tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9296643739210488972023-11-15T09:44:16.996-08:00Class OrganizeIt all started in my classroom...Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-8743419029619328422015-01-31T13:04:00.000-08:002015-01-31T13:04:01.913-08:00Super Bowl Fraction Football<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fraction Football was a success! We're ready for Super Bowl!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2gRPMAqHUk/VM079vor7WI/AAAAAAAAG50/x9ZOeJGtWSo/s1600/fraction%2Bfootball%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2gRPMAqHUk/VM079vor7WI/AAAAAAAAG50/x9ZOeJGtWSo/s1600/fraction%2Bfootball%2Bpic.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The students had a fantastic time playing with a partner and trying to score a touchdown by making equivalent fractions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each student was paired up and provided with a game board. Then, they drew cards and used mental math to find equivalent fractions. Each time they found an equivalent to the fraction on their ten-yard increment, they moved closer to the end zone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They found the penalty cards to be a tremendous threat to their forward progress. So, each team had the option of pulling the penalty cards out of the fraction football deck. The teams seemed to move right along after the obstacle was removed.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIJpvH7yk1U/VM0-C1f7v5I/AAAAAAAAG6E/CYrm0PYFKTc/s1600/fraction%2Bfootball%2Bpic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIJpvH7yk1U/VM0-C1f7v5I/AAAAAAAAG6E/CYrm0PYFKTc/s1600/fraction%2Bfootball%2Bpic3.jpg" height="507" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was making note of many learning skills taking place throughout the game. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, the partners were helping one another with the multiplication and division operations needed to complete the task of making an equivalent fraction. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They were discussing the process and having "math talks". It was really cool!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next, they were anticipating mathematical events. One of the students actually came up with the idea that it would be beneficial to remove the penalty cards. He said, he takes "two steps forward, and one step back". And he was afraid getting a touchdown would take all day. Well, it probably wouldn't have taken all day, but time at school is very limited. So his request was granted and provided for all students. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last, kids were having fun while learning math! Yay! mission accomplished. Movement and peer interaction is always a good thing...with given parameters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Follow the link below to preview the game. It's a generic football game, so it doesn't matter which teams are playing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SUPER-BOWL-2015-Fraction-Football-1659157" target="_blank">Super Bowl Fraction Football!</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu6ZBj_zIig/VM1CFx8zrEI/AAAAAAAAG6Q/K46h-KOp4KM/s1600/fraction%2Bfootall%2Bpic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu6ZBj_zIig/VM1CFx8zrEI/AAAAAAAAG6Q/K46h-KOp4KM/s1600/fraction%2Bfootall%2Bpic2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-28987562967673686682015-01-27T17:56:00.000-08:002015-01-27T17:56:07.430-08:00Math Fun<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been having such fun creating math games for my class to play in the midst of boring NYS Module work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Modules do include some good instructional strategies, but the worksheets look like they were torn out of a college-level text book. No graphics, small type, no room for small people to write...and the list of issues goes on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what's a fifth-teacher to do to liven up a math lesson? Make games! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-ar7pWF5gY/VMg9Qgu71CI/AAAAAAAAG1c/n7ffSsKuF1Y/s1600/tape%2Bdiagram%2Bblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-ar7pWF5gY/VMg9Qgu71CI/AAAAAAAAG1c/n7ffSsKuF1Y/s1600/tape%2Bdiagram%2Bblue.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The "learning activities" (as I call them so as not to raise suspicion that we are actually having fun while learning) support module instruction while providing much needed movement and peer interaction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One instructional component is drawing pictures to illustrate equations. Tape diagrams, more specifically, are a key component of the math program.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To better help students learn how to place information in a tape diagram, I created a math power group lesson. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a math power group, kids are assembled into groups of 4-5 to work as a team. Each child has a job, as in a reading literature circle, and the jobs rotate for each new word problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One power group job is to manipulate the tape diagram cards that are cut out and placed in an envelope ahead of time. The blank tape diagram is used as the "game board" for the student to place the cards in a specific placement according to the word problem.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRgFkdxTXBw/VMg9KDAtL9I/AAAAAAAAG1U/rQ-_iuSLBFY/s1600/tape%2Bdiagram%2Bpink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRgFkdxTXBw/VMg9KDAtL9I/AAAAAAAAG1U/rQ-_iuSLBFY/s1600/tape%2Bdiagram%2Bpink.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The students are picking up great habits, such as:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">working cooperatively</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">reading thoroughly</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">reasoning through discussion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">team accountability</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">time management </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and many more...</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look for many free downloads at my TpT store.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next to come...Super Bowl Fraction Football! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-87964250153081074572015-01-04T21:30:00.000-08:002015-01-04T21:30:33.222-08:00Holiday Break Organizing<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's that time of year...January organizing! Time to refresh and begin again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had some ideas to get my classroom into shape after a long month of December. It seemed like I was just throwing things anywhere. Not anymore...everything has a home so that I can stay organized for the rest of the year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had a list of tasks to accomplish...always a good starting point!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1) Organize task cards and create a container to house them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2) Organize a space for "extras". The extra materials will be for absent students and for students who lose items! (dislike)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3) Organize a binder to hold teacher-created materials.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I LOVE TASK CARDS!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJwLEjz2rfA/VKoYsPU2H2I/AAAAAAAAGg0/9tdUM4tcIAM/s1600/task%2Bcards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJwLEjz2rfA/VKoYsPU2H2I/AAAAAAAAGg0/9tdUM4tcIAM/s1600/task%2Bcards.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found this crate on sale at AC Moore. It was originally $22, but with 50% off and a coupon, I snagged it for $6. Then, a couple of packs of natural, large envelopes and I was ready to get started. I already had some labels to put through the printer. I just gathered all of the task cards around my classroom and organized them into categories. