tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57995383741509864722024-03-13T07:22:46.351-07:00Fun in PreK-1 & KinderJessica Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408367163750334396noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-71398385266758033872019-08-31T06:33:00.003-07:002019-09-01T08:50:56.636-07:00Even More 2019 Fun Freebies & Books for Back to School! (Part Two)A lot of new back to school books hit the shelves this year! Welcome to my latest back to school book reviews… and even more free booktivities… and another chance to win the title of your choice!<br />
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Want to win one of these great books for your classroom? Like and leave a comment on my Facebook Page Post! One random winner will be chosen on Wednesday, September 4th.</h3>
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Let’s start with the book on the top of everyone’s list this year...<br />
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<b>The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! By Mo Willems</b><br />
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Pigeon is not on board with this ABC and 123 thing… but his hesitation melts away when he finds out school busses are involved! :) Pigeon’s latest adventure is sure to delight both old and new fans.<br />
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Help Pigeon get to school with this fun path game freebie! 4 different ways to play, including: addition/subtraction practice, number recognition and subitizing!<br />
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<b>Pirates Don’t Go to Kindergarten! By Lisa Robinson</b><br />
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Pigeon isn’t the only one reluctant to go to school. This preschool pirate doesn’t want to jump ship and switch classrooms! Can she ever be convinced to join the kindergarten crew?</div>
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<b>Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School! By Christina Geist</b><br />
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These adults wish they could wear cool new shoes and go back to school. Sorry grown-ups, but school is just for kids and teachers!</div>
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I think this book would be SO FUN to read if you invite caregivers into the classroom on the first day of school! Encourage families to learn more about each other with this fun interview activity:</div>
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<b>Clothesline Clues to the First Day of School by Kathryn Heiling and Deborah Hembrook</b></div>
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I am SO HAPPY we are getting another book in this series! These books are the best for teaching inferencing. Seriously, you must buy <i>Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do </i>for community helpers later in the school year!</div>
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Help your new students become familiar with their classroom and school with these fun free scavenger hunts! There’s also a bonus classroom riddles activity for independent readers.</div>
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<b>Back to School by Maya Ajmera and John D. Ivanko</b></div>
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Learn more about children going back to school around the world with this read-aloud! I just love the photographs and opportunity to compare/contrast.</div>
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<b>If Animals Went to School by Ann Whitford Paul</b></div>
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Another adorable book in this sweet series! Perfect for preschoolers.</div>
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Encourage children to imagine what would happen if their favorite animal came to school with this free class book:</div>
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<b>Even Monsters Go to School by Lisa Wheeler</b></div>
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Seems like everyone gets to go to school (but not grown-ups!) From yetis to giants to aliens, little monsters everywhere are preparing for a new year, too.<br />
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Help those little monsters get ready by packing their backpack with this fun, free craftivity! This is a good one for the bulletin board.<br />
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When it’s lunch, make sure those monsters have something to munch… lest you end up on the menu!</div>
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Grab all of these fun and FREE back to school booktivities and ideas! Click on the image below to be directed to the UPDATED 2019 Back to School Freebie File.</h3>
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Don’t forget to check out last year’s post for more books and fun freebies:</h3>
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If you like what you see here, check out my store! All Back to School resources are half-priced for the month of August. Search B2S or click below:</h3>
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Like learning about new books and getting great read aloud ideas? Follow my new library land adventures over at Storytime in the Stacks!</h3>
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Jessica Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408367163750334396noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-5647065309132927832019-08-16T06:44:00.000-07:002019-08-31T06:24:29.095-07:002019 Fun Freebies & Books for Back to School (Part One)Hello new school year and hello new books! Read on and check out fresh read-alouds for the first day of school, snag fun freebies and have a chance to win the title of your choice!<br />
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Want to win one of these great books for your classroom? Like this post and leave a comment my Facebook Page! One random winner will be chosen next Friday, August 23rd.</strike></h3>
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Let's start with some back to school books for the littles in your life! Sometimes I think publishers forget that the school/daycare experience starts early for many kiddos, so I was really happy to see some books hit the shelves this year that are appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers.</div>
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<b>Lola Goes to School by Anna McQuinn</b></div>
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How did Lola grow up so fast?! As always, I love the everyday diversity McQuinn and Beardshaw incorporate into these books. What a wonderful new addition to a wonderful series! My favorite part? How storytime at the library helped prepare Lola for school, of course! 😍</div>
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<b>The School Book and The Don’t Worry Book by Todd Parr</b></div>
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Todd Parr’s given us TWO excellent new books for the beginning of the school year! He makes it so easy to talk about feelings and explore tough topics with the littles.</div>
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<b>So Big! by Mike Wohnoutka</b></div>
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Bear is feeling pretty good about this back to school business… until he sees the BIG bus, and the BIG kids on the bus, and the really BIG intimidating front steps! Maybe Bear isn’t big enough after all… or is he?</div>
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I just love the repetition in this simple text and expressive illustrations. Although it’s short and sweet, older children will enjoy bringing their visual literacy/narrative skills to the nearly wordless text and helping tell the story.</div>
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Celebrate this BIG milestone with a little math! How fun would it be to introduce nonstandard measurement after reading this book? Encourage your kiddos to work with a partner and measure their bodies with blocks, string, ribbon, links, cubes, etc!<br />
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I just love these self-portrait/height lines featured on <a href="https://rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com/2012/08/all-about-me-self-portrait-art.html" target="_blank">Rainbows Within Reach</a>:<br />
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Why not take that string and compare our heights to objects round the room? Why not measure ourselves with more objects? Multiple FREE recording sheet options are available for various ages below!<br />
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<b>The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes</b></div>
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What adventures await the brave of heart in school? Riding a yellow carriage is just the beginning! Explore the Kingdom of Kindergarten with a confident young hero in this sweet story.</div>
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Give your new little kings and queens a chance to get glamorous after reading this picture book! Practice those scissor skills and make some crowns. <a href="https://www.firstpalette.com/printable/princess-crown.html" target="_blank">First Palette</a> has a wide variety of free wearable crown printables!</div>
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Take pictures with those cute crowns and commemorate this grand occasion with a class book! Or capture your class’s first self-portraits. Both are options with this fun and free Kindergarten Kingdom Class Book!</div>
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Keep the royal fun rolling in math centers with these FREE crown jewel math mats - 4 ways to play!<br />
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Why not get crafty while you're at it and construct a shape castle? Template included!<br />
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<b>Big Boys Cry by Jonty Howley</b></div>
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Levi’s feeling a little scared on the first day of school, but he does his best to hide his tears, because big boys don’t cry. Or do they? After seeing a wide range of emotions on his way to and from school, Levi learns a big lesson to share with his papa. I just love the emotional honesty and vulnerability in this book. It’s a really moving story for parents and children to read together - recommend it to your families before the first day of school!</div>
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<b>Nugget and Fang Go to School by Tammi Sauer</b></div>
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Nugget and Fang face their biggest adventure yet - going to school! Fang isn’t ready, but he learns to get by with the help of some small friends. Don’t we all?<br />
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Here’s a free printable Venn Diagram for your firsties! Or enlarge and compare your first day feelings with Fang’s as a whole class:<br />
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<b>Codzilla by David Zeltser</b></div>
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Under the sea school adventures continue! Bertie doesn’t like being the biggest codfish in school, but being a bookish Codzilla has its advantages… as Bertie and his classmates discover one day when a shark stops by!</div>
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<b>Unicorn is Maybe Not So Great After All by Bob Shea</b></div>
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Do your kids love silly stories? Then they’re sure to fall in love with the zany humor in Bob Shea’s newest Unicorn book! Unicorn is NOT AMUSED when the first day of school doesn’t go as expected. No one pays attention to him at all! Desperate to stand out, Unicorn hatches a plan to capture the attention of his classmates… one way or another. As I’m sure you could guess, the plan backfires in spectacular fashion!</div>
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And now for the last and IMHO best back to school book to come out this year (and no I'm not biased just because Jean Reidy is also super nice and lives right by our library)...</div>
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<b>Truman by Jean Reidy</b></div>
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Explore the first day of school from a pet’s perspective! When Truman the Tortoise gets left behind, he’ll dare the impossible to reunite with his human, Sarah. Except, by the time his mission is almost accomplished, Sarah’s already back from school!</div>
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I can’t even when it comes to coherently expressing my love for this book Truman is such a delightful determined main character. And those illustrations! That vocabulary! So much gentle heart and humor in this story.</div>
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My kiddos always loved talking about their pets (or the pets they wished they could have!) Here’s a fun math survey freebie to go along with this book and help your class get to know each other:</div>
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Grab ALL of these fun back to school booktivities and ideas for FREE by clicking on the image below:</h3>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1OtyeC6M87cDrglmBekbc9zGWtXlv00ML" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2pygONKGxU/XVTL5oo3R5I/AAAAAAAAB4s/HL-1mHFfD5AEI46RFbxbBEYDLRjxzwhFQCLcBGAs/s400/2019%2Bb2s%2Bfreebies%2Bcover.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Don’t forget to check out last year’s post for more books and fun freebies:</h3>
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<a href="https://funinprek1.blogspot.com/2018/07/booktalk-tuesday-books-for-back-to.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6lSwzGrl7k/W2ENeDCyNTI/AAAAAAAABck/H5vsoIKzVmMIhPQJuDF9dMtl3j7pKBNZQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/bus%2Bactivities.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you like what you see here, check out my store! All Back to School resources are half-priced for the month of August. Search B2S or click below:</h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Jessica-Fredrickson/Category/Back-to-School-395069" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="1163" height="96" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wd6bekeitgI/XVawzpFvXlI/AAAAAAAAB8E/FCKG3LlebeUs5NRPqZNuzp6PY_wO6O9VACLcBGAs/s400/shop.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Like learning about new books and getting great read aloud ideas? Follow my new library land adventures over at Storytime in the Stacks!</h3>
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<a href="https://storytimeinthestacks.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="377" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZTMNiWkpTg/XVYkBniq2vI/AAAAAAAAB64/1Dt48AbmIWcyF2tRVGjNZWho_HfHMyiAACLcBGAs/s200/blog%2Bbutton.png" width="196" /></a></div>
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See you soon with more fun freebies and back to school books in Part Two... stay tuned!</h2>
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Jessica Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408367163750334396noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-42322820242347670532018-07-31T19:30:00.004-07:002019-08-05T15:37:15.579-07:00Booktalk Tuesday: Books for Back to School, Freebies & a Giveaway!Hello beautiful new books for a beautiful new school year! Here's a look at what new reads await your first week of school, plus some fun freebies AND a chance to win the title of your choice!<br />
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Want to enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of these great books? Like this post and leave a comment on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FunInPrek1/" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>! One random winner will be chosen on Monday, August 13th!</strike></h3>
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Without further ado, here's the latest and greatest of 2018 Back to School Books:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>It’s Your First Day of School, Busy Bus! by Jody
Jensen Shaffer</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Kids aren’t the only ones with first-day jitters… it
turns out that buses get them too! Ben the bus driver checks this little yellow
bus from front to back and promises Busy Bus he’s ready to roll, but Busy Bus
isn’t so sure. Cute! Would recommend especially for a young first-time bus
rider.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wouldn't this be fun to read and then talk about how we get to school? </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Snag your FREE whole class graph and math center
survey by clicking below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">Mae's First Day of School by Kate Berube</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">Today is Mae’s first day of school, but she’s not going! And neither is Rosie… or their teacher, Ms. Pearl! School is too scary. What if the kids don’t like you? What if no one will play with you? What if you miss your family? What if you make a mistake? Luckily, school is a place for trying and learning new things, making new friends, and facing fears together!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">I LOVE how this book explores how teachers and grown-ups can feel nervous, too. Wouldn't it be great to make a Venn Diagram with the class after reading this book and compare/contrast the class's feelings to your own?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Goodbye Brings Hello by Dianne White</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">For each thing left behind, a new adventure awaits.
