tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66382488074935104812024-03-13T13:32:47.533-07:00The Primary TechieThe Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-78647776522884436232022-11-18T14:08:00.007-08:002022-11-18T14:08:42.169-08:00Pumpkins, Spiders, and Turkeys! Oh, my! <div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U5ZWG2PRvkBvygubKsNLHINhn9akTLkHbYgYKTSZHk0gWzXwCzQ1bXoXyi4JSy3KUJDVystpd_e49j8f_fYE4_9r8lpByYgSsKXmQ7w9kWm7cRQayGojbO9BWP_FHfLqgNHn7X14Ql-Pgc0bycXMMhr3UzEF-jv9YEJ7a8s5LuD9YcoRIIRaA4pt/s1889/Picture41.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1889" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U5ZWG2PRvkBvygubKsNLHINhn9akTLkHbYgYKTSZHk0gWzXwCzQ1bXoXyi4JSy3KUJDVystpd_e49j8f_fYE4_9r8lpByYgSsKXmQ7w9kWm7cRQayGojbO9BWP_FHfLqgNHn7X14Ql-Pgc0bycXMMhr3UzEF-jv9YEJ7a8s5LuD9YcoRIIRaA4pt/w564-h292/Picture41.png" width="564" /></a></div>Today's post is brought to you by second grade teacher, Ms. Rodriguez. If you would like to guest blog, please email me at primarytechie@gmail.com! Nobody knows teachers better than teachers! <br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br />I love a bright and cheerful classroom where the walls are filled with student’s work and fun projects. My second-grade classroom is just that, and when October rolls around the fun projects are never ending. October is just a great month to do so many fun activities with my students. We kicked off the month with bringing back “Pumpkin Jack”. I did this activity ten years ago when I started teaching and when Pinterest was my go-to for all the fun and creative learning activities. My first-grade students loved it, and I knew my second graders would too. I was very excited that Scholastic News had an article about how a decomposing pumpkin could help new plants grow. After reviewing the lifecycle of a pumpkin, which my littles where quick to tell me they had already learned about in first grade, we jumped right into the Scholastic News article. My students loved the article and were amazed by the ways an old jack-o-lantern can be used rather than thrown away. They also loved the online activities which included a dance break! We are all about the dance and brain breaks in second grade. We then got all the materials ready and prepared Jack’s new home. An empty clear jar of cheese puffs, soil, water, and a small carved pumpkin is all that is needed. I filled the jar with some soil, watered it, and then forcibly placed the pumpkin inside the jar. The pumpkin was not budging at first but when it finally did, the kids let out a loud cheer letting me know that the fun was just beginning. We then read about the process of decomposition in our pumpkin journals, which I had prepped ahead of time. We identified the parts of a pumpkin, labeled each step of the pumpkin life cycle, and predicted how many days it would take before we started seeing mold on Pumpkin Jack. </p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pdq7HNQqvWVrws2THSGBe3Sv3OpohH0VKR5sh9rzcWhLvmWKoh4TRmSA2a2Rc_eKUOs2e6_-l4HAEMeUh7F9QS_DiecBFzCDEwt9b-nwRCUDUnr2VhPsnIyFWn3VLm0IKA0FDGdFwEbo_TmN9rRQ0T8fXWA7asN9ISr3nbLu5RZSMFc69dXcKKv_/s1810/Picture38.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1810" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pdq7HNQqvWVrws2THSGBe3Sv3OpohH0VKR5sh9rzcWhLvmWKoh4TRmSA2a2Rc_eKUOs2e6_-l4HAEMeUh7F9QS_DiecBFzCDEwt9b-nwRCUDUnr2VhPsnIyFWn3VLm0IKA0FDGdFwEbo_TmN9rRQ0T8fXWA7asN9ISr3nbLu5RZSMFc69dXcKKv_/w543-h407/Picture38.png" width="543" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikR7NSVLPDY7WDyDkDYm5EX0TQ8BUcBkNKcdadKJDJCj359DU6njb4As_79HYFdXRcPyJ5WT1-V1MhUM-yih2vDO8yh7jyVEBsU8scOEVagROmp41QKMNqclKRA0KmhseJewfisWDQZpMtJ92W9TM6dp_K6lm3OC5PxFlaq7Jiwy8PzNCh4JxIOhNY/s1357/Picture34.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1018" height="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikR7NSVLPDY7WDyDkDYm5EX0TQ8BUcBkNKcdadKJDJCj359DU6njb4As_79HYFdXRcPyJ5WT1-V1MhUM-yih2vDO8yh7jyVEBsU8scOEVagROmp41QKMNqclKRA0KmhseJewfisWDQZpMtJ92W9TM6dp_K6lm3OC5PxFlaq7Jiwy8PzNCh4JxIOhNY/w505-h673/Picture34.png" width="505" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2MkPIzY5CWcN22qmV3fTsiopZAp4vWSanEJEL8huyNybXsv1Kj47H8E5gmU5xxBoE1Dup5O4ysQIAgqpYxub0DUdNpb3yhp6fQffUN13XV1oPM8ue9SOEmy6oAbm6EFKWY7w6eS3bO5dmtlzdSNDVAmCOAx42dqtw4R22DFQ0XxTlZSsIQb_ZlTp/s1357/Picture35.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1017" height="687" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2MkPIzY5CWcN22qmV3fTsiopZAp4vWSanEJEL8huyNybXsv1Kj47H8E5gmU5xxBoE1Dup5O4ysQIAgqpYxub0DUdNpb3yhp6fQffUN13XV1oPM8ue9SOEmy6oAbm6EFKWY7w6eS3bO5dmtlzdSNDVAmCOAx42dqtw4R22DFQ0XxTlZSsIQb_ZlTp/w516-h687/Picture35.png" width="516" /></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiW6UsGHnj_AIORM_uvqkfiMqClrxF4lcs_ouVbCP0WweLSZ_c4wPLb2X2dyy41BBosdDKhciQE2yw4b_fSJE4ElVjc3J1XmK5Vj-JQN-oDoMGr-RsJR5MyvgG8td_2iFbrbLy8qzkncSe5jtQU9e3hG4uSM_sd1Mf8H9xOTvKOUZ6sxrTfzRd1At/s1809/Picture31.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1809" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiW6UsGHnj_AIORM_uvqkfiMqClrxF4lcs_ouVbCP0WweLSZ_c4wPLb2X2dyy41BBosdDKhciQE2yw4b_fSJE4ElVjc3J1XmK5Vj-JQN-oDoMGr-RsJR5MyvgG8td_2iFbrbLy8qzkncSe5jtQU9e3hG4uSM_sd1Mf8H9xOTvKOUZ6sxrTfzRd1At/w587-h440/Picture31.png" width="587" /></a></div></div></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hEVVS0uPzyp91Kdp3D4taDlfgrL6WWZlLPL-JbXwzuhUZFcQlMAxSKVUhsR5IM2WyK3ID2obNDbd0EnAUkDuMi2qKBdDwjsDPhxkdVmjWkV0jmGO-izuGMKBb3QG0O9akvY_ud3AyDHpSj0JZoNh4eS51SocYZdYZd-L3xf68SWOdTTAID5iaHOY/s1357/Picture32.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1018" height="828" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hEVVS0uPzyp91Kdp3D4taDlfgrL6WWZlLPL-JbXwzuhUZFcQlMAxSKVUhsR5IM2WyK3ID2obNDbd0EnAUkDuMi2qKBdDwjsDPhxkdVmjWkV0jmGO-izuGMKBb3QG0O9akvY_ud3AyDHpSj0JZoNh4eS51SocYZdYZd-L3xf68SWOdTTAID5iaHOY/w621-h828/Picture32.png" width="621" /></a></div><div>We drew pictures and recorded our observations for day one. We continued our observations at least once a week until we went on break, and good old Jack gave us tons to write about, because at around day 5 we started noticing mold around his stem. I can’t wait until we return from Fall break because Pumpkin Jack has undergone a complete transformation and I know my littles are going to be blown away by it. (Check out <a href="https://www.kellysclassroomonline.com/2021/07/pumpkin-life-cycle.html" target="_blank">Kelly’s</a> <a href="https://www.kellysclassroomonline.com/2021/07/pumpkin-life-cycle.html" target="_blank">Classroom Online: Pumpkin Life Cycle Stem Activity</a> for complete instructions about this project).</div><div><br /></div><div>Another fun activity that I decided to bring back during the month of October was pumpkin character book reports. I had done this activity before covid, and well after covid we were all trying to catch up on things, so there was just never enough time. First, I had the kids complete a book report in class; because the pumpkin character would be a home project, I had to make sure they knew what to do. I used a free book report flip chart that I found on TpT, and that looked pretty similar to the one they would be doing at home. I couldn’t believe how eager they were to write! They did such a great job that I decided to let them add an illustration of their book cover or the main character so we could display them in our classroom. I assigned the pumpkin character book reports and gave them a little over a week to complete them. They had to read a book at home, complete the book report which focused on the main character, and turn a small pumpkin into the book character. They brought their pumpkins in just in time for Halloween, which made our classroom look very festive! They were so proud of their projects and couldn’t wait to present. Before they took them home, I invited both kindergarten classes to come visit our classroom so they could check out the pumpkin characters. This was a huge deal for my kids because they love seeing their former teachers. This was so much fun, and I was so proud of my kids’ work that I know I will for sure be doing this activity again next year. You can also use an app called ChatterPix which allows you to take a picture of the pumpkins, record the kids' voices, and puts a moving mouth on the pumpkin to make this activity even more fun! We unfortunately ran out of time to do this. If you plan to do this activity, my only suggestion would be to tell students not to carve the pumpkins when making their book character because they will not last an entire week in the classroom (Check out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Report-Pumpkin-Decorating-Project-Fall-Book-Repot-Digital-1492694" target="_blank">Thompson’s</a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Report-Pumpkin-Decorating-Project-Fall-Book-Repot-Digital-1492694" target="_blank">Teachings - Pumpkin Pals Book Report on TpT</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSs9USjBDjK5KFyW9SQbnhYNmeM6XnG63oT9Ob3cQtVUJremZLLntZTCdh5hFkgRAh-Cpe98dg-WvSfFg63mKrMeRrW0rD2abvYpOMUGfw6T2qDVtWZUylMvDaUoQxEpHd_434Rw_giHkMrPiv8TRcLCXlRpMzXdXzcmcaFX0uUYt-75UbqNTp8q2u/s1357/Picture30.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1018" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSs9USjBDjK5KFyW9SQbnhYNmeM6XnG63oT9Ob3cQtVUJremZLLntZTCdh5hFkgRAh-Cpe98dg-WvSfFg63mKrMeRrW0rD2abvYpOMUGfw6T2qDVtWZUylMvDaUoQxEpHd_434Rw_giHkMrPiv8TRcLCXlRpMzXdXzcmcaFX0uUYt-75UbqNTp8q2u/w411-h548/Picture30.png" width="411" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r2uHEIrFAYds_ACeQXrxK8JeWb6tZu8K4MY4xGhy39Otlx6FgbUdebvjBuF4HmFhN2kJGNdKdnw_GSS_FPwK_Vhyj0_oIGE0DLdhsRFxCj7wlt9duAUuA1_eIvnTicvnpTMecHwRm2qBqOdOB2EwfGD9Uqm3wXacZ5qQqARR5AWJGcV5GEgEXiQN/s1357/Picture33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1018" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r2uHEIrFAYds_ACeQXrxK8JeWb6tZu8K4MY4xGhy39Otlx6FgbUdebvjBuF4HmFhN2kJGNdKdnw_GSS_FPwK_Vhyj0_oIGE0DLdhsRFxCj7wlt9duAUuA1_eIvnTicvnpTMecHwRm2qBqOdOB2EwfGD9Uqm3wXacZ5qQqARR5AWJGcV5GEgEXiQN/w432-h576/Picture33.png" width="432" /></a></div><br /><div>In October, second grade always does a unit on spiders that culminates with our Spider Spectacular on Halloween where we make “spider treats”. Since it is not based on Halloween, all students can participate. However, this year we had to administer a test for the gifted and talented to all second graders which completely threw our schedule off. Think State testing on the busiest and most fun month ever! Luckily, only one little asked me about it because I had her brother in my class many years ago, and the rest didn’t even know about it. We kicked off our spider unit making spelling chains which turn into the legs of the big spider that hangs from the middle of the room. I love doing this activity because they practice their spelling words, have no clue why they are making these spelling chains, and then they come in the next day and are in awe of the big spider hanging above them. After reading and learning about spiders, we compare arachnids and insects with the use of Venn diagrams that we draw on butcher paper. This is always a fun activity that allows students to work in groups and share their knowledge. By the end of the unit, we have read and learned about different types of spiders, so we always do a bit of writing and a super cute spider craft. (Check out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Reading-Activities-Crafts-and-Charts-for-Spiders-1482870" target="_blank">Amy Lemons' Fall</a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Reading-Activities-Crafts-and-Charts-for-Spiders-1482870" target="_blank">Reading Activities</a> for all things spiders).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTFj-6F6ZW2xjrPgYEX6cCiSdrpZHudWdPc42B_vJQRsovxD65ePmct3XbAZyX4QuaWG64NOzlbXiOm816sfuQF-3IkN2zY95ED07pRGys4wQDiRIRc0CU6BIgLvq4FbV4REmERygGBdYlHOIl-a-UArY9zya1fCIfeeC2-mm9aHumnlEuZxn_fNa/s2174/Picture37.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="2174" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTFj-6F6ZW2xjrPgYEX6cCiSdrpZHudWdPc42B_vJQRsovxD65ePmct3XbAZyX4QuaWG64NOzlbXiOm816sfuQF-3IkN2zY95ED07pRGys4wQDiRIRc0CU6BIgLvq4FbV4REmERygGBdYlHOIl-a-UArY9zya1fCIfeeC2-mm9aHumnlEuZxn_fNa/w578-h362/Picture37.png" width="578" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVJy3IZDr2PHylAttngCChdqoe7v-sXlXkChlZbJPn8-HSI-9s3R_YTdaYHeqowPyiog7mcnCAbFlKaxstkacjLar2vtunxIby-efBbbnbZ8QDh5HzvjGdu4rRBgUYrBq4AHMP8Vq6lOl-jJUtKTMA3qZ1w7fCvMJwwX1Fe62FfsonBJG374APIi2/s3300/Picture40.