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp3o9p8g7ac/VKoZasvstmI/AAAAAAAAGg8/QorUJebcWu0/s1600/labeled%2Bboxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp3o9p8g7ac/VKoZasvstmI/AAAAAAAAGg8/QorUJebcWu0/s1600/labeled%2Bboxes.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The task card crate, along with some larger crates, make perfect storage for my custom, classroom shelf. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">EXTRA PAPERS ARE A MUST!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgGUouE2qtI/VKoaAg8xTrI/AAAAAAAAGhE/N26t4v8MG4g/s1600/extra%2Bpapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgGUouE2qtI/VKoaAg8xTrI/AAAAAAAAGhE/N26t4v8MG4g/s1600/extra%2Bpapers.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These magazine file boxes were purchased at Staples a few months back and I knew I would find a purpose for them. The dividers are actually Martha Stewart stand up files which are specifically designed for magazine boxes. I had to cut each file apart to use as dividers since the file folders were only intended to hold a few sheets of paper. Then, labels for each day of the week were added. I can easily grab a sheet from the day of the week that a student was absent. Or, I have easy access to an extra when needed...it seems extras are ALWAYS needed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BINDERS ARE A BLESSING!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d96QA6xcWVQ/VKocdJWnxbI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/yc3DBfijV98/s1600/binders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d96QA6xcWVQ/VKocdJWnxbI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/yc3DBfijV98/s1600/binders.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The white binders are for the district curriculum. But, like many teachers, I create a lot of my own materials. I also get awesome supplemental lessons, worksheets, games, etc. from Teachers Pay Teachers and other sources. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These cute, dotted, one-inch binders are fun and functional. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*side note: I had a horrible time getting the label sticker off of the front. I never understand why companies do that. I almost returned them, but I just thought of a solution to be able to keep them and not hate the way they look after trying to scrape off the label with my fingernail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, I'm happy. I just created a label of my own to cover the exact spot where the sticker wouldn't come off. Inside are all of the materials for each unit that didn't come from NYS or my school district. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm already preparing a list for the next school break. Looking forward to even more organizing! It's so great to show up at school and have everything in its place. Now on to my house...</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-34774448118404884112014-12-26T19:14:00.000-08:002014-12-26T19:14:43.101-08:00Holiday Loves<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's the day after Christmas and I'm having a hard time parting with the holidays. I had such a wonderful time with family and friends. Like past years, there was some stress surrounding this holiday seasons. But, as I grow older, I'm beginning to appreciate the little things (or the most important things). Gifts are a part of the holiday and there is no changing that now...at least in my house. But, even my teenage children are starting to realize that family and friends make the holidays!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gifts can become overwhelming...and break the bank at times! Although, I did have some wonderful gifts (given and received) that didn't cost a lot, but certainly meant a lot. This post is about those gifts...thank you to Pinterest and some other sources for the inspiration! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, I am the PTA president at my intermediate school. We PTA officers were trying to think of a heartfelt gift to give each member of the faculty. We wanted to show our appreciation of all that they do each and every day. Someone suggested we reimburse them for a few of the "out of pocket" expenses, such as pencils, books, and other necessary supplies. That idea was fine by me, but how to do it in a holiday-themed manner that isn't impersonal, like writing a check. Yuck! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I quickly went to my go-to inspiration spot...PINTEREST! :) My love of Pinterest is immeasurable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What came about was an idea that would take some time out of my busy schedule, but was well worth it. Let's give the teachers some cash as reimbursement that they can spend any way they see fit. The cash must be displayed in a way that says "Happy Holidays" and "We appreciate you". This card displayed with a folded money tree "fit the bill".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The tree theme was a big hit and the classroom cash was much appreciated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also made some holiday pennants for people as gifts. I wish I remembered to make one for myself. Sigh...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lastly, one of my favorite gifts from my husband was an Alex & Ani bracelet. At about $30, these bracelets are fantastically affordable. My team is doing well this year! Love this bracelet! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, it's December 26th and I couldn't be happier...now I get to organize! Yay!</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-75870388428352698532014-10-24T18:39:00.000-07:002014-10-24T19:09:32.445-07:00Quicky Sticky<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids are loving the "Quicky Sticky"! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love my Exit Slip bulletin board, but the procedure is quite time consuming. I have to pass out papers, students have to read the questions, they have to answer the questions, and finally they have to get up and put the paper in the appropriate folder. The procedure can take up to 15 minutes...time that I just don't have.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So...in comes the Quicky Sticky. Students are armed with sticky notes ready to respond and stick...it's that easy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I post a question on the smart board that reviews the daily lesson or skill...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The students write the answer on a sticky note...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They stick it to the space in the chart with their corresponding classroom number...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I use a clipboard with a class grid to assess the results. Any students who answered incorrectly are brought back for a follow up question and a possible intervention.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's that easy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I say it's time for a Quicky Sticky the students all cheer. This is a keeper!</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-32711458362484450152014-10-10T19:38:00.000-07:002014-10-10T19:38:27.568-07:00Teacher Stand<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not much for a podium in the front of an elementary classroom, but I needed something...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wanted a stand with shelves to house some everyday lesson materials and a place to rest a textbook. I was on a hunt for the perfect classroom teacher stand! It was not an easy task. I just couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. There were wooden shelving units that would fit the bill, but they were quite pricey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, I found something that would work...with some slight adjustments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is a wire, wine rack from Christmas Tree Shop. The top is a thin sheet of metal. The price was right at $29.