What a gentle and empowering read to help young ones navigate changes and try
something new… like the first day of school!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Hello School! By Priscilla Burris</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A great read for families or classrooms about what
to expect this new school year! From circle time to snacks to science, follow
this diverse class of little learners throughout their day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A gentle welcoming read just in time for a new
school year! The rhyme scheme and refrain are so comforting. Love the message
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Click, Clack, Quack to School! by Doreen Cronin and
Betsy Lewin</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The farmyard friends are back! When Farmer Brown
receives an invitation to the nearby elementary school (animals included), he
gets to work right away preparing the pigs and cows and chickens for their
serious day. Full of the noisy fun and repetition that makes all of these books
fantastic read-alouds! Also a great opportunity to talk about classroom rules
and expectations. Sometimes we have to be serious... but sometimes it’s okay to
be silly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>We Don’t Eat Our Classmates! by Ryan T. Higgins</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Penelope Rex is in for a surprise on the first
day of school... she's in a classroom full of (delicious) children! It's not
easy making friends when you treat your classmates like food. In a great twist
with a goldfish, Penelope eventually learns what it's like to be on the other
end of someone's sweet tooth. This story is absolutely HILARIOUS for adults and
kids, and it’s another great segue into a discussion about classroom
expectations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a
Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoet</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">How can a story without words have so
much to say? This wordless picture book speaks volume about the power of
kindness and community. When a classmate sees Vanessa being bullied, she stays
awake late into the night wondering what she can do to help. The very next day
she offers to walk Vanessa to school. The girls are joined by more and more
children taking hands. I love how it ends with Vanessa and her new friend
leading the way into school! Great opportunity for kiddos to practice their
narrative skills and look closely at the pictures to tell the story. And of
course, this book lends itself well to any age group for a discussion of how we
treat others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>It’s Show and Tell, Dexter! by Lindsay
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dexter the Dinosaur is back and ready to
go with his best friend Jack to school! But what if no one likes him? What if
Jack takes a different toy instead? Maybe Dexter should wear a costume! Dance
the cha-cha? Recite the state capitals backwards? A silly and fun story about
some serious topics: first-day jitters and being yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous: A First Day of School
Dilemma by Keith Calabrese and Juana Medina</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csNLcKR62nM/W2EPwbus9HI/AAAAAAAABdY/TWRG2MNkIvYtL34bbI8-4_zk7s3YRyrxwCLcBGAs/s1600/lena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csNLcKR62nM/W2EPwbus9HI/AAAAAAAABdY/TWRG2MNkIvYtL34bbI8-4_zk7s3YRyrxwCLcBGAs/s640/lena.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">It’s the first day of kindergarten and ALMOST all of
Lena is excited… except for her shoes! Will Lena and her dad find a way to get
Lena ready for school from head to toes? What a great debut! The bright and
playful illustrations (and Lena’s relationship with her dad) really make this
read for me. I also love the safe space that dad creates for Lena to explore
and work through her feelings. Great read-aloud with a clear narrative
structure and many opportunities for kids to draw connections!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I think this book would pair great with a first day feelings math graph or self-portrait! Click on the picture to snag your freebie!</span></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1TxV6xHF2HhtdBw8ApV4xVZjUEcPyTipg" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1600" height="361" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNgO98hVOCw/W2ERB-7ACiI/AAAAAAAABdk/NsvH7z8dM9sVlSJrxtOJiz_UaeLqfpkvgCLcBGAs/s640/first%2Bday%2Bfeel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Fairy’s First Day of School by Bridget Heos</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">What do fairies do at school? Although counting
teeth and taking lunch on toadstools may be unfamiliar, young readers will
relate to many other parts of the school day. Good for discussion about how
your school day is the same and different!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Kindergarrrrten Bus by Mike Ornstein</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VtlDoBbB9A/W2ERR_f9uzI/AAAAAAAABds/WZ4CWfbdTcwURIPcwzxtl2Qn1uOzqElpwCLcBGAs/s1600/kindergarrrten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VtlDoBbB9A/W2ERR_f9uzI/AAAAAAAABds/WZ4CWfbdTcwURIPcwzxtl2Qn1uOzqElpwCLcBGAs/s640/kindergarrrten.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">There’s no blubbering and no fear on this
swashbuckling pirate’s bus! At least, not until Polly the parrot flies away…
leaving the new kindergartners to console their shivering sniveling bus driver!
The illustrations didn’t do much for me and the story itself I felt would be
better suited to a first grade audience, but I guess “firrrrrst grade” doesn’t
roll off the tongue as well as “kindergarrrten.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>On the First Day of First Grade by Tish Rabe</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdTVVXYQfS4/W2ERxaQqJII/AAAAAAAABd8/wxmrMucz8EYdys5SdQkXOaHT9IpKBmI6ACLcBGAs/s1600/first%2Bday%2Bfirst%2Bgrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdTVVXYQfS4/W2ERxaQqJII/AAAAAAAABd8/wxmrMucz8EYdys5SdQkXOaHT9IpKBmI6ACLcBGAs/s640/first%2Bday%2Bfirst%2Bgrade.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Find out about all the fun first grade has to offer
in this sing-song adaptation of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” New friends and
laughing and learning all day await young readers from day one!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Wouldn't it be fun
to read this and then write a class book about your class’s own favorite first week adventures? Snag your FREE class book below! Tish Rabe has also written <i>On the First Day of Kindergarten</i>, so I've included a Kindergarten version in the file as well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QMsExJn3-PnFpxCNkfyT5GJS4Cz315wG" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFeisXU3pbE/W2ESh_8Sx2I/AAAAAAAABeI/zglS80Aso1sy25mj-KFc-nALGTBCegDfwCLcBGAs/s640/first%2Bday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Want to keep up with the latest and greatest in kidlit? Looking for more great read alouds and fun story time songs? Don't forget to check out my library life blog!<br />
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<a href="https://storytimeinthestacks.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Storytime in the Stacks</a></h3>
Jessica Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00408367163750334396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-14012205270054726962014-08-09T20:20:00.001-07:002014-08-14T16:49:14.354-07:00Saturday Treat for My Sweets: Back to School Roll Say Keep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGkG9i0fTQo/U-bd4pG5VbI/AAAAAAAAGgs/b2KDq23olq4/s1600/saturday+treat+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGkG9i0fTQo/U-bd4pG5VbI/AAAAAAAAGgs/b2KDq23olq4/s1600/saturday+treat+5.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Saturday everyone! Sorry this post is rolling out a bit late, I've been busy working on another Daily 5 post as well- stay tuned. :) Just in case if you're new to the blog, here's how it works:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 21.559999465942383px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Swing by the blog on Saturdays to snag a sweet free treat</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">See a sneak peak of the Sunday Super Steal Deal item (or items)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Super Steal Deals start on SUNDAY and last all week!</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Facebook Fans have an additional opportunity to win the Sunday Steal Deal (so make sure you're a fan!)</li>
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Today's sweet free treat comes from my School Swing Roll Say Keep game. It includes uppercase alphabet cards, a game mat and I-Can chart. Click on the picture for your fun freebie!</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZveHJ4N1RpU1NhTUk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj5ncgE8U28/U-biVWoeWDI/AAAAAAAAGg4/vZ-tCsdXhyU/s1600/roll+say+keep+freebie.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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Roll Say Keep games are a big Word Work hit with my students all year long! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3wj0FbADmnM/U-bkqCfyazI/AAAAAAAAGhM/UZa5RHEGCeQ/s1600/20140224_110257+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3wj0FbADmnM/U-bkqCfyazI/AAAAAAAAGhM/UZa5RHEGCeQ/s1600/20140224_110257+copy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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What I love most about these packs is they are EDITABLE and easily differentiated. It's super easy to type in whatever words you need!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORx3UKJ44Og/U-1Kt5VC9PI/AAAAAAAAGhc/dQEflfTVpI4/s1600/editable%2Bscreenshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORx3UKJ44Og/U-1Kt5VC9PI/AAAAAAAAGhc/dQEflfTVpI4/s1600/editable%2Bscreenshot.png" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can snag all my Roll Say Keep bundles for 50% starting Sunday- even the bundle! That's like getting more than half the games for free! :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editable-Alphabet-CVC-and-Sight-Word-Seasonal-Roll-Say-Keep-Bundle-1371681" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVY-ERTn4d4/U-bjrBsjFCI/AAAAAAAAGhE/YB1b3tvoMNA/s1600/sunday+steal+5.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-3038194712702644632014-08-05T12:53:00.001-07:002014-08-06T11:26:59.976-07:00Monday Made It: Clipboards, Letter Cases and Cute Binder Tabs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2014/08/monday-made-it-so-much-to-share.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnZ2SSugb34/U9mGauu__yI/AAAAAAAAGWc/4TnmrNKvnR0/s1600/Monday+Made+It+1.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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I am finally getting around this summer to linking up with Tara at 4th Grade Frolics! Don't forget to visit the linky and check out all the fun!<br />
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This is mostly what I've been up to this summer:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZtNr2QaZ_k/U9mGqzh9aGI/AAAAAAAAGWk/BPfc5EBtgcE/s1600/I-did-absolutely-nothing-today-and-it-was-everything-I-thought-it-could-be-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZtNr2QaZ_k/U9mGqzh9aGI/AAAAAAAAGWk/BPfc5EBtgcE/s1600/I-did-absolutely-nothing-today-and-it-was-everything-I-thought-it-could-be-300x225.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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{best. movie. EVER!}</div>
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But as I swinging around Hobby Lobby and Target last weekend I finally felt inspired! Here's what I made:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDiF8zQg3GI/U9mG5NKDBuI/AAAAAAAAGWs/h0vfJcn6k2w/s1600/Button+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDiF8zQg3GI/U9mG5NKDBuI/AAAAAAAAGWs/h0vfJcn6k2w/s1600/Button+1.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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First, I re-did my letter tile storage case with these awesome stickers I picked up at the Target Dollar Spot! I love how they have a picture and the capital/lowercase letter. Now I need to go find another case at Walmart for all my magnetic letters...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIPR5NdzkzQ/U9mHvYV8bhI/AAAAAAAAGW4/vuEWFLCpb5c/s1600/20140729_202226+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIPR5NdzkzQ/U9mHvYV8bhI/AAAAAAAAGW4/vuEWFLCpb5c/s1600/20140729_202226+copy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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32 Compartment No Spill Case: Walmart, $7</div>
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Alphabet Stickers: Target, $1</div>
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Eureka Letter Tiles: Amazon, $9</div>
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{Total Cost: $17}</div>
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P.S. Don't forget to enter my current <a href="http://funinprek1.blogspot.com/2014/08/tales-of-target-teacherista-goodies.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">giveaway</span></a> for a Target gift card! Giveaway ends this Saturday!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbS8Ji-NjSo/U9mI2z3O_aI/AAAAAAAAGXE/pn2ytxg2m5I/s1600/Button+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbS8Ji-NjSo/U9mI2z3O_aI/AAAAAAAAGXE/pn2ytxg2m5I/s1600/Button+2.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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I finally tried it... mod podge cute clipboards for my awesome new teammates! Here's how it went- tell me I'm not the only one! :) </div>
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In the end (six clipboards and three trips to Hobby Lobby later) they turned out great! Practice makes perfect, right?! Here's what you'll need for this project:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2jn41iqpjU/U9mUarV4xpI/AAAAAAAAGYE/i2KJG0eUBHQ/s1600/Slide1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2jn41iqpjU/U9mUarV4xpI/AAAAAAAAGYE/i2KJG0eUBHQ/s1600/Slide1.PNG" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mod Podge Matte Finish: Hobby Lobby or Walmart, $5</div>
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Clipboard: Dollar Tree, $1</div>
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Scrapbook Paper: Hobby Lobby, $0.59/each</div>
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Assorted Foam Brushes: Hobby Lobby, $2/pack</div>
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Decorative Ribbon: Hobby Lobby, $1-$3</div>
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3" Avery Printable Round Labels: $9</div>
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{Total Cost: ~$20}</div>
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{It is really important to add a MEDIUM coat. This first time I didn't do a thick enough coat and my paper ended up peeling!} </div>
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{It's very important to WAIT between each layer of mod podge, otherwise you will get terrible bubbles. I did 3 total layers- 2 in the evening, 1 in the morning and they turned out great!}</div>
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Did I mention how important it is to wait for each coat to dry completely before putting on another one? :)</div>
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And last but not least...</div>