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="3300" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVJy3IZDr2PHylAttngCChdqoe7v-sXlXkChlZbJPn8-HSI-9s3R_YTdaYHeqowPyiog7mcnCAbFlKaxstkacjLar2vtunxIby-efBbbnbZ8QDh5HzvjGdu4rRBgUYrBq4AHMP8Vq6lOl-jJUtKTMA3qZ1w7fCvMJwwX1Fe62FfsonBJG374APIi2/w563-h423/Picture40.png" width="563" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We end October with Halloween and some wonderful resources from the Primary Techie! This year our school allowed students to wear costumes the Friday before Halloween so that Monday, the actual day of Halloween, wouldn’t be crazy. So, on Halloween, I had the kids color this cute crown that the Primary Techie made for us many years ago. We had a normal day, got all our work done, but decided to have some fun in the afternoon: it was Halloween after all! My kids love, love, love the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Primary-Techie/Category/-Whiteboard-Videos-359303" target="_blank">Primary Techie’s 7 Minute Videos</a>. We have been doing them throughout the month because I signed up for her <a href="https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=leddyjrab&p=oi&m=leddyjrab&sit=pfniso5ib&f=69c9f0f9-de8e-4bb4-811f-6018efa4d3f9" target="_blank">weekly free videos</a> which are sent to me via email. If you haven’t signed up, <a href="https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=leddyjrab&p=oi&m=leddyjrab&sit=pfniso5ib&f=69c9f0f9-de8e-4bb4-811f-6018efa4d3f9" target="_blank">click here and do it</a>! I gotta tell you, 7 Minute videos are great for brain breaks, to review skills, and I also use them as rewards. They are so uch fun! My kids loved them, and they loved the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Primary-Techie/Category/-Whiteboard-Videos-359303/Search:halloween" target="_blank">Halloween themed videos</a>! One of their</div><div>favorites was the ghost letters where they have to listen to a word, copy it on their white board, and draw a ghost around the letter that is silent. Another favorite was the werewolf homonyms where they listen to a word and have to draw the two meanings of the word. This one was a hit, and they absolutely loved howling with the werewolf. Seriously, 7 Minute videos are a lifesaver for us. I want my students to work hard and complete their work, but I also want them to have fun. My favorite part about these videos is to hear and see their excitement when their answers are correct. They are learning and having so much fun! Now my school has a three week Fall break, so I only have the first week of November to do anything Thanksgiving related. I already received this week’s free Thanksgiving 7 Minute video and purchased the<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Primary-Techie/Category/-Whiteboard-Videos-359303/Search:thanksgiving" target="_blank"> Math ELA Review</a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Primary-Techie/Category/-Whiteboard-Videos-359303/Search:thanksgiving" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Edition </a>so that when we return to school after Thanksgiving, we are ready to go! (Check out the <a href="http://www.theprimarytechie.com" target="_blank">Primary Techie on TpT</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrimaryTechie/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for lots of wonderful resources).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0IGg09kmjDmQK7kHbHwcEFeS4EzLvfdNpkwM56xBlnFhmgMwCDxGWWoLZCO22uoaeTEQM_-xSS3ZuB-xe0beURtbcSBOqJnTRtPYRQ0fSRSRjjxp1apQ3IAjVfkTvY1XMhBzny2WGFha2_CMyzlz9gc1jwHeIYw3sQCXbz-ctoedxedjytpxCLcJ/s1524/Picture36.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1524" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0IGg09kmjDmQK7kHbHwcEFeS4EzLvfdNpkwM56xBlnFhmgMwCDxGWWoLZCO22uoaeTEQM_-xSS3ZuB-xe0beURtbcSBOqJnTRtPYRQ0fSRSRjjxp1apQ3IAjVfkTvY1XMhBzny2WGFha2_CMyzlz9gc1jwHeIYw3sQCXbz-ctoedxedjytpxCLcJ/w553-h419/Picture36.png" width="553" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Before I go, in the craziness that is the month of October, I squeezed in some writing with my favorite craftivity, Turkey Stories! Right before our break, my students turn into turkeys, and they must write a persuasive letter to Farmer Jake to convince them not to eat them. After discussing what makes a good and a bad turkey, we get right to work and start writing. I love the things the kids come up with and some of these stories are just so funny! Writing is a struggle for some, but when there is a cute craft to go with their writing, they seem more motivated to write. I send them home with a cute Thanksgiving craft and a funny story to share with their families (Check out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Turkey-Writing-Thanksgiving-Persuasive-Writing-Craft-354222" target="_blank">the Applelicious Teacher - Turkey Writing</a>).</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NqY34ipe6inMZUYqesyYCVWCTpg_nIHriGWPVURz7Nj6WrD-PfUAz8PeLdteQQI4hqzoFrHhOD84mgINtpDA6cNULaCTxci0LYjSHW_nfoqWY03HTU4im7MdBCTUy8NI9JWwSc1giQgBSpn3-F_W_0gaG2Xb-pbpNRcRahJutibWzuX9EsvnEJ0e/s2299/Picture39.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="2299" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NqY34ipe6inMZUYqesyYCVWCTpg_nIHriGWPVURz7Nj6WrD-PfUAz8PeLdteQQI4hqzoFrHhOD84mgINtpDA6cNULaCTxci0LYjSHW_nfoqWY03HTU4im7MdBCTUy8NI9JWwSc1giQgBSpn3-F_W_0gaG2Xb-pbpNRcRahJutibWzuX9EsvnEJ0e/w575-h394/Picture39.png" width="575" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!</div><div><br /></div>The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-54919670232830796592022-10-21T11:42:00.002-07:002022-10-21T11:42:30.560-07:00Celebrating 10 Years! Celebrating YOU!This month I am celebrating my 10th anniversary. In those ten years I have learned so much and grown so much, but one of the things I haven't done enough of is blogging! This blog is so neglected. It is actually embarassing! As I appreached this 10 year milestone, I wanted it to be all about giving back to the teachers who have helped get me here. In every way I can think of, I am celebrating you and giving back to you including through this much-neglected blog. I thought it would be fun to try and celebrate teachers across the country who use the Primary Techie Resources in their classrooms and let you guys "guest blog" for me! In exchange, I will send you a $25 TpT gift card to buy more of your favorite <a href="http://www.theprimarytechie.com" target="_blank">Primary Techie</a> resources and give you a shout-out for being one of my top fans in your state. To enter the giveaway, send me a picture that I can share (without faces) of your class using one of my resources, tell me which state you live in, what grade you teach, and which Primary Techie resources are your favorite. This contest will continue until we have a winner from all 50 states! To enter to win, please email me at primarytechie@gmail.com and in the subject line please put Blog Contest. Good luck! <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsJXaz9fRx2X9QI6MSzRCZeOsePlX29UZej_OUIjxHa3sUbrovIm8rzcoqBJJD2xxtbFnJyfnVyRVZ-XvYfBmNedX8ije5_mL7b4h50RunKp2BCDCb9w5-NujnHXNAhqk84JZ8jqz27wpO3w927qUhs7W6KlngD_vsPnSxor51IqJcyC0X6Sc8otT/s3449/across%20the%20states.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2503" data-original-width="3449" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsJXaz9fRx2X9QI6MSzRCZeOsePlX29UZej_OUIjxHa3sUbrovIm8rzcoqBJJD2xxtbFnJyfnVyRVZ-XvYfBmNedX8ije5_mL7b4h50RunKp2BCDCb9w5-NujnHXNAhqk84JZ8jqz27wpO3w927qUhs7W6KlngD_vsPnSxor51IqJcyC0X6Sc8otT/w624-h453/across%20the%20states.png" width="624" /></a></div> </div><div>Have a happy week! <br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" /></div>The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-7609702042859641822016-02-06T12:00:00.000-08:002016-02-06T12:00:37.308-08:00Whack-A-Word Wednesdays - GIVEAWAY!I have a new spelling game that is MAXIMUM strength fun! I have had so many questions about it that I decided it would make a good blog post. I am going to give you all the tips and tricks I have for successfully implementing my new Whack-A-Skill games in your classroom. I also think it would be terrific to give away a set! I love giveaways! <br />
<br />
Here is a video of my kiddos using the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editable-Spelling-2280435" target="_blank">spelling version</a> of the game:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kX8U566NV48/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kX8U566NV48?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
How stinkin' fun is that? So, how do you make it? Well, there are two ways to play. Here is the first:<br />
<br />
We use mallets made of pool noodles stuck on pencils. These are SO easy to make. I bought two pool noodles at Target. I used a serrated knife to cut them into four-five inch chunks. I was able to make 30 mallets out of two noodles. Next, I took sharpened pencils and stabbed them through the center of each noodle chunk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86qai1eW4zLb_Y6WTWXqsLU8OV4-McZbj3u0cE62V3oudMuomOnhsj7quw9FxeBCCxiOHe6yZ4CGt_6ZQ2LH1rqzDCH1VmEWMumZq5ygWLgy9W4KE8IgaDM0SWMC5heLpBQt8M6SxyfU/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86qai1eW4zLb_Y6WTWXqsLU8OV4-McZbj3u0cE62V3oudMuomOnhsj7quw9FxeBCCxiOHe6yZ4CGt_6ZQ2LH1rqzDCH1VmEWMumZq5ygWLgy9W4KE8IgaDM0SWMC5heLpBQt8M6SxyfU/s400/1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Students will each need their own mallet and their own mat to play. I have made a variety of mats that go with PowerPoints. As the PowerPoint runs, students whack the correct letter on their mat. This is so much fun! <br />
<br />
In the files, I have included three levels of ink usage. I prefer to use the black and white version so that my kids can color their own mats. It makes them their own. To make it easier for my kiddos to find the letters on the mats, I had them color vowels red and consonants blue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdonO7r9XzDizZVJXfSMD9_jIICmAQ_RVFy1EuN4fjNgqQAhAO_Uk57MBZ4N_sQLHfuWtf94IVCn1B_hadlUC0PD6N4RyoZUxYMVHuZ7DEiRRb18mzEP2uZqmHWuM4vuTs05t7R0m-yX0/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdonO7r9XzDizZVJXfSMD9_jIICmAQ_RVFy1EuN4fjNgqQAhAO_Uk57MBZ4N_sQLHfuWtf94IVCn1B_hadlUC0PD6N4RyoZUxYMVHuZ7DEiRRb18mzEP2uZqmHWuM4vuTs05t7R0m-yX0/s400/4.png" width="300" /></a></div>
I laminated their mats and bound them in a booklet of work mats. I have lots of different "whack-a-mole" skills, so we have several different mats. Each student has their own work mats booklet. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDOK9rwbqIprHJl76_XQvaw7BBW8B9YcOxun_fStUrVPyoeh3Tj9jIiKfBsqUMHy6xB2DwUqR47021Q2o_vEgGLUQoazx3h18MAsj17-akmR9S-uSMg4syMn8yPtJ9cjhaKkFrQF42aM/s1600/5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDOK9rwbqIprHJl76_XQvaw7BBW8B9YcOxun_fStUrVPyoeh3Tj9jIiKfBsqUMHy6xB2DwUqR47021Q2o_vEgGLUQoazx3h18MAsj17-akmR9S-uSMg4syMn8yPtJ9cjhaKkFrQF42aM/s400/5.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Remember when I said there were two ways to use this? The first uses mallets, the second uses large stomping mats. To make the stomping mats, I took rubber shelf liner. (You know, the stuff that goes in drawers or kitchen cabinets?) I cut this into large ovals. Next, I cut out a square window on the center of each oval. I made the window about eight inches. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82x-Pzue5etoNhyvxmytbBetZOM7J1Lh5xIpFf2vh14Bs1i8EEiNcMO27eN3tjfpsbAwU9bYULcZ37d31-VrVjbDGXDgGyWBshVEqWulPIW2ck6DhpEQNlydMNK6vAf91zji3KSFVYls/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82x-Pzue5etoNhyvxmytbBetZOM7J1Lh5xIpFf2vh14Bs1i8EEiNcMO27eN3tjfpsbAwU9bYULcZ37d31-VrVjbDGXDgGyWBshVEqWulPIW2ck6DhpEQNlydMNK6vAf91zji3KSFVYls/s400/3.png" width="400" /></a>I cut about eleven inch squares of the liner and glued this to the back of the oval. BUT, only glue it on three sides! This creates a pocket that you can slide different moles in. Why shelf liner? I didn't want any kiddos bustin' their buts by slipping. These are going to be stomped on. We need to keep our little guys safe! There are so many different skills that by creating pockets on the stomping mats, we can use them over and over.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNd9rJxdmircjjamdrMQsRiyLoltBiykLffLndfohwgLJ8eVNPX7bzmHAqazcCjk-pndIL3saLrKj0lbQbF-C6AThX-wbasEGr57CEnitdmmR-0z0gVXnyZqsMy4uD4Hfvm4kvKra5N0/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNd9rJxdmircjjamdrMQsRiyLoltBiykLffLndfohwgLJ8eVNPX7bzmHAqazcCjk-pndIL3saLrKj0lbQbF-C6AThX-wbasEGr57CEnitdmmR-0z0gVXnyZqsMy4uD4Hfvm4kvKra5N0/s400/2.png" width="400" /></a>I LOVE these big stompin' mats, but I honestly don't think it would be practical to make a class set of these. They would be awesome for a center. They could also be great for homeschooling parents or special ed teachers. I use the stomping mats at home with my daughter and she loves them! In this picture, we were working on whacking the vowel sounds. Lilly loves to use the mallets with the mats. Sometimes we play with them on the floor (like in the picture) and sometimes we put the large mats on the table. Little changes like this add a new novelty to a game we already love. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-CzT4ikWeWIvEaUwjID6w9W9kzo0Pe7Evic9dcbis4zND6njvnVL_bGKfjE1p72yZd-xDgjiiTyJo5dQ7KAwLc8hRGRTLXUARuGF1J4DPAlYhY5P422ML6lnEHPW2y25jBdNIuvuSbw/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-CzT4ikWeWIvEaUwjID6w9W9kzo0Pe7Evic9dcbis4zND6njvnVL_bGKfjE1p72yZd-xDgjiiTyJo5dQ7KAwLc8hRGRTLXUARuGF1J4DPAlYhY5P422ML6lnEHPW2y25jBdNIuvuSbw/s640/Picture3.png" width="539" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you want even more info, watch the video below. I explain how it all works. (Beware! I was totally wearing my bathrobe when I took this video and it makes an appearance a couple times! Eeeek!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JS1cEqyOZc8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JS1cEqyOZc8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
My class has loved our new tradition; "Whack-A-Word Wednesday". This is SO easy for me to use. There is an editable template that I use to type me spelling words each week. My firsties focus on ten words a week, but after ten words they were not ready to be done so I add the words from the past two weeks as a review. This is set on an automatic timer. I just turn on the PowerPoint and it runs itself for five minutes. FIVE minutes! Every single Wednesday, I get FIVE MINUTES to catch up on grading, conference with a student, write an email...Ahhhh! The joys of FIVE MINUTES! <br />
<br />
I started off telling you that I have had tons of questions about this. Here are a few of them that I have not quite answered:<br />
<br />
<b>Can I use it if I don't have a projector?</b><br />
YES! This will work on any computer. I use it at home with my kindergartner, Lilly.<br />
<br />
