tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66751341058130489952024-02-18T19:23:18.000-08:00Tween Spirit: Teaching and Raising TweensMy life is split be"tween" teaching tweens and raising tweens! I am a Middle School ELA teacher, mom, wife, teacherpreneur, and writer who is working hard to find balance be"tween" all my roles!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-91539021264158075372018-08-01T08:34:00.000-07:002018-08-01T08:34:01.084-07:0010 Tips for Helping BIG Kids Manage Themselves at HOME<h3 style="text-align: center;">
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TOP 10 Tips for helping BIG KIDS Manage Themselves at HOME</h3>
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1. <span style="color: magenta;">Teach them to use their phone/iPod clock. Alarms, timers, and reminders can all be used to help kids manage themselves.</span> Teach kids to set an alarm to wake themselves in the morning, or to alert them it's time to go to practice. They can use a timer to manage the amount of time spent on video games, or practicing instruments, or memorizing vocabulary or math facts. The reminder app is super helpful, too! If your child has a weekly homework assignment, set a weekly reminder to go off each week to remind them to do it. Do they have a recurring activity? You can set reminders to go on bi-weekly, or just certain days. This may be my FAVORITE tool on iPhones!<br />
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2. <span style="color: magenta;">Set up a "homework zone" in your house. </span> This is a tip I share with all parents at Open House. I have my kids do their homework in one designated spot-the dining room. In the dining room, I have one drawer filled with school supplies, such as loose-leaf paper, pencils, glue, a calculator, highlighters, etc. When the kids sit down to do homework, there is no excuse about not having a pencil, or time wasted looking all over the house for the needed tool. They know my expectation is for them to sit in the dining room where there are very few distractions, and get their stuff done. I'm nearby for help as needed, but there isn't a TV or toys to distract them, and anything they need is in one place. Choose any location that works in your home, but keeping it stocked and free from distractions will help your kids work efficiently!<br />
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3. <span style="color: magenta;">Set up a "Phone-a-Friend" system.</span> This is a great tool for kids who may have forgotten an assignment at school, or have questions about work that I can't answer. (I've found this to be especially helpful as my kids get older and their homework gets harder for me! Middle school math is not my forte, I admit. I'm useless when my son has Algebra homework.) My kids call or face-time their (trustworthy) friends for homework help, and have been known to use the printer to copy blank worksheets for friends (or receive copies) when they forget something at school. Screen shots of forgotten textbook pages have also been passed between friends! Please note, this tip is NOT meant for copying work from someone else! You will have to lay down that law with your kids before teaching them how to do this!<br />
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4. <span style="color: magenta;">Unpack the backpack</span>. This is such an easy and important task, yet one that often gets skipped! Homework and notes can easily get lost in the depths of a messy backpack. I've seen students' backpacks filled to bursting with loose papers crumpled up from months ago! The easiest way to avoid this from happening, is to set a routine of emptying backpacks at least once a week. (This also helps find missing Tupperware, molding leftovers, etc!)<br />
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5. <span style="color: magenta;">Use a sharable family calendar. </span>We have four very busy family members. I am only one mom. I <u>cannot</u> and <u>will not</u> take responsibility for all the lessons, practices, doctor appointments, school projects, business trips, meetings, playdates, and so on for the entire family. Instead, we have family calendars. I have one that I personally monitor on the wall in our kitchen that is color-coded by family member. It is in a very obvious place where everyone passes multiple times per day. Once an event is on the calendar, it is each person's responsibility to check the calendar and know their own schedules. We also use the app Cozi (there's a free version that is all we need, I've never seen the need for the paid version, personally). This app, in my opinion, is better than just using the calendar app on your phone. I love it because once you set up an account, every family member has access to the information, on their phone or regular computer. Husbands and kids can update it from school, work, or anywhere and it is also color-coded! Even better, it has a list function, so we keep our grocery list on the app! My kids have been trained to add their own items to the list, instead of just telling me when they are out of something! Better yet, I never forget my shopping list at home, and my husband has it on his phone which makes it easy to have him stop to pick something up on his way home from work! It works well as a "to-do" list, too!<br />
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6. <span style="color: magenta;">Teach your children E-mail courtesy and how to talk to adults.</span> This is a biggie, and not something that comes naturally to anyone! Kids need to be empowered to talk to adults. They need to learn the etiquette of how to talk to adults. Kids need to be taught how to craft a "professional" E-mail. As a teacher, I am constantly amazed at the E-mails I get from students. They write to me as if I am their friend using incomplete sentences, text abbreviations, and all capital letters. I've even received messages that are flat out rude, demands for extra credit or help with things that they are just too lazy to do for themselves, like find a page where a reading selection starts. Parents, PLEASE teach your children to be respectful to adults in person and online. E-mailing a teacher is a great way to ask for help, but it shouldn't be the first thing they do! When crafting a message to a teacher, or any adult, remind your child that they should be polite, use proper spelling and grammar, and that their teachers have lives outside of school and may not respond immediately. Kids need practice with this skill. They also need practice talking face-to-face with adults. Let them know it is their job to talk with teachers and other adults about issues that involve them. Parents cannot and should not always do the talking. Let your kids order for themselves at restaurants, remind them to look people in the eye when talking, encourage them to make a phone call instead of just texting. Start this young, so that their confidence and experience can grow over time!<br />
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7. <span style="color: magenta;">Include your child on school- or team-related E-mails.</span> Does your child's school or team use messaging apps like Remind.com or TeamSnap? Does your child's teacher send newsletters via E-mail or use Instagram or Twitter to keep parents updated? If so, have your child participate in these communications, too! It's easy to add their address or phone number to the distribution list. This will help you avoid being the middle-man who has to relay messages. For example, I used to get so annoyed reminding my son when and where his soccer games were and what uniform to wear. Now, he gets the messages from TeamSnap, and these details are his responsibility! It has saved me so much nagging!<br />
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8. <span style="color: magenta;">Advocate for your child in advance, but then let them take control.</span> This is another way to set your child up for success and independence. Show up for all Open Houses and parent-teacher conferences. Let the teachers or coaches see your face and let them know that you are there to support your child. Ask questions that you might have, and set up a good line of communication and respectful relationship. Then back...away...slowly... Once you all understand expectations and have a respectful relationship set up, let your child take the lead in future communications as much as possible. They need to learn how to advocate for themselves. Encourage them to talk to their teachers and coaches, send E-mails occasionally, and be confident in their ability to solve their own problems!<br />
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9. <span style="color: magenta;">Keep up with MiStar/Zangle/Edline/Google Classroom...whatever your child's school uses!</span> Parents should definitely check in on their kids' grades online when possible...but make your child keep up, too! YOU are not the one doing the work, YOU should not be the one responsible for noticing missing assignments. Encourage your kids to check their grades weekly, so that there are no surprises and no desperate pleas for extra credit at the end of the term. The vast majority of teachers will accept late work, but not after grades are posted! These online grade books are a fantastic way for kids to monitor their work habits and grades. </div>
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10. <span style="color: magenta;">Offer help, but set boundaries.</span> Make yourself available to help your children. Sit with them to do homework, make the call to the teacher or coach if necessary. Just don't do it all the time. Many parents over-help, so make sure you set boundaries about how much help you'll give on homework, or what types of issues warrant a parent intervention at school. Let your child know that you are stepping back, but not out of their responsibilities. You will need to step in and monitor their work, but you aren't going to do it for them. Be there for support, encouragement, and understanding...not enabling.<br />
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Have questions about how I manage things? Have other ideas to help kids become more responsible independent? I'd love to hear from you! Comment below or e-mail me at teachwithmrsb@gmail.com! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-52158642653482091842018-07-05T04:45:00.000-07:002018-07-05T04:45:05.352-07:00Sun, Sand, and Savings RAFFLE Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11MsZwgzDv2Mjp2-ss-Yz6cp_lA3Od81YSlQr9yCm79TWjkoqkZbb_M1kRhoEcG9mef5dXmQj-I7rxB5OUt5PbivWdLRKEClO1qsLoRBh8giMNQnR-RnwyPRm8FS_mWVJQesODsFnGTEk/s1600/Rafflecopter+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="950" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11MsZwgzDv2Mjp2-ss-Yz6cp_lA3Od81YSlQr9yCm79TWjkoqkZbb_M1kRhoEcG9mef5dXmQj-I7rxB5OUt5PbivWdLRKEClO1qsLoRBh8giMNQnR-RnwyPRm8FS_mWVJQesODsFnGTEk/s400/Rafflecopter+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hey all! Here are the links to register to win one of three $100 gift cards! Just click on the name of the gift card you want to win, and you'll be forwarded to Rafflecopter to register:)</h2>
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<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4dfd2d968/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4d65d9111/?" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Target Gift Card</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/364bd53719/" target="_blank">Amazon Gift Card</a></span></div>
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Good Luck! ☘☘☘☘<br />Don't forget to <a href="https://instagram.com/tween_spirit_tpt/" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram</a> to find out about next week's deals!</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9uKoWvic992NwkksCYP18R_BDRndbYoEl2uyjZofNi9DM9iV6jCD6BI_4QhLtPB8o1vwnyIbgZM21-EgMmOXNEDtkCR5CMKG772K65b4xGz9MaVApcpy3Fq_5rPuzx_PlxbCoKU0tgku/s1600/SSS+Week+1+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="540" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9uKoWvic992NwkksCYP18R_BDRndbYoEl2uyjZofNi9DM9iV6jCD6BI_4QhLtPB8o1vwnyIbgZM21-EgMmOXNEDtkCR5CMKG772K65b4xGz9MaVApcpy3Fq_5rPuzx_PlxbCoKU0tgku/s640/SSS+Week+1+banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-14503461607592155752018-06-28T15:58:00.002-07:002018-06-28T15:58:25.443-07:00"Sun"sational Savings Coming Your Way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last summer, I joined up with some of the best TpT Teacher-Authors around to offer back to school savings on some of our best products AND we are doing it AGAIN this year! </div>
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Each week, we'll have special products marked down for ONE DAY ONLY, so you've got to jump onto Instagram or Facebook to follow us at #sunsandandsavingssale each week to see what we've got for you. Sales will run every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday each week in July (except July 9-15). There will also be an awesome giveaway each Saturday, so make sure you register for those too! Here's a hint of what's coming your way!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2U7b8M5GOfE7z2fTfwW1N-JT2-W6OmxdjDys0DLByMjaBNscP6k-218EFDCPHSGJvDhd7UtgU-S-bBpSqkdMef21hjotcAQvOdiOWZp0Rcy59wfDxhuylNa-M2GxEdKNd1uNyZPBuB5-/s1600/Sunsational+Summer+Savings%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2U7b8M5GOfE7z2fTfwW1N-JT2-W6OmxdjDys0DLByMjaBNscP6k-218EFDCPHSGJvDhd7UtgU-S-bBpSqkdMef21hjotcAQvOdiOWZp0Rcy59wfDxhuylNa-M2GxEdKNd1uNyZPBuB5-/s640/Sunsational+Summer+Savings%2521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Starting Monday, July 2, check out my Instagram feed @Tween_Spirit_Tpt or search #sunsandandsavingssale to find the link to our sale items! (psst...I'll be posting a Task Card set, a Color By Code activity, and a Reading Comprehension activity each for just $1!) Look for this (or similar) graphic on Facebook and Instagram to find your way to next week's deals!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAasK3xg8Gxskn96haBCGCBQHNN8nL5v97GUnLyPHlE9U3kHHxNwJ5qlRpP_6AQj1rig1oAxTGvflrhGcjKa2X42FRgmEUokfv9Q2otXHPkqFgwH3uDqnohM_Y13gD1xXUiKJrA14A47Y/s1600/Week+1+SSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="540" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAasK3xg8Gxskn96haBCGCBQHNN8nL5v97GUnLyPHlE9U3kHHxNwJ5qlRpP_6AQj1rig1oAxTGvflrhGcjKa2X42FRgmEUokfv9Q2otXHPkqFgwH3uDqnohM_Y13gD1xXUiKJrA14A47Y/s640/Week+1+SSS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's never too early to plan for the new year! Especially, if your school year starts in early August like mine does now! (I'm still getting used to Florida living ;) I'm used to having until Labor Day before going back to school!) Happy shopping and saving!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-77726497693812219412018-04-11T06:45:00.001-07:002018-04-11T06:47:33.966-07:00Teaching with Taco Bell...and other Real World Lessons!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This teaching tip comes from my 9th grade son! </div>
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We were having lunch after a soccer game this weekend at Taco Bell, per his request. As we were eating, he noticed something about the sauce packets that warmed the heart of his English teacher mom. "Look at the way the sauce types are punctuated, Mom," he said. "The word 'mild' is in parentheses, so it's like quiet. 'Hot' is underlined, like important. 'Fire' has an exclamation point, so it's like yelling a warning."</div>
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Taco Bell teaching a grammar lesson? YES!!! First of all, "Yay!" for the kid who notices such things, but second of all, there is a super fun and tasty grammar lesson to be had here! </div>
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I have to admit, I got WAY too excited about the prospect of having a punctuation lesson/taste test with my students in the near future. Isn't this a fun way to get kids to understand the use of punctuation marks? Here's all you need to do:</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">GRAMMAR LESSON OF THE DAY!</span></div>
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1. Go to Taco Bell, grab a few packets of each type of sauce.</div>
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2. Buy some tortilla chips.</div>
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3. Have your students try each type of sauce, discuss the different tastes.</div>
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4. Have students "close read" the packets, what do they notice?</div>
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5. If they don't notice on their own, point out the punctuation marks.</div>
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6. Connect the taste test to the punctuation marks.</div>
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I absolutely LOVE any opportunity to connect curriculum to the real world! I give extra credit to students who find typos or mistakes on signs and in published texts. I have a collection of signs, mugs, dishtowels, etc. with funny grammar sayings. We watch video clips to analyze speech patterns and impressions of the speaker based on their grammar and usage. It's these connections that help students understand why grammar lessons are important, and helps them become "close readers" of the world. Grammar and punctuation lessons can be dull if just presented in diagramming sentences or fill-in-the-blank worksheets. I like to jazz up my lessons with real-world connections, and fun activities like this taste test!</div>
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I can't wait to do this activity with my middle schoolers next week! Let me know if you try this activity in your classroom and how it goes! I'd also love to hear about your great ideas for making grammar fun! Comment below with your ways to make grammar fun and engaging!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-58032497224350995852017-05-16T19:45:00.002-07:002017-05-24T13:57:11.804-07:005 Tips for New (or New-To-Grade) Teachers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCiSz4URHrxPYgDjquVoVmm75XJPoqzRSpC_jQEI0IzSUiodhXpO40yiliHhPdFpErdT-hJtyjaRRoaOv_SMb5JIHmuVZkG2HpjXgrZ4jfplBgHlhOXmBt3mU8C1c9ASDsyTLec_Lbn26/s1600/teaching+tips+for+beginners+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCiSz4URHrxPYgDjquVoVmm75XJPoqzRSpC_jQEI0IzSUiodhXpO40yiliHhPdFpErdT-hJtyjaRRoaOv_SMb5JIHmuVZkG2HpjXgrZ4jfplBgHlhOXmBt3mU8C1c9ASDsyTLec_Lbn26/s640/teaching+tips+for+beginners+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">😊</span><span style="font-size: small;">This post is also featured on the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/&source=gmail&ust=1495745353955000&usg=AFQjCNHiMjPwyHbDBzyWT5Fp3hjwTrqVlA" href="http://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TpT blog</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">😊</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Are you a new teacher or a veteran teacher who is changing grades? </span></h2>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">I see you! I've been you! </span></h2>
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In my 15+ years of teaching, I've taught 7 grades! Teachers are not always given the luxury of time to plan for changes, either. Quite often, you catch word that you are being moved in August, then you are so worried about setting up your classroom that you can't even begin to think about curriculum! </h3>
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Been there, done that!</h3>
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Now I'm here to help! I've pulled together some of the things that I wish I had access to right away at the beginning of a new year in a new grade, and I'm laying it all out for you! I hope you can find some calm in the storm knowing that someone has walked a mile in your shoes, survived, and is willing to pass on tips to make your transition easier...</h3>