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I learned how to print onto sticky notes {best.thing.EVER!} Look how cute and classy my new organizational binder tabs turned out:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_sCGyRgMuis/U9mJ7c0Pl8I/AAAAAAAAGXQ/pd8notqfgmw/s1600/20140729_232203+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_sCGyRgMuis/U9mJ7c0Pl8I/AAAAAAAAGXQ/pd8notqfgmw/s1600/20140729_232203+copy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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And it was pretty easy peasy lemon squeezy once I got going with it! Here's what you do:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6bianAMj3U/U9m-JGV_jRI/AAAAAAAAGZQ/DvbDEZinqgU/s1600/20140729_231038+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6bianAMj3U/U9m-JGV_jRI/AAAAAAAAGZQ/DvbDEZinqgU/s1600/20140729_231038+copy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;">Print sticky note template onto white paper, then cover with sticky notes. The template shown is for 3" by 3" sticky notes. Be careful to place the sticky part towards the top in each box.</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3XG5TkeavI/U9m_dI7EugI/AAAAAAAAGZc/NizdDSxIcEc/s1600/sticky+note+template+screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i3XG5TkeavI/U9m_dI7EugI/AAAAAAAAGZc/NizdDSxIcEc/s1600/sticky+note+template+screenshot.jpg" height="208" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Edit the text in the template file. The circles are designed for use with a 2" circle cutter or you can cut them out. You can also add text to the plain boxes to print onto an entire sticky note. (And yes, the text is upside down. This is very important- you want the sticky side on top to adhere to the page and the text to stick out of the binder!)</b></div>
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<b>Place template paper with sticky notes into printer. Note the direction the sticky notes face- you want the paper feed in the smoothed down sticky part first.</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy_CFImJrWs/U9nA0e1efpI/AAAAAAAAGZs/7MAqY4geJsk/s1600/20140729_231625+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy_CFImJrWs/U9nA0e1efpI/AAAAAAAAGZs/7MAqY4geJsk/s1600/20140729_231625+copy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Voila! Beautiful sticky notes. The lightly dotted circle makes it easy to line up with your circle punch or to follow with scissors.</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_iuLVRrH8M/U9nB2-AkjnI/AAAAAAAAGZ4/x5UlwE_q5Ik/s1600/20140729_201218+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_iuLVRrH8M/U9nB2-AkjnI/AAAAAAAAGZ4/x5UlwE_q5Ik/s1600/20140729_201218+copy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Got that? Here's the steps in review:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pp9T6SO8o-k/U-EtZcRrTLI/AAAAAAAAGcw/u6wEY7Ckt9g/s1600/sticky+note+review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pp9T6SO8o-k/U-EtZcRrTLI/AAAAAAAAGcw/u6wEY7Ckt9g/s1600/sticky+note+review.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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And that's all folks! I hope you found some fun easy to use ideas. Don't forget to pick up your sticky note template/tutorial freebie below and happy crafting!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sticky-Note-Tutorial-Template-Freebie-1374812" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHZiyaarNlY/U-EviBgxdNI/AAAAAAAAGc8/qkUHlwEYAGc/s1600/sticky+note+cover.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-15739462623124463582014-08-01T14:03:00.005-07:002014-08-01T14:59:14.416-07:00Tales of a Target Teacherista: Goodies & a Giveaway!Having a love affair with Target is nothing new for teachers. I've tried to save myself (and my wallet) all summer, so when I headed in yesterday it was like stumbling across an oasis in the desert! Naturally I can't keep all the great things I found to myself.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--k8GndhIHQo/U9v8zgk7WxI/AAAAAAAAGao/pi7ONzSso5A/s1600/Target+Trip1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--k8GndhIHQo/U9v8zgk7WxI/AAAAAAAAGao/pi7ONzSso5A/s1600/Target+Trip1+copy.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mmmm guided reading supplies! The Eric Carle bags are absolutely adorable for sending reading bags home. The word strips I use for Mix N' Fix (scrambled sentences) during guided reading. I model making a connection and writing it down in a sentence, cut it apart and mix it up, and the kiddos help me fix it. Then they write their own connection down on the small sentence strip whiteboards.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Et1mNud8XQ/U9v9h9vwrYI/AAAAAAAAGa0/jifqMGzgdS0/s1600/Target+Trip2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Et1mNud8XQ/U9v9h9vwrYI/AAAAAAAAGa0/jifqMGzgdS0/s1600/Target+Trip2+copy.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
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I love these card sorts, puzzles and bingo games for skill-building in small groups!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sa43jBtm82o/U9v-GdcpjmI/AAAAAAAAGa8/-qgFPN8Q3-c/s1600/Target+Trip3+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sa43jBtm82o/U9v-GdcpjmI/AAAAAAAAGa8/-qgFPN8Q3-c/s1600/Target+Trip3+copy.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
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It wouldn't be a true Target trip if I didn't stock up some stickers, stamps and organizational goodies. :) I love the cute buckets with chalkboard/dry erase surfaces and color-coded baskets (great for turn-in work). I go through a lot of stickers because each Tues/Thurs the kids bring back their guided reading back, they get a sticker for each sentence they wrote about the book in their journals!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZbamQ0o08s/U9v8NTK0MxI/AAAAAAAAGag/dicarAmyXtM/s1600/Target+Trip+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZbamQ0o08s/U9v8NTK0MxI/AAAAAAAAGag/dicarAmyXtM/s1600/Target+Trip+copy.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aaand I may have bought the same skirt in 2 or 4 different colors. With matching cardigans. And some coordinating scarves. :)</div>
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Have you been craving a trip to Target but need some extra cash? Enter the giveaway below and gain extra entries by sharing the good news with your friends. Good luck!</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e57d5ddd7/" id="rc-e57d5ddd7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-81596591786127605322014-07-27T10:56:00.000-07:002014-07-27T14:57:15.636-07:00Saturday Treat for My Sweets: B2S Class Books!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bcCnnPXEl8/U9UxXJm3Y3I/AAAAAAAAGUg/V2GiOS_5Gt8/s1600/saturday+treat+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bcCnnPXEl8/U9UxXJm3Y3I/AAAAAAAAGUg/V2GiOS_5Gt8/s1600/saturday+treat+4.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm back from vacation and ready to roll after a fun week of hiking, free wine-tasting and poolside lounging! :) Just in case if you're new to the blog, here's how it works:</div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Swing by the blog on Saturdays to snag a sweet free treat</li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">See a sneak peak of the Sunday Super Steal Deal item (or items)</li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Super Steal Deals start on SUNDAY and last all week!</li>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Facebook Fans have an additional opportunity to win the Sunday Steal Deal (so make sure you're a fan!)</li>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Today's free treat comes from my two class book packs. There are TWO covers (black and white/color options) and book-specific prompt pages to help your class start creating class books on Day One! Click on either picture to snag your sweet freebie. :)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvZ09vWnpjdGNYMzg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--53MIOPOCqk/U9UzIa1Hi5I/AAAAAAAAGUs/XZmBBTUml98/s1600/kindergarten+kissing+hand.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvZ09vWnpjdGNYMzg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U97txfcUJXE/U9UzNQjv8hI/AAAAAAAAGU0/Lx0qgv3owZA/s1600/class+books.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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My kiddos love to create class books. We usually make 1-2 per week (on Fridays when we have a shortened literacy block). During this time I do a whole-class writing lesson, modelling my response first before letting them go to write their own pages. I focus my mini-lessons to correlate with what we're learning about in writer's workshop and the weekly books relate to our theme. In the beginning I do a lot of mini-lessons based on the writing process and mechanics, such as...</div>
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<li>What is the first thing a writer should do? THINK what they want to say!</li>
<li>How do I show what I want to say? Through pictures and words!</li>
<li>How do I write that word? Stretch out the sounds!</li>
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And so on. We spend a lot of time referencing our writing anchor chart, which is modeled on this way more awesome and cute one from Mrs. Jones's Kindergarten:</div>
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<a href="http://mrsjonessclass.blogspot.com/2012/10/we-are-writers-readers.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsbHNEo20tU/U9U7at-QlpI/AAAAAAAAGVk/qFmdA0rk2U0/s1600/mrs.+jones+writing+anchor+chart.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Eventually mini-lessons progress to more complex aspects of the craft. For example, in the mini-lesson below I modeled using a nonfiction text feature (labels) to help teach my readers about penguins.</div>
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Then I let the kiddos pick their own polar animal to write about. Here's what they were able to say after two weeks of learning about our polar pals! (You'll notice that these are not prompt-specific pages. In the class book packs there are differentiated page templates to support the different levels of your writers, in addition to prompt-specific pages).</div>
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And this one is my absolute favorites! I just love all the blood and guts. :)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJnN97_ARsc/U9U3PtSN0-I/AAAAAAAAGVY/tud6vT_SSB8/s1600/20140129_134924+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJnN97_ARsc/U9U3PtSN0-I/AAAAAAAAGVY/tud6vT_SSB8/s1600/20140129_134924+copy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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On the very first day of school we make <i>The Kindergarten Kissing Hand</i> after we have read the book with our parents and then said goodbye. It's a great way to start modelling making text-to-self connections (How did Chester feel? How do you feel?) and learning about the 3 ways to read a book (pictures, words, retell)! I also get a valuable portfolio sample with this book that tells me many things right off the bat- how they write their name, their knowledge of letters/sounds, and I get a self-portrait. </div>
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The kiddos get so excited when I put the class book in our special class book basket in the library and explain that this is where books we publish will go all year long and they will get to check them out. At the end of the year I have a system to determine who will get to take which book home, which you can read about by clicking on the picture below.</div>
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<a href="http://funinprek1.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-summer-send-off-gifts-books-freebies.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWMeXmvBzUA/U5sHwvSQb4I/AAAAAAAAF9I/JZFJph1IcQk/s1600/IMG_0133+copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">You can grab all these awesome book covers, prompt-pages, general templates and more for this week's Sunday Steal! BOTH book packages are discounted at 50% </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Jessica-Fredrickson/PreK-12-Subject-Area/Writing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo9SR0qHj7o/U9U72ImKrqI/AAAAAAAAGVs/aD_58dlzzjA/s1600/sunday+sale+4.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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P.S. The rest of my store is also 20% off for the next two days! Enjoy and good luck getting ready for back to school!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Jessica-Fredrickson" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s--Zsp3EajI/U9U81KLPvbI/AAAAAAAAGV8/GG-hnIIQnZ0/s1600/backtoschoolblues.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-81185200750912119212014-07-22T20:02:00.001-07:002014-07-23T14:02:37.200-07:00Daily 5 Book Study: Chapters 3-4 {2nd Edition}Welcome back to another blog post all about the new Daily 5! This post is all about Chapters 3-4. We are really getting into the meat of the book now!<br />
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<a href="http://freebie-licious.blogspot.com/2014/06/daily-5-second-editionbook-study.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5CMFPRlXcg/U87mSeWTggI/AAAAAAAAGQE/2aAng5PMyoM/s1600/chapter+3.png" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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One thing I love about most about the Daily 5 Model (and there are many things!) is the gradual and structured release of responsibility. If you follow the 10 Steps to Teaching and Learning Independence, most of your kiddos will catch right on and it will be smooth sailing from here on out. Here they are!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-5-Freebie-File-1338154" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO48rd8dzKg/U87rBzPMDiI/AAAAAAAAGQU/1_AQCvNmTCc/s1600/10+steps.png" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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This whole process is grounded on what many of us know about memory. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omuntkjbTb8/U87yO_yYLmI/AAAAAAAAGQk/FxB5iYf7Dso/s1600/chapter+3+quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omuntkjbTb8/U87yO_yYLmI/AAAAAAAAGQk/FxB5iYf7Dso/s1600/chapter+3+quote.png" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let's look at each step in detail!</div>
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<b>1. Identify What Is to be Taught</b></div>
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Right from the beginning it's important to create a lasting anchor chart (called an I-Chart) with the kiddos. The first step (in the words of my college supervisors) is to set the objective. This step outlines WHAT will you be teaching today and is written at the top of the I-Chart.</div>
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You may be wondering what an I-Chart looks like. Here's what our Word Work I-Chart looked like during its initial construction (sorry for the super poor lighting!):</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZR1ArW0VmQ/U875f86m1MI/AAAAAAAAGRA/eeapDGN3kK0/s1600/word+work+i-chart+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZR1ArW0VmQ/U875f86m1MI/AAAAAAAAGRA/eeapDGN3kK0/s1600/word+work+i-chart+copy.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
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An I-Chart outlines what the students and teachers are doing during that round of Daily 5. It serves as a reference all year long. I like to make a rough-draft with my kiddos on the active board, then later on make a permanent chart with pictures of the kids modeling each step to hang in the relevant area. Here's the newest and cutest version:</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-5-Freebie-File-1338154" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VHA1B2FQwY/U88Vxvp7DfI/AAAAAAAAGTM/ghrwfGaEPXg/s1600/rts+ichart.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Set a Purpose and Create a Sense of Urgency</b></div>
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This step explains WHY you are teaching the objective. Why is it important to learn how to read to self? Will it make you a better reader? Is it fun?</div>
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<b>3. Record Desired Behaviors on an I-Chart</b></div>
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The rest of these steps focus on HOW the objective will be accomplished. In a notable difference from the first edition, this time the two sisters recommend writing down and explaining each desirable behavior on the I-Chart (rather than having the kiddos' brainstorm). I think this is an option in the interest of saving time, but I really enjoyed our class discussion on the topic. To help guide my littles in the direction I wanted them to think, I modeled what being a good reader looked and sounded like, then had them describe what I was doing. </div>
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You may run into kids wanting to focus on negatives (things readers shouldn't do) rather than the positives. My class definitely had this mindset last year, so to help them out I reminded them to think of and share only "yes choices." </div>