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpnCubNjuyg/VDiM8QYsbjI/AAAAAAAAEZo/YcA7TWtAIJk/s1600/20141005_154239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpnCubNjuyg/VDiM8QYsbjI/AAAAAAAAEZo/YcA7TWtAIJk/s1600/20141005_154239.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I knew I couldn't leave it like this...so on with the accessories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, I had to cover the metal top with something a little decorative. The whole unit is quite industrial looking. I found a short table runner at a local craft store. It had colors that complimented my current room decor.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nor-1GOU8zg/VDiNBhrCzvI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/rDeIrysg3gs/s1600/20141005_154321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nor-1GOU8zg/VDiNBhrCzvI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/rDeIrysg3gs/s1600/20141005_154321.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next, I thought I should have some place to keep pencils, tape, paperclips, etc. A Dollar Store basket would do the trick. Keeping it bare was not an option. A ribbon weaved through the holes would do just fine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, there was the issue of the shelves. Although I liked the idea of wire shelving (less dust), it was going to be tough to balance papers and classroom supplies. The Dollar Store came through again with some large, sturdy baskets for glue bottles, colored pencils, and markers. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZt_meFwhhI/VDiMuHJOTdI/AAAAAAAAEZc/jTiJORtDTUU/s1600/20141005_154412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZt_meFwhhI/VDiMuHJOTdI/AAAAAAAAEZc/jTiJORtDTUU/s1600/20141005_154412.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was time to figure out the books and papers situation. A text book would be heavy and large enough to lay on the wires. But, there was a need to keep clerical papers on the stand. When students are packing up for the day and writing in their agendas, there is often a letter going home from the office. Housing those papers right up front would work out well. I happened to have 2 white trays from home that were no longer in use. They fit perfectly in the space. The second wire shelf included a text book and "office papers" in the white, metal trays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lastly, I needed to keep my daily papers front and center for instructional purposes. After a broad search on Amazon, I found some stacking letter trays that didn't break the bank at $14.99. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wr4jFlV_omI/VDiNFrAAJXI/AAAAAAAAEaA/3yG_jGKfcaE/s1600/20141005_173756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wr4jFlV_omI/VDiNFrAAJXI/AAAAAAAAEaA/3yG_jGKfcaE/s1600/20141005_173756.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The trays came with good ratings from previous buyers on Amazon, but they were quite ugly...black plastic. UGH! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, back to the craft store to explore some ideas to spruce them up. I was thinking of spray painting them, but then they are just red plastic, or white plastic. Basically, no a big change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found some striped burlap and a burlap bow for which I had to find a purpose. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ68fwrzbSI/VDiNMmT-ZdI/AAAAAAAAEaM/FDpc4FRmxSw/s1600/20141005_134251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ68fwrzbSI/VDiNMmT-ZdI/AAAAAAAAEaM/FDpc4FRmxSw/s1600/20141005_134251.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The glue gun came out and away went the ugly plastic trays! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the front view of the teacher stand. The burlap matched great and the flower gives it a decorative touch. Only I can see the back of the plastic stacking trays. The trays are labeled to keep papers in their correct home...always easy to find. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Staying organized is the key to...well, everything! But, especially teaching. I can't stand taking time to look for things. Everything should be at my fingertips...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's always a work in progress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-3781579621759379562014-08-03T17:49:00.000-07:002014-08-03T17:49:10.975-07:00Math Jars<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A math jar is a classroom tool used to practice skills and concepts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The math jar has "hands on" items pre-filled for exploration. The items in the jar are designed to reinforce concepts introduced in a lesson. There are questions in the jar that students need to answer, but this format is much more engaging than simple pencil and paper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found the plastic containers with lids at the Dollar Tree. Since I'm planning on Math Jars being a partner activity, I only needed to purchase 12. Then, I created labels on the color printer. A little Washi Tape around the center, and "voila"...all set to go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The students dump the jar and sort out the materials. The materials should connect to the daily or weekly skills. This activity can be used for review as well...more about that later. Then, the partners discuss how they are going to set up the manipulatives. They can ask questions if they are stuck, but they should use visual cues located on anchor charts, etc. before just blurting out, "I don't get it." ~the most dreadful words...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I usually circulate with a clipboard to take anecdotal notes during partner and group activities. I want to take note of who is actively participating and who is taking a back seat. I also write down formative assessment data.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While I'm circulating (some other adults in the room may be circulating or gathering a small group if needed), the students should be pulling the question strips out of the jar. Each student has several copies of the "Math Jar" activity mat in his/her binder. Then, the partners cooperatively talk through the process of the problem strip. When they have collectively decided on an answer, each student must write on his/her own activity mat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each student draws a picture of what they did with the materials. Next, they each copy down the original problem and fill in the answer that they got using the manipulatives. Last, they work together to design a few sentences explaining what they did. They are encouraged to use math vocabulary (again...look around the room!), but the explanation should be written in their own words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ideally, I would like to go over each problem strip together in class, but time doesn't always allow for that. So, there will be times when I collect the activity mats and assess the progress. The activity mat goes home with students each day, complete and correct, to assist with homework.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Math Jars as a review activity is extremely beneficial. As we get rolling through the year with this, I will put several different kinds of manipulatives in the jar. The students have to make a decision on which items to use to solve the problems. Often, there is more than one way to get to the answer. I'm definitely going to use this activity just prior to Common Core State Tests!</span></div>
