tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78563744821914510162024-03-17T03:44:09.249-04:00The Go To TeacherJen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-74186711491271113192015-10-27T19:45:00.000-04:002015-10-27T19:45:15.890-04:00Wonder TableSo this magical thing happened, totally by accident, and it has been glorious. A child visited Connecticut and brought back Buckeyes and fall leaves. You see in Florida we don't see much fall. Leaves that are yellow, red and orange are way cooler than green and brown. I said, "Let's put it on this table so others can check it out." <br />
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And that's how the Wonder Table began...but the name came a few days later.<br />
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It was also serendipity that I am in a book study reading A Place for Wonder: Reading and Writing Nonfiction in the Primary Grades by Georgia Heard and Jennifer McDonough. As I was reading, I came across their idea for a Discovery Table and I knew we would keep it. (If you are a primary teacher, this is a good read!)<br />
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It's really simple. Pick a spot, put a couple tools out (forceps, magnifying glass, measuring tape, etc.), and then tell the kids to bring treasures in. BOOM! that's it.<br />
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Here is what our table looked like this morning. We have our tools to the left, a Betta fish, snake skins, dragonfly, exoskeleton of a crab, shells, leaves, buckeyes, reptile skin, sea glass, soil samples, and slides for a microscope. Above is our bread experiment to see if washing hands matters.</div>
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Tools</div>
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Bubbles!</div>
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Close-up of snake skins, exoskeleton, leaves, and shells. One child even found a paperclip that they had never seen before...so magical.</div>
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Leaves, soil samples, buckeyes, acorns, reptile skin, and slides</div>
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Simple, right?!</div>
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I bought each child a small notebook. Our wonder notebooks were born! I found them at Target in the party aisle.</div>
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Some of the wonderings are based off the Wonder Table. Others like this one are based off interest.</div>
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This question was based off the table. She found out about the diets of snakes, reptiles and dragonflies and was still feeling curious.</div>
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<u>The benefits of the Wonder Table are:</u></div>
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*Easy way to bring in science topics</div>
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*Creates eagerness </div>
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*Teaches students to appreciate the small things in life</div>
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*Gets students to independently ask and answer questions on their own</div>
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*Creates a scientist mentality in all students</div>
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*Lets students share without having Show and Tell</div>
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To keep the table fresh I am going to add books that relate to topics and put out different items for each unit. Some ideas are paintings, poetry, globe, flashlights, magazines, nature items, etc.</div>
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So that's it. A huge impact in our classroom happened by chance but that's how these things go.</div>
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Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-83351600878042910052015-09-08T20:40:00.000-04:002015-09-08T20:40:38.883-04:00Beginning of the Year MathWhen I think about first grade math, I think about addition and subtraction. I think about the stage of each learner: concrete, representational, or abstract. I think about strategies. I think about fluency.<div>
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I started out using our math series and quickly put it back. I found out that I should also be thinking about depth and breadth. It made me think about starting off in a different way. Here's what I'm doing now to encourage math fluency, strategies, and depth and breadth:</div>
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<b>1. Number Talks- math fluency, strategies</b></div>
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This is a short time, in which you show a problem quickly and the students mentally solve. I ask, "What did you see? How did you see it?" This gets the students doing mental math! and it has them explaining their thinking, which directly ties to strategies. Read more about Number Talks here: <a href="http://www.mathsolutions.com/documents/numbertalks_sparrish.pdf" target="_blank">Number Talks Build Numerical Reasoning</a></div>
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<img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSa9osur0VrjwZv90Z_QFgozfOhfeH1AfGvLbbWsUg4Xci_W0NYE3z4d73jLUM8Myrt1WnIjfXhl-fuzdC00wAs6RNpR9VVpI1jhDB7BfawZJet7_XNvkfi8DuUfK4WbrtVDmwVNwxW2A7/s640/IMG_2810.JPG" width="426" /></div>
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<b>2. Open-ended Math Problems- math fluency, strategies and depth and breadth</b></div>
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Immediately I saw that my students do not know how to read and reason with math word problems. This is one of our most important math standards. It helps students with reasoning and knowing what to do is essential. I knew I needed to teach my students to use the reading & math strategies they already have to understand how to plan, solve and check tricky word problems.</div>
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OH.MY.WORD using open-ended questions has been the BEST formative assessment I could have ever used. What strategies do they have? Are they in concrete, representational, or abstract phase? Do they have math fact fluency? Do they understand how to read a problem? It has opened my eyes in a new way. I feel like I'm starting off the year really understanding each child's mathematical abilities. </div>
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I have some problems for you here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIUDJGVWdJN2haZEU/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">OpenEndedMath</a>. Pages 1-4 have differentiated addition problems on the top and bottom. Pages 5-8 have differentiated subtraction problems on two separate pages. </div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIUDJGVWdJN2haZEU/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-5dHr8F_LPITn0v8qsx_NWnq3plmRMQGO8m7uPbMZdzvXPh9QFabArK3h_Xi9NRz7PjjheIxn8Cq-sOZCyjOz2fe6uRKzbsag9TeaGI5oaQDIE2FCOejLukOL6xtG6EAZICt6ZReaO7_/s640/OpenEnd.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After I created a few problems, I went on TPT and bought Emmy Mac Shop's <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Year-of-Monthly-Open-Ended-Problems-1669273" target="_blank">A Year of Monthly Open Ended Problems</a>. This is a bundle but you can also buy it separately. I am very impressed with the quality and am glad I splurged on the bundle!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ16jj51phmnwjCh1uDso11UAYnmDHq7Kmrk2tdgUamHTHv-59N0_KfXlOG-f6P2iedLygZuuAgG1Wu3qphN6OOmfeMxWf95mkuCWtV6VCJ2XDS8i5DFXSPLhvRSk2UxVYkAfmwLTCgaG0/s1600/Bundle.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ16jj51phmnwjCh1uDso11UAYnmDHq7Kmrk2tdgUamHTHv-59N0_KfXlOG-f6P2iedLygZuuAgG1Wu3qphN6OOmfeMxWf95mkuCWtV6VCJ2XDS8i5DFXSPLhvRSk2UxVYkAfmwLTCgaG0/s640/Bundle.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Math Running Records- math strategies, fluency </b></div>
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I saw and then quickly bought The Classroom Key's <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Running-Record-Addition-and-Subtraction-1174770" target="_blank">Math Running Records, Addition and Subtraction</a>. I have always loved starting the year by listening to the readers in my room and conducting a running record. So when I saw this fabulous idea, I knew I wanted to try it. And it is AH.MAZ.ING!! It really helps you grasp what your student gets and what they need help on. I also loved that I could see how long it took each child to solve the problems. Now that I have finished (just today), I am ready to use the data to help create groups. This tells you WAY MORE than a math series beginning of the year test...and it helps you get started right away!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Running-Record-Addition-and-Subtraction-1174770" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxzLNA2BxIEnGjuvu4-QDjzSoZKaFBoPYbo34rcN_GrEtnAD2Hd4NV5ZrVV8_GD4jHb_BpBVtwx9CxBS_SZRqBk86guRO4WWbhhmGw0v5ihnmTf4a_NWnLOzdQxvgnfN6q72Sjgfi3yrG/s640/MathRunningRecord.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope you find these tips helpful! I feel that I finally understand the mathematicians in my class. I know that our math time will be more meaningful and focused.</div>
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Have a lovely night,</div>
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Jen</div>
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Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-46743818916745790362015-09-08T07:00:00.000-04:002015-09-08T07:00:03.667-04:00Rubrics and My Anchor Chart Must-HavesThe Growth Mindset is starting to make an impact in education. <a href="http://www.mindsetonline.com/index.html" target="_blank">Carol Dweck</a> explains Growth Mindset,<br />
<i><span style="color: blue;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.85px;">In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.85px;">Teaching a growth mindset creates motivation and productivity in the worlds of business, education, and sports. It enhances relationships. When you read Mindset, you’ll see how.</span></span></i><br />
In my mind this directly relates to rubrics being created and shared with students. If you know what is expected of you, and you know what it takes to go beyond, you can set goals to get their. I remember when I went to school, I was handed an assignment and told to read a section of the textbook. I didn't really know what I was working on other than what the teacher told me to do it. I would turn in my work and hope for the best. I had no control. It either worked in my favor or it didn't.<br />
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In my own job, I like to know what I'm being evaluated on and I like to know how to accomplish it. I want to give my students that opportunity as well. I want them to see that their education is their own and what they make of it goes with them wherever they are.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDPlnJo8wOvN7jdgtckxBvOksPkvGaXkWvhpsTFUDAHok4vV5c8-KNZYvEddbwR8UMf90I-LNSHzYUEDTBltBto1UAEtrzirwMn5ggCO2iZbYgjlQeMtsHUIyX52Ecvfco0slkY3iYoFY/s1600/1anchor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDPlnJo8wOvN7jdgtckxBvOksPkvGaXkWvhpsTFUDAHok4vV5c8-KNZYvEddbwR8UMf90I-LNSHzYUEDTBltBto1UAEtrzirwMn5ggCO2iZbYgjlQeMtsHUIyX52Ecvfco0slkY3iYoFY/s640/1anchor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When a rubric becomes a part of your classroom your discussions change. The students really understand the standards and why they are learning them. It creates a culture of learning that is different than before. I really focus on the growth students are making rather than their level on the rubric. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My must-haves for anchor charts:</b></span></div>
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1. <b>Essential question that is standards-based</b>: I like to create a culture of thought. What better way than to ask a question at the beginning of the lesson? This isn't a question that can be answered in one word. You will note that my essential questions are quite different than the reading textbooks questions. That's because I focus on standards, not themes. To read more about essential questions, look here: <a href="http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/109004/chapters/Why-Use-Essential-Questions%C2%A2.aspx" target="_blank">Essential Questions</a> &/or <a href="http://www.authenticeducation.org/ae_bigideas/article.lasso?artid=53" target="_blank">What is an Essential Question?</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIslhAzyH0HH_STqo_dcouALLsjo9KMK8ORD1ApXzE0cVt-1MSc1vzNbDahRyXyb7H-JSu06W-56uGrAf_z3xXiV8t0EtRNS0WBdJWSuU1fg-i1KOY2V0ycabE0HGvCQpNZmYF2jrLASQa/s1600/2anchor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIslhAzyH0HH_STqo_dcouALLsjo9KMK8ORD1ApXzE0cVt-1MSc1vzNbDahRyXyb7H-JSu06W-56uGrAf_z3xXiV8t0EtRNS0WBdJWSuU1fg-i1KOY2V0ycabE0HGvCQpNZmYF2jrLASQa/s400/2anchor.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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2. <b>Rubric with several levels: </b>To create growth, we must show the different levels of learning. I try to make them kid-friendly statements. They are discussed again and again. I also show work at each level. At the beginning of a lesson, the students goal set with a neighbor telling how they are going to meet that goal. At the end of a lesson, they self-assess and share how they know. </div>
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3. <b>Steps, Tips and/or Language Stems for figuring out the standard: </b>I want to go beyond what they're learning and teach them steps for getting there. My students USE the charts. During a unit of learning, my students get up randomly and walk to a chart and reread it. Usually there is a "Oh, now I get it!" moment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT0dJaLZ3O0JRjmpSDsZY8WJOB4fCyyiTiduJnqGSpmKgkdN9ZOqyEOQ3HvecIykfXJeFthqxyZ9paDW1feBRWHk8dkMk40r8SJ1h7_lehUE1-MbYrQDPopBQtC8HYLw-XjJ-MAh7vBHW/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT0dJaLZ3O0JRjmpSDsZY8WJOB4fCyyiTiduJnqGSpmKgkdN9ZOqyEOQ3HvecIykfXJeFthqxyZ9paDW1feBRWHk8dkMk40r8SJ1h7_lehUE1-MbYrQDPopBQtC8HYLw-XjJ-MAh7vBHW/s400/image_1.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I have definitely gone through transformations with my anchor charts. And there are times where I leave off one of my must-haves but it is usually for a reason. During a unit, I may make a separate rubric chart to hang and then focus on different aspects on the anchor charts. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttyOu-_Ooc5R2JSUatlbyTrnlzd29flpgImT-QntGgoQYSZp898Ips7q1bONNvSTewBKHPUXOAQyVaEye7ZC3aR4CsXlSp_EP03vsVgtWGGAEaS98I82gMQhyBarUAH4-QsEwsObnIxNK/s1600/IMG_2948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttyOu-_Ooc5R2JSUatlbyTrnlzd29flpgImT-QntGgoQYSZp898Ips7q1bONNvSTewBKHPUXOAQyVaEye7ZC3aR4CsXlSp_EP03vsVgtWGGAEaS98I82gMQhyBarUAH4-QsEwsObnIxNK/s400/IMG_2948.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Here is an older anchor chart. I didn't share an essential question or rubric. My, my, my, times have changed BUT I feel like I give my students more opportunities to be successful. I love that as a class we focus on our growth and we know WE CAN LEARN ANYTHING!</div>
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Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-38642093777946886222015-09-07T07:00:00.000-04:002015-09-07T07:00:04.373-04:00Falling in love with bulletin boardsBefore I was a teacher, I pined over bulletin boards. I dreamed of what I would create with my students and looked forward to the process. Fast forward a couple years later and they became the bane of my existence! Measuring, changing paper/fabric/border, trying to be cute and creative had its toll. <br />
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I now buy a black sheet for all my boards at the beginning of the year and buy borders that can withstand the year and look good no matter the time of year. The boards in my room are used for our daily learning and reference. I don't put up cute projects that are only relevant to one day...I save that for the hall. <br />