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Here are the "yes choices" you want your kiddos to make to become better readers:</div>
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<li>Read the whole time</li>
<li>Stay in one spot</li>
<li>Get started right away</li>
<li>Work quietly</li>
<li>Build stamina</li>
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*NOTE: When working with kindergartners you definitely want to break these behaviors up into smaller more manageable chunks! Try adding 2 desirable behaviors each day to the chart.</div>
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<b>4. Model Most Desirable Behaviors</b></div>
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It's important that you have the STUDENTS model the behaviors you've charted together. Not only do the kiddos love the attention, it's a great way to point out each behavior in action. </div>
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Here are some snapshots I took of my kinders while they modeled most desirable behaviors (I later used these photos for our permanent I-chart). Their faces are blurred to respect their privacy, but just imagine the cutest kiddos in the world and that describes my class! :)</div>
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Always follow up with this essential question (the answer should be an emphatic and resounding YES!)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bAGbtENKrE/U879d-pPsNI/AAAAAAAAGRM/4_oxS3tl52g/s1600/chapter+3+essential+question.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bAGbtENKrE/U879d-pPsNI/AAAAAAAAGRM/4_oxS3tl52g/s1600/chapter+3+essential+question.png" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Model Least Desired Behaviors, Then Most Desirable Again</b></div>
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The sisters suggest skipping this step in Kindergarten unless if you absolutely have a "barometer" child- you know, the ones who are guaranteed to act up and set the weather in your classroom! I have to say I agree that modelling incorrect behaviors can be confusing for our kinders, especially if it's their first year in school. If you choose to do this step, pick a student or two to model least desirable behaviors. Ask the students the essential question (this time the answer should be NO!), then have those same students model the most desirable behaviors and ask the question again. The key is to focus on and return to the positive.</div>
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<b>6. Place Students Around the Room</b></div>
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To begin with, you are in charge of placing students around the room for practice. Try to send them off as close to each other in time as possible so that everyone has an equal chance to build stamina. I love Erica's Book Nook Chart to use initially in the Read to Self send-off (later students will be able to choose their own spots, sometimes with reminders to choose the best spot for their body and their brain):</div>
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<a href="http://sprinklestokindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-start-daily-5-in-your-kinder_22.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q47ncwKMTfY/U88F0TBU1jI/AAAAAAAAGR0/3D2YNrNOdPc/s1600/book+nook+sprinkles+to+kindergarten.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>7. Practice and Build Stamina</b></div>
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This is a great time to observe and learn about what and where works best for your students! Pay attention while you....</div>
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<b>8. Stay Out of the Way!</b></div>
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These two steps occur together. This is the time for your students to practice what it will be like when you're with small groups- which means you can't be hovering over them, or they'll never build independence. When the focus is lost, round 'em all up and record their stamina. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-gs8fOXpSk/U88GqLG47qI/AAAAAAAAGR8/-thE6l8gCq4/s1600/20130905_111232.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-gs8fOXpSk/U88GqLG47qI/AAAAAAAAGR8/-thE6l8gCq4/s1600/20130905_111232.png" height="320" width="293" /></a></div>
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I use the timer on my active board while students are reading. They love to see how far they have gone when I signal for us to stop! Here's the newest and cutest stamina chart. </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-5-Freebie-File-1338154" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbhdTWG4Ol8/U88YS-xX8SI/AAAAAAAAGTY/BwpCFaRFyDY/s1600/stamina+chart.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last year it only took 5 days for my kinders to reach where we needed to be (the Sisters say to expect typically anywhere from 5-10 days). We celebrated with a super fun Teddy Bear Tea Party! :) They got to bring their favorite stuffed animals to school for our literacy block and snack that day. Their job was to teach their stuffed animal all about the right way to do Daily 5. It was awesome!</div>
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<b>9. Use a Quiet Signal and Bring Students Back to the Gathering Place</b></div>
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I love how the Sisters emphasize saving your voice for instruction rather than management. Quiet signals work like a charm! In my classroom I use a rainstick, but you could use chimes, a bell, etc. Once "the spell has been broken," use the quiet signal and in a quiet voice direct students to return their book boxes and come back as a group. It's very important to stop once those undesirable behaviors start cropping up. As the Sisters say, they're difficult to change once they're ingrained, so you don't want them practicing the wrong way!</div>
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<b>10. Conduct a Group Check-In</b></div>
At first you'll be checking in with how the group did meeting the D5 expectations. The students self-reflect and rate how they did, then set their goals for the next practice. You can use a 1-2-3-4 rating system or in my class, we just use our thumbs (up, down, or in the middle).<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-5-Freebie-File-1338154" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DijXcVxgImo/U88O8I7cUpI/AAAAAAAAGSQ/wKVfGNcHDhA/s1600/check+in.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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At this point, you can choose to launch another practice round of Daily 5 or break it up with something different. That's one thing I love most about the Daily 5- the flexibility! The Sisters have some great advice about it:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuSs_4NCzsQ/U88aZsOY7JI/AAAAAAAAGTk/JDvx3hFGIds/s1600/chapter+3+VIP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuSs_4NCzsQ/U88aZsOY7JI/AAAAAAAAGTk/JDvx3hFGIds/s1600/chapter+3+VIP.png" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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Phew! I can't believe I talked so much about one chapter... onwards to the next one!</div>
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<a href="http://www.differentiatedkindergarten.com/2014/06/daily-5-2nd-edition-chapters-3-and-4.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgTEj7M_Weg/U873RdmxAMI/AAAAAAAAGQ0/lQWDP6lqdDg/s1600/chapter+4.png" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Daily 5 is easy to implement and really mostly requires things you already have on hand or things that are easy to get. I've made a quick checklist you can refer to as you get started:</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-5-Freebie-File-1338154" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gsky492y-IM/U88SBiburVI/AAAAAAAAGSc/74Zpv4QYTOY/s1600/d5+getting+started+checklist.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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I think the classroom environment (and especially the classroom library) are key to running a successful literacy block. Here's a glance at how my library was looking while I was setting up last year:</div>
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The plastic lawn chairs were only $5 at Walmart and were probably THE place to sit all year. They were an easy and inexpensive way to provide some alternative seating!</div>
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I organize my books both by theme and level. It took awhile to sort everything into piles and make, print, then attach Avery index labels (which ended up getting expensive), but it was definitely worth the effort! I love how organized my library is and it is easy for the kiddos to maintain.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBSxtCtgmB8/U88Tdw_MOII/AAAAAAAAGS4/aN2_CgqcbcM/s1600/book+baskets+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBSxtCtgmB8/U88Tdw_MOII/AAAAAAAAGS4/aN2_CgqcbcM/s1600/book+baskets+copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are lots of great ideas to organize your classroom library, but I am absolutely in love with Maria's labels (available in black and in white). She's got lots of great tips for setting up, organizing, leveling and labeling the library of your dreams:</div>
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<a href="http://www.kindercrazeblog.com/2014/05/classroom-library-organization.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLiJg3D9BZs/U88iLS5dH3I/AAAAAAAAGT0/OC8UYd46OoE/s1600/librarylabels.png" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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I also love these cute and classy labels from Ladybug's Teacher Files. I think they are awesome for the older grades she includes genre labels:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ladybugsteacherfiles.com/2012/09/ready-2-number-customizable-library.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xErgQuUmtHE/U9AiwCSrbhI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/6Ud7-WT-C_Y/s1600/Ready+2+Number+Preview.png" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
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The most expensive thing (besides all the books!) ended up being the book bins. Last summer I ended up doing some comprehensive research about the best book bin buys for Daily 5! You can check out that post by clicking on the picture below:</div>
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<a href="http://funinprek1.blogspot.com/2013/07/tuesday-teaching-ideas-best-book.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1_EuhT6gXE/U88T7K6R-4I/AAAAAAAAGTA/l4PHAT2MUYk/s1600/20130721_200710.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for bearing with me all the way through these two chapters! I hope you got some good ideas and let me not forget the FREEBIES! :) The 10 Steps to Independence, Getting Started Checklist, I-Charts, a Stamina Chart, and the Thumbs-Up GroupCheck-In Poster have all been added to my Daily 5 Freebie File. I hope you like them!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-5-Freebie-File-1338154" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYUjOZxagEo/U88ji80uuFI/AAAAAAAAGUA/nDARRDVSg1o/s1600/new+freebies+preview.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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See you next chapter!</div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-79031537704433398612014-07-21T17:07:00.000-07:002014-08-16T08:44:19.460-07:00Daily 5 Book Study: Chapters 1-2 {2nd Edition}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.differentiatedkindergarten.com/2014/06/the-daily-5-second-edition-book-study.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIpg1LgJHXc/U82R4XKY46I/AAAAAAAAGO0/RN_AV7s9Trk/s1600/daily+5+bs.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm FINALLY getting around to linking up for the new Daily 5 book study! I was lucky enough to attend a training by the two sisters last fall, so I got a sneak peak of some of the content and was able to use some of the info to manage my D5 Literacy Block last year. I've been dying to read the new edition ever since. On to Chapter 1!<br />
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I LOVE this quote from Regie Routman at the opening of the chapter:<br />
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This chapter details both the two sisters' journeys from their first years of teaching (aka seatwork), through centers and workshops to the newest version of Daily 5. The current Daily 5 is a great management system for your literacy block and is structured so that children can <b>independently</b> engage in <b>authentic </b>reading and writing tasks. It's <b>flexible</b>, easily <b>differentiated</b>, and incorporates student <b>choice</b>. <br />
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The teacher, on the other hand, has more time to give individualized instruction and spends less time managing behavior. All of my favorite things!<br />
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The newest version of Daily 5 differs from the original in several key ways. I think it's much improved! Here's a highlight of the differences and similarities...<br />
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What I seriously love best about the new edition is how much more primary/kindergarten friendly it is. There is an intermediate vs. primary schedule and many more tips that are geared towards the littles. Overall, the second edition is much more cognizant of age differences and includes many more brain-conscious strategies. Love it!<br />
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I also love the official approval to do just 3 rounds of Daily 5 each day (which I already did anyways). Phew! One major difference between the sisters and I is that I have more balance between student choice and teacher choice. For example, my students rotate in groups to different D5 areas. Once they get there they have lots of choices of what they'd like to work on, plus more options if they finish early. This way I can make sure I'm meeting with all my groups. We do 3 rounds of D5 Monday-Thursday. <br />
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The D5 cards are magnetic and are easy to move down after each transition (note that I also have Technology as a separate card, but that usually entails word work apps on the iPad since I don't have computers). <br />
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For the sisters, Work on Writing and Read to Self are non-negotiable items each day, but since Meet the Teacher is non-negotiable for my class I alternate between days when Work on Writing/Read to Self are must-do's. Here's what my weekly schedule usually looked like last fall:<br />
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*Note WOW = Work on Writing, WW = Word Work, RTS = Read to Self, LTR = Listen to Reading, RWS = Read with Someone.</div>
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You can grab my newest and cutest version of these cards by clicking on the image below! They come in rectangles...<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-5-Freebie-File-1338154" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyE7MZIiXhg/U-97-o9t16I/AAAAAAAAGig/otS_JJ6pXKA/s1600/Daily%2B5%2BCards%2BFreebie.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or circles!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-5-Freebie-File-1338154" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kC996WL5K0/U-98Nn9qBRI/AAAAAAAAGio/10_o_rGSAoo/s1600/circle%2Bcards.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am also in love with these posters with real-life photographs from Kristen over at A Day in First Grade. Check em out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.adayinfirstgrade.com/2014/06/a-summer-book-study-daily-5-second.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHpM68rZzHw/U82gYDM4KMI/AAAAAAAAGPc/zLOB1f6hRmo/s1600/Daily+5+Freebie.001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Onwards to Chapter 2!<br />
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The reason why I love Daily 5 so much is because it aligns so closely with my own beliefs as a teacher. It's based on a core system of beliefs (backed up by significant research) that I couldn't agree more with. They are the heart and soul of the Daily 5!</div>
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<b>Trust and Respect</b></div>
