tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4051734026709225552024-03-13T10:35:19.971-07:00 Classroom Capers Elementary AdventuresMonicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339762128719674441noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-45978123893670527332013-08-23T14:35:00.000-07:002013-08-23T14:43:22.323-07:00Daily5/CAFE - Handling Student ChoiceHave I told you how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Daily 5! After 18 years of teaching I am always pleasantly surprised when I come across something 'new' that just makes my teaching that much better/satisfying.<br />
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As I'm getting ready to head into school next week...yup! I'm one of, what seems are, only a handful of bloggers that are still on summer break...I'm reviewing the structure that's in place for Daily 5 in the class and seeing if anything needs 'tweaking'. Know what?....there isn't much. My teaching partner and I always reflect, in amazement, at how WELL this structure worked in our class last year! Uh-mazing!!<br />
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The biggest change that will happen with Daily 5 is actually the assessment part (CAFE), as we are moving towards using the online <a href="http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/CAFE-Conferring-Pensieve-CCPensieve.cfm" target="_blank">CC Pensieve</a> that the Sister's have created. My partner and I already use the online <a href="http://jupitered.com/benefits_gradebook.php" target="_blank">Jupiter Gradebook</a>. When you share a classroom, having access to your student data becomes crucial...especially during report card time. It just made sense for us to move from a paper pensieve to an online pensieve. We both have iPads, which we will use when conferring with students.<br />
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Last year, our biggest challenge was how to handle student choice during each round of Daily 5. It took a bit to come up with a system that was equitable (to the students) and didn't take a chunk of time. Here's what we did and plan to continue to do in Year 2:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Students gather at the carpet for each round of Daily 5 (we do three each day)</li>
<li>After a short mini lesson (Reading Comprehension, Reading Strategy, or Writing) I would pick a name using student popsicle sticks)</li>
<li>Students would then declare<i> what </i>their choice was (read to self, read to someone, word work, or writing) and <i>where</i> they would sit (and with what <i>special</i>: ie. director's chair, cube, MacGilla Gorilla, pillows...)</li>
<li>As students made their choice, they would quietly go and start whichever activity they had chosen while I recorded their choice on the <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/tce5fu6wpcn1att/Daily%205%20Check%20In%20Sheet.doc" target="_blank">Daily 5 Check In Sheet</a> </li>
<li>Read to Someone's (limit of 6 students each round) stayed behind and chose a card with a symbol on it...they would read with whoever had their matching symbol. We implemented this as a way to ensure that students weren't always reading with a BFF!</li>
</ul>
This system worked pretty well and it will be interesting to see how it will work with our new group of kids (although we have half of last year's kids returning).<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-3529810240868659912013-08-14T19:53:00.000-07:002013-08-14T19:53:13.237-07:00B2S Goals 2013-2014 Linky PartyI am linking up with Jess, of <a href="http://iheartrecess.blogspot.ca/2013/07/monthly-goals-back-to-school-edition.html" target="_blank">I {heart} Recess</a><span id="goog_354646364"> for her Back to School Goals linky. </span><br />
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<span id="goog_354646364"> <u>Personal</u> I commute about 55km (that's about 34 miles) to school. I'm usually at school at least an hour before school starts and don't leave until usually 5 pm, which wouldn't be so bad if I lived closer. But ...commuting makes for a long day...as I don't arrive home until 6 ish. So my goal is to leave school by 4pm. Ironically, my husband and I commuted for a few months last year and it forced me to be ready when he picked me up at 4pm. so I know, I can do it! :)</span><br />
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<span id="goog_354646364"><u>Organization</u> My classroom closet starts out decently organized at the beginning of the year, but inevitably becomes a dumping ground for stuff I'm not sure where to put or I'm too <strike>lazy </strike>rushed to put away properly. I need help in this dept!</span><br />
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<span id="goog_354646364"><u>Planning</u> My province has <i>Prescribed Learning Outcomes</i> which I'm pretty sure are the equivalent of US Common Core Standards. Last year, I felt that my writing lessons were a bit 'scattered' (I tried to fit them into Daily 5 mini lesson time) so I'm currently working on a more defined scope and sequence for those mini-lessons.</span><br />
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<span id="goog_354646364"><u>Professional</u> I've had my SmartBoard now for a year and LOVE it, but feel I could use it much more and would like to focus on developing my own SB lessons for the subjects/activities we do in the classroom.</span><br />
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<span id="goog_354646364"><u>Students</u> Reading is my passion, so I want my students to leave my classroom with that same passion. I spend a lot of time ensuring that my classroom library is diverse enough that there are books that will appeal even to the most reluctant readers. </span><br />
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<span id="goog_354646364"><u>Motto</u> Perseverance seems to be going the way of the dinosaur it seems?...especially in this immediate gratification society we live in today. I find students just don't/can't persevere, so I'm going to try and infuse this motto throughout everything I/we do this year in class. :) </span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-11622075865553306722013-08-11T19:25:00.000-07:002013-08-11T19:25:04.728-07:00Monday Made It!...finally!I'm linking up with Tara from <a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.ca/2012/08/monday-made-it-11-and-yipee.html" target="_blank">4th Grade Frolics</a> for Monday Made It!<br />
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Yes, I'm aware that this isn't anything 'new', but I am so, so proud of the fact, that I have finally made my own Teacher Toolkit! (It's only taken me about a year since it first graced Pinterest to actually make my own. . . LOL) I was debating on whether to paint it or not, but knowing my <strike>lousy spray painting</strike> <strike>ability </strike>my inexperience with spray paint, I opted to keep the blue (which WILL fit in with my decor), plus it's my teaching partner's fav colour. I'm lovin' it so much that I think I might want to make one for my study at home! :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Labels courtesy of <a href="http://www.teachingwithamountainview.com/p/freebies.html" target="_blank">Teaching With a Mountain View</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I also finished making labels for my classroom library book baskets. At the end of June, I had started reorganizing some of the book baskets and had to relabel them, but didn't get to the Non-Fiction or Author section, so....today, I finished them and now I can scratch that off my to-do list! Yeah!</div>
