tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30026196881722685432024-03-08T03:34:09.461-08:00Flamingo FabulousK. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-17007920727442506832014-10-04T11:53:00.001-07:002014-10-04T11:53:32.031-07:00FarFaria Review and GiveawayRecently I had the opportunity to try out a reading app called FarFaria. Today I'm going to share a little bit about the app and give you a chance to win a free subscription!<br />
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FarFaria has a variety of reading topics to choose from including animals, classics, fairy tales, adventure, music, bed time.... You get the picture. And if you don't, here's a picture:<br />
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Each category is full of non-fiction and fiction books that can be sorted by reading level and interest.</div>
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Students can choose to read or listen to the books. Words are highlighted as they are read aloud to help with tracking.<br />
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You need to be connected to the internet to read and listen to stories. However, students can add books to their favorites, and those stories will be available even when off-line.<br />
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When you finish reading a story you have the option of making it a "Photo Finish!" My first attempt was a little off...<br />
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But I finally got the hang of it.<br />
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If I have any criticism for this app it's that the angle of the camera is off. The app is meant to be used with the tablet held landscape, but the picture takes from a portrait orientation so you have to rotate the tablet to get your face in the frame the correct way.<br />
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It may come as no surprise to you that I am obsessed with Grumpy Cat. So when I saw they had a book called "Grumpy Cat" it was the perfect photo finish for my very own grumpy kitty, Georgia.<br />
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Dakota was just too cool for the book on Volcanoes.<br />
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The final test was seeing how well my students were able to maneuver this app. I gave it to this little nugget with ZERO directions. She quickly had accessed this book from my favorites, read and listened to the story and took her very own selfie.</div>
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Other great things about this app for adults-- they have a convenient"Parents" section. After passing the age test, I was able to quickly provide feedback directly to the FarFaria peeps. And I got a response within a day. You can also provide feedback after reading a story. I asked about the possibility of adding a "search" feature, and I was assured it is in the works!<br />
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Overall, I like that this app features a wide variety of interests and reading level options, with TONS of great nonfiction. In my opinion, the FarFaria team members are super helpful and lovely to work with. If you're not the lucky winner below, it's also a good deal when compared to similar reading apps available. Good luck everyone!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4739dd3e1/" id="rc-4739dd3e1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-81548368082015669942014-09-14T18:25:00.000-07:002014-09-14T18:25:19.895-07:00Achy feet, dry mouth, sleepless nights and other things I forgot about the first week of school.<br />
Well. I survived the first two weeks of school. But just barely.<br />
At the end of week one, I was online searching for jobs in alternate fields.<br />
At the end of week two, I was searching for job options that would keep me in education but get me out of the classroom.<br />
By the end of week three maybe I'll be ready to do the job I've actually got.<br />
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I don't really want to focus on the negatives, so let's report on the positives shall we?<br />
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We are ROCKING Read to Self time. Like seriously rocking it.<br />
This is one of the advantages of moving up a grade level I suppose. We are consistently at over 20 minutes of reading stamina, and actually reached 30 minutes a few times. Here are a few pictures of the kidlets in action:<br />
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Another positive is that our chair pockets arrived last week via Donor's Choose!<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10394556_10100292034243149_8073952826035576034_n.jpg?oh=e6ae7a89ecc5dd93842658a5a7aef91c&oe=549769A0&__gda__=1418575583_73ede9a2fde659b5b1f2a2a40eb30ab3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10394556_10100292034243149_8073952826035576034_n.jpg?oh=e6ae7a89ecc5dd93842658a5a7aef91c&oe=549769A0&__gda__=1418575583_73ede9a2fde659b5b1f2a2a40eb30ab3" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'll be back soon with a fun techie giveaway! Stay tuned!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-61651639622484120672014-08-30T18:08:00.000-07:002014-08-30T18:08:28.083-07:00Room Reveal 2014!<br />
I may or may not have worked in my classroom for 6 hours today... Its SATURDAY people. As in the LAST Saturday before school begins for reals. Because let's be honest, its not real until the kids arrive! Until then its all sunshine and rainbows and lollipops. There can still be sunshine and rainbows after the kids arrive, but no lollipops!<br />
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So real quick let's review what I was working with:<br />
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Teeny tiny. At least compared to my last classroom. And I must have worked a miracle or something because people were coming into my room all the time and remarking on how big it looked. Then they would go next door to a room that is the mirror image of mine and complain about how small that room was. Seriously people? They are the same size. I'm a little proud of myself. I was really concerned about how it would work but thanks to an open-minded administrator, helpful custodians, expert advice (that's you Meekster), and a fully funded Donor's Choose project it came together smoothly. Soooooooooooooo here it is!<br />
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Umm, can we talk about how awesome this is??!? I WISH this was my idea. Totally jacked it from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/185421709633108633/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. I tried to follow the link back to the original source but I hit a dead end... Whoever you are, you are amazing.</div>
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I spent a few meticulous hours with a ruler, pencil, google image search and paints working on the house. Which is silly because the house in the movie is anything but meticulous. This is where my crazy came into play.</div>
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I used a scrunchy paper boarder to give the essence of clouds and covered the plain blue paper with blue <a href="http://www.smartfab.com/Homepage" target="_blank">SmartFab</a> for a softer feel.</div>
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I've been told my "Welcome" bunting is a fire hazard. We can't hang anything on, above or near our doors unless it is on a bulletin board or cork strip.</div>
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This is my small group reading/math/whatever area. The stools are from IKEA. Can't beat $6 seating.</div>
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My job chart.</div>
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Student cubbies, book baskets, general cute-ness...</div>
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I got the green bunting garland from the party section of Target. I made the pom-poms myself. The book baskets won't stay there forever. The top of the cubbies is a bit too high for many of my littlest third graders. Once they learn how to make room for the boxes and the text books in the cubbies they will move down.</div>
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While I miss the storage, I like the shelf made by the top of the cubbies.</div>
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LOVE Grumpy Cat. Here she is with a picture of my two grumpies at home.</div>
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Just a little detail about the book boxes... Notice they already have books in them? The first day of school isn't until Tuesday. But it is important that students have books to read at their level on day one so I selected a few titles based on their interests (if I know the child) and their reading level at the end of the school year. It's not difficult and it really pays off. At my old school, they were very particular that students have books on day one so I got into the habit of doing this. I don't know if teachers at my new-ish school do this or not but it isn't directed by the reading people or admin. Do you put books in your kids book baskets before they arrive? Just curious. Moving on...</div>
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My library. Rug $30 from Wal-Mart.</div>
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ABCs by <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Animals-Posters-Flash-Cards-Playing-Cards-and-Coloring-Pages-723887" target="_blank">Pink Cat Studio</a>.</div>
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Fred the Flamingo.</div>
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Storage/Shelving</div>
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Back up front to the small group and large group areas. I got the chair 80% off at Pier One because one of the legs is bent. Doesn't bother me. I also put out many of the books I will use the first week of school. Kiddos were really interested in checking them out during our Open House on Friday.</div>
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See that hanging in the background? That is from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/We-Will-Rock-You-K-5th-Activities-Printables-for-the-First-Week-1388045" target="_blank">Sarah Plum's ROCKIN' Back to School Pack</a>. I still need to draw my face in the box but I don't want to ruin it so I will wait to the last minute.</div>
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Sneaky hide-away for copies and what-not.</div>
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Calendar and birthday board.</div>
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That's going to bother me all year. Let's hope at least one of those October birthdays moves.</div>
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The inside of my teeny tiny closet.</div>
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There WAS only one shelf. That's why the head custodian is your best friend. That man found me a second shelf and doubled my closet storage. Love that man.</div>
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Whole group area.</div>
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More books, encore schedule, pom-poms, cute-ness...</div>
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This is my listening center. Until recently, this $5 yard sale outdoor coffee table was in my house. This was where I did my nails. I bought a new coffee table so this one found it's way into the classroom. I considered painting it but I like the rustic look. Plus it was just too much work. The floor pillows are actually Papasan stool cushions but they were cheaper at 50% off than the cheapest option I could find on Amazon, and the reviews were terrible. I'm happy with these. I sat on one during our all-day inservice the first day back and my butt thanked me for it.</div>
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More cute-ness.</div>
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My student laptops.</div>
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Windows. I have a great view of a nice little wooded area and rose bushes.</div>
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Printer station and paper storage. </div>
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My area. I got rid of the HUGE teacher desk and will just use this computer cart. </div>
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M is for MOLER.</div>
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The little fishy was a gift from one of my students last year who will be in my class again this year. I wonder how long it will take her to notice I put it up on the wall.</div>
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I'm not going to show you all my cabinets but I wanted to share this one because of my little hack with the magazine holders on the top shelf.</div>
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And my AWESOME birthday treat cups! They are supposed to have a pencil sticking out of the lid to make them look like milkshakes but the lids that came with my cups didn't have holes in them. Silly rabbits!</div>
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Still with me? Almost done I promise.</div>
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A different view of the storage. The curtains fit my old shelves perfectly. I really didn't want to spend $ on new curtains when these are only one year old so we are just going to roll with it people. </div>
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Under curtain #1 </div>
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Under curtain #2</div>
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Curtain #3</div>
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And curtain #4</div>
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I decided to use my poster drawers for supply storage this year.</div>
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The top three drawers are supplies and the bottom three are my poster stuff.</div>
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Here's the room from the opposite end.</div>
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Hope you enjoyed seeing my space as much as I enjoyed putting it together!</div>
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K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-88671359296873423542014-08-06T15:01:00.000-07:002014-08-06T15:01:19.694-07:00Flamingo Fabulous gets "Moler'd"My last name is Moler. My family has notoriously bad luck. Thankfully not when it comes to important things like health. Bad luck seems to strike us in very creative ways that other people usually have a good laugh about. When this happens we say that we have been "Moler'd." We laugh about it too but not until the sting has worn off.<br />
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My 10 year old nephew LOVES saying "you got Moler'd!!!"<br />
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He also likes to blame things on getting Moler'd when really it was just that he wasn't listening or following directions. We are working on sorting out the difference.<br />
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Yesterday I got Moler'd. Big time.<br />
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I walked out to my detached garage to start working on a spray painting project when I noticed something very strange...<br />
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Wait-- Is that....?<br />
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EGGS!!!!<br />
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At first I thought they must have fallen from a nest somewhere on the garage, but then I looked around...<br />
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Egglands Best?!? Those are expensive eggs! I'm almost flattered. Almost.<br />
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After I took my crime scene photos I got to hose all this mess down. I counted at least 7 eggs. Maybe more. While I was cleaning up, I heard the mom from next door (on the other side of the eggy fence) yelling at her kid.<br />