<b>Do I need to glue the pencils in?</b><br />
Nope! I just stabbed my pencils in and they hold tight. I also like to remove the pencils for easier storage. I can just pass out the noodle part and my kids poke their own pencils in the existing hole.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you have these games for math?</b><br />
Right now, I am focusing on finishing up the reading bundles, then I will start to add math skills. <br />
<br />
<b>Aren't you worried they are going to hit each other?</b><br />
Before I gave my kids the mallets for the first time, I told them that I only made 24. (That is a lie! I made 30! Please don't rat me out!) I told them that our mallets are made of foam and if they are too rough with them, they will break. If they break it, they will not get another one. I also told them that if they hit their friends, they would lose their mallets and then they would have to practice their spelling with the DREADED WORKSHEETS! Nobody is willing to risk losing a mallet for a worksheet! Problem solved!<br />
<br />
I have bundled skills according to grade level. Here are the bundles that I have so far: <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Reading-2279563" target="_blank">Click here to see the Kinder Bundle.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Reading-2279563" target="_blank"><img alt=" Click here to see the Kinder Bundle!" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHSQ3tpezyjfZJlos3gyuSLsrmmptLbUCTN25XY659m12IQfXwMs0Q-onykvD1_bGijwwK48ybDCFK0gULlkadAv7VMEmEwDlfDdYLkxnr-5ILv8NGCW0kk0tHHY8XVrWz2NH4QClHNg/s640/kinder.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Reading-2279569" target="_blank">Click here to see the 1st Grade Bundle.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Reading-2279569" target="_blank"><img alt=" Click here to see the 1st Grade Bundle!" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG8rMbcQbpCqB_67Mem4PwJN3Jrz_fiOdtnSfc1hhf2DEb7TMW7GYATq_J8lPLAlOR2G59fTf3wu4LFuOk0LYI1QyY1nzBNKv7eS7pZgG3pkH_WstywdHCBJSLw9UjoH_xdhDhRpfdnM/s640/first.png" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Second-Grade-Reading-2280459" target="_blank"> Click here to see the 2nd Grade Bundle.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Second-Grade-Reading-2280459" target="_blank"><img alt=" Click here to see the 2nd Grade Bundle!" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHR_FxRqo0cl-eJMSKrv0Yld38xZRsM0UwyfjkFHoMBUDSlsjiG8JPdNqn4pC0iHuKFAfBuGcZhFnlZDKcTgFhF-62-_KkMdWw2ONqiM_AUchYsH1-yjlg9SjJK62D9wPkF2NFwXIO4U/s640/second.png" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
Are you ready for the big giveaway? LET'S DO IT!!!! I am giving away one bundle (you pick K, 1, or 2). <br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="585f901a10" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/585f901a10/" id="rcwidget_hbyn0f95" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for reading and good luck with the raffle. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until next time, </div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-5793533627084988142015-11-15T16:09:00.000-08:002015-11-15T16:09:30.262-08:00Turkey Trot Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/.../s1600-h/Slide3664.jpg"></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hOHfMdx5iMg/Vj0jgtgp7LI/AAAAAAAAMRo/pG-GRh4RjpQ/s1600-h/Slide35.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uq5dAF8eYzQ/Vj0jhDFQhPI/AAAAAAAAMRs/9gh2sSPzf8A/Slide3_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="470" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Slide3" width="470" /></a> <br />
<br />
Welcome to “The Chalkies” Turkey Trot! We hope you enjoy a jog through our blogs gobbling up freebies, ideas, and recipes for some holiday joy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpsGqVTeu0ik_xNDEGZu29zijm7Lr4dOcQmG5vPxlQsjp0Eo6WnH8S6lFDaeVZVLnEfcxNpqgz4xKWvdo2D_gBU013DJuLDNrOqSHQCqSWn1kDpETbr3rckDS_Bta1LmPL8Etn5jRFXWy/s1600/Slide5+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpsGqVTeu0ik_xNDEGZu29zijm7Lr4dOcQmG5vPxlQsjp0Eo6WnH8S6lFDaeVZVLnEfcxNpqgz4xKWvdo2D_gBU013DJuLDNrOqSHQCqSWn1kDpETbr3rckDS_Bta1LmPL8Etn5jRFXWy/s640/Slide5+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have a new<a href="http://primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> blog name</a>! We switched out the word "Primary" for "Elementary". We want to meet the needs of any teacher K-6. Our blog has been thoughtfully designed to help you find what YOU need for YOUR classroom level!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKQ9gJf5keIwqaw9-2PfVZ2Mb5qcNSmJvkcyw_j3IULb5ibyP6Chyphenhyphen5c8Vz5R_6ktZq47PU6HaopNE4_9j02GN0cJbpNDOnPq9riDAbyzNWf4o1DcT51c4gGN0HZ37Nq7eTaxJG-jalGCt/s640/Chalkies.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love those grade level tabs {seen above} that help me grab what I need. This trot will also take you through the grade level blogs of your choice. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We hope you enjoy this little meal from appetizer to dessert!</div>
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qaarttb1ty8/Vj0jhmo3LkI/AAAAAAAAMR0/8VmsCtdlThE/s1600-h/Slide1Copy3.jpg"><img alt="Slide1 - Copy" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VDwMqsB_Bf0/Vj0jiOb1UgI/AAAAAAAAMR8/8k-00FfiSEk/Slide1Copy_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="205" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Slide1 - Copy" width="535" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I LOVE adding movement to lessons to make them fun and engaging. For a special Thanksgiving treat, I have created an editable Brain Break PowerPoint so that you can easily create a fun review that is just right for your kiddos. You can use this template again and again to create fun new Brain Breaks. Check out this video for some ideas of how to use it: </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-EV1KzwwqD0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-EV1KzwwqD0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
This special Thanksgiving version gets your little turkeys in and out of their chairs as they review. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFR4NefzoRPrGcoPZ853Q1cB_tXSegOjneZS31-Y7hn1OUmjvS-q-1N92ocDFd18GqiIuKuXb7PmyjJ_450G9fwSnrvK9UeFyiAYsWYXSxQTCluVVcaSGi_J7k-HWtOtJwJ_V091KRaA/s1600/November+Freebie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFR4NefzoRPrGcoPZ853Q1cB_tXSegOjneZS31-Y7hn1OUmjvS-q-1N92ocDFd18GqiIuKuXb7PmyjJ_450G9fwSnrvK9UeFyiAYsWYXSxQTCluVVcaSGi_J7k-HWtOtJwJ_V091KRaA/s400/November+Freebie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/November-Freebie-EDITABLE-Brain-Breaks-2208635" target="_blank">Click here</a> to download this freebie and be sure to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Primary-Techie" target="_blank">follow my store</a> for a new freebie each month! <br />
<br /></div>
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WDDd0weJfYE/Vj0jjwr6B1I/AAAAAAAAMSc/fXqXmxCv1V4/s1600-h/Slide14.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0-0T3VX_TB4/Vj0jkS6qMgI/AAAAAAAAMSk/wg3ACkVHAd8/Slide1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="266" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Slide1" width="598" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Thanksgiving is a time for families, so I love to celebrate our class family by creating a family cookbook. I ask the kids to bring in one of their favorite family recipes. We compile all the recipes to make a cookbook. These make a great Christmas gift for parents! <br />
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_PIntBnGShA/Vj0jpAF6f-I/AAAAAAAAMTU/-gnyON01lrQ/s1600-h/Slide2Copy4.jpg"><img alt="Slide2 - Copy" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gBwU_kXHfH8/Vj0jptm9B-I/AAAAAAAAMTc/CJu56ugeEy4/Slide2Copy_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="251" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Slide2 - Copy" width="609" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a95gbFAU_r0/Vj0jqPNsgEI/AAAAAAAAMTk/4Sj1RAZZjJE/s1600-h/IMG_5941%25255B23%25255D.jpg"><br /></a></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">My teacher BFF retired a couple years ago and now sells Pampered Chef. I was sad to see her go, but I have learned SOOOO many yummy recipes from her! This spice cake just tastes like fall and it is so stinkin' cute! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdwUOtwWx7cqGeC3q_hl_MtfeNLb7OGIKUPFlmFtyH3YT_l50pUQjJ5YwDvmjWLJxiPgy19PE4LCUcxP6D5pfDftuw37vkZIHjddr06GgMe_VpaUapxmZ5yJgyU0GZ2c21DuD3QTDrGE/s1600/83693-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdwUOtwWx7cqGeC3q_hl_MtfeNLb7OGIKUPFlmFtyH3YT_l50pUQjJ5YwDvmjWLJxiPgy19PE4LCUcxP6D5pfDftuw37vkZIHjddr06GgMe_VpaUapxmZ5yJgyU0GZ2c21DuD3QTDrGE/s400/83693-lg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/harrietrappleye/recipe/Desserts/American/Caramel+Bourbon+Spice+Cake/83693" target="_blank">Click here</a> to get the recipe! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tVHlehOAOxM/Vj0jvUfukOI/AAAAAAAAMU8/Ey3cSkWt8vI/s1600-h/slide63.jpg"><img alt="slide 6" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A_qHyhVM-cI/Vj0jwfUfwTI/AAAAAAAAMVE/EtWY4uqAuIE/slide6_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="270" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="slide 6" width="609" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Be sure to check out some of my FAVORITE resources! They are on sale today and tomorrow! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kw1u1K5JJRMjZtPp7mSYLJeG60FeL9h-OaE91GKJpJxLqP3M8pB4XOA834nLDobTrTKPsmiWK4RP7jFpM9NKSJWe4vAWHeZk42Xuj2z4zS4cZving5xoJepj4Ughdup2oCuwatu_zSs/s1600/Coolest+Mystery+Pictures+EVER%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kw1u1K5JJRMjZtPp7mSYLJeG60FeL9h-OaE91GKJpJxLqP3M8pB4XOA834nLDobTrTKPsmiWK4RP7jFpM9NKSJWe4vAWHeZk42Xuj2z4zS4cZving5xoJepj4Ughdup2oCuwatu_zSs/s400/Coolest+Mystery+Pictures+EVER%2521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have you used my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Primary-Techie/Category/WTC-Bundles" target="_blank">Watch, Think, Color games</a>? They are seriously the coolest mystery pictures on earth! I have hundreds of designs and dozens of skills so you can find what is right for your class. The best part is that they run themselves for about 15 minutes. Can you think of anything to do in 15 minutes? Work with small groups? One-on-one assessments? Catch up on paper work? For 15 minutes your kids will be engaged and focused while they do a Watch, Think, Color activity. I told you they were the coolest mystery pictures on earth!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB3vwF1wkOHe-Y8VAhSQAoujqHGQDW5TvyV_dI-RnfZwzGA6QRXMWHDTaB95stm_6fMhF5F-mnoRX-BoCF8UoP53ODLZas9Hevem1d_3YZwRLvl0SDFUo8hj17-l_3mk6byTIIxIG6FY/s1600/Speed+Read+All+Year.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB3vwF1wkOHe-Y8VAhSQAoujqHGQDW5TvyV_dI-RnfZwzGA6QRXMWHDTaB95stm_6fMhF5F-mnoRX-BoCF8UoP53ODLZas9Hevem1d_3YZwRLvl0SDFUo8hj17-l_3mk6byTIIxIG6FY/s640/Speed+Read+All+Year.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dolch-Speed-Read-ALL-YEAR-1093057" target="_blank"> Dolch Speed Read</a> lets you choose which set of words you want your class to work on. Words appear faster and faster on your board, making reading F-U-N!!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7HXe3EJeFJ_WWedu3UrTyrS-4mghWQiIM5OWg56aTFac7aRqrjec6ToJdPJXMmZjT1zM5IDzpVMtaI7X_7WQ7q9CokBZRIHw0qRy4V6tSpZ5EyyqqFV-KkLaZuqTV3c4R5EdX4HUEHI/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7HXe3EJeFJ_WWedu3UrTyrS-4mghWQiIM5OWg56aTFac7aRqrjec6ToJdPJXMmZjT1zM5IDzpVMtaI7X_7WQ7q9CokBZRIHw0qRy4V6tSpZ5EyyqqFV-KkLaZuqTV3c4R5EdX4HUEHI/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfyao91N3OuiCWYednOq17DsbxNazQbPzpkHPUieqLVT7_bGAzkG-1hay8GUM1829Kg6qZb6CqnYt604gq6kSsfJ6LRLHn2D4kC6BFdw9tNUDW_MDP2goHeJbTuPTf5y4cOaMdyr8v7o/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfyao91N3OuiCWYednOq17DsbxNazQbPzpkHPUieqLVT7_bGAzkG-1hay8GUM1829Kg6qZb6CqnYt604gq6kSsfJ6LRLHn2D4kC6BFdw9tNUDW_MDP2goHeJbTuPTf5y4cOaMdyr8v7o/s400/Slide5.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZy0NAjH6Msd2hbJVcWiT8B9jB3Yw0Sk6c9KI8hZhoN7hO_Rz7EvlK6ozCHai9ilF5M6vAlRhZLNoTZgi3xp3uGIt3-aZiQmCVoix6o-ZYhA-5tr0yMf5tw49XSJk9o3lzu_RQgDFzoUY/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZy0NAjH6Msd2hbJVcWiT8B9jB3Yw0Sk6c9KI8hZhoN7hO_Rz7EvlK6ozCHai9ilF5M6vAlRhZLNoTZgi3xp3uGIt3-aZiQmCVoix6o-ZYhA-5tr0yMf5tw49XSJk9o3lzu_RQgDFzoUY/s400/Slide2.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
My <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Life-Savers-1597329" target="_blank">Classroom Management Life Savers</a> literally save my reading groups each and every day! These are my absolute favorite resource! Be sure to check them out! </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAH90I8emn0cuFqo2NFvEVygFiI8I0y8jV-f6xOX0xB64zAqIJA1tk0_RLnk-LcsvdeOk8mTrReGtBqMoezdrH8pPf4-YdoDtWXLUmiYv35de2ZX-m8LmZv2zQy5gqHu_vZHHWw772__E/s1600/12243298_1065183510168244_5013153291323212531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAH90I8emn0cuFqo2NFvEVygFiI8I0y8jV-f6xOX0xB64zAqIJA1tk0_RLnk-LcsvdeOk8mTrReGtBqMoezdrH8pPf4-YdoDtWXLUmiYv35de2ZX-m8LmZv2zQy5gqHu_vZHHWw772__E/s640/12243298_1065183510168244_5013153291323212531_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next stop on the Turkey Trot is going to be a treat! Head over to read what Greg has to say over at the <a href="http://www.thekindergartensmorgasboard.com/" target="_blank">Kindergarten Smorgasbord</a>! </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwlTTanxnGFVnozga7jvdE5i82eFaVJ8VpptC2CIkzpvnkgdrGUlPmiJx_9kyy4dz43jfiEhzl8sKEywWbdtmu5QDcl0rSdxdjaKs7bCxjAWNxpRBf3ugvm7gJb3zNW-Q-ElA2NbcgvI/s1600/smedleysbutton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwlTTanxnGFVnozga7jvdE5i82eFaVJ8VpptC2CIkzpvnkgdrGUlPmiJx_9kyy4dz43jfiEhzl8sKEywWbdtmu5QDcl0rSdxdjaKs7bCxjAWNxpRBf3ugvm7gJb3zNW-Q-ElA2NbcgvI/s400/smedleysbutton.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Thanksgiving, Friends! </div>