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And last, but not least (and I'm not even sure this counts), I finished re-doing the look of my blog. That was a bit of an ordeal, as I wasn't intending to do it until 'later' (which, of course, could mean any where from one day to one year, with me! LOL) but started messing around with it, totally screwed it up, so basically was forced to re-do it anyway! Ha, ha, ha....ya, I can laugh about it now! I have to admit, I quite like it, though. :)</div>
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Well, that's it for my very FIRST Monday Made It...I know...<i>strange but true</i>. </div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-30070675751076784042013-08-10T14:50:00.000-07:002013-08-10T14:50:27.586-07:00Apologies...ReDecorating in ProgressSometimes I wonder WHY I do the things I do WHEN I do them?! Redoing my blog was not on my to-do list...AT ALL! But here I am, <strike>messing</strike> changing things around when I could/should be doing a myriad of other (teacher or personal) stuff. And boy, have I <strike>messed </strike>changed things around! So please accept my humblest apologies as I try to <strike>fix this mess </strike>create a new and improved blog!<br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-2767958298184506032013-06-28T18:21:00.000-07:002013-06-28T18:21:00.615-07:00Books, Books, & More Books!We had a number of retirees at our school and due to that, and some shifts in school boundaries and such we aren't filling one of the retiree positions...and that particular teacher left EVERYTHING to whoever wanted it, so...I scored a ton of lower level chapter books to fill out my class library! YEAH ME!! I also scored a large rug to replace my absolutely old, gross, raggedy rug that I have been wanting to replace for the last 2 years. DOUBLE SCORE!<br />
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So...I'm starting the first days of my summer holidays, processing those and the stack of books that were already waiting to be processed. It takes some time, but it is so worth it. The books are levelled, entered into a database that can filter according to genre, book location, OR reading level. I'm thinking I'd like to try publishing my database online, so the kids can search for particular books to see if its in the class library...although I pretty much can tell them if it is, and where to find it (ie. which basket location).<br />
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I'll be going in next week to finish up 'tweaking' the book baskets. I made new labels and reorganized some of the baskets to make it easier for kids to find some of the books. Some colleagues at school shake their heads at the amount of time my teaching partner and I spend on our library, but I think it is so worth it when students can find books that are their 'just right' reading level by looking at the colour code at the front of all the baskets, or finding a particular series or genre the same way. It helps us too, because students find it easier to put the books back in the correct spot so the next person can easily find it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-43283979153200093752013-06-28T18:09:00.002-07:002013-06-28T18:09:12.283-07:00Where, Oh Where, Has This Little Blog Been??Well, for all my good intentions, I totally fell off the Blog-Wagon sometime before Christmas and never managed to get back on it...until now. I don't even really have a good excuse, like: "I had a baby", or "I was working on my Master's and just couldn't find the time", or "I found out I was suffering from an incurable disease and was trying to deal with that"...oh...wait...I've been there, done that...so I guess I can't use that one again! Nope!...I have no good reason. Part of me felt like I didn't really have anything blog-worthy to say...but that wouldn't really be true because I just finished an incredible first year using Daily 5/CAFE! But with summer here, I'm planning to plunge into the world of blogging again, with a recap of my Daily 5 experience, my plans for next year, and who knows, what else?! So, stay tuned.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-42014728826164926822012-11-07T08:13:00.000-08:002012-11-07T08:13:31.100-08:00SMARTboard...the Good, the Bad, the UglyWARNING...this post may turn into a rant. LOL<br />
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I'm starting with the Bad and the Ugly because those are what are prompting me to write this post and I need to get it off my chest!<br />
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I had a SMARTboard installed in my classroom at the end of the June this year. . . Spent a day in the summer learning about the software and how to create your own lessons. . . Spent the summer downloading potential SMARTboard lessons to use in the Fall.<br />
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This is what the LCD projector connection to my laptop-that runs the SMARTboard software-that is supposed to make my lessons more interactive for the kids, currently looks like. . . actually, right now, the duct tape is not on my laptop because IT keeps coming undone! And even though the purple is pretty. . . it's just UGLY.<br />
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Now, you might be wondering why I would have to duct tape a brand new, freshly installed system?. . . well, it seems that the projector connection does not fit the connection on my laptop QUITE RIGHT. . . ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! How can you spend thousands of $$$$$ on a system and the connection doesn't fit? And why, with all this wireless technology, couldn't they give me a wireless projector, so I could actually move my laptop (imagine that...moving a laptop...) around the classroom instead of having to keep it on my desk near the cord?!?! AARRGGHH!! . . . So, I emailed our techie guy, sending him the above photo, and explaining the situation. Is there an adapter out there, that might fit the laptop, I ask??? The answer was, I needed a docking station (at $150) which, of course, no one was willing or able to pay. . . that is just BAD.<br />
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But despite these aggravating conditions, I LOVE using the SMARTboard. Last week, I decided I was just going to deal with the plug falling out all the time (I rigged it a bit, so it's not AS bad). Yesterday, I used my SMARTboard throughout the day and it was GREAT! Words Sorts with my Word Study groups, an interactive lesson on Landforms, and because it was a rainy day (something that happens quite a bit on the 'Wet'coast), and we couldn't get outside for DPA (Daily Physical Activity) we did an aerobic session using my Fit Kids DVD. . . that is just GOOD.<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-29827822668308336592012-10-17T11:11:00.000-07:002012-10-17T11:11:49.945-07:00Daily 5/CAFE UpdateWow!...it's been quite some time since my last post. So much for a once-a-week blog post. LOL Thought I would let you 'see' where we're at with our Daily 5/CAFE.<br />
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We are into Day 19 of implementing Daily 5/CAFE (following the schedule from <i>Daily 5 for Dummies) </i>and I am TOTALLY AMAZED at how well it is working! Granted we have a really great group of kids this year (eager to learn and well behaved with no major behaviour kids), but I know that this structure would work with those <strike>crazy </strike>challenging classes we sometimes get.<br />