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GO TO YOUR ROOM AND I WANT ALL THE MONSTER HIGH DOLLS AND ACCESSORIES PUT AWAY NOW!!!!!<br />
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This was followed by the sounds of her sweeping off her deck and using the hose.... I think it's safe to say the case is closed.<br />
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So there you have it.<br />
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Moler'd<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-42252646415795486482014-08-04T17:08:00.000-07:002014-08-04T17:08:05.903-07:00Summer BluesLately I have been overwhelmed by, just about everything in my virtual world.<br />
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My pinterest feed--overrun with product pins.<br />
My facebook feed--when did my friends and family disappear?<br />
And don't forget those 3,952 unread posts in my Bloglovin feed.<br />
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Just overwhelming I tell you.<br />
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Everytime I sit down to sort it all out, I get exhausted.<br />
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And that wasn't always the case. It used to be that I would loose track of time reading blogs. Hours would melt away like seconds because I was so engrossed in what I was reading. The only way I was aware of the passing of time was that all of a sudden, I wouldn't be able to see the keyboard on my laptop because the sun had gone down and I had never turned on the room light!<br />
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But lately, it seems like all I'm reading are... advertisements.<br />
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I know there are people out there who are making BANK selling on TPT. There are people who are even full-time TPTers, as in, no longer teaching. Not sure how I feel about that since <i>this </i>teacher (aka ME) is technically not paying another <i>teacher </i>for their products... Call me silly, but if you are no longer instructing children, you are no longer a teacher. Right? Now you are in the sales business. And your product placement blog posts are now akin to a telemarketer call in the middle of dinner.<br />
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Yada yada yada, whatever. I'm not boycotting these people who have been gifted with the work ethic and business sense that I clearly have not, but it troubles me. That is all.<br />
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I've even heard some people say that all they do now is Facebook. "Why bother with a blog?" were the actual words from the person's mouth. Well, I'm assuming the words came out of their mouth while typing... When I read blogs, I'm looking for ideas, new perspectives, humbling classroom experiences, the good, bad, and ugly included. Because if you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you'll notice I'm a little short on ideas as of late. That's why I need you people!<br />
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So I've been thinking and I've decided to go on a bit of a Blogger/TPT/Facebook diet. The deciding factor was when I finally put two and two together and realized that one of my absolute FAVORITE bloggers (who shall remain nameless) hasn't blogged even ONCE this summer about something not related to a product in their store. Not once. And this person posts every. single. day. I'm not against promoting one's products. I've done it before and I'm sure I'll do it again. But every post? And not even giving me something worth reading. Just "here's a product I created go buy it so I can become the next Deanna Jump."<br />
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Long story short (too late) I decided to unfollow about 75% of the blogs I follow. And many of those on the cut list were BIG NAME PEOPLE. Do I think unfollowing will make a difference in what they post? No. That's not my goal. I doubt any of those people will miss me anyway.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is this all about?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">INTEGRITY</span></b></div>
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I decided that I will no longer follow someone just for an entry to a giveaway unless I actually think I will enjoy reading their posts. Integrity. I know the main reason people participate in giveaways is to get their name out there and to reach an audience they may not have otherwise. And that's fine. But do they really want the followers number to rise but not have followers who actually read what they have to say?<br />
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I've decided I'm not going to share something on Facebook or "Like" it unless I actually do want to share it with others and genuinely LIKE it. Seems simple enough. Integrity.<br />
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The bottom line is that I've decided it's time to start blogging, selling, buying, and reading/following blogs with <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">INTEGRITY</span></b>. It's time at least for me. I don't know about anyone else... I'm realistic about my sales goals for TPT. Really, my goal is to come out even. I use my earnings on TPT to buy products from other sellers. I am not going to be a millionaire teacher.<br />
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And I'm OK with that. I'd be plenty happy with having something mildly interesting to say from time to time and having a handful of people who are semi-interested in what I have to say. Even if I only have something interesting to say once a month. Integrity.<br />
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Here's hoping my followers number doesn't do a stock market dive after I hit the "publish" button...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-85422093726578554622014-07-11T06:14:00.000-07:002014-07-11T06:14:00.700-07:00Five for Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
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Time for a little Friday re-cap...</div>
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On Sunday I went to see THE LION KING at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. with my mom. My parents have box season tickets and I get to fill-in when my dad is unable to go or out of town. It was AH-MAZE-ING. Like unreal. I cried during the opening number of "Circle of Life." Seriously. This movie was my EVERYTHING when I was 8 years old.</div>
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GO. SEE. IT.</div>
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NOW.</div>
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<a href="http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Meekster</a> was in town on Tuesday for professional development so we met at a little place called...</div>
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CUPCAKE HEAVEN.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-soINTKdDhFrxdlLnnhRkr5t3L47QVv6YgfujsFse2IWomeiNcQTDtoOateBeJDn4F2q3w_e8ngOLN12SzD0zaZ2_9PtsxgeV1_PWZHhD0sB-_J-QTtgEAGsVQcLfz6ahOpL6sVVK0M/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-soINTKdDhFrxdlLnnhRkr5t3L47QVv6YgfujsFse2IWomeiNcQTDtoOateBeJDn4F2q3w_e8ngOLN12SzD0zaZ2_9PtsxgeV1_PWZHhD0sB-_J-QTtgEAGsVQcLfz6ahOpL6sVVK0M/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The "Southern Red Velvet" with cream cheese icing is my favorite. They also have 4 rotating flavors that change each week. My favorite is "Maple Bacon." Imagine a sweet pancake-like cake, maple icing, and topped with real bacon crumbles and maple syrup drizzle. YES PLEASE.</div>
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I attended a P.D. session on Wednesday on our new literacy series (Benchmark Literacy). Because I had done some pre-reading I was the star student. But not that one that won't shut up. You know, they person who must be thinking, "Yeah, there's 50 people taking this class but it's OK if I monopolize the discussion because I am a KNOW-IT-ALL who gains some sort of self-importance from hearing myself talk while 49 people give me the stink eye." There may or may not have been someone like that at my session.</div>
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<a href="http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/i-found-this-great-professional-development-class-for-you-on-how-to-shut-your-mouth--82680.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/i-found-this-great-professional-development-class-for-you-on-how-to-shut-your-mouth--82680.png" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had my first back to school nightmare on Wednesday night. NOT COOL. School doesn't start until September! I'm fairly certain it had to do with the fact that I had a meeting to sit-down with/meet my new principal. Turns out the nightmare was unwarranted though. He was amazing. I instantly felt at ease and have a really good feeling about the next year. I hope first impressions aren't his only special talent!</div>
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And this happened...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBywndnFZ4coCbtUOyXtjz37Y8xrAyw_CmyEg1Fj7umkkkAUU6CsOLO83BzJb4GzqUO3paARENbbrjAz6MyORxGRgo4JV5NJVeRRq75WhinGm0I5yRfExwUXAOz1c9EhdgLw9VvfpIH4Y/s1600/Snuggle+Up!.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBywndnFZ4coCbtUOyXtjz37Y8xrAyw_CmyEg1Fj7umkkkAUU6CsOLO83BzJb4GzqUO3paARENbbrjAz6MyORxGRgo4JV5NJVeRRq75WhinGm0I5yRfExwUXAOz1c9EhdgLw9VvfpIH4Y/s1600/Snuggle+Up!.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I posted it at the bottom of my last post about my new room but I'm pretty sure no one read to the bottom because I was a big whiner-pants. Not cool, self. Not cool.</div>
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And what are my Friday plans?</div>
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FINALLY getting my haircut. I am three weeks over-due because my hair stylist got married or something like that. Geesh people. Priorities.</div>
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I'm planning a little make-over that involves some fun <b><span style="color: purple;">COLORS</span></b>.</div>
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Just in time for my (younger) cousin's wedding photos. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-22877916687392667542014-07-07T15:28:00.001-07:002014-08-10T18:25:29.729-07:00Small Room Solutions...When I moved to my new school I moved into a smaller room but with a much larger closet. It wasn't too big of an adjustment but it always just felt "tight."<br />
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Next year, I will be moving into an even smaller room. Like, WAY smaller. With a teeny tiny closet. I know I will have to do a lot of problem solving to figure out how I can get all the things I want into this little room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYB7acoXO-aJkeVnEvn9ZO9p3yKrt0huwjf2RuVpLMk2EbReGT3v_5hic84Qs5mnwubu8vyxnLiouvBMh_miXeidUB6gbNst3qz0e5RDog4BLKFcW4iD1JCl4oIkYnk1dWHLjcHMp0Ie8/s1600/DSCN1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYB7acoXO-aJkeVnEvn9ZO9p3yKrt0huwjf2RuVpLMk2EbReGT3v_5hic84Qs5mnwubu8vyxnLiouvBMh_miXeidUB6gbNst3qz0e5RDog4BLKFcW4iD1JCl4oIkYnk1dWHLjcHMp0Ie8/s1600/DSCN1595.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bye bye old room :(</div>
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Before school ended, I took a few pictures of what will soon be my new room. The previous teacher's things are still in the room in these photos. I thought I took a from-the-door shot so you could get an idea of the general size but apparently <strike>that was too depressing</strike> I forgot.<br />
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So my plan here is to compare areas of my old and new rooms and hopefully in the process, work out what I will need to consider as I make plans about furniture placement, storage, etc. Where to start? How about storage...<br />
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<b><u>STORAGE</u></b></div>
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The old room had one small built-in bookcase. Kinda stupid actually. Really annoying that I couldn't move it somewhere else, shelves not adjustable, and too small.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8E_XyMV79QbLvHfypYF9sQ2j4fB6rsmnwMOMu1BhF8zKNC5MY3gOCqLfj6XogDFZLuujasoTKeUaf7QZcK8vTodjb_CRC9fi0xxrErw8ShytOxLVJay-f9cyKeQpaTTCRpin6jMtku0/s1600/DSCN1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8E_XyMV79QbLvHfypYF9sQ2j4fB6rsmnwMOMu1BhF8zKNC5MY3gOCqLfj6XogDFZLuujasoTKeUaf7QZcK8vTodjb_CRC9fi0xxrErw8ShytOxLVJay-f9cyKeQpaTTCRpin6jMtku0/s1600/DSCN1615.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The new room has one built-in shelf as well. It is much bigger though and I like that it is tucked away behind the closet door. But look at all those text books! I <i>loathe </i>text books. I'm thinking of using this shelf to house all my guided reading materials and then putting a small round table here for reading groups. A horse-shoe or kidney table is out of the question. Just too big.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VPAhyphenhyphencEW1arWFvjlYrZAeTVhLcCRu_8lsejBAp0qqjiGlxWFVZftJUfMrSxYCYM_Dk-oZCXl7ZOi0V4oQ_6tVftcN5dGpONkQqoWRlJzO8htlGiBaBwCpadKStPXPjLmQFq8s0wEv2Y/s1600/i+phone+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VPAhyphenhyphencEW1arWFvjlYrZAeTVhLcCRu_8lsejBAp0qqjiGlxWFVZftJUfMrSxYCYM_Dk-oZCXl7ZOi0V4oQ_6tVftcN5dGpONkQqoWRlJzO8htlGiBaBwCpadKStPXPjLmQFq8s0wEv2Y/s1600/i+phone+035.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
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Let's move on to cubbies. In my old room I had 27 cubbies. But 4 of them were hidden behind the door and another 3 were too close to the floor. What was great about these cubbies was all that wonderful built-in shelving above! That's where I stored all my read-aloud books separated by theme, text books, binders, etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQKPZfvMcKtg1lRpydUb8rlU0kqWFrd84kri2zg65pi6WTO6PmKsoRdPlk30zPffF53CfAn2WZ74LFMUwj1czXI3OkEypYPW07hR7s-6RyVkPTwEiZ3wxSFqOPXFAYvctEPO2OGMkGLk/s1600/DSCN1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQKPZfvMcKtg1lRpydUb8rlU0kqWFrd84kri2zg65pi6WTO6PmKsoRdPlk30zPffF53CfAn2WZ74LFMUwj1czXI3OkEypYPW07hR7s-6RyVkPTwEiZ3wxSFqOPXFAYvctEPO2OGMkGLk/s1600/DSCN1600.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here you can kinda see the 3 cubbies that were too low for my taste. It wasn't really a problem since my book baskets fit 2 to a cubby just fine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkYjV1370mRunJy-ZX_gmjVeVWf-D7OK35gTFO2dt_ETnqFgp9aYgbRXNdy5HzETfO70SD7rRWY3x0mX55FxeMhkM6-EkVjVr5srKOjt9HCmsoOktksGdeCnMz29m35tTsUyS65G4Zso/s1600/DSCN1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHkYjV1370mRunJy-ZX_gmjVeVWf-D7OK35gTFO2dt_ETnqFgp9aYgbRXNdy5HzETfO70SD7rRWY3x0mX55FxeMhkM6-EkVjVr5srKOjt9HCmsoOktksGdeCnMz29m35tTsUyS65G4Zso/s1600/DSCN1617.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is the cubby situation in the new room. Notice anything missing? How about all those beautiful shelves!? And in their place, I will get a bulletin board that is impossible to reach. Gee thanks. Who designs these rooms anyway? On the plus side, I'll have 30 cubbies, all usable. Which is good because I'm thinking of putting textbooks in the cubbies with the book baskets. I'd like this bulletin board to be a place to display student work but it's not easy to get to. So it will have to be something I won't need to change very often.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJNGIymRiLPFrrnCh51e04uEnyJIew4tqg3RDYE4sqaLlMBhGYMf3pKITYmiven4mAKWglPyoLqu2lvd8sp8yEGm40wrKZTxyUY9I7xpqYFA_lHqzZYPPB1Dtp9TBBBJHeKtDFXvOVRM/s1600/i+phone+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJNGIymRiLPFrrnCh51e04uEnyJIew4tqg3RDYE4sqaLlMBhGYMf3pKITYmiven4mAKWglPyoLqu2lvd8sp8yEGm40wrKZTxyUY9I7xpqYFA_lHqzZYPPB1Dtp9TBBBJHeKtDFXvOVRM/s1600/i+phone+036.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's some more storage comparisons....</div>