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<span style="color: purple;"><u>Tip #1 Make Learning Fun for Them, and Easy for You!</u></span></h2>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;">When I first moved up to middle school, I had to remember a lot of grammar rules, terms, and tricks that I had stored in the far reaches of my memory bank! Since I know teachers get bumped from grade to grade, I decided to make some products that would make teaching grammar skills easy for veteran teachers and new teachers alike! The students will like these activities, too, because they aren't boring fill-in-the-blank worksheets or diagramming sentences!</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Verbals-PARTICIPLE-GERUND-INFINITIVE-Task-Cards-Games-1855515" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3_Hi5XYLn7pr9V9UOsCtNNfgoMIpw1PEWok1_TouMWx9KgRO5xCfa4iuRPrVkep_kWMdXsUdueGXy2ECKaCSt2Px_LEoV4kUUnVT9YsL9M5H9w0rIl4DILdezQubfE_YP9B1FYa62dKB/s200/Slide13.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Punctuation-Notes-Flipbook-2198075" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7HUKoBZp1fidtpiyptSzro1QKycBV1IIBNoI4gIygETvBB1CoHt25ovWFPGKm_JsymtWI3_egrVzqIrtsF9Had2kT8kTk_2XlufKFn1NcReDD3fun-7sh9Pamt0xrgikza_cwgTysPF1/s200/Slide24.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parts-of-Speech-Mentor-Proof-of-Mastery-Sentences-Booklet-1977655" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2u7pgfZ_6-yxJKyT5gJ0EytqQjwrGyoOo3LzDOkzakyAGF_T8p6gJwKoPtzZ7a8TF0mH4CNeW4_OiBLJPnIB3s68cCSExGl4x-z0Ffqsp6bPE5zz9i3TKHAnRF5vurzgwa5uh9dxyNVtY/s200/POS+Mentor+Mastery+Sentences+SQUARE+COVER+8x8.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sentence-Types-Forms-Mentor-Proof-of-Mastery-Sentences-Booklet-1987083" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCMgaSRsKleix9MZMccSfa2jsInUACa9FZvZ6a8RSyj58bXq6mBlfTR19FVbaxjxwF8qXb2l5CFVaiERzcFluc1WWo_aD5tF8UKRYcDwAiOJXh5RoDDZx9flz4xZg7nDOQhbCddugll5v/s200/Sentences+POM+SQUARE+COVER+8x8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holiday-ELA-BUNDLE-6-Color-By-Code-Activities-Grades-3-6-2963298" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_oDY92HjclbbUWwhR2rbknWZlVPBZghNt6zI3hccydqxWFdp3ghf7C8Kp-DIog2J29rOSjLyzckDdfoWIj5nWTU1BOewbDzWtXy6f-X3L12lGmSg-kkhYl1qJNay5FA5VuFXU_VOYRE9/s200/SQUARE+COVERS+8x8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><u>Tip #2 Don't Reinvent the Wheel!</u></span></h2>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;">Something else I would have loved to have as a new-to-grade teacher is pre-made, ready to go lesson presentations and activities to start my year off right and RIGHT AWAY! There is no reason you need to customize every single lesson. Until you are comfortable with your new curriculum, use lessons that have worked successfully in other classrooms. Borrowing lessons from veteran teachers is a great way to ease into new or unfamiliar curriculum. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-First-Week-of-School-Activity-Stations-2690187" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokhvM2AlSxbgZ9Uup7NVfe9Dg6E4OvC0SPMEwYea_SVxIIY68e3QtKjzvHA6ITbpR9-Tu8MzmXjgs8EB48L3c9CTrUICqZIeWzdXU2AHNnufWflBGP9YHcGv9c8Ws0w53VUrFFx49tcEw/s200/SQUARE+COVERS+8x8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Verbs-TransitiveIntransitive-Objects-Presentation-and-Practice-2405830" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihndy4GTPM0q8UPnXHeeathzRYXp-WuxEU9uDevDOWdEvDCcDw8j_JK9brd05HkUX0ITspyTqxvrfSVeqq3pLU5_SFPXr9hRMbkXNWnM3bQwP-61pfolJezc2fd-2gj7Ua1_hm5GjPx_a/s200/Slide3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><u>Tip #3 Read, Read, Read!</u></span></h2>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;">I think that most English or Elementary teachers have a secret crush on books. I freely admit that I am a book addict! I love books of all kinds, board books on up to novels! My primary goal as an ELA teacher is to get kids to LOVE reading. I love reading aloud to kids, even middle schoolers. I love recommending books, I love doing novel studies, I love discussing what students are reading in their free time. Still, as teachers, we do have to teach reading comprehension strategies and other vocabulary and writing skills. I've created some novel study guides that offer more than just your basic comprehension questions and get students deeply involved in the story - not just lists of vocabulary words and comprehension questions! These novel study guides won't take the joy out of reading by burying students in busy work.</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/TANGERINE-by-Edward-Bloor-Literature-Guide-2250532" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTuW3QsGYMGRDKQiGwfpbM7iXok4oKlHj5xbvWEw7z89IX-xjeCw40eWRaYDLkZgqMIt90XgbeXf6D3eSHWSzw8fjANLJRjnuoXnyk4iqmIu2viFdOJG9qS3mPD-UcQRJ2jEi4wtBSRMY/s200/Cover+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Class-Dismissed-by-Allan-Woodrow-Literature-GuidewAnswer-Key-2397171" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYNT1tWRhqowUXquuMAN8IiJQJaNQQ4Df3fegkK68q3yextTxA_P7L7YXcRN2zrFy2dIy6kND71TXGQDJUWGE9NgmogqsdMUmmLeyUwatBAdEGaI15LyvIEjrJysErkIBvFjSE8mCJYjI/s200/Slide6.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><u>Tip #4 Teach with Music!</u></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Students often have difficulty understanding theme and mood in literature, but they totally get T.V. shows and popular music! I've created these two products to help! Each activity starts with an exploration of popular theme songs, either from T.V. shows or movies. Kids often learn better through music, so these activities spark interest and grow dendrites :) I love to use these activities at the beginning of the year because students LOVE them and I love learning more about my kids!</span></h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/THEME-Project-What-is-Your-Theme-Song-Exploring-Literary-Terms-through-Songs-2017720" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDHWBItjCH5zS6aw6fgpTeEHS-THPLtOTLMS89t4VwokgFp_JngWLan0Sj3Xk4MU_AdfbtsgXp8hqz5WKBEtXxamHPS5qdNhD2tsAbubuawJoe5fNJaHRvBuE30BEayotY8GMJRFxLc6c/s200/Theme+SongSQUARE+COVERS+8x8.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/MOOD-Project-Music-Mood-Exploring-Literary-Terms-through-Songs-2213649" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaJXogMx2YOHuKbu3ixQ3rHs384SAHh-gx7YwVSAIX0wbuuixm0ZhLz640lvP-b2CsLfS0eXUBx0wGdIoOEW2-LN3eE8vxlflLL1KTvvyL-aHimQvUTgobS-1IXlCCglA3VJjJMIdJ0YR/s200/Slide25.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><u>Tip #5 Use Interactive Notebooks!</u></span></h2>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm a BIG FAN of Interactive Student Notebooks, too! I like to think that after my students leave my class and head to high school, they will have an ELA Reference "Bible" to take along with them! These notebooks are essentially a collection of skills learned throughout the year. My students find themselves referring back to notes in their ISNs at different times of the year to refresh their memories or to review for tests. Here are a few of my favorite ISN templates and activities:</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Logos-Pathos-Ethos-Argumentative-Appeals-for-Interactive-Notebooks-2407288" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP42XGLa2WwCEAduW-jo13mSTeToThcXiT2EvK70Y0a1n_rzakgLkRTZyS0p3qUC4kS4pF6QroZFhyykugPHH_PIgnhzQTk1r2dakDbhJyq5f5y2-s1X2kWP5eebnZnt9iq9ZzYNA6HzzY/s200/Slide1.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Active-and-Passive-Voice-Verbs-for-Interactive-Student-Notebooks-2309522" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzab4M6TL8j3JHjbQpzHVDB4UxyumBRaN3c2849vBMkzx7v4sqiKIFnDnl3SIs4wg2Dy264FpqF27c0b9H4wgiQTReUQpbDmVpYCCiLyjLn3BWimwtmNXvYBs9dldidyQvQFAgKxFATt8s/s200/Slide9.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I hope that some of these suggestions will help you in your quest to make this your best year yet! Take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and let those who have walked before you help you get started on your new path!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click on the pictures above to find out more about my best-selling products in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store. To get you started, you can click on the two </span><span style="background-color: white;">pictures below to download some ready-to-use TODAY freebies!</span></span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/4-Types-of-Sentences-Grammar-Practice-Color-By-Code-2520199" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpbQm7auih8i4kcyDis9EN61YrA_hkLuBPfdRYSXGckUK3jcWv07m7KbaCUOEZMSpXrAyDApayGmYGbno_ER3J3Zq0VCwNxXGdbMLWTyI4EMmtS4UejelBF5z0mogNVV_bCLh5vxN19Ox/s200/SQUARE+COVERS+8x8.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Plot-Diagram-for-all-Grades-2429236" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUeoCdiTUxAU9GerFJ9nFQ5euJY6QnN5c1mskVhjRxwFJn6-um8q033VSciTktMidZmQnm_ofE12ZiVho1ENi6pMGLGCz7wWXDOdZ4NalJU_krm37tQYh-KjWVWVjj3syvRmFOdpMyhgg/s200/SQUARE+COVERS+8x8.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Find more great activities and resources from Tween Spirit on Teachers Pay Teachers!</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tween-Spirit" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInz1H9i-0yZqxLW68lNSJ2UF39BNqJLwDkBTzV2hflWZgXJrN4SFgEfhvXoj6hlW_UO9ZypD6Lr2xmb6wv7yR8ZM3mwu1m3SSNwpfyRsaXozKO8d8WPM6BPZ3-ox_igm4gWjqpOF3oPap/s200/LogoSmall.png" width="200" /></a></h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-34846945786612808792017-05-04T07:04:00.000-07:002017-05-04T07:04:06.370-07:00Gamify Your Classroom!At this point of the year, I think it's safe to say the kids are losing interest in being in school and teachers are pulling out all the stops to keep kids motivated and engaged!<br />
<br />
Between state standardized testing, end-of-the-year evaluations, and the weather finally improving in some parts of the world, student engagement is probably pretty weak in your class...am I right? I'll bet most of you are running on fumes, too...I'll admit that I am! <br />
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Well, here's my secret to re-energizing yourself, your students, and your curriculum...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk4ev0edi8ypTN-BZ8n8qHWtjcTg3Ntt3cA393OEYxmf7rYofIqRqT5STD1Am-f8tbyoTbJvTB_NJwbOjW3hYkRK4Dm5tQK9TRqhShslUulCilfzHgyLPY4wC0aThfbXY5iCzH3RB9uw6/s1600/Gamify+Blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk4ev0edi8ypTN-BZ8n8qHWtjcTg3Ntt3cA393OEYxmf7rYofIqRqT5STD1Am-f8tbyoTbJvTB_NJwbOjW3hYkRK4Dm5tQK9TRqhShslUulCilfzHgyLPY4wC0aThfbXY5iCzH3RB9uw6/s640/Gamify+Blog.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="entry_header" data-num-block="" data-title-block="gamify" data-type-block="English" style="background-color: #e5ebf3; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(25, 72, 133); border-left-style: solid; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 0px 4px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 15px; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<span class="orth" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">gamify</span><span class="mini_h2" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="span" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"> (</span><span class="pron type-" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">ˈɡeɪmɪˌfaɪ</span><span class="span" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">)</span></span></h2>
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<span class="gramGrp" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">verb</span><br />
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<span class="gramGrp" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="subc" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="span" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">(</span>transitive<span class="span" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">)</span></span></span><br />
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to <a class="ref type-def" href="https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/adapt" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; word-wrap: break-word;" title="Definition of adapt">adapt</a> (a <a class="ref type-def" href="https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/task" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; word-wrap: break-word;" title="Definition of task">task</a>) so that it takes on the form of a <a class="ref type-def" href="https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/game" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; word-wrap: break-word;" title="Definition of game">game</a></div>
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<span class="i" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Collins English Dictionary</span>. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers</div>
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<h4>
What does "gamifying" look like in a classroom? It can look a few different ways! Read on...</h4>
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<h2>
<b>Low- or No-Tech: </b>I love using Task Cards with my students as a way to up the fun while learning! Task cards require no technology at all...well, once you've printed them! I use task cards in a few different ways, depending on my mood:) </h2>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Play Scoot!</b> "Scoot" is a fun way to get kids moving. I tape as many task cards as I have students around the room or on desks. Each child gets an answer form, then they move from one card to the next in number order and responds to each task card on their answer sheet.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSGoyoz9kliStpPegTxUU4Gq7VwlPjnKL7FD7IOrnV36OjZsIcWCpP5n0Rtypgx9fwB5Kg3OI3Yyi71jwO4GT9jIxeOKYGGPLjp6RH_7Au9NnMqgJYqsIgoA7OsDWI-QPDj3GOV8sR7fe/s1600/Task+Cards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSGoyoz9kliStpPegTxUU4Gq7VwlPjnKL7FD7IOrnV36OjZsIcWCpP5n0Rtypgx9fwB5Kg3OI3Yyi71jwO4GT9jIxeOKYGGPLjp6RH_7Au9NnMqgJYqsIgoA7OsDWI-QPDj3GOV8sR7fe/s400/Task+Cards.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scoot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>Pass the Cards! </b>In this version, the kids stay at their seats, but the cards move. Once a child answers the card's question, they pass it to the person next to them until they've responded to all the cards. This works especially well for task cards with multiple choice or short answer questions.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Poetry-Vocabulary-and-Figurative-Language-Task-Cards-April-is-Poetry-Month-3088095" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDSzlvcvncyhhsP-IKwu44r1iW_ioz1cY46T2FQAYa6scVAww9eZ57rUoe1ZEgABcwis8ecD2mZRf5olK-WOAS4PICpc8tllojnPBYHTrLoa1rmNiRuMg7pfreCrZfB61hqkhr3zzH_lm/s400/taskcards2.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Poetry-Vocabulary-and-Figurative-Language-Task-Cards-April-is-Poetry-Month-3088095" target="_blank">Poetry Vocabulary Task Cards</a></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><b>Scramble! </b> I give students parts of a sentence that they have to unscramble to create a complete, correctly assembled sentence with proper punctuation. You can find this game (in a non-holiday version) <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sentences-and-Clauses-Matching-Race-Clauses-and-Punctuation-Game-2275157" target="_blank">"The Great Clause Race" in my TpT store</a> for only $1!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sentences-and-Clauses-Matching-Race-Clauses-and-Punctuation-Game-2275157" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9jeGFMg3tFibC90P-4Wqdek9OFuLxPTtraDq4O8ZpWqi4Dfid0AoqLwmFJ7CsuirzqtYmoFNLUxoB_YHFlNwjFAWNxTMXRRyNjC1L1cywQfiLClU1e1Xo9FhwcLC5lqAVjGViu_SLj0a/s400/clauserace.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sentences-and-Clauses-Matching-Race-Clauses-and-Punctuation-Game-2275157" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sentences-and-Clauses-Matching-Race-Clauses-and-Punctuation-Game-2275157" target="_blank">The Great Clause Race</a></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><b>Around the World! </b>This is the classic game we all played as kids in school, usually with multiplication flash cards. 2 kids stand up next to each other, the teacher reads a question from the card, and the first child to shout out the answer moves to the next opponent. </li>
<li><b>Team Challenge!</b> This may be my favorite! I make 5-6 sets of the same task cards. Rather than giving students an answer sheet, I put them in small groups and have them race against other groups to sort them. (This doesn't work for all types of task cards, though! I especially like to do this with parts of speech, three types of verbs, verbals or other grammar topics.) This variation requires kids to work together and gets their competitive juices flowing. It's great support for weaker students and they don't feel as intimidated.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tween-Spirit/Category/-Task-Cards-215073" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwP2Asj2grAXuFBJSAJekU1u1HMqI55Gplen3eldUBrIeIQZRtFHKXP7ApoDdORdUjflzL8RteKG-EASuuQqTUPLkV4AqV-ugyAJ7VR-J9xRU-0TBD58RlX039jZFTB1a5LDIMzh-m7vJV/s400/taskcards1.JPG" title="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tween-Spirit/Category/-Task-Cards-215073" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tween-Spirit/Category/-Task-Cards-215073" target="_blank">Task Cards</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Minute to Win It! </b> This is also a great team variation. I separate kids into teams and create challenges like "find all the cards with a noun underlined, then be the first to clothespin them together", or "be the first to alphabetize the words", or even "use all the sentences containing an infinitive to build a house of cards". My middle schoolers LOVE playing Minute to Win It!</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa-IfMzIyMeqxO58l-9u-cItDCaiTuX7L36EuWwAJLAqgZVtebwVLJhQxBwUBXuQLFqq6eoBQaFcvufF1gKh4rA7R4eOeQ_ZAueKqNpVQSIAUq98oqXQFnAxjF9gTFFsrEkv-e9kHSD58/s1600/IMG_5514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa-IfMzIyMeqxO58l-9u-cItDCaiTuX7L36EuWwAJLAqgZVtebwVLJhQxBwUBXuQLFqq6eoBQaFcvufF1gKh4rA7R4eOeQ_ZAueKqNpVQSIAUq98oqXQFnAxjF9gTFFsrEkv-e9kHSD58/s400/IMG_5514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>I Have, Who Has?</b> You can't do this with basic task cards, but you can find specific "I have, who has?" cards on TpT, at teacher stores, or you can make your own. This is a great game to calm kids down and really make them focus. Each student gets a card or two (you have to pass out all the cards in the set for the game to work and come full circle). One card will say "start"-that student begins by reading his card. The rest of the students have to listen to the speaker, then look at their card to see if they have what the speaker is looking for. For example, card one may say, "Who has the prefix that means 'under'?" The student holding the card that says 'sub-' responds, "I have 'sub-', who has the prefix that means 'to do again'?" and so on until one student is left with the "stop" card. When I taught elementary, I'd often end my day with this game while we waited for buses, or right after lunch recess to calm students down and get them re-focused.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCespOIfMp_iSEeGA9IatzPXi6OxXeqEugpeNzZ3mebPoXxAc2YCCDIX1hXMVN2V2SAMVpzqIHJHfY9GBtih-oGhcC60-ve69NF9hfvmI86RpfbEMlEdf4tnufJTMs_DQS2a9L-wcRvX4/s1600/ihavewhohas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCespOIfMp_iSEeGA9IatzPXi6OxXeqEugpeNzZ3mebPoXxAc2YCCDIX1hXMVN2V2SAMVpzqIHJHfY9GBtih-oGhcC60-ve69NF9hfvmI86RpfbEMlEdf4tnufJTMs_DQS2a9L-wcRvX4/s400/ihavewhohas.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<b>Tech Required: </b>There are SO MANY amazing, interactive game programs designed just for schools! If you haven't tried any, please do! Here are a few of my favorites: </h2>
<ul>
<li><b><a href="https://quizlet.com/" target="_blank">Quizlet and Quizlet Live!</a></b> I really think this is the complete package of games! It's really easy for teachers to set up an account at quizlet.com and to have his or her students join their class. Once you've got an account, you can either create a set of flashcards, or use a set that another teacher has already posted. Now that you've got a set of flashcards created, the FUN begins! Kids can log in at anytime and use the flashcards in a variety of ways-as normal flashcards, as a matching game, a race between players, and my personal favorite in-class game-Quizlet Live! Quizlet Live allows a teacher to break a class into teams that have to work together-YES! TOGETHER!- to match up terms and definitions. They have to work together because each student only has a few of the answers. As a team, they all see the definition, but only one teammate has the answer, so one kid can't do all the work! Watch a demo here: <a href="https://vimeo.com/161809345">https://vimeo.com/161809345</a>. Trust me your class will LOVE this! Quizlet is something kids can do on their own at home to study, and it even has an option for teachers to create a variety of tests to print off. Quizlet is super student and teacher friendly!</li>
<li><b><a href="https://getkahoot.com/" target="_blank">Kahoot!</a> </b>This is actually my least favorite online game, but kids like it. Kahoot allows you to create your own or use sets made by other teachers, just like Quizlet. Unlike Quizlet, Kahoot is a multiple choice game. Here's what I don't love. The question is only visible on the teacher's projected screen, but the answers are only on a student's device. That makes for a lot of looking up and down, and honestly some frustration visually. This game is usually played with all students playing for themselves against the rest of the class, which is great for bright, competitive kids with quick fingers, but can be frustrating for slow-processing kids. The newest update does allow for teams, which I think is an improvement to keep all kids engaged. </li>
<li><b><a href="https://quizizz.com/" target="_blank">Quizizz!</a> </b>Quizizz is my latest find and current favorite. Quizizz is similar to Kahoot, in that it lets you create or use sets of multiple choice questions made by other teachers. However, the big difference is that each student sees the question and answers on their own screen and that it is student-paced. In Kahoot, the whole class has to wait for all students to answer (or the teacher can set a time limit) before moving on to the next question. In Quizizz, as soon as a student answers a question, the next question pops up on their screen and they can move on. It takes the pressure off slower students, and eliminates boring wait time for quicker students. There is still a level of competition involved because the teacher can post a leaderboard and a winner can be named, but this is an option, not a necessity. The other fun thing about Quizizz, is that after each question, a meme pops up congratulating them or encouraging them. There are pre-loaded memes, or teachers can create their own. The kids and I think they are pretty funny!</li>