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Here's where we're at:<br />
<ul>
<li>In Read to Self we have reached our goal of reading for 20 minutes. The kids are so good at quietly getting their book boxes, finding a good spot in the room that works for them, and settling down to read, that I sometimes look around the room in awe (as do any visitors to the classroom) at the general harmony in the class. I have one student who is struggling with his stamina (and yeah, you guessed it, he's my behaviour child). We just keep reinforcing that sense of urgency with him. </li>
<li>In Work on Writing we are up to 11 minutes (our goal is 20). I was concerned that writing for such a long time would be a challenge for many of the kids, but surprisingly, they are sooo disappointed when their writing time is up! However, I have a handful of students who are struggling with not 'sharing' their writing during this time, which has slowed our stamina progress.</li>
<li>Read to Someone is a favourite with the kids. We are up to 12 minutes. I was a little worried that it would be quite noisy in the class with ALL the kids reading aloud at the same time, but again, surprisingly, they remember to use their "partner" voices and there is just a nice hum to the class. Some students need reminders to remember to ask their partners to 'Check for Understanding", but overall, I am pleased with how this part of Daily 5 is going.</li>
<li>Listen to Someone is done through our daily read aloud. We follow the read aloud structure described in Sibberson & Szymusiak's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Day-Day-Assessment-Reading-Workshop/dp/0439821320" target="_blank">Day to Day Assessment in the Reading Workshop</a>.</li>
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<li>Word Work is not up and running, as we are incorporating Words their Way into this part, and it has not been addressed yet in <i>Daily 5 for Dummies</i>, AND, it is the one part of Daily 5 that has caused me the most anxiety(?) trying to fit it into the structure. Bottom line...a bit of procrastination on my part. :) I'm thinking we will start Word Work before the end of October.</li>
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We are still in the process of assessing all the kids using DRA. I hope to be finished by next week, so that we can start our small group strategy lessons and individual conferences. I feel that the assessments seem to be taking sooo long, but we had to do some district assessments for reading and writing that took up a chunk of the time we would have spent doing our DRA assessment. So, I don't feel too bad.<br />
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Our class has generated a lot of interest from other teachers in our school. I have had a number of teachers stop by after school to ask me about Daily 5 and take pictures of our CAFE board or I-Charts. This Friday, I am presenting a morning workshop about Daily 5/CAFE and how it is working for me, to some of those teachers.<br />
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All in all, I'm feeling really good about how this structure is working in our class. Once we start the small group and individual conferences, I'll do another update. <br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-84174718868310690292012-09-16T21:06:00.001-07:002012-09-16T21:06:37.488-07:00Thirty-One GiveawayI <heart> my Thirty-One tote bag! So when I found out about Growing Firsties' Thirty-One giveaway, I just had to enter and so should you! Check it out...who couldn't use a new custom lunch bag??<br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-58186197177109406922012-09-13T07:55:00.000-07:002012-09-13T16:42:25.253-07:00Daily 5 StartupSo this year my teaching partner and I decided we were going to take on implementing Daily 5 and CAFE full-on in our classroom. We both spent the summer reading/rereading the books, participating in the book study and watching numerous videos from the Sister's website (I used some of my Pro-D money to pay for a year's subscription to their site...best $60 I've spent!). I spent hours trying to figure out how it might look in our classroom and how to integrate it with the Words Their Way spelling program.<br />
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We are now in Day 4 of implementing Daily 5 <u>and</u> CAFE together. We would not have been able to do this (well, OK, we probably could have, but not without majorly stressing) without the help of this marvelous little booklet I found somewhere on the internet...Pinterest? Blog? Lesson Planet? The Sister's website?...it doesn't really matter WHERE I found it...just that I did, because it has been a stress-saver! The publication (and it's FREE) is titled, <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/77485206/Daily-5-for-Dummies-1" target="_blank">Daily 5 for Dummies</a>, and takes you through the first 24 days of setting up the Daily 5 and CAFE structure in your classroom. I absolutely <heart> Jayne Haenel, the author of this little gem!<br />
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So far, we've been working on Read to Self...we're up to 7minutes, I think? The kids are enjoying it, my teaching partner and I are LOVING it. I am sooo excited for this class. When it's up and fully running our Daily 5 (it's actually Daily 4...we do read aloud together) will have this structure:<br />
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Round 1 — 5-7 min. Focus Lesson (Comprehension)<br />
20 min. I-Work<br />
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Round 2 — 5-7 min Focus Lesson (Reading Strategy)<br />
20 min. I-Work<br />
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Round 3 — 5-7 min. Focus Lesson (Writing Strategy)<br />
20 min. I-Work<br />
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Whole Group Share/Review — 10 min.<br />
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Students must do Read to Self & Work on Writing daily, but choose either Word Work or Read to Someone for their 3rd choice. (Although the way I've structured it, sometimes they will have to do Word Work on certain days)...so not as much choice, but I think it'll work.<br />
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This structure fits nicely into our day, although ideally I would have liked more time for I-Work, but we don't live in an ideal world, so it is what it is. Most days we will get 2 rounds of Daily 5 in the morning before recess break and then pick up the third round after recess. I'm happy with it. :)<br />
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Fitting in Words Their Way caused the most stress for us, but I think we've managed to create a very doable structure in that regard. Here's how we are planning to structure that:<br />
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<ul>
<li> 2 week cycle</li>
<li> 1st week of cycle meet with 2 lowest groups on Monday (using one round of Daily 5) and then meet with next 2 groups on Tuesday (using one round of Daily 5) </li>
<li>Plan to meet each group again the following week to touch base</li>
<li>one Daily 5 round every 2nd Friday is set aside for spelling assessment</li>
<li>Students receive 2 word study packets (one for homework, one for in class word work) that will be handed in the 2nd week of the word study cycle</li>
</ul>
The WTW assignments will be done during Word Work. I have a feeling that many will finish a word work activity in the allotted time, so I'm thinking I will give them the option of doing word work for 1/2 the time and handwriting/book exchange the other 1/2 of the time. Book exchange will be on an assigned day.<br />