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One of the things I love most about Daily 5 (I know I say that a lot!) is how respectful it is of students' interests, abilities and time. During Daily 5 we are asking students to participate with us in authentic tasks. We are trusting them to do their best and scaffolding them to get there. Too often I think teachers don't think of trust and respect as a two-way street. You have to <i>give</i> it in order to <i>get</i> it.</div>
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<b>Community</b></div>
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I am ALL about community. In fact, I don't use a behavior chart because I feel it's potentially very damaging and counterproductive to creating a caring community of learners (granted, I also usually only have 12 kids in my class). There are a few key things I think are important to remember in establishing and maintaining your classroom community:</div>
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<li>Establish routines.</li>
<li>Practice, practice, practice.</li>
<li>Play team-building games.</li>
<li>Use positive reinforcement (not praise).</li>
<li>Role-model! In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world."</li>
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<b>Choice</b></div>
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Aren't you much more motivated when you have a choice? Choices help students feel empowered and encourage them to take ownership of their learning! In my classroom, students choose which books to read, where to read, and what activities to participate in while at Work on Writing and Word Work. The two sisters go a step further and allow students to choose which Daily 5 activities to engage in (with Writing and Read to Self as must-do's). </div>
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<b>Accountability</b></div>
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I have less trouble with holding students accountable for their learning with Daily 5 than I've ever had before. Firstly, I value their effort (whether the task is completed or not) as meaningful practice in building their skills. Secondly, the entire classroom works with me in helping their peers do their best. I also use team captains (denoted by a star next to a student's name in each group) to help trouble-shoot any technical issues or questions while I am with a group.</div>
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<b>Brain Research</b></div>
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I love love love how much more brain-conscious this book is! In general, it's good to follow the rule of thumb below...</div>
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So basically, years = minutes of direct instruction. Keep it short and sweet. Make it count! It's also good to remember the 20/80 rule. 20% direct instruction, 80% practice. You know the old saying that practice makes perfect? Keep practice purposeful and in context to help build students' muscle memory!</div>
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<b>Transitions as Brain and Body Breaks</b></div>
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Another thing I love about the Daily 5 is the opportunity for brain breaks and focus lessons between each transition. I use a rainstick as a signal to grab students' attention (do you want your voice to be used mostly for management or instruction?) and then we come back together before breaking up again. I can't stress enough the importance of this time! Helping students reset now keeps the rest of your block running smoothly, especially if you have a whole 90 minutes to get through. You can find a lot of fun ideas in my blog post about movement in boy-friendly classrooms:</div>
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<a href="http://funinprek1.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-boy-friendly-classroom-making-time.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FRxaUJMyyk/U7YXWKjdyII/AAAAAAAAGEc/DxR7Sf7EGVw/s1600/movement+cover.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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See you soon for the scoop on Chapters 3-4! </div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-25892400404900808342014-07-12T20:33:00.000-07:002014-07-12T20:33:17.252-07:00Saturday Treat for My Sweets: School Stationery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aaaah I'm sorry I'm posting this so late today! I may have forgotten it was Saturday. Actually, I remembered it was Saturday but then I forgot to post before I left the house and went on a date with my bestie to see this movie:<br />
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Have you seen it? Have you read the amazing book yet? If not you definitely should! I'm pretty sure I damaged my eyes with all the copious crying I did today. The amount eclipsed my tears shed when Sirius died in book 5 of Harry Potter and the end of the Notebook combined. So don't say I didn't warn you.</div>
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Anyways, I did give myself a headache so I had to kick back and relax a bit before hopping on the computer to bring you your next sweet treat. I promise I haven't forgotten you wonderful followers (and visitors) of mine!</div>
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In case if you're new around here, here's how it works: </div>
<ul style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li>Swing by the blog on Saturdays to snag a sweet free treat</li>
<li>See a sneak peak of the Sunday Super Steal Deal item (or items)</li>
<li>Super Steal Deals start on SUNDAY and last all week!</li>
<li>Facebook Fans have an additional opportunity to win the Sunday Steal Deal (make sure you're a fan!)</li>
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Today's sweet treat comes from my newest creation, Stationery Central. There are 4 different cute pencil pages included to support the various levels of your writers:</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvbWtZRFQyZGxDYU0/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IM0fB4Wh0oA/U8H5f9suSSI/AAAAAAAAGLg/6KsPXK-ScjU/s1600/stationery+freebie+preview.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't know about your class, but my kiddos love to write letters and notes to each other! I usually introduce different kinds of letter writing throughout the year in conjunction with dramatic play. For example, around Christmas we learned how to write letters (we practiced first by writing to Santa Claus) and cards. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxqst1DeRS0/U8H8r-eFTQI/AAAAAAAAGL0/gwWkXvIP6XY/s1600/20131210_111626+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxqst1DeRS0/U8H8r-eFTQI/AAAAAAAAGL0/gwWkXvIP6XY/s1600/20131210_111626+copy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Around Valentine's Day we add postcards into the mix, so that at the dramatic play post office the kiddos can choose between post cards or sending a letter. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OH_zgrAADZU/U8H9Q4oWomI/AAAAAAAAGL8/tqrlM-Lk3Wc/s1600/20140213_081632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OH_zgrAADZU/U8H9Q4oWomI/AAAAAAAAGL8/tqrlM-Lk3Wc/s1600/20140213_081632.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After letter writing has been introduced, the materials remain available in the writing center for the kiddos to choose during Work on Writing if they want. I keep it fun and engaging with different seasonal stationery templates. You can find the letter writing stationery, anchor charts, launch lesson plans and more in the pack below- which you can grab for a STEAL of a deal all next week!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stationery-Central-Letter-Writing-Lessons-Supplies-1292896" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1P1UBRv3ew/U8H7w4lssMI/AAAAAAAAGLs/t4spThgKyds/s1600/sunday+steal+3.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-5696941992512506242014-07-11T12:13:00.002-07:002014-07-11T12:13:30.531-07:00The Boy Friendly Classroom: Making Time for Movement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FRxaUJMyyk/U7YXWKjdyII/AAAAAAAAGEY/yKoI0fFot3s/s1600/movement+cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FRxaUJMyyk/U7YXWKjdyII/AAAAAAAAGEY/yKoI0fFot3s/s1600/movement+cover.png" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
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Welcome back friends to my series about boys in the classroom! <a href="http://funinprek1.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-boy-friendly-vs-boy-proof-classroom.html" target="_blank">Last post</a> I shared some of the startling statistics and research about what's happening to our boys. I also talked about why it's a matter near and dear to my heart. Today I'm going to explore one of the first tried and true ways to keep your boys engaged: make time for movement!</div>
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It's no secret that things like recess and specials have fallen by the wayside in our country's current high-stakes testing environment. There's probably not much you can do about the fact that your kiddos are lucky to get 1-2 short recesses a day (when research shows they need significantly longer to engage in play and develop self-regulating skills) and maybe go to gym 2x/week (because it's not like we've got an obesity problem in America or anything). THOSE are topics for another day. Today I want to talk about you and me and focus on what we can do as teachers in our classrooms!</div>
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<b>Get moving and grooving!</b> </div>
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In general, it's good to remember the minutes per age rule: as many years old as you are equals how many minutes you can give your undivided attention (or less in my case!) I love the brain visual below:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yI6bvan0VSc/U7bh36jWINI/AAAAAAAAGJA/q_AR5YmA5l8/s1600/d1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yI6bvan0VSc/U7bh36jWINI/AAAAAAAAGJA/q_AR5YmA5l8/s1600/d1.png" height="373" width="400" /></a></div>
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Knowing these facts, be prepared to break up your direct instruction with brain breaks or other movement-related instructional strategies. Be strategic and purposeful- for example, we always take a brain break in between our calendar routine and morning message.</div>
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You can also write your brain breaks on popsicle sticks and stick 'em in a cute jar, or hang them together on a word ring. It's great to have these handy for days when your computer's not cooperating! I love these EDITABLE brain break cards from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Move-Groove-Brain-Breaks-For-Your-Classroom-481630" target="_blank">All Students Can Shine</a>. They are adorable and affordable!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26Ly5Mc04Ys/U7YmvsNoYYI/AAAAAAAAGE8/XcLJRF30bEc/s1600/thumbnail4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26Ly5Mc04Ys/U7YmvsNoYYI/AAAAAAAAGE8/XcLJRF30bEc/s1600/thumbnail4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Put the active back in your activities!</b></div>
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I love this quote from Kelley King...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iui01rzgkfY/U7c8gzCPCSI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/izhVOn79rk0/s1600/quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iui01rzgkfY/U7c8gzCPCSI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/izhVOn79rk0/s1600/quote.png" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
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Truer words were never spoken! :) Here are some ways you can keep your kiddos moving, grooving AND learning all at the same time:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7alwvtKGVF4/U7c1upOrmtI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/kRvVMmJYUzo/s1600/activities.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7alwvtKGVF4/U7c1upOrmtI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/kRvVMmJYUzo/s1600/activities.png" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you're interested, I have a handy dandy bundle of math surveys you can use with your class through all the year:</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Survey-Swing-Math-Surveys-through-the-Year-1281532" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIv5pBthCtI/U7YrkFwK1rI/AAAAAAAAGFg/cZNd39GRglc/s1600/Math+Survey+cover.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<b>Try alternative seating! </b></div>
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You don't have throw away all your ugly old chairs and spend tons of money on those super-awesome stability balls- be strategic! During what time do your kids have to sit the most throughout the day? Can you find a taller table to use as a standing station for those that want to work standing up? Can you do something different for your guided reading chairs?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vS6xJ0eLWnw/U7bX_r2ggMI/AAAAAAAAGIc/ndeT8SYKBic/s1600/alt+seating.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vS6xJ0eLWnw/U7bX_r2ggMI/AAAAAAAAGIc/ndeT8SYKBic/s1600/alt+seating.png" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Head more to the great outdoors! </b></div>
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Take the learning outside and have fun in the sun! Relax and enjoy eating lunch or snack outside sometimes. Take a quick walk for a brain break. There are also lots of great things to learn from nature and lots of ways to incorporate math, science and literacy activities outside.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-ilYkHzDik/U7ba9mGc_oI/AAAAAAAAGIo/7x4Fa0kd7e4/s1600/outdoors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-ilYkHzDik/U7ba9mGc_oI/AAAAAAAAGIo/7x4Fa0kd7e4/s1600/outdoors.png" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Respect Recess.</b> </div>
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I could not be more serious about this one! There are many alternatives to the classic "sit out and think about it." </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMlfrxG8ElQ/U7beH9_W_hI/AAAAAAAAGI0/ZVTUVFyCODk/s1600/recess.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMlfrxG8ElQ/U7beH9_W_hI/AAAAAAAAGI0/ZVTUVFyCODk/s1600/recess.png" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope this post helps you get some fun ideas for great ways to incorporate movement more in your classroom! I'd love to hear any thoughts or suggestions you have to share! You can grab the suggestions from this post in a quick tip-sheet by clicking on the image below (I'll be adding more to the file in the near future!):</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tried-True-Teacher-Tips-Freebie-File-1318874" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YdG--RRADtc/U8A16YgLPZI/AAAAAAAAGK0/aSuLfdRJ9VA/s1600/teacher+tip+handout+1.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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See you this weekend with a new Saturday Sweet and Sunday Steal! :) </div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-71619937112077791202014-07-04T08:47:00.002-07:002014-07-04T08:47:30.743-07:004th of July Flash Sale & A Freebie!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6i_meSe7hEY/U7bHOZQONdI/AAAAAAAAGHw/kdWA_K1yvmw/s1600/july4salebutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6i_meSe7hEY/U7bHOZQONdI/AAAAAAAAGHw/kdWA_K1yvmw/s1600/july4salebutton.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy 4th of July my friends! To celebrate, I'm throwing a 20% off sale in my store all weekend! (If you're a Facebook follower, you have an additional opportunity to win a giveaway... hint hint). :)<br />