<li><b><a href="https://nearpod.com/" target="_blank">Nearpod!</a></b> Now, Nearpod isn't as much of a game, as the others, but it is still a fun teaching tool. I wrote a <a href="http://tweenspiritblog.blogspot.com/2016/04/nearpod-is-fun.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> about it last year, if you want a more in-depth review. Since that blog, they've made updates which I think make it more fun. With Nearpod, you can upload your own powerpoint or google slide presentations and add student activities to the slide show. When you present, each student sees your slide show on their own device while you project it. Between slides, you can insert activities such as multiple choice questions, polls, short answer responses, drawing responses, true/false questions, etc. The students answer the question or do the activity on their device, then all responses pop up on the teacher's screen. It's a great way to quickly insert formative assessments in a presentation, and it keeps kids' attention and gets students actively learning during what would otherwise be a lecture-based lesson. Most of Nearpod's functionality is free, if you upload your own slide shows. However, there is a paid option that allows you more choice of activities, and the ability to purchase already created Nearpod presentations.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<br />If you are looking for ways to keep student engagement high right up to the end of the year, I hope you try out some of these activities! Do you have other ideas to gamify a classroom? Let me know by commenting below! </h4>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-6800236907484636502017-04-12T14:36:00.000-07:002017-04-12T14:47:25.024-07:00TPT Flock 2017 Recap and Giveaway!<h3 style="text-align: center;">
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Last weekend I had the privilege of hanging out with a bunch of<br /> AMAZING Teachers Pay Teachers authors!</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all flocked together!</td></tr>
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<br />TpTFlock17 was a meet up of teacher-authors/bloggers in Rochester, NY. It was organized by a team of upstate New Yorkers and a few others with roots in the NY region. These women pulled together an amazing workshop filled with teaching advice, business advice, and even some TpT "celebrity" sightings! </h3>
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I want to send a shout out to the organizers: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Literary-Sherri" target="_blank">Literary Sherri</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tricias-Terrific-Teaching-Trinkets" target="_blank">Tricia's Terrific Teaching Trinkets</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Double-Dose-Of-Learning" target="_blank">A Double Dose of Learning</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Brain-Waves-Instruction" target="_blank">Brain Waves Instruction</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Miss-Vs-Kinder-Kraziness" target="_blank">Miss V's Kindercrazies</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Selma-Dawani-1121" target="_blank">Selma Dawani</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Worth-A-Thousand-Words-Photos" target="_blank">Worth a Thousand Words</a>, and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Classroom-Nook" target="_blank">The Classroom Nook</a>!</div>
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Thank you for putting on such a great event!</div>
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The event was held at the beautiful <a href="https://www.facebook.com/woodcliffhotelspa/" target="_blank">Woodcliff Resort and Spa in Fairport, NY</a>. We had a group dinner Friday night, then Saturday was filled with workshops on Pinterest, Instagram, Blogging, product creating, and more! I feel like I need to take a week off from school to sit at a computer and make new products and pins and blogs!!!</div>
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For me, the best part of the weekend was meeting new people. I had the opportunity to get tips from successful TpTers like <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Danielle-Knight" target="_blank">Danielle from Study All Knight</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Juggling-Ela" target="_blank">Tammy from Juggling ELA</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Flapjack-Educational-Resources" target="_blank">Tabitha from Flapjack Educational Resources,</a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Not-So-Wimpy-Teacher" target="_blank">Jamie from The Not So Wimpy Teacher</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Erica-Bohrer" target="_blank">Erica Bohrer</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Karen-Jones" target="_blank">Karen Jones</a>, and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Speech-Time-Fun" target="_blank">Hallie from Speech Time Fun</a>. These women are all so helpful and just fun to be around! Staffers from the TpT HQ in NYC were also in attendance! Amy and Elliott led a panel where we were able to ask questions about TpT as sellers and buyers, and they were really listening to our suggestions and concerns. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at Champps</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging after the conference with Amy from TpT HQ and Tricia from Tricia's Terrific Teaching Trinkets</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chatting with Danielle Knight</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Jenny from </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Art-With-Jenny-K" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Art with Jenny K</a><span style="text-align: center;"> was the keynote speaker and led us all in an incredible group art project that was revealed at the end of the day! How cool is this creation??</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone at the conference made one little square and it turned out THIS cool!</td></tr>
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Besides taking away TONS of ideas and tips, the gifts and giveaways were amazing! Many of us participated in a gift exchange- items that we all use to make products or our lives easier. I received this fun bag of goodies from <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Teachers-Cat" target="_blank">The Teacher's Cat</a> filled with Flair Pens, Post It Notes, and a waterbottle.</div>
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We also received a "swag bag" filled with donations collected from Teachers Pay Teachers, Starbucks, Tailwind, and generous TpT sellers such as <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Melonheadz" target="_blank">Melonheadz</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Illumismart" target="_blank">Illumismart</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kb3teach" target="_blank">KB3 Teach</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Poppydreamz-Digital-Art" target="_blank">Poppydreamz</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Sillyomusic" target="_blank">SillyOMusic</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Alina-V-Design" target="_blank">AlinaVDesigns</a>, and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Pigknit-Clip-Art" target="_blank">Pigknit</a>...just to name a few!</div>
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I loved everything about this meetup...it was honestly as good as the full Teachers Pay Teachers conference in the summer...just in a smaller dose. If you are interested or involved in TpT in any way, you HAVE to check out this conference next year. It was well worth my trip from Michigan, and I've already got it on my calendar for April 2018!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vzDvsqw7OZ7_9FYFZzVNne1Pf2j4hHayNjPqXnzoGLnBEMNL_JPBRYXJjC38eqfj_7xi7K7VroZRIU82CPCZUtisc4rQc4j89NZY2y4YZt9qlRj6xIwEkTrYQYFTQZZESOaxW9YAFoJr/s1600/GoldArrow07.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vzDvsqw7OZ7_9FYFZzVNne1Pf2j4hHayNjPqXnzoGLnBEMNL_JPBRYXJjC38eqfj_7xi7K7VroZRIU82CPCZUtisc4rQc4j89NZY2y4YZt9qlRj6xIwEkTrYQYFTQZZESOaxW9YAFoJr/s200/GoldArrow07.png" width="167" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
Giveaway Time!</div>
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I'm still on cloud nine from all the fun and I want to share the love with you! Comment below for a chance to win a $10 Target gift card by April 30, 2017. Write a comment about what kinds of things you'd like to see more of on TpT, your favorite resource from my store (or anywhere on TpT:), topics you'd like me to blog about in the future...whatever! On May 1, I'll choose a commenter at random and he/she will win a $10 Target gift card!</h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-42525149305943019592017-03-30T17:19:00.000-07:002017-03-30T17:19:57.509-07:0010 Tips for Helping BIG KIDS Manage Themselves at SCHOOL<br />
I have a 5th grader and an 8th grader at home. I just received letters from both the HIGH SCHOOL and MIDDLE SCHOOL informing me that I now, officially, have BIG kids! How will I not have any little kids anymore? My mommy heart is crying crocodile tears, but my mommy brain is spinning with thoughts of "how in the world will these two handle the new responsibilities of middle and high school?"<br />
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So, instead of looking at baby pictures with teary eyes and a glass of chardonnay, I stepped out of my mommy-self and put on my teacher-thinking-cap. I work with big kids every day. I help big kids get organized in my classroom. I advise parents JUST LIKE ME on how to help their kids adjust to middle school. Plus, my son has survived middle school with great grades and minimal drama, so I must have done something right. So, I sat down and made a list. (Doesn't everything seem easier to handle when you start with a list?!?) Actually, I made 2 lists...one for teachers at school and one for parents at home! I'll share each list in a separate blog post :)<br />
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TOP 10 Tips for helping BIG KIDS Manage Themselves at SCHOOL</h3>
1. Each student should have a dedicated homework folder. This folder goes to EVERY class and only work that needs to travel between school and home goes in it. Now there is no need for kids dragging 50-pound backpacks home or forgetting something important in their locker!<br />
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2. Teach kids to use their planner/assignment book. Spend time at the beginning of the year teaching this skill, then follow up throughout the year with occasional check ups. Reward those students with fully filled-in books.<br />
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3. Use Google Classroom! It is SO easy to set up and manage. You can post assigments, a calendar, e-copies of work, online textbook links, video links, just about anything you can think of. This is a life-saving resource for kids who forget papers...all they need is an internet connection and device!<br />
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4.Use remind.com to make parent/student communication quick and easy! Just sign up for an account, then you can send texts to remind parents and students of upcoming due dates, tests, etc.<br />
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5. Create a team blog to use as an online assignment book. Our 6th grade team all has "ownership" of a blog and we all post our daily assignments in one place. This is especially helpful for students who struggle to fill in their planners. Google Sites and Blogger are really easy to set up and use!<br />
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6. Have a box of extra copies in your classroom. Put a file folder in for each day of the month. Toss in a few extra copies of papers passed out each day for absent or absent-minded students. If today is March 30, the papers go in file #30.<br />
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7. Don't let important materials leave the room! I like to have ISN/Journal storage bins in my classroom. I also don't let textbooks leave...students have online textbooks for home.<br />
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8. Offer a "Get Out of Jail Free" card! Let kids know that we understand mistakes happen and occasionally we are all forgetful. I like to give out one or two homework passes per quarter and my team uses "oops" coupons which students can attach to late work for no point loss. <br />
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9. Reward GREAT behavior! Our school is a PBIS school and we give coupons to students who are caught being good. Then, each teacher has a "store" in their classroom where students can redeem their coupons for candy, late work passes, leave class early passes, sit in the teacher's seat reward, etc. Students really love these rewards and it helps keep them on task!<br />
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10. Offer help, but set boundaries. I like to open my class for lunch one or two days a week to students who have questions, need extra help, or need to make up work after an absence. I also make myself available via e-mail. However, many students (and parents) try to overuse this help, so make sure you set boundaries about how quickly parents should expect a response from e-mail, how many times a student can come in at lunch, or how late in the day is acceptable to send e-mails about homework.<br />
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Have questions about how I organize things? Have other ideas to help students become more responsible? I'd love to hear what you do! Comment below or e-mail me at teachwithmrsb@gmail.com! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-40282632795201174052017-03-05T12:46:00.000-08:002017-03-05T12:46:40.744-08:00How do you teach VERBALS?This is a shout out to all my 8th grade teachers! We are all tasked with trying to get students to understand VERBALS! (thanks Common Core 😱) Those pesky "verbs in disguise" are confusing as heck for students!<br />
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If your school is like mine, you probably were given a big set of grammar worksheets and maybe a reference book to use, right? <span style="color: red;"><b>B-O-R-I-N-G</b></span> for teachers and students, and not especially effective for getting kids excited about the thrilling world of grammar! Over the past few years, I've tried to jazz up my grammar lessons by using games, coloring, and interactive activities. I rarely use the worksheets given to me by my district, however I do use them when teaching verbals!<br />
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So HOW do I teach verbals? Well, verbals are HARD to understand, no doubt about it, but they are even harder to understand if a student doesn't have a solid understanding of the parts of speech. Even though CCSS doesn't have standards in 8th grade related to teaching nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, I feel very strongly about reviewing these parts of speech before even mentioning verbals. I focus most of my 2nd quarter grammar lessons on practice with nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs- especially adjectives and adverbs. I love using ISN templates as a place for students to take notes and I've created Color By Code review sheets for students to practice. I spend at least 2 days reviewing each of these four parts of speech.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Adjectives-and-Adverbs-for-Interactive-Notebooks-2378381" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX69OtCcw_dodYoDSmHz64AoZ4ZkQyHOE8zpXBw2x0O2WSHJ5zwhDaBmsfR_sT9JicHTuorYL_DZSm2JufVOQarhLvYt3DIU_KzIrnPr_WqIaOw9r7gy8UsAKryHCcjk96aw1UrCarB1lN/s400/Adjectives+and+Adverbs+ISN+PREVIEWS.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ISN Templates for Note Taking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Adjectives-and-Adverbs-Grammar-Practice-Color-By-Code-2438508" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIqaoffFa143SGPp2iOBF7Ol9iI2QxrszBL8xlUJnRyJWKcAzJjAPeJq1TM8eVysZwlstFr6K28UdZrwJcZmtNlobqaH5vth2HWfAMgWTE_2DfOdiSyE95MLo7uwW7hn8M5dRvYQGJgcp/s400/DSC_0314.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Adjectives-and-Adverbs-Grammar-Practice-Color-By-Code-2438508" target="_blank">Adjective and Adverb Color By Code</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCweDjOWx6VuEcNX5zFavDSCTlmmvMYMoLlECozT2gUIDsfX1CWtrgP5iBP4fLTU1H3Ryg9taKijh_bxxoy4lExjh0YTTOoa_L7rDm1DqPdqFId-I99rxfZFHMMQPs0RhUMxPVrhfybjL/s1600/IMG_5514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCweDjOWx6VuEcNX5zFavDSCTlmmvMYMoLlECozT2gUIDsfX1CWtrgP5iBP4fLTU1H3Ryg9taKijh_bxxoy4lExjh0YTTOoa_L7rDm1DqPdqFId-I99rxfZFHMMQPs0RhUMxPVrhfybjL/s400/IMG_5514.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parts of Speech "Minute to Win It" sorting game</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing "Scoot!" with task cards</td></tr>
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Once I feel that my students have a solid understanding of the jobs of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, it is time to BLOW THEIR MINDS with verbals!<br />
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I love using ISNs, so I start with having my students glue an anchor chart in their ISNs. You can grab the one I use for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Verbals-Participles-Gerunds-Infinitives-Anchor-Chart-2298250" target="_blank">FREE here</a>. Then I've created Nearpod presentations to use to introduce verbals as a whole individually. (If you'd like to know more about Nearpod, an interactive PowerPoint platform, <a href="http://tweenspiritblog.blogspot.com/search?q=nearpod" target="_blank">click here to read my blog</a> about it!) You can use whatever lesson-style you like to introduce the basics of verbals, but I personally love turning PowerPoints or Google Slides into Nearpods! I spend four days introducing verbals, and this is one of the few times of the year I actually use the worksheets given to me by my district, because kids need A LOT of practice identifying verbals:<br />
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Day 1: Intro Verbals as "Verbs in Disguise", anchor chart and explaining the three types of verbals and how they look like verbs, but don't act like verbs in sentences. I give them a packet of practice sheets which we will do in class together.<br />
Day 2: Participles- I have a presentation just on participles in Nearpod. Then we do a practice worksheet in class together.<br />
Day 3: Gerunds- Nearpod and worksheet<br />
Day 4: Infinitives- Nearpod and worksheet<br />
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Now that my students have had some experience with the three types of verbals, I add in the FUN! I truly believe learning comes from student experience, not teachers' lectures. So, I spend the next few days letting kids play around with verbals. I use these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Verbals-PARTICIPLE-GERUND-INFINITIVE-Task-Cards-Games-1855515" target="_blank">task cards</a> in a variety of ways with my students. First, I post them around the room and give them a task card form. The students "scoot" around the room reading sentences on the task cards and determining which type of verbal is used in each sentence. I ask them to compare answers with a partner and if their answers differ, they work together to try to figure it out. I also like to use these cards to play "Score Four!". Score Four is a lot like the card game "Spoons". Kids work in small groups and try to be the first to collect four task cards containing the same type of verbal, then grab a spoon or pencil from the center of the table. Students LOVE the fast-paced nature of this game! Here is what the cards look like:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Verbals-PARTICIPLE-GERUND-INFINITIVE-Task-Cards-Games-1855515" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYidMukEDHRigQFZMlSk3ahaqvNVQbQ2ssWpli7seeSt3Ym79sz5OSi3E4xdB7h62XstqilM7wdIpnekFf2B19e7Ee6N3hKeYkv2JOTQLrcaBtw_9CJk9VEXuiI_1XMNO-f2Cw9UZtIqHP/s640/Verbals.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click picture to grab this activity!<br /></td></tr>
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By now, my students usually have a pretty good grasp on those pesky verbals! As a final review, I challenge them to recognize when a word is being used as a verbal or when it is just acting as a verb in this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Verbals-Grammar-Practice-Participles-Gerunds-Infinitives-Color-By-Code-2298223" target="_blank">Color By Code activity</a>:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Verbals-Grammar-Practice-Participles-Gerunds-Infinitives-Color-By-Code-2298223" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KCfUdHiRzHqtF9UgMpyRcbBxaZDg5Noqbe_LA1XZTtYXfpNmfReboNbvN1w87YK1j4sgy5-oo6G7aFxSe01-x7aB1YOC-zI1sZTFC54Bs0NYRHQw0KMz6Iq7Ncv7geaq7RCF0vucbE99/s640/PREVIEWS.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Verbals-Grammar-Practice-Participles-Gerunds-Infinitives-Color-By-Code-2298223" target="_blank">C</a>lick picture to grab this activity!</td></tr>
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I've tried teaching verbals a variety of ways over the last few years, and incorporating a combination of interactive introduction presentations, worksheet practice, and games to keep students engaged in reviewing has really upped my students' scores on the assessment! I hope these strategies will help you too! <br />
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If you've got great ideas for teaching this tricky subject, I'd love to hear your suggestions! Please post ideas in the comments, because teaching is all about collaborating!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-24023058706169884322017-01-15T21:01:00.000-08:002018-07-03T17:38:31.549-07:00Celebrating Holidays in the Middle School Classroom<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let's face it...no matter how old the students are, they are still crazy on holidays! ESPECIALLY those holidays that lead in to breaks!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So what can a teacher do to get through the holiday or the day before a holiday break? (other than pop in a movie!)</span></h2>