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When thinking of what should be displayed on the boards I think about: 1.what do the students need to be successful, 2. what am I obligated to display, 3. what do I think will motivate the students, and 4. how likely will it be that someone uses the board.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgoUMn5mpfibdmRPvpmdX3jG6ko3XReBBadsNB9AWaBuzvuomUA6yAB_GHwIfloXUy-iGra1t4yZnc4tJscNU80XvxuQQM4g7_stJs0FK7Xw_GbbCCuZ_0IkxWdTF2EqLFOzLLx1_nIxZ/s1600/Board1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgoUMn5mpfibdmRPvpmdX3jG6ko3XReBBadsNB9AWaBuzvuomUA6yAB_GHwIfloXUy-iGra1t4yZnc4tJscNU80XvxuQQM4g7_stJs0FK7Xw_GbbCCuZ_0IkxWdTF2EqLFOzLLx1_nIxZ/s320/Board1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I left this as a whiteboard because we will be using it as our Inquiry Board and I would like the students to write on it as our inquiries grow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWwtB5LEVvVuL5MpYE2Yt5hlfBuGEbMzyGRVlRTLHlxHrldBCS-HHDBUdok9YAoFDXonrsmtnuTXygAoKx32PgyG94IzeKy6UCxK6Z3wbiJvjL_jBrh5FJ6yAiKJDYsCRz8_eLBxpyye_/s1600/Board2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWwtB5LEVvVuL5MpYE2Yt5hlfBuGEbMzyGRVlRTLHlxHrldBCS-HHDBUdok9YAoFDXonrsmtnuTXygAoKx32PgyG94IzeKy6UCxK6Z3wbiJvjL_jBrh5FJ6yAiKJDYsCRz8_eLBxpyye_/s320/Board2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This Word Wall is on a whiteboard and will stay the same except for the addition of words. I decided not to make it a sight word board but a vocabulary board. I printed the Dolch words pre-primer through 3rd onto one sheet and laminated it for each child. You can pick it up here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIZkxVZ25talYwNDg/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">SightWordSheet</a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIZkxVZ25talYwNDg/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-DpqJLwB_kI8i5hkKY-wzSZvkSJzM17sI6V3SC-FwivJyr6RoKOIZM3II8y7ELCKom1MtuaZo1C_QUmDJYlEK4BcgVmfsKoX0KBCHtCst5gba5uH6ZJ-wDf-_pN_GG3dlactBWV31Ps9/s400/SightWordSheets.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSVws7OiS4IHxXjG4CqXoZCg_x3Ljnw7s4muecLhB3wSBIeHpQHlrEQMYSU_Px8psbwr2n27Hep-jMJJsrg3qf_d7rdPRIppMnf9i1CQghobEMitlzYWtnNZkEIfYv5ySZklW8H3Yv0Az/s1600/Board3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSVws7OiS4IHxXjG4CqXoZCg_x3Ljnw7s4muecLhB3wSBIeHpQHlrEQMYSU_Px8psbwr2n27Hep-jMJJsrg3qf_d7rdPRIppMnf9i1CQghobEMitlzYWtnNZkEIfYv5ySZklW8H3Yv0Az/s320/Board3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my favorite board. During Meet the Teacher night, I take pictures of each family. We use this board ALL.THE.TIME! When the students miss their families, when they need to think about solving a problem, when they need a character for a story...the list goes on and on to how we use this board in class.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaG78_FZprRqICJq7oqdJyIjAEyUfdJiYhau5jtmaJ3mnX6eqH3ZAsi3uDKTvBn5vsYBI3SzHwW_tLj4M8AhcevQvAEGtbxbuh7QddQNx_DRCDpGKF4JbhHh6RiUJQfBFkP0We8OTwMr3/s1600/Board5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaG78_FZprRqICJq7oqdJyIjAEyUfdJiYhau5jtmaJ3mnX6eqH3ZAsi3uDKTvBn5vsYBI3SzHwW_tLj4M8AhcevQvAEGtbxbuh7QddQNx_DRCDpGKF4JbhHh6RiUJQfBFkP0We8OTwMr3/s640/Board5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE__iZTpcVkCpwrYGnPsrCfF-75zJvWUHV0JcX7-E7iZB107v8J4l0w8-83yhyphenhyphenGKKD14Ae-tsGobuljfNAiO_6NGjnnKcokvIrxxbec7KxrS2gmMc8RBCpVk5kRhpU7YLOXYPx9k1PCsd/s1600/Board+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE__iZTpcVkCpwrYGnPsrCfF-75zJvWUHV0JcX7-E7iZB107v8J4l0w8-83yhyphenhyphenGKKD14Ae-tsGobuljfNAiO_6NGjnnKcokvIrxxbec7KxrS2gmMc8RBCpVk5kRhpU7YLOXYPx9k1PCsd/s640/Board+5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So as I said before, I save the boards in our room for our learning. Right now our reading and writing have displayed anchor charts that we are referring back to again and again. Math has our strategies and rotations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPPJn_U6DdE4jh7ES9t-zdIdFuJkK9cBv46Wgliw1mHSZ3P9uKf6FoGHwCywlDA_3nX4iUb6UWh-FwKombL17FBZDzyHRp-3nJH7s_8w1acr6olBe2nBv8MTvQbRG8CdsEUGShof_SpfJ/s1600/Board6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPPJn_U6DdE4jh7ES9t-zdIdFuJkK9cBv46Wgliw1mHSZ3P9uKf6FoGHwCywlDA_3nX4iUb6UWh-FwKombL17FBZDzyHRp-3nJH7s_8w1acr6olBe2nBv8MTvQbRG8CdsEUGShof_SpfJ/s640/Board6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaqAC_uWRTPDY-cQ8g0JRxOBGKAV79LaOrW4CVPLUtOGPRr4w97UHIOJohITvA9ENGtOGRXtaN39yAGHzG2rg00zPsR9HgtI5KI_NimiFRm9xojMePgZpwsh1DmJOSZj3HNtw08qfeFil/s1600/Board4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaqAC_uWRTPDY-cQ8g0JRxOBGKAV79LaOrW4CVPLUtOGPRr4w97UHIOJohITvA9ENGtOGRXtaN39yAGHzG2rg00zPsR9HgtI5KI_NimiFRm9xojMePgZpwsh1DmJOSZj3HNtw08qfeFil/s640/Board4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This board is our display for the hall. Each month I change the quilt with monthly pictures. I use props like glasses or hats that show the time of year (bat glasses, elf hat, etc.). At the end of the year we make a scrapbook of our year. Parents and students love it!</div>
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Now that I have found what works for me and most importantly my students, I don't hate the boards anymore!</div>
Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-59685021659703824372015-09-06T14:06:00.003-04:002015-09-06T14:56:10.857-04:00Why my perfect set-up wasn't perfect...So many teachers dedicated their summer time to preparing for the new year to come. We have the perfect plan and diligently work on making it happen. But what happens when that perfect plan isn't perfect when the students arrive? One thing teachers have to fall back on is flexibility.<br />
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I am in a new classroom, at a new school and in a new district. I set up the room with a lot of thought but I couldn't see how the students would use it. 18 bodies definitely change my plan! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uMK1FS-1vhRr5gRol11hVsRwEsoShXhXuPFj_NP3TSBf5lPjozrj442FTrSiy7t9fctAdwRcHz1q0Qv_4KdUrvs8rzfpRCr4uLbryN3rH5jZtq69qUqvJBXGKKnyGDkZBfAKXhREZtR6/s1600/1panoroom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uMK1FS-1vhRr5gRol11hVsRwEsoShXhXuPFj_NP3TSBf5lPjozrj442FTrSiy7t9fctAdwRcHz1q0Qv_4KdUrvs8rzfpRCr4uLbryN3rH5jZtq69qUqvJBXGKKnyGDkZBfAKXhREZtR6/s640/1panoroom.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a panoramic view of my new room. I loved how the tables were in a straight row. It was very visually pleasing and tidy...but it didn't work. I have quite a few students that want to stand with their chair pushed out, or kind of lean on it. It made it very hard to get around the room. So we had to fix it. It's not as visually pleasing but it does function MUCH better. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq53vV1J_hm4FcmnxIJmwUbhiDiaq8aHz6hram0Xv8mGTjE0IJRAmqRN3AwnUvoye_b2F8iMuafpPUUo_R03HnfgZ0XmoqJfiEE0eM1Z9V7ekbf-Xl9BXReFyielMDj4n1v6lcbRTOSYiy/s1600/IMG_4140+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq53vV1J_hm4FcmnxIJmwUbhiDiaq8aHz6hram0Xv8mGTjE0IJRAmqRN3AwnUvoye_b2F8iMuafpPUUo_R03HnfgZ0XmoqJfiEE0eM1Z9V7ekbf-Xl9BXReFyielMDj4n1v6lcbRTOSYiy/s640/IMG_4140+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is the change. It was one of those changes that had a domino effect. Other things had to find a new home. The double sided shelf that holds the students book bins moved over by the mailboxes. The double sided front loading book shelf had to move over by the library. Small student chairs and crates were moved.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0kbYNmfH2eg8Bsxjz1Q7jNUjKT4Zw7kbAg68kececuKO9PpH2aHCMhYY5om-cqIioyoDtzx289c9mqxRpS3TAM1gwdRIQdWBDDcpVKKvMBtXZs4ccpSk6McnCHmGdHkCdtRPxtQsnCcR/s1600/11shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0kbYNmfH2eg8Bsxjz1Q7jNUjKT4Zw7kbAg68kececuKO9PpH2aHCMhYY5om-cqIioyoDtzx289c9mqxRpS3TAM1gwdRIQdWBDDcpVKKvMBtXZs4ccpSk6McnCHmGdHkCdtRPxtQsnCcR/s640/11shelf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It wasn't how I wanted it but that's not what's important. The students are the central reason to make any decisions in the classroom. Yes, I like it to be pretty. Yes, I like it to be visually pleasing. But more than anything I want the students to feel comfortable and happy in the space. So flexibility and letting go of my wishes had to happen. In the age of Pinterest and blogs, I know so many of us feel the pressure to have the cutest classroom but make sure it works for your students.</div>
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Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-80623134236304519072015-09-03T20:19:00.001-04:002015-09-03T20:20:51.102-04:00Classroom Reveal 2015-2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year I am starting a new adventure! I'm teaching in a different district and obviously a new school. The school is an International Baccalaureate and I'm teaching the gifted/advanced first grade (both firsts for me). </div>
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<img alt="How to find what you're looking for, if you don't know what you're looking for. Just journey onwards, you'll find something eventually.: How to find what you're looking for, if you don't know what you're looking for. Just journey onwards, you'll find something eventually." height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c5/19/15/c5191597ee88f7660fd9d1186823220a.jpg" width="228" /></div>
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I love a good challenge and I feel like I'm using a lot of brain power to learn many, many new things. Guess what? I'm loving it. My class and families are the perfect fit for me. Well and the fact that I am back in the grade I was made for. </div>
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So when I set up my room I thought it was PERFECT but then the kids came and I had to make adjustments. The kids kept bumping their chairs into each other and it was a tight squeeze. Visually it was my perfect but the best laid plans of mice and men go awry.</div>
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So tonight I will show you the before (my pictures won't upload to the cloud so I'll have to wait on the after). C'est la vie! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BEFORE:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwOm018Al8oo7L2UIwN7Bp1ip-WgP05jYourT0ObYJ2SQTV_PVoDA_MdpuKQT7dt4ulvbbqONv2c-thmyImRw-NJ477f-D8OO5PaNbSW0WenT6fO9knpn2rNdtMnxI3-ezOGGZCKuGLIb/s1600/IMG_7988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwOm018Al8oo7L2UIwN7Bp1ip-WgP05jYourT0ObYJ2SQTV_PVoDA_MdpuKQT7dt4ulvbbqONv2c-thmyImRw-NJ477f-D8OO5PaNbSW0WenT6fO9knpn2rNdtMnxI3-ezOGGZCKuGLIb/s320/IMG_7988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is my small group/teacher work area. I have put my desk in my very large closet, which is the first closet I've ever had.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnFhVXnVyk3iLe35dH7XeVrqny0R3hLCrgzxIFVJ6GUrNeIgLiW7UI8pT5EIn8yDVx-6tkd5Pnz717vUGj3Elpl1UkB_XkeF9iHAyVbwnZ6_Vo9THRGkltL9uF-iXg15_oXVda2yXQ5_d/s1600/IMG_7989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnFhVXnVyk3iLe35dH7XeVrqny0R3hLCrgzxIFVJ6GUrNeIgLiW7UI8pT5EIn8yDVx-6tkd5Pnz717vUGj3Elpl1UkB_XkeF9iHAyVbwnZ6_Vo9THRGkltL9uF-iXg15_oXVda2yXQ5_d/s320/IMG_7989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used Cara Carroll's back to school ideas and had parents fill out an envelope so I could send a sweet note about their child.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiz7taVHk1AvKx1vwRrSnIg1TxA1BxKi6ZKl0wbpBsI0dM-LseJPK29h_7XyWR4okrMviUEthfyk8j2qAeP1s1zqUIAut2csKc1n_KCEA3KEqdgBzRiuYODJX72C9nRaXCfFHHeMPQNri/s1600/IMG_7990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiz7taVHk1AvKx1vwRrSnIg1TxA1BxKi6ZKl0wbpBsI0dM-LseJPK29h_7XyWR4okrMviUEthfyk8j2qAeP1s1zqUIAut2csKc1n_KCEA3KEqdgBzRiuYODJX72C9nRaXCfFHHeMPQNri/s320/IMG_7990.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Birthdays and our family wall</div>
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I love the family wall so much! The students and I use it all the time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXO5gYQUcP5G18fnejQpGyUMdr8RQTfirY_R12o0YpsAsQasGuUaMgoamgVSuzaH0ggos26f1nzV029OhkfyEuntsbKqKyim2JVRBYarCCskpU3qR4_hdtR6JhngjSPx7tzUFogsAXiLT/s1600/IMG_7991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXO5gYQUcP5G18fnejQpGyUMdr8RQTfirY_R12o0YpsAsQasGuUaMgoamgVSuzaH0ggos26f1nzV029OhkfyEuntsbKqKyim2JVRBYarCCskpU3qR4_hdtR6JhngjSPx7tzUFogsAXiLT/s320/IMG_7991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the back wall and I decided I needed to use it for subject areas. Anchor charts are displayed on reading and writing. While math has strategies and our rotations.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolOBOl6JXdGwBEsQqd2mMDYPp-Ah5rbHxpBBDqYywcyBhLLLsmK_fUVJI8g9qOvLKDqEmoGrj-yRG-W6Mtet_S_NTM-XSf0Itiv-S5yx47CqrqaUgnsxSnec5TNY4KRPcBcqylJcevZXW/s1600/IMG_7992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolOBOl6JXdGwBEsQqd2mMDYPp-Ah5rbHxpBBDqYywcyBhLLLsmK_fUVJI8g9qOvLKDqEmoGrj-yRG-W6Mtet_S_NTM-XSf0Itiv-S5yx47CqrqaUgnsxSnec5TNY4KRPcBcqylJcevZXW/s320/IMG_7992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jHO9jqd_N2ZplRxNVGz4WZSlvOwr0o3pwdISCda000T6V7irmsEI4qMOR0AMNr_YmzSEFEZ7QDQWJOVEQSSGcRijrZnr26mdXhjiN0uaPJWATPrH_JAh-PZ9IM_NZ67oLOg7jEZkyQ-B/s1600/IMG_7993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jHO9jqd_N2ZplRxNVGz4WZSlvOwr0o3pwdISCda000T6V7irmsEI4qMOR0AMNr_YmzSEFEZ7QDQWJOVEQSSGcRijrZnr26mdXhjiN0uaPJWATPrH_JAh-PZ9IM_NZ67oLOg7jEZkyQ-B/s320/IMG_7993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our book bins are held by this double sided shelf. We went book shopping on day 2!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDer8l0oKUjhOckod59uWoY0r27jCcXEapr4-K1SnIuKFdb_TBjX_DQsFp72AQiNDnkjSd5Is8-hAA1Rmhh3walU0-6zb26iFOZa657qi-ew-iXaaOHuYKS_CGXHnVBFXbshf4yMbbfHk1/s1600/IMG_7994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDer8l0oKUjhOckod59uWoY0r27jCcXEapr4-K1SnIuKFdb_TBjX_DQsFp72AQiNDnkjSd5Is8-hAA1Rmhh3walU0-6zb26iFOZa657qi-ew-iXaaOHuYKS_CGXHnVBFXbshf4yMbbfHk1/s320/IMG_7994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I saw this idea on pinterest but I'm not sure where. I put our wishes on cupcakes and the parents grabbed almost all of them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQX26040TZy7V0NI-jXmjLKofQVSq84XyLs-1811uAy54wJyEV4aCGyVR0eHkzC25if0zDH5UUGz5mnY_tb4Usy7Iv26S7Nd8qVJn4TlLdH8gQroy7BeVLwGwFxRUJY3DmoqsJDoRFX1H/s1600/IMG_7995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQX26040TZy7V0NI-jXmjLKofQVSq84XyLs-1811uAy54wJyEV4aCGyVR0eHkzC25if0zDH5UUGz5mnY_tb4Usy7Iv26S7Nd8qVJn4TlLdH8gQroy7BeVLwGwFxRUJY3DmoqsJDoRFX1H/s320/IMG_7995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a close-up of our math rotations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg941JzEg8jbEyB9nzrdyTLVLezKwQNjqoI-53uVNEKluhuZ38DP-eto1c_eymMNBeuKubQcahpWOXnlWHTAAtuHYJ205JWIV-UndiHVOr6zYy5hleDMl6h_xkLOjdrJCXamXzGtGD0HDw_/s1600/IMG_7996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg941JzEg8jbEyB9nzrdyTLVLezKwQNjqoI-53uVNEKluhuZ38DP-eto1c_eymMNBeuKubQcahpWOXnlWHTAAtuHYJ205JWIV-UndiHVOr6zYy5hleDMl6h_xkLOjdrJCXamXzGtGD0HDw_/s320/IMG_7996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had a table set up for meet the teacher that now holds the mailboxes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkCrg3yeLdbbFVj1o81XjOpfx8iitYPy1hcaGrTaaF_vMxFmxLzqXWuuL89hOzVX4grtvCTH7yvoWjF-bvCyEO1bqkuqYMCusfVo6WmDlJq9uzXmlQYyjJyPciPcJbTliszemI4GX-h9w/s1600/IMG_7997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkCrg3yeLdbbFVj1o81XjOpfx8iitYPy1hcaGrTaaF_vMxFmxLzqXWuuL89hOzVX4grtvCTH7yvoWjF-bvCyEO1bqkuqYMCusfVo6WmDlJq9uzXmlQYyjJyPciPcJbTliszemI4GX-h9w/s320/IMG_7997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Frame Worthy Work will always have a place in my classroom. The frames are from Lakeshore Learning and I love them SO much...you just slip work inside. This is also our supply area, hermit crab tank and math supplies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr37WwsV_3jW625I3pmGVWHCVM34RqBOEqWZhkIfzghCz8hj79ldbiCyljJ6HDAXo_WmtXGdPcF9uIQrzvY24zfK6sq3oHB6okwtrXvH-hqzYrMnpRTNG-Ycc69wxIxyhbtz6JpeutifS1/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr37WwsV_3jW625I3pmGVWHCVM34RqBOEqWZhkIfzghCz8hj79ldbiCyljJ6HDAXo_WmtXGdPcF9uIQrzvY24zfK6sq3oHB6okwtrXvH-hqzYrMnpRTNG-Ycc69wxIxyhbtz6JpeutifS1/s320/IMG_7998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The desk were already with Learning In Wonderland's flip book, bubbles, and login cards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibM_eJTqVLaOsyzWv3HPiLLQkxJgmjMaC6UKpo2z9FklLJVw9cLp3UySb8WeGO0ybUEAdxQsGQtLdP69Am1v6ZrmSqwh4ubqbBRpEhyphenhyphenJMmk53iT7X1J0MH9I-oHPb709SDW7KZpAP7Yjd5/s1600/IMG_7999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibM_eJTqVLaOsyzWv3HPiLLQkxJgmjMaC6UKpo2z9FklLJVw9cLp3UySb8WeGO0ybUEAdxQsGQtLdP69Am1v6ZrmSqwh4ubqbBRpEhyphenhyphenJMmk53iT7X1J0MH9I-oHPb709SDW7KZpAP7Yjd5/s320/IMG_7999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned before, we are an IB school. We display and teach the learner profiles (open-minded, reflective, caring, courageous, thinker, knowledgeable, inquirer, communicator, balanced. and principled). They are displayed to the sides of the board and below are name tag holders with the traits that students wear for the day when we note them using one of the LPs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTmYvxMZBWx9N-jqVf7vVh4ioQJOfTMFM2bjowqv28HbNBDuzMds2B7t7uIHdKUqp_mZv7wYmAVrdqV2JQmenN7Y7kyMl_INmtKNiAy_XeOHDQ8SqGNKQnqvgAGItN3VEzgayk4znGnVi/s1600/IMG_8000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTmYvxMZBWx9N-jqVf7vVh4ioQJOfTMFM2bjowqv28HbNBDuzMds2B7t7uIHdKUqp_mZv7wYmAVrdqV2JQmenN7Y7kyMl_INmtKNiAy_XeOHDQ8SqGNKQnqvgAGItN3VEzgayk4znGnVi/s320/IMG_8000.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASTE9DktHCSz6Bix0PhxTtzqH2csFMqptF0foBBZGjEBWE4KDzxkGvk_mdMtsH_awgoQweLyHW_1sGz5d9drzzKpOtPayab2CO-T8gb5Qc_Akih24E4OEtm3S6FDXSs9zCYqyuNOCUm9l/s1600/IMG_8001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASTE9DktHCSz6Bix0PhxTtzqH2csFMqptF0foBBZGjEBWE4KDzxkGvk_mdMtsH_awgoQweLyHW_1sGz5d9drzzKpOtPayab2CO-T8gb5Qc_Akih24E4OEtm3S6FDXSs9zCYqyuNOCUm9l/s320/IMG_8001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are the Learner Profile student recognition in name tag holders. When I notice a student exhibiting one, we all stop and acknowledge and then the child wears one for the rest of the day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhuedl2Rwqjx9z6vSIipeLGQiFb_FVfHb0Rod0h-T4Zpq_VAzLQ9lVP8eJ4GQ8oPvzQpHh3ZCM17BEOHRrHSfIxQvimJ5rI9J9fOBoclkO3JlCjqwr21TYKrRHabsq49CDfdu2WvZam9z/s1600/IMG_8002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhuedl2Rwqjx9z6vSIipeLGQiFb_FVfHb0Rod0h-T4Zpq_VAzLQ9lVP8eJ4GQ8oPvzQpHh3ZCM17BEOHRrHSfIxQvimJ5rI9J9fOBoclkO3JlCjqwr21TYKrRHabsq49CDfdu2WvZam9z/s320/IMG_8002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a close up of one of the profiles.</div>