</div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" /><br />
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--eSLgVSLzus/Vj0j4eKZS-I/AAAAAAAAMW8/4RZMx_PoDPw/s1600-h/Slide3664.jpg"></a>
The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-43105224100985543702015-10-19T22:01:00.000-07:002015-10-19T22:01:53.842-07:00Halloween Math - Graphing Gummies FREEBIEHi, y'all! My kiddos are working on one of my favorite math concepts- GRAPHS! Seriously, aren't graphs just the best? There are so many fun things to do with them. One of my favorite little graphing projects is graphing foods. It is always fun, hands-on, and a yummy treat at the end. I found some Halloween fruit snacks at Target. They were $6 for 48 individual packages. SCORE! I made a little graphing activity to go with it and my kids had so much fun that I wanted to share it with you. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8W9coYtQDMphIZpc4GqTvR8pW-075_CnrT77iIPcRVgpMMtvEg7yEv3LZVLvKDlAJhW_Quwoat1dBzHcCRMenRywlKLUW11MwXEnoBOhmOmJ1Xmep_YyiWbykfaPnt5omOYNNPDyIMI/s1600/12177165_506733129504076_1162325404_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8W9coYtQDMphIZpc4GqTvR8pW-075_CnrT77iIPcRVgpMMtvEg7yEv3LZVLvKDlAJhW_Quwoat1dBzHcCRMenRywlKLUW11MwXEnoBOhmOmJ1Xmep_YyiWbykfaPnt5omOYNNPDyIMI/s640/12177165_506733129504076_1162325404_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This was SO easy to prep. Just follow these steps. <br />
<br />
Step 1 - Buy Halloween fruit snacks from Target. I have done this activity in the past with Betty Crocker fruit snacks, but I couldn't find them this year. If you want to use a different brand, you will need to be sure the shapes are the same as the ones I used. This is what you are looking for...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIW0eBkWBZM7MCBmkHaoS0Rq1KlwNJzeNffPNe4TT4r0z_yKRv0RNr_83KbTitrhnA9ChK0dk_TEhc_mGC5p5tcDzl5YqG2e6bbDeZL3ihqzYVZwlcXUGqB-43KyrnDII8BySDsAnU_w/s1600/20151019_165628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIW0eBkWBZM7MCBmkHaoS0Rq1KlwNJzeNffPNe4TT4r0z_yKRv0RNr_83KbTitrhnA9ChK0dk_TEhc_mGC5p5tcDzl5YqG2e6bbDeZL3ihqzYVZwlcXUGqB-43KyrnDII8BySDsAnU_w/s320/20151019_165628.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Step 2 - <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzLNL1x_YFzBckwxem0tQ2J1Vnc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here</a> to download and print the following pages for each student. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8aIfc_Sod9U6uu1QUI85K9KZHTlKK9WRMvhKeoitI8jfUuRnreNVNCyXXYqEC6eKwat9I9NT-99jk4ePia1Ja9Lk7HeKoOauO8mbIIFJxxNlqGHNanv5sYHkSLugLiSPP-7WiQkbQQY/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8aIfc_Sod9U6uu1QUI85K9KZHTlKK9WRMvhKeoitI8jfUuRnreNVNCyXXYqEC6eKwat9I9NT-99jk4ePia1Ja9Lk7HeKoOauO8mbIIFJxxNlqGHNanv5sYHkSLugLiSPP-7WiQkbQQY/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01_aLrrHtEWTkL6PtaFM0EUj5oZ5zv2QI8T0IMAdl_bb_v5OxfEddfX4AFNh_bJ2_FrgkRYJ-_iI_jeMeqj6FpgymrnvWeS2767XNzyfeSbDSByZ7HBU2JlzZdi4RyBfWuxu-EOgcVIE/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01_aLrrHtEWTkL6PtaFM0EUj5oZ5zv2QI8T0IMAdl_bb_v5OxfEddfX4AFNh_bJ2_FrgkRYJ-_iI_jeMeqj6FpgymrnvWeS2767XNzyfeSbDSByZ7HBU2JlzZdi4RyBfWuxu-EOgcVIE/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Step 3 - Students place fruit snacks over each box to build a graph. This is such great hands-on practice. It makes graphing concrete for little guys and also works on one-to-one correspondence. After graphs are built, the kids color in the boxes as they eat each snack. Once the graph is finished, use the information from the graph to complete the addition sentences. This can also be done before snacks are eaten if your kids need to use the fruit snacks as manipulatives. To make this project more challenging, give students two packages of snacks so they are working with larger numbers. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9q2TeoVCYFs31proSOJSPjCQTcCIMaAWgsdtxZMy3Ot9HmafzZnxdcxWQuVktO8Frjz3YDO03utdhP244604y4shWtrEiWm29LFlDnSkXM1UYRnRqYi07QlEAN52FvpkvRABXA960mY/s1600/20151019_131742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9q2TeoVCYFs31proSOJSPjCQTcCIMaAWgsdtxZMy3Ot9HmafzZnxdcxWQuVktO8Frjz3YDO03utdhP244604y4shWtrEiWm29LFlDnSkXM1UYRnRqYi07QlEAN52FvpkvRABXA960mY/s400/20151019_131742.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What sort of things do you like to graph with your students? Please share in the comments below. Thanks for reading! <br />
Until next time,<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-1158648049206200952015-08-01T22:36:00.002-07:002015-08-01T22:36:47.168-07:00Making the most of the Back to School SaleHave you heard the big news? It is time for TpT's annual Back to School sale! During the sale, everything in my store will be 20% off. Use promo code BTS15 to save an additional 10%. <br />
<br />
I am a serious shopper and love to get the most bang for my buck. Here are a few of my tips and tricks for getting the most out of your TpT sale. <br />
<br />
1) Earn TpT credits by leaving feedback!<br />
Go through all your previous purchases and make sure you have left feedback. You can use your points to save even more off the sale prices. It is easy to see what items you have not left feedback for. Just go to "My Purchases" and then sort items by "Needs Feedback". SO easy and this could save you big time! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l3MmdykrNvhe_tZbu1usRvIuIukqOIUDAqwaJivycZ_N8Wd6YquExhhRsKlNre-ZLcxKFqT7vTANF7MPn6OLoaCVdU7bN228TyWfidD4EhL4TTOY9msgWHaK6hboGoUmfjcQ8dzbeYY/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l3MmdykrNvhe_tZbu1usRvIuIukqOIUDAqwaJivycZ_N8Wd6YquExhhRsKlNre-ZLcxKFqT7vTANF7MPn6OLoaCVdU7bN228TyWfidD4EhL4TTOY9msgWHaK6hboGoUmfjcQ8dzbeYY/s1600/Capture.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) Go through your wishlist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the time to clean out that wishlist. Maybe you put something on there and you have changed your mind. Maybe you put something wonderful on there and forgot all about it. This is the time to prioritize and snag products while they are discounted.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) Plan ahead! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Site-wide sales don't come around often. Think of all the things that will be coming up...Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, apples, and Halloween just to name a few. This is the time to stock up for things you know you will need in the future.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to show you some of the new things I have in my store. I have added some great management tools since the last sale. If you don't have these, you should check them out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Stamina-Timers-and-Tools-1654362" target="_blank">Reading Stamina Timers and Tools</a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This set is perfect for working on sustained silent reading. Check out this video to see a preview of it in action. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fOwAMyxaNxQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fOwAMyxaNxQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This set includes a variety of themes and I will keep adding more until I get themes and holidays for the entire year. It currently has:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pirates</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bears</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Snowmen</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Valentine's</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Groundhog</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
St. Patrick's </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Stamina-Timers-and-Tools-1654362" target="_blank">Click here</a> to check out Reading Stamina Timers and Tools in my store.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Life-Savers-1597329" target="_blank">Classroom Management Life Savers</a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This set already includes 60 themes to keep student behavior on-track and it keeps growing! I will keep adding themes to this set until it reaches the maximum file size allowed on TpT. I use these EVERYDAY with my kids. We use the build tools while I run reading groups. We use the take away tools at clean-up. These were too of the worst times of the day for me and now they are a breeze. I can literally praise and correct behaviors without saying a word. This is a MUST! To read more about Classroom Management Life Savers, <a href="http://primarytechie.blogspot.com/2014/12/classroom-management-life-savers-and.html" target="_blank">click here</a>. To add them to your wishlist, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Life-Savers-1597329" target="_blank">click here.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCSKZiGxlheh_1ObPuYUJTm4_Ax0tfa2oSIYDv00n5ITCbCbwABaGJGs2fRpnbLVh9x85ec8VLrrQ0g5Yiy4NV2fknacaP6sm-0XwsOdZq6M5HDHyn-Ar8SsEN4QjHcFlL50Y_9KVNio/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCSKZiGxlheh_1ObPuYUJTm4_Ax0tfa2oSIYDv00n5ITCbCbwABaGJGs2fRpnbLVh9x85ec8VLrrQ0g5Yiy4NV2fknacaP6sm-0XwsOdZq6M5HDHyn-Ar8SsEN4QjHcFlL50Y_9KVNio/s1600/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Bundle-Watch-Think-Color-Mystery-Pictures-EXPANDING-BUNDLE-731252" target="_blank">Back to School Watch, Think, Color Bundle</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This set includes 60 games! I love using these games while I assess students one-on-one. They keep the whole class engaged so that I can really focus on the kiddos I am assessing. Each game takes about 20 minutes. Almost every day I get feedback from teachers telling me that their kids have never been as quiet as they are during Watch, Think, Color games. I have many bundles in my store, but this set is discounted 50% during the month of August. That discount along with the 28% you can save during the big sale makes this a KILLER deal! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Bundle-Watch-Think-Color-Mystery-Pictures-EXPANDING-BUNDLE-731252" target="_blank">Click here</a> to check these games in my store. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9q5_6mOwXYrbHauSk3Z17QTjoC_8aBZhes2f_aKEanqXQhwmp5zIlBBgl-dzW3U-yY1_-ssSmxsCjjV9W4I97FsfeXH655vDW83t2D-FW_YprutKP63Y0tGtxtDXiRA395bopa1wGUAM/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9q5_6mOwXYrbHauSk3Z17QTjoC_8aBZhes2f_aKEanqXQhwmp5zIlBBgl-dzW3U-yY1_-ssSmxsCjjV9W4I97FsfeXH655vDW83t2D-FW_YprutKP63Y0tGtxtDXiRA395bopa1wGUAM/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Math-2000591" target="_blank">Calendar Math with Interactive Calendar Notebooks</a><br />
This set is brand spankin' new and I am SOOOO excited about it. It includes everything I want in calendar activities - ten frames, tallies, graphing, patterns, number sense. It includes a PowerPoint and notebooks for students to follow along at their seats. If you are bored of the same old calendar routine, be sure to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Math-2000591" target="_blank">check this out</a>. It is going to be so much fun! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mq7cpYJBz5tAA3BKTChN4lrM5eVhHvOVcJv0RzPaC3XUSP-BvQdU3wp_DdX3i6YmRLR76SGGWpSSNDH0N_cB6YciSbyIxUU6SYEbVqArSKNqMj-lwP7hl-JfOH_jqH9amdMzQh44r7I/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mq7cpYJBz5tAA3BKTChN4lrM5eVhHvOVcJv0RzPaC3XUSP-BvQdU3wp_DdX3i6YmRLR76SGGWpSSNDH0N_cB6YciSbyIxUU6SYEbVqArSKNqMj-lwP7hl-JfOH_jqH9amdMzQh44r7I/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qOt0Q1QfXTPMRQ5-vj8oa4DMHLnvaVby6JSoBINVGKtFIAoUTyrIrsFLqRijc0vQjzXduUPmfpSdCm6FEtU4P1gLbpgJOenKk1prpAjNMUe8u_oOxfUbdbj-FM_Anz5XyNAzZIL7JnA/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qOt0Q1QfXTPMRQ5-vj8oa4DMHLnvaVby6JSoBINVGKtFIAoUTyrIrsFLqRijc0vQjzXduUPmfpSdCm6FEtU4P1gLbpgJOenKk1prpAjNMUe8u_oOxfUbdbj-FM_Anz5XyNAzZIL7JnA/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you have the best new school year ever! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Kq8pVBFcAP8%2FUU8kRHjVYlI%2FAAAAAAAAAbw%2Fcd5OWbaaD6Q%2Fs1600%2FSignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" -->The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-39986079046696243262015-06-18T11:59:00.000-07:002015-06-18T11:59:26.002-07:00Facebook for Parents - 5 Ways to Improve Parent Communication <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmMJopovRmvCl0c2isrqDjmhrfhHqa2dLuoQp6SsgVhuLrP6I_pKD5LVU6GOWZX6HzargSlvMRZRByrVTD41XQDCKbFEH1US3mdjFzuv8jpJPlwfv6Br8qyhr-r-hyjXML32UVEy5Rxs/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmMJopovRmvCl0c2isrqDjmhrfhHqa2dLuoQp6SsgVhuLrP6I_pKD5LVU6GOWZX6HzargSlvMRZRByrVTD41XQDCKbFEH1US3mdjFzuv8jpJPlwfv6Br8qyhr-r-hyjXML32UVEy5Rxs/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I tested this idea all year and am SO excited to finally blog about it! I always ask myself how I can use tech to make my life as a teacher easier. It is my goal and my passion. This year, I decided to create a Facebook group for my parents. I announced it at my open house at the beginning of the year. Parents seemed excited and willing to give it a try. I made a sign up sheet to get email addresses for everyone interested in joining. I created a group and made sure it was a closed group. This keeps it private. We are just posting info for our class. We used this group all year and I was amazed how much it helped parent communication. Here are five ways I used our Facebook group this year.<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">1) Homework -</span></u><br />