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I'm really hoping that once Daily 5 is up and running, it will be less onerous for the teachers as far as prep goes, because I have spent an inordinate amount of time planning how this is going to work...but then, isn't that what makes a successful program? :)<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-49890233484337035042012-09-06T08:39:00.000-07:002012-09-06T08:39:32.250-07:00Off...And Running...With a Classroom Reveal...Finally!I wanted to link up with Teaching Blog Addicts Open House Linky Party for Tuesday's Classroom photos but, as you may have guessed, I missed it!...in fact, I didn't even get a chance to take pictures on Tuesday (which I had intended) because it was such a busy first day!<br />
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So yesterday, I arrived super early to school (hubby had to drive me to work because my car needed some fixing...I know...bad timing, or what?!) and managed to snap some pics of my class before the kiddies arrived. So without further ado...Welcome to Division 6!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_n9sOhgQ0Ps/UEi1qCAmzjI/AAAAAAAABqc/FaU9auBLeN8/s1600/IMG_0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_n9sOhgQ0Ps/UEi1qCAmzjI/AAAAAAAABqc/FaU9auBLeN8/s320/IMG_0405.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View straight in from classroom door. This is the class library area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW53bftA3jY/UEi19aWsb6I/AAAAAAAABqs/oMmVlnrY7xk/s1600/IMG_0409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW53bftA3jY/UEi19aWsb6I/AAAAAAAABqs/oMmVlnrY7xk/s320/IMG_0409.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Student book recommendation board...not the greatest picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEk88fO0SP8/UEi2J7N1s0I/AAAAAAAABq0/yxo6nQk6XYI/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEk88fO0SP8/UEi2J7N1s0I/AAAAAAAABq0/yxo6nQk6XYI/s320/IMG_0410.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my biggest BB...it takes up almost the entire wall. This is the reading genres section...the other half (not in photo) is currently empty but will be used for SS and Science stuff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVBOaBiQdYg/UEi2WEW4RHI/AAAAAAAABq8/uOyGYbauodQ/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVBOaBiQdYg/UEi2WEW4RHI/AAAAAAAABq8/uOyGYbauodQ/s320/IMG_0411.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My book boxes...still have to label them (our class configurations weren't finalized yet)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG-ZSLu4bfI/UEi2fAQA1DI/AAAAAAAABrI/d3b4rJnOVD8/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uG-ZSLu4bfI/UEi2fAQA1DI/AAAAAAAABrI/d3b4rJnOVD8/s320/IMG_0412.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cloakroom area...I absolutely HATE the pink cubbies! Yuck! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iuoA9jY7eo/UEi2ojcrxLI/AAAAAAAABrQ/71pK0TDjNcA/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_iuoA9jY7eo/UEi2ojcrxLI/AAAAAAAABrQ/71pK0TDjNcA/s320/IMG_0413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back wall...more ugly pink cabinets...and why did they have to put the sink in the middle??? The blue recycling container is for juice boxes, the blue bin with yellow handles is for returned library books (needs a label) and the little blue basket underneath the soap dispenser is for used paper towels...we're trying to recycle as much as possible.:) This area definitely needs some work!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYXuDmcNOzs/UEi2zLs1fpI/AAAAAAAABrY/fwlNUz62PzQ/s320/IMG_0414.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other half of the back wall...more ugly pink cabinets :( Although I do really like my "12 Ways to a Happy Classroom" board. More book boxes (with the notebooks ready to have covers inserted)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugly pink cupboard which will hopefully be filled with Bucket Filler anchor charts. The white shoe organizer will hold each students bucket (which are waiting to be labelled).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is part of my Word Wall/Reading Nook area. The white bins contain picture books. Definitely need to put something on the wall of my storage unit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qKOSRxn8GWM/UEi3SE1zNiI/AAAAAAAABr0/b36K2MzyrlI/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qKOSRxn8GWM/UEi3SE1zNiI/AAAAAAAABr0/b36K2MzyrlI/s320/IMG_0418.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other side of the storage unit. This is where I keep the Word Work supplies (which need to be labelled) and my frequently used math 'tools"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shape of the Day schedule posted on my new wall of whiteboards (bye, bye chalkboards...finally!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering area with CAFE board all set up and ready to go...along with my re'new'ed director's chair, my makeshift chart stand, and Macgilla Gorilla :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Star of the Week board</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My SMARTboard!! (I heart my SMARTboard) with Hand Signal signs (courtesy of Clutter Free Classroom) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clip Chart (need a sign, I think?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTEZnyK2kc0/UEi4VSMMzoI/AAAAAAAABsw/lKB7Zu8Gyx8/s1600/IMG_0426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTEZnyK2kc0/UEi4VSMMzoI/AAAAAAAABsw/lKB7Zu8Gyx8/s320/IMG_0426.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My desk area...which already looks cluttered and the day hasn't even started!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the desk area with Homework Basket and a peek out the front door.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of my room from the SMARTboard.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-9275923686284962012-09-03T13:28:00.000-07:002012-09-03T14:10:41.240-07:00Meet the Teacher: Open House Week Linky<center>
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<a href="http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/2012/09/open-house-week.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Open House Week" src="http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/rowdyinfirstgrade/abfd7bdd.png" /></a></div>
I am linking up with Thinking of Teaching's Open House Week. Hard to believe that tomorrow is the first day of school!? Where did the summer go?? This will be my seventh year at the same school and my seventeenth (OMG!) year teaching...wow, where DID the time go??<br />
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This year I have a grade 3/4 combined class. At the end of June it was a 50/50 split, but over the summer, our school had quite a few new registrations, so it looks like my class will be more of a 60/40 split with more grade 3's.<br />
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I am really looking forward to this year, more so than in the past. Upon reflection, I think there are a number of reasons for this. First, I'm implementing Daily 5/CAFE this year and am SUPER-excited about that! Secondly, I got a SMARTboard installed in my class and am SUPER-excited about that too! And lastly, but probably the main reason why I am so psyched about this year is due to all of you, my Blogger friends! TRULY... blogging has been the BEST professional development I could do. I have been inspired, energized, and encouraged by all the wonderful educator/bloggers out there...and have come away with so many wonderful ideas and resources.<br />