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This is the front of my room with my new ActivPanel. Two weeks in and I don't know how I taught without it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSEeAeacUlKshtJHrF3ZTzEbJvCeTK6UJwE8rGdDAelUcgzt2U-Yr2gJIuB7l7iQ8A4jLxvAmRUpF-Q6i5OHYfUWrKCFuGrvnvQlCrVsdmnvk1o6utw_KsCb8Cnm0tzyKDjpxSOxIvAvv/s1600/IMG_8004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSEeAeacUlKshtJHrF3ZTzEbJvCeTK6UJwE8rGdDAelUcgzt2U-Yr2gJIuB7l7iQ8A4jLxvAmRUpF-Q6i5OHYfUWrKCFuGrvnvQlCrVsdmnvk1o6utw_KsCb8Cnm0tzyKDjpxSOxIvAvv/s320/IMG_8004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Most of these read alouds are tied to the profiles. We use books to introduce them each day. (i.e. Oliver Button is a Sissy helped us learn open-minded),</div>
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Word Wall...it was going to be used for HFW but instead I'm going to use it for our vocabulary.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-tm7ZgV7Z3p2oe7YBf0NnN4C3u4zuRzYJ4SxjqAn7FBuKMlbBrk3M3IWUv_xXRZ5zOZWU0MvUBvYfIZWiR3jfLLzhPg_zRzK4a4gN1f4lvW0_80JwZwSvZxM8lMVQ50qMiaMwnAG0dvx/s1600/IMG_8006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-tm7ZgV7Z3p2oe7YBf0NnN4C3u4zuRzYJ4SxjqAn7FBuKMlbBrk3M3IWUv_xXRZ5zOZWU0MvUBvYfIZWiR3jfLLzhPg_zRzK4a4gN1f4lvW0_80JwZwSvZxM8lMVQ50qMiaMwnAG0dvx/s320/IMG_8006.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Bucket Fillers Chart </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAOYsletMlYWvP18VJ9TeuRM7u3fPYxrKgolSSncvyPef9zzQ6fMp58OMHVif9JFd8_1CZPRNc42P6r4ce3AHTxct6tUUyXqazXd2cZeeAHljESGftDAM3oNFkQ59dnXqfdqnXeTX-SRM/s1600/IMG_8007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAOYsletMlYWvP18VJ9TeuRM7u3fPYxrKgolSSncvyPef9zzQ6fMp58OMHVif9JFd8_1CZPRNc42P6r4ce3AHTxct6tUUyXqazXd2cZeeAHljESGftDAM3oNFkQ59dnXqfdqnXeTX-SRM/s320/IMG_8007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Close-up of the board</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R7IgsAgcRyyvnNuqzz3qmir92Ng7FuEAK29GcH4JH2_SFMM6MD3agzzLMNuG3s3yMTRerfAjAvbMxKookDxH9dI2jIK1g_je3-YAHSAz8I4f3siZFqRK-WCMb3I4GMKUBbayS0cThf0w/s1600/IMG_8009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R7IgsAgcRyyvnNuqzz3qmir92Ng7FuEAK29GcH4JH2_SFMM6MD3agzzLMNuG3s3yMTRerfAjAvbMxKookDxH9dI2jIK1g_je3-YAHSAz8I4f3siZFqRK-WCMb3I4GMKUBbayS0cThf0w/s320/IMG_8009.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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IKEA picture frames for my unit essential questions</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX84g8jGzS85QWK8TyiKEev4h624WlHRotDbQCyQHnWVKAUtlB7gG0W512N0UrwG9-EMr9i0YdxEfE-Fmd0Rc2AwwZbHoRzvoRQMlS90l7BVXjiArq8SwGkNcUs-8GJgQ45Wbl4s-TJRdM/s1600/IMG_8010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX84g8jGzS85QWK8TyiKEev4h624WlHRotDbQCyQHnWVKAUtlB7gG0W512N0UrwG9-EMr9i0YdxEfE-Fmd0Rc2AwwZbHoRzvoRQMlS90l7BVXjiArq8SwGkNcUs-8GJgQ45Wbl4s-TJRdM/s320/IMG_8010.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Hand signals</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-yiVmHo24sfBVq4GhuycUNW4fR4NOSnwmW6aFLkmqObOsWz3Bah35QafAL0W-R6sBegi-zpORLMFPsx47obySBIR8fPGWFSp7LD0xE6M5HmfbFdex935IfD0E7f_Dado7S91QHCoI7Ui/s1600/IMG_8011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-yiVmHo24sfBVq4GhuycUNW4fR4NOSnwmW6aFLkmqObOsWz3Bah35QafAL0W-R6sBegi-zpORLMFPsx47obySBIR8fPGWFSp7LD0xE6M5HmfbFdex935IfD0E7f_Dado7S91QHCoI7Ui/s320/IMG_8011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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ActivPanel with Pink Cat Studios Owl Attendance</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_1RqfWCk_u_nkZ0rNO7yNM9axKAOk9JLRf4Yz1G2npVCv0QnGOpR9IaF07yxddidXrDBinrstWZOn81JC6qRdb8O5JKhk4COzwKoFn-IRsOIuJo2pqw4946fQAXWPAnELu61b1MhkSIj/s1600/IMG_8012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_1RqfWCk_u_nkZ0rNO7yNM9axKAOk9JLRf4Yz1G2npVCv0QnGOpR9IaF07yxddidXrDBinrstWZOn81JC6qRdb8O5JKhk4COzwKoFn-IRsOIuJo2pqw4946fQAXWPAnELu61b1MhkSIj/s320/IMG_8012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Left side of room</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCkwWaO58FvmFpbC4hQpKYMyHJowq3evw7ylK6f2eyxCDf2egjR41SzGAIXYZ0NwH8SYWSMlJywgjBrVeQNMrLZOOsoJHuttC0zqhUITMvjWICoEVPTx79EkczJs19L591qjZX6eKnq7H/s1600/IMG_8013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCkwWaO58FvmFpbC4hQpKYMyHJowq3evw7ylK6f2eyxCDf2egjR41SzGAIXYZ0NwH8SYWSMlJywgjBrVeQNMrLZOOsoJHuttC0zqhUITMvjWICoEVPTx79EkczJs19L591qjZX6eKnq7H/s320/IMG_8013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Right side of room</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBlyhc_NKp4MEYXSIMPn0x-vFo_vBJS7xy0eR2Tg_KIpmBpSfpUzGAXud83xWsv91q0etn0SScPck5Gn8SPSa_5Apk7Rxv6hMkROH79zXrSWs-blEyViqctHcsikpaJI_s7M24ar_VVsX/s1600/IMG_8014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBlyhc_NKp4MEYXSIMPn0x-vFo_vBJS7xy0eR2Tg_KIpmBpSfpUzGAXud83xWsv91q0etn0SScPck5Gn8SPSa_5Apk7Rxv6hMkROH79zXrSWs-blEyViqctHcsikpaJI_s7M24ar_VVsX/s320/IMG_8014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bags are to schedule students for book shopping each day of the week so the classroom library doesn't get jammed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdv3hg27f0LQRvDw-RA7VofrgHtyCu_Il_ZF1HxdKakgsg_mVd0QbsHkx960Ej6q7u7l8r0MO3OhKvQ5Naxzfboaj8WaGyCT40bidn_NsBS2xScOeyK0fDOwryV8Z_2TYdpR2LRGD7lgQ/s1600/IMG_8015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdv3hg27f0LQRvDw-RA7VofrgHtyCu_Il_ZF1HxdKakgsg_mVd0QbsHkx960Ej6q7u7l8r0MO3OhKvQ5Naxzfboaj8WaGyCT40bidn_NsBS2xScOeyK0fDOwryV8Z_2TYdpR2LRGD7lgQ/s320/IMG_8015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Book display and Growth Mindset Posters</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQXzgmq2embLWjUvrtuHL8mTJJcIO1kIo_A5Q6-XgXCrgRHo-SkBLpHY3H_7Rtidg7KLNpS872TF1A5GRe2LZWqAyx8WjDP4Rg6PPyoyjA1bwC8H7S9mpX-F8J17riiha-oH3gwozW9qq/s1600/IMG_8016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQXzgmq2embLWjUvrtuHL8mTJJcIO1kIo_A5Q6-XgXCrgRHo-SkBLpHY3H_7Rtidg7KLNpS872TF1A5GRe2LZWqAyx8WjDP4Rg6PPyoyjA1bwC8H7S9mpX-F8J17riiha-oH3gwozW9qq/s320/IMG_8016.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJH-X_6xjjBaZ05jOKG9Y6mfS0bh2IZdE6936LJPZP17_qzm4KvaEn0ajFCEos9EwNgCK78r32Vvy4sZbUMLgdb3Xt5YYTBStgcZpHbOXLV4Ilce6t_ZHEEZrgcMtic4g5T3CfEETi3uT/s1600/IMG_8017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJH-X_6xjjBaZ05jOKG9Y6mfS0bh2IZdE6936LJPZP17_qzm4KvaEn0ajFCEos9EwNgCK78r32Vvy4sZbUMLgdb3Xt5YYTBStgcZpHbOXLV4Ilce6t_ZHEEZrgcMtic4g5T3CfEETi3uT/s320/IMG_8017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxASh-WJjGhVPHO7e5VAhH92l6XNkHA_K5IY-ariBPW46uksQW4HKxk2Vi51UMTVA200JlQS99UM0DF7i5EKtsD-BW01IZRcR7DmiESP63mNzva9IL7alzHHLS2__cjZl5GaKZgN2h-aw/s1600/IMG_8018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxASh-WJjGhVPHO7e5VAhH92l6XNkHA_K5IY-ariBPW46uksQW4HKxk2Vi51UMTVA200JlQS99UM0DF7i5EKtsD-BW01IZRcR7DmiESP63mNzva9IL7alzHHLS2__cjZl5GaKZgN2h-aw/s320/IMG_8018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I put baskets with labels out for parents/students to sort supplies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwsoeCu0P5My05R6FduUHZ0AKVhnz5GB0m3zOwNsQZ6HHUwnv0gxhCP3nLEpeETm6LqsJT9C1yOMUAH1887eJGWUiEEzNndf3HvHJAzXbmqV6xJRRO2-1AmwZXWIKRv0hfoJIxHMcDgAT/s1600/IMG_8019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwsoeCu0P5My05R6FduUHZ0AKVhnz5GB0m3zOwNsQZ6HHUwnv0gxhCP3nLEpeETm6LqsJT9C1yOMUAH1887eJGWUiEEzNndf3HvHJAzXbmqV6xJRRO2-1AmwZXWIKRv0hfoJIxHMcDgAT/s320/IMG_8019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vxmARoBYmfujjIABC-3aC0_IC4ruro9e6CpPYMdvz_-FKYdo2xUC2MfGtxg2D-mCROz8dGCTZUX7hEEYZwGyVRYtQwaCisfwjhllqjeifAToXvkeSuxavNlnuIz2DBwESkA17Gtpj4h5/s1600/IMG_8020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vxmARoBYmfujjIABC-3aC0_IC4ruro9e6CpPYMdvz_-FKYdo2xUC2MfGtxg2D-mCROz8dGCTZUX7hEEYZwGyVRYtQwaCisfwjhllqjeifAToXvkeSuxavNlnuIz2DBwESkA17Gtpj4h5/s320/IMG_8020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Door essentials</div>
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Jobs</div>
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The IB materials and colorful classroom decor can be found in my TPT shop: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Go-To-Teacher">https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Go-To-Teacher</a> </div>
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Tomorrow I will share my 2 weeks later pictures with all the changes. Have a great night!</div>
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<br />Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-60350489117187878932015-06-06T19:54:00.001-04:002015-06-06T19:54:48.195-04:00End of the Year...No Thank YouI kind of detest breaking down my classroom at the end of the year. It's so anti-climatic. All that hard work by the students is taken down. And all of the classroom decor that I painstakingly cut, laminate and hung with velcro/sticky tack/command strips just gets tossed or shoved into a box. I usually retrain my focus on what I love and that is decorating all over again in a couple months time!<br />
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As I watched my news feed fill with teachers end of the year gifts, I was planning what I wanted to tweak this year. I had these word wall headers I made a couple years ago when we first started the common core standards and there was more of a push on informational texts and topics. I love these headers and their bright colors so I decided I wanted more of that. I spend 7.5+ hours a day for 180+ days in the classroom so I just want to look around and feel happy.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIdHVlaEhtV21LZjQ/edit?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5G4fVJ97SRvb-e0I3yddOkHi2afVFDTFQNfVVJmAIfLygtmjh48fzJ2k0tOmDAiKiWYZcrnXfUgt0lFDsBdgH0IVwUO_t04dH9d_0YsPsdy8faM3qJkrHIJXiHV4tYWKmCJAhBv5e957/s320/IMG_2576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My inspiration: <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIdHVlaEhtV21LZjQ/edit?usp=sharing" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">nonfiction alphabet headers</a></div>
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As I started making new things for the classroom I kept having more and more ideas. So my tweaks turned into a 100+ page colorful classroom decor set! This set is full of things that your students will use on a daily basis, such as, jobs, table numbers, number posters, ABC posters, word wall headers, word wall words, birthdays, schedule, hand signals, nameplates and more. You can pick it up here: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colorful-Classroom-Decor-1878359" target="_blank">Colorful Classroom Decor </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colorful-Classroom-Decor-1878359" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3NdDdmbWO4ABfW40MX_XUx2lVc2I0o9suc1aTGPeEfPr5qQQ7zX1Xz165zcNF5VEpG-6RA8DAn7Hrv6I-I9PUaVW_57WcXmzn8mt2BaeJPxNqCRPoDiXL16vYMIPFleJT2qrdpYHLdxT/s640/1a.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colorful-Classroom-Decor-1878359" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbM_XflRtz7jDApmrzIZAPpwpmagcHZSiHr2TrbiyEXAAbzeiykQ2wTH07h4nojIkTPXJt4Y0X8htyjBG_X1BSB0xfYs851wF-ZSj0xkn7L7m-siAXwGVA_MOXNV7VSgtLSosodScec6z/s640/1b.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colorful-Classroom-Decor-1878359" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOhQfLnSVh_cu8hNngm3HeD8IhUhCf6Atwm7cyCrIFwcqd5LSaRcfgCkSZMgIBs0Z681E5bSVi8NZoajzYGr9Ab4pbtlZ0vnkhyf4WQgJhzne8GejeoC0RkVf2deWppNyGVdXjieB2qun/s640/1c.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also made the ABC posters as a stand alone: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colorful-Alphabet-Posters-1876904" target="_blank">Colorful Alphabet Posters</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colorful-Alphabet-Posters-1876904" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6-RXpmD7VUONo75crD5A6_MEJnVZ7EyC9Yo8sdKrA_3Y7nVN1iFTG2JdG3KV8e8AvrwGYrkuSb4PL7XPLYo9rxqA2D7KfKwltglWf9tspy6slzYQC2xjiVQxL8E9wYXCBDAnfqZI1bit/s640/1d.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also made <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bohemian-Classroom-Decor-1886559" target="_blank">Bohemian Classroom Decor</a> based off this digital paper that has feathers on it which I L.O.V.E! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-I2HagssHH-Xp5xKDaFzZxp21gadbu0QRgQPl99GvGyLpZQX_hJIXpTfF436qgoqQwH8D-lYPmRFg37SNRoSiaZ8SHLBPhyr5pXzBoH0NpQK0a6fGh0WTOEtt8D9nBdbDTRz3LyTS1JIx/s1600/1g.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-I2HagssHH-Xp5xKDaFzZxp21gadbu0QRgQPl99GvGyLpZQX_hJIXpTfF436qgoqQwH8D-lYPmRFg37SNRoSiaZ8SHLBPhyr5pXzBoH0NpQK0a6fGh0WTOEtt8D9nBdbDTRz3LyTS1JIx/s320/1g.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aren't the feathers lovely?</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bohemian-Classroom-Decor-1886559" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE6OOH_y7D08ZICSgnLA148UbiAq8gDbpvI5cBuSR8n6mM6YkBl1JC6rbma7HuEHQrrfdfnjAs79Ks1huRjK_dgRIsMP55DjwrQbsuutnkNlnJ6qd56v1qTIMuO7-WDU7jbnrJ4BqalU_/s640/1e.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now what would a post be without a freebie?! Today I have essential items for your classroom door! These are my must haves and I hope you enjoy them. Pick it up here: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Essentials-for-the-Classroom-Door-1886704" target="_blank">Door Decor</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Essentials-for-the-Classroom-Door-1886704" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrdPTzeJ_jf6GPkpqHeDrgG55swIigQ-YszrW_AusjSZk1wQQl4ZMKn3a9h39-VdrIr_1uuFgQKlGXxvhIE3MuNVjH0yH5KKsSsPyqYHnXRDyTPYq2Jqbgj634GURYEmO4gHRWkBNEN1i/s640/1f.PNG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Sight word slap is a great way for students to learn sight words in a fun way. Just print, laminate and write a new word with dry erase marker daily. Students will high five the word and say it aloud.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Math Password is a fantastic</span><span style="text-align: left;"> way to give your students more practice. Again print, laminate and write a new math problem every day. As the students pass, they will whisper the answer. This is a great way to spiral or practice the tricky bits. *Tip: Any child that answers incorrectly I send to the back of the line to think. If they still don't get it right on the second try, I quietly reteach several students, model the problem, or give them a strategy.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Welcome to pennant is just a bright, colorful, space saving way to add a little cheer to your door. I made it and intend to punch holes on the sides and thread through ribbon.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">So are you planning for the new school year or actually taking time to enjoy summer?</span></div>
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Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-38757667310893749312015-05-20T22:04:00.001-04:002015-05-20T22:04:38.859-04:00All I can manage is PICTURESMy desk (no matter how much I organize, clear and clean) is piled with papers. You know the end of the year stacks, right? SO all I can manage is to show you what our classroom life is like through pictures. <div>
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I also have a confessions. I'm MUCH better at updating my Facebook page! You can follow me here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Go-To-Teacher/273630859358498" target="_blank">The Go To Teacher on Facebook</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYMOpY4Jlff18ibSylQxhfsf2aRx7U59Wg5ahWtIfs8QrBeXjQXreRkyU1IO6OtiNi3kxKvrV3n9tz2-Ra7KT3t_e09NBP1N0rH1O1aQxMkhd5JYSnmjV4rbk9kBnZ-KQkhIvAwWoZ7ur/s1600/a1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYMOpY4Jlff18ibSylQxhfsf2aRx7U59Wg5ahWtIfs8QrBeXjQXreRkyU1IO6OtiNi3kxKvrV3n9tz2-Ra7KT3t_e09NBP1N0rH1O1aQxMkhd5JYSnmjV4rbk9kBnZ-KQkhIvAwWoZ7ur/s320/a1.PNG" width="319" /></a></div>
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My students FAVORITE math activity is hands down Scavenger Hunts. I can never trip them up...they always find them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpOIUaEjjVxcpr8k9hCQ07JZhPQZ7zXltMqqqRgA_j4IpILdC7Jd1mLGa4VQBMQhK-bE62-BVHSA091z0JM-9miEoodQwqCQ4r3wOmLqZb8fIABIqY4RuVnfXe0zlIujCVUuk-cNRfNnB/s1600/a2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpOIUaEjjVxcpr8k9hCQ07JZhPQZ7zXltMqqqRgA_j4IpILdC7Jd1mLGa4VQBMQhK-bE62-BVHSA091z0JM-9miEoodQwqCQ4r3wOmLqZb8fIABIqY4RuVnfXe0zlIujCVUuk-cNRfNnB/s320/a2.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Brainpopjr.com is a blessing! We watched all about bones and then used their skeleton to label bones.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQNJjomwY8ZGRhkrUR7mnpMpsnzz4qO48l1lACJ-aQeEejFlmry6nagzZ0E4U5bw9-p8RbBzxmArpGosWLSJSdXpy9oKNZOAEUg5CLYs3d8l6HzIMn1pBGoqb_yFfu42oo2x4i1GqEV4d/s1600/a3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQNJjomwY8ZGRhkrUR7mnpMpsnzz4qO48l1lACJ-aQeEejFlmry6nagzZ0E4U5bw9-p8RbBzxmArpGosWLSJSdXpy9oKNZOAEUg5CLYs3d8l6HzIMn1pBGoqb_yFfu42oo2x4i1GqEV4d/s320/a3.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My students were SO engaged by just using these spinners. Of course they each got a chance to go up and spin them! These spinners are free at this site: <a class="" data-reactid=".6z.1:4:1:$comment808917899163122_808973869157525:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$range0:0" dir="ltr" href="http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Flash.aspx?f=Spinners" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.0799999237061px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Flash.aspx?f=Spinners</a></div>