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<br />Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-7127248319067582432014-07-15T05:26:00.000-07:002014-07-15T05:26:26.978-07:00Effective Teaching <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Only 1 day into a 4-day workshop and I've already learned so much. I signed up for this workshop blindly...content unknown!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To my surprise, it's a professional development opportunity that is relevant to my instruction. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The focus is on creating "outcomes", or objectives, and teaching ONLY to those outcomes. I have learned that so much of what I teach is actually unnecessary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am on a mission to "cut the fat" so to speak, and design more purposeful lessons that will ultimately help with time management. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to begin with organization...of course. I'm teaching math this year (after a 1-year absence) and I need to get organized and PLAN AHEAD! Last year, I taught science and ELA, this year it's science and math. I'm feeling energized and ready to take on the challenge. And a challenge it will be...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Two years ago, we used a math series in fifth grade as our main resource. Then, last year, we were given a directive to only use the NYS Math Modules as our resource for instruction. This upcoming school year is going to be "module-based", but we can integrate some other resources when appropriate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to be spending a good portion of my summer searching, creating, designing, making, and many other "ings". Basically, I will be busy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">None of the above "ings" can happen effectively without a good plan. I am currently designing an instructional math binder for each unit of study which will include the modules and other various materials (my "ings"). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to a great year...more to come!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-14318220866159236262014-06-17T04:24:00.000-07:002014-07-30T08:22:02.411-07:00Happy Goals<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good Morning...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have been off on a bit of a hiatus. My new year's resolution was to be more consistent and write more blog posts. So, of course, I wrote less. It's kind of like saving money for me. When I say I'm going to try really hard and stick to a budget, I actually spend more! I think it's a reverse-psychology kind of thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Needless to say, I have a lot of catching up to do. A lot of wonderful, and not so wonderful, things have happened so far in 2014. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This summer I will be sharing some success stories and some learning experiences. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Reverse psychology aside, I do like to set happy goals. These are personal goals that take care of my self-happiness. I'm going to revitalize myself in many ways this summer. My list of goals (in no particular order) is listed below.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">read at least one adult novel</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">go to the movies once a week...love movies!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">spend one hour a day on school work </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">catch up on previous blog posts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">organize something in each room of the house</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">organize something in each area of the classroom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">create new blog posts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">walk two miles each day</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ride my bike after dinner just for fun</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Go out to a quiet dinner twice a month with hubs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">catch up with old friends</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">play cards, board games, or outside sports with my kids</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Create a list of goals. Display the goals where you will see them each day. I like to write them on my phone and screen shot it. Then, I can make the goal list my screen saver. You are reminded every time you turn on your phone and it's private. I don't like displaying things on the fridge where everyone has a comment or suggestion. These are my personal goals and only have to do with me and my happiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Create your own happy goals.</span><br />
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-90681058173438228752014-03-27T03:52:00.000-07:002014-03-27T03:52:21.786-07:00File Box Lids<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have tray upon tray where students are to hand in assignments. Sometimes I run out of space for the many pieces of paper that are all over the classroom. I like all paper having a home! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just bought a new tray to hold paper on my desk at home goods...love...and can't wait to set up my new desk arrangement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, back on topic...I don't know if this happens to everyone out there, but I never know what to do with the file box lids. I use the boxes for hanging files and then, the lids don't fit anymore. Actually, I wouldn't want them on even if they did fit. What a pain to lift the lid and set it somewhere each time I needed to grab a folder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, to adhere to my "every piece of paper needs a home" motto, I have decided to re-purpose those lids and use them for my weekly Science in the News activity.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VBKzcyxFqg/UzP-uZ5cFfI/AAAAAAAABjc/Btrt_OGX85g/s1600/20140325_160149_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VBKzcyxFqg/UzP-uZ5cFfI/AAAAAAAABjc/Btrt_OGX85g/s1600/20140325_160149_resized.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The lids were from two file boxes that I had purchased at Staples. I love the clean, decorative, black and white theme. They held the news magazines perfectly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, all that the actual "re-purpose" took was some scrapbook paper. I found a pattern that would make a good background to lay underneath the magazines. It makes the lids look as if they are actually paper trays.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZtpYy8fUM4/UzP-3bgYm-I/AAAAAAAABjk/gWXKHYbFKJA/s1600/20140325_160158_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZtpYy8fUM4/UzP-3bgYm-I/AAAAAAAABjk/gWXKHYbFKJA/s1600/20140325_160158_resized.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last step was to label the lids/paper trays. I just used a sentence strip dressed up with some washi tape. And now I'm all set. I adhered the sentence strip with sticky back so I can change the labels as needed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm having a great time organizing with other lids that I have found stacked away in a cupboard. The options are limitless. The added benefit is that these stack so well, I can pick this up with a moment's notice and tuck them away on a shelf.</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-78790296854957591822014-03-04T18:17:00.000-08:002014-03-04T18:17:19.510-08:00Stay Positive!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Students and teachers are gearing up for Common Core Assessments next month. It has been a long, often tough, road this school year. Here in New York State we have embarked upon "state modules" to assist in Common Core instruction. The modules are a far cry from the traditional format in which we used to teach.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some good has come out of such radical change. Students and teachers are opening their minds to a new way of thinking. As with all change, attitude plays a vital role. I'm trying portray a positive attitude for my students. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In an effort to keep the inspiration alive, I've tried to incorporate encouraging messages throughout the classroom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is the newest installment of "stay positive". Each student will receive an inspirational pencil to begin the Common Core Assessment each day. </span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-22397104288002301212014-02-20T19:18:00.000-08:002014-02-20T19:18:23.374-08:00Close Read or Reading Closely<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Close reading has become a staple in reading instruction throughout New York's public schools...most likely even across the entire country.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have been using this reading technique for the past two years. It involves digging deep into a passage and annotating the text. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although, I find this reading tool to be valuable, there are some drawbacks. In a typical close reading lesson, students are asked to read the entire passage once independently. Then, a teacher reads the entire text aloud, and finally the students read the passage independently again with a pencil. The pencil is used to annotate portions of the text. My findings are that this is a LONG process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Overkill = resistant, bored, disengaged children</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The current close reading procedure doesn't lend itself to a timed, state assessment. The students need ample time to read and answer questions and to write an essay. So, why bother teaching a reading strategy that has limitations? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Merging the close read with a timed reading assessment was my goal. Basically, I needed to shed some time off of the practice of close reading, but still adhere its core structure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The teacher reading the text out loud would certainly be removed. The passages on the state assessments are <u>not</u> read aloud. So, I was now down to two independent reads by the student. There also needs to be less annotating. The best bet for a timed test is to "label" or provide a title for each section/paragraph in an article. This technique makes it much easier when looking back to the text for specific information. If the paragraph is labeled, the students don't have to re-read the entire selection in an effort to find one supporting piece of evidence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The answer was simple, a "quick" close read. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jC8sD9w1B0/UwbBt4N-Q6I/AAAAAAAABe8/joa7hqOsmJA/s1600/Quick+Close+Read.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jC8sD9w1B0/UwbBt4N-Q6I/AAAAAAAABe8/joa7hqOsmJA/s1600/Quick+Close+Read.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My class has been following this procedure for several months and it has been extremely beneficial. They are even using it on their own for other tasks. It has become so internalized, that students are now using post-it notes to label textbook passages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am planning on introducing more difficult text each week to assess how the quick close read will impact students when there is greater frustration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like most educational strategies, the close read must evolve. Welcome to 21st century skills.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-60287675649486822762014-02-06T19:01:00.000-08:002014-02-06T19:01:38.931-08:00Informational Writing<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Informational writing can be a bit of a challenge with upper elementary students. We have been researching planets in science class. The research was guided through a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Planet-Research-Report-1101149" target="_blank">student planning packet</a>. Click to get the freebie!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The students first looked through pre-selected planet books from the library for information. Then, they researched websites on wireless laptops (I took pics and can't find where I stored them...ugh) to complete the planning packet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The funny part of this project was that the science aspect was quite painless. The students found the information with ease. With very little prompts from me, they used search engines and clicked away! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The writing portion was another story entirely! What's with topic sentences these days? Who is teaching our children to write, "Now I'm going to tell you some facts about the planet Venus". My head almost spun off when I noticed the majority of each of three classes writing this <strike>same</strike> somewhat exact sentence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Time to backpedal. Gather some writing lessons and inject into science class! That was my mission. I dug out this, season friendly, topic sentence activity. Students work in pairs to read a paragraph about the groundhog. Then, they pull 6 possible topic sentences out of an envelope. They choose the 3 sentences that would make good topic sentences and write them on a worksheet. They place the "bad" topic sentences back into the envelope.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JdfKCOWQn8/UvRKSNYDFYI/AAAAAAAABdM/KRNbtMD-aJs/s1600/groundhog+day+topic+sentences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JdfKCOWQn8/UvRKSNYDFYI/AAAAAAAABdM/KRNbtMD-aJs/s1600/groundhog+day+topic+sentences.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">After the topic sentence practice...we moved on to details, details, details! Most of the students like to finish their work (for that I'm thankful), but finished doesn't always mean good! Many of them answered the bullets with correct information, but lacked any details to enhance each statement. They were writing something like this...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> Pluto is a dwarf planet. Pluto is the farthest planet from the sun. Pluto is a small planet. Someone kill me now! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">This anchor poster was a must!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHz7l54_D30/UvRLk8sD6kI/AAAAAAAABdo/j62bIIi7x78/s1600/Pack+your+facts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHz7l54_D30/UvRLk8sD6kI/AAAAAAAABdo/j62bIIi7x78/s1600/Pack+your+facts.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">We worked on writing a detail under each fact and not starting all of the sentences with the same word. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I guess I was naive to think they were coming from 4th grade with these skills in tact. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">After much work (and modifications), we are almost finished...about 1/3 of the students have printed a final copy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">What started off as a science research project, has now turned into a full-spectrum expository essay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">On to the next topic...</span><br />