Each week, I took pictures of my class newsletter and posted them. This had all the info about current events and the spelling words for the week. Parents were able to message me if they did not understand something on the homework. If they lost their homework packet, they could easily go to our group page to find it. This made my life easier because normally I have several requests for extra copies of homework that has been misplaced. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>2) Student Recognition -</u></span><br />
Parents love to see their kids getting kudos and praise. Every mama and daddy know that! It was so easy for me to take pictures of kids with creative art projects or great writing and post them to our group. I have a star student each week and was able to post their picture with a little blurb about how awesome they are. Each week, I also have the King or Queen of Handwriting. I give them a crown to wear for the week and let them start on light blue every day on our behavior chart. It was so easy to take pictures of these kids and give them a little extra recognition. My class is subscribed to Raz-Kids. Each week, I would announce the Raz-Reader of the week. Once I started announcing this on the group, I noticed a drastic increase in time spent on the site. I kept a little checklist to make sure all kids were recognized and that I was spreading the love evenly. <br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">3) Coordinating Parties and Donations -</span></u><br />
Have you ever had three sets of cupcakes show up for a party? By posting on our group, parents were able to let each other know what they were bringing to our party. It really helped prevent the surplus cupcake problem and parents were way more involved. When I was not getting donations, I just posted a picture of what I had bought and parents quickly chimed in to help out too. <br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">4) Pictures and Videos -</span></u><br />
Parents love, love, love to see pictures of their kids, but some are not comfortable with their child's pictures being posted online. This is a CLOSED group. The only ones who can see our posts are other parents. I posted pictures like CRAZY! Parents loved being at work and seeing a picture of what was happening in the classroom at that very moment. In the beginning of the year, we had a really bad storm that caused the power to go out. Parents were worried and I immediately started getting messages. I broke out some fun finger flashlights and we were reading with them. Parents were so relieved to see that their kids were fine and having fun. That was probably the day that we all loved our little Facebook group the most. Parents also share videos with me and other parents. I always send home a stuffed animal with the kids. I used to send home a disposable camera. THe problems with this are, they are becoming hard to find these days and often when I got the pictures developed there were like 12 pictures of the ceiling. (First graders are not the best photographers.) Now, parents post pictures of the stuffed animal visiting their home. We get to see them right away - no more waiting for the camera to get full. I had a parent help at field day, take videos, and post them for all the parents who could not make it. We hatched butterflies this spring. Of course they emerged over the weekend. Don't they always? I stopped by school to check on them and actually caught one on video. I posted to our group and the kids saw it on Saturday. They were so excited and I was happy they didn't miss it.<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">5) Keeping Families Informed -</span></u><br />
You know when kids go home and parents ask "what did you learn today?" and kids say "nuthin'"? I would write things like "Today we learned about spiders. Ask your child about it!" or "Tonight, ask your student to tell you how the water cycle works." I had a couple grandmas who live out of town in my group. This was fun because they were able to see pictures of their grandkids' classroom, know what they were learning, and feel more connected to their lives.<br />
<br />
I took some screenshots from my group to give you ideas and let you see how I used this with my parents.<br />
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F108553400143457564461%2Falbumid%2F6161782615151844305%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="400" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://photos.gstatic.com/media/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600"></embed>
<br />
I have NEVER had better parent communication than I had this year. It was AWESOME!!! I will never teach without a class Facebook group again. As you plan your new school year, I really encourage you to make a class FB group. If you have any other ideas or suggestion for using Facebook in the classroom, please share them in the comments.<br />
Until next time,<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-13717139603476348492015-06-09T23:44:00.003-07:002015-06-09T23:44:32.286-07:00End of the Year I can't believe the year is over! I am so bummed about it. My class this year was absolutely fantastic! I hate to see them leave me. We had a really great year together. I wanted to make the end of the year extra special for this group so we have had a lot of fun over the past couple of weeks. Here is a little re-cap of how we finished off our year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoCdA53nZUYoMpSyMA4OzXUObEj1uwEyv06IXlmPM8wG_kHKHWFa2uoalFk3MFn-D4vRWM44yVxoMspmjv19wez1Rd_QpSmb6fE-W-Mo4y730C0BerH2asfEYpX1V-uQ_eddbtOhjJ7o/s1600/balloons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoCdA53nZUYoMpSyMA4OzXUObEj1uwEyv06IXlmPM8wG_kHKHWFa2uoalFk3MFn-D4vRWM44yVxoMspmjv19wez1Rd_QpSmb6fE-W-Mo4y730C0BerH2asfEYpX1V-uQ_eddbtOhjJ7o/s400/balloons.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Every year, when there are only 10 days of school left, I blow up 10 balloons and put a fun surprise in each balloon. These surprises are silly and usually things that don't cost money and I don't need to prep for. Some of the ideas I have used in the past include: sit by a friend day, sit anywhere you want for the rest of the year (this usually gets saved until we only have 4-5 days left), eat lunch in the classroom, board game day, no shoes day, movie party, popcorn while we work, everybody gets to pick out of the treasure box (this ensures that no kid leaves without ever having a chance to pick from the treasure box), popsicles at recess, and free centers.<br />
<br />
I love reading end of the year books to my kiddos. Here are some of my favorites:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-more-pencils-no-more-books-no-more-teachers-dirty-looks-diane-degroat/1102493939?ean=9780060791162" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teacher's Dirty Looks!" height="200" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780060791162_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" width="158" /></a><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/night-before-summer-vacation-natasha-wing/1100650374?ean=9780448428307" target="_blank"><img alt="The Night Before Summer Vacation" height="200" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780448428307_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-day-blues-julie-danneberg/1103362796?ean=9781580891042" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Last Day Blues" height="200" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9781580891042_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" width="160" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I always make an end of the year DVD for my kids with pictures from our year together. I have used several different brands of slideshow software. The one that I used the last two years is by Roxio. I always add a soundtrack with some songs we have had in our Morning Songs. (Don't know about morning songs? <a href="http://primarytechie.blogspot.com/2013/08/morning-songs.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read about them!) We always watch the slideshow on our last day together and then the kids take a copy home with them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRl3KavSeHww4t5Ulr9Ay3jqsa_y3IGlH2XMKuT4LHDnZ_KaCtL6bjirLioJqbAC5gfRz2ca8I_kFY-vH4KOKii8Q0vwG4aKmzOLvrNm45xY-YN8DvQdfTAMoLNFUFe2LFrLop28QnSg/s1600/dvd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRl3KavSeHww4t5Ulr9Ay3jqsa_y3IGlH2XMKuT4LHDnZ_KaCtL6bjirLioJqbAC5gfRz2ca8I_kFY-vH4KOKii8Q0vwG4aKmzOLvrNm45xY-YN8DvQdfTAMoLNFUFe2LFrLop28QnSg/s320/dvd.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Did I mention how much I love my kiddos this year? I wanted to do something a little extra for them so this year I made them some summer swag. I grabbed almost all of this stuff from the dollar store. Each kid has a bucket with a note that says "I dug being your teacher", a couple books, reading logs, ideas for parents about preventing summer slide, pencils, bookmarks, bubbles that say "you blew me away", goldfish crackers "It is o-FISH-ally summer", and notepads. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz8o_udnxsLtbdWsTYLAW2evd2pvHp0nrkKuixc1O9AlSXP5yXBe2A3kZpfJVMoEQPhNlLIMkj2Kf5TQiML2pq11UbBRl2XnQ07GRRmw3nu4q4T_j1N93fLO6JjBgbArOWnOjb59CvXY/s1600/swag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz8o_udnxsLtbdWsTYLAW2evd2pvHp0nrkKuixc1O9AlSXP5yXBe2A3kZpfJVMoEQPhNlLIMkj2Kf5TQiML2pq11UbBRl2XnQ07GRRmw3nu4q4T_j1N93fLO6JjBgbArOWnOjb59CvXY/s640/swag.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Here are some freebies and resources to make your own end of the year swag! <br />
I used clip art from Graphics from the Pond to make bookmarks for all my kids. There is such a variety of images that I was able to find a kid who looked like each one of my students. I just added their names, laminated, and cut them out. To download your own bookmarks, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzLNL1x_YFzBZnNRNElTNTNVWkk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">click here.</a><br />
I also made some little printables for the buckets, goldfish, and bubbles. To download those, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzLNL1x_YFzBaktBaG42WUkxSWs/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">click here.</a> <br />
I found some terrific reading logs on TpT from Casey Hallett. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Reading-Log-K-5-Forever-Freebie-1257644" target="_blank">Click here</a> to visit her store and download them. (Don't forget to leave feedback!)<br />
Last year, I came across the cutest idea from Read Like a Rock Star. She had a bingo game with places to read. I knew I just HAD to go back and find that resource for my buckets. <a href="http://readlikearockstar.blogspot.com/2014/05/summer-reading-bingo-freebie.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to visit her blog and grab your own. It is adorable! P.S. If you are not following this blog, you REALLY should be! She has so many fun ideas!<br />
The last thing I included in my buckets was a letter to parents about preventing summer slide. I found this letter on the Make, Take, & Teach blog. <a href="http://blog.maketaketeach.com/preventing-the-summer-slide-2/#_" target="_blank">Click here</a> to download your own letter to parents. <br />
If you are still looking for more ideas for end of the year, check out <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/primarytechie/end-of-year/" target="_blank">my pinterest board</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I am still in denial that the year is over. My kiddos will come in tomorrow morning to pick-up report cards and grab their goodies before they are off to second grade. I hope they all show up so that I can squeeze them one more time this year. No more balloons. No more days. No more first graders...until August! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-CxwR_-LROI1Wh4Jd6BGoLfIrjboAaT-sGZ6Blw7Is0-pdwjwD5f5VyxAqjuSvP3tzG9rtnm1a41QKVxxSNkhaWmI_8CUZMzmoQzB_3D7nFdq7_7BWGScTBoh_lkeEjG5DOvj_c2FSo/s1600/20150608_154851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-CxwR_-LROI1Wh4Jd6BGoLfIrjboAaT-sGZ6Blw7Is0-pdwjwD5f5VyxAqjuSvP3tzG9rtnm1a41QKVxxSNkhaWmI_8CUZMzmoQzB_3D7nFdq7_7BWGScTBoh_lkeEjG5DOvj_c2FSo/s320/20150608_154851.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-73491975322863180802015-04-19T11:02:00.000-07:002015-04-19T11:04:22.671-07:00I Teach K Conference Giveaway! 4 Days, 2 Winners!Our school year is nearing an end so we should be thinking about summer, but I am actually thinking about next year. One of my FAVORITE ways to get pumped about the new school year, is by attending the SDE conference in July. There are so many fabulous presenters and I always get so excited to get into my classroom and lay the groundwork for a new year! This will be my third year having a booth in the exhibit hall and my second year presenting at the conference. I am giving away two tickets into the conference. Each four day registration is valued at $599 - making this one of my biggest giveaway EVER! Woo-Hoo!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvArPNuh7uBwmx-MYrC6OL-UJ9Gmh7jnFBcNWAi-MRiwQS5sk0wE4zppYVQPtQ4dqDBfOU6GDCCUIhvZzjmN-6xFXnlrj0DhAkfvNGMOnmjZFRh-0PF4zdmWLgUhI6i9W9NX37IRTkG6M/s1600/I+Teach+K+Giveaway+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvArPNuh7uBwmx-MYrC6OL-UJ9Gmh7jnFBcNWAi-MRiwQS5sk0wE4zppYVQPtQ4dqDBfOU6GDCCUIhvZzjmN-6xFXnlrj0DhAkfvNGMOnmjZFRh-0PF4zdmWLgUhI6i9W9NX37IRTkG6M/s1600/I+Teach+K+Giveaway+2015.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are the details:<br />