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Old room...</div>
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New room...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKIuyi2E0zGpM4Hohm0ZPEa5mAxfX4Z-l2KHtuoOtQLTxzd8aL20_k86p1KwjOaGDN8R2Z2iuUhVKCD35TheWic6lA-HZs5t2f_SvOwp-8ePxe1-ZvLn5_LuhBeHQN4N_MVozxNhPTDg/s1600/i+phone+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKIuyi2E0zGpM4Hohm0ZPEa5mAxfX4Z-l2KHtuoOtQLTxzd8aL20_k86p1KwjOaGDN8R2Z2iuUhVKCD35TheWic6lA-HZs5t2f_SvOwp-8ePxe1-ZvLn5_LuhBeHQN4N_MVozxNhPTDg/s1600/i+phone+037.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, it may look like more at first glance. But don't forget that I'm loosing all the space above the cubbies as well. See how the shelving in this picture is divided into 4 sections? In my old room I had 8 sections just like these. So my shelving is cut in half. I guess a little less than half if you take the taller bookcase into account. Which I don't.</div>
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<b><u>STUDENT COMPUTERS</u></b></div>
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OK. Let's move on to technology. In my old room, I had this nice little computer nook. Every classroom in the building has a built-in desk like this. In fact, every elementary classroom I've seen in the COUNTY has a built-in desk like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0MaD43gOPyeuCbZ-yXT5aut2jGFJAEzyzi6c3JQq-Wkub6hEXTVq-wHfiFWMzHjie3ly2LXg4Ww_GvXkGEwjp8ceNrYvtFoc4Qkg_WlMqY71Bi6Nt6ZLCWOqKEkllZiDeO-C5DfsRcc/s1600/DSCN1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0MaD43gOPyeuCbZ-yXT5aut2jGFJAEzyzi6c3JQq-Wkub6hEXTVq-wHfiFWMzHjie3ly2LXg4Ww_GvXkGEwjp8ceNrYvtFoc4Qkg_WlMqY71Bi6Nt6ZLCWOqKEkllZiDeO-C5DfsRcc/s1600/DSCN1608.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
...Except mine (and the 4 other rooms in the new addition to the building). The teacher who was using this room decided that this was the best solution. She didn't have room for another table and there was no designated area with extra plugs or seating, so she keeps her laptops on top of her classroom library shelves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgEecpJw41WlOAa_WByNUsHnD4zKj2lIWTH9sRO4hUCZEUlImAV87SGYdPokYqKfZG4fgASZ77s-pdzh5K8H4NU2XsMmZAtlNOF2BkGyGOaZQKSf38RFA7L5cpyzlPGH973HeHu-UNjA/s1600/i+phone+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgEecpJw41WlOAa_WByNUsHnD4zKj2lIWTH9sRO4hUCZEUlImAV87SGYdPokYqKfZG4fgASZ77s-pdzh5K8H4NU2XsMmZAtlNOF2BkGyGOaZQKSf38RFA7L5cpyzlPGH973HeHu-UNjA/s1600/i+phone+038.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This. would. drive. me. nuts.</div>
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Bonkers.</div>
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Chairs blocking the books, feet in my book baskets.</div>
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Oh, the HORROR.</div>
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No offense to this lovely teacher who will be one of my new teammates. This worked for her, and I won't really understand what sacrifices I will have to make until I get into my room in late August. Who knows, maybe I will have to keep the laptops on the windowsill....</div>
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I'm pretty sure that's a fire hazard though.</div>
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<b><u>TEACHER DESK AREA</u></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I love my teacher area. Not too big, not too small, Desk not too crowded with wires and computer parts. All the cables and cords reach. The shortness of cables always seems to be a problem for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKJhQxs77hy4KWxYdxlnufCPuXWkzAIfQLBXYjdHAJaqw6yS0tVlHcZ0N3eYLiDVVcvt8jOhyW9Kon4cvYgp2U2s-1o-aw9esYywIfcN_P5HOMtdsrJrVPdYH2c6iWLX_DoXZhNhOyuc/s1600/DSCN1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKJhQxs77hy4KWxYdxlnufCPuXWkzAIfQLBXYjdHAJaqw6yS0tVlHcZ0N3eYLiDVVcvt8jOhyW9Kon4cvYgp2U2s-1o-aw9esYywIfcN_P5HOMtdsrJrVPdYH2c6iWLX_DoXZhNhOyuc/s1600/DSCN1610.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is my new teammate after a long day of administering state tests. Humoring me while I wallow in self-room pity. I'm such a brat. Anyway, her computer is on a small rolling cart (which I kinda like) and the desk is set up in an L shape with the cart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyto-o_8KUGMNxpaN8hPuhIRc6cO02bFOoEf_fV9ecr1xmAkAiV6zdz4OAuHuw4tffACVtptOTZb24k9XcNv3NYsLhzWy81LlRXp9FSanKuoQAwzm2VVByE14McXJfrJ1LzX4KMrraWY/s1600/i+phone+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyto-o_8KUGMNxpaN8hPuhIRc6cO02bFOoEf_fV9ecr1xmAkAiV6zdz4OAuHuw4tffACVtptOTZb24k9XcNv3NYsLhzWy81LlRXp9FSanKuoQAwzm2VVByE14McXJfrJ1LzX4KMrraWY/s1600/i+phone+041.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've already decided that I do not want a teacher desk next year. The rolling cart, one of my daddy's bookcases, and my little filing cabinet should be enough for me.</div>
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<b><u>SMALL GROUP AREA</u></b></div>
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Here is the area I used for small reading groups and math groups last year. Pretty straight forward.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB_Uh9oiY6Wgt132SVBfp3rnL54u7I3kp1fwHAjfisL_ARaGywUoYmYgln9vs-hMVW8SRb7HJ9NAR_V2fcqgTIWg-bst2JDDu3Ti9SZosjibZ5tXqXi_LoQ_SUvXTbr4sTPLOIrL6sMo/s1600/DSCN1611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB_Uh9oiY6Wgt132SVBfp3rnL54u7I3kp1fwHAjfisL_ARaGywUoYmYgln9vs-hMVW8SRb7HJ9NAR_V2fcqgTIWg-bst2JDDu3Ti9SZosjibZ5tXqXi_LoQ_SUvXTbr4sTPLOIrL6sMo/s1600/DSCN1611.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The current teacher in my new room uses this small rectangular table with bucket seats in one corner of the room. I'm thinking this might be where I put the computers next year and the small group area will be near the tall bookcase.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTT6yKFEj401y3jPI9f6U5tVokJXQ3TpVOVjvh3oT-Tya6herJZ8sqj40Ju6zuBohAna3VwlMq673o4UN6RCENav8mhJ4Wzuhyphenhyphenfl_BR_RvewwhHIE7IC4ydDJDeCQx0VVDotK9N1ypxU/s1600/i+phone+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTT6yKFEj401y3jPI9f6U5tVokJXQ3TpVOVjvh3oT-Tya6herJZ8sqj40Ju6zuBohAna3VwlMq673o4UN6RCENav8mhJ4Wzuhyphenhyphenfl_BR_RvewwhHIE7IC4ydDJDeCQx0VVDotK9N1ypxU/s1600/i+phone+043.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>CLASSROOM LIBRARY</u></b></div>
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Love my old library. Since my daddy made these shelves they will definitely be moving to the new room. I have 4 of these shelves. One is back by my teacher desk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-QFNbgIl9MfixvgyBtY-RAliJiYPc31EJgwEbBqCQ8SVCleIlDb8Zi_6tC4F2IHGksBrai0iSgNj1EWCKabnImS3mXgaoI2TtXItr8qnrZS1f-7_NLf2xCVcxruVE6AmUc_HYfu5qZI/s1600/DSCN1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-QFNbgIl9MfixvgyBtY-RAliJiYPc31EJgwEbBqCQ8SVCleIlDb8Zi_6tC4F2IHGksBrai0iSgNj1EWCKabnImS3mXgaoI2TtXItr8qnrZS1f-7_NLf2xCVcxruVE6AmUc_HYfu5qZI/s1600/DSCN1598.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since I already showed you where this teacher had her library (underneath the laptops) then I will show you the area in the room where I think the library will be. I generally like the library to be at the front of the classroom and spread out in a line like above rather than in a "nook" shape. The reason being it gets crowded really fast. This way kids aren't pushing and shoving each other to find a book.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb0osxj2B3gbqySf9-BK5B8yBuHWUskmnfWZniTgRLomgw8Esmc2lZGLtdj5MwX4tQkFcJvVWr6X6JQFF4HhPt40_pZYA-TuFBGZrd-wlJbnXe8sCJOk_orgAsQp1_b_Ona1s5sM2a2g/s1600/i+phone+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb0osxj2B3gbqySf9-BK5B8yBuHWUskmnfWZniTgRLomgw8Esmc2lZGLtdj5MwX4tQkFcJvVWr6X6JQFF4HhPt40_pZYA-TuFBGZrd-wlJbnXe8sCJOk_orgAsQp1_b_Ona1s5sM2a2g/s1600/i+phone+039.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since I've already decided that this is also where I want to put my small group table I may split the library and put some shelves on the other side of the promethean board.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELN9hI3XfnrHJQHQiiUOjyuLoO0bCmsNjdO4YoWgLH3UJtdXu0UA8RwCkEGRsZloTiLr-WrbPJfeK9Jp2QtiT4l9yWR5ZbDBZjMaGEdiX0eekL_7AvKAiEJ3EEdQfqdetu5wpJMSDLC4/s1600/i+phone+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELN9hI3XfnrHJQHQiiUOjyuLoO0bCmsNjdO4YoWgLH3UJtdXu0UA8RwCkEGRsZloTiLr-WrbPJfeK9Jp2QtiT4l9yWR5ZbDBZjMaGEdiX0eekL_7AvKAiEJ3EEdQfqdetu5wpJMSDLC4/s1600/i+phone+040.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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...but then that will get crammed into the computer space. Ugh. I just don't know yet.</div>
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<b><u>CLOSET SPACE</u></b></div>
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Old room...</div>
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Apparently I didn't take a picture of my closet for my room reveal. This was taken before I moved in. Look at all that glorious, glorious, space!</div>
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New room...</div>
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Poof! Magical shrinking closet trick.</div>
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I get one shelf now. The janitor is going to see if he can find an extra shelf somewhere in the building to put on the opposite side. But it may not fit. There has to be so much space between the shelving and the electrical box blah blah blah.</div>
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<b><u>STUDENT SEATING</u></b></div>
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There really wasn't a good way to get a shot of her seating arrangement. The room is so narrow it is difficult to photograph large areas. I'm definitely planning on switching to tables and getting rid of those desks.</div>
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So that's what I will be working with for the 2014-2015 school year. I would love to be visited by some magical "room fairy who could attack all these challenges for me and help me make my room beautiful.</div>
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Any pointers from fellow small room teachers? My extensive research on this issue (searching "small classroom solutions" on Pinterest) just turns up SMALL rooms. Like private schools and resource teachers who have small rooms because they have a small number of students. So that's not very helpful. I still need to find a way to accommodate 25-30 kiddos here.</div>
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There has to be some reality TV show about this right? A contest I can enter? Anything?</div>
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This brat is signing off. But before I go, let me leave you with these lovely images of Georgia snapped today (I couldn't choose just one!) :)</div>
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And since I have hardly even begun tacking my new room challenge I'm linking up with <a href="http://justaprimarygirl.blogspot.com/2014/08/setting-up-success-classroom-pictures.html" target="_blank">Just a Primary Girl</a> in the hopes of getting some ideas to help me with this space!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1omla8KO-laANUc3JflM8MHWbcu1x0S508VabEnNljOBF7Jrt0bjB04MKuCaoLUYKHzIP4TkMMiRqVPjJIMP28piNr_h2M7hiHK_wz-zX99ipHGBgiEaqYX5cN9q7aI0El1vRN9jUPM/s1600/settingupsuccess.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1omla8KO-laANUc3JflM8MHWbcu1x0S508VabEnNljOBF7Jrt0bjB04MKuCaoLUYKHzIP4TkMMiRqVPjJIMP28piNr_h2M7hiHK_wz-zX99ipHGBgiEaqYX5cN9q7aI0El1vRN9jUPM/s1600/settingupsuccess.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-62391033107361064042014-07-05T07:09:00.001-07:002014-07-05T07:09:08.551-07:00Saturday SnapshotsLinking up with Ms. Nelson to show you my fur babies!<br />
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<a href="http://missnelsonsgotthecamera.blogspot.com/2014/07/saturday-snapshots.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFJU-ei-lA43ZJevEZm2-kLUcKqL2s3I5TaJdnCEl-8U3ylQr0VryYjQVWs7CEHIOhF6qSKRMCGqmuFJexXy8kT-_F8yK9mnauiOOZARmENsghqJFTp_Jk66Y9CdKJyxur3lQl9AgYqVm/s1600/Slide1.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have two kitties. Georgia was my first baby...<br />
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And then came Dakota...<br />
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Dakota is MUCH more photogenic than Georgia.</div>
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I think this one looks like a posed school photo. Makes me laugh.<br />
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Georgia is kind of a serious grumpy grump grump. Like me. Which is why I like her. But every so often she gets caught being silly, like here with the bubble wrap. Still, her face is like "you didn't see nothin."<br />
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Both ladies love this window looking out into the back yard.<br />
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That bird feeder might have something to do with it...<br />
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Waiting patiently.<br />
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LOVE.<br />
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And so now you know the truth. I am a crazy cat lady.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-67772780261330140002014-07-02T17:33:00.003-07:002019-07-11T07:10:30.401-07:00The Haps, part 2<br />
Since I posted about my non-school activities in <a href="http://flamingofabulous.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-haps.html" target="_blank">May</a>, and because I've been up to 5 million different things since school ended, AND mostly because I just did a huge photo dump from my phone, here for your reading enjoyment is "The Haps, part 2."<br />
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This is actually before school was over but goes along with the original theme of my "haps" in that it's about a SUPER COOL concert I went to with my brother and his wife. To impress on you exactly how cool this concert was let me tell you that it was on a Wednesday, as in a SCHOOLNIGHT, and I took the following day off. I don't have to tell you how precious personal days are. If you are a teacher, you understand. And if you are like me, you only get 2 a year. So yeah. It was cool.<br />
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Anyway... We went to see one of my absolute favorites, Manchester Orchestra. I'm not sure how many teachers are rockers like me but it was an amazing show!<br />
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Randy, Shannon, and Me.</div>
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At the Bastille concert I was OVERLY aware of how old I am. Manchester Orchestra was much less on the teeny-bopper side. Also there were *GASP* men there! Aside from my brother, I only saw one "man" at the Bastille concert and he didn't count because I'm pretty sure he was 12 and he was definitely wearing a Lana Del Ray shirt. Yeah.... not exactly my ideal dating candidate.<br />
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MOVING ON.<br />
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About a week after school was out, a local winery had a "free tasting for teachers day." Hells yes. All humidity aside, living in Virginia has its perks. I swear there has to be at least one winery for every 10 square miles. Yessssssssssss.<br />
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I used this winery visit to corrupt the Meekster into playing hooky from a class she was taking and come drink wine with me!<br />
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Wine + Bread + Cheese = Lunch</div>
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Another former teammate jumped at the opportunity to drink on a Wednesday afternoon. Miss working with these ladies so much!</div>
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Meekster had to "leave early" and in the process, stuck this wino stick figure onto Erin's new mini-van. I walked with her to her car and she didn't realize it was her van. "No, no. Mine doesn't have a stick--waaaaaaiiiiiittttt a minute...." </div>