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I also have a fun freebie for you today! Here's a little treat for all those who love glitter:<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Glamorous-in-Glitter-Patriotic-Mini-Digital-Paper-Pack-Freebie-1306941" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPXcVgU1Vv8/U7bLnbYMMKI/AAAAAAAAGIE/PXOFawwb-uA/s1600/Patriotic+Glitter+Mini+Paper+Pack+Freebie.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It coordinates perfectly with my Red White & Blue Digital Paper Pack, which you can check out below.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Red-White-Blue-Digital-Paper-Pack-866713" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qmJtEd6_gA/U7bMPg_PYNI/AAAAAAAAGIM/VJJlc-XuHKc/s1600/Red+White+&+Blue+Digital+Paper+Pack.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Friday and Happy 4th of July! I hope you all have a great weekend filled with fun, sun and family/friends!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/2014/07/happy-fourth-of-july-freebie-friday.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Freebie Fridays" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRCNYv9hktM/T9-D9yCw9qI/AAAAAAAAHDc/4u-h5B7uNRI/s1600/freebie-friday-TBA.jpg" /></a></center>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-32015656922111228542014-07-02T18:04:00.002-07:002014-07-02T19:17:25.552-07:00The Boy Friendly vs. Boy Proof Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks for joining me today on a topic that is near and dear to my heart! No, I don't have little boys of my own (yet)! But I do have brothers. I have a husband. And I teach wonderful little boys every year that steal my heart with their bright smiles, high energy and mischievous ways. And every year I worry about where I'm sending them to in the future. Will their new teacher understand the unique needs of boys? Will they grow up to be lifelong readers and writers? Will they graduate from college someday? As it so happens, the odds are not in their favor.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQsevWeB6Q4/U6pRQv5cZwI/AAAAAAAAGBM/Bv4oKCC89ms/s1600/Slide2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQsevWeB6Q4/U6pRQv5cZwI/AAAAAAAAGBM/Bv4oKCC89ms/s1600/Slide2.PNG" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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What is going on people? According to recent research, here's some of what's happening:</div>
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What do the boys have to say about all this? Well, in survey results shared by Kathleen Cleveland in her book <i>Teaching Boys Who Struggle in School</i>, here's what they shared:</div>
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I want to step in a brief minute and share why this hurts my heart so. I have a wonderful husband. He is the best hard-working, down-to-Earth guy I've ever met. I don't talk much about him because I figure this blog is mostly for teaching ideas, but I love him from the top of his head to the tips of his toes!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwE6SDi60Rs/U7Sqz9hqJxI/AAAAAAAAGEI/ZFVJbprj3mg/s1600/Jason+and+Jessica+June+2009+1st+vacation+ever!+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwE6SDi60Rs/U7Sqz9hqJxI/AAAAAAAAGEI/ZFVJbprj3mg/s1600/Jason+and+Jessica+June+2009+1st+vacation+ever!+051.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're ever stranded on an island, he would be your man. He can also recite facts, names, and dates of battles like you couldn't believe. He can name almost every country in the world and even knows their location on the map! He's the kind of guy that can navigate blindfolded, put together furniture without looking at the directions, and so on. Studying battle maps? You bet. Watching endless hours of documentaries and retaining every fact? Sure thing. Picking up a book?</div>
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Houston, we have a problem.</div>
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My husband hasn't read a book for pleasure in years. In fact, I think he's only read about 3-4 books for pleasure in his <i>entire lifetime</i>. And he's not the only one. The world is full of boys we have failed in school, who grow up and never know the joys of diving deep into a good book. </div>
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This problem (and it IS a problem) isn't just confined to males. When I got a pedicure last week with my mom, she asked me if I was catching up on my reading this summer. I said it was great and I'd read my way through about 20 books the last month. (Keep in mind we don't have kids yet!) My pedicurist dropped my foot and said she didn't think she had read 20 books in her entire lifetime, and everyone in the room enthusiastically agreed. (Am I the only one who read all the assigned books in high school and college, then?)</div>
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So what can you do about it? Who better to tell us than the boys themselves? Here's some ideas based on what boys like best about school:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-He28XTfjtOw/U6pbwMI4p5I/AAAAAAAAGCM/ViSjcW6UQz0/s1600/Slide7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-He28XTfjtOw/U6pbwMI4p5I/AAAAAAAAGCM/ViSjcW6UQz0/s1600/Slide7.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll be talking more about each of these in the coming weeks! Looking for more resources in the meantime? You might want to check some of these out!</div>
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Thanks for reading through my rant today! I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences!</div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-42925898226135056782014-07-01T07:49:00.001-07:002014-07-01T08:29:46.486-07:00July Currently!It's July? Seriously? Where did my first precious month of vacation go?! That means it's time to link up with Farley again!<br />
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I am <b>LOVING</b> summer. It's my first one off ever and it's just what I needed. I'm starting to feel human again! :) Unfortunately my bookshelf just can't keep pace with me- any good suggestions?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNeP0_XRSSM/U7LJLxGZQVI/AAAAAAAAGDs/iBXzC4tYJuM/s1600/never+let+things+you+want.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNeP0_XRSSM/U7LJLxGZQVI/AAAAAAAAGDs/iBXzC4tYJuM/s1600/never+let+things+you+want.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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I can't stop <b>THINKING</b> about next year... Some of you may have heard via FB, but I'll be heading back to JK! :) Overall I'm pretty excited, but I still have some mixed feelings about it. I really fell in love with Kinder last year (but I missed JK a lot too). And most of all I am really <b>WANTING</b> to go to Vegas to the conference and my former teammate gets to go (but I can't because I don't teach K anymore). And I swear according to Facebook all my blogger buddies are going too. I need to seriously stop thinking about it so much and remember the advice above!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-liB-8VmiOcQ/U7LH0vl7g1I/AAAAAAAAGDg/14CcoUxporw/s1600/shark+lo+carb+diet+funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-liB-8VmiOcQ/U7LH0vl7g1I/AAAAAAAAGDg/14CcoUxporw/s1600/shark+lo+carb+diet+funny.jpg" /></a></div>
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I am seriously <b>NEEDING</b> some motivation. I am working out and eating so much healthier but after losing almost 10 pounds I seem to have hit a weight loss plateau. Any advice?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Qq97U8HLGQ/U7LKTJZgcZI/AAAAAAAAGD4/xvwKToMp_IE/s1600/teacher13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Qq97U8HLGQ/U7LKTJZgcZI/AAAAAAAAGD4/xvwKToMp_IE/s1600/teacher13.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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And the 4th of July? Plans? What month is it again? :) </div>
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Happy summer! Don't forget to link up with Farley and fill us in your summer fun so far!</div>
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/04fallingstar/Custom%20Blog%20Design/Meghan%20Farley/3am_MF_button2_zps7f6923d7.png" height="auto" width="200" /></a></center>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-58820428675397080662014-06-28T06:00:00.000-07:002014-06-28T09:18:52.513-07:00Saturday Treat for My Sweets: B2S Math Surveys!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Lq39q7Enc/U6TFchwnB9I/AAAAAAAAF_o/XrZeOqfwM8o/s1600/saturday+treat+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Lq39q7Enc/U6TFchwnB9I/AAAAAAAAF_o/XrZeOqfwM8o/s1600/saturday+treat+2.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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Howdy friends! Welcome to the second installment of Saturday Sweet Treats! If you're new around here, here's how it works:<br />
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<li>Swing by the blog on Saturdays to snag a sweet free treat</li>
<li>See a sneak peak of the Sunday super steal deal item (or items)</li>
<li>Super Steal Sales start on SUNDAY and last all week!</li>
<li>Facebook Fans have an additional opportunity to win the Sunday Steal Deal (make sure you're a fan!)</li>
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Your sweet treat today comes from my new math survey pack. There are 3 fun back to school math surveys included!<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvZ2JlbWx3T3FFUTg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UGr9mV75EE/U6uXOmCyhbI/AAAAAAAAGCk/VOVs-owxRms/s1600/B2S+Math+Survey+Sampler+Freebie.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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Do you use surveys in your classroom? If not, you should give them a whirl! They were a top hit in our math stations all year. My kinder kiddos (especially my boys) loved them, and they were a must-have for keeping my kinesthetic little learners engaged. I know yours will love them too!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qG5vMFO80pI/U6TPhICgelI/AAAAAAAAGAM/MtpgDupXsIM/s1600/20140422_132724+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qG5vMFO80pI/U6TPhICgelI/AAAAAAAAGAM/MtpgDupXsIM/s1600/20140422_132724+copy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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If you're interested in snatching up all of these fun surveys, check out your next sale steal! Snag an entire year's worth of math surveys for only $2.25 starting on Sunday!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Survey-Swing-Math-Surveys-through-the-Year-1281532" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8VcAHD5H5w/U6THJbITaLI/AAAAAAAAF_0/mjiCb8Ft2V4/s1600/sunday+steal+2.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have a great weekend!<br />
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-49920074961089329222014-06-20T18:52:00.000-07:002014-06-22T10:50:44.773-07:00Saturday Treat for My Sweets: B2S Digital Paper Pack!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fckHvlxmh9Q/U6S9fnL2fxI/AAAAAAAAF-o/b6FE_fwN2KM/s1600/saturday+treat+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fckHvlxmh9Q/U6S9fnL2fxI/AAAAAAAAF-o/b6FE_fwN2KM/s1600/saturday+treat+1.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy weekend and welcome to the first installment of my summer fun fanfare! Come stop by every Saturday for a sweet free treat. If you like your tasty treat, you have a chance to snatch the related super steal of a deal- the sale starts on Sunday and lasts all week!</div>
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I am so excited to bring my first treat to you! I've been <strike>wasting time watching tutorials</strike> working hard learning more about Adobe CS6 (which I <strike>bought and never touched</strike> invested in over winter break) and I've been creating like a storm. Click on the picture below for your first fun freebie!</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvak1pLUtDUFk1RDA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0UVlGLuhNQ/U6S-dZ0d_II/AAAAAAAAF-w/tiKy28aJlbc/s1600/School's+Cool+Mini+Paper+Pack.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you like these adorable back to school pencil papers! They coordinate perfectly with my full School's Cool paper pack, which you can find in my store by clicking on the image below.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Schools-Cool-Digital-Paper-Pack-1282736" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbaiM1J1I-Q/U6S_Vjf5IbI/AAAAAAAAF-4/fLD-gu-kT8Q/s1600/Schools+Cool+Digital+Paper+Pack.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Are you ready for your STEAL OF A DEAL?! This week's a doozy! You have a chance to stock up on all your creative product cover needs for the next year and enjoy...</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Jessica-Fredrickson/Category/Digital-Papers" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGyaOYtAFO4/U6TDvYRk7VI/AAAAAAAAF_c/SDLdV9dzwkw/s1600/sunday+steal+1.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's right! Starting on Sunday, it's 50% off all digital paper products in my store for the next week. This includes 50% off the already discounted price of my big bundles- which figures out to be 75% off should you choose to purchase the whole nine yards. Come check out my bestselling big paper bundle and add it to your cart so you can snag it on sale tomorrow! </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Seasonal-Holiday-Digital-Paper-Bundle-867128" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKR8yslGI44/U6TAc89rbrI/AAAAAAAAF_E/6HCesLuX1RQ/s1600/Seasonal+Holiday+Bundle+Cover.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have a great weekend and happy summer!</div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-44288474925943483622014-06-13T07:59:00.001-07:002014-06-13T07:59:02.800-07:00The Summer Send Off: Gifts, Books & FreebiesHappy Friday friends! :) I finally got this post together (you know, a week after I actually sent my kiddos off... but better late than never, right?)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xMhrGOUMBc/U5sFa8hMe3I/AAAAAAAAF84/jOUDD5bSDy8/s1600/20140529_070916+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xMhrGOUMBc/U5sFa8hMe3I/AAAAAAAAF84/jOUDD5bSDy8/s1600/20140529_070916+copy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The kiddos LOVED their beach buckets! Inside the buckets I put my<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Surfing-Through-Summer-Activities-to-Stay-Strong-for-First-1247409" target="_blank"> Surfing Through Summer pack</a>, a deck of cards, bubbles, crayons and envelopes (with one envelope already addressed to me). My kiddos were so excited for their summer stationery that they just couldn't wait to write to me, even though I said to wait until they did something fun this summer. One of my cuties wrote to me within an hour of getting home!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9HwopuDKws/U5sRcbXVRkI/AAAAAAAAF-E/9wa8rhFHRPA/s1600/20140613_085503+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9HwopuDKws/U5sRcbXVRkI/AAAAAAAAF-E/9wa8rhFHRPA/s1600/20140613_085503+copy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Letter-writing is definitely one of my favorite ways for the kinders to practice their writing skills. It's authentic, meaningful and fun! <b>I've uploaded the summer stationery to my Facebook Fans Only tab- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FunInPrek1" target="_blank">come check it out</a>!</b></div>
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The kinders also got to take home one of their favorite class books. Again, I'm all about authentic writing, so we have been some busy book-making bees this year! I really wanted to make sure everyone got a book they liked, so here's what we did:</div>
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<li>Put a sticky note on each book.</li>
<li>For morning sign in, each student wrote their name on the top 3 books they wanted.</li>
<li>Using the process of elimination, I made sure everyone got a book they signed up for. (So, for example, there were a few books with only one name on them. I sent those books home with those students and then crossed their names off the other lists).</li>