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<br />Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-68449194639188329022014-02-03T19:58:00.000-08:002014-02-03T19:58:23.474-08:00Receipt Keepers<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Keeping receipts organized is a must! I have to admit, I've tried so many systems, and I have never found a winner...until now!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I came up with an idea to use coupon keepers, tabbed sorters, or whatever you want to call them, to begin storing my monthly receipts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The "receipt keepers" as I now refer to them, were purchased at Dollar Tree. That store is the best...look on line if you don't have one in your area. I found three bright colors that had 4 tabs each...3x4=12 months. I know, I'm a mathematical genius! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These containers are slightly larger than the types I've seen before. The extended length was a huge plus since many receipts are long and/or quite ginormous lately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used some washi tape and my awesome, new, label maker to decorate and label each keeper.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXq7evurVL8/UvBhB-3lS8I/AAAAAAAABag/uwKIdjWa7VI/s1600/receipt+keepers+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXq7evurVL8/UvBhB-3lS8I/AAAAAAAABag/uwKIdjWa7VI/s1600/receipt+keepers+best.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, inside of each was four, semi-circle tabs with matching white, adhesive labels. Again, I used the DYMO label maker to print out each month. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The blue keeper is already full. This keeper will prove mighty useful at tax time. There are loads of school receipts that are tax-deductible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This project was so easy to complete. The best part is...I'm already using this system on a daily basis. I house the receipt keepers in a drawer right next to my desk. It's so easy to just empty the receipts from my purse and toss them into the monthly slot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There's hope that this one's a "keeper"! </span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-50925840793322300232014-01-31T12:16:00.000-08:002014-01-31T12:16:23.225-08:00Literacy Lounge...Working!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are some things in life that just work, and some that, simply DON'T! This is especially true in a classroom. Each class make-up of students is different. What worked wonderfully last year, may not necessarily work great this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This was the case with my classroom library, or Literacy Lounge, as I like to call it. It's funny how the students picked up on it and began using the name as well. So, naturally, I had to define the space formally as the "Literacy Lounge". A commercially produced banner from Party City worked like a charm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">They love being in the space to browse the library or to sit and read a chosen book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Setting up the library so that it's user-friendly for students and easy to manage for teachers is the key to a successful experience. Arrangement of the books is a personal decision. How are you going to categorize the titles? Will they be classified by author, alphabetically, by reading level, or by genre? I thought about this and it seemed like genre was the ticket for my classroom this year. I teach an inclusive classroom. I love working with students with disabilities...but that is another topic! I didn't want my fragile-readers to feel like they had to comply to reading a pre-selected group of books. The books are multi-level, but are assorted by genre or "topic". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The topics are displayed on a poster. Each topic on the poster has a number. The library is comprised of baskets with corresponding numbers. Each book is labeled with a number for which basket it should be housed and returned. Every time I go over to check on the baskets or to add some new titles, it's organized! Every book is in the correct basket. I'm just shocked at how well this system is working. I've barely had to do anything, except the original set up, to keep it organized. I keep extra labels in a file folder for any new books. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akjLYRb30ww/UuwCMtYkuPI/AAAAAAAABZQ/jLl2cjCfc1w/s1600/library+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_7275="null" cua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akjLYRb30ww/UuwCMtYkuPI/AAAAAAAABZQ/jLl2cjCfc1w/s1600/library+poster.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The students are really enjoying the Literacy Lounge. I'm enjoying that my efforts are paying off. Now...on to the next organizational task. Where am I going to keep all of the diagnostic assessments the students have been taking this year? How am I going to efficiently organized them so I can find one quickly when needed? Ugh! Off to Michaels, Target, Staples, & Dollar Tree. I'm hoping to find something on the cheap to assist in my organizing efforts!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">More to follow...</span><br />
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-29967135369299728072014-01-25T10:17:00.001-08:002014-01-25T10:17:58.456-08:00Desktop Organizer<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A great desktop organizer is hard to find. I traveled through the many office supply stores and finally settled on a kind of <strike>boring</strike> mesh organizer that I considered a "fixer-upper". I did like how it swiveled and had a large opening for pens, pencils, markers, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So it was washi tape to the rescue. I'm trying to keep to this black & white with red theme traveling throughout my classroom. I may change or add to this tape if I feel it needs some "updating".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The clips that I created with washi tape {of course} for the other teachers on the team attach nicely to the outside rim. I had a substitute the other day and he clipped all of the papers with the labeled clips without any instruction from me. I loved it! The clips are so useful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some new washi tape just happened to fall into my bag at Micheal's. I guess I will use that to redecorate this organizer. I just "plopped" up the current tape while my class was taking a test. I need a little more time to make it colorful and flawless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why am I excited to complete this project? I just love washi! Yay! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-67547931483797923572014-01-11T19:02:00.000-08:002014-01-14T04:04:10.975-08:00PTA Perks<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now that I'm the PTA president, a decision that was based on necessity, I need to design an efficient organizational system. I have TONS of papers to sort and classify. I was certainly not prepared for the added responsibility. Thankfully, I have tons of help and support from the other officers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our PTA was left without a president at the end of the last school year. There weren't any parents stepping up to take on the role. The guidelines of the NYS PTA state: no president = no funds! If a PTA dissolves, all of the money raised and utilized by the association, is turned over to the greater state-wide PTA. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our school relies on funds from the PTA for an assortment of activities and supplies. Unfortunately, in these uncertain times in our education system, we need the PTA more than ever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I decided that I had to step up for the good of the whole school. It has been quite an experience. I have learned a lot of "what not to do" for next year...if I'm still active in the role of president.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first thing I have learned is that you have to be REALLY organized to keep your head above water. I stared a folder that was quickly busting at the seams! It was an unorganized pile of "stuff" that was difficult to weed through when I needed something quickly. Look below and don't judge!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At least it's a nice, Vera Bradley folder! Lol. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I knew this "system" had to go. It was a binder to the rescue!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It came out really cute! The best part is its functionality. It's really user-friendly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now there are tabbed sections and pockets to hold loose slips of paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The current tabs are labeled for agendas, fund-raisers, box-tops, PTA Perks, and special events.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">PTA Perks is a section devoted to showing off all of the great things the PTA has done for our students, teachers, families, and the whole school. It has become my favorite section of the binder!