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Then it was off to Indiana for a family wedding. My YOUNGER cousin. Yep. Not bitter at all. The whole family stayed in this adorable <a href="http://www.arborhillinn.com/" target="_blank">bed and breakfast</a>. I didn't take pictures inside but it was full of charm and character.</div>
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One of our day trips was to Indiana Dunes, on Lake Michigan. Doesn't look like a lake does it?</div>
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While the fam trekked out to the light house G-ma and I caught some rays. She forgot her sunglasses so she is stylin mine :)</div>
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So as a re-cap:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I rocked out to Manchester Orchestra</li>
<li>Drank free wine with my teammies</li>
<li>I am officially the ONLY SINGLE cousin on BOTH SIDES of my ENTIRE family. Awesome.</li>
</ul>
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Ahh... As always,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-66713562585211662632014-06-24T15:07:00.001-07:002014-06-24T15:07:14.603-07:00Summer Reading Part 2 - Benchmark Literacy<br />
Today has been a PRODUCTIVE day and it's not even lunchtime people. Can we just glory in the fact that I am not even still in my pajamas!?! I may need to sit down for a second.<br />
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So far I have managed to mow the lawn, vacuum, do 5 loads of laundry, shower, AND read the next book on my list. Never mind the fact that I only mowed the back yard because my lawn mower ran out of juice (its electric), I still have 30 more loads of laundry to do, the book is 50% appendix and charts, and I am sitting here blogging in my wet hair and bathrobe.<br />
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PRODUCTIVE I tell you.<br />
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So what did I read? <u>The First 30 Days of School; Routines & Rituals</u> (Grades 3-6).<br />
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I'm sorry I keep showing you these awful pictures of books on my bed. I turned the internet upside-down looking for digital images of this book so I could link to a place where you could purchase it if you so chose. No luck.<br />
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Which is sad because I think that a lot of newbie teachers could benefit from reading it no matter what literacy program you will be using. I wish I had it when I was just starting out. Would have made my life a lot easier.<br />
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The text is divided into 3 sections:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Building a Community of Learners</li>
<li>Launching Independent Reading</li>
<li>Mini-Lessons for the First 30 Days</li>
</ol>
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I'm going to focus mainly on sections 1 and 2. The mini-lessons are really nice and detail suggestions for introducing specific skills your students will need to get the Reading Workshop up and running smoothly. Many of the lessons are similar to Daily 5/CAFE lessons so I will be re-reading those books again closer to the start of school when I decide how I want to attack the first 30 days.<br />
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Anyway, there's not much else to be said about the mini-lessons, so here are my thoughts about Sections One and Two...<br />
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<u>Section One: Building a Community of Learners</u><br />
We all know this is important. Hopefully this part will be easy for me since 90% of my students will be the same as last year. Although, at the end of the year the P.E. teacher may or may not have said to me:<br />
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"Are you sure you want to loop with these kids? They aren't very nice to each other."</div>
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YIKES. I'm chalking it up to a case of end-of-the-school-year crazies and too many kids together who should have been separated to begin with. I think I worked out those kinks when we set up the classes for next year. Overall my class was very friendly and cooperative but I had about 4 "personalities" that could run the class into the ground at any given moment. </div>
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So yes. Community building is very important. This text outlined a few "routines and rituals" that will help with building and maintaining classroom community. And miracle of miracles, I'm already doing many of them.</div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><b>Share Reading and Writing</b> - Got the writing sharing down and I do a lot of sharing reading. The kids share a bit through occasional reader's theater performances and sometimes students ask to read to the class at dismissal time.</li>
<li><b>Class Meetings</b> - Check. Friday class meetings are mandatory at my school.</li>
<li><b>Individual Conferences</b> - I do this with writing but not with reading. But that was one of my goals for next year anyway so I'm right on track. The book talks about how holding conferences with your students helps to build trust between the teacher and student. Trust is a key ingredient of Community.</li>
<li><b>Accountable Talk</b> - We all have our little tricks to prevent/discourage off-task talking. Our students need to know that they are <i>accountable</i> for what they say while they are sharing in small groups, with partners, or during whole-group lessons. And just like everything else, Accountable Talk must be explicitly taught and modeled. I think this might be a good opportunity for anchor charts and maybe even some example/non-example action.</li>
<li><b>Responding to Literature</b> - As I mentioned yesterday, there's definitely room for improvement with this.</li>
</ol>
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To wrap up section one, here's a quote I thought was appropriate:</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"Cooperation, not competition, helps accomplish your goal of establishing a community of learners."</div>
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<u>Section 2: Launching Independent Reading</u></div>
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Below I've listed the headings in this section. Some things I didn't think needed to be elaborated upon, or I might have fallen asleep while reading that paragraph....</div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Student Roles and Teacher Roles</b></li>
<li><b>Organizing for Independent Reading</b></li>
<li><b>Classroom Libraries</b> - I'm in the process of acquiring all new books. Most of my books started out used purchased from library book sales and I've had them for 8 years now. Plus my students have already read them! Keeping the same class means I need some new books. I've decided that I don't need to buy ANYTHING by way of room decor this summer. That will help a bit with the cost. I'm still buying used but I know more now about what kind of books my kids want, what will hold up, what I need and don't need, etc.</li>
<li><b>Room Arrangement and Environment </b>- I will have to consult the Meek Moose on this matter. I am moving to a room that is MUCH SMALLER than my current room. It will require some creative learning space arrangements. The book offers two suggestions for possible layouts. One has the desks in groups of 4 or 5 and the other shows the desks in rows. Ground-breaking stuff, really.</li>
<li><b>Anchor Charts</b> - Should be made together as a class AT THE TIME OF INSTRUCTION. Seriously. I see all these beautiful "anchor charts" on Pinterest and think there's no way that person did that sitting in front of 25 squirmy kids. If you can, then more power to you. If you want the kids to actually use the chart for reference later on then it should be the chart you did together, not one you created ahead of time or one you re-copied after school to make it pretty. This stuff is not actually in the text. Just me on my soap box.</li>
<li><b>Instructional Framework for Independent Reading</b></li>
<li><b>Mini-Lessons</b> - Laser-focused lesson that teaches an objective your students need at that moment in time (often based on information gained from small group reading and individual conferences)</li>
<li><b>Book Talks</b> - Kind of like on Reading Rainbow when the kids would describe a story and recommend it to other readers. Students or teacher can lead a Book Talk.</li>
<li><b>Reader Response </b>- See previous notes on this matter...</li>
<li><b>Conferring</b> - I'm excited about this part. I think I will be able to re-purpose the binder I set up (with the best of intentions) for CAFE' conferring to keep track of my conferences with each student.</li>
<li><b>Group Share and Evaluation </b>- This is basically the "closing" of the lesson. The group meets at the end of the Workshop to share and evaluate their progress/discoveries/etc. in relation to the mini-lesson of the day.</li>
</ol>
<div>
And that's basically it. After section two were the mini-lessons and appendices. </div>
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I'm not quite sure what I'm going to read next. Really what I want to do is start making a calendar or GASP rough drafts of my weekly lesson plans.</div>
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Seriously, I need help. I've been on summer break for 4 days and I'm already craving lesson plans. There's no help for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-84104781261975063422014-06-23T16:41:00.002-07:002014-06-23T17:22:42.533-07:00Summer Reading Part 1 - Benchmark Literacy<br />
I did it! I read a boring teacher-y book cover to cover! And in one day no less!<br />
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I even managed to do some highlighting.<br />
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I started my super boring summer book study with this little gem:<br />
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If you remember yesterday I was complaining about not having enough direction with these new materials (aka where-the-heck-do-I-start?).<br />
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Who knew "Getting Started: Program Strategies and Skills" would be a road map? OK. I had a hunch.<br />
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Basically this was an overview of the different components of the program and how all the materials work together. There were lots of nifty charts in the back that I will probably reference throughout the year but other than that, now that I've read it, this really won't be helpful for planning and implementing instruction. It basically is just a very detailed catalog of the components.<br />
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So what are the components? Glad you asked.<br />
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1. Phonological & Phonemic Awareness<br />
2. Phonics & Word Study<br />
3. Vocabulary<br />
4. Fluency<br />
5. Comprehension<br />
6. Writing & Grammar<br />
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All the whole-group mini-lessons are focused on direct instruction of comprehension and metacognitive strategies. I like that. It kinda reminded me of another text I've used, <a href="http://flamingofabulous.blogspot.com/2012/03/text-thinking-real-reading.html" target="_blank">Comprehension Connections</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heinemann.com/products/E00887.aspx" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.heinemann.com/shared/covers/9780325008875.jpg" /></a><br />
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There was a lot of talk about "Gradual Release of Responsibility" which is basically the Balanced Literacy approach.<br />
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Then it got into how the reading lessons are structured. There are ten 3-week units. Each unit focuses on a different comprehension strategy. The first week of the unit is direct teaching of the strategy. Week 2 is guided practice of the strategy, and week 3 focuses on fluent use of the strategy through the use of Reader's Theater. I like that the program includes time for daily Read Alouds, strategy mini-lessons, word study lessons/practice, small group reading, independent reading AND time to individually confer with each student about their independent reading.<br />
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Recently I read about how <a href="http://www.theteacherstudio.com/2014/06/monday-made-it-status-of-class-and-more.html" target="_blank">The Teacher Studio</a> does a daily status of the class with her kids and I decided that I want to do that too.<br />
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The only thing though is that they suggest 2 hours on all that stuff, which would be great, but it doesn't even include Writing Workshop time! I don't think I have that kind of time so I'll have to look more closely at how that time is divided up and if I actually need to do ALL the components EVERY day.<br />
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The book also came with a suggested rotation schedule for small groups which had to be a JOKE because it only allowed for 3 groups of students. I know you may only meet with 3 groups a day but the average teacher (at least in my school district) has 5-6 reading groups. The "suggested rotation" doesn't show what the other 15 students will be doing for these 2 hours. I assume they will be sharpening pencils, going to the bathroom repeatedly, picking their noses, and taking the caps off my glue sticks and markers so they can all dry out.<br />
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If you look closely, one of the captions assures us that you can adjust the rotation schedule to meet with FEWER groups of students if needed. PHEW! That was a close one!!<br />
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Something I like about this program is that it puts a big emphasis on genre for both reading and writing. I don't think I've ever been very good at teaching genres. I recently won a giveaway from Megan at <a href="http://www.teachingsuperpower.com/2014/06/bloggy-birthday-day-4.html" target="_blank">I Teach, What's Your Super Power</a> and chose this product as one of my free-choice prizes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Genre-and-Text-Types-Display-Posters-809805" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Genre-Display-Posters-000871800-1375665625/original-809805-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Can't wait to start using them next year.<br />
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Then there was a great deal of information about using reading logs and reading response journals. Which is something else I've struggled with in the past. Last year I thought I was doing better when I created this:<br />
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The idea was that each day students would keep a log of something they read during Read to Self time and write one sentence about it. I thought my kiddos could use a little bit of accountability.<br />
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Then after a month or so of using it, I changed the format a bit to allow more room for the response part.<br />
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But what I found was that when my kids were at Read-to-Self they immediately got out their Reading Log and started writing. As in, without actually reading anything! Or they would pick up the easiest book they could find off the shelf and write about that. Umm hellllllllllllllooooooooooooo!?@? There's a reason I left a spot for the I.P.I.C.K. chart on the back of the log people!!!<br />
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Then I would have kids who had completed their reading log for the day wondering around the room during Daily 5 causing disruptions. "But I'm done Ms. Moler!" And then I would have a handful of kids that never managed to complete their reading log. Ever. I would have a little conference with these guys and say something like "if you find that you don't have enough time to read and write in the same sitting then write about what you just read with me in reading group instead." Still nothing.<br />