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I'll let you in on my tried and true holiday-crazed-kids survival plan!</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> First, for each holiday, I gather a collection of holiday-themed worksheets...yes, worksheets-they DO have value at times! Then, I think of ways I can get kids up and moving for SHORT amounts of time. Next, I think of things students always want to do in class, but rarely are allowed to. Finally, I make it all into a competition with some sort of prize attached!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sounds simple, right? That's the best news...IT IS THAT SIMPLE!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span> Let me break it down for you. Let's take Halloween as an example. Halloween this year was on a Monday, so in my 6th grade ELA class, we celebrated "Monster Monday" (I've had years when I've called it "Witchy Wednesday" or "Freaky Friday"...you get the point!). I hung a few decorations and turned the lights down. When kids came into class, they picked up a "Monster Monday To Do List".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Grammar-Practice-Subjects-and-Predicates-Color-By-Code-2812068" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW8tIrcipQ4RiWJH6driNg2YHJMCHhnmMGW34lXS8dx5KYdPoWMEHtu56lep0Tx-CpbhLTH8iBDFLNsTNlgw4i6mUd5aTl4SGc3eKX8cUMBKRgnSP8tux11cT1p4TKs3qy-mkjLILHcAu/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="246" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Grammar-Practice-Subjects-and-Predicates-Color-By-Code-2812068" target="_blank">This worksheet has students identifying sentence parts (subject or predicate) and coloring by code to create the picture!</a></td></tr>
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I created a list of grammar worksheets, silly challenges, and physical movements that all tied into Halloween some way or another. I told them the first 2 students to complete all the challenges would win a prize from me (this time it was ghost-shaped Peeps candy from the Dollar Store). The students had fun working together on the worksheets, and they LOVED having the chance to draw on the whiteboard! I had fun watching them do jumping jacks and moonwalk. Because it was a challenge, they all got competitive and worked hard to win! </div>
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This is the best way I've found to keep kids engaged during holidays! It is super-easy for teachers, too! Once you've found the worksheets and thought of the activities, you can use the same plan year after year. Now, I can actually enjoy holidays with my students because I know they aren't just wasting a class period watching a movie. Plus, since the kids are interacting with each other and with you, it's a great relationship building day!</div>
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I do this for many holidays: Halloween, before Winter Break, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, before Spring Break! Here's another example, this time of a Winter Break to do list:</div>
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I hope that gives you some ideas to get through those tough-to-manage days ahead! </div>
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Here's another example of one of the worksheets I use for Thanksgiving week to review punctuation: </div>
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If you are looking for some ELA activity sheets to get you started on your collection, I just added a bunch of new Color By Code holiday-themed activities! You can find activities for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Grammar-Practice-Subjects-and-Predicates-Color-By-Code-2812068" target="_blank">Halloween</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Activity-Punctuation-Practice-Color-By-Code-2187258" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/December-Holidays-Parts-of-Speech-Grammar-Practice-Color-By-Code-2195363" target="_blank">Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Years-Capitalization-Rules-Grammar-Practice-Color-By-Code-3536022" target="_blank">New Year</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Adjectives-Adverbs-Practice-Color-By-Code-2959022" target="_blank">Valentine's Day</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Verb-Tenses-Grammar-Practice-Color-By-Code-2961380" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day</a>, and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Easter-Parts-of-Speech-Grammar-Practice-Color-By-Code-2963245" target="_blank">Easter</a>! Visit my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tween-Spirit-Boutique" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers Store</a> to check them all out!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holiday-ELA-BUNDLE-6-Color-By-Code-Activities-Grades-3-6-2963298" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSzD_7mNS52OZHS6OnP8ttrYvHpDCVtoeilqGTXA71qQ8Rqnvxl49chTdIYIoAiBNChABuKIcdkN7PE1hKQ2THMmq7CyW2553ais-d78eRiq9jbO6_K2crT2nxda9cPIRc7mCOuWZJfiq/s400/Holiday+CBC+Bundle.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-23830259524511983932016-10-03T12:49:00.000-07:002016-10-03T12:49:20.794-07:00Classroom Reveal!Hello again! <br />
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I've been so busy getting my room ready and the year started, that I just realized I hadn't posted pics of my classroom! (Actually, I've dropped the ball on blogging all together in the month of September! Ugh, sorry!)<br />
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This year is really exciting for me. It's the first time in a few years that I get my OWN classroom! I've been sharing the past few years, so I haven't been able to make the room truly mine. It's hard to decorate and organize a classroom with ELA stuff mixed with social studies, math, and even French! It has been so long since I'd set up a room, that I actually didn't mind all the hard work! (Ask me again next year...I may be ready to share rooms again just to avoid doing bulletin boards-LOL!)<br />
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<br />So, here is the new room 22!</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Lv8JrC1Whkuf5DTjJe8VbwrsuFoh88Wa4nAKH4mLpknAOQlYdji3k8Rx8qqidHWeNjXI7Oh0LaJh1iIQPEQtdL8BYfvAtdvou8R4g54_7Gqb_miOlXKUcpcef76EDAKK-vdbqNYE986v/s1600/IMG_7009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Lv8JrC1Whkuf5DTjJe8VbwrsuFoh88Wa4nAKH4mLpknAOQlYdji3k8Rx8qqidHWeNjXI7Oh0LaJh1iIQPEQtdL8BYfvAtdvou8R4g54_7Gqb_miOlXKUcpcef76EDAKK-vdbqNYE986v/s640/IMG_7009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wish I could say that I had new furniture or even a classroom that is close to being 21st century-stylish, but we all work with what we have! What I have is no teacher desk, and somewhat matching wobbly student desks, and mismatched chairs. But, at least I have enough seats for my 32(!) students each hour! I do also have a document camera and projector, new as of last year, and all our students will have 1:1 Chromebooks! Based on the type of desks I have and the use of technology, I decided to set up the room in a horseshoe with 6 tables inside the horseshoe. This enables all my students to see the whiteboard, where the projector shows. It also enables me to stand in the back of the room and see most of the Chromebook screens when students are working on them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIklizTf8XnJxmhV4I-EY_nTma8GEL856Z-fIbRSYW0OPrPdGmkJu329fAF13B9iDni2QQXn8DspUkHEU2Ymr0n6YI9xqWynyEy1x9deYjPHo47p1WgdMWyzFlttDrQWGB0t0imsFEp8AA/s1600/IMG_7013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIklizTf8XnJxmhV4I-EY_nTma8GEL856Z-fIbRSYW0OPrPdGmkJu329fAF13B9iDni2QQXn8DspUkHEU2Ymr0n6YI9xqWynyEy1x9deYjPHo47p1WgdMWyzFlttDrQWGB0t0imsFEp8AA/s640/IMG_7013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is my "office". Since I don't have an actual desk, I'm using an old computer table and table I scrounged from the teacher's lounge to create an L-shape area for me to set up my document camera, laptop, and desk supplies. Above my desk, I found a cute banner in the Target Dollar Spot and I am posting my "I can" statements below it! This is a good place to post these since it is literally over my head, so I won't forget to change them! I chose this corner for my teacher station so that I can also utilize the long table attached to the wall to store my teaching materials, such as copies for the week, teacher manuals, etc. (Truth be told, I have no idea what this long table was meant for...no other room in my school has one! I'm guessing my room used to be a home ec room, and sewing machines went here, based on the number of electrical outlets on the wall!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4J4YVDJJDiGsR98SOwrv9rXnJ_PjCvjCF_9NtkCYYZTadeKYuA4JodEnwXjWt3OqtLTQ_-n2R1pE1iegrV6v_V9nOTMfUBpQ2a2LQno4QVk5eL5bePsqGLOuaQ1SLjeKmxqDTp0L_6Cx/s1600/IMG_7012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4J4YVDJJDiGsR98SOwrv9rXnJ_PjCvjCF_9NtkCYYZTadeKYuA4JodEnwXjWt3OqtLTQ_-n2R1pE1iegrV6v_V9nOTMfUBpQ2a2LQno4QVk5eL5bePsqGLOuaQ1SLjeKmxqDTp0L_6Cx/s640/IMG_7012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The other end of the mystery table houses my student turn in bins. Each hour has their own tray for turning in homework. This helps me stay organized in my grading! I also have a file box with folders for each day of the month where I keep extra copies of handouts for students who are absent or have lost work. They know there will always be extras in the folders; they just have to remember the date that the handout was given to find it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYICUo7rSDjpJ9vPtF8tKyq-I9x6S2SBxIsjCj6D4GtbXUw3EbdLdL0yvCJJH2K2xsE87YN9pHETUVkCmU02OkZcTq0evbqG2tg6GZRpwE2HH_1jGq0DOgN-9YAc30dQdEWiFrSDJYpNPh/s1600/IMG_7146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYICUo7rSDjpJ9vPtF8tKyq-I9x6S2SBxIsjCj6D4GtbXUw3EbdLdL0yvCJJH2K2xsE87YN9pHETUVkCmU02OkZcTq0evbqG2tg6GZRpwE2HH_1jGq0DOgN-9YAc30dQdEWiFrSDJYpNPh/s640/IMG_7146.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
I also have my late work turn in bin set here. There is a "LATE" stamp inside for students to mark any late work. I take points off for late work, but late is better than never! The other blue bins are student storage bins. I require my classes to keep an Interactive Student Notebook (more about this in a future blog!). It is basically our class Bible. It is practically irreplaceable if lost, so I allow students to leave them in my room if they are worried they may not be responsible enough to keep it in good condition all year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaTwUjyeHPckvcYQJOdKUDlMvOkn89Ljq9jzth5ukat2mAT0SN-RiOZOBnq4P8DftVShc4ZTJqqRacx-OMFqpJjYg35VpKcUwUkqdccnpAtmErJuAvFd6NDidtOAMUgM92uRDgF5W1MA8/s1600/IMG_7345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaTwUjyeHPckvcYQJOdKUDlMvOkn89Ljq9jzth5ukat2mAT0SN-RiOZOBnq4P8DftVShc4ZTJqqRacx-OMFqpJjYg35VpKcUwUkqdccnpAtmErJuAvFd6NDidtOAMUgM92uRDgF5W1MA8/s640/IMG_7345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm kind of obsessed with my #ELA display too! I just discovered Hobby Lobby (I know I'm late to that party, but as I said earlier, better late than never!) and these metal letters were 50% off! The hashtag even lights up! The ledge above the bulletin board was the perfect place for them...and then I found some cute wood signs to go with it! One says "Don't ruin a good today by thinking about a bad yesterday", one says "Look at faces, not devices", and the third says "In case of fire, exit building before putting it on social media!". </div>
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The bulletin board stretches the e-n-t-i-r-e length of my room. I hit the Dollar Spot jackpot again when I found the cute looseleaf paper banners to hang along the top! This is my anchor chart wall. Right now, the parts of speech posters, punctuation poster, and proofreading marks poster are on display, but this will change with whatever we are focusing on at the moment. It is also my "word wall" with pertinent vocabulary terms to our current units. (Just FYI, I didn't make the Parts of Speech posters or vocabulary posters, but I did find them on TpT! There are so many talented teacher-authors out there!) Also on the giant bulletin board, I've hung up a parking space for no-name papers. The "This belongs to" clipboard was yet another Dollar Spot steal! My students know that if they have work showing up as missing, that they should look here first! So far, it's worked really well! I also posted our PBIS matrix here where it's easily referenced if needed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQs74ebBqJmPKgViyd1_iZQjqSjUmVEapvbFj4JS3iSTm7r7OTgYqeGlzFiy5UzqzIISITX-ZbBRnteVlZl_7P5ud4WcF81zlsjqqLRR2GDBRYzH-Std4uDAem3DVD8F38kXnVF0BIGXH/s1600/IMG_7147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQs74ebBqJmPKgViyd1_iZQjqSjUmVEapvbFj4JS3iSTm7r7OTgYqeGlzFiy5UzqzIISITX-ZbBRnteVlZl_7P5ud4WcF81zlsjqqLRR2GDBRYzH-Std4uDAem3DVD8F38kXnVF0BIGXH/s640/IMG_7147.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also have this giant bulletin board in the back of my room. I had NO IDEA what to hang on it at first! So I decided to hang my students' goals from our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-First-Week-of-School-Activity-Stations-2690187" target="_blank">first day of school stations</a> here. I love referring to their goals each day! They are there as a reminder to students to do their best and to have a growth mindset!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2LVzIfEUgGKEhoaoOKcWhw-i-DjKJk7agwkzv6FgwMAHM9tBlMnDhjQF8aPJA2a7a5d-TQTt4ufXAo91ks41LCbSVd0WiVr2nv-6ck0E8H7FdK6nfpNLtCMylNleoJ4WCg_-rVhAetoC/s1600/IMG_7342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW04FT7Ya3-3-dcHTXUQJlf1uxobIy-DrHSBdgpzOgcgFN-kfkLWfFiUOPB9XwOPrwuU0zaJWdBEi04jxDur5dZSUkmunqYM3C-Kn_UzghzjJUZCJ5UZHqlVydwh3LG2Z5WL1k05kOEFNE/s1600/IMG_7343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW04FT7Ya3-3-dcHTXUQJlf1uxobIy-DrHSBdgpzOgcgFN-kfkLWfFiUOPB9XwOPrwuU0zaJWdBEi04jxDur5dZSUkmunqYM3C-Kn_UzghzjJUZCJ5UZHqlVydwh3LG2Z5WL1k05kOEFNE/s400/IMG_7343.JPG" width="300" /></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2LVzIfEUgGKEhoaoOKcWhw-i-DjKJk7agwkzv6FgwMAHM9tBlMnDhjQF8aPJA2a7a5d-TQTt4ufXAo91ks41LCbSVd0WiVr2nv-6ck0E8H7FdK6nfpNLtCMylNleoJ4WCg_-rVhAetoC/s400/IMG_7342.JPG" width="300" /></div>
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On either side of the goals, I've hung up my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Class-Expectations-Posters-for-Middle-or-High-School-Editable-2312149" target="_blank">Class Expectations posters</a>. These will also be there year-round as reminders for procedures and expectations.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sNabgO-WhT8a1iOoXxmPtqzISVoB0BeNlKFUJbKKpMnsUFbm7LCu-GvTjrUn60fAOx7xoVnc1tYEWJclFi_RLHMrai7bALei1eeWscL51oPD05MPn35IWO4JyvaoFdigPN07EVtxSiDy/s1600/IMG_7346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sNabgO-WhT8a1iOoXxmPtqzISVoB0BeNlKFUJbKKpMnsUFbm7LCu-GvTjrUn60fAOx7xoVnc1tYEWJclFi_RLHMrai7bALei1eeWscL51oPD05MPn35IWO4JyvaoFdigPN07EVtxSiDy/s640/IMG_7346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The most referenced bulletin board is in the front of my room! All year long, we teach and discuss plot. I've made a giant plot diagram, and labeled the five stages. As we read different selections, we'll be sticking sticky notes all over it! It's a fun interactive, reusable anchor chart!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkjN7JZlHD2up7qBrSofoT8jVsH3YJ-JqEkHnA3G6tgnMeNLCOUKTZW-YTubAn2tQkPsN5iSObs2d5OkIrnwDSFbsYLdWbNnnV6KUjFZTg096IGs499RzcbQz4Jbg4SWRlOAeXZGfYLnn/s1600/IMG_7347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkjN7JZlHD2up7qBrSofoT8jVsH3YJ-JqEkHnA3G6tgnMeNLCOUKTZW-YTubAn2tQkPsN5iSObs2d5OkIrnwDSFbsYLdWbNnnV6KUjFZTg096IGs499RzcbQz4Jbg4SWRlOAeXZGfYLnn/s640/IMG_7347.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next to the Plot Diagram, is my assignment book display. I wish I had better handwriting, but it works! I keep a week up at a time which helps students when they are absent. It also helps me remember what I'm doing with each grade! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgplKAZn_RC3EvTYqdeicPESJLKGgA9Ba5MiTFisaGoBEr1iD6HYt1YMlS1qbYDy2ooi8iy8W1kQOxKmpoGGAPagBzHjpCRkHMndZw-fh1XZTMdjTatBqKJg2V5cWv8xTo6gtIC0eeLa_/s1600/IMG_7344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgplKAZn_RC3EvTYqdeicPESJLKGgA9Ba5MiTFisaGoBEr1iD6HYt1YMlS1qbYDy2ooi8iy8W1kQOxKmpoGGAPagBzHjpCRkHMndZw-fh1XZTMdjTatBqKJg2V5cWv8xTo6gtIC0eeLa_/s640/IMG_7344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Between the "I can" statements and assignment book display, the board is blank so that I can project whatever I need for the day. Every class period starts out with a "warm up" slide like this. Friday was a half-day, so I also posted the time :)</div>
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So there you have it! I'm a month into the year, and I'm loving the functionality and purposefulness of the arrangement. The students and I have settled into our routines, and I'm loving having my own space. If you've blogged about your classroom, I'd love to see it! Comment below with a link to your blog so we can all share ideas!</div>
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***If you don't have your own space this year, check out my <a href="http://tweenspiritblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/tips-and-tricks-for-mobile-teachers.html" target="_blank">blog about being a mobile teacher</a> for tips that may help you out! Being a mobile teacher isn't bad once you get the hang of it!***</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-55475451813800075472016-08-29T16:15:00.002-07:002016-08-29T16:15:17.247-07:00First Week of School Plans<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3 Simple Activities to Help You Get Back Into the Swing of Things!</h2>
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I know some states have been back to school for a while, but here in Michigan, we are just getting ready to go back! Kiddos in Michigan start the Tuesday after Labor Day every year...state law! We like to get as much summer vacationing "up North" in as we can!</div>
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Today was my first "official" day back at work, but I've been working in my classroom a little bit over the last few weeks. Isn't setting up fun? Seriously, no sarcasm! I LOVE setting up my room, especially since this year I HAVE a room! I'll post my classroom makeover in a future post because believe me it's a big change from what I walked into a few weeks ago!</div>
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Now that my room is ready to go, I sat down today with my teaching partners and we planned out our first week! I'm super excited to share what we've got planned with you because it is SO student-centered and EASY for the teacher to implement!</div>
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Since Labor Day week is just a 4-day week, here are 4 days worth of plans, all ready to go! All the activities are in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tween-Spirit-Boutique" target="_blank">TpT Store</a>, so if you are a middle school or high school ELA teacher hop on over and your first week will be all set!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOsTxQMQon4Y3MivZq675h5lF0ARProtpno2oALMaaFhRSLbKBGPKReGKHi0Epbm5rJq4jMXh6qumk1RhzKcWctgz-Z6AD3YO6kythPGeOEIMAFF4YT_gNBqmytBhyphenhyphenUvu_jw0I_TiZSnL/s1600/Back+to+School+3+tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOsTxQMQon4Y3MivZq675h5lF0ARProtpno2oALMaaFhRSLbKBGPKReGKHi0Epbm5rJq4jMXh6qumk1RhzKcWctgz-Z6AD3YO6kythPGeOEIMAFF4YT_gNBqmytBhyphenhyphenUvu_jw0I_TiZSnL/s640/Back+to+School+3+tips.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Day 1: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-First-Week-of-School-Activity-Stations-2690187" target="_blank">Get to Know You Station Rotations!</a></h2>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-First-Week-of-School-Activity-Stations-2690187" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrp_Z5j6T_Ezz0VYOSUAUFTuarec-0hb_MRdrkwCmNM7KOVHrqTI9waddGQBN9ThM3BqTe-a2cyixk0EDR3ljnmi-OyQkjQm53K77OE8lerF_suyf3C8XqB-Y-f2ozPUQT1m8VTssy6ZR/s320/Back+to+School+Activity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first day is a wild day...especially for incoming 6th graders or 9th graders. Students are overwhelmed with new teachers, new rules and routines in each hour, and wondering which friends are in their class. Many teachers begin day one with a lecture of expectations or a reading of the syllabus. Others start with icebreaker or get-to-know-you activities. I've decided to do things differently! I'm not going to stand in the front of the room and talk at my kids. I'm just going to say a general "hello, I'm Mrs. B", then sort the kids into 7 groups and let them loose at stations. (To make grouping easy, each desk will have a sticker on it when the kids come in to identify their group.) Each station consists of an activity designed to get kids talking to each other, to get them to understand me and my classroom, and for me to get to know my students. Here is a breakdown of the stations:</div>
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1. Syllabus Search-students read the syllabus looking for answers to questions I've asked on a worksheet.</h3>
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<br />2. ELA Continuum- students place a sticker along a continuum to show their perceived ability and interest in each ELA area.</h3>
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<br />3. Book Recommendations- students talk about books they've read and jot down favorites.</h3>
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<br />4. Goal Setting- Students create a speech bubble for a bulletin board by writing down a goal for the year.</h3>
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<br />5. Questions for the Teacher- students have a safe, anonymous place to jot down questions for the teacher.</h3>
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<br />6. Brainstorming the Perfect Teacher, Student, Classroom- students list ideas for what could be used to describe the ideal teacher, student, and classroom. (Further discussion to follow at a later date)</h3>