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This is totally a school post! Both are needed to keep me going.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wal9TiETovIayskmHCsd60x2XtSUNTNVRBrre7RFkI3A7tADOnFlz-9u5U5LgdNEItffHSonx6hy2L8gO78h76iVloXdJIz_eiYJ0hyphenhyphenFHzA77u7_2BmB7oknupAyenA_dnTjejQt4xO8/s1600/a5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wal9TiETovIayskmHCsd60x2XtSUNTNVRBrre7RFkI3A7tADOnFlz-9u5U5LgdNEItffHSonx6hy2L8gO78h76iVloXdJIz_eiYJ0hyphenhyphenFHzA77u7_2BmB7oknupAyenA_dnTjejQt4xO8/s320/a5.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I introduced my niece and nephew to Elephant and Piggie. They loved them just as much as me. My nephew who is 11 months old kept pointing to the characters and saying, "OOoooooo!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vOd9uS4pCCZN_D0bypkL8tMRWRJfL7wQchaDHVotQsLpKBPQ9FtwtUfbZlGZtP5xPF8qcvFhr2IjtyRCoc6isNDBQjBZzgCUIXP9SFiM3GxUikRS5_ur409n7872YnzjfdXOoPWXV6ol/s1600/a6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vOd9uS4pCCZN_D0bypkL8tMRWRJfL7wQchaDHVotQsLpKBPQ9FtwtUfbZlGZtP5xPF8qcvFhr2IjtyRCoc6isNDBQjBZzgCUIXP9SFiM3GxUikRS5_ur409n7872YnzjfdXOoPWXV6ol/s320/a6.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My goal has been to organize my cabinets, drawers and basically the classroom. Here you can see my supplies (top), math centers (lower left) and my teacher/student textbooks (lower right).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2Np5qZ1EfiLAOFrwzTpUyON_7Yanb_tvMNnaeGAyuTkf7PfgmBazYfArGxKZNUgppYE61_OeSAB8FqbqoPutTuggZ9EujrrJMSTye6skNsH-YEVMSuxUN7UCWCIz-X1nmj-87M_iiqQa/s1600/a7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2Np5qZ1EfiLAOFrwzTpUyON_7Yanb_tvMNnaeGAyuTkf7PfgmBazYfArGxKZNUgppYE61_OeSAB8FqbqoPutTuggZ9EujrrJMSTye6skNsH-YEVMSuxUN7UCWCIz-X1nmj-87M_iiqQa/s320/a7.PNG" width="318" /></a></div>
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We started learning about plants by writing our schema and wonderings.</div>
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We also dissected these amazing lilies that grow in my yard. The questions the students asked were beyond my wildest dreams!</div>
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This was the mother's day gift my niece made at her school. It was the most precious gift I've ever seen. </div>
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My class made these adorable door hangers.</div>
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Every morning, I give the students "free read" time. I love when I see kids taking lead by helping their peers.</div>
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Again this is definitely tied to teaching. Lord knows I need to decompress when I get home and I love to hang on the porch!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0iwddnSepHyc62wHevs_4mfqQoem6IQF0ZkXFDr2S7bNE8jGZ-FcC4FrfkpU1aYda9eLLVYQ5w7HuEY_bF7DMNKewOyexViq-QwR-muK_wSOa4upqZ2juXGsY9DK9Wag_96UD5W4ym9s/s1600/a12.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0iwddnSepHyc62wHevs_4mfqQoem6IQF0ZkXFDr2S7bNE8jGZ-FcC4FrfkpU1aYda9eLLVYQ5w7HuEY_bF7DMNKewOyexViq-QwR-muK_wSOa4upqZ2juXGsY9DK9Wag_96UD5W4ym9s/s320/a12.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love using student work to motivate students and help them goal set.</div>
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Another "free read" moment. They are playing teacher...but I don't even think I could call it playing because they are truly teachers in their own right.</div>
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Here is a math anchor chart that reviews partitioning.</div>
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Maybe tomorrow I'll take a picture of my desk....no I won't. I can't let others see my piles.</div>
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Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-81650678009548222892015-04-26T17:53:00.000-04:002015-04-26T17:53:34.465-04:00Shaping UpAre you lax at this time of the year? I find that with all the teaching demands I don't always do what I need to for my physical and emotional health. It also takes me some time to admit these things. So this weekend I was sure to take care of myself so I can go be joy and sunshine in the morning to all those bright little faces! What do you do to take care of the teacher? I like walks, healthy eating and a good book. <div>
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I've also been shaping up at work. I'm starting that wonderful (dreaded) spring cleaning. My drawers are looking tidy and that is good for the soul! We are also working on Shapes/Geometry and having a blast! I can't even believe it is our LAST UNIT in math. Where has the time gone?!</div>
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I decided to try something different this unit. I asked two students to make the anchor chart. It was so successful that I let them teach the lesson! The students were enthralled!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y3zlrBXlX7JsFZV7QMKNbAhAbIhs9xt7F2XZz6fwRmZ2is3I4mHuuqdenGSCr4oAESKAZje90q5sEY8aabCn7rSWJGNAF9CAoQs9BAfEVgWeW22s2shKeHYx1T8wjJjs8ee65qlPrgwH/s1600/IMG_2824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y3zlrBXlX7JsFZV7QMKNbAhAbIhs9xt7F2XZz6fwRmZ2is3I4mHuuqdenGSCr4oAESKAZje90q5sEY8aabCn7rSWJGNAF9CAoQs9BAfEVgWeW22s2shKeHYx1T8wjJjs8ee65qlPrgwH/s1600/IMG_2824.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOo3OvVo6O4LTTsYbFaw-ZvT_ya-vqE0FwveSESiNSNGRoDb-_LY4JLbDhcAR3OikDA1OeAlu52dvcwUASiuHUT0wFco67gVueZ-b8uh3pTQGQN7hrrXPhlL59J-Egn6NFzvTdxgLelBX/s1600/IMG_2826+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOo3OvVo6O4LTTsYbFaw-ZvT_ya-vqE0FwveSESiNSNGRoDb-_LY4JLbDhcAR3OikDA1OeAlu52dvcwUASiuHUT0wFco67gVueZ-b8uh3pTQGQN7hrrXPhlL59J-Egn6NFzvTdxgLelBX/s1600/IMG_2826+(2).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /><a href="https://instagram.com/p/1jJn97ueRS/?taken-by=thegototeacher" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsXm1zS15HIkk_pfZI_xyVLXbXngtwS2yaYjVi07isEUkwZfedNP4-czuvDVCaXQ9bAsWuXms46H6EqJGL1lSA9Z2Wb_WQag1kT2xruiGhroJDl8mAo3lA4njxd4EzQTCrCe_zxSzINHV/s1600/ins.PNG" height="256" width="400" /></a></div>
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click on the picture to watch the <a href="https://instagram.com/p/1jJn97ueRS/?taken-by=thegototeacher" target="_blank">video on Instagram</a></div>
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We've also been doing a lot of fun activities!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQL9qOeEMZCn_D457iHFqUJQZ01oTagZ28VBAEsKzmYufJsLPwWht2G2yn1IdfuMMYYT1mgZLka0t5i1CREas9LPSgMBaQZeN59oxHNQ3KPig_XmqPK4G3RBZRJvlKxumJhXfrcBQbw6u/s1600/IMG_2866+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQL9qOeEMZCn_D457iHFqUJQZ01oTagZ28VBAEsKzmYufJsLPwWht2G2yn1IdfuMMYYT1mgZLka0t5i1CREas9LPSgMBaQZeN59oxHNQ3KPig_XmqPK4G3RBZRJvlKxumJhXfrcBQbw6u/s1600/IMG_2866+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This student ran up to me and was SO EXCITED that she had grown from a 2 (developing) to a 4 (exceeding). These sheets are great because 1. it tells the student what is needed at each level 2. It has the students goal set and share how they are going to meet their goal 3. It makes the student responsible and shows them whether or not they are growing as a mathematician 4. At the end of the unit, it focuses on what they are PROUD of.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-uSTJqu02ZDDtXgnFVeKHU1dktoLkRwrmK_mzK395krjBP0UmoSuh08uERXA61eFN6uhyphenhyphenH-sMaEc4zx_BBYNfaenhXlh8JOFgA7RcainZfjX2MTQm4CzcNST7hUTCPzRBpZfKF_WCApI/s1600/IMG_2856+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-uSTJqu02ZDDtXgnFVeKHU1dktoLkRwrmK_mzK395krjBP0UmoSuh08uERXA61eFN6uhyphenhyphenH-sMaEc4zx_BBYNfaenhXlh8JOFgA7RcainZfjX2MTQm4CzcNST7hUTCPzRBpZfKF_WCApI/s1600/IMG_2856+(2).jpg" height="320" width="279" /></a></div>
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I've shared some of my ideas about teaching, learning and assessing during a shape unit. You will find 21 student activities, 3 PowerPoints, student goal/reflection sheets, assessments and more! Check it out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shapes-2D-3D-Partitioning-1829852" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shapes-2D-3D-Partitioning-1829852" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxHJWzTHFOhZqfX1DR28XByAv_NF8vgy0Ropo4UJMVn0VivTERxXdE7OTw6416-HwIqQNbBBec2I7OwX2AqON0meW8BiFrTkRmN-oy8ZFbicnng_JR_0O1BwHw_IOnyJEymystMe5QeCE/s1600/s5.PNG" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are some examples of what is included on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shapes-2D-3D-Partitioning-1829852" target="_blank">TPT</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shapes-2D-3D-Partitioning-1829852" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKT1LT2y1xzCLto3f3uV-Pn0fDDIUNmXdJk0ErJzBtQymYFCN8vF_yqrYUXYQBU-g1N_kUq5Psi-owORW-MbVTti_Ie7g3rBTFJQBdMW0EhEBqMKbp1KaDdyejFdqGSM7xpyF88qPL_mo/s1600/S1.PNG" height="150" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shapes-2D-3D-Partitioning-1829852" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVVMrB50TaFvqfDJrMclZBRZSinV5Y5vslGkB7oxk4mbYzJ5a838-f0QW461SsoK6R8VD6w7ID8qGeLPAoDrnAwI-Z7oE5e67wBiaYjpc4leIrCUFiBCae9F1GBzrRjLb7W0H69Ch-Lxc/s1600/S4.PNG" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shapes-2D-3D-Partitioning-1829852" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NgNy65G2jnfDwzZvfTGheQ45EjGciHwpXYXTRLPEJ_xWyLhwo0L0qhFE0TTZ9_6G8cfZodxdC1tWUckfoQ__Dl75SnoaVq6GO0d33uFM5cHrK6aeJQKBOL7KpHK1NmV1Z-3NcHtamUXI/s1600/s2.PNG" height="200" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shapes-2D-3D-Partitioning-1829852" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignu0Yd6HKU1S_5xOAxqoBU5F68m9LpqcCoGcFg5nKErJnMU6Wh15CZjDyLrEfUciAbQ1HLEXYbQcn7lji6yd2TIbnAvwjVUiy4X-I4p2jYjI-_cxKby_tCh6kVbmu_iRlmW8ybuPT3HzG/s1600/S3.PNG" height="151" width="200" /></a></div>
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I guess I going to go get myself mentally in shape for returning for another week! Have a great evening.</div>
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Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-37400920802940246332015-04-07T20:39:00.002-04:002015-04-07T20:39:39.929-04:00The way INQUIRY has changed my teachingWhen I started using Inquiry Circles in the classroom 4 years ago I had no idea what was in store for the students in my classroom or for the growth and change of philosophy that I would experience.<br />
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I started by pouring over the book Comprehension & Collaboration: Inquiry Circles Illuminated by Stephanie Harvey and Harvey Daniels. (Click on picture for link to purchase this book.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.heinemann.com/products/E01230.aspx" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.heinemann.com/shared/covers/9780325012308.jpg" /></a></div>
The book excited me and made me feel scared. I was scared that I was going to lose control. Control over learning, grades, motivation, organization, and the list goes on. My desire to see inquiry circles in the classroom outweighed my fear of losing control...so I finally hit the go button! Sitting here now knowing what I know now I'm so thankful that I decided to leap into the unknowns. <br />
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<a href="http://www.heinemann.com/shared/onlineresources/E01230/Flyer2.pdf" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWVvhbG2iyP2hFey64mmv5P8BflutgyiH5GTi8mFh9fvCeNtUXvV9RyTI5-8ZraMTh-GDK9JhDUKVtYuAxcpe11hiyFyWbD0ZLKSK1hR6S2Fwnw2Vt_1XFt_rYYpTpBMf4SHPE_spGgEf/s1600/ic.PNG" height="400" width="310" /></a></div>
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<b><u>The start of my journey:</u></b></div>
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Confession: I used to be a control freak. Some may say I still am but trust me I've mellowed out A LOT! So back when I was a control freak I had to have a very decisive plan and inquiry felt a bit unstructured to me having taught more traditionally (I do, We do, You do). I created documents to help guide my teaching and here is the first set,</div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxyFB6bkDkQIXzByYjdEemdUX2lRWG50VF9wbE81dw">Inquiry Circles: Getting started</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKU5Lsh0NzPaO2-N_T_mtZJGkbZKYaiNkDdum7XHvIXcc4DTzmGtZr9Bfbjgp7fF-X2Q9gbFKoEy8QLSE8UZ2x5VbNSYSIHVbDU_L7kjAPGT9gGgPWE6ntkB56EKoMcnvEunK_tAFPrRr/s1600/IC1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKU5Lsh0NzPaO2-N_T_mtZJGkbZKYaiNkDdum7XHvIXcc4DTzmGtZr9Bfbjgp7fF-X2Q9gbFKoEy8QLSE8UZ2x5VbNSYSIHVbDU_L7kjAPGT9gGgPWE6ntkB56EKoMcnvEunK_tAFPrRr/s320/IC1.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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From the get go I started to see a transition in my class and within myself. Below is part of a blog post from 4 years ago,</div>
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<i> Here's a little inspirational note about Inquiry Circles. A child in my class has been very dejected. Life at home isn't great....his parents are fighting :( It has really shown itself at school. He is a high level kid that has just been making it through the day...not learning fervently. This child is in the group researching turtles. He knows the inside and outside of every turtle book stored in the group's basket. I sit down to do a mini-lesson with the group (the difference between reading with a question in mind vs. tracking your thinking while reading a book) and this kid just blows me away. I decided to show the group what I mean and start with a question, How do turtles have their young? He rips out four books flips to the pages and starts telling me all about it. The other two students didn't stand a chance for keeping up. So the two of us, him and I, laid it out for them successfully. He is smiling more often and told me after school that he loves to learn {be still my heart}!</i><br />
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Back then I was still holding tight to structure. I used a specific conferring form, created a pack of inquiry circle student sheets, used a rubric and made detailed lessons that focused on organization.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxyFB6bkDkQINkFKb1A4Rm9HZWc">Inquiry Circle Conferring form</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftXMIHjwOFz8FAmE8DZVumW4llSILz2zb0GI5xu6v7cc0QgOj3p1fsQ-V9whGtcwrHQ0y5xbCwnj7yZO83eM1ZXQKDBhL2bw_Kxfgf39djVEVNZqKoaHpUXvx6qyKy98qvV5WxsTpJIIR/s1600/IC7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftXMIHjwOFz8FAmE8DZVumW4llSILz2zb0GI5xu6v7cc0QgOj3p1fsQ-V9whGtcwrHQ0y5xbCwnj7yZO83eM1ZXQKDBhL2bw_Kxfgf39djVEVNZqKoaHpUXvx6qyKy98qvV5WxsTpJIIR/s320/IC7.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxyFB6bkDkQIT1NfdS1tZ21ISHc">Inquiry Circle Student Sheets</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqng9aT3s8kdHWJtRnEaM8p6k1x51CNM3mMiThIwS_2hh4A4bS6xNmemBus978QAQrVuU0x5UUxb-uAWWcjRm_bTD9gfIcFqXlMjv_dtCjFVy-k9kxR2RufyozexiJZZ6xW9LvE87dWDP/s1600/ICSS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqng9aT3s8kdHWJtRnEaM8p6k1x51CNM3mMiThIwS_2hh4A4bS6xNmemBus978QAQrVuU0x5UUxb-uAWWcjRm_bTD9gfIcFqXlMjv_dtCjFVy-k9kxR2RufyozexiJZZ6xW9LvE87dWDP/s200/ICSS.png" height="200" width="154" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEVCbYwcyikbViLgnv-_PMK1G1T72lkPoq7bEvRNdQRIIgq7vQrd7WtHjuHB-gDlmBsi2ulMxHp9XV-WCC61D2RcIAQJiLfhf3EKeYr3n3SoRxssEmTRDAElxD0-qZZ52JKt56a5NBOUi/s1600/ICSS3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEVCbYwcyikbViLgnv-_PMK1G1T72lkPoq7bEvRNdQRIIgq7vQrd7WtHjuHB-gDlmBsi2ulMxHp9XV-WCC61D2RcIAQJiLfhf3EKeYr3n3SoRxssEmTRDAElxD0-qZZ52JKt56a5NBOUi/s200/ICSS3.png" height="200" width="154" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxyFB6bkDkQIVmdhNmFTZ2NTcFE">Inquiry Circle rubric</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkewhcIYe6fxfQnjWyLMJfv6s2rj2u1L5PiaCP7IfYQMb51UjYgjc8g3PeGsbD_7wHaRUMRLL_ykmuNcI-8pmycehMUcThotBES5p0rgGsR4e5QixB_ApWoohoB1maykZC-RO6WvVsdR-/s1600/ICR.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkewhcIYe6fxfQnjWyLMJfv6s2rj2u1L5PiaCP7IfYQMb51UjYgjc8g3PeGsbD_7wHaRUMRLL_ykmuNcI-8pmycehMUcThotBES5p0rgGsR4e5QixB_ApWoohoB1maykZC-RO6WvVsdR-/s320/ICR.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxyFB6bkDkQISVNab0hyUm5odDA">First Inquiry Circle Lesson Plans</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6d0o1PuVs377civoASuo2ikEybnv-vFLEAdT1lFbOB8Bs1xeG-6E3Og1McLsM_vHbXr4XAfWxsZQUHo7gkDCb8redMtQIurNKUqqwZASu8nI0aFzfQIo9MGgmcn-TrRoM87LhfiTHb3UZ/s1600/ICLP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6d0o1PuVs377civoASuo2ikEybnv-vFLEAdT1lFbOB8Bs1xeG-6E3Og1McLsM_vHbXr4XAfWxsZQUHo7gkDCb8redMtQIurNKUqqwZASu8nI0aFzfQIo9MGgmcn-TrRoM87LhfiTHb3UZ/s320/ICLP.png" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><i>And here are my lesson plans for the reptile inquiry circle. You will noticed that I tried to hit important organizational lessons and some from our county roadmap. **Note that we found that although we planned lessons most of the time our teaching came out of authenticity. The kids needed different material than we had anticipated.**</i></span></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPBrVq4r8a_LWzDjp-W81SAiG1kUMrgWegpm1GDAVCF0U3vf-HMw7rS3hL0jK_dwJhV5vqcF-UWY_KZ7pEp2PZwcDvJZRzj02wu6kXr7ZPcpiLU2PCCmCgadj2grGq3ROpWaM7sPH3l2g/s320/Turtles+finished.jpg" /> </div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxyFB6bkDkQIbGk1YWIwTzdRN1cwSHQzR3dxUkdnUQ">Inquiry Circle management pieces</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RTQFM3jfWbRvHpi4M3Zqt3-tXB56jodDJXIO-mTEZniUsiRFLWZKVFKOe8wTkiuO_pKuTwyghKsH1tKfuU3ooLeL5GDmThLzR5tX22hPV-kO_y_rg9WfDVeeJaOvUJM-8SLPifuPHYCh/s1600/reptiles2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RTQFM3jfWbRvHpi4M3Zqt3-tXB56jodDJXIO-mTEZniUsiRFLWZKVFKOe8wTkiuO_pKuTwyghKsH1tKfuU3ooLeL5GDmThLzR5tX22hPV-kO_y_rg9WfDVeeJaOvUJM-8SLPifuPHYCh/s320/reptiles2.png" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiPmle06cLEIKa3PDfUsGotnq8UbwDsqGEEEmxcdB8xLOxYCbB-Uh8iCMGbSYH9ppVzrglOIPuifZhd443p1A379IGAKwBJB_BKDzoQ1eHkmB4EeQeHhRfdqQSTgIUaS-RYFPdI8cp5XB/s1600/reptiles1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiPmle06cLEIKa3PDfUsGotnq8UbwDsqGEEEmxcdB8xLOxYCbB-Uh8iCMGbSYH9ppVzrglOIPuifZhd443p1A379IGAKwBJB_BKDzoQ1eHkmB4EeQeHhRfdqQSTgIUaS-RYFPdI8cp5XB/s320/reptiles1.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzhyphenhyphenrp2Y7dTId_MKVTWKQ5crXMrLsQZZ503bm4X4hAbWe8VToqIc29ZZbRt0vVDPHC0p56jlER3rnnfpzRDD7wHr_W3pFeXs3nY0tTrS_VUoR_VxPyPUooniDZv3Khfm2_QB6C40N_rbZ/s1600/IC6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzhyphenhyphenrp2Y7dTId_MKVTWKQ5crXMrLsQZZ503bm4X4hAbWe8VToqIc29ZZbRt0vVDPHC0p56jlER3rnnfpzRDD7wHr_W3pFeXs3nY0tTrS_VUoR_VxPyPUooniDZv3Khfm2_QB6C40N_rbZ/s320/IC6.png" height="247" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpjCqzUSHdBNvfsBvEPYJzjVPV4CN855gbBYpnndwQ9A3JHiyZU_RiwZ-HYyL-034iY6rUXBsa9Qsfqh_OUH3EfGAbfQYVmHkP3YBWLdmhLUX16kXoBCZCbXgcCIuZDA1ABDsawpPFBlF/s1600/reptiles3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpjCqzUSHdBNvfsBvEPYJzjVPV4CN855gbBYpnndwQ9A3JHiyZU_RiwZ-HYyL-034iY6rUXBsa9Qsfqh_OUH3EfGAbfQYVmHkP3YBWLdmhLUX16kXoBCZCbXgcCIuZDA1ABDsawpPFBlF/s320/reptiles3.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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By the end of the first inquiry I was sold. I knew this component would be in my classroom for awhile. </div>