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It was a long but worthwhile process! I know some teachers take the books apart and send home each child's work, but I really wanted to keep the books together.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWMeXmvBzUA/U5sHwvSQb4I/AAAAAAAAF9E/PtIO5A0eCgM/s1600/IMG_0133+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWMeXmvBzUA/U5sHwvSQb4I/AAAAAAAAF9E/PtIO5A0eCgM/s1600/IMG_0133+copy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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My class loved writing and reading their class books all year long- they were definitely the bestsellers in our classroom library! I've been working on compiling my resources this year and getting ready for next, and I'm excited to announce my new creations...</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Keep-Them-Writing-Class-Book-Combo-Pack-1265171" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGSavJW7wXI/U5sJIT3YSzI/AAAAAAAAF9Q/Yo2IfmJ-_fU/s1600/Slide1.PNG" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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These packs are LOADED with class books for nearly every subject imaginable throughout the year! They come with...</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Keep-Them-Writing-Class-Book-Combo-Pack-1265171" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzLHnGVpALI/U5sKDlXAGlI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/bB_XOkGQdGc/s1600/Slide2.PNG" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Keep-Them-Writing-Class-Book-Combo-Pack-1265171" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqq3S0MfyX4/U5sKGchoZtI/AAAAAAAAF9g/aQU3cNZQdN8/s1600/Slide3.PNG" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Keep-Them-Writing-Class-Book-Combo-Pack-1265171" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2QV0GW5FZU/U5sKJR_jVEI/AAAAAAAAF9o/dNigXm_CaL8/s1600/Slide4.PNG" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Keep-Them-Writing-Class-Book-Combo-Pack-1265171" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8s5p0qycrRI/U5sKMq7-wPI/AAAAAAAAF9w/7xgHeHVZiYk/s1600/Slide5.PNG" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can grab both packs in a bundle for only $10- that's 30% off! Best of all, these books can easily be adapted for Kindergarten or Pre-K (which is important because I'll be heading back down next year).</div>
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Happy Friday friends! I hope you're all enjoying your well-earned summer vacation!</div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-34421826640606264502014-05-23T04:38:00.005-07:002014-05-23T05:15:56.247-07:00Popping Down the Days: Smooth Sailing to Summer (Management Freebie!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6z5LIBWtKFo/U36XfHkgSTI/AAAAAAAAF2g/p474V8VxmLg/s1600/keep-calm-its-almost-summer-59.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6z5LIBWtKFo/U36XfHkgSTI/AAAAAAAAF2g/p474V8VxmLg/s1600/keep-calm-its-almost-summer-59.png" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you but I can't wait! 4 school days left with my kiddos! :)<br />
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Speaking of my kinders, I've found a brilliant idea to keep the chaos that is May under control:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6fqfoFKf6g/U36XwLQXg7I/AAAAAAAAF2o/UxVUCdLZdeI/s1600/20140519_082948+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6fqfoFKf6g/U36XwLQXg7I/AAAAAAAAF2o/UxVUCdLZdeI/s1600/20140519_082948+copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ta-da! Count down balloons! Who doesn't love this fun and awesome end of the year activity? Especially when your teacher lets you use a sharp pointy object! :)</div>
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Each day this week I've been picking a leader to pop a balloon and reveal our sweet surprise inside. So far we've had a Picnic Lunch, Bubblegum, a Treasure Chest Treat and some yummy Bookworm Buddies! They have all worked really hard each day in hopes of being the special one. It's worked wonders with their behavior! </div>
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You can pick up your fun end of the year freebie by clicking on the picture below!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Popping-Down-the-Days-Fun-Countdown-Activities-for-the-End-of-the-Year-1252938" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EM98TRL-t84/U36Yfm3PwiI/AAAAAAAAF24/NsK4qh74ldY/s1600/Popping+Down+the+Days+cover.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope these activities help you sail smoothly to summer! Happy Friday my friends!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/2014/05/almost-summer-here-at-freebie-friday.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Freebie Fridays" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRCNYv9hktM/T9-D9yCw9qI/AAAAAAAAHDc/4u-h5B7uNRI/s1600/freebie-friday-TBA.jpgg" /></a></center>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" /></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-48341846660617927152014-05-19T17:52:00.002-07:002014-05-19T17:52:32.361-07:00Surfing Through Summer: Activities to Stay Strong for First!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so excited to be prepping this pack for my kinders! TPT has a lot of great stuff for summer, but nothing was just what I needed... so of course I made something new!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9d0pAQSzFA/U3qk4e9KlmI/AAAAAAAAF1U/NfkYKXIHnG0/s1600/May1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9d0pAQSzFA/U3qk4e9KlmI/AAAAAAAAF1U/NfkYKXIHnG0/s1600/May1+copy.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
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The pack includes a note from the teacher and a break-down of all the different activities included...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrhBzj38cg0/U3qmfOqTtyI/AAAAAAAAF14/ylr8t386TwY/s1600/20140519_182243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrhBzj38cg0/U3qmfOqTtyI/AAAAAAAAF14/ylr8t386TwY/s1600/20140519_182243.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Reading logs with cute customizable reward coupons...</div>
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26 pages to practice reading, writing and math skills...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XM3cUDj35Ow/U3ql76ZLM-I/AAAAAAAAF1o/k3rCAayrFIo/s1600/May2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XM3cUDj35Ow/U3ql76ZLM-I/AAAAAAAAF1o/k3rCAayrFIo/s1600/May2+copy.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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A summer journal with 2 different options for writing paper (and boy/girl covers)!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMOB480Y7hU/U3qmNKJrr8I/AAAAAAAAF1w/nlJemRJxAfg/s1600/20140519_182457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMOB480Y7hU/U3qmNKJrr8I/AAAAAAAAF1w/nlJemRJxAfg/s1600/20140519_182457.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And super fun summer stationary (again with 2 different lined options!)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwpE1jYRbII/U3qm3bk-NkI/AAAAAAAAF2A/ciJ1Is49j7g/s1600/20140519_182411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwpE1jYRbII/U3qm3bk-NkI/AAAAAAAAF2A/ciJ1Is49j7g/s1600/20140519_182411.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last (but not least) and best of all, this pack has some fun freebies for you! You can get these summer resource handouts for useful apps, books, websites and games by downloading the preview of my pack:</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Surfing-Through-Summer-Activities-to-Stay-Strong-for-First-1247409" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOVKNFPvKbc/U3qnEvsR3iI/AAAAAAAAF2I/-szc-9nkAD4/s1600/surfing+through+summer+cover+copy.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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Happy almost Summer everyone! Stay strong! :)</div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-21296945309559012812014-03-26T18:25:00.002-07:002014-03-27T06:47:14.028-07:00Spring Subtraction Tips, Tricks & Freebies!<div style="text-align: center;">
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We are working hard on refining our subtraction skills this spring (especially remember the difference between the +/- sign!). Before we bust out the number line as a subtraction strategy, I want to make sure they really understand that subtraction is taking away. I've put together some fun freebies for you as well!</div>
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My first freebie is a fun twist on using manipulatives to model subtraction! I'm sure you've seen some variation of subtraction bowling on Pinterest. I was so excited last year when I ran across this bunny jax set at Walmart! Oriental Trading also sells a mini-bunny bowling set, which you can check out <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/mini-easter-bowling-sets-a2-37_1299.fltr?Ntt=bowling" target="_blank">here</a>. (The Oriental Trading Set has 10 pins instead of 8; I included recording sheets for both numbers just in case). We'll be playing this fun game during math stations around Easter. Click on the picture for your freebie!<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvb09EUjdhejZmMDQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr0dFLPgeVA/UzN9q9yGwPI/AAAAAAAAFxU/ptQads3W8wc/s1600/20140326_191837+light+copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My next freebie comes from my Spring Easy Peasy Printables Pack and is great for reinforcing the steps to problem solving! We've been telling oral addition and subtraction stories, but most of my kinders can read pretty well by themselves now. Click on the picture for your subtraction story problem practice freebie!<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvMXNXVnRUWDRLY2c/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUHRieYcmc8/UzN22V6R0yI/AAAAAAAAFxA/L_6fk5i9Nag/s1600/spring+story+subtraction+freebie.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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If you're interested in more addition/subtraction stories, you can check out my Spring Easy Peasy Printables pack below. (And if you download the preview, you can grab another fun freebie!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Easy-Peasy-Math-Literacy-Printables-Spring-1175940" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8iGfCVmtTQ/UzN1-p1k1tI/AAAAAAAAFw4/vVXLx1n-GYw/s1600/Easy+Peasy+Spring+Printables+cover.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to go back to the linky and check out all the other fun subtraction tips and tricks!<br />
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<a href="http://teachingmomster.blogspot.com/2014/03/math-madness-wednesdays-subtraction.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cKKuq_iPJ_I/UzNzAcjAtkI/AAAAAAAAFws/Nck6FcYO20Q/s1600/Math+Madness+Wednesday+badge+red.png" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-9194000943783058142014-03-07T06:10:00.000-08:002014-03-07T06:24:21.785-08:00What in the World Have We Been Up To?: Super Seuss-tastical Fun!Are you ready to know the question to my March Currently answer? :) The question was this: What do you get when you try to make green eggs and ham and watch <i>Horton Hears a Who</i> at the same time? The answer was Chaos, Confusion and a blown fuse!<br />
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Well after that incident, there was no bringing my little sweeties back. Last Friday I left school looking like this:<br />
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Nonetheless, we eventually got our eggs made, and we had a super Seuss-tastical week. Here's some fun freebies to help you get through too!<br />
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We started off the week by reading Dr. Seuss's first book, <i>And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street</i>. Then we wrote a new class book and invented our own fun things to see on our school street!<br />
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As you can tell, we have some serious Star Wars fans in our classroom... :)</div>
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We learned about the "-at" and "-am" word families...<br />
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And we made these cute "-am" family hats! :) Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvU2Q1SFZjUFdGXzg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> to grab your hat template freebie. They are super easy to make, all you need is a sentence strip or construction paper to make the headband!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1EBXzkUBwbc/UxK7fQbDHqI/AAAAAAAAFrg/5hvGdrucnrY/s1600/20140225_115340+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1EBXzkUBwbc/UxK7fQbDHqI/AAAAAAAAFrg/5hvGdrucnrY/s1600/20140225_115340+copy.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
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P.S. This student likes to make up nonsense words!</div>
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We loved reading <i>The Cat in the Hat</i> and practiced using our prior knowledge to make predictions before watching <i>The Cat in the Hat Comes Back</i>. </div>
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We had a blast making this cute house craftivity. To make this book, all you need is a long piece of construction paper. Fold both sides to the middle, then cut out a house shape and open. Voila!</div>
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We wrote about what we would do if the Cat in the Hat came to our houses... and here's what they said:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVJ7Ug1TWMw/UxUk80clD1I/AAAAAAAAFs8/_VTA5f8AL4o/s1600/20140303_154118+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVJ7Ug1TWMw/UxUk80clD1I/AAAAAAAAFs8/_VTA5f8AL4o/s1600/20140303_154118+copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This little girl was not a fan of the Cat! :)</div>
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I thought this one was so cute... I loved the part "He will put me in to bed!"</div>
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Wacky Wednesday was insane! The kiddos absolutely ripped our room apart looking for Thing 1 and Thing 2 on Wednesday morning when they came in, convinced that those were the culprits to all the mischief they found! We quickly read <i>Wacky Wednesday</i> to understand what was happening and made a list of all the wacky things we found in our room. When the kiddos came back from specials, all the mischief was gone! :)</div>
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We also read <i>Fox in Socks</i> on Wednesday. I went to Dollar Tree and picked up some socks for this fun real/nonsense sort! You can grab this freebie by clicking <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvWEFnb2IyUnVDWlE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. (I included sock words in the freebie, just in case if you don't have time to go running to the store...)</div>
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And we surveyed our classmates to see who was wearing silly socks...</div>
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I owe many thanks to Nicole from Mrs. Ricca's Kindergarten. She really bailed me out by sharing so many fun freebies and ideas for this week! We sorted, counted and graphed delicious goldfish in this fun activity...</div>
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And we had fun writing our own addition stories after reading <i>1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. </i>You can grab this fun freebie (and more awesome addition ideas) from Nicole's blog by clicking <a href="http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2013/04/fun-with-addition-freebies.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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On Bartholomew Thursday we made oobleck and wrote to describe it. My teammate's oobleck turned out awesome; I unfortunately botched it! Nicole has some more great oobleck freebies (writing to describe and a sink/float experiment recording sheet). Grab them along with the goldfish graph by clicking <a href="http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2014/03/seuss-tastic-fun.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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By Friday I was wiped out. Then disaster struck as we were making green eggs and ham- we blew a fuse! In the end we were able to get the eggs made and finish watching our movie. Turns out they tasted pretty good!</div>
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We started our "How To" writing unit this week and I really wanted us to write how to make green eggs and ham, but between blowing the fuse and changing rooms and all the mayhem that followed, we just didn't get around to it. (Oh well, there's always next year, right?!) I hope you had a Seuss-tastical week and that your Spring Break comes soon! :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/2014/03/the-first-freebie-friday-in-march.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Freebie Fridays" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRCNYv9hktM/T9-D9yCw9qI/AAAAAAAAHDc/4u-h5B7uNRI/s1600/freebie-friday-TBA.jpg" /></a></center>