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So...here's to a terrific, teaching year, everyone!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-61061738868346965352012-08-31T13:30:00.000-07:002012-08-31T13:31:23.399-07:00I Heart Scholastic Book Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just finished looking at the September <i>Lucky, Click, </i>and <i>Reading @ Home</i> offerings from the Scholastic Student/Teacher Flyers <drool> !I would have to say that Scholastic rates right up there with Staples, Dollar Stores, WalMart, Really Good Stuff, and Oriental Trading Company in the teacher-candy-store department. LOL I was a little put out though, because they seemed to have reduced the number of flyers in each bundle to 24 (the exact number of students I have) leaving no EXTRAS for me to circle all my <i>if I could buy whatever I wanted</i> book choices! So now, I have to wait until next week to scrounge up an extra flyer for myself...DENIED!!<br />
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If you've been following my blog, you've probably realized that I have a 'thing' for books. I've often said that if I wasn't a teacher, I'd be either a librarian or own a bookstore. I like the Scholastic Book clubs for two reasons:<br />
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<li>It's an avenue for students/parents to access books at a decent price...I love their $1.99 book offerings</li>
<li>As a teacher, you get bonus coupons to spend at Scholastic (which essentially means you get FREE stuff)</li>
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I spend my bonus coupons usually in two ways:<br />
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<li>I buy books through Scholastic (using my coupons) so that every student will get a book to take home at the end of the school year.</li>
<li>I buy classroom supplies (desk name plates, theme pencils, birthday stuff, bookmarks) for the start of the following school year and usually one or two new resources...and maybe a couple of books to add to the library. :)</li>
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If you don't think it's worth the effort to do it...think again! This past year, I bought books for 22 students and managed to accumulate $200 in bonus coupons by the end of the year. <br />
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I LOVE Scholastic! Do you?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-45315095829228530432012-08-26T19:29:00.003-07:002012-08-26T19:29:49.684-07:00Out of the loop!Wow, I've just spent the good part of the day catching up on all the blog posts I've missed while I was on vacation! There were A LOT! And it was a good activity for me to do because, I don't know about you, but when you've been on vacay, it's sometimes hard to go from this:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> At Castle Herrenchiemsee in Bavaria, Germany</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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to this:<br />
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So, now that I've got my teacher MOJO back in drive, I'm planning to go in to school for the first time since the end of June to finish up the stuff i didn't get to AND to prep for the first week of school which is in a week. (YIKES!) I will confess I did make a <i>To Do List</i> while i was in Europe and then revised it to include a <i>Things To Do at Home </i>and a <i>Things To Do at School</i> list because it got WAAAY too long! LOL<br />
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So now, i just need to FIND the darn list amidst all the luggage, souvenirs, dirty laundry...<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-5249603289750429092012-08-02T18:37:00.000-07:002012-08-02T18:37:26.209-07:00Summer Shopping Linky Party<center>
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I am linking up to Kristen over at Lady Bug's Teacher Files for her July edition of Summer Shopping Linky Party! I'm surprised that I am even doing this, considering this is my second post in a day and I have half a million other things I could/should be doing before I leave on my trip!<br />
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But I couldn't NOT link up because I am so psyched about some of my purchases! If you've read my previous post, you'll know that I went out and bought a laminator. . . LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!<br />
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While I was at WalMart, I also picked up this accordian file, which matches my new teacher notebook! I plan to use the file to hold student work or other papers that need to come home with me.<br />
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I also picked up, what will hold the substitute work for the week. I only bought one, just to see if it was what I wanted to use. . . it is, so I'll have to go back and get another one. :)<br />
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And last, but certainly not least, I scored this very cute Toucan at my local thrift store for $3. She hangs, so I'm not quite sure where I'm going to hang her, but isn't she cute!? LOL<br />
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Well, those are my shopping buys. Hope yours were as good as mine! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-49617675243605162932012-08-02T13:28:00.000-07:002012-08-02T13:32:17.470-07:00Laminating, Processing, Packing...Oh My!This week I have been frantically trying to get as much school stuff done at home as possible before I leave this Friday for a 3 week vacation to Europe! (yeah!) And I am feeling the pressure...I had a binder bulging with 'to laminate' stuff that I was going to leave until I got back to school in late August (no, I don't have a laminator...well, at least, I didn't <grin>) but I know I will have so much to do AT school that I broke down and went to WalMart yesterday to buy a laminator! Not sure why I waited as long as I did to buy one...??? I bought the Scotch brand one for $30!<br />
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Anyway, I have been busy today laminating my little heart out. (Still need to trim.:P) Here's what I've done:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laminating...very first one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shape of the Day Cards. . . There were a lot!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to <a href="http://crisscrossapplesauceinfirstgrade.blogspot.ca/2012/07/schedule-whats-that-freebie.html" target="_blank">Criss Cross Applesauce in First Grade</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy Day Mats. These are from <a href="http://www.teachinginroom6.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teaching in Room 6</a>. . . another freebie! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand signals...courtesy of <a href="http://clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.ca/2012/06/hand-signals-signs-classroom-360.html" target="_blank">Clutter-Free Classroom</a>. . . freebie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boggle Letters...courtesy of <a href="http://mrsrojasteaches.blogspot.ca/2011/08/boggle-board-w-printable.html" target="_blank">Create•Teach•Share•</a>. . . freebie. . .again!</td></tr>