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Grrrrrrrrr.<br />
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So I will definitely be re-thinking that one. Maybe I need to have one rotation as Read-to-Self and then the very next rotation will be Respond-to-Reading. And I'd better not see your reading log out until you are on the latter missy!<br />
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I guess it just takes time and more explicit modeling on these reading behaviors to put it into practice.<br />
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I'm thinking that since I am looping with my kids, I will be spending the majority of third grade un-doing the bad habits I created in second grade. How's that for self reflection!?<br />
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Anyways, back to the text. After the genre stuff it is basically just different charts and lists of materials and how they correlate to one another, etc.<br />
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Next up:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-65299452023608198322014-06-22T12:27:00.003-07:002014-06-22T12:27:27.856-07:00Summer Book Study<br />
Because it's a thing now to do these summer book studies, and because I have a brand new literacy curriculum to learn, I've decided to do a summer book study on.........<br />
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My new teacher manual. Wawn waw waaaaaaw.<br />
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Thrilling I know.<br />
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Really this just means that for my own peace of mind I need to read this thing cover to cover before school starts and that I'm forcing myself to blog about it to hold myself accountable. I know I have a handful of readers from the same county as me so it might be beneficial for you. Everyone else will read just to experience my whimsy. Or at least I'm going to tell myself that's what you'll do.<br />
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So what am I reading? Good question.<br />
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Some of this stuff I think.<br />
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Part of my check-out process on the last day of school was to pick up my Teacher's Resource System (which is basically the teacher's manual) and the Toolkit (which is full of everything else you might need) to take to any Professional Development I might attend over the summer. My plan is to read through these materials in the order of how useful I deem them to be until I get sick of it.<br />
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So in other words I may not even make it to the first post.<br />
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I am notoriously bad at reading teacher-y text books. Actually, make that all text books. The only one I've managed to read cover to cover is the Daily 5. I usually give up after a chapter or two.<br />
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So you can imagine how intimidated I am by the mass of text books laying on my bed at the moment. I need a roadmap that says "read this one first" and "skip this one its just full of B.S. ads for our other products" and "only read this one if you want to put yourself to sleep. permanently."<br />
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After my initial screening of all these products, I decided these were the ones that would be most valuable to spend time on this summer.<br />
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The two spirals are the "manuals" with all the mini-lessons and pacing for the year so they will be my bible during the year. But they are pretty self explanatory so I'm going to focus on the bottom three texts for the next few weeks.</div>
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I'm betting the one that says "Getting Started" in the title is probably meant to be read first so I'm going to start with this one now. As in as soon as I'm done with this post. And my nap. And surfing Pinterest. And another nap.</div>
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I think this one will be pretty helpful so that one will come next. I'm signed up for a training in July that focuses on "the first 30 days" so hopefully reading this ahead of time will help me make sense of what is being said.</div>
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Then this one. I heard this program had a writing component. Me being all Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop Lady was not too happy about that. But I was interested to see what they were going to do as far as writing instruction. And I have to say, at first glance, I'm really disappointed in this. I mean seriously. It's just a list of prompts that match each of the ten reading units. I'm hoping that there is more to the writing part that I just don't have yet because I'm NOT teaching a year of writing based on <i>prompts.</i> That is a dirty word to me. And not one of those dirty words that are fun to say. Hopefully that's what this stuff is about:</div>
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Looks promising.</div>
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If I have time, I want to investigate this a little further. I've seen and heard a lot of buzz about Close Reading so I'm interested to see what this is all about. This text isn't actually a manual though. It's basically a blackline master of the texts you might use for Close Reading lessons. I'm hoping there will be more information about using it in the other texts I'm reading.</div>
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Something I'd REALLY like to see is the Word Study component. Because in addition to being the 'Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop Lady' I am also the 'Words Their Way Word Study Game Maker Lady.' Don't believe me? Check my TPT store. I told you!</div>
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But we didn't get to take the Word Study stuff home. I don't get to look at it until August. From what I've read, it is developmental just like Words Their Way and uses the same stage names. Hopefully it will be analogous with what I'm already doing.</div>
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Stay tuned for more text-book related whimsy. And as always, </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-25870351446344180072014-06-17T16:00:00.000-07:002014-06-17T16:00:59.361-07:00Last. week. of. school.<br />
I feel like this year will NEVER end. Probably because all these bloggers I follow have been on summer vacay for WEEKS now. And before you go all "but you go back later and get to enjoy your summer longer" on me you are WRONG AGAIN. Because I see all you people blogging about setting up your new room and your beginning of the year activities and at that point I'm still not allowed to get into my room to START all that fun stuff.<br />
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And believe me when I say FUN because unpacking and setting up the classroom is my absolute FAVORITE part of the school year. It's all down hill after that.<br />
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I'm only half kidding.<br />
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Seriously, I like prepping for the new year so much I even BEGGED my friend <a href="http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heather at The Meek Moose</a> to let me come help her pack up her room last Saturday. My building is never open on the weekends. Or during the summer either. I got kicked out last year for trying to come back early to set up my room.<br />
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Losers.<br />
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Anyways... A small part of wanting to help out my bestie was that I finally got to see these guys up close and in person!<br />
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Eeeeek!</div>
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Last year I found this bird's nest in my yard and gave it to Heather after showing it to my class. She now uses it as part of her super cool, natural room decor. I mean she has a seriously zen classroom people. The pictures don't do it justice. As we were packing up, Heather put out the nest to see if the chicks would be interested in it. Ruby immediately settled down for a nap.</div>
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Peep was a bit too big for the nest but seemed to want her own "nest" so she was ceremoniously plopped into this basket .</div>
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Napping. Again.</div>
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The new chick wants to cuddle with Peep.</div>
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Now for the rest of my post. Which is supposed to be about all the great things I'm making my kids do for the last week of school. You know, that time after report cards and gradebooks are due and it doesn't really count as "instructional" time.<br />
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For the first time in my life, I over-planned. I decided to have my kids work on Reader's Theater projects this week and so I spent my weekend searching for just the right plays for my kids and planning out the groups and props and what-not. I also knew that at some point I wanted my kids to do this great Summer Bucket List booklet so I had that already copied and ready to go.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Bucket-List-Booklet-EOY-Activity-1254513" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUIKcbD2WlM8T51IjvE9UpNeCiphPDgu9DWgfKr_HJIRlE2E5RjlomHGKtHywvsiPex3-MrXhpXY3zklTHFXaezDhkiqmm_yehZXn7HJgWhVeGpuH85gsuEkbhg_HONp6arfo9LC7tUs/s1600/insta1.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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But then at like 10:30 PM on Sunday night it HAPPENED.<br />
I got... an IDEA.<br />
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I remembered a project MY second grade teacher did with my class where she had each student write a note and decorate a pattern to look like each of their classmates. After all the people were cut out, they were stapled together into a cute little note book for each student. She did it as a birthday activity so you were only doing one kid at a time and it was spread out throughout the year. I didn't think of it until just now so I decided to see if we could do it on a larger scale.<br />
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I even had my book in a scrapbook so I took it into school to show my kids. The birthday girl (ME) made the front and back cover.<br />
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Every student in the class decorated and wrote a page. The teacher also completed one and my mother, who I guess was at school that day to pass out cupcakes or something.</div>
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The back cover.</div>
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So I made the little people outlines and copied 24 for each of my students. I thought it would maybe take 2 days. Tops. And only using Language Arts time.<br />
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WRONG<br />
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I also thought my kids would get sick of it. And start whining "do we have to do them ALLLLLL"<br />
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WRONG<br />
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They spent all of Monday and all of Tuesday working on this project. And I mean the whole day. The reader's theater and Summer Bucket List haven't been touched. My goal is to get them finished tomorrow so that they will be put-together for students to take home on Thursday. As in THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.<br />
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Here's the unholy mess of kids on my reading table. Trying to keep some kind of order.</div>
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Can't wait to send these babies on their way, but full well knowing that I'll get to have most of them in my class again next year :).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-33401216051713510982014-06-11T18:08:00.001-07:002014-06-11T18:08:33.243-07:00Measurement Fair!<br />
<a href="http://flamingofabulous.blogspot.com/2014/05/math-must-reads.html">Not too long ago</a>, I mentioned my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stuffed-Animal-Measurement-Fair-701481">Stuffed Animal Measurement Fair</a> as a favorite math activity. The last time I did this activity, I had NO HELP and I tried to take pictures but seriously NO PARENTS and NO TEAM TEACHERS and JUST LITTLE OL' ME.... I was up to my elbows in toothpicks and grid paper, and spring scales and rulers, and stuffed animals that sing when you press their belly. Long story short... No pictures.<br />
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This time around I managed to square away 2 parents who came to help run the most needy stations so I could circulate the room, take pictures, and put out small forest fires. I took 64,356 pictures. And I LOVE them ALL so here they are!<br />
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I'm going to divide them up by measurement station. Of which there were seven. Here we go!<br />
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#1 - Area<br />
I actually didn't have students rotate through this station. It takes a bit longer (live and learn from last year) so before we started I called kids back to my table one at a time to trace their animal on the grid paper. Then I gave it back to them at the end of the rotations to count and label the area of their animal. It really helped them calm down from the excitement of the activity and refocus on the purpose of the lesson. Which we learned was NOT to stab the stuffed animal you BORROWED from ME because you FORGOT your own with toothpicks.<br />
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My little assistant.</div>
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We recently finished a Froggy (Jonathan London) author study unit. This friend asked to adopt Froggy for the Measurement Fair.</div>
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Of course my assistant took care of the area measurements for Flappy, our class mascot.</div>
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#2 Length<br />
Students used rulers and yardsticks to measure the length of their animal in inches.<br />
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This student borrowed my cat stuffie for the day and promptly named him "Mr. Whiskers."</div>
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This cat has no whiskers....</div>
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I died.</div>
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#3 Perimeter<br />
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Because learning to measure using non-standard units is important too, we measured the perimeter of our animals by making a "fence" of toothpicks around the animal.<br />
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Mr. Whiskers again.</div>
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This student is measuring perimeter on top of the student recording sheet included in the resource.</div>
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Here you can see that at each station, students are also asked to record their measurement on a class roster. This makes it super simple later on to pick your winners for each category.</div>
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#4 - Time<br />
In all honesty... This one is a stretch... At the time station, students use a timer to measure how long it takes their umm animal to say the ABCs. Yeaaaaaaahhhhhh.<br />