The conference will be in Las Vegas, July 6-9. It is held at the Venetian. Have you been to the Venetian? It is heaven!!!<br />
<img src="http://www.vegasdealexpert.com/wp-content/images/VenetianImage.jpg" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Could this get any better??? <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmINbhbG4CTrSJ8S5aMQ3UT7quQ-p7Jn2lBHsNE2HazqC2S450pHJhws1OVCSUk865N74bOxhnZM21Ql8fUW7kKTFvNUj6lbmlzDMnbggGQfCYaLFK0X6Tp3GiZlp1l9weZmc-nawPKY/s1600/Gondola+Ride.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmINbhbG4CTrSJ8S5aMQ3UT7quQ-p7Jn2lBHsNE2HazqC2S450pHJhws1OVCSUk865N74bOxhnZM21Ql8fUW7kKTFvNUj6lbmlzDMnbggGQfCYaLFK0X6Tp3GiZlp1l9weZmc-nawPKY/s1600/Gondola+Ride.png" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Okay, we probably won't actually go on the gondola together, but I couldn't resist making this goofy picture. If you do win (and I am crossing my fingers for YOU), please stop by and visit me in the exhibit hall. I would love to say hi and get a picture with you. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
OK! Finally time to enter! Good luck! </div>
</div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="585f901a9" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/585f901a9/" id="rcwidget_8v3vpohj" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-83565932399438108982015-03-29T06:00:00.000-07:002015-03-29T06:00:00.900-07:00Viva Las Vegas Giveaway from The Primary Chalkboard<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>VIVA LAS VEGAS!!</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlQBFfTO2h2SF2dTWiWoZ1R5oTmxPOgvBHhGSamPkAx5LuMaXQ3lnbcK2ioYvqrrGh8ieFqi-4-nItDjHkHySM03EQmE7EUz9BgEYvr0w3E6QLwqYNLaepg3q0fFfQS8BAGtb9YiHVu4/s1600/Vegas+final.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlQBFfTO2h2SF2dTWiWoZ1R5oTmxPOgvBHhGSamPkAx5LuMaXQ3lnbcK2ioYvqrrGh8ieFqi-4-nItDjHkHySM03EQmE7EUz9BgEYvr0w3E6QLwqYNLaepg3q0fFfQS8BAGtb9YiHVu4/s1600/Vegas+final.gif" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you picture it now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">YOU</span></span> </b>in LAS VEGAS? </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How about <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">YOU</span></span> </b>in <span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>LAS VEGAS</b></span></span> attending a
one day session of the <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.sde.com/"><span style="color: red;">SDE</span> </a></b></span>conference?</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Primary Chalkboard is giving away <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>YOUR
CHOICE</b></span></span> of a 1 day session at <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.sde.com/">SDE</a></span><span style="color: red;">!</span></b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, will it be Singapore Math,
Differentiated Instruction, I Teach K, I Teach 1st, or the newly added I Teach
2nd?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How fun is that?</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>BUT</b></span></span>, that's not all, we're also including
a <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">$25</span></span> </b>gift card to the <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">SDE</span></span> </b>bookstore, <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.crystalspringsbooks.com/">CRYSTAL SPRINGS</a></b></span>.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">NOW</span> </b></span>can you picture <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">YOURSELF</span></span> </b>in <span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>VEGAS</b>?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, you say you need money for airfare,
hotel accommodations, or just some spending money while you are here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, we've got that covered, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How about <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS IN CASH</b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to help you
out with that?!?!?</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>NOW</b></span></span>, can you picture <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">YOURSELF</span></span> </b>in<b> <span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">VEGAS?</span></span></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's how to enter for a chance to win.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hop through our Facebook pages and
collect a tip for your (possible) visit to Vegas.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be sure to "like" each page as
you hop through so that you can collect the tip.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each tip will have a number on a playing
card.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the numbers together and enter the
sum <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on the Rafflecopter on the <a href="http://www.primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/">Primary Chalkboard blog</a> for a chance to win.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be sure to add a comment and include <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>#primarychalkboardsendmetovegas<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For an extra chance to win this, take a
selfie, post it on IG with <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">#primarychalkboardsendmetovegas </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Don't forget to tag us in your picture! @primarychalkboard</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The winner will be picked on April the evening of April 5th.</span></span> </b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A HUGE thank you to <a href="http://www.sde.com/">SDE </a><a href="http://www.sde.com/">(Staff Development for Educators)</a> for their kind
and generous donation!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-74246796237342095782015-03-25T21:22:00.001-07:002015-03-25T21:25:07.646-07:00Test Prep - NO WORKSHEET WEDNESDAY Edition!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEJMg89PF9J0hn3cgDbQVgSkTkE6kLS1Xw2UgZvBzA5ji7Tyl_I4ki0f3IoIac6ikKGQ5RWpRzzT5IAOlrao6YIaqrGi1GQMM5kmhGs_FM13YnaASo4UKwaeVWFl3xTdi9yr_YnhlbhI/s1600/No+Worksheet+Wednesdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEJMg89PF9J0hn3cgDbQVgSkTkE6kLS1Xw2UgZvBzA5ji7Tyl_I4ki0f3IoIac6ikKGQ5RWpRzzT5IAOlrao6YIaqrGi1GQMM5kmhGs_FM13YnaASo4UKwaeVWFl3xTdi9yr_YnhlbhI/s1600/No+Worksheet+Wednesdays.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a>Today was my third day back from school since spring break. I didn't even realize how much I missed my sweet kiddos until I saw them on Monday morning. I have some great kids this year. I came to school SO excited about No Worksheets Wednesday and it did not disappoint! <br />
<br />
<br />
We are getting ready for our standardized tests. BORING! I absolutely hate test prep! That is why I made a MOVE IT especially for test prep. This PowerPoint shows questions similar to those that the kids will see on the big test. My kiddos use dry erase boards to show me their answers. I love this because I can do an immediate assessment and give feedback. After we do a few questions, we get out of our seats and MOVE IT! The theme of this MOVE IT is "Test Prep is Awesome". Guess what? It really is! Brain breaks have animated timers and music. We walk around and high five our awesome classmates and tell them "You are awesome!" We also do lazy 8s and an elbow-knee cross crawl inspired by brain gym. Pretty awesome, right? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqG1N3OR-IS-6zf-dIt5JJG_q2MtnS0YgvStPTjgBjgYbYpmmXxOAWaVilHDek11dLdv6pGqXUt1Anq0pf4BtEog3dGrTjyoy2Nf_Z5OlA2wMfuirtSeb8OC7S9epAw9tucThbiNzeOs/s1600/Move+It+Test+Prep.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqG1N3OR-IS-6zf-dIt5JJG_q2MtnS0YgvStPTjgBjgYbYpmmXxOAWaVilHDek11dLdv6pGqXUt1Anq0pf4BtEog3dGrTjyoy2Nf_Z5OlA2wMfuirtSeb8OC7S9epAw9tucThbiNzeOs/s1600/Move+It+Test+Prep.png" height="628" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This is SO-O-O-O much more fun than the boring test prep we used to do! It took a ton of copies to prep sheets out of my old resource book. Now, our test prep takes NO materials. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Test-Prep-is-Awesome-First-Grade-ELA-MOVE-IT-1137436" target="_blank">Click here to see 1st grade ELA MOVE IT</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Test-Prep-is-Awesome-First-Grade-Math-MOVE-IT-1137146" target="_blank">click here to see 1st grade Math MOVE IT</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4KvJUUivycDd-gEkuQg5t0OoXWWp8mTGvAG0VOHATJh0rKkVqH8YBlamMDtQUxzFAMKny3sHhG-i8zb6QiKCwvC6gUoNEL80jcdLKE9WYddnygH9LfeLwOCOy6XsLLJyOGW2ut5eDJ8/s1600/boring+worksheet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4KvJUUivycDd-gEkuQg5t0OoXWWp8mTGvAG0VOHATJh0rKkVqH8YBlamMDtQUxzFAMKny3sHhG-i8zb6QiKCwvC6gUoNEL80jcdLKE9WYddnygH9LfeLwOCOy6XsLLJyOGW2ut5eDJ8/s1600/boring+worksheet.png" height="320" width="239" /></a>In math we are reviewing geometry and are working on slides, turns, and flips. We tossed our workbook page for a fun hands-on project. OH YA!!! That's what I'm talking about! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIRVr0dkrASQn_ffA3xVE9DJnENcAO0KWvmEJAtJ_8mn54Kc3djt02V7RzUTjl4qZysPpji-tkzsbO1j7uqNcER2R50W2Bx6Gf-wLHYL8Vjn3XifBGZZXLXKBK1hD2psuWpUqiGC1sGg/s1600/boring+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIRVr0dkrASQn_ffA3xVE9DJnENcAO0KWvmEJAtJ_8mn54Kc3djt02V7RzUTjl4qZysPpji-tkzsbO1j7uqNcER2R50W2Bx6Gf-wLHYL8Vjn3XifBGZZXLXKBK1hD2psuWpUqiGC1sGg/s1600/boring+1.png" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9nHtlGEY8tp2hGA2ABHv00839AM1spt0X390gYJDd2R7uvZbxr3BNvVt1niI4OnfZIZtCeSMat7Hbtjfg_utqPv4P4D9Af6_wK8QAyTc-AXAWcKKU026CuBtAjAgApEtp6zvx3Mpcno/s1600/boring2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9nHtlGEY8tp2hGA2ABHv00839AM1spt0X390gYJDd2R7uvZbxr3BNvVt1niI4OnfZIZtCeSMat7Hbtjfg_utqPv4P4D9Af6_wK8QAyTc-AXAWcKKU026CuBtAjAgApEtp6zvx3Mpcno/s1600/boring2.png" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
I gave my kiddos a bunch of pattern blocks and three sheets of white paper. They wrote "slide", "flip", and "turn" on the pages. Next, they traced the pattern blocks to create their own slides, flips, and turns.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK78pZ70juqnAoxZP6Djv8yzA0R50SQ5kkx4Dde9Jb5fvD0gCsTpjHm5dTUzczzDiT7VPR-BYVZ5TCvNLxwKKLMJJMt-mNCReeiOwG4KJS4j7tDKb7UhuHQ1m8UICBAAno5S9UShOfTk/s1600/boring3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK78pZ70juqnAoxZP6Djv8yzA0R50SQ5kkx4Dde9Jb5fvD0gCsTpjHm5dTUzczzDiT7VPR-BYVZ5TCvNLxwKKLMJJMt-mNCReeiOwG4KJS4j7tDKb7UhuHQ1m8UICBAAno5S9UShOfTk/s1600/boring3.png" /></a></div>
I stapled the three finished pages together to form a triangle and hung them from the ceiling. (Wall space is minimal in room 203, so we do lots of hanging art!) I love making these triangular mobiles because they are SO easy. As an added bonus, when the AC kicks on, they start spinning! My firsties had WAY more fun with this project than they would have with the workbook page and got a lot more practice than they would have with the pencil and paper. <br />
<br />
Today was a great day in my room and I am so grateful to be able to share it with you. Thanks for reading. <br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-66201118753988286002015-03-11T20:55:00.001-07:002015-03-11T21:29:42.206-07:003 Fun Ideas for No Worksheet Wednesday (Week 2)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEJMg89PF9J0hn3cgDbQVgSkTkE6kLS1Xw2UgZvBzA5ji7Tyl_I4ki0f3IoIac6ikKGQ5RWpRzzT5IAOlrao6YIaqrGi1GQMM5kmhGs_FM13YnaASo4UKwaeVWFl3xTdi9yr_YnhlbhI/s1600/No+Worksheet+Wednesdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEJMg89PF9J0hn3cgDbQVgSkTkE6kLS1Xw2UgZvBzA5ji7Tyl_I4ki0f3IoIac6ikKGQ5RWpRzzT5IAOlrao6YIaqrGi1GQMM5kmhGs_FM13YnaASo4UKwaeVWFl3xTdi9yr_YnhlbhI/s1600/No+Worksheet+Wednesdays.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a>Today was the easiest "No Worksheet Wednesday" ever! I am on spring break and I was not even tempted to bust out a worksheet. Hahaha! Even though I am on break, I still wanted to participate in the linky. I am going to share a new idea and a couple oldies but goodies. Here are three fun worksheet-free ideas:<br />
<br />
1) Interactive Hundreds Charts<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLCuvsDuxbKQaYCYQddwLsAsxdTegr3iU9s-d7ZHmiu9EjCi57BEQB8fiEW6r5XS0Lbkh-qt_2zK_3CQZhNhAsEw7KrIS6plbQeuCKRo2jTLJ4kGHS09_MT_jtmkW4X5pBeMOr4-NJCQ/s1600/pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLCuvsDuxbKQaYCYQddwLsAsxdTegr3iU9s-d7ZHmiu9EjCi57BEQB8fiEW6r5XS0Lbkh-qt_2zK_3CQZhNhAsEw7KrIS6plbQeuCKRo2jTLJ4kGHS09_MT_jtmkW4X5pBeMOr4-NJCQ/s1600/pin.png" height="400" width="266" /></a>I have made a bunch of interactive charts that work on your smartboard or projector. There are a few different themes and skills, but I just made a new one today and am offering it for a limited time as a freebie in my TpT store so I definitely wanted to share it with you today. This chart has a fun St. Patrick's Day theme. You click on a pot of gold to make it disappear and reveal a number on the chart. There are SO many uses for these tools and they are all worksheet free! You can start clicking from the beginning to practice counting or start clicking at the end to practice counting back. Click a random pot and challenge students to find the number that is 10 more/10 less and 1 more/1 less than your number. Find patterns in the numbers and the colors of the numbers. Can you predict what color a number will be before you reveal it? To download my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/March-FREEBIE-Interactive-Hundreds-Chart-1758415" target="_blank">St. Patrick's Day Interactive Hundreds Chart Freebie, click here</a>!<br />