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sleeve inserts hold cards, invoices, and various scraps of paper that people hand me on a consistent basis. Keeping it all together is absolutely essential.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although it has been a greater responsibility than I could have ever imagined, I'm really enjoying the experience...and of course the PTA Perks!</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-33504610955983071472014-01-01T19:39:00.000-08:002014-01-01T19:39:07.331-08:00Positive Resolutions<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My new year's resolution is simply to blog on a more consistent basis. My life gets busy and overwhelming and the first thing to go is the blogging. But, it's something that I enjoy, so I'm going to make an effort. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">January 1, 2014 seems like a good day to begin my positive resolution endeavor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I actually have no excuse today since I barely did anything constructive. I always beat myself up when I don't conquer a task at home or school. I'm always complaining about not having enough time. So, when I have time and waste it, I'm not happy with me. But, the hubs has convinced me that I need some down time to refuel and decompress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today was a good day of napping, eating New Year's Eve leftovers and playing with my new android phone. Going from iPhone to android has been both fun and frustrating. I always preach to my students about learning new things, so I guess it's time to practice what I preach!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm currently reorganizing my basement (it's only a storage room...not living space) because we would like to use the room for some fitness equipment. Right now it looks like Michael's craft store and Bath & Body Works exploded. There is random stuff everywhere. I have my work cut out for me with only 4 days left of winter break...no, I'm not complaining! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There will be more to come on the basement project. Hopefully, along the way, I will come up with some useful and inspiring organizational tips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-11579526622935478472013-11-25T10:29:00.000-08:002013-11-25T10:29:30.986-08:00#6 Holiday Gifts Under $5<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love to have warm and cozy feet on cold winter days. So, it's only fitting that I offer that same comfort to my house guests. When friends, neighbors, and family come to visit, I put out a basket of new slippers as a welcome favor. The visit can be an overnight stay or just an evening gathering. Either way, it's a great way to say, "welcome".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">More times than not in upstate New York, my guests enter my home with wet boots...yuck! The offering of the slippers saves me a mess to clean as well. Plus, it's hard to enjoy yourself when you are wearing cold, wet boots all night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have slipper choices for men, women, and kiddos. So, nobody is left out. I found these women's and children's slippers at a local department store for $1.99 each! Yes, two gifts for under $5. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEOf1Z82JNc/UpOU__X0-2I/AAAAAAAABT0/XX7d4-1jwYs/s1600/slipper+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEOf1Z82JNc/UpOU__X0-2I/AAAAAAAABT0/XX7d4-1jwYs/s1600/slipper+basket.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My guests are so thankful when I offer a pair of slippers and they are completely wowed when I say, "they're yours to keep". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Making people feel welcome and comfortable is very important, at holiday time, and all of the time!</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-27438329510441159982013-11-24T17:19:00.000-08:002013-11-24T17:19:39.574-08:00Teacher Gift Time<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's that time of year again...time to show the teachers who you work with how much they are appreciated. I give gifts to the teachers in my building who I work with in various capacities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everyone knows that I love to personalize my gifts. Actually, I love to personalize everything!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I purchased a bunch of goodies from the dollar store last week. As promised, many of the items are included in my teacher gifts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My new passion is personalizing binder clips. It works great when you are teaming with other teachers. I have clips with all of the names of my teammates so I can keep the paperwork well organized. Decorative tape from The Dollar Tree actually works better than the expensive stuff from Staples and Micheal's. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year's gift creation is a small, personalized, burlap pouch which holds two personalized binder clips, two great mechanical pencils, three dry-erase markers adorned with pom-pom erasers, and a holiday anti-bacterial soap & PocketBac from Bath & Body Works. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, I personalize the bag (found at Michael's stores for $0.50) with a letter stencil and acrylic paint. Then, while the paint is drying, I lay out all of the supplies that will be put inside the bag. Next, (when the letter is dry to the touch) I stuff the bag with the "teacher essentials" and pull the drawstring. Last, I tie a ribbon around the top using some adhesive, fabric tape on the back to keep the ribbon in place. I'm done! Ready for the next bag to stuff...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love leaving these little, burlap, goodie bags for teachers as they come into their classrooms. They always bring a smile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The entire gift cost $6 to make! Such an adorable bargain! </span><br />
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-63443638473098445592013-11-17T18:39:00.001-08:002013-11-17T18:39:49.278-08:00#5 Holiday Gifts Under $5<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Want a designer purse for under five dollars? This designer purse actually fits inside your designer bag. How adorable is this notepad? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It opens at the top like a real purse. It's filled with light pink pages. My favorite part is the metal key tag. So authentic!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can find it at <a href="http://www.partycity.com/product/black+white+handbag+notepad.do" target="_blank">Party City</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think I'm going to write "Happy Birthday" on the first page and give it to my mom. Her birthday is December 25th. She wants a coat for Christmas so I will tie a ribbon through the "purse" straps and loop it through one of the button holes. </span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-20901778879677786842013-11-16T18:30:00.000-08:002013-11-16T18:31:05.194-08:00#4 Holiday Gifts Under $5<span style="font-size: large;">I found the cutest little trinkets at Pier 1 Imports. It's been quite a week and I'm so excited to be back on the blog writing about something fun. Don't get me wrong, teaching fifth grade is often fun, but there is something about taking the time to write about organizing, shopping, and holidays that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first on the list is a lollipop pen that lights up when you write! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5fPJHkQE-iU/UoglQn2F3eI/AAAAAAAABSI/MNP_w07k26g/s1600/light+up+lollipop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5fPJHkQE-iU/UoglQn2F3eI/AAAAAAAABSI/MNP_w07k26g/s1600/light+up+lollipop.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent the entire day cleaning and organizing...washing floors, raking the lawn, and rearranging furniture. My hands have taken a beating. Looks like a glove mask tonight...