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See that HUGE bear in the background? He was brought in by a student who must have had cotton in her ears all week because I clearly stated EVERY day as I was reminding students of this event that the animal MUST BE ABLE TO FIT IN YOUR BACKPACK.... She brought him in a garbage bag.</div>
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#5 - Volume<br />
For this station I created a set of volume dice students roll for a unit of liquid capacity (cups, pints, quarts, etc.). Then they use a sentence frame to tell the amount and kind of beverage their animal enjoys. I put colored pencils at the station so students could draw a picture on the back of their recording sheet of their animal enjoying said beverage.<br />
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#6 - Weight<br />
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Thankfully I finally located a few spring scales in my school's math resource room for this center. I also borrowed my parents' luggage scale too for the heavier animals. If you don't have access to a spring scale, there are a few other options for weight in the measurement pack.<br />
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My assistant. Again. Loving the paparazzi. The stuffed animal is in the grocery bag. Thank GOD for a parent volunteer at this center....</div>
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...because I would not have been able to maintain my composure as the luggage scale was hung around the neck of this orangutan like a noose.</div>
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The picture isn't great. I think it was something like 1.7 pounds.</div>
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#7 - Width<br />
Lastly, students used flexible measuring tapes to measure around the middle of their stuffed animal in centimeters. As in the belly. Like a belt. Like they do at Weight Watcher's meetings. OK. I've never been to a Weight Watcher's meeting.<br />
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Here you can see that I used paper box lids at each center to collect all the materials and directions kids would need.</div>
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Time to go on a diet, Teddy.</div>
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Believe it or not, she stuffed this thing into her backpack...</div>
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She carried her library books, change of shoes for P.E. and snack in her hands of course.</div>
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AWARDS!<br />
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Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd everyone's favorite part is passing out the awards at the end! Smile!<br />
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The skinniest animal was the pig. The irony was not lost on me.</div>
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Also, the fastest ABC recitation went to a turtle. The kids' MINDS were BLOWN by this.</div>
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This was the heaviest animal. Strange I know. There was some mechanical craziness going on inside that cat that made it weigh like 3 pounds.</div>
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My little assistant won an award too but had an early dismissal and missed her photo op...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-42074910927745768312014-06-03T16:51:00.002-07:002014-06-03T16:51:56.422-07:00Basals Shmasals.My county recently adopted a Language Arts curriculum. Which is a fancy way of saying schools now have to spend a boat-load of $$$ on new materials we may or may not actually use. Let me just start by saying that I came into teaching in a post-basal period. The school where I started teaching was nearly brand new so there weren't even old basal sets hiding in storage closets.<br />
<br />
Thank God.<br />
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This is not the case with my current school. I've heard tell of a mystical storage closet full of old basals. Somewhere in the building. A few of the teachers on my team still have them in their classrooms. I said "no thank you" to the basals...<br />
<br />
Since I have never taught using a basal, it was easy for me to adapt to teaching without them. I taught Language Arts using Guided Reading and the balanced literacy model. The schools in my county provide each teacher with a core set of leveled books for guided reading and then also have a book room where you can go and check out more titles on a wider range of levels as needed. Give me this:<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CtbnxDdcL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CtbnxDdcL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
and this:<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51t8XOJxpnL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51t8XOJxpnL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
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and I'm good to go.<br />
<br />
But textbooks look good to the school board for some reason so now we have adopted a series from <a href="http://www.benchmarkeducation.com/">Benchmark Education</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.benchmarkeducation.com/literacy/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgba_J6Vc1NPKNGlF_SYxWSHAp-SZ59stEf_KcQbrdbgc5W_FUx3odVpVqJBj5fBpWMGQ6oEGTnIm1hqm5fe7uMD3RTyTiRCuvSjat5hWG2_In7AHHjMRMoCjqyU7rhy03K5gRnuDVEHmQ/s1600/Benchmark+3.JPG" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm interested in the new series because it is definitely NOT a basal (sigh of relief). But I have no idea what to expect. No one at my school has actually laid eyes on these materials. I'm curious to know if any of you are using these materials yet. From what my principal says, this has only been around for a year or two and all the research supporting the program was sponsored by SURPRISE Benchmark Education.... Click the picture above to check out the Benchmark page. Any thoughts?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-56570476792099118712014-05-26T05:27:00.000-07:002014-05-26T05:27:05.439-07:00My Teacher is Missing!<br />
This post is going to be about the "S-word."<br />
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That's right.<br />
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Sub Plans.<br />
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There are plenty of good posts out there about organizing sub plans, or making a sub binder, or the "sub in a tub," and tons of emergency sub plans on TPT so I'm not going to try to wow you with my ground breaking strategy for dealing with sub plans.<br />
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Are you ready for it?<br />
<br />
Are you sitting down?<br />
<br />
OK. Here it is. I don't do anything different. That's it. Business as usual. I just have the sub do anything I would normally be doing. Same schedule, same materials, same routines.<br />
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Yes, a sub can teach reading groups.<br />
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Yes, a sub can use the Promethean Board.<br />
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Yes, a sub can take my class to the computer lab to work on their research projects.<br />
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This is not news to you right? Good.<br />
<br />
Because at my school, people apparently think they have to revert back to the 1950s every time a stranger walks through the door. Every classroom has a Promethean board but the teachers all roll out the overhead projector and start making copies of worksheet packets when they have a substitute.<br />
<br />
Well, I had subs for quite a few professional development days this year and not once did I use an overhead projector. I don't even know where to find one in the school. And I plan on keeping it that way.<br />
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Anyways.... I had a substitute recently, and we were between writing units at the time, so I pulled out a few pages from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Teacher-Is-Missing-Sub-Plan-Pack-245820">this great resource</a> from Miss DeCarbo at <a href="http://secondgradesugarandspice.blogspot.com/">Sugar and Spice</a>.<br />
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This one is one of my favorites! This kid cracks me up EVERY DAY.</div>
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I'm valuable...</div>
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What does he mean "as always a robe"???? Have I finally achieved my life-long dream of becoming a professor at Hogwarts? He is probably referring to the fact that I wear a lot of cardigans. Like every day.</div>
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I hope this is pure imagination and not an accurate portrayal of what went on in the classroom while I was gone...</div>
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My kids also did a writing activity where they told a story about what they thought I was doing while I was "missing"...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosJWmfJm4EwDZ5OynmI4H4dqI4BPP8WlGNnSh141hUO55iKTABf0zy6xjP9EHCV1yp39Eza-MyLFeepeXpBdSR4k8s2IKQmnysPvABCWTrm7rY3SXsiKZVdRZQAsjvqsDKfI0JBHmOfM/s1600/sub+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosJWmfJm4EwDZ5OynmI4H4dqI4BPP8WlGNnSh141hUO55iKTABf0zy6xjP9EHCV1yp39Eza-MyLFeepeXpBdSR4k8s2IKQmnysPvABCWTrm7rY3SXsiKZVdRZQAsjvqsDKfI0JBHmOfM/s1600/sub+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Apparently I talk about my "nefyew" so much that this little deuce thinks I had to take the day off to take him to McDonald's for lunch.</div>
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I usually don't take grades for work left with a sub if I can help it, but these were so great I HAD to pass out the S+'s!</div>
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So great in fact that I may have them do this activity again when I am out one day this week.<br />
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How do you manage your sub days?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-65510596578505115512014-05-23T16:51:00.000-07:002019-07-11T07:33:32.236-07:00The Haps.It's been a busy week. Crazy, loopy, stressful, joyful, tearful, WTF kinda week. I'm fairly certain every emotion, good and bad, made it's way into my head this week.<br />
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So here's the haps.<br />
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And by 'haps' I mean "the happenings" just in case I'm not cool enough to use that abbreviation.<br />
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Actually, I'm going to back up a bit to Mother's Day weekend. It started with a concert festival with my brother and his wife. It rained all day and I was made painfully aware that I am WAAAY too old to be going to festivals. BUT I got up close and personal with Bastille so I'm going to say that standing 6 feet away from a favorite band outweighs the awkward-ness one feels while being surrounded by 16 year old girls in crop tops, cut off denim shorts, and body paint.<br />
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On Sunday, my family went on a mini-road trip to visit my grandmother in the next state over. What can be better than being crammed into a van with children, grumpy old people (my parents), and exhausted-from-the-night-before-concert-goers?<br />
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When we got to my grandmother's place, we of course had to eat in the fine dining facility that is the cafeteria of her old folk's home... I can still smell the jello... The boys said "this is fancy!" when they saw someone slicing meet at a carving station. Yes. We are eating at a 5 star fancy restaurant.... So fancy in fact that Chris decided to eat his pecan pie (AKA sugar) sans utencils:<br />
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Afterwards, we went up to my grandmother's apartment and I found this interesting container in her kitchen...<br />
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Priceless. Two weeks later and my nephew still laughs hysterically about the pork brains.<br />
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Last weekend I went on another mini-road trip to visit my BFF <a href="http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com/">Meek Moose</a> in her natural habitat, AKA "the sticks." She did a much better job gushing about our time together so I'm going to just <a href="http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com/2014/05/saturday-filed-trip-number-two.html">send you on over to her</a>.<br />
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Sporting my new Bastille concert shirt. Which I am apparently also to old to be wearing.</div>
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Oh, you thought this was a teacher blog did you? Well. We've been up to stuff at school as well but I never remember to take pictures. We did quite a few Ancient China projects, my favorite <a href="http://flamingofabulous.blogspot.com/2012/06/actual-size-measurement.html">measurement activity with the book Actual Size</a>, and one of my kids managed to get suspended for mooning the class at P.E. You might want to count your blessings that I was neglectful with the picture-taking....<br />
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Then today I brought home my first car-load of Second Grade materials...<br />
Sadsville.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcTnQHFqPRXmbZUGMsLY5l-BvGd4xkf2icIK4Rfuc0ZiE-4fSlGk3uRvZU1HGtHlV95-6ESyFRgQcCqYE-hnbQbsaxVvhrq8PwMkSE5sNxyN2UJMRQ-Ule6BuW3LmMct-TangwxbTwTA/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcTnQHFqPRXmbZUGMsLY5l-BvGd4xkf2icIK4Rfuc0ZiE-4fSlGk3uRvZU1HGtHlV95-6ESyFRgQcCqYE-hnbQbsaxVvhrq8PwMkSE5sNxyN2UJMRQ-Ule6BuW3LmMct-TangwxbTwTA/s1600/photo+5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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But this means I can start collecting things for Third Grade :)</div>
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Oh, and I'm going back in time a bit here but I thought my teacher appreciation gifts were appropriate to share:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RBWkoeBZKkFZ3U5wXAGEyASakG3paz4oFj1JDwc5hyphenhyphen_BHOUvxvFn2B8XcahxawZe3VhMvIQg7ISJTQcGfJROvRYKdyolr0_hfbJVEaagqAXIUQk7H0_g4VkvTUU5_04KVxoXrZn3ov0/s1600/mothers+day+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RBWkoeBZKkFZ3U5wXAGEyASakG3paz4oFj1JDwc5hyphenhyphen_BHOUvxvFn2B8XcahxawZe3VhMvIQg7ISJTQcGfJROvRYKdyolr0_hfbJVEaagqAXIUQk7H0_g4VkvTUU5_04KVxoXrZn3ov0/s1600/mothers+day+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just one of the many reasons I'm excited to loop with my kiddos. They love flamingos simply because I love flamingos.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-58184542929460744342014-05-17T06:37:00.000-07:002014-05-17T06:37:41.017-07:00Math Must Reads!<br />
The <a href="http://collaborationcuties.blogspot.com/2014/05/math-must-reads-or-projects.html">Collaboration Cuties</a> are doing a link-up for great read-alouds and/or projects for math.<br />
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<a href="http://collaborationcuties.blogspot.com/2014/05/math-must-reads-or-projects.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbksEXnFeuufmUlMHp7-R_vE3OoSWeAQdNbnGxfWp4F7VhdPTmkqQHb-oM7zjfc1CSq0c3QK1ai84DgVF32E1nwt7EO8icHr0Xwysy_soRuFivxwGjWeqYGIQUAa_ivUlYUMMAWEsANQ/s1600/Mentor+Text+Linky+Button+2.png" height="200" width="192" /></a></div>
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Since the link up is for books OR projects, and because I couldn't decide which to do, I'll do one of each!<br />
My favorite read-alouds to use for math are Loreen Leedy's <i>Penny </i>books, specifically <u>Measuring Penny</u> (measurement) and <u>It's Probably Penny</u> (probability).<br />
