK5khJjGqNhc-Ef1e8XX4OHOhFwEyagcl0ku5uh3fXY9Vrn4-4H2/s320/challenge.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pbskids.org/superwhy/#game/superreaderchallenge">Super-Readers Challenge</a>: A great game for early readers that has four different parts: alphabet, words, spelling, and reading. While this game is probably too easy for more proficient readers, it is fun and engaging for those still honing in on their basic reading skills.</div>
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<b>What math/reading games do your students love to play?</b></div>
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-86974215582202524122015-07-17T09:46:00.002-05:002015-07-17T09:46:26.757-05:00Five for Friday! {July 17, 2015}It's been too long since I've done a Five for Friday post! I think mainly due to the fact that I've been up to nothing interesting this summer besides grad school, struggling hard at the gym, and napping like it's my job ;)<br />
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Throughout it all, I still haven't really been able to turn my teacher-brain off. Today officially marks the "one-month until it's back-to-school" countdown. Summer flew by but I am so ready to get into my classroom and prepare for the upcoming year!<br />
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'Tis the season to spend all my money at Target! <i>Wait, I think that's true all of the time. </i>Regardless, everyone has been sharing their Target dollar spot hauls and I thought I'd post a picture of mine! Sorry that the lighting is so terrible. Here's a quick run-down:</div>
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<li>On the left, I grabbed a bunch of sentence strips and some lined whiteboards. The whiteboards I got are fun because they look like a piece of paper ("portrait" style rather than "landscape") so I thought that would be fun for the kids!</li>
<li>The "creative me" books looked like so much fun for indoor recess and early finishers. Each page has a different activity that allows the kids to be creative. </li>
<li>I got the glowstick bracelets as a back-to-school gift for my kids.</li>
<li>No trip to the dollar section is complete without some plastic storage (mini and larger chalkboard-colored bins).</li>
<li>LOVE the sum puzzle game! A total steal for $3.</li>
<li>Also can't go wrong with some chalkboard buntings, big dice, and owl accents.</li>
<li>I also found the cute birthday bag and told my mom I wish I had a use for it because it was so cute. Luckily my mom is also a teacher and apparently a genius because she recommended cutting it out and using it on my birthday board. Done and done!</li>
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FINALLY, a hopeful solution for all of my crayon-storage woes! And it only cost me a little over $10! I bought these guys at the dollar store and they fit a 24-pack of crayons so perfectly! No more tattered boxes, plastic baggies, or crayon hoarding!</div>
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Clearly I'm on a roll spending money lately. With my man moving in soon, we are in need of more storage space (sorry not sorry for hogging the entire walk-in closet and two dressers in my master bedroom...) Anyways, saw this at one of the consignment shops in town and fell in love. Even better - it was 20% off! We are going to pick it up in his truck tomorrow.</div>
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Speaking of my man, our mini-vacation to southern Illinois was absolutely perfect. For me, the highlight was definitely zip lining through the trees. We will definitely need to do it again someday!</div>
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I've heard a lot of great things about this book and I finally got my hands on my own copy. So far I am really enjoying it! Teaching writing is definitely my biggest challenge so I am excited to learn from this book and put those things into practice in the fall. Is anyone else reading it this summer?</div>
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7090041099039308286.post-91751548235945804582015-07-07T19:25:00.005-05:002015-07-07T19:25:59.259-05:00Make Your Masterpiece!Once again, a little late to the #tptsellerchallenge party, but I am so excited to share my latest product with you! It is the perfect companion to my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Primary-Performance-Tasks-Operations-Algebraic-Thinking-1619267">Primary Performance Tasks</a> {Operations & Algebraic Thinking} pack that I posted this past winter.<br />
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Introducing:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Primary-Performance-Tasks-Numbers-Operations-in-Base-10-1944860"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_0XkWKat2Xmcjcx9jOmdWOjh-NxSrN_P88NPAW_E4FNNzfTGImex2a4sdY231el8cQA-a61gJ69xBbtEFDYyHnxpZea5EL9OSG1YsSsETRYNVBolOcjZQ6ewpNPEp537-nPtfSJvZJdV/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-07+at+7.20.43+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Primary-Performance-Tasks-Numbers-Operations-in-Base-10-1944860"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMvmBr0DVZt8gukfYLbr9HP-YgWGPOMdX8Gii87sT564ksi-yyER3KQ_USCc5NB8fN8t6ufp-xOwV3u_tA9PDVrxr-_bsJFF8LNmo8hlpCQr8P9j8EeclWQ-cgS22A_4wSW9CLB1BG3a6/s640/2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I thought that these tasks were the perfect way to promote higher-order thinking in my first grade classroom. Additionally, they are great for preparing students for those rigorous performance-based tasks that we are seeing on district/state assessments. I plan on using these both in small groups and as independent work during my math workshop block. The product comes with 15 different tasks for a low prince of $2.50 over at <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Primary-Performance-Tasks-Numbers-Operations-in-Base-10-1944860">my TPT store</a> :)<br />
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This then led to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Primary-Performance-Task-Bundle-1944872">the bundle!</a> In case you are interested in having tasks for both OA and NBT standards, this is the perfect resource for you.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Primary-Performance-Task-Bundle-1944872"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5AM6on4W7VAZa2hPePG0N4093bVek26Brh19fe1j4d9EoRi_Gcr-pA7eW7P2ZcvwwkHb-r0YL4YqpFQC-UEvpuleWOJVFroyvsvs8rRRPUGp1MTqoXi0OehCJU2ov3esMDBgrggyw_Is/s400/Preview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'd love it if you'd check out my performance tasks and let me know what you think! They were designed with first graders in mind but would also work well for beginning of the year second graders. Oh, and don't forget to <a href="http://www.peppyzestyteacherista.com/2015/06/tpt-seller-challenge-make-your.html">click here</a> to complete this week's teacher challenge!<br />
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Paigehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06902217700166709144noreply@blogger.com3