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<br />7. Taking a Selfie and Posting to Instagram - students will use an iPad to take a selfie and then create a bio for themselves which will later hang in our classroom so we can all get to know each other.</h3>
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Our first day is just a half-day, so we may need to finish these activities on day two. I'm thinking the kids will really enjoy this, and it will give me time to meet kids at their groups to start building relationships right away!</div>
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Day 2: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Class-Expectations-Posters-for-Middle-or-High-School-Editable-2312149" target="_blank">Class Rules, Routines, and Expectations!</a></h2>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Class-Expectations-Posters-for-Middle-or-High-School-Editable-2312149" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLYtn6_JQsp_7ug0Lfyaxsi1UobqeaOs2skuZjXcMKEvcvYUK3OTlwfz3RNIV2PfyGBJ368b6qSxz1HatbKxdVE42r6CW9ZwSCK2gAZsvbBkNN_gEFJ1fcHG_-SMWCEfXnly2wUwbuOaI/s320/Class+Rules.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The second day, we will get down to the business of rules, routines, and expectations. This can be a very dull lecture, so I decided to make it more fun. I've created a set of posters in "tween talk" to keep kids interested and to let them know that even though I do expect them to follow the rules and routines, I am not a big meany! I used these last year, and my 8th graders really responded well. We all laughed together, but my message was loud and clear. The file is in PDF form, but I showed it like a powerpoint presentation. After presenting and discussing, I will print the posters to hang in my room as a visual reminder to all students.</div>
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Day 3-4: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Activity-What-is-Your-Theme-Song-Get-to-Know-You-Writing-2017720" target="_blank">What is Your Theme Song?</a></h2>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Activity-What-is-Your-Theme-Song-Get-to-Know-You-Writing-2017720" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkfM7JxVFZ70532IErPJTvjNz5XltiOCPkKdkTDreDlMt8bByVRvreH2bPqGJX1tt670Y2h5O0UUdjpGflGU7peHe44DLspeIIbiNdd2vFl_aliGAGaO7rSYb68biEUbm62R3FsbR4eNa/s320/Theme+Song.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my ABSOLUTE, MOST FAVORITE activity to do with my kids!!! We are jumping right into learning and they don't even know it! Isn't that awesome? This is a 2-day activity with the first day being a quick intro (or review) of the definition of "theme". Then, in groups, students analyze lyrics to theme songs of popular TV shows (such as Scooby Doo, Phineas and Ferb, and Friends). They have to explain how the theme song matches the theme of the show. (I also have youtube clips for each song...I love hearing the kids sing along!). Then, once they've discussed all the TV show theme songs, I ask them to pick their own personal theme song. They have to pick a song and find the lyrics to bring back to school the next day. I always share mine first...it's "The Good Life" by One Republic. On day two, the students write an essay explaining WHY they chose the song to be their theme song. I share my example (included in the activity), but give no further help. These essays are my first look at students' writing AND I get to know about my students based on their song choices! I also ask students to share their song choices with each other...another kind of an icebreaker!<br />
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Whew! That's a full week of lessons and a full week of fun, without a full week of prep because it's all done for you! You can click on the pictures above to see previews and full descriptions of each activity. So get back to doing the fun stuff...decorating your room and enjoying the last few days of summer! I've got you covered!<br />
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Let me know how these activities work in your classroom by commenting below, by leaving feedback on TpT, or by emailing me directly at teachwithmrsb@gmail.com! I wish you the best back to school EVER!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-8390895118419833682016-07-29T08:59:00.001-07:002016-07-29T08:59:58.959-07:00Back to School Sales and Contests!<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRTT72JkJ1syoo3Dqt6g-4fvzKpd3dt151jORStUA5MyTscyjKN0f5bYk3H4WNtNnjTncTHGvkH9JiQ6nO2xZ_WA5ivoy_VP1wFRi3g5cUYceiPiWDPZiFDzGJzy-RditMO6z9eaXZSBC/s1600/back+to+school+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRTT72JkJ1syoo3Dqt6g-4fvzKpd3dt151jORStUA5MyTscyjKN0f5bYk3H4WNtNnjTncTHGvkH9JiQ6nO2xZ_WA5ivoy_VP1wFRi3g5cUYceiPiWDPZiFDzGJzy-RditMO6z9eaXZSBC/s400/back+to+school+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></h3>
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The Back to School craziness is fully upon us! Since I know way too many of us use our own hard-earned money to buy school supplies, I am joining up with other TpT authors to giveaway a TON of goodies! </h3>
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Julie Faulkner and Lauralee, at<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://languageartsclassroom.com/" target="_blank">The Language Arts Classroom</a>, are hosting a giveaway contest August 1-5 on Lauralee's blog! Click the link above to learn more about it and enter!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have 87 amazing secondary sellers joined up this year and over $400 of excellent secondary resources for all subjects! Here's a sneak peak at the Middle School English prize pack!</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFJWsBch-ZGqqK63oaCT-q9eqs_Zk7bBbipCPp6jN4pJVBbaxlYL05a8j2KTnrCAoK3pSwlHhukNKvx5M1EH1993J-NrraPGWqggysp8SefAQK8Y4j9gqXJGpAIM5GYyFoaw29JaZW8ie/s1600/2016+back+to+school+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFJWsBch-ZGqqK63oaCT-q9eqs_Zk7bBbipCPp6jN4pJVBbaxlYL05a8j2KTnrCAoK3pSwlHhukNKvx5M1EH1993J-NrraPGWqggysp8SefAQK8Y4j9gqXJGpAIM5GYyFoaw29JaZW8ie/s640/2016+back+to+school+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are prize packs for all subjects at middle and high school levels! </div>
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And....here's the coolest, biggest news!</h3>
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Teachers Pay Teachers is sponsoring this event! Along with grabbing over $50 of free curriculum from awesome TpT sellers, the winners will also get a bag full of Teachers Pay Teachers <b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">SWAG</span></b>!</div>
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How cool is that?!?</h3>
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Personally, I've been busy getting ready for the Back to School season updating and creating new Back to School activities! I'm really excited about my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Stations-Activity-Fully-Editable-for-Back-to-School-2690187" target="_blank">First Day of School Activity Stations</a> pack! I can't wait to use it with my middle schoolers! Instead of kids just sitting and listening to me drone on about expectations and curriculum, this set of 7 activities will get the kids up and moving! The activities include: </div>
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1. Syllabus Search</div>
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2. ELA Attitude Continuum</div>
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3. Book Recommendations</div>
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4. Goal Setting</div>
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5. Confidential Questions</div>
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6. What Makes the Perfect Classroom/Student/Teacher?</div>
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7. Selfie Station</div>
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Each of these activities will help the teacher get to know their students, and help the students get to know the teacher's expectations and get them interacting with others! The set also includes blank templates, so if you want to change any of the stations to better fit your needs, you totally can!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Stations-Activity-Fully-Editable-for-Back-to-School-2690187" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx5Js1ZKa6eSpCfzFPa5OHnw4w1YM_nOeBNFeymJ3xq3xxpoBs7ehGnAZAx1-XiMpdDSdiJgEKxYgEZEKhyphenhyphenSZXqCWb2znPH1pQA9jRvUUxLxNwtIbW2a91qwvb-bQxNdGbrAjbR22Srro/s640/SQUARE+COVERS+8x8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another fun Back to School product I've updated is my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Class-Rules-Posters-for-Middle-or-High-School-Editable-2312149" target="_blank">Editable Class Rules Posters Set</a>! This set includes posters in "teen talk" asking about common classroom procedures and expectations with the teacher responding in a clear, yet fun way. This set is also fully editable for you to include your own picture to the teacher's speech bubble, or to add your own questions and answers if I didn't cover all your needs. This is a Power Point slide show, so I always show it to my kids on the projector the first week of school, then print the posters and hang them in my room for year-round reference.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8Xg7N6fi_CVyhA9GLrc32xLni3XSkdZHTgasQdluGiJM3oZ21p3h-A1UePGCuUxRwkzQcL-rhG_hzrUjPCT8nV3DRY-QsW-DpBuZ-x_u-PCwPY_klH3ZRuLvN5-IQ60PdKn_KJM1fKD8/s1600/Class+Rules+SQUARE+COVER+8x8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8Xg7N6fi_CVyhA9GLrc32xLni3XSkdZHTgasQdluGiJM3oZ21p3h-A1UePGCuUxRwkzQcL-rhG_hzrUjPCT8nV3DRY-QsW-DpBuZ-x_u-PCwPY_klH3ZRuLvN5-IQ60PdKn_KJM1fKD8/s320/Class+Rules+SQUARE+COVER+8x8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a sample poster. You can upload your picture or use an avatar with the bottom speech bubble! There are 2 sets of 11 different designs: 11 with rules already written, plus 11 blank templates. Also included are a set of late homework passes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogmgKakO-Vh9cRZntjIbIMXYgK8xxNkmhl29FZdqw8uhfOTRmj152n9v5hb2Zh-lHfNogQ2JElVBb191esfLckiJxa8Rj_ZtJuzdcIWH6zhPvKOD8XYvxiVNMwM0PSSL62uFE58GLKBaL/s1600/Slide7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogmgKakO-Vh9cRZntjIbIMXYgK8xxNkmhl29FZdqw8uhfOTRmj152n9v5hb2Zh-lHfNogQ2JElVBb191esfLckiJxa8Rj_ZtJuzdcIWH6zhPvKOD8XYvxiVNMwM0PSSL62uFE58GLKBaL/s640/Slide7.JPG" width="494" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Class-Rules-Posters-for-Middle-or-High-School-Editable-2312149" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfllink89_14CMkyIbssRPbdQ1gtNJLXWApu10dqsO1K62Iri-hhbPa35I-RcVyJbqG4lo7iiriYaJqvxM3yhIfK6zLlDZvo4F0KUm7cQNncuDlfEOwpy3eBvYjHATubIKtB9EZOi6mpP/s640/PREVIEWS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also have a quick print-and-go <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-ELA-Student-Interest-Inventory-for-Middle-and-High-School-2064482" target="_blank">ELA Interest Survey</a> that is perfect for middle school and high school and it's only $0.50 for the month of August! </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-ELA-Student-Interest-Inventory-for-Middle-and-High-School-2064482" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjble_-5gQ3Fx_k3_isSClJqeq3C9XelDrrt7O8o4XVV4X9kfCpfVbWC_CIrcCDjuEiHvqyombIDN0ByqYDBWH3cz69oLA2LvPamgImPucFP7r5aZNd_SoPoaqhMZcbQPA9pGXn0Q_3Y9oi/s400/SQUARE+COVERS+8x8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjSjtDIHVvT3MqJeMDOMEgX04-W7nfbW2VqgMgVhv-_Hrrz0VwVw-YVHB8U78l4uahXidjaC1ek2BoeMK9vSP9GW791R8glpc-qld3X1frqJfdIatuAzeA6Up9PUDvU5j4HTPo_zl0PRJ/s1600/sample+preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjSjtDIHVvT3MqJeMDOMEgX04-W7nfbW2VqgMgVhv-_Hrrz0VwVw-YVHB8U78l4uahXidjaC1ek2BoeMK9vSP9GW791R8glpc-qld3X1frqJfdIatuAzeA6Up9PUDvU5j4HTPo_zl0PRJ/s640/sample+preview.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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I wish you all the best of luck with everything Back to School! Don't forget to check out The Language Arts Classroom blog August 1-5 to enter to win lots of great products and swag!</h3>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-23258071997671085502016-07-28T06:33:00.000-07:002016-07-28T06:33:56.912-07:00Class Dismissed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDS4z_zOw8d81yIWjDRrlN_NMmpqa4hYb1eJDcscASnMBwlPvXjwD8CLLrAB8o0T0QZlag14iDAQbXROnjmp6Pdkl4By07gOL536Yx9MdGlxQ_i9P4IBhlXyWAMxTEG_ku_ApQcEJifpm/s1600/Class+Dismissed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDS4z_zOw8d81yIWjDRrlN_NMmpqa4hYb1eJDcscASnMBwlPvXjwD8CLLrAB8o0T0QZlag14iDAQbXROnjmp6Pdkl4By07gOL536Yx9MdGlxQ_i9P4IBhlXyWAMxTEG_ku_ApQcEJifpm/s640/Class+Dismissed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ms. Bryce has been teaching FOREVER, but this class is the WORST she's ever had to deal with! One day, a science experiment goes wrong and Ms. Bryce gets fed up and quits...right then and there! The only problem is that only the students of class 507 know she's gone!</div>
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<u>Class Dismissed</u>, the latest book by author Allan Woodrow, is one of my favorite new books this year! The comedy of events that lead to the students of class 507 having full control of their class for TWO WHOLE WEEKS before the principal or any other adult finding out their teacher quit is hilarious, yet somehow believable! </div>
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There is a cast of main characters who tell the story from their multiple points of view. Kyle is the troublemaker; the student who is considered the class clown and never does any work. Samantha is the spoiled, rich girl who is more concerned with fashion than learning. Adam is the resident creative mind. Eric is the quiet, studious kid who is afraid to stand out in class. Maggie is the resident "know it all" and outspoken leader. Brian is the class bully. Each chapter has a different character as the speaker, which is a GREAT way to explore point of view and narrator with your students! Each of the main characters change throughout the story, as they learn about themselves as students, grow as leaders, and realize that their way of doing things is not always the only way or the best way.</div>
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This middle grades (3-5) novel is the PERFECT back-to-school read! It works well as a read-aloud, but it's even better as a novel study! Your students will love reading about how the class figures out ways to hide their secret from parents and administrators, and how the kids negotiate roles in the group to "teach", keep guard, and manage the class. You will love that the students soon realize that they actually do need a teacher and that teaching is not an easy job! </div>
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If this sounds like a book your students would love (and I promise they will!), I've created a print-and-go novel study unit that is perfect for grades 3-5! This unit includes vocabulary words, comprehension questions, character study, point of view exploration, figurative language practice, stages of plot, narrative and opinion writing prompts and more! You can use all of it, or some of it, whatever best suits your students' needs and your time. Click on the picture below to find the unit in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tween-Spirit-Boutique" target="_blank">TpT Store</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Class-Dismissed-by-Allan-Woodrow-Literature-Guide-with-Answer-Key-2397171" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGK7Fey5CjBlFMnk_hDjryUUOHA6spCq9DkYEncuKZ2QCOp7MX81r3E10l_mLYHyfwRJQ576m42-ZHOMrGzvvtKXJ1BHoPJfJoQ8MXk1sxfSoL7eCdy4sKtyttva1poAX7Esa9Q3MhbGKK/s400/Class+Dismissed+with+Answer+Key+SQUARE+COVERS+8x8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is an 40+ page study guide and includes answer keys for each vocabulary word, comprehension question, character chart, and plot diagram. </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI17W-NIxKZyLq-0ixlWtKwJgQKcfbx1nVjXYB0nylZpx6J1uo902X-xHUwP0x5_Egcw9quEV83idzLQ7EkLgxXTj7xoybSx1C2fGh49xoNQdKCuOiJV8K0T7JQPPMcx-vFAXNoeTX1Da9/s1600/PREVIEWS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI17W-NIxKZyLq-0ixlWtKwJgQKcfbx1nVjXYB0nylZpx6J1uo902X-xHUwP0x5_Egcw9quEV83idzLQ7EkLgxXTj7xoybSx1C2fGh49xoNQdKCuOiJV8K0T7JQPPMcx-vFAXNoeTX1Da9/s640/PREVIEWS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are some sample activity pages...</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_tJmIEA_-2_T2T326mWLAXXtdWscnYyrhMKi-t_xCxFgRzjAuMrathyphenhyphenNY6FMQJF1PT6YGtb2SyanqdntvO29GXuwg8lRHAhtWzHdhOWvjlVUB_EfP6hya-gCXmcHDg9kQlS2_jwudwwb/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_tJmIEA_-2_T2T326mWLAXXtdWscnYyrhMKi-t_xCxFgRzjAuMrathyphenhyphenNY6FMQJF1PT6YGtb2SyanqdntvO29GXuwg8lRHAhtWzHdhOWvjlVUB_EfP6hya-gCXmcHDg9kQlS2_jwudwwb/s400/Slide3.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
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Happy Reading!</h2>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-21393053447392191452016-07-19T03:00:00.000-07:002017-05-16T19:58:20.116-07:00Christmas in July!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Merry Christmas (in July!)</h2>
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Even though I'm sitting in the sand this week, my mind is still on my classroom and TpT! I've been busy creating and updating products to get ready for a new school year. To celebrate taking the week off to be with my family at the beach, I've decided to throw a "Christmas in July" sale with some of my TpT friends!</div>
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This is a one day sale only, but hundreds of products will be 10-20% off! It's the perfect time to stock up on back to school goodies! My entire store will be 20% off all day July 20th!</div>
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You can check out the sale in a few ways:</div>
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1. Click on my logo to go directly to my store to start shopping my sale!</h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tween-Spirit-Boutique" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidii8482AbOclTCQynMgZdTqckQL2DkCgm6EGYZMrhFFqUz_KW3uk57ZdDyiwDjkxl-N6-YfM7qoSAZFgCEePTENGUeZzz8CR7d9UcJW8QLGpuaHmBTegOjl7cmN5oDzPOPi3EKtKmgVgN/s200/LogoSmall.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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2. Search TpT with the hashtag: <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4267b2;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;">#TptChristmasInJuly</span></span>!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many products have been tagged, so this search will lead you to many sale products!</span></span></div>
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3. Go to <a href="http://bit.ly/29KYoUt">http://bit.ly/29KYoUt</a></h3>
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This will take you to a Google Sheet with a list of all the stores participating in the sale, as well as links to their stores!</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have fun stuffing your bag full of goodies! As soon as I get back from the beach, I'll be back at creating new products...so stop by my store and take advantage of the sale tomorrow, and then come back again later this summer to see what else I'll be creating before school starts again!</span></span></h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-81424221447826700752016-07-12T20:26:00.000-07:002016-07-12T20:26:35.591-07:00Help Students Become Comma Rock Stars!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyb0BxbjaCvZOV28srvlYTLVb7iRzgrW5WSSmKmeshvGHuOQVlkK4OnIPEUxP5oaWbeW-qSCiYiLMqhvdydhLiDNLSxsBXuIexnMWM47FWP1M8zB_e0RnNTafMN8YxDrqYFQ1gqQnWihY/s1600/achelorette+party+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyb0BxbjaCvZOV28srvlYTLVb7iRzgrW5WSSmKmeshvGHuOQVlkK4OnIPEUxP5oaWbeW-qSCiYiLMqhvdydhLiDNLSxsBXuIexnMWM47FWP1M8zB_e0RnNTafMN8YxDrqYFQ1gqQnWihY/s640/achelorette+party+101.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I just found out that I will be teaching 6th grade this year! I taught one section of 6th grade my first year in middle school, and was just trying to keep myself one step ahead of the kids while I learned new curriculum! Now that I'm feeling confident with my 8th graders and 8th grade curriculum, this is a great time to dive back into 6th grade, too! <br />
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So, guess what have I been up to this week? CREATING new activities! <br />
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The major grammar focus in 6th grade is commas. Commas can be so confusing to kids because there are SO MANY rules about when to use them! Commas are either over-used or under-used by novice writers...some people sprinkle them all over their work, and others avoid using them at all costs! I've always been pretty confident in my comma usage - I was taught to use a comma anytime you take a breath - I still think about that when I write, but that was pretty much my entire education regarding commas. It wasn't until I began teaching with a heavy focus on grammar that I really researched ALL.THE.RULES. I never realized how many different ways the cute little comma is used! Nor did I realize that standards involving comma usage are found in all grades (1-10) in the Common Core State Standards! That means that every single school year, students are being explicitly taught how to use commas in their writing! That's awesome! Our students will be comma rock stars by the time they hit high school and never misuse that cute little comma, right?<br />
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WRONG! Even though teachers are teaching commas starting in 1st grade, 8th graders don't always know when and when not to use commas. <br />