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With trying to pack and cleaning the house, it has been HECTIC to say the least! But I got all my laminating done, all my class library books that needed new cards or labels have been processed, my Penseive and Substitute binders are as organized as they can be, I've got a handle on how the Daily 5 and Math structures will look like, along with ideas for Science, SS, & Health units. (I won't finalize those until I get a chance to talk to previous year teachers...with a split gr. 3/4 this year, I have to try to teach units that won't be total repeats for my gr. 4's).<br />
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All in all, I'm feeling pretty good about not thinking about school for the next 3 weeks. Of course, I will most likely NOT be blogging, either...:(( well, maybe once or twice if I'm not busy...ha, ha, ha...right!<br />
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Well, I'm off to finish packing...au revoir!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-18967661260935040192012-07-30T11:22:00.001-07:002012-07-30T11:54:00.808-07:00New {School} Year Resolutions link up!<center>
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I am linking up with Amanda at Teaching Maddeness via Inspired Classroom to share my school year resolutions. I will be the first to admit that, although I don't verbalize my resolutions. . . deep in the recesses of my brain, they're floating around! LOL</div>
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So here are my school year resolutions:</div>
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<li>Keep up with this blog. My goal is to write at least once a week during school (aiming for 2x). I think that it's a reasonable goal and if I find time to write more . . . bonus! Resolution #1 meshes well with #2 which is:</li>
<li>Take more pictures! I am sooo bad for taking pictures . . . not just at school, but anywhere and everywhere. I think it stems from when you used to have to get film 'developed', which got costly so you were picky about what pictures you did take. Now that I have my iPhone, I have no excuse for not taking pictures.</li>
<li>Keep my classroom Clutter-Free! I hate clutter, but it inevitably weasels its way into the class and then it's always there, niggling at me. Because I only work 1/2 time in my classroom, I don't have as much time to spend organizing the clutter. My motto for this year is: "A place for everything, and everything in its place". </li>
<li>Keep my desk tidy (inside & out!). I have discovered that I am a stacker and not a filer. :( It doesn't really work with my new motto, so I am going to have to be very vigilant in NOT stacking things on or in my desk. I'm compromising on this one by having a basket on my desk, where I will put stuff that needs to be filed and then once a week, actually go through the basket and file! . . . we'll see how that one goes.</li>
<li>And last, but certainly not least, I'd like to do a better job of touching base with parents on a more regular basis. This becomes especially important when you work part time, like me, and parents can't get in to see you on the days you work. I have a confession to make . . . I <strike>hate</strike> dislike phoning parents (not sure why, but I don't like having to phone. . . period). I'd much rather talk to them in person or send them a quick email or text message.</li>
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so there they are and now that I've written them down and they're floating around in cyberspace, I guess I'll have to keep them! LOL</div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-66040064360997219582012-07-27T08:35:00.000-07:002012-07-27T08:35:14.403-07:00Fabulous Find Friday Link Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://funin4b.blogspot.ca/2012/07/fabulous-find-friday-week-5.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AO7xwKUszTU/UBKmldjHstI/AAAAAAAABk8/PLZ6K4JcG4U/s1600/button3.jpg" /></a> </div>
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I am linking up with Elizabeth from Fun in Room 4B for my very first Fabulous Find Friday. Up until now, I haven't really found anything worthy of this linky (well, I did find this absolutely cute stuffed gorilla, but he's at school and I don't have pictures, so you'll have to wait until I can get back into the school to see him!)<br />
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Anyways, on a recent to trip to Port Townsend, Washington . . . one of our most favourite places to visit, hubby and I drove past this very cute thrift store and I spied this director's chair (something I have been wanting for quite some time) sitting outside the store. "OMG! . . . STOP THE CAR, STOP THE CAR!" almost gave my hubby a coronary (geez, you'd think he'd be used to me saying things like that?! LOL). He did turn around and stop in front of the thrift store (I knew he would, 'cause he's a sucker for thrift store finds . . .more than me! Ha!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faded blue cover</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New black cover</td></tr>
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The seat and back were originally a faded blue, so I went online to <a href="http://www.everywherechair.com/rs-directorsch.html#.UBKpvkRs2jo" target="_blank">Everywhere Chairs</a> to get a replacement canvas cover . . . in black to match my decor (of course). It was $17.95.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only $8.95!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So, for $27, I got a very snazzy, comfortable director's chair that will be perfect in my gathering place beside my chart stand (which I have yet to get, arghh!). I know that this will be a popular place with my students to read during Daily 5.<br />
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Now, if I can only figure out how to turn this<br />
into a chart stand...???<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-77695505896119693922012-07-26T13:20:00.000-07:002012-07-26T13:33:34.216-07:00Teaching NotebookDo you have a book where you jot down anything and everything to do with teaching? For the past few years, I have been using a spiral bound notebook where I keep pretty much anything to do with my classroom. I know I should probably move into the 21st century and start using a program like <i>Evernote</i> (which I have on my laptop AND iPhone) but. . . I don't know . . . there's just something about writing in a notebook that appeals to me.<br />
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Last week, I was at WalMart and picked up my new teaching notebook. It's a far cry from my previous year's book which looked like this:<br />
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and had scribbles and messy writing like this:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my lovely new notebook</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The only problem is . . . my new notebook is so lovely I'm afraid to write in it and mess it up! LOL. Definitely have to get over that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll notice I've got an entire section devoted to "TO DO"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Actually, one of the things I AM going to try this year (thank you to <a href="http://clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Clutter Free Classroom</a> for the idea) is to stick the many post it notes I jot things down on INTO my notebook. Maybe I should have a section (there are 3) just for for my Post-It Notes? . . . hmmm??<br />