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While we're on the topic of measurement, my favorite project to do is my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stuffed-Animal-Measurement-Fair-701481">Stuffed Animal Measurement Fair</a>. It's not just a shameless plug, I actually look forward to this activity every year! We are just starting measurement now, so I'm starting to get the pack ready to go!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stuffed-Animal-Measurement-Fair-701481"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7hXuUPsgazWp0JZYpP1mU07VxRw87yeCSckHvmHBfeIdyIyd32pPgeW30vRuyKthG7DqFS5mcNo13W2pbNbx9ldlh94MOLaCdLD8uoNrCcghT2GMRs3xp9HFZD1ScL1s-_7mDNpLrOA/s1600/picture.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Got a great math book or activity? Go link up!</div>
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And as always, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-32128029295652913842014-05-16T19:48:00.000-07:002014-05-16T19:48:01.872-07:00<br />
Considering the fact that I left my last post with the phrase "I'll be back when I have more positive things to say," and that was 9 MONTHS AGO, does not say a lot about how my year at this new school has been going.... Well... It's been interesting. I guess the best way to update you is to address my list of grievances from September:<br />
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1. I no longer feel like a new teacher, thank GOD! I guess getting used to a new school along with all the usual start-of-the-school year drama makes for an exhausting start. It took me a while and there are still things I'm learning but I feel like I am part of the staff now rather than an outsider. The school I moved to is known for having a very stable faculty. Teachers come and they don't leave until they retire basically. That's good, except for these ladies have completely forgotten what it is like to be new. When I have asked about things, staff members have actually said, "I guess I should have told you that but I keep forgetting you're new." Umm... thanks?<br />
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2. The team. Well, it's been about a year and I am still missing my ladies hardcore. Again, my team is wonderful but I don't feel like we have a relationship. I need to work with people who I can be silly with and laugh with and cry with... This was a big factor in a decision I made today...<br />
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3. Procedures. I think I've got it down finally. There are still things I don't like, but they are small potatoes all things considered.<br />
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4. Resources. This still sucks. No whiteboards. Running out of paper. I hate that I have to go hunt down the art teacher every time I need construction paper. I guess it's time to get on Donor's Choose...<br />
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While it seems like I've been doing nothing but whining, I have to say that I am 110% happy with my decision to change schools. The working environment is so much more positive than that of my old school and I feel happier in my job than I have in a long time.<br />
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Now to break the news of the "decision" I made today (and hinted at earlier in this post). When I originally accepted this position, it came with the expectation that next year I would move down to First Grade with my team to start a new 2-year loop with a fresh batch of students. I've done a lot of reflecting on myself as a teacher and I came to the realization that I would not be a good fit for the first grade age group. I have been stressing out about having babies next year so much that I've already started having school nightmares about next year's class. So when a third grade position opened up at my school, with an AMAZING team of fun and spirited ladies, I decided to jump on it. I broke the news to my team today and I felt a huge weight of stress lifted from my shoulders after everything was made official. Now I'm finding that I have something new to be excited about! I'm hoping that I will get to loop up with the majority of my kids but I'm not sure yet.<br />
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Thanks for sticking with me through the prolonged periods of silence!<br />
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As always,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-62822114946670270522013-09-14T07:27:00.000-07:002013-09-14T07:27:00.368-07:00<br />
So I have never been the teacher that is in love with their class on day one. The first few weeks of school I am mostly just trying to remember why I picked this profession and filling my shopping cart with large bottles of wine. You know, the ones that are so big they have to add a handle to the bottle? Yep. So I generally don't do much blogging and/or blog reading during the month of September because I don't really want to read everyone else's stories of sunshine and butterflies and mostly because I don't want to complain. And lets face it-- listening to me complain would be a big downer. Because I know that by mid October the kinks will be worked out, the kids will be settled into the routine, and I can finally start enjoying my job. I have a rough road ahead of me this year, but I can already start to see the light at the end of the tunnel that is paperwork and kids who are not used to spending a full day at school.<br />
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So I'm not going to say much about my class for a while. But I will reflect on the whole moving to a new school thing.<br />
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I know I'm not the only one to move schools. I've seen it mentioned on many blogs I read. But either those people are having an easier time with it or there is some unspoken blogging rule about not complaining about things like that because I haven't seen much written about other people's transitions to new buildings. Well we all know I am a reckless rule-breaker so lets get on with it:<br />
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<ol>
<li>I feel like a brand. spanking. new. teacher. again. I completely underestimated how unsettling making this change would be. Maybe its because I've only been at one other school so I've never had to consider that there are different ways of doing things but wow am I out of sorts here.</li>
<li>I knew leaving my team would be hard, but I didn't adequately prepare myself. My new team is lovely. Very nice supportive ladies. They answer all my questions and don't patronize me because I'm new. I already feel valued as I am the go-to girl for all things Promethean. BUT... They aren't <b><i>my </i></b>ladies. We don't have inside jokes, and I don't know their threshold for my inappropriate behavior yet. Mostly I miss the laughter. It takes time to build these kinds of relationships, I know.</li>
<li>School-wide procedures. There are 3,692,301 of them and I am starting all over. "They can bring their water bottles to specials? I have to sign up for <i>detention</i> duty?? Second graders use agendas? Wait, whats the difference between this award and that one? You mean I have to keep track and pass out all their lunch cards and library cards? Who do I email to ask about ..." You get the idea.</li>
<li>Resources. Where are they? How the heck do I teach guided reading without whiteboards, and magnetic letters, and I have to ration my copy paper???? In this respect, I went from one extreme to the other. At my old school, we had so many resources we didn't know what to do with it all. It packed every inch of our rooms. I was happy to be getting away from all that STUFF. But there are things I need and they aren't available :(. I am also used to getting at least $500 to spend on classroom resources (construction paper, books, instructional materials, etc.). The teachers at my new school are happy to get $50.</li>
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Sigh. It's a completely different world. And there are things that are way better than before, and things I don't like, and then things I haven't quite made up my mind about yet. Overall, I don't regret making the decision to leave. I'll be back when I have my feet under me and more positive things to say.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-32535002008534667692013-08-28T17:20:00.001-07:002013-08-28T17:20:49.236-07:00Classroom Reveal 2013<br />
Alright folks. I finally decided I was ready to take pictures of my room today. Of course there are a million more things to be done but you know how that goes I'm sure. As a bonus, I'll give away an item of choice from my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Flamingo-Fabulous-In-Second-Grade">TPT store</a> to the person who correctly guesses the number of flamingos in my classroom (hint-not all flamingos shown).<br />
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My new "Best Work" signs for the hall display.</div>
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This is one of our grade-level bulletin boards. The smaller stars each have a second grade student name on them. They are supposed to look like the stripes of the flag.</div>
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My room!</div>
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Another view from the doorway</div>
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Behind the door</div>
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Classroom library featuring the wonderful shelves daddy made me. I decided I need one more bookshelf for another part of the room. Daddy thinks he'll be able to finish it before the kids arrive.</div>
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Job poster and part of my cute new ABC line (<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Animals-Posters-Flash-Cards-Playing-Cards-and-Coloring-Pages-723887">from Pink Cat Studio</a>)</div>
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New curtains and student book bins.</div>
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Water bottle storage, as seen <a href="http://my-house-my-home.com/2013/03/07/a-solution-for-bottles-and-travel-mugs-perfect-im-so-sick-of-them-falling-out-of-my-cabinet/">here</a>!</div>
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New table caddies. I decided to try something new with the <a href="http://www.pre-kpages.com/ice-cube-markers/">markers</a>. They are in an ice cube tray for water bottles. I got the tray at Walmart. I haven't decided if I'm going to put out glue or scissors like last year yet.</div>
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Got this PERFECT wind chime on super clearance at Hobby Lobby.</div>
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Listening center. Not sure what will go on the pink polka dot board yet. Probably data stuff.</div>
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Need headphones?</div>
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I spray painted my construction paper sorter to match the room. Those aborable gnomes are from one of <a href="http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com/">The Meek Moose's</a> teacher free piles.</div>
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Computer area. I came from a school where we had at least 4-5 student computers. Now I have two. They look lonely.</div>
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New word wall. I know it is going to drive some of you nuts that the ABC headers are not all in a straight line. BUT it actually drives me nuts when I see those word walls that are perfectly spaced. It looks great when there are no words on it, yeah. But what happens when you have to try to squeeze the 17th w- word in the same size space as your zero x- words. I spent a long time measuring out the exact amount of space each letter would need.</div>
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Reading area. Complete with rolling crate seats, dry erase wall dots (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IRWOSE/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">I bought mine on Amazon</a>), and <a href="http://www.mardel.com/education/organization-and-storage/filetastics.aspx">file-tastics from Mardel </a>for storing student data, running records, books, or what-have-you.</div>
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This beauty is sitting at the end of my desk. Wondering what's under there???</div>
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The world's ugliest filing cabinet. I whipped up the cover on my sewing machine with some left-over fabric.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSLYP44-lSCeI_X8wlpm3I1ZlZawyTvbDnxxI7AQSZcisu5t9ftBwzn6P3nxSMPoq5XJ5qSSlXU5fNaXvyZeqv4MMzCXiGRzl1_6ONPWvGbY0AGKlKIkj6JrogoRapshSDpeKRflkTDk/s1600/DSCN1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSLYP44-lSCeI_X8wlpm3I1ZlZawyTvbDnxxI7AQSZcisu5t9ftBwzn6P3nxSMPoq5XJ5qSSlXU5fNaXvyZeqv4MMzCXiGRzl1_6ONPWvGbY0AGKlKIkj6JrogoRapshSDpeKRflkTDk/s400/DSCN1613.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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My super improvers display for WBT.</div>
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Adding that little personal touch.</div>
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Water bottles close up.</div>
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Those little lanterns also were gifted to me by <a href="http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com/">The Meek Moose</a>. I just had to back up to give you the full effect.</div>
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I'm sure there is more to show you, and that I am missing tons of things I will discover I need when the little bodies arrive in 132 hours. But those things will just have to wait till I figure out what they are!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-39339192480755058192013-08-21T04:11:00.000-07:002013-08-21T04:11:59.444-07:00Dog Tired and HappyWondering where I've been? Of course you have. I am FINALLY allowed to work in my classroom so I've been working sun-up to sun-down on my masterpiece. And I have to say, I LOVE how it is turning out. I'm not ready to show it off just yet but here's a little teaser for you just to prove that I have actually been doing something with my self for the past few days...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHZOvIpssy2F2C2zxm8UxYqDhlv-yFD8vcb-lhynUqHPdOyhV1-ATlF-S3GQX6a31ebhVHMER9547t8PH3fZGYaHoGV5dN6mmaNIvmZTET0clGUvqpQjyX__dTKDUVVqSEOUa2a5y94o/s1600/classroom+teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHZOvIpssy2F2C2zxm8UxYqDhlv-yFD8vcb-lhynUqHPdOyhV1-ATlF-S3GQX6a31ebhVHMER9547t8PH3fZGYaHoGV5dN6mmaNIvmZTET0clGUvqpQjyX__dTKDUVVqSEOUa2a5y94o/s640/classroom+teaser.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now I took this with my phone camera and there was only so much even PicMonkey could do to save it so bear with me. You're looking at my collection of class photos from years past, and let me tell ya-- I was super excited to have this space so I didn't have to spend hours hanging all these and stressing over how they aren't perfectly straight. The door covers on the cabinets are from last year and they aren't a perfect match but I've decided not to worry about it.<br />