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Now that I'm teaching 6th grade, I've got the time to really dig deep into commas with my students (and hope I won't have to spend as much time re-teaching commas with them as 8th graders!). This month, I've been busy creating activities to help me review and teach commas. The first thing I did is create anchor charts to hang in my room to answer this question:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNtF0EL5O1wPuiN3gnHhaSOY8T7YSgmPI51kEJlM0ERmQxjR0NhrbOan_9BIzRctySgn2Jh9Edejc2HlV6vbliH6JX_C8uJL70w3itoH9b6LPVqqARmgVE8rxN-wDr4cyEaAEiUdF45K0/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNtF0EL5O1wPuiN3gnHhaSOY8T7YSgmPI51kEJlM0ERmQxjR0NhrbOan_9BIzRctySgn2Jh9Edejc2HlV6vbliH6JX_C8uJL70w3itoH9b6LPVqqARmgVE8rxN-wDr4cyEaAEiUdF45K0/s640/Slide3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I created one poster for each major comma rule (10 in all) ranging from 1st grade standards on up through 8th grade standards. I know it seems odd to be reviewing 1st grade skills with 6th graders, but believe me, they need reminders! (Of course, I won't tell them which are 1st grade standards, like using commas in dates and lists, but it sure doesn't hurt to review!) No matter what grade you teach, you can use some or all of these posters in your room! You can see samples of all 10 posters in the product preview in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Comma-Rules-Posters-for-Elementary-and-Middle-Grades-2641450" target="_blank">TpT Store</a>.</div>
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Here's a sample of a poster for a 6th grade standard:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcoAvIbbhmvxXBJAbmjI8n61sMp5FQmHL3Li377qvfcD9YlATli1Vpck6WcsjtRGvmgdGTPef91fNjIgKMFxVKNfiq3H7JH1X8Jo-J9F-aqBEc2Kwp21ILdn68MrJxXJRZhXJ8MYfYVXy/s1600/Slide11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcoAvIbbhmvxXBJAbmjI8n61sMp5FQmHL3Li377qvfcD9YlATli1Vpck6WcsjtRGvmgdGTPef91fNjIgKMFxVKNfiq3H7JH1X8Jo-J9F-aqBEc2Kwp21ILdn68MrJxXJRZhXJ8MYfYVXy/s640/Slide11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once I finished the posters, I got busy making a few new Color By Code activities! My 8th graders loved these and actually asked me to make more! If 8th graders actually admit to liking something school-related, it must be good! So, I made 2 versions to review commas- one with elementary comma rules, and one with middle school comma rules! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY_0-3_NpYh-f4nErC-MwW-zz2tE6idLt0FKTQxiO9IIDSonM4iOMqiz45rOedYc5pSlQ5kda4P5_p4GUTJG3LUYlgK-hnQ_S7ktAxYwy4gdqGA6XGh2dusxaRreeLiVYD7_vvo4XnvEe/s1600/comma+confusion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixY_0-3_NpYh-f4nErC-MwW-zz2tE6idLt0FKTQxiO9IIDSonM4iOMqiz45rOedYc5pSlQ5kda4P5_p4GUTJG3LUYlgK-hnQ_S7ktAxYwy4gdqGA6XGh2dusxaRreeLiVYD7_vvo4XnvEe/s640/comma+confusion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the process, I discovered a super-cool new clip artist who calls herself "<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mae-Hates-Mondays" target="_blank">Mae Hates Mondays</a>" and draws big-kid friendly clips. Even her store name is PERFECT for middle schoolers! I'm loving her clip art teens so much that I had to make another picture with them! So I made a third Color By Code activity to help students identify simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, compound-complex sentences, and sentence fragments. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKqS8s36b-2DwM25MVBwRAfo7M5AnYRO9sJsXD2EDDwyA31s_yebIYRk_7YIGsbrhj1LlBrv4BAqmE_tdIUVJzXbsoK_HDdckughQMPjwemj_uWJZbnkvHm4v57lOjsTwIuPzy15FEM7c/s1600/Sentences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKqS8s36b-2DwM25MVBwRAfo7M5AnYRO9sJsXD2EDDwyA31s_yebIYRk_7YIGsbrhj1LlBrv4BAqmE_tdIUVJzXbsoK_HDdckughQMPjwemj_uWJZbnkvHm4v57lOjsTwIuPzy15FEM7c/s640/Sentences.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I mean how great are these characters??? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuHMwLHFTOoEC_SARNAsuOhKdrdvONZRTFVaxOYxx00vrPv4jAt9LIBKE-gODK3KWUeWgHgnXZL0ecCeeoKiZfjG6vdF-X8ImvuX5DlqNonO4voIgAUXwFRSOUXBpRu6NVIkwpHO5eVYz/s1600/Teen+clip+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuHMwLHFTOoEC_SARNAsuOhKdrdvONZRTFVaxOYxx00vrPv4jAt9LIBKE-gODK3KWUeWgHgnXZL0ecCeeoKiZfjG6vdF-X8ImvuX5DlqNonO4voIgAUXwFRSOUXBpRu6NVIkwpHO5eVYz/s640/Teen+clip+art.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So now, I'm ready to head back to school to teach these 6th graders how to use commas like rock stars! Click on the pictures of each product to learn more! I hope you find them useful, too!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Comma-Rules-Posters-for-Elementary-and-Middle-Grades-2641450" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuOv1ijeL7M7QaZEwlhHzfOKJGt3fJM8h18_42jRb5q_hrhOiTb4nIGG8ST1I9rMDFFMl-DGtjZ6gvXq5D6c7BWT_sZ7EzOggi8ckfZOKcM65zoT3D0h5YZsKjkno0x3ACW7mfTq0nCl9/s320/SQUARE+COVERS+8x8+%255BAutosaved%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Simple-Compound-Complex-Sentences-Color-By-Code-for-Middle-Grades-2639227" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLIJHfTBycj-VFeWzLwhbYzHyRVQE_l_cgTU_-GoifyZvOzykntbqb_ZyyrjXPG9qSWZRfSzxLQlif1CwnLKHMkDzMv_0aMRoosgTd-fv0pfs50i5UqRIr1gZoJar4U1eDXYCGn3wfVO7/s320/SQUARE+COVERS+8x8+%255BAutosaved%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-80507021916429895692016-06-30T09:23:00.000-07:002016-06-30T09:23:52.312-07:00Stop the Summer Slide!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every parent worries about the dreaded SUMMER SLIDE! How can we keep our kids learning over the summer without burning them out or driving ourselves crazy?!? Summer camps are great, and so are workbook pages...but GAMES and COLORING are even better! I thought I'd share a few ideas I have for elementary and middle school kids today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now that I'm a middle school teacher, I don't often create or post things for elementary students anymore. However, one of my FAVORITE creations is my list of math games you can play at home with manipulatives most people already have at home! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can click on the picture below to check it out!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SummerBack-to-School-Math-Fun-Games-Parents-Can-Play-with-Kids-at-Home-1870355" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMNqosWb8IGhou2mBkutXzIyjEq7S0s4U6PxCOrv7cXZ_ONGoVfHjncJemZ8I7lV0k6wAswf_3g9ZKqtUQnPf99X5ZVHgJ9mE48i9HVtbxJyonDX0qybTGZcRdoh7W9GEg30DxNjDXeFV/s640/Summer+Slide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313131; line-height: 17.6033px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This product has saved teachers a lot of time and they've gotten big thanks from parents who are using these tips! Here are some product reviews:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.3px; line-height: 17.6033px;"><span style="color: magenta;">"Perfect to give to parents looking for ideas at home!"</span></span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.3px; line-height: 17.6033px;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.3px; line-height: 17.6033px;"><span style="color: magenta;">"Thank you. The parents and kids loved the games. It helped to enhance my open house night."</span></span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.3px; line-height: 17.6033px;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.3px; line-height: 17.6033px;"><span style="color: magenta;">"Great resouce. I used it at our Math Night and it was very well received. Thank you!"</span></span></h4>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.6033px;">You don't need to be a teacher to love these activities! I have played all of these games at home with my kids and they don't even realize they are practicing math skills :)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.6033px;">Here are 2 <span style="color: red;">FREEBIES</span> for the older kids! Many middle schoolers struggle with the summer slide, too! </span>We can't forget about them...especially since curriculum moves SO fast in middle school. <br />
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These free products help kiddos review the 4 types of sentences and the different types of nouns. Most ELA teachers in middle school do a super fast review of these topics the first week of school, but they really expect kids to have at least a general idea of these basic ELA topics when they come in. These FREEBIES are a great way to give your big kids a head start right before heading back to school! Click on the pictures to grab these from my store today!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nouns-Mentor-Proof-of-Mastery-Sentences-1977681" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuGFvnsDTET0HuSxGY23OAvH32I5Q8mDfHcT0u69RBBuzWyTrJwGkaYiFy11UbYdmZ33S2_hzXC70_fV90Mq6A9JEROAWmZBz-stMZM44gLMhX8_Xz2KNQrktggiuHETyfLpGcl2WAmct/s640/PREVIEWNounPOMFreebie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/4-Types-of-Sentences-Color-By-Code-2520199" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6EuXu92tB3G0oY3AYNxF6auj63t3siHPB62N6EIV5_RjXMBwzZyY3k7z-uIdEohKURqWAOPqy3xf5Yk_o1FZ3MwjdLDkloBA2p9-9pz0CPUUpdETE99wnObVbpat1pjFLjdP_jDHc0XG/s400/SQUARE+COVERS+8x8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hopefully, you will be able to stave off the dreaded summer slide with help from these activities! If you are looking for more great FREEBIES, check out the "Summer Slide Linky" going on at The Teaching Bug's blog!<br />
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<a href="http://theteachingbug36.blogspot.com/2016/06/preventing-summer-slide-money-review.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0WEXhJT3rLyqrtExXMSNDxwKxTFNS-bs-3hZodnumYQhr2Os9OoiAke7er3UvYJS2zggfFHBBnTNVl981xxjD8Ou6XsJGZ9HfhRn5ynCatXa_CPWaP-V8IxksIZ9SfShmlIuI10l9Wc9/s320/Summer+linky+button.png" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-34643336601512794802016-06-28T07:23:00.000-07:002016-07-13T05:03:05.102-07:00Tips and Tricks for Mobile Teachers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xq2npjtIFFRf2SypNrG2rGfRRMVw1hVc3iUkSGkcOQ99vkwwF-jG3tn0pvkfqp5Cn5PCQeb8wrfzme1Vz_u3CNhDDFRpjg387JxlvYGgifEm9Yro8XlWVEVdDUAEDCldeHjNzsy7Kgg7/s1600/ON+POINT+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xq2npjtIFFRf2SypNrG2rGfRRMVw1hVc3iUkSGkcOQ99vkwwF-jG3tn0pvkfqp5Cn5PCQeb8wrfzme1Vz_u3CNhDDFRpjg387JxlvYGgifEm9Yro8XlWVEVdDUAEDCldeHjNzsy7Kgg7/s640/ON+POINT+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I teach part-time, which I absolutely LOVE and am not looking to change that fact anytime soon! However, there are a few downsides to teaching part-time...the most obvious being less $$$. The other downside is that, in most cases, part-time teachers in middle or high school have to share rooms with other teachers during their planning times. </div>
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I know there are a bunch of us who are struggling with not having our own space. It can be challenging to be a mobile teacher, but I'll let you in on a secret that I've learned...it can also be awesome! Here are my tips and tricks for teaching in more than one classroom.</div>
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1. Let it go!</h2>
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Just as Anna and Elsa told us in "Frozen", as a mobile teacher you need to let a lot of things go. This was the hardest part of mobile teaching for me at first! I'm a CONTROL FREAK. Seriously. Ask anyone I know. I like things my way. Plus, as a former elementary teacher, I like my classroom to look good...you know borders, bulletin boards, matchy-matchy, labels, etc. Most middle school teachers don't bother with that stuff (at least to my extent). I had to let my control go. I couldn't expect my partner teachers to jazz up their rooms to make me happier. I couldn't take over. I had to let go of the factors that I couldn't control. It was tough at first, but I got used to it with time and patience. I found things I could control, like my own procedures, and I asked my partner teachers if I could use a small section of their room to house my classroom necessities such as my turn in bin and extra work bin. Instead of erasing all of their whiteboard, I found a portable whiteboard to use for my "I can..." statements and assignment book notes, and only used the center of the board where I needed to project lessons:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fc56H7xUSFUJMtNEdCLGba4HKjwaJnGFg3MYXjvILPtaILkygUfm7W87GN-eNw8xIGfEyBNxyIt6a7aj6XbIZUr4-4MH6b3wbW1GSFNQqqyg7boHGc8-MziDd6x0dQXJqT5lm9MnDQ06/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fc56H7xUSFUJMtNEdCLGba4HKjwaJnGFg3MYXjvILPtaILkygUfm7W87GN-eNw8xIGfEyBNxyIt6a7aj6XbIZUr4-4MH6b3wbW1GSFNQqqyg7boHGc8-MziDd6x0dQXJqT5lm9MnDQ06/s400/IMG_3811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I trained my students where in the room to find things pertinent to my ELA class...they learned to ignore the social studies or math stuff. I learned to move my teaching partners' piles to one side because they allowed me to use their desk and other supplies that I didn't have to cart around. My partner teachers and I figured it out. We all had to let go of something. They lost their room during their planning hour; I lost a room of my own. We all gained something, though, too. We became friends, I became more laid back, and they became more organized too!</div>
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2. Organize what and where you can!</h2>
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As an admitted control freak, I took control where and when I could. The first thing I did was create a mobile "office". I used this book cart and transformed it into a mobile supply unit. First, I made it MINE. I put pictures of my kids on it and stuck a few Michigan State bumper stickers and magnets on the sides...just like I would've done on my desk or a bulletin board in my own classroom. Next, I made space on the cart for the giant ELA anthologies we use...man are they heavy to push around! (Make sure your cart has good wheels and steering!) Then, on the backside -I wish I had a picture of that too :( -I used clear bins to organize whiteboard markers, colored pencils, lined paper for writing, post its, etc...anything my students or I may need. On top of the cart, I kept a supply caddy of glue and scissors for our Interactive Notebooks, and my pink basket. The pink basket is where I'd put all of the day's copies or any other materials I may need for the day. I ALWAYS stored my own Interactive Notebook in the basket, too, so I'd always have my master version with me in case a student was absent and needed to copy from it. </div>
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My teacher bag didn't live on the cart...I just put it there for the picture...but it was the second thing I made sure to organize! In it, I kept different color file folders for each hour, my laptop, student bathroom/locker/media center passes, my own writing utensils, and student treats (pencils, candy, etc.). In the file folders, I kept student information such as class lists, seating charts, grading sheets, work to be graded, and health alerts. This bag went to and from each class with me, as well as to and from home each day. By keeping all of my records in the bag, I always had what I needed. I protected this bag like I do my purse and wallet!</div>
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3. Find SOMEWHERE to call your own!</h2>
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This isn't always possible, but I was lucky enough to share one of my rooms with a teacher who didn't use much of his storage closet. He let me set up the walk-in closet as my "office". I set up a table to use as a desk, brought in my filing cabinet and some book shelves, and a few boxes of random stuff that my husband didn't want in our basement. This space saved my sanity! I could copy things ahead of time and use stackable sorters to lay out each week. Then, each day I just had to grab what I needed from the "Monday" or "Thursday" box and pop it in my pink basket on my cart (which I also parked in there). I could come in early or stay late and sit at a desk to plan or grade papers, even if he was teaching because the closet had a door. It was SO much better than trying to plan or grade papers in the teachers' lounge or media center where you are constantly interrupted. It was also much better than lugging tons of paper and binders to and from school if you have to plan and grade at home. Be creative, ask around at school if there is an unused closet or office that you can call your own. My closet was tiny, but it was MINE, and for that I am grateful! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you just love the novel, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/TANGERINE-by-Edward-Bloor-Literature-Guide-2250532" target="_blank"><u>Tangerine</u> by Edward Bloor</a>?</td></tr>
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4. Be flexible!</h2>
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This is the biggest tip of all. As a part-time mobile teacher, you won't be able to do it all. You won't be able to do it all your way. You won't be able to do it all in your time. You need to be accepting of the fact that situations may change throughout the year. Something will come up and your partner teacher will NEED their classroom during their planning hour to sort fundraising supplies or something, and you will need to relocate to the media center for the day. There will be a schedule change due to testing or an assembly, and you will need to relocate or come in during a different hour for a day. Don't let changes upset your flow...prepare for flexibility. That's why I kept everything on a cart or in my bag. As long as I had those two things, I could literally teach anywhere at any time!</div>
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Also, don't be afraid to ask others for their flexibility! I talked with my principals at the beginning of the year about my planning time. I asked if I could do most of my planning and grading at home, since I wasn't sure how using the closet was going to work out. They were fine with that, as long as I got my job done. Many weeks, I'd spend a few hours at school making copies and planning on one day, then just come in to school during my actual class periods. Other times, I'd come in during my students' lunch period to meet with students who needed extra help or to make up a test, but then I'd leave to run errands and come back just in time for my classes. My actual time in the building was fluid. It worked for me, and most importantly, it worked for my students. </div>
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Now...here's the secret I've learned!</h2>
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I admit I was freaked out about sharing classrooms at first. I cried. I whined to anyone who would listen. I thought about just going full-time. But then, I learned the secret. The secret is that it actually FEELS GOOD to let go! I didn't spend hours making my bulletin boards look perfect...that time was spent instead with my kids or doing something else non-work related. I didn't have to spend time cleaning up or re-setting desks at the end of each day...I just walked out of the building! I <strike>didn't </strike> couldn't worry about everything looking perfect...the classrooms I used didn't belong to me. I cannot tell you how much stress and time letting those things go took off my shoulders. Mobile teaching allows you to focus more on GOOD TEACHING and less on mundane housekeeping tasks. And really, isn't that the only thing that matters? </div>
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Good luck my mobile teaching friends! If you've got other tips and tricks, I'd love to hear them! Please comment below! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-85548848884797841152016-06-23T10:39:00.000-07:002016-06-23T10:42:15.317-07:00Starting With the Basics!I haven't been out of school a week yet, but I'm already thinking of the first week back! (Do teachers EVER really take a break from planning??)<br />
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I'm not certain yet, but it looks like I'll be teaching 8th and 6th grade this year. I've taught both in the past, so I know what to expect. Here's what I expect week one: a BIG need to review the basics!<br />
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As soon as I've spent a few days going over classroom procedures and getting-to-know-you activities like this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-ELA-Student-Interest-Inventory-for-Middle-and-High-School-2064482" target="_blank">ELA Interest Inventory Interview</a>, it will be time to get down to the nitty-gritty basics of ELA. What I've experienced in the past few years is that students "forget" the most basic of concepts over the summer...or they just say "we never learned that!". So before I dive into the current grade-level curriculum, I find it super important to spend a few days to a week reviewing the things they <i>should</i> already have mastered.<br />
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The first thing I review with my kids is the eight parts of speech. Even though I KNOW they learn this stuff in elementary school, they seem to come to me with no idea of what nouns and verbs are! So, last year, I developed a product that helped me immensely with such review: a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parts-of-Speech-Mentor-and-Proof-of-Mastery-Sentences-1977655" target="_blank">Parts of Speech Mentor Sentences and Proof of Mastery Set</a>. This is a quick way to review all eight parts of speech, and gives kids a chance to "show what they know". I like to create a packet of all the pages, then glue the entire packet into an Interactive Student Notebook. (I LOVE using ISNs in my class...it becomes my students #1 resource throughout the year! If you haven't tried using ISNs DO IT! Erin at <a href="http://imlovinlit.com/" target="_blank">Lovin Lit</a> has some great tutorials!) Here's what a sample sheet looks like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIHNX7-YeeVdgJNAApnWeS6B7qXcsrkItwbtUwaFtKiNFm60SmashRlWqTE3KcRN74iYrPlvRAO8R1JdGi1MBbk26uF6u0EZeeN1x_kkN-VhTGb5hT4n0a1VSYhKcbtEkHqAAh7lKqBYz/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIHNX7-YeeVdgJNAApnWeS6B7qXcsrkItwbtUwaFtKiNFm60SmashRlWqTE3KcRN74iYrPlvRAO8R1JdGi1MBbk26uF6u0EZeeN1x_kkN-VhTGb5hT4n0a1VSYhKcbtEkHqAAh7lKqBYz/s640/Slide3.JPG" width="492" /></a></div>