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<u><b>Changes I've made along the way:</b> </u></div>
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Along the way I have posted about inquiry circles and how they are working in my classroom. There has been some major changes along the way. Now, I embrace the unknown while knowing that whatever we discover will be amazing.</div>
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1. <b>My ideas about structure started to change</b>. I let the students have more say in what they wanted to work on. I became more flexible with groupings. At the beginning of the year I would tend more towards groups and by the end of the year they could work alone, in pairs, triads or whatever they wanted. Groupings started becoming more about interest and less about my desire to control. I do have to say that at first I suggest working in groups of 4 or 5 because when it is new it is easier to support 4 or 5 groups rather than 12 groups.</div>
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2.<b> My reading block makes way for inquiry first.</b> I start with a mini-lesson which is usually standard-based, then the students break off into their groupings to research while I support with conferring, and finally we meet back to share our new learning and thoughts. At the beginning of an inquiry the lessons are about asking and answer questions, then I start honing in on other standards like text features. I am able to teach to the standards while the students are choosing their interest, which is a win-win.</div>
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3.<b>I let students lead. </b> I used to think the teacher led the class, boy was I wrong! Now my students lead the class meaning that their thinking and interest push us forward. At times I give them specifics on what I would like them to research and I usually tell them why. I'll say, "In science we will be learning about extreme weather so for our next inquiry I would like you to think about weather that makes you wonder." For the inquiry we just started I told the students that they needed to pick a living thing with a habitat and life cycle (which directly ties to our science for the next month). </div>
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4. Because student motivation is so high, <b>I quickly get to conferring with the students and understanding their thought process. </b>I don't spend time trying to find just right books because the students are finding books of interest. I just spend time listening to their thinking. When you listen you discover. Motivation also pushes the students to go out of their comfort zone when it come to reading. Many times I have thought, "That book will be way too hard. That student won't get anything from it," and every time I've been wrong.</div>
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5. <b>I am a facilitator. </b>I set the scene for success...that's my job now (and I love it). I make sure students have the resources that they need. The school library and county library get frequent visits from me (along with Goodwill). I teach short mini-lessons that will lead to success. I make rubrics and post language stems. I tell the students why they are doing what they're doing. I outline why it is purposeful and tell them how it has helped me in my own life. </div>
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6. <b>My learning is on display.</b> I'm gobsmacked daily by all the students teach me. I show them how human I am daily. I've caught myself saying, "That's not right. Where did you find that?" with an accusatory tone and they always prove me wrong. I show my imperfections all the time and I realize that I have so much to learn from these 7 year olds. I feel so lucky that I get to use my brain daily and not do some boring, menial task. I'm constantly stimulated and humbled by how much more I have to learn.</div>
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7. <b> Inquiry has taken over because it is contagious.</b> In every subject I find the students learn best when they are in control. When we want to know why an author is good at writing, we inquire about it, research it and answer it for ourselves. It's another instance of letting go and becoming a facilitator. Kids are smart and they can figure out most things with the right resources.</div>
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Here are some inquiry pictures from over the past 4 years:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFcT4o2JhlDrFQ0IeZCdlTyVYHFUdilKpTfkpWoCR__1O2k5CkJaQws91fRuqfEF5RxThiT_U-SXUpDNfl7p-5vdJ34-O6PTptIMSquUhdz2vCMlQ-GcMgoxh2yOF7q7ofWUwQmO7vsYK/s1600/Alligators.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFcT4o2JhlDrFQ0IeZCdlTyVYHFUdilKpTfkpWoCR__1O2k5CkJaQws91fRuqfEF5RxThiT_U-SXUpDNfl7p-5vdJ34-O6PTptIMSquUhdz2vCMlQ-GcMgoxh2yOF7q7ofWUwQmO7vsYK/s1600/Alligators.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you have a change to read the book listed above then I would say do it! If you want to leap into inquiry I would say you'll never look back!!</div>
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The signal that I hope I give off is that I value thinking. Some people have dogged the new standards but I feel like their intentions are valuable. I appreciate that my students are thinking at deeper levels. One way I try to instill thinking is by modeling my own. I try to do it in a natural way, struggling and all! I want my students to see that I have to push myself just like they do.<br />
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This year I have come to rely on our journals in ALL subject areas. What I love about journals is that students can track their progress in regards to their thinking. It also gives them a reference point to refer to whenever they are struggling. The materials I create for my students have language stems to help them organize and expand upon their thinking. <br />
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During the course of this year, I have created interactive journal material that I haven't shared....UNTIL NOW!<br />
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Here is a freebie/preview for you to check out:</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQITXhXanhLS0xpcWM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">InformationalLiteratureJournalPreview</a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQITXhXanhLS0xpcWM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjh_1x_45aEBLisHrqwVhB9bjx11hCxtxIGu_DReuL3blsuj6-HMSAS4d6ET5cfPFV_HSsV47hQZH8H8uPHZf-WuYV6L34vEkaAgNgq9dLymNFBA3mZ_yKEaGIt7yYkq3oO8fza7ZPk4R/s1600/ij1.PNG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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I shared this standard that focuses on the main purpose of a text because I have found that my students need extra support! In an informational book an author can explain, answer and describe to share their main purpose and sometimes that can be tricky to understand. I also included a recording sheet that I explain more in the full product on TPT.</div>
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If you are interested in the full product, which has a journal activity for every Informational and Literature standard, check it out here:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Journal-Informational-and-Literature-1789680" target="_blank">TPT: 2nd Grade Interactive Journal for Informational and Literature Standards</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Journal-Informational-and-Literature-1789680" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyY_I_2dNLiaPWNJNcvc10uIHI_oy_0a_bFtNySlStj7NcINdZZQ9PJ2QJ6We9NFX6rgM0xu7z6wP_DHUBDhtH-lNHLVlvFE0RT8wDwxujLm7634hXxVp7t_CEIAAKG1R_Y__7uA-W9E7/s1600/ij3.PNG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you aren't utilizing interactive journals, then I challenge you to try them. When planning activities for your students, think "What signals are the students getting from me?"</div>
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Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-28423189901142591392015-03-16T18:43:00.001-04:002015-03-16T18:43:40.876-04:00I Read to Write by Zaner-BloserWhen ZB asked me to review their new I Read to Write kit I didn't know what to expect. What I got was informational texts that have students respond in a variety of ways. My students were thrilled to delve into the texts!<br />
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Here's what I <b>like</b> about the program:<br />
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-It's <b>cross-curricular</b>, including Science, Social Studies and Math. With the new standards it's is so important to integrate in any way you can and this makes it easy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eIbt0tS3zbV-_2V8sXkRWEeGodXU_pJ06NsVMolR6NOHmLSSCsY4Ve2CMMRanbsYYkTsiQDUxNC6bhNsiyQe6xJBuyrk8k9Wuz9nG6q0DS4A706IxyO6RpxFtZSHe3KE7b_J9mXdkGGF/s1600/IMG_6941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eIbt0tS3zbV-_2V8sXkRWEeGodXU_pJ06NsVMolR6NOHmLSSCsY4Ve2CMMRanbsYYkTsiQDUxNC6bhNsiyQe6xJBuyrk8k9Wuz9nG6q0DS4A706IxyO6RpxFtZSHe3KE7b_J9mXdkGGF/s1600/IMG_6941.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlf6JEXpeaxtf79ngKCvLS2xukinJeuHaU_mdbhVQJYYD5fxTfIesjwec1NN3UM69cr-abiilI15Kd0QG_to-4tJVAU7Qq35XmGX6lbZIUFHlK2XikG2QwDhkITKTp2MHqINDOhzHDuXo/s1600/IMG_6942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlf6JEXpeaxtf79ngKCvLS2xukinJeuHaU_mdbhVQJYYD5fxTfIesjwec1NN3UM69cr-abiilI15Kd0QG_to-4tJVAU7Qq35XmGX6lbZIUFHlK2XikG2QwDhkITKTp2MHqINDOhzHDuXo/s1600/IMG_6942.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
-The students were<b> highly engaged </b>in each text. The pictures brought the topics to life and the topics were of interest to my readers.<br />
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-The texts are <b>complex but grade level appropriate</b>. As a teacher, it is so important to expose all learners to grade level texts and you can do it with this program.<br />
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-The program sets it up by first <b>reading</b>, then <b>thinking</b> and then <b>writing</b>. Plus each subject area gives you two sources to refer to.<br />
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-One change with the standards is being able to <b>cite text evidence</b> and each lesson provides practice by having the students analyze and respond. Citing evidence directly correlates with the testing my students have taken this year...and we all know any practice helps!<br />
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-The language used is the same <b>language from the standards</b>. I teach to the standards and I use the language from the standards, as do my students. It fit right into our reading and writing block. <i>(Ask and Answer Questions; Identify the Main Purpose; Use Text Features; Identify the Main Topic; Describe How Reasons Support Specific Points; etc.)</i><br />
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- <b>Narrative</b>, <b>Informative</b> and <b>Opinion</b> writing are all included. There is also a rubric for each one which is a major time saver for the teacher!<br />
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-After we used the texts for their intended purpose, we started using them during other lessons. <b>Each text can be used again and again</b>! As a teacher, I am always searching for grade level informational texts and this puts it right in every reader/writer's hand.<br />
The text in the picture focused on asking and answering questions and using text features. The next time we used the text we looked at the focus of specific paragraphs was about to determine the main topic.<br />
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Everyone in our classroom enjoyed this resource and we will continue to use it again and again!<br />
If you are interested in this product, check it out here: <a href="http://www.zaner-bloser.com/i-read-to-write">http://www.zaner-bloser.com/i-read-to-write</a>Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-77258113113174705152015-02-05T07:39:00.005-05:002015-02-05T07:39:40.369-05:00Once Upon a Time...For the past two weeks we have been investigating Fairy Tales, Folk Tales and Fables. I have always loved these stories but I think my students love them even more!<br />
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This unit is covering many of the literature standards, which is great. Even better is the engagement from the students. It's one of the best feelings as a teacher when you hear, "When will reading begin?" "I can't wait for our lesson today!" "Did you know she's reading ___ to us today?!"<br />
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We started out by reading a fairy tale and looking at the elements that made it so. Then on to folktales and finally fables. (I blew their minds when I told them fairy tales really are folk tales!)<br />
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Then we started reading versions of The Three Little Pigs. Story elements, comparing/contrasting, and character responses were pulled in all week and it was seamless.<br />
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On to week two! We are reading different versions of Cinderella. There are so many but we are really enjoying our choices. The standard that is taking the main stage is comparing and contrasting. I found that students stayed at the surface level during the first week and didn't push their thinking very deep. <br />
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We are also using theme to compare and as a class we decided that from person to person theme might be differences because we all think differently. As long as you can share your thinking and provide text evidence (and talk to it) then we are good!<br />
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After a week in reading, we started to look at the genre in writing. Our anchor chart transferred from the reading section of the board to the writing section. The nerdy teacher that I am gets really excited when the students realize that the work you do as a reader helps you as a writer...or vice versa, the work you do as a writer helps you as a reader.<br />
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The first day planning, I realized that this will be there FAVORITE unit in writing.Their planning conversations were filled with high pitch, fast talking!<br />
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Now they are drafting and when they finish their fairy tale we will move on to fables. <br />
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Next week, we are going to use fables in reading to help us with central message. In writing, we will be planning and drafting fables. The first thing we will plan is the moral of the story then we will move on from there.<br />
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<b>Today I have a reading and/or writing <u>freebie </u>for you. </b> You can use these graphic organizers as a response to reading or use them to plan writing. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fairy-Tale-and-Fable-Graphic-Organizers-1689513" target="_blank">Fairy Tale and Fable Graphic Organizers</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fairy-Tale-and-Fable-Graphic-Organizers-1689513" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofNV0q-njt2CRiC702Ij0FQNu5RqDXdtRel7bUCMOhkkfPpH9zemdK82VdMX56p3sXrxp-AMGvSkYpGpieE97fv2FSnXLvl2Dw_x2DdpXSzZZolAznbCNYXr11REou_Us8-Pvohc6bU3D/s1600/FTF1.PNG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-13283283478780146702015-02-03T17:32:00.002-05:002015-02-03T17:32:44.485-05:00YouTube LoveWe are so lucky to have almost everything at our fingertips due to technology. It has change so much during the past decade and has truly enhanced teaching in a very positive way. More and more kids aren't experiencing what we once thought of as simplistic events that happened in our daily life and the language is lacking. But we can let them experience it due to the creative minds like Mr. M (check him out in the first video). Today I am sharing a few of my favorite YouTube videos for the classroom.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lQ2V-VgCJgI" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RBKqgOvmJ8w" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JC82Il2cjqA" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C33WdI64FiY" width="560"></iframe>