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Don't forget to check out all the other fun Friday freebies and have a great weekend!<br />
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-20731960934863680262014-03-01T17:49:00.001-08:002014-03-01T18:05:04.565-08:00March Currently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Can you believe it's March already!?! Where did the time go? How can Spring Break be so close and yet so far? :)</div>
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<b>Listening:</b></div>
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<b>Loving:</b></div>
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<b>Thinking:</b></div>
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<b>Wanting:</b></div>
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Okay, so my principal isn't like this, but this really made me laugh! :) My observation was on Thursday and I find out how things went on Monday... glad I don't have to wait for 10 days like some of you said was the norm on Facebook!</div>
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And I really want to see my husband more than one day a week. This opposite schedule thing is really hard to deal with. :(</div>
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<b>Needing:</b></div>
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<b>???:</b></div>
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The answer? Chaos, Confusion and a Blown Fuse. The question? Take a guess! (You'll find out if you stop by the blog tomorrow... and pick up a fun freebie for You-Know-Who's Birthday!)</div>
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Don't forget to follow Farley and see what all your other bloggy buddies have been up to!<br />
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/04fallingstar/Custom%20Blog%20Design/Meghan%20Farley/3am_MF_button2_zps7f6923d7.png" height="auto" width="200" /></a></center>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-2908357744327017662014-02-23T18:12:00.003-08:002014-02-23T18:12:37.106-08:00What In the World Have We Been Up To?: Pint-Sized Presidential Fun (& Freebies!)Happy Sunday evening! Here I am, blogging... (instead of lesson planning... or cleaning... or grocery shopping... doing everything else I should have done this weekend!) Actually we did do our taxes this weekend. After that I felt pretty drained and unable to do anything productive. Is that your feeling too after filing? :)<br />
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Anyways, I DID finally get together all the Presidential fun we had last week and put together some fun ideas and freebies for y'all! Here's what we've been up to...<br />
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<b>Measuring Abe Lincoln</b></div>
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This was so much fun! First we measured Abe Lincoln and I modeled (once again...) how to measure using feet and inches. Then we broke into partners and practiced measuring each other. Once the students measured each other, they came up to the board and filled out their partner's info on the class data table (sorry, I forgot to snap a picture!) Then I let the kiddos measure me and I modeled using my information to fill out the comparison sheet.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILBdjVl2AXY/Uwqm7XeQ3mI/AAAAAAAAFns/_0liIXZZXis/s1600/20140221_133559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILBdjVl2AXY/Uwqm7XeQ3mI/AAAAAAAAFns/_0liIXZZXis/s1600/20140221_133559.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After that the kiddos worked on their own. They turned out great!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNdwZYPX-TM/UwqnhntsEZI/AAAAAAAAFn4/5rN75m2dIyU/s1600/20140221_134014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNdwZYPX-TM/UwqnhntsEZI/AAAAAAAAFn4/5rN75m2dIyU/s1600/20140221_134014.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
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Now Abe Lincoln is standing out in our hallway. (I know his beard is funny... I did the best I could!)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr3EYnJ5SUY/Uwqn1om0nVI/AAAAAAAAFoA/npRXS-kUw-M/s1600/20140221_163107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr3EYnJ5SUY/Uwqn1om0nVI/AAAAAAAAFoA/npRXS-kUw-M/s1600/20140221_163107.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Compare/Contrasting George Washington & Abraham Lincoln</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8oWM00B2lo/UwqoUiWYMrI/AAAAAAAAFoI/vSJDTsgpvJQ/s1600/20140221_105143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8oWM00B2lo/UwqoUiWYMrI/AAAAAAAAFoI/vSJDTsgpvJQ/s1600/20140221_105143.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've been reading lots of biographies (which I introduced as a special kind of nonfiction about people)! It was great because my kids had a lot of background knowledge about nonfiction from our Arctic Animals unit (which I never did get around to blogging about...) I especially recommend the biographies from Pebble Plus because they are easy to read and include timelines, which are a great nonfiction text feature.</div>
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In this Venn diagram we compared and contrasted facts about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I laminated the above Venn Diagram so we can use it many times. We used sticky notes because I wanted the kids to be able to take their notes to their seats, to help them with our fun report project...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-On82AgwbpVA/UwqpfvZO81I/AAAAAAAAFoc/_J8Yh24KhyI/s1600/20140221_111656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-On82AgwbpVA/UwqpfvZO81I/AAAAAAAAFoc/_J8Yh24KhyI/s1600/20140221_111656.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This idea came from my teammate and I love it! The kiddos used the sticky notes to copy 3 facts about their favorite president, then had to write 2 more facts on their own. Then they used the guided drawing steps to help with their Lincoln/Washington picture. The reports are hanging out in our hallway along with Abe. They look great!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qh-OT9HVPKs/UwqqAhcddRI/AAAAAAAAFok/oqUk7XJPDVg/s1600/20140221_163137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qh-OT9HVPKs/UwqqAhcddRI/AAAAAAAAFok/oqUk7XJPDVg/s1600/20140221_163137.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7B_2CBaGb4/UwqqD1-wN6I/AAAAAAAAFos/iLrKUgDWCeY/s1600/20140221_163151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7B_2CBaGb4/UwqqD1-wN6I/AAAAAAAAFos/iLrKUgDWCeY/s1600/20140221_163151.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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You can grab the Venn Diagram pieces (plus a recording sheet) and the measurement activity by checking out my newest freebie.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pint-Sized-Presidential-Freebie-Presidents-Day-Activities-for-PreK-Kinder-1130337" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvT0uTBfn48/UwqqZfwNPzI/AAAAAAAAFo0/wMTgQ5cLIVs/s1600/Pint+Sized+Presidential+Freebies+cover.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enjoy! I hope everyone has some Suess-tastic weeks coming up! :)</div>
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<img align="left" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-79999904158850546002014-02-18T15:24:00.001-08:002014-02-18T15:24:21.731-08:00What In the World Have We Been Up To: Valentine Days Doozy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy President's Day Long Weekend everyone! I hope you're getting the chance to catch up on some sleep... planning... and posting! :) Here's what we've been up to this past Valentine's Week...</div>
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<b>Word Work</b></div>
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I really need to get better at snapping pictures of our word work, but here's some of the sight word fun we had this week!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sweet-Love-Sight-Word-Spy-CC-Aligned-1069350" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7hgNwLATEo/UwDSGTnG_1I/AAAAAAAAFRo/l8pYEONKNYM/s1600/teddy+bear+spy.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also played this fabulous and FREE game from Julie at <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Lotto-CVC-Words-199357" target="_blank">Make, Take & Teach</a> in small group. My class loves her games and they are fun to spice up our word work time in guided reading!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCU2-cdbALY/UwDSqKb9u7I/AAAAAAAAFRw/a6FKkaUscw4/s1600/20140213_111234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCU2-cdbALY/UwDSqKb9u7I/AAAAAAAAFRw/a6FKkaUscw4/s1600/20140213_111234.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Math Stations</b></div>
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Thanks Vickie for this fun candy heart graphing freebie! Grab yours by clicking <a href="http://plantspress.blogspot.com/2012/02/more-sweetheart-graphs.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xA1YWLoLUb8/UwDmfX043mI/AAAAAAAAFS0/aBGMIi1VMJw/s1600/20140211_134222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xA1YWLoLUb8/UwDmfX043mI/AAAAAAAAFS0/aBGMIi1VMJw/s1600/20140211_134222.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We also practiced a bunch of skills: measuring, counting/graphing, number writing and number sense!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBvKqIeUXYU/UwPrII0FUJI/AAAAAAAAFm0/9EhfsrCdiPw/s1600/February2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBvKqIeUXYU/UwPrII0FUJI/AAAAAAAAFm0/9EhfsrCdiPw/s1600/February2.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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These math stations come from my new Loads of Love Math Stations pack. Check it out below!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Loads-of-Love-Valentines-Math-Stations-for-PreK-Kindergarten-CC-Aligned-1121538" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cGw-txgA-2s/UwPrVnae7eI/AAAAAAAAFm8/bhHhfgu9ySw/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Science</b></div>
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We put conversation hearts in hot and cold water, made predictions and then observed! This was a great science experiment. I love how one of the kids related it to our snowman experiment, saying that the hot water would obviously "melt" the candy hearts just like when it's hot a snowman melts!</div>
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You can grab the recording sheet for this experiment for FREE by clicking on the picture.</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvbjVYU3RMdHFiWFU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dC2qbkomzpo/UwDMdD_37cI/AAAAAAAAFRE/_R7a11_S-OY/s1600/20140211_143609.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Dramatic Play</b></div>
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The Post Office has returned! We are having a blast with this station. We started by reading <i>Biscuit's Valentine's Day</i>, in which Biscuit and his friend deliver all their valentines by hand. Then we brainstormed ideas for how to send valentines to someone far away- send it through the mail!</div>
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This, of course, brought up the question of how to send something in the mail. We brainstormed ideas, read some great books and wrote down the process on a chart. Then we launched the post office!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1o7rof139g/UwDNQYZC-FI/AAAAAAAAFRc/xuh0RLhPNAc/s1600/20140212_145206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1o7rof139g/UwDNQYZC-FI/AAAAAAAAFRc/xuh0RLhPNAc/s1600/20140212_145206.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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There are several different options for students to send: post cards, cute Valentine's letter paper...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVbOzpTXPKY/UwDMgSid2II/AAAAAAAAFRM/rIqcwtfqtAQ/s1600/20140212_170740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVbOzpTXPKY/UwDMgSid2II/AAAAAAAAFRM/rIqcwtfqtAQ/s1600/20140212_170740.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We are working hard on identifying the values of money, but it's a tough concept! I added a little extra support to our price chart. (P.S. Got the clear frame from Dollar Tree!)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k_YYpRgru8/UwDWR04QDvI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/B3DBR-K7J1s/s1600/20140212_170814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k_YYpRgru8/UwDWR04QDvI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/B3DBR-K7J1s/s1600/20140212_170814.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I made "I Can" charts to help students remember how to do each step.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sC-CFFibqus/UwDM3qbthFI/AAAAAAAAFRU/EKvFKTE_ArI/s1600/20140213_081632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sC-CFFibqus/UwDM3qbthFI/AAAAAAAAFRU/EKvFKTE_ArI/s1600/20140213_081632.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's also been very helpful with classroom management! At the end of each day, I pick 2 students who have been leaders all day to get to be the mail carriers, check the mailbox and deliver mail to student folders. They love it!</div>
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<b>Other Fun Things</b></div>
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I just love tear art! These multi-colored valentine's turned out so cute. We made them after reading our new heart poem this week.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbDv3AsCWS4/UwDUJOE1HoI/AAAAAAAAFR8/ShHWpEtx4J8/s1600/20140212_110843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbDv3AsCWS4/UwDUJOE1HoI/AAAAAAAAFR8/ShHWpEtx4J8/s1600/20140212_110843.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Had to make the one pictured above on the fly, but this weekend I put together a cuter version for next year! Click on the picture to grab yours.</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvVUtrYzZaMTVDazQ/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jZ_3UVjuvg/UwDlYMHJz7I/AAAAAAAAFSo/N-QS-HecpDI/s1600/valentine+pieces+freebie.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also played Candy Heart Bingo at our class party. In case if you missed it on Freebie Friday, don't forget to pick up that fun and EDITABLE freebie by clicking on the picture!</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvWmprcmt4WHZmMVk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_24YUKspxDo/UwDUXeVDKYI/AAAAAAAAFSE/q5_3bugP5tM/s1600/20140213_135314.jpg" height="121" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you friends, but I am tuckered out. February is crazy! 100th Day Party, Valentine's Party... Too much for a non-party animal like me! :)</div>
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWKtjHUVE7s/UwPSv0TZcKI/AAAAAAAAFmk/F88WNkfTjKk/w200-h68-no/signature+copy+small.png" /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5799538374150986472.post-12279324540797386442014-02-14T06:28:00.004-08:002014-02-18T13:45:38.383-08:00A Fun February Freebie Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8kXOP-T1xM/Uv4m5diyoKI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/bS4pvX-9Sk8/s1600/20140213_135314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8kXOP-T1xM/Uv4m5diyoKI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/bS4pvX-9Sk8/s1600/20140213_135314.jpg" height="151" width="400" /></a></div>
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Need a fun, free and EDITABLE game for your Valentine's Day party or February centers? Grab this fun HEART bingo freebie for your class! Pre-made cards are included for numbers 1-100, or you customize your own bingo cards to suit your class needs! <br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6PKl7GNcNZvWmprcmt4WHZmMVk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8McLCwKKXA/Uv4nLjXbNSI/AAAAAAAAFOY/8JoaR5scabQ/s1600/Heart+Bingo+Freebie.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Don't forget to check out the other fun freebies at TBA! :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/2014/02/freebie-friday-on-valentines-day.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Freebie Fridays" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRCNYv9hktM/T9-D9yCw9qI/AAAAAAAAHDc/4u-h5B7uNRI/s1600/freebie-friday-TBA.jpg" /></a></center>
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