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Here's one with the answers (included in the product)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5GTI2D-qI3L8bYIsnGAwKioL_luZwNF6_rS0TAcSBsHX0Yb3xOjK6UDx6cJMPlykRTEpxicztfLOTQjHzpLdq5h7LPWYEKQIRF5pfYWeB0Ijb4nAnABiWpBgKAcYCOk0Y8_rh9L-7tZt/s1600/Slide14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5GTI2D-qI3L8bYIsnGAwKioL_luZwNF6_rS0TAcSBsHX0Yb3xOjK6UDx6cJMPlykRTEpxicztfLOTQjHzpLdq5h7LPWYEKQIRF5pfYWeB0Ijb4nAnABiWpBgKAcYCOk0Y8_rh9L-7tZt/s640/Slide14.JPG" width="492" /></a></div>
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Here's how I use these sheets to review:</div>
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1. I copy all the pages and make a packet with a staple in the top left corner. (Don't copy back-to-back unless you don't plan to collect the bottom half of the page!)</div>
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2. I spend about 10 minutes reviewing one part of speech (I may show a video...I love the Shmoop! series on You Tube or a classic Schoolhouse Rock. Sometimes, it's just a quick discussion/notetaking lesson)</div>
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3. After the mini-lesson, I do the top part of the page WITH my students, preferably on a projector.</div>
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4. Now it is the students' turn to show mastery of the part of speech by writing a sentence on the bottom half using the part of the speech of the day. (I like to have the kids color code what I'm looking for to make for easy grading)</div>
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5. Students cut off the bottom portion and turn in for a quick 5 point grade. </div>
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This makes for a super easy review AND a super easy formative assessment for me to see what my kids know, and what gaps they may have.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nouns-Mentor-Proof-of-Mastery-Sentences-1977681" target="_blank">Click here for a FREE sample</a> of this product. You can try out the pages that review nouns for free! The entire set looks like this: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parts-of-Speech-Mentor-and-Proof-of-Mastery-Sentences-1977655" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JSU1qdqvh0LZM2AtSr1dmzBZfZDv3xihlLQfbGV5z_L7EZ5p1XEl-hTYwXo08PE50_ALfwRrniO-5Phu3dMaKqszjpZ1z0LZSe8tIFd43QQ5JV6TJOETIrxsGAemQiTb6h7Y-iWb8sNg/s640/PREVIEWMentor+and+Mastery+POS+Sentences.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click the picture to go to my store!</td></tr>
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Over the next few weeks, I'll share with you some of the other ways I review with my students at the beginning of the year. I really believe that (at least) a week of review is necessary to make sure all kids are starting off from a solid foundation. So much of ELA, especially grammar, builds upon previous knowledge! You may think you need to dive right into your curriculum, but you will save time later if your students are secure in their basic skills right from the start!<br />
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This blog post is linked up with other great ideas based on teacher experiences! Click the picture below to read more from other fantastic teachers!<br />
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<a href="http://creativeteacherresources19.blogspot.com/2016/06/teacher-throwback-thursday-june-23rd.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0ca3e6jSwGXJ5tHnb_YXLckOKxZChx6h14cM0xnWdbVKksM_t08Kenet8Fj07vzxkge225rKn6AIceSPC90vlU02IqZsNdOhyCAXdg3En9KUB2ukMAB0bsr2Eh34i95ERIkDztztK0A/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-64640591620904132552016-06-02T07:58:00.001-07:002016-06-02T08:04:16.956-07:00My Summer Bucket List!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: inherit;"><br />Happy Summer! </span></h2>
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Most of the country is already on vacation, but here in Michigan we still have a few weeks left! June 16 is the magic day for my district...so the countdown is officially ON! I absolutely love summer, so I've been planning my summer "to do" list for quite some time :). </div>
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Summer in Michigan means great weather (finally!), fun in the water, art fairs galore, berry picking, and time spent "Up North". (For those not from Michigan, "Up North" means anywhere that has a lake and cottages or camping...many people I know go "Up North", but really head southwest to the Grand Haven area! Weird, right?)</div>
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I'm joining up with Katie at <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2016/06/my-summer-bucket-lista-free-printable.html" target="_blank">Mind Sparks</a> and some other summer lovin' bloggers to share my "Summer Bucket List"! So here's my plan to make the most of my time at home and in the sun!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lPUj-OVruDlx_rDZkPghYEd6lSd0_SUquV18IhlRGT5LEufrxTff8HEqzB0ftYW8h2__IP9CmpxoaL9EgdjFqxMt-XYyMnrxrw7fD5kjlWkwIrkRryDPZ4Y8B2nOnXlY4FH7mQgIXN43/s1600/summer+bucket+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lPUj-OVruDlx_rDZkPghYEd6lSd0_SUquV18IhlRGT5LEufrxTff8HEqzB0ftYW8h2__IP9CmpxoaL9EgdjFqxMt-XYyMnrxrw7fD5kjlWkwIrkRryDPZ4Y8B2nOnXlY4FH7mQgIXN43/s640/summer+bucket+list.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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1. As an ELA teacher and avid reader, summer is my time to catch up on all the new books! I spent many years as an elementary teacher, so I've read lots of great upper elementary books, but I'm still working my way through middle school reads. I've been jotting down titles that I see my 8th graders reading all year, so I've got a great list to start with! Plus, I always do the adult summer reading program at my local library, along with my kids! I earn a $5 Starbucks gift card for every 5 books I read...that is win-win in my book!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found a used book sale at the mall! SCORE!</td></tr>
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2. Art fairs are one of my absolute favorite things! In Michigan, you can usually find one every single week of the summer. I love wandering with my mom or my friends, looking at how creative other people are! There's usually live music and outdoor lunches involved, too. My favorites are Plymouth's "Art in the Park", and the Ann Arbor Art Fairs.</div>
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<a href="http://www.artfaircalendar.com/.a/6a00e54fba8a73883301b8d19831df970c-400wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.artfaircalendar.com/.a/6a00e54fba8a73883301b8d19831df970c-400wi" height="212" width="400" /></a><br />
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3. I used to go strawberry picking with my grandpa, so this activity holds special memories for me! Unfortunately, now that school goes so late into June, it's tricky to get strawberry picking these days, even though Belleville, Michigan (one of the largest berry picking areas) is nearby. Lately, we've done better going blueberry picking near Tawas, Michigan. My daughter loves picking berries, and we have fun making yummy desserts with them. Berries are also great frozen in smoothies year round...and you can't beat the price when you pick them yourself!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBcF_GCbYSutkDOPHBZOF6NfqjkWJLcQsi4s45FaU78MvQZ1JbjHTE2fP1AWVbCW7v0YNrbYbdf8oVQHnjRWkoCtoSMU69hYS9afjX-Eev9NIpG6aZ6EFR3ZNEAo9bMl4o2uD28VCSxPW/s1600/DSC_1122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBcF_GCbYSutkDOPHBZOF6NfqjkWJLcQsi4s45FaU78MvQZ1JbjHTE2fP1AWVbCW7v0YNrbYbdf8oVQHnjRWkoCtoSMU69hYS9afjX-Eev9NIpG6aZ6EFR3ZNEAo9bMl4o2uD28VCSxPW/s320/DSC_1122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our blueberry haul!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VxdYPjScWwsVocXxldXAA5a4lyziN2DFHKHffVJCQEWp_2_CvUSn_tLv2KfPOKEYCqYiOigFHJ4IgzkskxVPH_wXaou2CebO0LJe_gO-IA7RTBQfVo30qszEWFFyvwrDe0XsScfz7E8d/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VxdYPjScWwsVocXxldXAA5a4lyziN2DFHKHffVJCQEWp_2_CvUSn_tLv2KfPOKEYCqYiOigFHJ4IgzkskxVPH_wXaou2CebO0LJe_gO-IA7RTBQfVo30qszEWFFyvwrDe0XsScfz7E8d/s200/IMG_1780.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry Picking!</td></tr>
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4. I extolled upon the virtues of our pool club in a blog post not long ago. I really can't say how much I love it! My kids are occupied, I can read or nap in a lounge chair, Jimmy John's delivers...what more can a mom ask for? Plus, I like mixing up my workouts with some pool laps during adult swim time. It is amazing how out of breath and sore I get from doing laps! Swimming is such good exercise!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can just sit and watch, or read, or nap!</td></tr>
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5. OK, here's my dirty parenting secret. I'm an ELA teacher, but my son HATES writing. Thankfully, he loves reading, but his writing needs a lot of work. He's going into 8th grade, and it is really a struggle. We've had a come to Jesus discussion about how we will be having a writing boot camp this summer in between soccer camps and Boy Scout camps. He's not thrilled. I'm sure there will be arguments and stand offs...possibly we will end up with an outside tutor to save our sanity. (Isn't that always the way...kids don't work the same with parents as they do with other adults!) Wish me luck and patience with this "to do" item!</div>
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6. Because of #5, I need the fruity drinks! We are going to spend a week on the Gulf of Mexico in July...my entire plan for the week is fruity drinks and lounging. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view for a week each summer!</td></tr>
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7. Even though it's summer, teachers still work, right?!? Our school will be fully 1-1 tech integrated next year. I've been using Google Classroom already, but there are SO MANY things I still want to learn! I've been reading <a href="http://alicekeeler.com/" target="_blank">Alice Keeler's Tech for Teachers</a> blog, and playing around with ideas I've seen others using. If any of you are already doing 1-1 tech, please comment below with blogs and ideas I should look into! </div>
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8. Photo albums are every mom's nemesis right? How does the time go so quickly? How did I end up with 10,000 photos on my camera, but zero prints? I used to be so good about scrapbooking...I have travel albums and baby albums and toddler albums...then, I went back to work and it all. just. stopped. I put in a ton of time over Christmas break and lowered my expectations. I'm only 2 years behind now, and I'm only doing Snapfish or Shutterfly albums. Ain't nobody got time for scrapbookin' no more!</div>
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9. We may be the only family in Michigan to not have a cottage...but luckily we do have friends' with them! (and there are lots of hotels and campgrounds too :) I love spending time on the lakes and in the small towns around Traverse City, Grand Haven, Tawas, and Petoskey. As the T-shirts say..."Great Lakes, Great Times"!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovin' Lake Life!</td></tr>
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10. This should probably be my #1! I just got started on TpT last August after going to the conference in Vegas. I have learned sooooooo much from veteran TpTers, blogger friends, and all the groups on Facebook. I've been creating products slowly, but surely all year, as they fit into my personal curriculum needs. This summer, I'm hoping to spread into a larger subject and grade range of products and add more Score Four! games and Color By Code activities. If there is something you see a need for in your classroom, please comment below...I'm happy to take custom order ideas!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tween-Spirit-Boutique" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Visit my Store!" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidii8482AbOclTCQynMgZdTqckQL2DkCgm6EGYZMrhFFqUz_KW3uk57ZdDyiwDjkxl-N6-YfM7qoSAZFgCEePTENGUeZzz8CR7d9UcJW8QLGpuaHmBTegOjl7cmN5oDzPOPi3EKtKmgVgN/s320/LogoSmall.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Click on the pictures below to snag a freebie and some other fun activities from my TpT store!</h3>
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<span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PARTS-OF-SPEECH-NOUNSVERBSADJECTIVESADVERBS-Score-Four-Task-CardGames-2038094" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2cGg_xQ-5Ry4ymfnuMQlu3myy1ajX9jAEKwB35zbOZ9y4wBpbHJAnJlPSNdkIZWTLe9KvdA3teKTWqY0xF8NfTMWbQW9mDcroaIlJ5helfu8Joc8-luPceElSMovfVz01Ni7spReTSIE/s640/PREVIEWPartsOfSpeechScoreFourTaskCards.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PARTS-OF-SPEECH-NOUNSVERBSADJECTIVESADVERBS-Score-Four-Task-CardGames-2038094" target="_blank">Try out one of my Score Four! games at home this summer :)</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Math-Fun-Games-Parents-Can-Play-with-Kids-at-Home-1870355" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhZrdnv3DEyNlEshmJr7DYMJiZJ6qefPvwtXHw4lNrW24xJwh6h40hxOpjoWBz4I2sWSkRotUNeWo-xDuYqWKcuHlrWC3GvL9VoHdmW9GBsgATHZuW0aZ591YnMezCUDzvPIedBCdGLUF/s640/Summer+Math+games.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Math-Fun-Games-Parents-Can-Play-with-Kids-at-Home-1870355" target="_blank">Math games to play at home with supplies you already have!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/4-Types-of-Sentences-Color-By-Code-For-Middle-Grades-2520199" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlRjtd-tq9PvPmmSOkGbO2mC7PYrY11l3OazGUFxqOl5jxtsbouq8DNJETDmAG0juVJKYZ8o6vyhn6aDHe4j2TOn9p4cMQB1Ss10dA-9EEMTEfpPJiArt8p0Qg-uvVtaDDdQTI7zXu-pT/s640/FREE+CBC+pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/4-Types-of-Sentences-Color-By-Code-For-Middle-Grades-2520199" target="_blank">Snag this FREE Color By Code!</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: orange;"><a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2016/06/my-summer-bucket-lista-free-printable.html?showComment=1464879688072#c4464728857381794724" target="_blank">Click here to get to Mind Sparks to see all the bloggers who have linked up, too!</a></span></h2>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-61763172752604062682016-05-25T04:40:00.002-07:002016-05-25T04:40:58.600-07:00One Little Thing Wednesday Link Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbIp4O9SgoW-0i159LL1xEU48OOLApSLzd4uGB1-VQ9XYrVaxXzEaVym7OFMq0v6a-vO-9NKMXgrOyFwF6aFOMn4FTxg_HY8Hu0oq4Tmf3iQJQtwpHEjP_38f1Yxzt0jqzO39ZDKwHvo/s320/One+Little+Thing+Wednesday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbIp4O9SgoW-0i159LL1xEU48OOLApSLzd4uGB1-VQ9XYrVaxXzEaVym7OFMq0v6a-vO-9NKMXgrOyFwF6aFOMn4FTxg_HY8Hu0oq4Tmf3iQJQtwpHEjP_38f1Yxzt0jqzO39ZDKwHvo/s320/One+Little+Thing+Wednesday.png" /></a></div>
Laura, at <a href="http://schumacherclassroom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Enchanting Elementary</a>, does this fun thing each week called "One Little Thing Wednesday". She asks a question or offers a topic and asks other bloggers to link up with their responses. This week's topic is Book Reviews...one of my FAVORITE things to talk about! So, I linked up with my Book Review tab where I've shared review about <u>Tangerine</u>, <u>Gooney Bird Greene</u>, and <u>But I Read it on the Internet</u>. <a href="http://tweenspiritblog.blogspot.co.za/p/book-reviews.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> or on the "Book Reviews" tab above to read the reviews.<br />
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Check back soon for new reviews...now that summer is almost here, I'm stocking up on new books! Hopefully, there will be a lot of new book blog posts coming from me soon! <br />
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Don't forget to check out <a href="http://schumacherclassroom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Enchanting Elementary</a> to read all the reviews posted by many different bloggers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-12286974801726351252016-05-23T08:15:00.001-07:002016-05-24T06:35:17.257-07:00Things To Do With Your Tweens This Summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT01bE5GrhlTA6g7w99kpswHUNQQdHEw7L_rd0bn3I4BsS65cDjZmhrub9LzdB9-sMOBg3QPfjdRKg2sc2gZxpkCYcs_-xH_5FbDUBb4Ix-I2BEqo9wQVPT-B2ovKd4Cs_f09pDu97HPnd/s1600/Enroll+now+for+2016%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT01bE5GrhlTA6g7w99kpswHUNQQdHEw7L_rd0bn3I4BsS65cDjZmhrub9LzdB9-sMOBg3QPfjdRKg2sc2gZxpkCYcs_-xH_5FbDUBb4Ix-I2BEqo9wQVPT-B2ovKd4Cs_f09pDu97HPnd/s640/Enroll+now+for+2016%2521.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: lime;">Parents, this post is for you!</span></h2>
As a teacher, I'm really excited for the end of the school year! Summer break for the teacher part of me means sleeping in a bit later, no papers to grade, no plans to do (at least not right away!), and no tween attitudes to put up with for a while...in other words, a much needed break. Yay!<br />
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But wait...if I'm on summer vacation, that means my kids are too! I still have tweens to deal with, the very ones I brought into this world! We teacher-moms get no breaks! (Although it must be said that teacher-moms of tweens get more of a break than teacher-moms of babies and toddlers...I've been there and I'm here to tell you it does get easier! Deep breaths ladies! You can do it!)<br />
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These kids of ours at home are still expecting to be fed everyday. They still want clean(-ish) clothes. And worst of all...they want to be entertained!<br />
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Seriously, I can't handle hearing "I'm bored" or watching kids lay around watching TV or play on their devices, but I'm also not going to be the summer time cruise director! This is MY vacation, too!<br />
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So, in advance preparation, I've come up with a list of things to do with your tweens this summer...and I promise most of them will be a treat for YOU too!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">1. Send them outside!</span></h3>
Yep, simple as that. Remember how we used to go outside and climb a tree or ride a bike to a friend's house? Let them. They are old enough. They can handle it. They need time to test their wings and learn responsibility in small doses. Summer is the perfect time for that! If you are like me, your garage is full of random things that the kids have forgotten about. Pull out the sidewalk chalk, bikes, scooters, water toys, balls, rollerblades, gardening tools, pogo sticks, hula hoops...whatever toys you've been hoarding since their first birthday. Then kick your kid outside. Lock the door if necessary! Take away the devices! They'll survive and figure out how to entertain themselves. Extra bonus for you is PEACE and QUIET inside! Or , sit out on the patio with a cup of coffee and watch from afar if it makes you feel better. Let them play...you rest. You deserve it!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">2. Go to a park! </span></h3>
If your backyard or neighborhood doesn't have much room to roam, find a local park with paths and green spaces to explore and roam. You can hike or go for a bike ride, so you are getting your exercise in at the same time! Score for you! Lots of parks in our area have free fishing docks and nature trails that kids love. Big kids like mountain biking on the trails, too!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><br />3. Local field trips! </span></h3>
I'm going to let you in on a secret...even if they won't admit it, tweens still like zoos, science centers, and all the other places you used to take them! We live in the Detroit area, and The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village is a big attraction. My 12- and 10-year-olds still like going there and riding on the train, carousel, and old-fashioned Model T cars. Sometimes, we even go into the buildings! They also still love the Hands On Science Museum and Detroit Zoo. Even if they aren't super excited when we get in the car to go, they are smiling and having fun 5 minutes after we arrive!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">4. Let them get a job! </span></h3>
Yep, a real paying JOB. Tweens can WORK! My 12-year-old is a soccer referee for the pre-K and Kindergarten league. Both my kids are pet sitters! Older kids can babysit. They are making their own spending money and learning valuable life skills. And there's that bonus to you...free time and less handing out money!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">5. Join a swim club!</span></h3>