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This one is just for fun!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uMuJxd2Gpxo" width="560"></iframe><br />
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This is my students' favorite!!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T8427L0Wry0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vq3cDj3Uj3I" width="420"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XHGbkjnQuBg" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m3ZgD58kiTI" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SZEUWTUi1YI" width="560"></iframe>
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I love to show my students this to get them excited about presenting their inquiry information!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CaW8jpxWiag" width="420"></iframe>
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Now I'm wondering which are your favorites??? Link below to share!Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-30409231018607000242015-01-11T17:23:00.002-05:002015-01-11T17:23:48.045-05:00Math Fact FluencyIn the primary grades, it is so important for students to gain math fluency. It will help them the rest of their lives. But some get it quick and others need LOTS of practice throughout the school year and beyond. <br />
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One thing that I think promotes fluency and my students just love is our daily math password. Every day I write a problem on the board and as the students come into the classroom they whisper it in my ear. Sometimes I help them with the problem by suggesting a strategy (count on). <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuGJGVBrtH2kOQ_XVTMXVy2_8Gbly_pkfXNoS3tAmZAMjW0xDq6nQgMUL0n1gCb6B9zjn-aroKn80bbhvsZxIZWAZSjVB8hIDaxw5AFSB5wzNDHPsp24TAFQL-RlwOASzT8zJW_9-3lfy/s320/Math+Code.png" height="320" width="247" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU1WkNqK33e7W4FhT2mW_5sVVX09_buf3IcyJrqN-1NfryAlWoKVcAh2rqe5jJo-BGFEBWI0JOb0p77ii_Buq2wNdeFJNZcNNvYtSnVDjg1dbJVvkFbMMhMPaqhkos6plRpPCXSb8soWI/s1600/SANY1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU1WkNqK33e7W4FhT2mW_5sVVX09_buf3IcyJrqN-1NfryAlWoKVcAh2rqe5jJo-BGFEBWI0JOb0p77ii_Buq2wNdeFJNZcNNvYtSnVDjg1dbJVvkFbMMhMPaqhkos6plRpPCXSb8soWI/s320/SANY1908.JPG" dda="true" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BxyFB6bkDkQIMzMyMTIxYTctOTI2OC00MWM1LWI1ODYtM2YyMWFiY2RkZjMx" target="_blank">Math Code, Password</a></div>
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Another whole group game that excites my students every time is what some call the Snowball Game. I have my students sit around the carpet facing out with whiteboards on their laps. When I say "GO!", they grab two snowballs, open and add. This game has so many uses...and it's FUN!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3W_mYZPMIuWeNUcrwvmGnca6iI6zEP4BGwyEKt8LECydt-upWpqU_NvzAOhLkNxygqnevmtT0pfas3KcybLGJu5j0Dm4XB2JgxffwgpaU3rpkcIlQjsh6EI9iYRB_-jFGW4auuHNqFJ7/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3W_mYZPMIuWeNUcrwvmGnca6iI6zEP4BGwyEKt8LECydt-upWpqU_NvzAOhLkNxygqnevmtT0pfas3KcybLGJu5j0Dm4XB2JgxffwgpaU3rpkcIlQjsh6EI9iYRB_-jFGW4auuHNqFJ7/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2x0x-pp-CUwVvMxVM68yBsqttEN5iwUBS-vzFTT6nMo3kpROLrD4n-pVHd-gOLfRKPRGVKNCm4541bxuD5TW15fXTNGAFeApZpfaNUllYd5nv77UY6jRsH2wxytYRRiQ9x4ElRg1-c2F/s1600/IMG_2978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2x0x-pp-CUwVvMxVM68yBsqttEN5iwUBS-vzFTT6nMo3kpROLrD4n-pVHd-gOLfRKPRGVKNCm4541bxuD5TW15fXTNGAFeApZpfaNUllYd5nv77UY6jRsH2wxytYRRiQ9x4ElRg1-c2F/s1600/IMG_2978.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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One other thing that we do to gain fluency with math facts to 20 is practice on our desks with dry erase markers. The kids are so quiet on the days that we do this which is an added bonus!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc-omEmq8VEp7O9-K20kQGG77ioGyCvCL4rBH3bSWvL4qHAbdrcV50B0PW79ctJ9XNqydVsd3rGP4y589P5bviVfIjQEj9YveM1SMPTkOo8v6Pr8LRLDt8K7uZvEAZm3db5sTSB96SQlP/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc-omEmq8VEp7O9-K20kQGG77ioGyCvCL4rBH3bSWvL4qHAbdrcV50B0PW79ctJ9XNqydVsd3rGP4y589P5bviVfIjQEj9YveM1SMPTkOo8v6Pr8LRLDt8K7uZvEAZm3db5sTSB96SQlP/s320/IMG_2833.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMN7h26Hhfp7EW2N2c2gXj_qrijqm2e-w8Tb3C1EGAdAdHBfVTiyKgWwne9e3dBSIhssFPCFu9Hn10bfW06mLUueS-jA5RR9EmEVdE4igTbe2NtakS95A9vxntqorPTj4VduGw8N6XUyA/s1600/111a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMN7h26Hhfp7EW2N2c2gXj_qrijqm2e-w8Tb3C1EGAdAdHBfVTiyKgWwne9e3dBSIhssFPCFu9Hn10bfW06mLUueS-jA5RR9EmEVdE4igTbe2NtakS95A9vxntqorPTj4VduGw8N6XUyA/s1600/111a.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also try to use objects and problems that the students might find in the real world. I want them to see math is important and is useful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdP8y5KpD4hl79UB6cmg-iT4haIhpcw6Q7tvuU97kExTe5kC6UMMV1rCMBLpFKljODJT5_B0prTlZWvfHYWMuAHkkBviV9zmEu9F2OtQyTBnDLxQqmFtv0rPnxpL8qW7ikRLwnkLzZGYD2/s1600/111d.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdP8y5KpD4hl79UB6cmg-iT4haIhpcw6Q7tvuU97kExTe5kC6UMMV1rCMBLpFKljODJT5_B0prTlZWvfHYWMuAHkkBviV9zmEu9F2OtQyTBnDLxQqmFtv0rPnxpL8qW7ikRLwnkLzZGYD2/s1600/111d.PNG" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmlbAN5w-WfJMAAucvZYcG0iIRAkPmMAOhF8KdkTbnxLtK7Dc5Nny9xk084P0OFkjZIPqkpB-7eTRMKya7zYbZVwMiCv-VI4f37l4iZWQxy7WK2o2hDg2d8XfdH2YuXee8BWGtgGZ5lFM/s1600/111e.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmlbAN5w-WfJMAAucvZYcG0iIRAkPmMAOhF8KdkTbnxLtK7Dc5Nny9xk084P0OFkjZIPqkpB-7eTRMKya7zYbZVwMiCv-VI4f37l4iZWQxy7WK2o2hDg2d8XfdH2YuXee8BWGtgGZ5lFM/s1600/111e.PNG" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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I created a pack of no prep activities to print and use at any time that my students need more practice with fact fluency. This pack is great for whole-group, independent practice, centers or even homework. These activities are a fun way to help support all learners.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Addition-and-Subtraction-within-20-1644514" target="_blank"> No Prep - Addition and Subtraction Within 20</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Addition-and-Subtraction-within-20-1644514" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZFDz-H1cvqCXpXCevVe8eaF1xo5UC4pgpwrW9qYPzYMW-n0gFWQ6A8rCrgRdjJcCGYGKnGUkpOBrWX9T3zNu4zXMv7VGTneHu5eJPTRx0697oG694mJS0-ppNiyl4-OIwWNeh9hfjiP7/s1600/11a.PNG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Addition-and-Subtraction-within-20-1644514" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_uMMnHJJBD7IClZGOcX5noFy_45zsVpZx-ZwDek8LDRAaq9PV6jdwdTqTu_O08BPbPdyCGIkuIoJWZI0Zkb_g3UeT9JSHJYIUZi1CrAMVnkLzzhEw5N0K9IwMKeo9D9QAYYMLkG6b3Gd/s1600/11b.PNG" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the end of the day, I just want my students to go to the grocery store and be able to do mental math and not be the person counting on their fingers!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm06t0ZXLCVQUaFsoT5TLC6kWePEZ7EW6OBgRn6v3jrmi3jNOXWoVUwg2ILCUsfOZrW8OQBj3FwhffXFdW2GRExv_Li9OgYiMQY2NnVemk7BXt_gIzOmIbdVt0dwf0ybh8Lb4CBRzWEFeG/s1600/JenSign.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm06t0ZXLCVQUaFsoT5TLC6kWePEZ7EW6OBgRn6v3jrmi3jNOXWoVUwg2ILCUsfOZrW8OQBj3FwhffXFdW2GRExv_Li9OgYiMQY2NnVemk7BXt_gIzOmIbdVt0dwf0ybh8Lb4CBRzWEFeG/s1600/JenSign.png" /></a></div>
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Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-45477253884014695952015-01-10T20:50:00.001-05:002015-01-10T20:50:21.421-05:00Dollar Tree Ideas #1We all know that teachers are cheap....we have to be! Today I was at the Dollar Tree and I bought a couple things for my math centers.<br />
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First up is <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Addition-1642689" target="_blank">Calendar Addition</a>. I purchased a calendar from the Dollar Tree and wrote numbers on each day. The idea is to add numbers in the calendar. What's great about this center is that it is differentiated. So it can be used for various levels within your classroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoCqhHECR38H2Mjom52CkMiU4cTT345IayypZBDmo_vovcO7bkqOUOwIHO3vftTfvf7Z5Szb5lCegeKG6-lnEJXNMHYddwL3207LrhjxWZrC8IJl_S54wCQlwGM6NM7J6TuP87hwDn8eH/s1600/IMG_6473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoCqhHECR38H2Mjom52CkMiU4cTT345IayypZBDmo_vovcO7bkqOUOwIHO3vftTfvf7Z5Szb5lCegeKG6-lnEJXNMHYddwL3207LrhjxWZrC8IJl_S54wCQlwGM6NM7J6TuP87hwDn8eH/s1600/IMG_6473.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNSBOPFzrE1ylhz_1Vbh42MGC7NL2t7C2jZkSN9OT14nUb6CPK0F-baXrFyFOqvFzSdaomIGL6nATFdKl5cgBOTkREsqWtXdKUWBCQ_sdouef3i2ltYPRLGTTLskhxTXY1Pd54fsYms2U/s1600/IMG_6482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNSBOPFzrE1ylhz_1Vbh42MGC7NL2t7C2jZkSN9OT14nUb6CPK0F-baXrFyFOqvFzSdaomIGL6nATFdKl5cgBOTkREsqWtXdKUWBCQ_sdouef3i2ltYPRLGTTLskhxTXY1Pd54fsYms2U/s1600/IMG_6482.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I created task cards and a recording sheet at different levels. This FREEBIE is here for you ---> <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Addition-1642689" target="_blank"> Calendar Addition</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Addition-1642689" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso_Zyv9E6n7Eu5i-IfbupcAOws7UgjDlYBV6zmKpDH577HnBMXyIseCNUq8w4edXhtUQcbJAKwCyYjsP24VDbuCLclV5EMOEch-d2Ur7tMIn7zLEf1MMteTBR17Dzzoi7Ah7QkhRggO00/s1600/3a.PNG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZu6I2eubV8G2QPNK8d8-Mi7QEeZ7w57WvxDS41g-ZXIR7RypcM-RqKbGOzKQu8-vwNzvoL5Uvg8ooqsVYBxlbxWfuasaH6geHCyVTJZipKsY9A_-y2mvTcEtyyPksHyCt8NfqyTuknKX/s1600/IMG_6484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZu6I2eubV8G2QPNK8d8-Mi7QEeZ7w57WvxDS41g-ZXIR7RypcM-RqKbGOzKQu8-vwNzvoL5Uvg8ooqsVYBxlbxWfuasaH6geHCyVTJZipKsY9A_-y2mvTcEtyyPksHyCt8NfqyTuknKX/s1600/IMG_6484.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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This calendar had an extra page. Students could add the columns for an advanced challenge.</div>
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Next, is <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parking-Lot-Addition-1642973" target="_blank">Parking Lot Addition</a>. My students love anything to do with cars! I thought it would be fun for them to park the cars and add the numbers from the parking spaces. Again, I differentiated for practice at various levels. I think this one will be a hit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3EwJPLYB5hJah1HhHFZlPeSZ0R221ZSCmXQxzgqJkqz0bDCHH4DWHQdFAHHmYg7-H-E9xmiwdyXBBJDYxMTSFYMMyRVP792smyASc0_atMoV8Y4pVcZt9UyG84g2hqBCicSvG4KIAkLq/s1600/IMG_6478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3EwJPLYB5hJah1HhHFZlPeSZ0R221ZSCmXQxzgqJkqz0bDCHH4DWHQdFAHHmYg7-H-E9xmiwdyXBBJDYxMTSFYMMyRVP792smyASc0_atMoV8Y4pVcZt9UyG84g2hqBCicSvG4KIAkLq/s1600/IMG_6478.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4un_0B-dYZCV19C-7xBFP0PnXCYfkpDpK27edD2EpIaDuTwJ4qPB1Bu_17G6C4u-NZ-zI4teEQO44Ij8mR4mwh0QNbEhCeyy8vQ33Gdv8kOO_hyphenhyphenXfoFLxGThoJ7M7FJi87NiLZCP7Vl8/s1600/IMG_6488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4un_0B-dYZCV19C-7xBFP0PnXCYfkpDpK27edD2EpIaDuTwJ4qPB1Bu_17G6C4u-NZ-zI4teEQO44Ij8mR4mwh0QNbEhCeyy8vQ33Gdv8kOO_hyphenhyphenXfoFLxGThoJ7M7FJi87NiLZCP7Vl8/s1600/IMG_6488.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parking-Lot-Addition-1642973" target="_blank">Parking Lot Addition</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parking-Lot-Addition-1642973" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDQk3taWA1HLidD1_4byb-FvhE_YJhIeGDbp4sJUlkUrm7_fOUrtII-hIYHUT-FrgJF24yeZNFsVRFj8zyY-r_ehfK-kBnde5ESK4nb0mlvpZX0MhEbHEpLWyEwalkdx4bZ1kP0Us5i5e/s1600/3b.PNG" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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I hope your students enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm06t0ZXLCVQUaFsoT5TLC6kWePEZ7EW6OBgRn6v3jrmi3jNOXWoVUwg2ILCUsfOZrW8OQBj3FwhffXFdW2GRExv_Li9OgYiMQY2NnVemk7BXt_gIzOmIbdVt0dwf0ybh8Lb4CBRzWEFeG/s1600/JenSign.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm06t0ZXLCVQUaFsoT5TLC6kWePEZ7EW6OBgRn6v3jrmi3jNOXWoVUwg2ILCUsfOZrW8OQBj3FwhffXFdW2GRExv_Li9OgYiMQY2NnVemk7BXt_gIzOmIbdVt0dwf0ybh8Lb4CBRzWEFeG/s1600/JenSign.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-87207502401092631272015-01-07T21:59:00.000-05:002015-01-07T21:59:15.804-05:00A Slightly Different TakeWhen planning for this math unit, I knew I wanted the students to use their work to goal set. We've done this all year but I was looking for a little more impact. <br />
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The students' interactive math journals have become a bit disorganized (this is an understatement) for some and I didn't feel that they were able to see the progression of their abilities. That's when the unit interactive math journal came in. What better way to see your progress than having it clumped together?<br />
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It's all the about the needs of the kids BUT this helps me too! Since they aren't as bulky I can have them turn them in daily and I can give immediate feedback. When progress reports or report cards roll around I have a great, progressive way to show parents their child's mathematical understandings. And I can also help the students track their data and goal set...not just using one assignment but using all their work from the unit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS63Tzhw6ynS4ITtU4jXQ7raYDfx2OGmHR5_NXA2LxEcoRpoiTxOl3ikXttCa6H3JaLrtlLMNQv0kHFu-6pS7rtiAaLx12PWIG1wauMTYyOzwotnyUFo2XvJUG9VSqFJ8KXYxmAiMX-no7/s1600/Journal1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS63Tzhw6ynS4ITtU4jXQ7raYDfx2OGmHR5_NXA2LxEcoRpoiTxOl3ikXttCa6H3JaLrtlLMNQv0kHFu-6pS7rtiAaLx12PWIG1wauMTYyOzwotnyUFo2XvJUG9VSqFJ8KXYxmAiMX-no7/s1600/Journal1.png" height="400" width="310" /></a></div>
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Here is the simple journal made mostly from all that notebook paper that you never use by the end of the year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bqNvVwUd7MqkGKchsE2QuPO66tjwom_WJ0Mfk8MKEo_55Al9TBw4ZPB7KfCvRf_wD_PPP1btueILwqUxmneKzPweXr-9I1D_1KrpUrt1lk86eoAzDPZHzTGjNO6a0EWVbRdYrambq6I7/s1600/Journal2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bqNvVwUd7MqkGKchsE2QuPO66tjwom_WJ0Mfk8MKEo_55Al9TBw4ZPB7KfCvRf_wD_PPP1btueILwqUxmneKzPweXr-9I1D_1KrpUrt1lk86eoAzDPZHzTGjNO6a0EWVbRdYrambq6I7/s1600/Journal2.png" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the inside cover my students have addition and subtraction poems and the rubric for the WHOLE unit. These are in my TPT unit <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Three-Digit-Addition-and-Subtraction-with-Regrouping-1628917" target="_blank">Three-Digit Addition and Subtraction With Regrouping</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Three-Digit-Addition-and-Subtraction-with-Regrouping-1628917" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDBjIL5HJMhyphenhyphenHSepg6YGSetuSJh9Bg9D_IMyWdzSCBGO4soElDrzM4xeX_0WH0FQmd0Inykmu-oOx8FaPUaMJDsiuC6_lLfeW1oyJIejV1eSks1R0Y4CDLjRorYLkc8WnQvgP9yYvYZk5/s1600/a.PNG" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnaQWv1rYahbgNys2cbKMiGQLVb23eAay8vI8E9NK6GYShHqeNcWuslK5G874pSp9gBUUrFktOTmwJXS7AIpVkE-R56RajoTczIWAFjzxrpxtyasoqO7falitjzA8ZWNBFgftIcRd96QY/s1600/Journal5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnaQWv1rYahbgNys2cbKMiGQLVb23eAay8vI8E9NK6GYShHqeNcWuslK5G874pSp9gBUUrFktOTmwJXS7AIpVkE-R56RajoTczIWAFjzxrpxtyasoqO7falitjzA8ZWNBFgftIcRd96QY/s1600/Journal5.png" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a journal prompt with the students work and their (immediate feedback) score from the rubric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XOzf3IYZSHIOB2bip-7x9Y7652d1ibUtL__h78GZHKLN8_HvgU55W6F8H34Gj17pbw_ZS5zwO7ADBHswlYZIGEi9So7e8_beUl-4tQByazIeYQP7X8V_qxxDFxPE3DyU_4jHkEQS4BLQ/s1600/Journal4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XOzf3IYZSHIOB2bip-7x9Y7652d1ibUtL__h78GZHKLN8_HvgU55W6F8H34Gj17pbw_ZS5zwO7ADBHswlYZIGEi9So7e8_beUl-4tQByazIeYQP7X8V_qxxDFxPE3DyU_4jHkEQS4BLQ/s1600/Journal4.png" height="400" width="310" /></a></div>
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Just for reference, we work on these mats A LOT before we delve into our journals each day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24U0Bc1UWH4_nwIpQi9bjJTK0b0cVRMmIjBiJOjM5a1jcYC6oBG0zBcDIRIGUcFh0tduQ0AqUZ_vp5_tsw4sgw9X18OHmVurYNdMkBXPyRh_bXemwNK9bJty4yF138jwNDoxn4XH09ouE/s1600/Journal3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24U0Bc1UWH4_nwIpQi9bjJTK0b0cVRMmIjBiJOjM5a1jcYC6oBG0zBcDIRIGUcFh0tduQ0AqUZ_vp5_tsw4sgw9X18OHmVurYNdMkBXPyRh_bXemwNK9bJty4yF138jwNDoxn4XH09ouE/s1600/Journal3.png" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
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And everyday we refer back to the unit's rubric to push our thinking and goal set.</div>
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My students commented today that I am like Danny Tanner from Full House because I like everything SO organized. I <i>think</i> it was a compliment. Either way I know that they see the journals as uber organized, which pleases me because they will need it all throughout their lives!</div>