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That's all for now. Don't worry! The full reveal is coming soon!!! Back to the classroom....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-65954976342545137832013-08-15T14:40:00.000-07:002013-08-15T14:40:08.795-07:00Back to School Sale!Just a quick head's up that my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Flamingo-Fabulous-In-Second-Grade">ENTIRE store</a> will be on sale starting tomorrow for this weekend only! Check it out <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Flamingo-Fabulous-In-Second-Grade">HERE</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Flamingo-Fabulous-In-Second-Grade"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nXzCZ3Tz6a51XSjjevHSWGpQuo3WOH1eJcfEqPo5-UGHJWCILJva1OEW_a8vm8MnY6vjhduueWL9u7tlQTn5PS-bWuiHdHn9REZohfbCC7p5gtRJkz2tXdqiLWsDG6K4oubQjw5uWWE/s320/word+study+games+button.gif" width="274" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-47972421385175118872013-08-15T10:54:00.001-07:002013-08-15T10:54:31.552-07:00Crayon Containers and I'm Already In TroubleMy most-viewed post to date is my <a href="http://flamingofabulous.blogspot.com/2012/08/classroom-reveal.html">Classroom Reveal</a> from last summer. And I seriously get at least 3 emails a day asking about items in this picture:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7ChWkqGhvOZ94ZhrbBevdBBWhbVYjsNouoR11w0z2TQg2xnVmbluqzOU1jjEdujPgmqH0q_i4OfcQXeEwX0ZgKtGtxMW18yV4ZODxVXMFkmJYB7U65hzGs6uvgOF4ImLQZWlENNwm64/s320/DSCN1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7ChWkqGhvOZ94ZhrbBevdBBWhbVYjsNouoR11w0z2TQg2xnVmbluqzOU1jjEdujPgmqH0q_i4OfcQXeEwX0ZgKtGtxMW18yV4ZODxVXMFkmJYB7U65hzGs6uvgOF4ImLQZWlENNwm64/s400/DSCN1284.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Even though I went back and added in links for all the products, I still get tons of questions about it. Mostly about the GladWare containers I use for the crayon boxes. Maybe that's because they have mysteriously disappeared from all the Target shelves and are nowhere to be found on amazon. Click the picture below to go to Glad's site and see for yourself.</div>
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<a href="http://www.glad.com/food-storage/containers/small-snack/"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGojObfsTDjNhvsbeUF9SNaYQKHgXwOWPsfTb5CY_NucptuP2VNDrRt0QZ6F27NinaFgJ9YYgvZtBWbCNW3TnR3Uw1TECD4p295iTsCDmtQemff33tiExwyQTsG5YAsMeeOqqWs8q5Kg/s400/crayon+tubs.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
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This doesn't make me very <i>GLAD...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMwp6860sOv0Vf6aU8cKZoi-DkE-FnrL9duRMCUkSBkwwnOgjWc9t4SogruneoSIMaK0JBY8M0ZZrRdYKO21Z7czLP4c05Djw_8J72XKWV7mWWL2ndO2zWeo7jhzVppinqTvGDl4HecQ/s1600/crayon+tubs+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMwp6860sOv0Vf6aU8cKZoi-DkE-FnrL9duRMCUkSBkwwnOgjWc9t4SogruneoSIMaK0JBY8M0ZZrRdYKO21Z7czLP4c05Djw_8J72XKWV7mWWL2ndO2zWeo7jhzVppinqTvGDl4HecQ/s640/crayon+tubs+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Right about now I am kicking myself for allowing my students to take their crayon containers home with them at the end of last year. Soooo I gave up on finding these and started searching for an alternative. Like ALL SUMMER I have been looking for containers that fit my specifications.</div>
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Well, the planets must have aligned because I found these at the Dollar Tree! I had all but given up hope on finding anything and had gone into the dumpy Dollar Tree (you know, the one you avoid because they never have anything good) to waste time while waiting to meet up with a friend, and there they were!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH6PiIMZLTycywFcNJepIZdNu0XYtxW-5_XVgDENM2p7s8-QFACfvPBLVINUC1S1hsM_FhApFOW9pV8fwcN5Z5omRDLRXn_ZwENhzcKGjT1S8-6ldcnpPrCMHc80kQ4dO35Jka9Kc6hw/s1600/DSCN1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH6PiIMZLTycywFcNJepIZdNu0XYtxW-5_XVgDENM2p7s8-QFACfvPBLVINUC1S1hsM_FhApFOW9pV8fwcN5Z5omRDLRXn_ZwENhzcKGjT1S8-6ldcnpPrCMHc80kQ4dO35Jka9Kc6hw/s320/DSCN1589.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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They come in red, blue, and green and you get 2 for a dollar. Of course I just wanted the green ones to match everything else in my room but they only had 4 of those. I went to 6 other Dollar Trees looking for green but only one other store had them and they only had red. Not cute. So I went back today and bought the rest of them in blue and one or two in red (the red will be my last resort). If you find green and want to trade let me know.... Seriously. It will kill me if I have to use those red ones :(<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwJ8GuNaKWgE7LU-S22WWSjUvo5yba38oOFA6KIeZbGV-mcOjOjHMZkbK4twwHNIFcXETTtPlnCI1sj6SESqolFN_hdjzoMCWoTzJxtFRBCnt5QO4mo3FV1i-Bu3pQjaEf6T4eRRHsdQ/s1600/DSCN1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwJ8GuNaKWgE7LU-S22WWSjUvo5yba38oOFA6KIeZbGV-mcOjOjHMZkbK4twwHNIFcXETTtPlnCI1sj6SESqolFN_hdjzoMCWoTzJxtFRBCnt5QO4mo3FV1i-Bu3pQjaEf6T4eRRHsdQ/s320/DSCN1590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They fit a pack of 24 crayons perfectly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4I-DtTN_ALTqEB27ftHAJwxU-HzXhtwgXODZoXAwZzDk2S0gcQ-XCU4qqEQfWTwX6MjA-dcQb4c7RQU875uNInFB5K8kqEIx7r_7fcQ5T0yDyib-BR2A0eEresB81JuOHObR3ygtR-c/s1600/DSCN1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4I-DtTN_ALTqEB27ftHAJwxU-HzXhtwgXODZoXAwZzDk2S0gcQ-XCU4qqEQfWTwX6MjA-dcQb4c7RQU875uNInFB5K8kqEIx7r_7fcQ5T0yDyib-BR2A0eEresB81JuOHObR3ygtR-c/s320/DSCN1591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They are skinnier than the other containers so they will take up less space in the caddies. Another bonus is that they are easier to open and close than the GladWare containers. A soap dish/container might be a good alternative but I couldn't find any that closed as tightly as I wanted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq3129pMBPRKVHrHNGZl-ZEPFE5VCbAAUgOVA9_62jugnQI9QLfEaYOYVxDoep9w-ROBA559WzEtCBLr2jbbykxYMBj8aBlgtJEH-xarWtHzz45aS1YoejT_hzt5bFbSeOUo1IbtGXrY/s1600/DSCN1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq3129pMBPRKVHrHNGZl-ZEPFE5VCbAAUgOVA9_62jugnQI9QLfEaYOYVxDoep9w-ROBA559WzEtCBLr2jbbykxYMBj8aBlgtJEH-xarWtHzz45aS1YoejT_hzt5bFbSeOUo1IbtGXrY/s320/DSCN1592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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PROBLEM SOLVED</div>
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(anyone else seen that annoying Western Sky commercial????)</div>
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In other news, I recently told you about how I have <a href="http://flamingofabulous.blogspot.com/2013/08/pictures-can-be-deceiving.html">not been allowed to work in my classroom</a> this week. The building was only open for "dropping stuff off." So I "dropped stuff off" for 2-3 hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and earlier today. Well, they finally caught on to me and kicked me out today. I totally would have gotten away with it too if the bookkeeper hadn't been delivering new workbooks to all the classrooms today. Way to make a good first impression...<br />
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"Who's the new second grade teacher?"<br />
"Oh, she's that one who thinks the rules don't apply to her."<br />
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Whatever. It's better they figure out I am a trouble-maker up front. No use being someone I'm not... Here's what I managed to get done in my stolen time:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIr5FKKOEIpLYOQ3g04gI95V_c_XmZskADIiJk9QAk745lhky_0YQDT0JnOxu-jItSO4A8ym7VFB3a-MP54uFUr1FPXES_JLfLUlDml-Zu1ZZLq9Z9FXbSSUdjOuulThcrKaeoLvuYKQ/s1600/DSCN1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIr5FKKOEIpLYOQ3g04gI95V_c_XmZskADIiJk9QAk745lhky_0YQDT0JnOxu-jItSO4A8ym7VFB3a-MP54uFUr1FPXES_JLfLUlDml-Zu1ZZLq9Z9FXbSSUdjOuulThcrKaeoLvuYKQ/s400/DSCN1582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are my new book baskets. I used <a href="http://flamingofabulous.blogspot.com/2013/08/its-getting-close.html">permanent vinyl to attach the student numbers</a>. I don't know if I will store two to a cubby, but I kind of like that there isn't any room for extra junk. Plus that frees up more cubbies for me to use...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaDxyNT1z4lrXagNiUbuHq3wwFT_79aIgcKy8REA-3n_cngQzSJnC2JGIiFxcfbjD1JAsp-ZkSwt3t4i2tpDgsluODXieK8w2gNrGHhwu4rlmBDRhoTgLZ7hieIYLvuKLhbtX8KA9YTY/s1600/DSCN1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaDxyNT1z4lrXagNiUbuHq3wwFT_79aIgcKy8REA-3n_cngQzSJnC2JGIiFxcfbjD1JAsp-ZkSwt3t4i2tpDgsluODXieK8w2gNrGHhwu4rlmBDRhoTgLZ7hieIYLvuKLhbtX8KA9YTY/s400/DSCN1583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I couldn't bring myself to throw away the numbers so I stuck them on the back of the baskets. They aren't perfect since I couldn't use the transfer paper to apply them but I'm happy with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6Pj9GDi8x3lZ3IrO5l9tnmWSt2WPMz5i5pwPq7hs_d4pi1zvfg4IN6ttNd4F1DD8cNL5hp6daWj9PNCCTbGleat30FV0X4dGue-o7_MV7xD_AJcEMyU6T4o9-6rHU0zqO5LXx6hFChY/s1600/DSCN1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6Pj9GDi8x3lZ3IrO5l9tnmWSt2WPMz5i5pwPq7hs_d4pi1zvfg4IN6ttNd4F1DD8cNL5hp6daWj9PNCCTbGleat30FV0X4dGue-o7_MV7xD_AJcEMyU6T4o9-6rHU0zqO5LXx6hFChY/s400/DSCN1584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are my new curtains. I gave my old flamingo curtains to a fellow flamingo-lover at my old school. I loved them, but I needed more and they no longer had the same fabric available.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5AyyPdNI4VVI5AAvcw37HENBrG9FyzCQh3fO53cR4tUchmeWVTM4J-p-tdX-rW5TG_Ge3JSo1ni6s8SSRHYGT8gVTlXlE_KqDJX8QrtNiCC2fhPW25R0oCSnlj4bKcC7IcLhFGAxhUA/s1600/DSCN1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5AyyPdNI4VVI5AAvcw37HENBrG9FyzCQh3fO53cR4tUchmeWVTM4J-p-tdX-rW5TG_Ge3JSo1ni6s8SSRHYGT8gVTlXlE_KqDJX8QrtNiCC2fhPW25R0oCSnlj4bKcC7IcLhFGAxhUA/s400/DSCN1585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm using fabric for the first time on my bulletin boards this year. Still needs border.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzFRCSluVM280BUBiVgzVhy8tG0IF0KTSmLTOjmsK883XsL5d7D5yftHKAj-NcAn3boXAxq0-mU7N37w_8fY-1RSfoK4mrDGN_lvTVU5yuyTsWfpqbosIl_4ImH5UzEfxPVQRLerPomU/s1600/DSCN1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzFRCSluVM280BUBiVgzVhy8tG0IF0KTSmLTOjmsK883XsL5d7D5yftHKAj-NcAn3boXAxq0-mU7N37w_8fY-1RSfoK4mrDGN_lvTVU5yuyTsWfpqbosIl_4ImH5UzEfxPVQRLerPomU/s400/DSCN1586.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stuff.</div>
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More stuff. See some of <a href="http://flamingofabulous.blogspot.com/2013/07/crate-seats-20.html">my cute new crate seats?!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw-AOhOn1yhfipksw2kWf-KoZn6XRSZJz6UKGjWA86XE778Cj8qK__KT_4nA7VwGNJGtQ-cgPziSjXfWaF3rVHF88PQe8fwVf9yLp0bF4xWjDcy2qaH6m0VJcXkWaO46ZEqJO-Xp4pRc/s1600/DSCN1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw-AOhOn1yhfipksw2kWf-KoZn6XRSZJz6UKGjWA86XE778Cj8qK__KT_4nA7VwGNJGtQ-cgPziSjXfWaF3rVHF88PQe8fwVf9yLp0bF4xWjDcy2qaH6m0VJcXkWaO46ZEqJO-Xp4pRc/s400/DSCN1588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My new bookshelves :) freshly stained. They are the perfect height to fit under the chalk tray and were specifically made for my book baskets. No wasted space!</div>
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Come Monday I will be in my room like a MANIAC and there is nothing they can do to stop me. So there.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3002619688172268543.post-54897836479172879492013-08-12T05:20:00.001-07:002013-08-12T05:20:05.208-07:00It's getting close!I am chomping at the bit to get into my new classroom and start unpacking and setting up. Hopefully (fingers crossed) they will let me in a few days this week, but I may have to wait until next Monday.... as in only one week to set up my room.... as in PANIC ATTACK.<br />
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Anyway, last summer I purchased a Silhouette Cameo after seeing all the amazing things other bloggers were making for their rooms. I consider myself pretty knowledgeable in all things craft, but let me tell you... When I unpacked that thing and installed the software I was INTIMIDATED. As in SCARED. I usually learn best by fiddling around myself. But I didn't find the software to be very newbie friendly. So then I resorted to reading the directions, which were ZERO help. It took me 30 minutes, 3 youtube videos, and a Firefly+Ginger ale (my favorite drink) to figure out how to adjust the rollers. If you have one of these machines please tell me it was that difficult for you as well.... please? Anyway, I abandoned all hopes of using my machine and let it collect dust for one year.<br />
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I promised myself I would figure it out this summer. And like a true procrastinator I waiting until I only had one free week left before going back to work or some other responsibility. I think I am improving with each project I do. But the materials are so expensive I wanted to make sure all my projects were perfect from the get-go. Hence why I was so scared to get started. Thankfully I overcame my fear and made a few things this week to show you.<br />
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#1 Student Numbers for my new clipboards<br />
I didn't manage to take a picture of the clipboards. They aren't that special so you aren't missing much.<br />
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#2 My Super Improver Wall for WBT (NOT to be confused with a behavior clipchart. I am anti-clipchart)<br />
I used my machine to cut out the letters from cardstock. This would have been much easier with vinyl but I am a rookie so you live and learn. Plus I'm not sure if you can laminate over vinyl. Would it melt? Something to look into.<br />
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#3 Labels for my tubs of bird seed<br />
I helped out with Arts and Crafts at the Vacation Church School at my church recently and the ladies there were quick to offer me any leftover supplies. I snagged three of these giant pretzel bins to use for storage. One of the crafts was making a bird feeder, and when I told them I put bird feeders up on my classroom window they insisted I take home the leftover bird seed too.<br />
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#4 Student Numbers for my new individual book bins<br />
I haven't cut these yet because I'm still waiting for my permanent vinyl to arrive in the mail. My plan is to take off the numbers and leave the black rectangle around the number so the white space shows the student number. Does that make sense? I'm not sure how to explain that any better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCC7DnHZ1XkEWYVJIBSTsEvK5_OHPFqGWxPwpezEBL9HzDba1l4J1_yeGrlWilxNUycl_hpyorREVg9K6faAQrseiq8CvZBmw9n48MmHxnuMH3X2mjvZflhKu6wUW8m2wr8o614awHSCI/s1600/clipboard+numbers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCC7DnHZ1XkEWYVJIBSTsEvK5_OHPFqGWxPwpezEBL9HzDba1l4J1_yeGrlWilxNUycl_hpyorREVg9K6faAQrseiq8CvZBmw9n48MmHxnuMH3X2mjvZflhKu6wUW8m2wr8o614awHSCI/s400/clipboard+numbers.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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#5 Manicure<br />
I know you are thinking that you just read that word wrong or that I made a typo, but I DID use my Silhouette to add an interesting detail to my nails. Let me back up and explain... I went to visit my cousin and her partner this weekend (can I just stop and point out that this weekend was my ONLY vacation this summer? I told them going to visit them was like going to Cancun for me. Because I have no clue what Cancun is like to visit. But I would probably hate it. I hear it is a horrible, boring, lame place to be. Kind of like Vegas, or Paris, or Napa Valley. All those places are horrible vacation destinations I hear (from the voices of jealousy inside my head.) So I will just stick with a weekend visiting family thank you very much.) I am on a major tangent here. What was I telling you? OH! My nails. Back on track... So I was getting ready to go visit my cousin and was doing my nails. Nail art is a little hobby of mine. I asked her what she wanted me to put on my nails and she said....UNICORNS. She thought she stumped me but Ooooooooooh nooooooooo. I pulled out my Silhouette, cut a teeny tiny horse head from white vinyl, stuck it on my thumb nail, and painted on the details. It looks awesome, if I do say so myself!<br />
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That's all for now. I'm going to spend the next hour watching the clock waiting for it to strike 9:00AM so I can call my school office and see if my room is ready... I'm not excited at all.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA6-SBtvnUxUQBV8uLMkSvkYHJESpKxNRBthL-HJbjYblhxZDKk6YJe0S8y13F0Fy2nCG-nhWiMEq-nK5nxKml5yNp9MpABcvH0G9HOtmg-i0QBxq-kKEOc_vabS6mDeJYlapNNro_RM/s1600/Signature.png" /></a>K. Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15988435391213080239noreply@blogger.com2