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What are some of the ways you keep track of your thinking, to do lists, classroom shopping lists, lesson plan ideas, unit ideas...???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-27716977950162358462012-07-26T08:43:00.000-07:002012-07-26T08:43:34.068-07:00Feelin' the love . . . with another award!<br />
Wowza!. . . I'm really feelin' the love this week . . . received another award. . . this time from Elizabeth over at <a href="http://mrshodgeandherkindergartenkids.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Mrs. Hodge and Her Kindergarten Kids</a>. Thank you sooo much!<br />
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Here are the rules for the Versatile Blogger Award:<br />
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Let other bloggers know they've been nominated<br />
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So here are MY 7 random facts:<br />
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Like any good Canadian. . . I am a hockey fan! Go Canucks! Although I don't get to any NHL games (too far, too expensive) My hubby and I regularly watch Junior hockey.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My favourite musical of all time is <i><u>The Sound of Music</u>. </i>I even have <i>My Favourite Things</i> as a ringtone on my phone. (...raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...)<i> </i><br /><i> </i> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a very restricted diet . . . no gluten, dairy, corn, and I have to limit my sugar and saturated fat intake. People often ask me how I find foods to eat? . . . let's just say you have to think outside the box! LOL<br />
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<li>When I was in high school, I was recruited to play basketball (back then, I was considered tall 5' 10") without really knowing what the heck I was doing! LOL</li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EilKWHLgwaY/UBFgPTuHZ7I/AAAAAAAABjQ/fox_rmuwwx4/s1600/images-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EilKWHLgwaY/UBFgPTuHZ7I/AAAAAAAABjQ/fox_rmuwwx4/s200/images-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>I LOVE the smell of freshly roasted coffee . . . I think I'd love to work at Starbucks just to smell the coffee . . . BUT . . . I HATE the taste of coffee . . . and anything that has a coffee flavour. Is that weird??</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjPPPIrbtus/UBFdue7fT_I/AAAAAAAABi4/8wKlJX6zn94/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjPPPIrbtus/UBFdue7fT_I/AAAAAAAABi4/8wKlJX6zn94/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Needless to say, I am a tea-toter (sp?) My favourite tea is NUMI's organic Jasmine Green Tea. . . I think I might be addicted to it?!</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZR1np8VndI/UBFdxx_t50I/AAAAAAAABjA/wLl9lUgb7i4/s1600/TB_GreenTea.Jasmine_Green_Box_thumbnail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZR1np8VndI/UBFdxx_t50I/AAAAAAAABjA/wLl9lUgb7i4/s1600/TB_GreenTea.Jasmine_Green_Box_thumbnail.png" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li>When I was a kid, I watched a very scary vampire movie (by myself) and for the next 30 years could not sleep with my neck exposed . . .seriously!</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zRf97C9twk/UBFd1IH5LSI/AAAAAAAABjI/DyNgb15uoqI/s1600/1556537273_fc81b059ec_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zRf97C9twk/UBFd1IH5LSI/AAAAAAAABjI/DyNgb15uoqI/s320/1556537273_fc81b059ec_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here are my nominations for the Versatile blogger Award:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://msshopesclass.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Ms. Shope's Class</a><br />
<a href="http://polkadotsnpencils.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Polka Dots & Pencils</a><br />
<a href="http://myinspiredclass.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The Inspired Classroom</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theteachergarden.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The Teacher Garden</a><br />
<a href="http://www.glitterglueandteachingtoo.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Glitter, Glue, and Teaching Too</a><br />
<br />
Congratulations to you all!<br />
<ol>
</ol>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-23423016651570579802012-07-24T08:20:00.001-07:002012-07-24T20:50:16.658-07:00One Lovely Blog AwardA big thanks to Mrs. T at <a href="http://teachingmrst.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Teaching Mrs. T</a> for bestowing upon me the One Lovely Blog Award!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-159w1XU6ivc/UA64lwDyZ3I/AAAAAAAABhs/jG5mV6bK8n8/s1600/One+lovely+blog+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-159w1XU6ivc/UA64lwDyZ3I/AAAAAAAABhs/jG5mV6bK8n8/s1600/One+lovely+blog+award.jpg" /></a></div>
I must be doing something right, as this is the 2nd one I've received. <grin><br />
<br />
The rules for the award are as follows:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Follow the person who gave you the award </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Link back to the person that gave you the award</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Pass
the award on to 15 new bloggers. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Letting you know right now, that 15 bloggers is A LOT, sooo, I'm going to choose 5 lovely blogs. Here they are (Congratulations!):</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://saunderslovelies.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Mrs. Saunders' Lovelies</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://525927.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Teise's Tidbits</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.msgingrade3.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Ms. G. in Grade 3</a><br />
<a href="http://readingwithmissd.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Reading With Miss D</a><br />
<a href="http://iteachforkids.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">I Teach</a> </div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-48413916416637323132012-07-24T07:47:00.000-07:002012-07-24T07:47:23.184-07:00Another Fabulous Giveaway<br />
<br />
<br />
<center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center><a href="http://allensteachingfiles.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Diary%20of%20a%20Sixth%20Grade%20Teacher/btn7.png" /></a></center>
Corinna at Mrs. Allen's 5th Grade Files is having an awesome giveaway to celebrate her 50th follower, although at the rate she's going, she'll be celebrating 100 before she's done! She's also got some really good boards on Pinterest organized according to grade AND subject. Check her out!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-68186535321463373032012-07-23T07:46:00.001-07:002012-07-23T07:46:13.721-07:00Kiss First Day Jitters...Goodbye! Linky Party<br />
<center><a href="http://saunderslovelies.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1150.photobucket.com/albums/o611/abbylane8/firstdayjitters.png" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
I am linking up with Mrs. Saunders' Lovelies for the <i>Kiss First Day Jitters. . . Goodbye!</i> Linky Party. A most relevant topic as we start heading back to school or<b> think </b>about heading back to school. Having been a teacher for the past 17 years, I don't really get first day jitters but that is <strike>partially</strike> mostly due to the fact that I have learned to plan and overplan exactly what I will be teaching for the first few days (and teaching procedures figures prominently!)<br />