This one costs a bit more, but it is TOTALLY worth it to join a local swim club if you have one nearby! A few years ago, we tossed down a few hundred bucks..and I got the first relaxing summer of my mom-life! Swim clubs have so much to do...more than just swimming! My son isn't much of a swimmer, but he loves the basketball court, wide open grassy area for soccer or football, and of course, the snack bar. My daughter is basically a mermaid, so she could willingly spend all day, every day in the pool. For the few minutes of adult swim time...yes they kick the kids out so adults can do laps!...she's happy at the snack bar or on the playground. For $25 she joins the swim team and basically gets free swim lessons and has meets, which are lots of fun! Here's the score for moms...if your kids are strong swimmers and since there's plenty of lifeguards, a mama can sit back and read a book, talk with friends, even take a nap! At night, they often host parties for adults and kids, like baseball game watches, or float-in movies, or game nights. Our pool club has grills for members to use, or you can order pizza, or bring a picnic aside from the snack bar. And if you have a kid with a summer birthday, you are really going to love it...our pool charges only $3 per guest for a party! Seriously, can you beat a birthday party for $3 person?!? Even when you add in a few Hot and Ready Pizzas to the total, it is a total bargain!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">6. Look into classes at community colleges!</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I don't know about where you live, but around here, there are a bunch of small community colleges. The great thing about these colleges (aside from being a great stepping stone for new HS grads!) is that most of them offer summer courses for elementary, middle school, and high school students! These courses are FUN, like video game programming, cooking, journalism basics, photography, etc. If your kids (like mine) are too busy all school year with homework and sports to try out a new interest, this is a great time to try something new! </span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">7. Let them eat cake! (But teach them to bake it first!)</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;">One thing I love doing with my kids in the summer, is to teach them life skills. They have chores year-round, but in the summer, I make time to up that game. In the past, I've taught them how to use the washer and dryer...not just to fold and put clothes away. They've run garage sales and lemonade stands to earn money and learn about running a business. I've let them start and maintain a garden and they've learned to try new foods. One of our favorite life skills to practice over the summer is COOKING! Yes, things get messy...but then they learn about cleaning the kitchen, too! My kids especially love baking, probably because I don't do it very often! When we bake, I let them find the recipe, I take them to the grocery store for ingredients, and I let them do all the mixing and prep work. I really only oversee and help with the hot oven. They love baking, and I love seeing my kids work together on a project. They negotiate who will do what tasks, they plan, they set timers, they clean up, and best of all, they get to eat a yummy treat of their own making! I promise them that I will relinquish all control of the kitchen any time they want to bake (or make dinner, which they sometimes do), as long as they clean it up to my standards afterward. That is pretty win-win for us all!</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">8. Join a Summer Rec League!</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Summer is the perfect time to let your kids try out new sports. If your kids are as busy as mine all year between year-round activities and homework, you are probably as frustrated as I am. I miss the days of sports having a season...everything is a year-long commitment these days! My son plays travel soccer and my daughter dances and they are both in Scouts. That's really all I can squeeze in to a week. They've tried to add in basketball and swimming, but it became too much for them, and to be honest for me! So, now I use summer as a time for the kids to test out other interests. Our city has some great short-season teams, with no pressure, just FUN! Each summer, my kids take a one week tennis camp. They also have tried out softball, baseball, basketball, and gymnastics. Summer rec sports are a great way to give kids a taste of what else is out there!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibteMN1ShJFRWFJjV-LGZdbJGec0GFd3Dm6pvETvDhZ3lLaB5RASB0WP4sqrJsZuCicAyuWtuUiFJEMnH5-VZdkhhPYXSpjcn84OnmBE1zeJjwRZcpCA4YsSWYLTcXZO4FvGFKEV3j5iKU/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibteMN1ShJFRWFJjV-LGZdbJGec0GFd3Dm6pvETvDhZ3lLaB5RASB0WP4sqrJsZuCicAyuWtuUiFJEMnH5-VZdkhhPYXSpjcn84OnmBE1zeJjwRZcpCA4YsSWYLTcXZO4FvGFKEV3j5iKU/s320/IMG_1135.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">9. Work together on a house project!</span></h3>
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This one is a bit selfish, but having kids at home all summer equals free labor! Since they are living rent-free, I think it's only fair that they help out on projects to keep the house looking nice! My kids have helped maintain a small veggie garden, spread yards of mulch, wash the cars...they even used some tools and helped us finish our basement! They are also great at helping with garage sales and other "purging" projects! </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">10. Volunteer together!</span></h3>
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I'm also a big believer in giving back. Summer time is a great time to teach kids to be community minded. Whether it's packing lunches to give to the hungry, picking up litter on the way to the park, or donating books to a <a href="https://littlefreelibrary.org/" target="_blank">Little Free Library</a> (by the way one of the BEST things since sliced bread!), there are lots of ways to involve kids in volunteerism. One thing we do every summer, is go through all our clothes and toys and donate them to Salvation Army or Goodwill or St. Vincent dePaul. I take my kids with me when we drop them off and we offer to help sort or do some shopping while we are there. Many churches offer volunteering options, as do scouting troops. It doesn't even have to be that formal...just send your kids to a neighbor's house and let them do some weeding or dog walking for free!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdn7OmaFKmsrHayxpfX5CZw3LeMCaNX6sDvvZ8_vEda_JtC1mUWDzRvHG3bvPzKTqoodIy6YH0eDwGSMa2lNOkt5fFo-t3UiB6tTuq5ewRoI3yXYiSInZH70JLkD54Vxy2NWgpMeh6Q3g/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdn7OmaFKmsrHayxpfX5CZw3LeMCaNX6sDvvZ8_vEda_JtC1mUWDzRvHG3bvPzKTqoodIy6YH0eDwGSMa2lNOkt5fFo-t3UiB6tTuq5ewRoI3yXYiSInZH70JLkD54Vxy2NWgpMeh6Q3g/s320/IMG_1742.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Whatever you do this summer, I hope you enjoy it with your family! I always look at summer as a fresh start and a time to do all the things I've been meaning to do all year...especially spending quality time with my kids and taking in some "me" time!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-42618920672860628992016-05-17T04:58:00.001-07:002016-05-17T04:58:54.039-07:00Tips for Dealing with Stress!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I want to share a great blog post written by Jewel Pastor! She asked lots of bloggers for their thoughts on ways to deal with the stress of teaching. I'm so excited that she chose my tip to include in her Top 10 Ways to Destress for Teachers!</div>
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<a href="http://jewelschoolgems.com/2016/05/16/top-10-ways-destress-teachers-part-2/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6eSxAZf1AOpbCYiy4fFmGO2m11s4PaFF0OIw1y1TWfnj1C4JXVl1Rpi1Lwx9dQdLD7kxPrpnmVxhQoRuHs0jdellmKsvQuvGAcIXONjgGzNHG_40Ig87ZCtnk7KXa0Saq6G_Xbpm7LNM/s400/waystodestresspart2-683x1024.png" width="265" /></a></div>
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Click on the picture above to read some great ideas to relieve stress and make it to the end of the year without pulling out your hair or screaming!</div>
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Remember, kids get stressed at this time of year, too. Try to relieve their stress by playing learning games and doing calming activities, like coloring! I've got some great games and coloring activities in my TpT store to keep your kiddos working until the last day! Click the pics for more info!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PARTS-OF-SPEECH-Parts-of-Speech-Color-By-Code-For-Middle-Grades-2496959" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2c3tvHJBuf2iH4IU9wdf4ogg1rERH3ASG3C7OSdIfAxEU5bGfF-WhPB1cC_ErIfoUW1Y1dSwrYgCPE3odnakP4CYjmMljfleaJN4dzsZjJRoESb56rIbwxmfaP6HUnEwkVWplBCeTK-P/s400/DSC_0315.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Color By Code Activities</b></h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parts-of-Speech-NOUNSVERBSADJECTIVESADVERBS-Score-Four-Task-CardGames-2038094" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2cGg_xQ-5Ry4ymfnuMQlu3myy1ajX9jAEKwB35zbOZ9y4wBpbHJAnJlPSNdkIZWTLe9KvdA3teKTWqY0xF8NfTMWbQW9mDcroaIlJ5helfu8Joc8-luPceElSMovfVz01Ni7spReTSIE/s400/PREVIEWPartsOfSpeechScoreFourTaskCards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Score 4 Games and Task Cards</span></h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Math-Fun-Games-Parents-Can-Play-with-Kids-at-Home-1870355" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_vaKTMiSDdqC_FeZPm0QlHJ04ozbDCrFeco3XYPdHbFQjAL4M7QVVmMXZh8OCmmG9W3JQJ6VKM3dCsiLk23rQtzQ3zzrA9-RORHWmDCXLUu7aBdTd7vrlS_QtoiGAMzkd4qkJqsWgjjP/s400/Slide2.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
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Math Games for Elementary Kiddos</h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sentences-and-Clauses-Matching-Race-Clauses-and-Punctuation-Game-2275157" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxsi30TqnfN2M6RfP6XtMuCYmAKfXuCBVMqDLxzlNSlzBq0oB0zy6FJtydmJSMz6lILjC246j5Esjwi_bnsWt2rooD6BTzVzFDLHIQTfSTGL_SX8YnimaHubbs4Ue7WI6HKFzojy5XmWz/s640/Presentation1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Grammar Games</h3>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-27836946575207718362016-05-14T06:30:00.000-07:002016-05-14T12:13:06.031-07:00The Countdown to Summer is ON!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDAKdcb6jgNfing2w7-jf6tzAb-tIJLTHsUgIrIp9Uz3W0lybnpLGs0SpXn-F8hW_2Pabs8St_38podY3Oak0qb5qUsrJ4YccDuPFX4LsKK5b5aisUTZCK2SJYjAdYV9hwPvSolXFyIwH/s1600/13103328_1060043534049362_6986084411104896004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDAKdcb6jgNfing2w7-jf6tzAb-tIJLTHsUgIrIp9Uz3W0lybnpLGs0SpXn-F8hW_2Pabs8St_38podY3Oak0qb5qUsrJ4YccDuPFX4LsKK5b5aisUTZCK2SJYjAdYV9hwPvSolXFyIwH/s400/13103328_1060043534049362_6986084411104896004_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm joining up with a few other bloggers to share some end of the year tips and give away some summer goodies! </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are new to my blog, thanks for hopping over!</span></h2>
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I'm finishing my 16th year of teaching...wow! In those years, I've taught everything K-8 except 1st and 7th, so I've been through my fair share of goodbyes! I've also been a part of "graduation" ceremonies with students moving up to middle school or high school. I've tried a bunch of different things to end my school year on a high, happy note - and some have worked better than others! Here are my two favorite ways to wrap up the year!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">1. Celebrate Your Graduates!</span></h2>
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<li>I'm not the person who believes in trophies for EVERYTHING, but I do think it is worth celebrating the move from elementary school to middle school, or middle school to high school! I've been a part of some wonderful "graduation celebrations" at the end of 5th grade and 8th grade. Here's what I love most: PREDICTIONS. Yes, this means work on the teacher's end, but the result is so much fun! This works best for 5th grade, because you have one whole group of kids you get to know really well. I write a story, set sometime in the future...mine usually take place at a Michigan State University football tailgate...where I end up running into a former student who tells me all about his or her classmates and what they are doing now. It is tons of fun to create futures for my students and they love hearing about how one of them is "now" a famous football player, or that one of their own has discovered the cure for cancer, or just finding out how many kids they have! I always tie their future to something they are currently into. It makes for a really fun end of the year read aloud! I print copies for each student as a graduation gift, too. </li>
<li>8th grade celebrations are a bit tougher to make personal since we share so many kids with so many teachers! At my school, we do a big presentation whole group, but I like to give my own kids a little something on our last day together. Thanks to the Target Dollar Spot, I can make mini-diplomas for each student! I use Pirouline rolled wafers and just tie a ribbon around each one. Then I attach it to a certificate I print out thanking them for their hard work all year or congratulating them on surviving middle school. Super easy and affordable when you've got 100+ students!</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchGc9vmN5pbN7__VbyVt3NJK2G-RNO8iE3wIuIvBx7j1mjrVTtdhuZA-aSG2SLoW91jDJt1lwUp2eYML4XpBAjYI8S6whfBO-FmKGrPcZPY4lzRy5tqb3ylmAuvWHBr_X79VGo_Dy01s9/s1600/FullSizeRender+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchGc9vmN5pbN7__VbyVt3NJK2G-RNO8iE3wIuIvBx7j1mjrVTtdhuZA-aSG2SLoW91jDJt1lwUp2eYML4XpBAjYI8S6whfBO-FmKGrPcZPY4lzRy5tqb3ylmAuvWHBr_X79VGo_Dy01s9/s320/FullSizeRender+%252811%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">2. Keep Kids Learning All Summer with Summer Fun Packets!</span></h2>
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<li>When I taught elementary and knew I'd been seeing my students back at the same school the next year, I often made summer fun packets for them to do over the summer. Doesn't sound much like fun at first, but when they realized that the contents of the packet were really fun and that they could earn a prize from me in September for completing them, they LOVED the idea! (Parents were big fans, too!) I'd put in activities like my "Color By Code" grammar practice sheets, a list of board, card, dice, and domino games that practice math skills, a list of my favorite books, and a list of local field trips for families. Parents would sign off on the activities, then when school started again, my former students would come back to visit my classroom and show me their completed packet. I always made a big deal about them coming back to visit and congratulating them on their productive summer, then I'd give them some fun dollar store goodie. This was fun for me, and great motivation for my new students to see that learning can be fun! <b>Click the picture below to grab a FREE "Color By Code" activity.</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SENTENCES-4-Types-of-Sentences-Color-By-Code-For-Middle-Grades-2520199" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfavCWo90-dAfHP9rwE1L6YBhWTYp03TT1ScWEd6ZvpZqILo_B7h4Aro-m0h4wFapCd8ziEuqoJWnqbuSydYOonx7k0bgtlMbMQc8cdpvxrTqIW9zKdRzui3KFMgpD9AoVTDuCqrcGhMV/s640/FREE+CBC+pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you like that one, I've got many more Color By Code Activities covering many different ELA topics. You can get them all individually in my store, or save money by buying the bundle! <b>Click on the picture to find out about all the "Color By Code" activities!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO8cwiyLby5sCN356gBKjsZPIB2zXnkvJeIuuggu6MwLiBjvoxs_hLUnY7la-AqWLeY9bIA91WoVwNUkxXLT0XqGxi_uqqjrjXk9auKGy2v9a9z5vr-BmF9FvfwnIo2JHIJYASXNs64id/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO8cwiyLby5sCN356gBKjsZPIB2zXnkvJeIuuggu6MwLiBjvoxs_hLUnY7la-AqWLeY9bIA91WoVwNUkxXLT0XqGxi_uqqjrjXk9auKGy2v9a9z5vr-BmF9FvfwnIo2JHIJYASXNs64id/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO8cwiyLby5sCN356gBKjsZPIB2zXnkvJeIuuggu6MwLiBjvoxs_hLUnY7la-AqWLeY9bIA91WoVwNUkxXLT0XqGxi_uqqjrjXk9auKGy2v9a9z5vr-BmF9FvfwnIo2JHIJYASXNs64id/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO8cwiyLby5sCN356gBKjsZPIB2zXnkvJeIuuggu6MwLiBjvoxs_hLUnY7la-AqWLeY9bIA91WoVwNUkxXLT0XqGxi_uqqjrjXk9auKGy2v9a9z5vr-BmF9FvfwnIo2JHIJYASXNs64id/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO8cwiyLby5sCN356gBKjsZPIB2zXnkvJeIuuggu6MwLiBjvoxs_hLUnY7la-AqWLeY9bIA91WoVwNUkxXLT0XqGxi_uqqjrjXk9auKGy2v9a9z5vr-BmF9FvfwnIo2JHIJYASXNs64id/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO8cwiyLby5sCN356gBKjsZPIB2zXnkvJeIuuggu6MwLiBjvoxs_hLUnY7la-AqWLeY9bIA91WoVwNUkxXLT0XqGxi_uqqjrjXk9auKGy2v9a9z5vr-BmF9FvfwnIo2JHIJYASXNs64id/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCO8cwiyLby5sCN356gBKjsZPIB2zXnkvJeIuuggu6MwLiBjvoxs_hLUnY7la-AqWLeY9bIA91WoVwNUkxXLT0XqGxi_uqqjrjXk9auKGy2v9a9z5vr-BmF9FvfwnIo2JHIJYASXNs64id/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; 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float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Grammar-BUNDLE-10-Color-By-Code-Grammar-Activities-2520296" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRqVIcLNgG-LHS_MJiIAoc8F80GoE3VxpK4Js0XTfvpCqUkE4D-RnM5y6HTn6vxu7oRe3wzzLF2M30upfJkACkrW5xESk4l-QugAOycQ0U_8QiwSeo_T2iw2BapbFNZ0nGQLXu5eR7As7/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="306" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvtP2lTN78CgGaRTj_iyHlLqWqvHspwZzIXMEo2vdpSE4G0s2efdnmtrrLJqXu4jqprMXFWTJKqPe4Kfmk89rjxbT1YgPOcO003rAxIyuPwgRpixhbjONOrtfh81KucLNhk_LjwieQFjZ/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvtP2lTN78CgGaRTj_iyHlLqWqvHspwZzIXMEo2vdpSE4G0s2efdnmtrrLJqXu4jqprMXFWTJKqPe4Kfmk89rjxbT1YgPOcO003rAxIyuPwgRpixhbjONOrtfh81KucLNhk_LjwieQFjZ/s400/Slide2.JPG" width="306" /></a></div>
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You can find a list of fun ways to practice math at home here! Parents love these activities because they probably have all the materials at home already! Plus, these games are fun for the whole family! <b>Click the picture to find out more!</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/MATH-GAMES-At-Home-Math-Fun-Games-Parents-Can-Play-with-Kids-at-Home-1870355" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72jlk5AekXQvINWMoA4RE41hMAfJwqV8sjCOw4vp3rj1AMpBCNZ9iYTQDRXDWhCBCOslrhaBUIIjO2CplZ2fFq5xm9b7VXYPfvW7De8L0tLXEMzs1nC2w_ra3SXQFTLphSjZNSP2Jyyja/s640/Summer+Math+games.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Good luck making it through the final stretch of the year! I hope these ideas get you excited and ready to end your year on a high note! For more fun tips and freebies, click the picture below to hop to the next blog!</h3>
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<a href="http://bigideasforlittlehands.blogspot.com/2016/05/end-of-year-freebie.html" target="_blank"><span id="goog_1722234841"></span><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfDv31T0aiPDz-rqRd6yv8thj2lPVSgv4Y17U_q3LAKL1OOU05MHD4VqBD_M1fIPFvWDB-2uFs6opfnAmdYdzxyKpVads_dgBM0dGhvE_xsZMOYG2Posp9amWBGsPtCAl9c3oMIQePDPs/s640/13119737_1060043580716024_5090301135108495273_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><span id="goog_1722234842"></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675134105813048995.post-88404581350419620692016-05-12T04:00:00.000-07:002016-05-12T04:00:13.725-07:00Secondary Giveaway Time!<h2>
It's GIVEAWAY time!</h2>
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I've joined up with some AWESOME secondary TpT sellers to help celebrate Kim at English Oh My! reaching 50 followers!</div>
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Click on this picture to link up to Kim's blog "English Oh My!" and to find out all about this fun giveaway!</div>
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<a href="http://englishohmy.blogspot.com/2016/05/500-followers-giveaway-begins-today.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjzSofFyEdySZgoRkdKUq6gL9JHzBsbdrIZgcxsZNFjmAMA0fpeEGbcoAXknUR1lKa79RXtOhMh2gs4yWxkH1XTbmnp_j0vi_wDHaQLodQFUJOESX_4eDM41IdjGNXSkj78_cT7O_P19J/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-05-07+at+5.21.54+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm giving away one of my favorite products- my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PUNCTUATION-Punctuation-Color-By-Code-For-Middle-Grades-2510995" target="_blank">Punctuation Color by Code Activity</a>! This (<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Grammar-BUNDLE-10-Color-By-Code-Grammar-Activities-2520296" target="_blank">and all Color By Codes</a>) is a great teaching and reviewing activity for middle grade kids. These activities would be AWESOME to use as end of the year activities to keep kids learning and engaged until the very last day! Parents may also like these as summer packets...but don't tell the kids!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9SqE5sEWzJ07NBZlwnQ2JTWQdfk17v4vjgTZDCKp_NPLZrjRP6SWHnLrWb717aAiF-Lf3JMlbieXOVVTbPOFGcrnTggJWZHEdg_P2zyxJ8-x8VL-m4cbuK-vjsryVEBusuHIp2wVykuk/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9SqE5sEWzJ07NBZlwnQ2JTWQdfk17v4vjgTZDCKp_NPLZrjRP6SWHnLrWb717aAiF-Lf3JMlbieXOVVTbPOFGcrnTggJWZHEdg_P2zyxJ8-x8VL-m4cbuK-vjsryVEBusuHIp2wVykuk/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR4AxQeMknvoWA5lK79ZZjh-yfddHyi7rozrbf1pLjY1l3QrMYpjokB4yS1JPL187qzLOXMrW3T0aXU8j5cZEfP-KQphXh_7kgGiz94H4pKgSJ_sxhrA_IpgZRSRsLjVrnkZ4GtEMTeVp/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR4AxQeMknvoWA5lK79ZZjh-yfddHyi7rozrbf1pLjY1l3QrMYpjokB4yS1JPL187qzLOXMrW3T0aXU8j5cZEfP-KQphXh_7kgGiz94H4pKgSJ_sxhrA_IpgZRSRsLjVrnkZ4GtEMTeVp/s320/FullSizeRender+%25288%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you participate in this giveaway, you'll be eligible via Rafflecopter to win my product, as well as products from 14 other TpT sellers! Don't miss out! Click on the link to <a href="http://englishohmy.blogspot.com/2016/05/500-followers-giveaway-begins-today.html" target="_blank">"English Oh My!"</a> or the giveaway picture above to join in the fun. Good luck!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355917053575852681noreply@blogger.com0