<br />
2) Read My Mind<br />
This is one of my favorite math games! Kids work with partners. One player takes a card and holds it to his forehead (without looking at it). The other student must give clues for the guesser. There are lots of different ways to play this game. I found cards to a game called "Big Fish, Little Fish" at the dollar store. They have two-digit numbers and I HAD to have them! We use these cards and regular playing cards. Sometimes we play "Ten More and Ten Less". The clues are "Your number is ten more than 47." Place Value clues include "Your number has 3 tens and 9 ones". We can use a regular deck of cards to reinforce tens partneres, "Your partner is 6. What is your number?" We use math facts. "Your number is 6 + 3". I like this game because it gets both partners thinking and communicating.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEOoQ1Fkob3RgwcnaCoQ2ZVLWxKS8c-UdV4gR8oeaGpCHBwXn_vN6bWYVo9cpZ1JMt_A2ezsvkJYOY83abJ-8QZwsyGGP2wFIt9XOhpOXmpKf1UWVnsQJ3AAZ_On_Yj2ql3x-oHK7MXk/s1600/20150123_131321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEOoQ1Fkob3RgwcnaCoQ2ZVLWxKS8c-UdV4gR8oeaGpCHBwXn_vN6bWYVo9cpZ1JMt_A2ezsvkJYOY83abJ-8QZwsyGGP2wFIt9XOhpOXmpKf1UWVnsQJ3AAZ_On_Yj2ql3x-oHK7MXk/s1600/20150123_131321.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
3) Dolch Speed Read<br />
I have heard many times that a creative mind means a messy desk. I choose to believe that this is the cause of my extreme disorganization. I love using my board because it means less STUFF in my room. A few years ago, I tossed my flash cards and started making flash cards for my board. This is SO much better because they are always where they are supposed to be. Flash cards for the board can also be way more fun and exciting than traditional flash cards. Plus, the kids can actually see them! I made "flash cards" focusing on the Dolch words. There are different themes for each month. The words get faster and faster, making this loads of fun for my kiddos. I have also used different fonts and the words appear in a different order each time. Here is a video of my kiddos using March Dolch Speed Read. To see my Dolch Speed Read sets on TpT, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dolch-Speed-Read-ALL-YEAR-1093057" target="_blank">click here. </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XIa7SPjccCk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XIa7SPjccCk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I can guarantee you that I will be using absolutely NO WORKSHEETS next Wednesday either! (We have that week off as well!) I look forward to writing about more worksheet-free ideas and using them when I get back to my kiddos. Thanks for reading and have a great week! <br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-48061015020263000682015-03-04T18:41:00.001-08:002015-03-04T18:41:55.068-08:00No Worksheet Wednesdays - Week 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmsBFxqatHgfmyAtdQ5f4vm9zx56yWLSnf1fRdrY4WQU8_YKVYWlA53gwfcv67xhbreTtAMrH-2VBlCEUvYjYpmGXJATgEGAsbxtg3ndZcbsXd0myKpk498Na61kRHFu63Y7OuozClZ0/s1600/No+Worksheet+Wednesdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmsBFxqatHgfmyAtdQ5f4vm9zx56yWLSnf1fRdrY4WQU8_YKVYWlA53gwfcv67xhbreTtAMrH-2VBlCEUvYjYpmGXJATgEGAsbxtg3ndZcbsXd0myKpk498Na61kRHFu63Y7OuozClZ0/s1600/No+Worksheet+Wednesdays.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a>I am SO excited about The Primary Chalkboard's No Worksheet Wednesday linky! Here are a few of the reasons why worksheets are not really my thang:<br />
1. Think of the trees! I literally cannot believe how much paper my school goes through every year. When I think of all the paper in all the schools, I cannot imagine the waste that is created. <br />
2. Less papers means less grading! Let's face it, teachers have enough to do without adding hours of grading in the evenings and weekends. I ALWAYS prefer to use activities that allow me to immediately assess and give feedback. I feel like this is so much more effective and more fun for both my students and myself. <br />
3. Worksheets are SO boring! When we ditch the worksheets, we are able to have hands-on fun! <br />
<br />
Here are some of the fun things we did on our first No Worksheets Wednesdays:<br />
<br />
One of my LEAST favorite things to teach is handwriting. I feel like no matter how many times I say it, show it, reinforce it, those darn kids just do it however they want! A couple years ago, I got so frustrated that I thought maybe my Smart board could help me with this boring task. I made a few <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Primary-Techie/Category/Handwriting-Made-Fun" target="_blank">handwriting videos</a>. They use fun animations and sound effects to show correct letter strokes. This set comes with worksheets for practice, but today, I ditched to worksheets for a new approach! I put on a space alien themed handwriting video and gave all my kids UFOs (finger flashlights) to fly over the letters. I turned out the lights and we flew our UFOs all the way from A-Z. My kids have done lots of writing in the air, but the finger lights made it WAY more fun! (And room 203 likes to have a fun time!) Could you do this without the video? Sure! What I like about the video is that there is a sound for each letter stroke. I encourage my kids to make silly noises as we write the letters. This helps reinforce correct formation. The video is a great visual for kids to SEE how letters are formed. I love doing handwriting this way. It incorporates so many learning modalities. To see all my handwriting videos on TpT,<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Primary-Techie/Category/Handwriting-Made-Fun" target="_blank"> click here.</a> Check out this video of our handwriting in action! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lNY91UiX5XU/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lNY91UiX5XU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
In math, we are working on geometry. Our workbook page for today had the kids reviewing solid figures. Instead of pencils and paper, we used play-doh! How stinkin' fun is that? I called out solid figures and the kids built them. When they were finished, I asked them to show me attributes of the figure (point to a vertex, show your shoulder partner a curved surface, how many edges does your figure have, etc.) We had SO much fun! This was also a great way to review flat and curved surfaces because we needed to use the table to create flat surfaces and our hands for curved surfaces. When we started, I demonstrated techniques to help build figures. For cones, we rolled the play-doh between our hands then smooshed it on our desks to create a flat bottom. For pyramids, we discussed how the shape is similar to a cone, but pyramids have flat surfaces on the sides. We made a cone, then smooshed the sides on the desk. After we had done several examples figures together, I had them quiz their shoulder partners. This was a really fun math lesson and we definitely learned more about figures than we would have with our workbook pages. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnaii05fOrsAzeixmjp-mzsZnlc7vCEEF9gt0_0I1o7oRnLBBzg6ezpc-TFVGIXOBtLAJ2v95hE-YYp4w5OdyUZUoyVUJnb1Bkn7Roubl93gnZr_zsgmiGOWnbWje74Zwzk0gAt3T3sQ/s1600/playdoh+geometry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnaii05fOrsAzeixmjp-mzsZnlc7vCEEF9gt0_0I1o7oRnLBBzg6ezpc-TFVGIXOBtLAJ2v95hE-YYp4w5OdyUZUoyVUJnb1Bkn7Roubl93gnZr_zsgmiGOWnbWje74Zwzk0gAt3T3sQ/s1600/playdoh+geometry.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't wait for next Friday! <br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 19.7999992370605px; line-height: 27.7199993133545px; text-align: center;">Link up your hands-on pictures with us over at </span><a href="http://www.primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/2015/03/no-worksheet-wednesday-1.html" style="background-color: white; color: #ba15e3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 19.7999992370605px; line-height: 27.7199993133545px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">The Primary Chalkboard</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 19.7999992370605px; line-height: 27.7199993133545px; text-align: center;"> by clicking </span><a href="http://www.primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/2015/03/no-worksheet-wednesday-1.html" style="background-color: white; color: #ba15e3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 19.7999992370605px; line-height: 27.7199993133545px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">HERE</a>.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 19.7999992370605px; line-height: 27.7199993133545px; text-align: center;"> :) We hope you join us for all, or even at least one, No Worksheet Wednesdays! :)</span><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-14936083044270944362015-02-23T04:30:00.000-08:002015-02-23T04:30:02.470-08:00Super Sale and a Super Giveaway!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8wbr0gr8fNbrKCTcoLK-py6NzK_sjWwUq_Nd263OQHRM0smkLv8LGprHxO9HLTE0Omi2tdVOswmyqwGuAnWe3HWfl32iXW20SOA7XpjZg3vYRT9gi_w7GAtqBOlYmF5hBAJVSkUiVTI/s1600/images+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8wbr0gr8fNbrKCTcoLK-py6NzK_sjWwUq_Nd263OQHRM0smkLv8LGprHxO9HLTE0Omi2tdVOswmyqwGuAnWe3HWfl32iXW20SOA7XpjZg3vYRT9gi_w7GAtqBOlYmF5hBAJVSkUiVTI/s1600/images+(4).jpg" /></a>Hello friends! I have some SUPER news! It is time for another TpT sale. The sale begins on Wednesday. Everything in my store will be 20% off and you can use promo code HEROES to save an additional 10%. This sale is to celebrate teachers and honor you for the heroes you are. Yep! Go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it for all you do. I am a serious shopper. Whenever there is a sitewide sale, I always like to prepare so I get the most bang for my buck. I am going to share some of my tricks with you.<br />
<br />
1) Earn TpT credits by leaving feedback!<br />
Go through all your previous purchases and make sure you have left feedback. You can use your points to save even more off the sale prices. It is easy to see what items you have not left feedback for. Just go to "My Purchases" and then sort items by "Needs Feedback". SO easy and this could save you big time! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l3MmdykrNvhe_tZbu1usRvIuIukqOIUDAqwaJivycZ_N8Wd6YquExhhRsKlNre-ZLcxKFqT7vTANF7MPn6OLoaCVdU7bN228TyWfidD4EhL4TTOY9msgWHaK6hboGoUmfjcQ8dzbeYY/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l3MmdykrNvhe_tZbu1usRvIuIukqOIUDAqwaJivycZ_N8Wd6YquExhhRsKlNre-ZLcxKFqT7vTANF7MPn6OLoaCVdU7bN228TyWfidD4EhL4TTOY9msgWHaK6hboGoUmfjcQ8dzbeYY/s1600/Capture.PNG" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) Go through your wishlist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the time to clean out that wishlist. Maybe you put something on there and you have changed your mind. Maybe you put something wonderful on there and forgot all about it. This is the time to prioritize and snag products while they are discounted.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) Plan ahead! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Site-wide sales don't come around often. Think of all the things that will be coming up...Read Across America, Test Prep, St. Patrick's Day, Spring, End of the Year. This is the time to stock up for things you know you will need in the future.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to show you some of the new things I have in my store. I have added some great management tools since the last sale. If you don't have these, you should check them out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Stamina-Timers-and-Tools-1654362" target="_blank">Reading Stamina Timers and Tools</a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This set is perfect for working on sustained silent reading. Check out this video to see a preview of it in action. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fOwAMyxaNxQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fOwAMyxaNxQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This set includes a variety of themes and I will keep adding more until I get themes and holidays for the entire year. It currently has:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pirates</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bears</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Snowmen</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Valentine's</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Groundhog</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