<br />
Having said that, I remember, quite vividly, the first <strike>couple</strike> several years, having 'teaching' nightmares a couple of days before school started. You know. . . the ones where you come to school . . . . LATE, and have nothing prepared or forgot what you were teaching, or the kids don't listen to you. . . AT ALL, or, my personal 'favourite'. . . you lose a student! I'm sure you can all relate! LOL Phew!. . . thank goodness, I don't do THAT anymore!<br />
<br />
So here are some of the most important procedures (although they're ALL important) I teach that first day:<br />
<ul>
<li>morning routine</li>
<li>quieting the class </li>
<li>hand signals</li>
<li>recess and lunch dismissal</li>
<li>end of day routine</li>
<li>lining up</li>
</ul>
I wrote about classroom procedures a few posts ago and am posting a link to the document I created <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yzp46GF4vhKdPPe8h1HioT43PZ2S-bMTIEnq3Ur3U2M/edit" target="_blank">here</a>. Check it out if you get a chance. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-44730976556362980232012-07-22T10:30:00.000-07:002012-07-22T10:31:09.393-07:00Liebster Award!<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.wildaboutwords.blogspot.com/" title="Wild About Words"><img alt="Wild About Words" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPV3c0TwSbc/UAA2LZmmtmI/AAAAAAAAAGU/7IJlTJ1F5yU/s1600/blog+grab+me+button.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzbUw6MK0CI/UAwjoZUix7I/AAAAAAAABg4/n3zM-kHFmrY/s1600/liebster%252Bblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="69" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzbUw6MK0CI/UAwjoZUix7I/AAAAAAAABg4/n3zM-kHFmrY/s320/liebster%252Bblog.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks to Heather from Wild About Words for the Liebster Award! So what is a
"Liebster?"....</div>
<br />
This award is named for the German word "Liebster," which translates to
"beloved" or "favorite," and it is given to "new, up and coming
bloggers."<br />
<br />
The rules:<br />
1. Link back to the person who gave it to you.<br />
2. Post the award to your blog.<br />
3. Give the award to at least 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers.<br />
4. Leave a comment on the 5 blogs to let them know that they have been offered this award.<br />
<br />
Here are my picks :) <br />
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<a href="http://bubbalulu.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dLZLl2zNU4/UAw2YiADXjI/AAAAAAAABhc/zSCfRL8Xfk8/s1600/87A695C3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<center><a href="http://applefortheteach.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vs4QGrD7ucs/UAw12gYOYsI/AAAAAAAABhU/ZzQB56bHdiI/s320/apple+for+the+teacher+blog+template.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://room4imagination.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Room%204%20Imagination/btn2.png" /></a><a href="http://thehipteacher.blogspot.com/"><img alt="The Hip Teacher" border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UHcERh92mCuF5sck18h9bfutau25mNWoOXrwbTCDFlMlt1jIy8nPljj24nNq7Q2YNXg4JmJ0X8MuKNj1g0MWz2xxR8fbJgGpkl29TVyTyMhRq6a706UTqZzcENtP73_ZREmZ1fjjSxG9/s1600/button.png" width="125" /></a></center>
<a href="http://grade2happenings.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zoHsssLa3InNuS382OTMQflMvjBz0uLD2E3bhaexjhBJTZg1mjahBaxf-X6hDd1GXbbgWz1AsSMh3Io5_rUd2CGluTmWzBw2zuBCu4gbdiy-gmarCLGTYAdNHEB8bp4cBoTs0U9aQVcE/s205/jens+blog+button.png" /></a> <br />
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<div align="center">
</div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405173402670922555.post-14272850959354131112012-07-22T08:49:00.001-07:002012-07-22T10:43:23.924-07:00CAFE Book Study - Reflections on Ch. 1<br />
<center><a href="http://www.wereadweblogweteach.com/"><img alt="We Read, We Blog, We Teach" border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5i54uoSPjWgqobbRAljyT6IEaxbJ7Co-pWbV2pcolCle_8Ld_6HhAql9EUVPYnfjsfElrp0BETtTmUa-HHUW7RMGTNvPJs201YRf3vCYdNGRli2PV1MMGBQvhCmP1iNHZamFtmTLdmm6/s1600/button.png" width="125" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
I wanted to share my thoughts about the CAFE book on the <i>We Read, We Blog, We Teach </i>site but because I tend to be long winded and didn't want to hog the space, I've decided to do my own post about Chapter 1!<br />
<br />
First, I absolutely LOVE the CAFE book . . . mainly because it puts all those seemingly disparate bits and pieces I was doing in the classroom into a very succinct and focused manner. And it's written in a very practical, hands-on type of way.<br />
<br />
Here's where I was at BEFORE I decided to embrace Daily 5 and CAFE:<br />
<ul>
<li>used a workshop approach in both reading/writing</li>
<li>had a reading assessment binder where I recorded student reading levels, reading assessment test results, books they were reading (Status of the Class) and individual conference notes</li>
<li>whole group mini-lessons (which weren't so mini and sometimes took up a reading period)</li>
<li>individual conferences (when I found the time to squeeze in students...very inconsistent!)</li>
<li>occasionally pulled groups that needed help with comprehension (I tried the Guided Reading thing, but just couldn't figure out how to make it work)</li>
</ul>
Here's what I DID NOT like about what I was doing:<br />
<ul>
<li> not enough time for individual conferences (which I totally believe are invaluable)</li>
<li>"loosey-goosey" ongoing (formative) assessment structure</li>
<li>mini-lessons that weren't mini</li>
<li>no structured group/guided reading</li>
</ul>
**<i>After reading CAFE, I actually felt like I was not doing a very good job teaching literacy** Can you say "feelings of inadequacy"</i><br />
<br />
After reading CAFE -- <br />
Here's what I'm <i>most excited</i> about:<br />
<ul>
<li><i> </i> The Pensieve! Although I used an assessment binder to keep students' reading data in, the Pensieve just totally kicks it up a notch . . . I actually went to the Zazzle website and ordered a custom made one! . . . that's how excited I am about it! </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvpqBwC4Dt8/UAwda5qXpNI/AAAAAAAABgc/PLuonxK-Q4M/s1600/IMG_0166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvpqBwC4Dt8/UAwda5qXpNI/AAAAAAAABgc/PLuonxK-Q4M/s320/IMG_0166.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's what I'm <i>most comfortable</i> with:<br />
<ul>
<li>whole group instruction - despite the fact that many of my mini lessons tend not to be so mini and that is something I will need to definitely tweak, I have a good repertoire of mini-lessons (especially if I break them down even further!)</li>
</ul>
Here's what I'm <i>cautiously optimistic</i> about:<br />
<ul>
<li>meeting with students on an individual basis - implementing Daily 5 will allow me the time (which was so desperately lacking before) to conference <b>regularly</b> with students which they actually loved to do, too. :) </li>
</ul>
Here's what I'm <i><strike>downright scared</strike> most concerned </i>about:<br />
<ul>
<li>strategy groups! I didn't feel comfortable with Guided Reading, so this area is totally outside my comfort zone and will be the one area that I will stress about. Having said that, the CAFE book gives lots of suggestions and examples of what it looks like AND I'm sure there will be lots of suggestions from fellow bloggers about how to address this . . . I HOPE! :)</li>
</ul>
Feel free to leave your 2¢ :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4