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So if your journals are disasters like mine or you don't have enough notebooks for your students, I highly recommend my easy-peasy way!!</div>
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Dogs are barking...time to go.</div>
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Have a great night!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pbohV52vQHMUiapLi4EINXtkr8vsqzoKqUj08a3JFo9cSCYIHzKwi9ccaeUgF3BIw3iOWMSy9gqmTYSNm4uNaHWqJX7bavGiQna00Dn1RT0gGG7TDCB-2gVExnDdDcKEeoWVn7dj5e6S/s1600/JenSign.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pbohV52vQHMUiapLi4EINXtkr8vsqzoKqUj08a3JFo9cSCYIHzKwi9ccaeUgF3BIw3iOWMSy9gqmTYSNm4uNaHWqJX7bavGiQna00Dn1RT0gGG7TDCB-2gVExnDdDcKEeoWVn7dj5e6S/s1600/JenSign.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-48728603696210810102015-01-03T14:29:00.002-05:002015-01-03T14:29:44.990-05:00It Must Be......time to go back to school. The planning has begun and out of it it came this TPT Pack for Three-Digit Addition and Subtraction with Regrouping.<br />
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Check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Three-Digit-Addition-and-Subtraction-with-Regrouping-1628917" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDBjIL5HJMhyphenhyphenHSepg6YGSetuSJh9Bg9D_IMyWdzSCBGO4soElDrzM4xeX_0WH0FQmd0Inykmu-oOx8FaPUaMJDsiuC6_lLfeW1oyJIejV1eSks1R0Y4CDLjRorYLkc8WnQvgP9yYvYZk5/s1600/a.PNG" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Three-Digit-Addition-and-Subtraction-with-Regrouping-1628917" target="_blank">Three-Digit Addition and Subtraction With Regrouping</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;"><u>Included in the pack:</u></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;">-Rubric for the unit</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;">-An end of unit assessment</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;">-Addition & Subtraction Work Mat</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;">-Addition & Subtraction Posters</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;">-10 Journal Prompts</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;">-10 Interactive Notebook Activities</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 16.0030002593994px; text-align: start;">-4 Math Centers</span></span></div>
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<br />Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-33273548403188285082014-12-29T19:53:00.001-05:002014-12-29T20:02:53.357-05:00Meaningful timeI fell in a trap this year. I didn't make every minute meaningful for my students. I followed the crowd even when I knew it wasn't working. It was easier for me.<br />
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Although I was very aware of the choice I was making, I decided to over look it. Then Debbie Miller's smart words made me rethink my easy choice.<br />
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I am reading the book <a href="http://www.heinemann.com/products/E04904.aspx" target="_blank">No More Independent Reading Without Support </a>by Debbie Miller and Barbara Moss. In the book, Debbie (yes, we are on first name basis...jk) writes a section titled NOT THIS, Is There Enough Time? And Is Time Enough to Support Independent Reading? Now I already have independent reading time in my classroom and I don't see giving it up...I've already made the time for it. I'm reading the book to compare it to my practices and to support teachers that are having a hard time with Independent Reading. BUT Debbie's words brought to light some other practices that I have included that aren't meaningful to the whole class.<br />
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What I'm talking about is Daily Oral Language. Now I'm not saying it isn't meaningful to all kids but it wasn't/isn't working for my students. It was the first thing we did when we came in the room. The students got it out, worked on it ( by worked on I mean recopied the words with no corrections) and we went over it. When I would circulate the room I noticed it wasn't transferring. We talked about capitals, punctuation, proper nouns, etc. but they still weren't using it in their writing. I realized it was working for about three students. That's only 15% of my class. But I hung on and kept trying and still it only worked for 15% of my students. <br />
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<b><i>Finally I acknowledged it. It was hard to admit to myself that I wasted their time for too long. </i></b><br />
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I changed the time to a Words-Their-Way<i>ish</i> time. The <i>ish </i>comes in because I have made it work for my class and the time we have. So I have a couple things that I have created that are working for my students.<br />
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The students have a notebook with the directions pasted to the front and an envelope (or you could use a baggie) adhered to the back. The students cut the sort on Monday and store it in the envelope all week and glue on Friday.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIejNqNWpUXzVqbzg/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnwWd_YOhENpT8zTG15o3HKZwE5GM92zA-rjVILeTrruY61pZlHbfYSojBTDPJalVA1g1ktpaPzWO6Me7HKLTbZWU7Z7J7RCszcH2oxnIRNxoIHDeX27r83-t1xtTvAgeY2KeW2LKnvc6/s1600/WTW1.PNG" height="400" width="148" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIejNqNWpUXzVqbzg/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">WTW Directions</a></div>
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There are 18 sorts for you in all!<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIWVpLbDgwaUdUSDg/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVViQ0PDcD2MPJy602bbJo1kiTn-em4DbQBpZE3x5Pu4N51JSmOPRIvYFB5oBK2wOgvu-pSRPVkI8oobOa52tor8-9rQec-NGQNtcbs7vVf9HxpJJSMeqSBl5bmSmKwTHH6-Jr03t4XKT/s1600/WTW2.PNG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIWVpLbDgwaUdUSDg/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Long Vowels</a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIUGVlM1NycGx5MWM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHJj1TXECCTP1DJjeZMfN5V7jo_j8yKzaaBD_Usj91p6q-ZQgU_r6WZyKEYmhccme-DKt0XdYZrd8rIlCREMCPrd4s0wk3cZpUSq32RNxBgFhfb8KMFPFOMZ8hssQsbA1ROj4aAVJ980O/s1600/WTW3.PNG" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIUGVlM1NycGx5MWM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Other Vowels</a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIWDU0d2tTQ2ZvNmc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3fTF4r8jxCo0PHhgrPSpMapPKk75o4GXHZQXgZsQLgKmkeQofUX5DZKhHMDsTQUdDlX_eb17Chyphenhyphen5ktamY-YHC-ZJALiTn0HR2LJ-txDMK7SkLy-s63alONP7MZdEOMUN0zCqtfcrxYhB/s1600/WTW4.PNG" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIWDU0d2tTQ2ZvNmc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Blends</a></div>
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Now to get back to my original problem...<br />
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I decided that the work they were doing during Daily Oral Language was better suited to address during conferring while the students are actually expected to make it transfer. We also admire each others work and this gave me an opportunity to select work in which the students were actually transferring it. Read below to find out more about Admiration Frames.<br />
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To begin each writing block, I
select a student’s work in which I have noted something interesting they were
trying, and project it for all the students to see. I give them time to talk about what they are
noticing and admiring about the work with a partner. Then students share out what they noticed the
student author doing while I write it down and stick it on the paper. This has transformed my students’ writing
because once they see what their peers are trying out they feel safe to be
creative with their own writing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This strategy is so helpful
because it can be used for all areas of writing. If you notice your students need to work on
punctuation, you select a piece that is full of proper punctuation. If you want to discuss why an author might
use bold words, then you select a piece with that in it. It helps create a seamless shift into your
lesson for the day and it creates pride in your students. When I felt that the students were ready to
add dialogue in their stories I shared a student’s writing that already had
dialogue. I never pinpoint why I select
the work but the students always seem to admire it. After we admire the writing we hang it around
the room. Many times students leave
their writing spot to go and look at one of these pieces for inspiration. This strategy really created a classroom full
of students that appreciate words and writing and it has become their favorite time
of the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know this is VERY late but I wanted to share the rest of our days with our elf, Twinkle.</div>
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That silly guy created a slip and slide and at the end he had snowflake rings for all the kids IN THE WATER!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrLg3BA2Pma5cP4SYmW_pmnrKrmdXIeWJGhxjmjAw9I9IPQFDLJ9HPjYZdFI0OupmDczu8cncusHi7TmxUkZIrKARIwsPDvwk8OIhyphenhyphenSEJisuaG_H9t6bVuarwmDTEWtQbEaj21Hb0Y9gr/s1600/IMG_6235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrLg3BA2Pma5cP4SYmW_pmnrKrmdXIeWJGhxjmjAw9I9IPQFDLJ9HPjYZdFI0OupmDczu8cncusHi7TmxUkZIrKARIwsPDvwk8OIhyphenhyphenSEJisuaG_H9t6bVuarwmDTEWtQbEaj21Hb0Y9gr/s1600/IMG_6235.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_I9MSDSyALXGiCq6oK30MNsdvSzyNC4MEhDlFvwsG9v66dyHC0wAHZySzRfN_rgntkULLiWFXNdrZgSgOl_IRsCZFhnwU4dI7DCbqHgpC5SqF69ISpP6DolGsdfYfYAp8gdd8Rtggr6X/s1600/IMG_6239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_I9MSDSyALXGiCq6oK30MNsdvSzyNC4MEhDlFvwsG9v66dyHC0wAHZySzRfN_rgntkULLiWFXNdrZgSgOl_IRsCZFhnwU4dI7DCbqHgpC5SqF69ISpP6DolGsdfYfYAp8gdd8Rtggr6X/s1600/IMG_6239.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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Then he became a hermit crab to keep Mr. Crabs and Roxy company.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXsIBdVOg-NTcl0ta_2SUV2XtD9Bblh8yftb4HqxourXQ5Hq1LYfBbPwEf8-JgjYRmfgfZAzS0YC4Y-b1dQM1Ta3-0Pjqt13X0ktNZzVTS109o242egbNZvZpaJB97N0mI-EBDUVcy06w/s1600/image_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXsIBdVOg-NTcl0ta_2SUV2XtD9Bblh8yftb4HqxourXQ5Hq1LYfBbPwEf8-JgjYRmfgfZAzS0YC4Y-b1dQM1Ta3-0Pjqt13X0ktNZzVTS109o242egbNZvZpaJB97N0mI-EBDUVcy06w/s1600/image_4.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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When he missed the workshop, he brought in his own.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G4DAulSFD39F8KGFd6z22o5xGpkYOIYmW8Ci2XGFk5jxJ1Pk-zlJkBiWuUhoRnnaUboevJnqzu4aT4itF3DbPXnxHuZTLYmqXXa540QLsM2r4EA7OW2ckFFNpmCkUSlYHluN4zNLEZ6v/s1600/image_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G4DAulSFD39F8KGFd6z22o5xGpkYOIYmW8Ci2XGFk5jxJ1Pk-zlJkBiWuUhoRnnaUboevJnqzu4aT4itF3DbPXnxHuZTLYmqXXa540QLsM2r4EA7OW2ckFFNpmCkUSlYHluN4zNLEZ6v/s1600/image_5.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Twinkle got fancy with a new bow-tie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pvFewszT2nZV281nsL7IrDU4wsvgTJ8ZNW_j5MhLArxcrYYjRzHoga8npo3N5qYPxccu7ICtpG-6ybxwR2uK0nroacJLFXQnN3NJmzygtl9sd6IlMh5mzQDqr8KmbgsxcnxilWDS4FPX/s1600/image_6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pvFewszT2nZV281nsL7IrDU4wsvgTJ8ZNW_j5MhLArxcrYYjRzHoga8npo3N5qYPxccu7ICtpG-6ybxwR2uK0nroacJLFXQnN3NJmzygtl9sd6IlMh5mzQDqr8KmbgsxcnxilWDS4FPX/s1600/image_6.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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He gave the bow-tie to his camel turned reindeer and dressed up like Santa with a beard and sleigh!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI24APuxczE5TDta-aNPGFfQ5Xa9jHkle7oXZ8ZQEBo5M8stwDKN7bY0Fuem5D2VAKdkf7f9txuq0W2THgZRpbDqjo9COI8dJXyUpW4cFvxFYrGMWp2NVlPr58229GMHEKzOqDnEHUWws/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI24APuxczE5TDta-aNPGFfQ5Xa9jHkle7oXZ8ZQEBo5M8stwDKN7bY0Fuem5D2VAKdkf7f9txuq0W2THgZRpbDqjo9COI8dJXyUpW4cFvxFYrGMWp2NVlPr58229GMHEKzOqDnEHUWws/s1600/image_1.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then Twinkle and camel/reindeer started hanging out on the window coverings....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXOQFavkiVuSC0Dulgks9_5t9EAV6_CQ3bwJIgP3fou60B3Grp5Q3WH3qt5r8wNkc8y2l4yW5kBAo8LpK4U2BADd3jQz1LyzXE8dbZsQ_CiGfcaCz99Tgq0FtUvkgZ_Dm6Pvvu6yP-ADo/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXOQFavkiVuSC0Dulgks9_5t9EAV6_CQ3bwJIgP3fou60B3Grp5Q3WH3qt5r8wNkc8y2l4yW5kBAo8LpK4U2BADd3jQz1LyzXE8dbZsQ_CiGfcaCz99Tgq0FtUvkgZ_Dm6Pvvu6yP-ADo/s1600/image_2.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
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...AND from the garland hanging from the ceiling.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGW5p2-zErkOog451A30MWWKN9Cv2cA2kB0TFNAtZUam6QYFkZn4lu_9BENfu8U28TdENC-rcjqB4pupnRKEHix4F0O16-mzBYaCGpqalAmJsd4gmNxEOq8gYAIrQw-KKI8QS-kuutwACc/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGW5p2-zErkOog451A30MWWKN9Cv2cA2kB0TFNAtZUam6QYFkZn4lu_9BENfu8U28TdENC-rcjqB4pupnRKEHix4F0O16-mzBYaCGpqalAmJsd4gmNxEOq8gYAIrQw-KKI8QS-kuutwACc/s1600/image_3.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
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Then, sadly, it was time to say good-bye. So Twinkle and Noel, the elf next door, met in our common area for the big send off. Of course treats were involved!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZ9GuWtavvUc-eoFFtUJ5xDuS-0ucOPxD-LZnBRxY9wPCHRB56c7DQzaxSsF-uCwmoRLEbiicTSTMVCBZ7hTqOmDOx6s-Yv2ve604W-K2QZGaf8tw9gn7ZnWp6eqlnauYd_a8JXqbzHvL/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZ9GuWtavvUc-eoFFtUJ5xDuS-0ucOPxD-LZnBRxY9wPCHRB56c7DQzaxSsF-uCwmoRLEbiicTSTMVCBZ7hTqOmDOx6s-Yv2ve604W-K2QZGaf8tw9gn7ZnWp6eqlnauYd_a8JXqbzHvL/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the pictures from his whole stay...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity9OmkJ3c_sm54gED2d91Z2uRZy5ienWM_gCFyAcd9ZB42eWpgZUTVPSdwDaRLTnuQoyuPa-cpgJftP209UApDn9-9seCdSUj7KETxnhJPM9rwCv_tOdI6dzrD2MD46ez8LpC_9FfpmI7/s1600/Elf7.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoadltyDzVCwAkhkKiSdUUVNQCfx5Ouqud6NgGP86_nv1V16c9KQkkv8mxEi8kK_VQnPflq5uFvoQssAwD-Yj4wbeWgvbCNtKHb0WpipARBm4qI3CSqlcDeppTeOcWd4BuzpIHbCwI8IyM/s1600/Elf4.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjuE1nhN8dA1ktN1luQ62dFwOECy0JFM0YVM3GtmHshxMwKNSnnwjWOBO4x7-NkrfuNbI02w-oikv5wo4wLsl17KmDMsTcxV05H64BGy-mIddwjWxeLmJSMXYhrMLf5kU7SsftFxTsYMf/s1600/Elf9.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUXfpEaH1KErK_wFemUB1FojVmwVXZB_VlKpI-tdI2gHeD20WIo7iWEHYrNIzxXXnYH2E5mO4Giz-vQcD1bgIDO7ums0N9VleTX8nlH8-m2-_bsBkkW4If5fKGh_KBIsnvBmsX-FBxlUQ/s1600/Day3Elf.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgbU2olfviQuHQH5M3hcFjN9Wai6Glk2GoOd0nudhzXg1J-8c5L7LxOYj7oCDwRRwe2AHUyisxmrefcv2RBv9viFoDFNbN9YOr1GfdEWjW2h2LOyoygI8CY_htiGvNFm9a5x3cqJ0NHMF/s1600/Day4Elf2.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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We sure did enjoy our time with him. I'm thinking of bringing in a lawn gnome to help Twinkle keep watch in his absence!!</div>
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Enjoy your break,</div>
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Jen</div>
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BUT our elf was ready for his ears to have a break! So on day 3 he left a little (BIG) hint for some peace and quiet.<br />
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The hint worked so Twinkle was ready to get back to some fun stuff! On day 4, Twinkle gathered his friends to read a book, Mooseltoe. In the story, the Moose forgets to get his family a tree so he lets them decorate his mustache instead. So of course Twinkle and his friends were wearing mustaches! He also left a note for the students :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgbU2olfviQuHQH5M3hcFjN9Wai6Glk2GoOd0nudhzXg1J-8c5L7LxOYj7oCDwRRwe2AHUyisxmrefcv2RBv9viFoDFNbN9YOr1GfdEWjW2h2LOyoygI8CY_htiGvNFm9a5x3cqJ0NHMF/s1600/Day4Elf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgbU2olfviQuHQH5M3hcFjN9Wai6Glk2GoOd0nudhzXg1J-8c5L7LxOYj7oCDwRRwe2AHUyisxmrefcv2RBv9viFoDFNbN9YOr1GfdEWjW2h2LOyoygI8CY_htiGvNFm9a5x3cqJ0NHMF/s1600/Day4Elf2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CAITlcTIFnW1FQlzKaSdd1meU-gSxQ02PaWLk5-hfHDX48QWr31J_9YnrPiachSQRsAA3eX7ZO8ZVCQaXSllj73yW_jfiXfVJ58gu4RASoSV9c_f828HO_ZnAbbdy0bVqE6J2YiPqd2-/s1600/Day4Elf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CAITlcTIFnW1FQlzKaSdd1meU-gSxQ02PaWLk5-hfHDX48QWr31J_9YnrPiachSQRsAA3eX7ZO8ZVCQaXSllj73yW_jfiXfVJ58gu4RASoSV9c_f828HO_ZnAbbdy0bVqE6J2YiPqd2-/s1600/Day4Elf3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ToXMcHcdvDlwsGkZyXaU6_hgBmoStEiCSt2ifvNNpr32yoOX3hyJQBwKoOv-LcYG_6baLZjv-3ZRX__CMUomgl6j2vHaqIj7VYy7ZS942R3KuNbGGrhMbFYhMzeuuNIcn6lCo3mRmi49/s1600/Day4Elf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ToXMcHcdvDlwsGkZyXaU6_hgBmoStEiCSt2ifvNNpr32yoOX3hyJQBwKoOv-LcYG_6baLZjv-3ZRX__CMUomgl6j2vHaqIj7VYy7ZS942R3KuNbGGrhMbFYhMzeuuNIcn6lCo3mRmi49/s1600/Day4Elf.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another precious child was reading to Twinkle B. Merry McBushyplums when I glanced over. Their expressions are priceless and I am loving the merriment!</div>