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only bad news about these cute lollipop pens is that I don't want to give them away as gifts. My students would go crazy if I whipped one of these out and began grading papers. At $4 each, I may have to get a few to give as prizes to some of my teacher-created BINGO games.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were some other fab finds at Pier 1 for my "under $5 hunt". </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wXqtuEbrzE/UognGqHyspI/AAAAAAAABSU/7B834BUWA3Y/s1600/Pier+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wXqtuEbrzE/UognGqHyspI/AAAAAAAABSU/7B834BUWA3Y/s1600/Pier+I.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The top, round bottle is anti-bacterial hand gel. It's made with vitamin e and it smells so festive. The piece of "wrapped candy" is lip gloss and the "mittens" are bubble bath. So cute to add to the top of a gift, droop from a Christmas stocking, or tie around a wine glass stem as a party favor. The ideas are endless! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember... you don't have to go bankrupt to be jolly and festive.</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-26773848425501313722013-11-11T17:08:00.000-08:002013-11-11T19:06:23.144-08:00#3 Holiday Gifts Under $5<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ok...so this is really gift idea #1 on the blog, but I jumped the gun and posted two ideas to my facebook page...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Click on the coffee mug to check out the first installments if you missed them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next gift idea is a health & beauty product and think it would be fine for a man. Of course, my son would disagree. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My daughter is really into these new lip balms called eos (evolution of smooth). They are packaged in a round, plastic sphere (math teacher alert!) with a smaller sphere inside. The smaller sphere is a solid, all-natural, antioxidant -rich lip balm.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-622eI5vo2mI/UoF9SR4yBrI/AAAAAAAABRg/ppm56KUNVVs/s1600/Image_1_Sweet_Mint_Open_rev_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-622eI5vo2mI/UoF9SR4yBrI/AAAAAAAABRg/ppm56KUNVVs/s1600/Image_1_Sweet_Mint_Open_rev_35.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The eos lip balms come in a variety of flavors and plastic shell colors. They cost around $3. Some retailers are promoting a holiday package of 3 eos lip balms for about $9. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://evolutionofsmooth.com/blueberry-acai-smooth-sphere-lip-balm.html" target="_blank">evolution of smooth - eos</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am going to hot glue a stick to one end of the eos sphere and wrap with cellophane. Then, tie the cellophane with a ribbon to create a "lollipop" effect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cost will still remain under $5. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-46779320098844717362013-11-11T07:25:00.000-08:002013-11-11T19:10:14.060-08:00Holiday Gifts Under $5<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are so many gift ideas out there that you don't need to break the bank. I'm venturing out to find 50 gifts in 50 days! There will be at least one post per day highlighting a gift idea that costs no more than five dollars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All efforts will be made to cover a variety of items. I tend to gravitate towards "female" stuff...it's just a force of nature. But, I'm making a conscious decision to search for "male" items as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The featured gifts will be a mix of consumer products and DIY creations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The gifts can be used for, but not limited to:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">stocking stuffers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">secret Santa exchange</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">co-worker/colleagues </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">extra gifts for unexpected guests</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">hostess/host gift </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">babysitter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">hairdresser</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">postal carrier</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">party favors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">secretaries</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">neighbors</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have fun with gift giving. The holidays are a wonderful time of year to spend with family and friends. Make it even better with low-cost fabulous gifts!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></div>
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Class Organizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04761769374250245926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-929664373921048897.post-18568029930528126912013-10-19T10:09:00.002-07:002014-02-20T04:39:14.192-08:00Exit Slip, Exit Ticket, Ticket out the Door<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No matter what you call it, the exit slip is a super, quick, little assessment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had to come up with a plan for how to administer and check the exit slips in my science classes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I designed a bulletin board to house the materials. I'm actually not finished. It seems that everything I do needs some revision. I always come up with a new idea and have to change things. OK...I don't <i>have</i> to change things, but my compulsive personality makes me do it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Currently, I pass out the slips and the students place them in the red folders. Each student will be responsible for some meta-cognitive thinking. Do they know what they know? The 4,3,2,1 folders would assume that they do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After answering two questions that appear on the smart board at the conclusion of a lesson, each student will place his/her exit slip into the appropriate folder. I love looking on as they place their slips. It's really a quick way to evaluate my lesson. Did most students understand the concepts?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or I should ask, did they <i>think</i> they understood the concepts? If there is a large portion of the students putting their slips into the "1" or "2" folder, I'm in trouble. That's a sure indicator that it's time for me to design a new lesson and present the material again. If it's early on in a unit, I try not to get too excited over a lot of 1 and 2 responses. We will be working on the same skills and concepts for many days to follow. At the end of a unit, the 1 and 2 responses are somewhat alarming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That being said, it has been a very enlightening experience to evaluate the exit slips. Only two students in my first period class missed both questions. Twelve of the students missed one question and eight of the students answered both questions correctly. This does set the tone for my next lesson. Enough of the students missed at least one question that I feel a review lesson is warranted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As far as the display is concerned, I am going to add another folder to hold the blank exit slips. The procedure for students will be to grab a slip on the way to your seat at the beginning of class. Then, I don't have to waste time passing out fresh slips each period. The students can just pull them out when I display the questions on the smart board. Currently, I have a folder on my computer with exit slip questions that I can pull up quickly and save for next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></div>
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