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I hope you are getting your jingle on too!</div>
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Jen</div>
Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-57540874200236565722014-12-06T20:41:00.002-05:002014-12-06T20:41:20.290-05:00Twinkle B.Merry McBushyplumsOur elf finally arrived! Honestly, I felt a little guilty about not having one. Letting kids down kills me. Also, elves are just plain fun!<br />
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DAY 1:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmrmR2DNCg2whE0fy3821DrLK9cYiSGcFS1-aOEBky7dQIyNow27urGif2U3Tx55mm28a3qAEAwpA4JaNIaK0uRFRLa9dR-FWvE1ovKdU6qs2TTOwu9ZBLpsG-bVCPzcu1FGtv6oNQusF/s1600/Elf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmrmR2DNCg2whE0fy3821DrLK9cYiSGcFS1-aOEBky7dQIyNow27urGif2U3Tx55mm28a3qAEAwpA4JaNIaK0uRFRLa9dR-FWvE1ovKdU6qs2TTOwu9ZBLpsG-bVCPzcu1FGtv6oNQusF/s1600/Elf1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is our dear, little elf!</div>
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This was waiting for the students....they couldn't wait to open it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttIE2qjicPdoJm9dzLHhjo43cV2pxeOflOsrWdtOqEE7KgxcJvm48q0gr3om5ZZV6IeGcFkjqEOzCZz47HkApmifNpwecu2dnpArjD47XjSSVEt5bg5QFAEWIEAuROeZkSeOn9cMIW_8L/s1600/IMG_6213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttIE2qjicPdoJm9dzLHhjo43cV2pxeOflOsrWdtOqEE7KgxcJvm48q0gr3om5ZZV6IeGcFkjqEOzCZz47HkApmifNpwecu2dnpArjD47XjSSVEt5bg5QFAEWIEAuROeZkSeOn9cMIW_8L/s1600/IMG_6213.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg89ZTP0FjuWiBrmVOZu2wccCfhrYZoze2hpVjr0YeUzjBb5luhlBwTeweFwcvYo32Lk1M6zhHaqH02p0pRVG_0E_O7P9u7KOp2XkZQ_hZoqwGgKuzt04sqw-CTSpH-xN1Y7-Zq91uT04w/s1600/IMG_6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg89ZTP0FjuWiBrmVOZu2wccCfhrYZoze2hpVjr0YeUzjBb5luhlBwTeweFwcvYo32Lk1M6zhHaqH02p0pRVG_0E_O7P9u7KOp2XkZQ_hZoqwGgKuzt04sqw-CTSpH-xN1Y7-Zq91uT04w/s1600/IMG_6215.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Inside was a special note from Santa.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OI3VgasRxut1vrXsI_dAjij4B5xINR7CvZs-nPX4GJbS6VigdL6E6Mk_Tx4iZTHEuNh5fcvo_akgsJ-EjKtF75D85T8FrdT5jFsqTgWctEOGINVUWGbjVaM5bKmaD18ztOFDRhB8D-ov/s1600/IMG_6222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OI3VgasRxut1vrXsI_dAjij4B5xINR7CvZs-nPX4GJbS6VigdL6E6Mk_Tx4iZTHEuNh5fcvo_akgsJ-EjKtF75D85T8FrdT5jFsqTgWctEOGINVUWGbjVaM5bKmaD18ztOFDRhB8D-ov/s1600/IMG_6222.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found this Elf name calculator which is the COOLEST THING EVER! </div>
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Find it here: <a href="http://www.calcunation.com/calculators/miscellaneous/holiday/elf-on-the-shelf-names.php" target="_blank">Elf on the Shelf Name Calculator</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXz2j7Z6f1Se9my8y8baigdkDwYvKZL_dcR8VJH-dKNnHSGtgwz1yeFAIjbyyyMu8tY7z_bJoykFMKkqCWV3U1U2pvc5DTkpMqU7clabJOvN-mEFdj4pwBWkuybr6JCpPAsKrNahO23Gnz/s1600/IMG_6228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXz2j7Z6f1Se9my8y8baigdkDwYvKZL_dcR8VJH-dKNnHSGtgwz1yeFAIjbyyyMu8tY7z_bJoykFMKkqCWV3U1U2pvc5DTkpMqU7clabJOvN-mEFdj4pwBWkuybr6JCpPAsKrNahO23Gnz/s1600/IMG_6228.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some students still wanted to make suggestions. Afterwards they all got to vote and place it in the Elf box.</div>
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After voting we found out our elf's name is TWINKLE B.MERRY MCBUSHYPLUMS!!!</div>
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The second day was even better than the first. The elf was hanging upside down with a sign saying "I LOVE my name!" His name was taped up ALL over the room! The very best part though was that he took the students elf pictures and put them on our quilt and gave them all elf names with the calculator!! Check it out!</div>
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DAY 2:</div>
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The kids got another note from Santa!</div>
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That silly elf photo copied himself and gave the kids elf names!!</div>
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Later in the day, I let the kids free read for about 10 minutes. I look over and this dear boy is reading to him....and he didn't stop with one book, he read several! The kids' reactions have totally been worth the cost of the elf! </div>
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Come back for more elf fun!</div>
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Jen</div>
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<br />Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-73565127600304588392014-12-06T20:08:00.001-05:002014-12-06T20:08:30.164-05:00Regrouping!If you follow my blog you may know that I have been going through a major transition called Second Grade Math! Regrouping has been on my mind. <br />
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Here are our recent anchor charts:<br />
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We started using tens and ones manipulatives....well Popsicle sticks and kidney beans to practice simple regrouping. Then we moved on to regrouping with subtraction. Finally the students are representing problems by drawing tens and ones.</div>
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I made a pack of materials to use in class that includes whole group activities, journal prompts, interactive journal activities and centers. </div>
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Check it out on TPT: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Two-Digit-Addition-and-Subtraction-with-Regrouping-1597145" target="_blank">Two-Digit Addition and Subtraction with Regrouping</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Two-Digit-Addition-and-Subtraction-with-Regrouping-1597145" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQzj-9RLEDNy3jgARDeKXdjnLhyRK61__sUv7OBfmX3kqvHv_LZ3Oirhz_A4anhPBUT6KkeURuytawLJU1_-7x9qsoHAOkuC2U2Jvx1FZDHNEufYUyjntUAsAEG1-DQWRP4BHUOdYgLgI/s1600/RegroupPreview.png" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have a magical night!</div>
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Jen</div>
Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-69210724335386689282014-11-29T19:14:00.001-05:002014-11-29T19:14:30.336-05:00Real Life MathWhen creating lesson plans for our Math Workshop I like to make it as relevant as possible. Current events, commercials, sports and short clips help stimulate the students into thinking mathematically. <br />
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Here are a couple of suggestions to consider:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Scores on <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/scoreboard" target="_blank">ESPN</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Toy Ads from favorite stores like <a href="http://www.target.com/" target="_blank">Target</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.target.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHRgl5BjoDZHFKfygx8o1GA42TqBe0nbq-wQhQihuLsCP7ux2Q9i6ETe9Y7TnCsXgB91NBc2Mevs65wO1sucmuU5lzz4PJNEc64jNbhnQtfCE7-vEx7LE38ZqtGo4drQNJMcNUS-XA8yX/s1600/Target.PNG" height="395" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Short clips from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tracking Santa at <a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/" target="_blank">Norad Tracks Santa</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnRVzKoY-SyHS4VHkllxkhc6ArnWQb2Ko5UaxyqJOu55xvy5otqHed-StL9PKyR7X1xRwUrfAr3xuhU2fzw7vZolC10UVWpYXA3DS85K29swrrSOEfZ_lOCX4yy8ykjslbp9HW9UbghJi/s1600/noradsanta.PNG" height="640" width="380" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pricing on the back of books</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pictures of things that are important to you and/or them</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Objects in your classroom</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pictures of cool objects</span></div>
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Letting students know that the things they are learning in school really do apply to their real world is so important. Math is about thinking and there are opportunities everywhere!</div>
Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-8150087339183039082014-11-25T19:50:00.000-05:002014-11-25T19:51:21.682-05:00Merry MathI last posted about my struggle with two-digit addition with regrouping and have had some time to think about possible solutions. <br />
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My personal go-to is reading. I read current and relevant texts when I'm unsure of what to do next.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Math-Exchanges-Guiding-Mathematicians-Meetings/dp/1571108262" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Je67AmmHL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a><br />
One of my favorite books for meeting with mathematicians in small groups is Math Exchanges by Kassia Omohundro Wedekind. On her blog <a href="http://mathexchanges.wordpress.com/page/3/" target="_blank">Math Exchanges</a>, she wrote,<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19.4559993743897px;">In my book I talk a lot about how math exchanges must be </span><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19.4559993743897px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">both</em></strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19.4559993743897px;"> contextually meaningful and mathematically significant. Many times “contextually meaningful” means relevant or useful to the life of the mathematician solving the problem. </span></span><br />
This got me thinking about giving students situations that were relevant to them. And after Thanksgiving what else is there but TOYS?!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Love-Math-Strategies-Attitudes/dp/1416610367/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416961970&sr=1-1&keywords=Learning+to+love+math" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512PAba2YSL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><br />
In the text, Learning to Love Math by Judy Willis, she shared her theory about learning from video games. She wrote,<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Video games are an example of the lure of achievable challenge because they help students reach personally desirable goals...These goals can be translated into mathematics as long as we use the model of achievable challenge (through differentiation and individualization) and connect our teaching goals with students' personal goals and interest.</span><br />
This challenges me as an educator. I have to find the achievable challenge for each student knowing that they will all be different. For my whole group lessons, I determined that I would use the Gradual Release of Responsibility by amping up the problems each time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Math-Grades-K-5-Practices/dp/1935099043/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416962216&sr=1-1&keywords=From+Reading+to+Math" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tDY-ESmzL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a><br />
Maggie Siena wrote, in her book From Reading to Math,<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">There is no one best way to teach math.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Confidence is paramount.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Professional development is important for teaching all students.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Everyone has the potential to understand math.</span><br />
What I really honed in on in my personal quest was the idea that the student had to have confidence. Again this leads me to the GRR and teaching with Concrete, Representational and Abstract sequence. I need to give the students in my class every opportunity to feel successful and to do this I need to create building blocks that they can stack and depend on to support them.<br />
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Here leads to my<b><u> freebie</u></b>! I wanted to create materials to use the first week back that incorporated all these great things I've learned about math instruction. <br />
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Click on the link or pictures to pick up yours :)</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIVFFKR21sTlg4TUE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">SANTA'S TOYS: Two-Digit Addition with Regrouping</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIVFFKR21sTlg4TUE/view" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8GvYeeRlUXiEJlBsrI3hs6bmAy97yFGzLpTup-5HmURjSqCsZXsfUotPt1cKwoFlch8zOkLgiNrkxhYY7ww8qswJMHFShg5-BkBfc6AfSD26h-y1HQrImk5f9rav19m40uD8Xon_Azx3/s1600/SantasToys1.PNG" height="320" width="243" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIVFFKR21sTlg4TUE/view" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzLVH9hzsz5sldspkgZGDVqpHkxuNZzE3IPo6ycMlaQCq5EYj0_sW-wbCdbsovNc89vNgMjnDfK4DRANvmegdNdNh8iXhx8ntIvb21ieKnLdph4tRRt6wyr3BVLQGRo2_Z6A6FjTdfuxb/s1600/SantasToys2.PNG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIVFFKR21sTlg4TUE/view" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP2ZTaNptI7UztrMlLhJMY6xtjiMFPzzUsMX8W9Q-pa5CQ3uBAwU4EIA93RT1iWKxmC1B6Xp8TlEgP6_nwQJIQgl6cYLbD5IUOmnZBxNUXOqqaLyWLP-RRSlPriLM7S9gzU-HyGnCIGav/s1600/SantasToys4.PNG" height="320" width="242" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxyFB6bkDkQIVFFKR21sTlg4TUE/view" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbVfk204BGxA0R733rFZS7ODwCiC3CX7JCnp6WgnR27b2C6Ba1iqUqErdrbNPi9nPqeEqh-B0NgG2iYKU9tsgVf5-mb_Q2kplfK3kX_bxaw2nd-OFeq6p-8boBzczh-YhmuiW_SYjmhcR/s1600/SantasToys3.PNG" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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I hope you enjoy this week and give thanks for all that you have because life is precious!!</div>
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<br />Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856374482191451016.post-479362077374375582014-11-20T19:26:00.000-05:002014-11-20T19:49:31.923-05:0080/20?! What about 20/80?Do you follow the 80/20 rule in which you expect 80% of your students to achieve mastery of a standard, skill or unit? I do...mostly. <br />
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When starting a unit, I pre-assess my students to find out their understanding of the topic. After the unit, again I assess and measure growth. We began two-digit addition with regrouping 5 weeks ago and the results are in folks...only 37% mastery. Honestly I feel like a failure. You have had those moments too....right?<br />
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So I can't sit back and allow that to be good enough. I started reflecting on my craft right away and trying to figure out what I could have done and what my next steps are going to be. I didn't get too far. New solutions weren't calling out to me. <br />
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Fast forward to this evening when I called my dad and after a bit I started talking about my problem. Now my dad isn't an educator and sometimes I wonder if I bug him when I talk school but he had a brilliant solution. He broke it down and said, <br />
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"How many did you want to pass?" <i>At least 80%. </i><br />
"How many did you expect to pass?" <i>70% (that was a hopeful on my part)</i><br />
"How many did you expect to do better than they did?"<i> Four or five.</i><br />
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His advice after listening was that <b>I need to focus on the students that I expected to do better than they did</b>. Seems simple, right? I had a <i>why didn't I think of that</i> kind of moment.<br />
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Sometimes I get so caught up in supporting the lowest quartile that I let moments with the majority of my class pass by. I don't think I will fix this problem overnight. I want everyone to succeed and I feel like there isn't enough of me to go around.<br />
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What I can do is work with those students who I expected to do better. The students that are so close to mastery but didn't reach it this time. I can help them strengthen their skills quickly.<br />
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And I'll do what I always do when I don't know...get advice from an expert by reading. So here's what I'll be reading tonight (it's a wonderful book).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQzGYqlR6N8ql6UBnMlRSLdEJ3GvtUeTfNyLPJ2Fu_h12Vczn4YpiRtSzbKa4UNRkUUSgS4pKdlT27hAzb0FM1ZER3BXtxL_jqvbaciR5epptt9-9c86UftxcJ03nhhH5qgCX4M1BYCHr/s1600/MathBook1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQzGYqlR6N8ql6UBnMlRSLdEJ3GvtUeTfNyLPJ2Fu_h12Vczn4YpiRtSzbKa4UNRkUUSgS4pKdlT27hAzb0FM1ZER3BXtxL_jqvbaciR5epptt9-9c86UftxcJ03nhhH5qgCX4M1BYCHr/s1600/MathBook1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXlzd80wMDEXJuAZhFkq-ykZfs6U1asHrsD1ebCv6dVLWWE-VjERLbAhiGe0j_nkccYK9wYp8AWjErtZGN9737zu2P26SQ-1cMDmG5AN4VuFh8nOLVO9D-PKRYxn4eyZZl6m8icEeZ0bv/s1600/MathBook2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXlzd80wMDEXJuAZhFkq-ykZfs6U1asHrsD1ebCv6dVLWWE-VjERLbAhiGe0j_nkccYK9wYp8AWjErtZGN9737zu2P26SQ-1cMDmG5AN4VuFh8nOLVO9D-PKRYxn4eyZZl6m8icEeZ0bv/s1600/MathBook2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Jen Willishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05619653813807442951noreply@blogger.com0