St. Patrick's </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Stamina-Timers-and-Tools-1654362" target="_blank">Click here</a> to check out Reading Stamina Timers and Tools in my store.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Life-Savers-1597329" target="_blank">Classroom Management Life Savers</a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This set already includes 50 themes to keep student behavior on-track and it keeps growing! I will keep adding themes to this set until it reaches the maximum file size allowed on TpT. I use these EVERYDAY with my kids. We use the build tools while I run reading groups. We use the take away tools at clean-up. These were too of the worst times of the day for me and now they are a breeze. I can literally praise and correct behaviors without saying a word. This is a MUST! To read more about Classroom Management Life Savers, <a href="http://primarytechie.blogspot.com/2014/12/classroom-management-life-savers-and.html" target="_blank">click here</a>. To add them to your wishlist, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Life-Savers-1597329" target="_blank">click here.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCSKZiGxlheh_1ObPuYUJTm4_Ax0tfa2oSIYDv00n5ITCbCbwABaGJGs2fRpnbLVh9x85ec8VLrrQ0g5Yiy4NV2fknacaP6sm-0XwsOdZq6M5HDHyn-Ar8SsEN4QjHcFlL50Y_9KVNio/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCSKZiGxlheh_1ObPuYUJTm4_Ax0tfa2oSIYDv00n5ITCbCbwABaGJGs2fRpnbLVh9x85ec8VLrrQ0g5Yiy4NV2fknacaP6sm-0XwsOdZq6M5HDHyn-Ar8SsEN4QjHcFlL50Y_9KVNio/s1600/Slide5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yoga-Skip-Counting-Brain-Breaks-1624898" target="_blank">Yoga Skip Counting</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Skip-Count-and-Move-Brain-Breaks-1621679" target="_blank">Skip Count and Move</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am LOVING these with my kiddos! We are having fun, getting some exercise, and learning. My firsties are going to breeze through multiplication because they can skip count fluently. I like to use the yoga themes when we need to calm down and relax. The Move games are fun when we have some extra wiggles we need to get out or when we can't go out for recess. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yoga-Skip-Counting-Brain-Breaks-1624898" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see the Yoga Skip Count and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Skip-Count-and-Move-Brain-Breaks-1621679" target="_blank">click here</a> for Skip Count and Move. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8ZXEwxuh38EM-6lHdlFlBd0JqasCT6xDyyzghANzbHn0B1g6TjM7HvDGttVdqkYnncfMGPjw46OQ1ALL64-6lTVXnyoOZ9e3Jgmu9ShW06OC6QWOah7h0wVzadHmcQ2-zZjEHz8Fm8E/s1600/TN.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8ZXEwxuh38EM-6lHdlFlBd0JqasCT6xDyyzghANzbHn0B1g6TjM7HvDGttVdqkYnncfMGPjw46OQ1ALL64-6lTVXnyoOZ9e3Jgmu9ShW06OC6QWOah7h0wVzadHmcQ2-zZjEHz8Fm8E/s1600/TN.png" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpkMCfFBb_SRug3mH4aCgi_d7X2Jqc2JO0xXGZZEgiwSieKukYy-5nHklhD7ZNX_BnEJ9YJVu0zln_AIlVY0qUpWM-vKIkHSAPDc2U9vCX5XI5oxTGOGFpEv8bsVVYYflIwjZEASo80I/s1600/Skip+Count+and+Move+TN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpkMCfFBb_SRug3mH4aCgi_d7X2Jqc2JO0xXGZZEgiwSieKukYy-5nHklhD7ZNX_BnEJ9YJVu0zln_AIlVY0qUpWM-vKIkHSAPDc2U9vCX5XI5oxTGOGFpEv8bsVVYYflIwjZEASo80I/s1600/Skip+Count+and+Move+TN.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Some of my friends over at The Primary Chalkboard and I have decided to do a giveaway. We are each giving away a $20 Tpt gift certificate. Enter my raffle to enter then hop over to some of the other bloggers who are participating. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.2brainyapples.com%2F2015%2F02%2Fsale-and-20-giveaway.html&h=VAQEfwFtD" target="_blank">2 Brainy Apples </a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Foutofthisworldliteracy.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F02%2Fbig-sale-win-20-tpt-gift-card.html&h=xAQH1Xl-h" target="_blank">Out of this World Literacy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftraditionslaughterandhappilyeverafter.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F02%2Fits-tpt-sale-and-giveaway.html&h=9AQG4WLQd" target="_blank">Teaching and Much Moore</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgrowingfirsties.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F02%2Fthis-that-and-20-tpt-giftcard-giveaway.html&h=SAQF10i0_" target="_blank">Growing Firsties</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fchalkoneupfortheteacher.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F02%2Fyou-are-super-hero-yesyou.html&h=sAQH1K-sN" target="_blank">Chalk One Up for the Teacher</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.surfinthroughsecond.com%2F2015%2F02%2Fwho-needs-little-extra-tpt-cash.htm&h=qAQFfE5rE" target="_blank">Surfin Through Second</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Good luck and happy shopping!<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="585f901a8" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/585f901a8/" id="rcwidget_y20ecazq" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Kq8pVBFcAP8%2FUU8kRHjVYlI%2FAAAAAAAAAbw%2Fcd5OWbaaD6Q%2Fs1600%2FSignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" -->The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-56032598682205867932015-01-10T19:09:00.003-08:002015-01-11T12:48:59.080-08:00Writing Workshop with a Techie TwistCONFESSION: I used to really struggle with writer's workshop. I had a hard time meeting with all my kids and managing the herd while I met with small groups. I hated writing prompts on my bored. I would forget which prompts I had already used. It was boring. I had good intentions, they just didn't work out very often. Well, since I have started incorporating technology, my writer's workshop is super easy to manage. I meet with all my kids on a regular basis, and have no issues with managing the class while I do it. Want to know my secret? Here it is!<br />
<br />
Materials for my writers workshop are:<br />
Stickers cut into groups of 4-6. <br />
Craft sticks with numbers (one side red and one side green)<br />
Writing journals<br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PowerPoint-Prompts-Winter-Bundle-1643180" target="_blank">PowerPoint Prompts</a><br />
<br />
I start off by making journals for each of my students. I make a new journal each month and include enough pages to give us one page for each school day. My school buys a TON of primary lined story paper each year, so I use that with construction paper for a cover. I have created journal pages to make your own journals if your school does not provide lined paper. These are included in my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PowerPoint-Prompts-Winter-Bundle-1643180" target="_blank">PowerPoint Prompts</a>. <br />
<br />
While my kids are out at afternoon recess, I just open my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PowerPoint-Prompts-Winter-Bundle-1643180" target="_blank">PowerPoint Prompts</a>. I have a prompt for every day of the month. I click on the number that matches the date. This ensures that I don't repeat or forget which prompts I have used. I have also included random prompts that go with holidays and themes during the month. I did this to make my journal prompts more versatile. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday is January 15th, but you might want your class to write about it on the Friday before, the Tuesday after, or any other time it fits! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wucUWa2WsJSyK0BtZfHRoEFrAnmaMW3fZa8d0SLo274MTBCvTx9Bv5N88nSJPq-JAHmOSB5jSKuruiUuVS1IKxAIJhjmc5UefCoQKsm6BVQjH0flOwfEYBMs30zbv6KiY6S5GY42C3s/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wucUWa2WsJSyK0BtZfHRoEFrAnmaMW3fZa8d0SLo274MTBCvTx9Bv5N88nSJPq-JAHmOSB5jSKuruiUuVS1IKxAIJhjmc5UefCoQKsm6BVQjH0flOwfEYBMs30zbv6KiY6S5GY42C3s/s1600/Picture2.png" height="373" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another thing that I love about using PowerPoint Prompts is that they are much more engaging than a prompt written on the board. I have included a variety of topics and writing skills. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGen8VDRjT9_xgJaC3aCPdYTKw_UiRfdp-aACRtQ07SUuSUsxI738nFVtU3c2Ec8Bge8Df65jsZMjW8u6_GhKlAwQCIXtH4tNbZJKuUB3WjeQsYscah3HZiyCW6fsKGGi0hZSXXe8YF0/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGen8VDRjT9_xgJaC3aCPdYTKw_UiRfdp-aACRtQ07SUuSUsxI738nFVtU3c2Ec8Bge8Df65jsZMjW8u6_GhKlAwQCIXtH4tNbZJKuUB3WjeQsYscah3HZiyCW6fsKGGi0hZSXXe8YF0/s1600/Picture1.png" height="371" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PowerPoint-Prompts-Winter-Bundle-1643180" target="_blank">PowerPoint Prompts</a> also have built-in quiet music. You can choose to play the music or not. This is a totally versatile tool!<br />
As soon as my kids get back in the room and see the prompt on the board, they know to take out their journals and get busy writing. This is a quiet, independent work time. They are not allowed to ask for help with spelling. Sounding words out independently reinforces phonics skills and makes them more confident writers. I encourage them to use their dictionaries, but they can't ask me or classmates for spelling help. I give my kids about 20 minutes to work on writing then they leave their journals on their desks and come to the rug. <br />
I choose a stick from my cup and that student must share with the class. They bring their journal up and read it to the class. Next, I put it under my document camera and we critique it as a class. The document camera lets the whole class see the writing on the board! When I started this, I was worried that my beginning writers would be embarrassed or that kids might be mean to each other. I was really careful about how I set it up and just the opposite has happened. They are super supportive of each other and always proud to share. We always find some things we like about the writing and some things for the student to work on. This public sharing really motivates the kids to work hard and use their time wisely. Once I started using the document camera, I saw a HUGE improvement in their handwriting! They want to impress their classmates. Everybody gets positive feedback even if it is "I like your picture" or "I like the way you did a lot of writing". The kids are always kind to each other. I love the way that this brings the class together and helps us feel like a community. They see that they all have things to work on and things that they all do well. We each have our strengths and weaknesses and we can help each other. Some kids have incredible creative thinking skills, but need to work on using their dictionary for spelling sight words correctly. Some kids have beautiful handwriting but need to work on punctuation. I always guide the conversation and ensure that there is plenty of praise and just the right amount of critique needed to encourage and motivate without putting anyone down. The document camera allows the whole class to discuss writing in an authentic and purposeful way. It keeps the whole group engaged and participating - which means I am not trying to keep them busy while I work with small groups! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMizmjjmgU-fO2JKTXUhTGY3EI3Kp6J6MivpYDo58U8t1dm7R_EppntDY3dRuLQwFsMN9kNf25uICXT_BWYoKD95gOKaDusDHrqfYU6Ims5bQzAtGyc-a1KNaptK4rRG-A8ZnXjS3hWP4/s1600/second+grade+writing.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMizmjjmgU-fO2JKTXUhTGY3EI3Kp6J6MivpYDo58U8t1dm7R_EppntDY3dRuLQwFsMN9kNf25uICXT_BWYoKD95gOKaDusDHrqfYU6Ims5bQzAtGyc-a1KNaptK4rRG-A8ZnXjS3hWP4/s1600/second+grade+writing.png" height="320" width="239" /></a>I have goals for writing. My school does report cards every six weeks. (BOO!) The first six weeks of school, I want them to master one sentence. Every day when we journal, their goal is one sentence. I want a capital, punctuation, and it makes sense. The second six weeks, we are working on two sentences. We continue increasing our writing goals until the end of the year when we are writing paragraphs with a minimum of six sentences. If the student who is sharing has completed our writing goals, they get a sticker on their journal. I will make corrections and write notes while we are critiquing under the camera. If students do an exceptional job, I call this "second grade writing" and they get two M&Ms. <br />
<br />
More about the stickers -<br />
The reason that I cut stickers into small groups, is because it helps me regulate how many students I am choosing. I tend to try to choose too many and they get bored with it. BORED = NAUGHTY! Don't make that mistake. By only picking 4, 5, or 6 students, they stay interested and look forward to our writing time. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMckYbtZgcL5qOQC4ECXQCypCuD_ZJClk7W8N33K9gaGSWazsZCsW94Ut-QyOEGUkF1PKPinhW8_n7ViaOFZbpZ4TfgMMkpeSYw9rkfIWLgSYZ5bNH0dBI1U7VKe3HUGVByF0aG5LRes/s1600/stickers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMckYbtZgcL5qOQC4ECXQCypCuD_ZJClk7W8N33K9gaGSWazsZCsW94Ut-QyOEGUkF1PKPinhW8_n7ViaOFZbpZ4TfgMMkpeSYw9rkfIWLgSYZ5bNH0dBI1U7VKe3HUGVByF0aG5LRes/s1600/stickers.png" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
More about the sticks -<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdcCoEwtlPQAfz3tZ0TbOBJukq77vBtvAGZ2V3VSh4udIY6-HnicjGQie1YTau3WD95lu8pRUsp8HbthuuW0sN262-jiRV_D8gQCTF6QJ2GdmXG8WgCe8RM_IZ6o7PkYvNQ8BcX5bgUk/s1600/pick+a+stick.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdcCoEwtlPQAfz3tZ0TbOBJukq77vBtvAGZ2V3VSh4udIY6-HnicjGQie1YTau3WD95lu8pRUsp8HbthuuW0sN262-jiRV_D8gQCTF6QJ2GdmXG8WgCe8RM_IZ6o7PkYvNQ8BcX5bgUk/s1600/pick+a+stick.png" height="272" width="400" /></a>I have had the same set of sticks for years and years. I wrote numbers on the sticks (my kids all have an assigned number). I painted one ond of the sticks red and the other side green. I start with all the sticks green side up, red side down. I remember that green means "GO". Go ahead and pick them! Red means "STOP". Stop you have already picked them! I pick a green and flip it over. This helps me choose every student every week. Once all the sticks are showing red, I flip them back to green and start over. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEApJPuWRLs2s0GZhcyTl4aupgdv-80j_MeEphS0tW2QPAsl1y1BuYsLeipvYm9pHwC7HKcK7e4PLeLYWb9t2r0knU4BjFVN_wHX2s2R4WHHBIWFjJOS4tBhWSK6mqbI5Bc2vwaQ54Px4/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEApJPuWRLs2s0GZhcyTl4aupgdv-80j_MeEphS0tW2QPAsl1y1BuYsLeipvYm9pHwC7HKcK7e4PLeLYWb9t2r0knU4BjFVN_wHX2s2R4WHHBIWFjJOS4tBhWSK6mqbI5Bc2vwaQ54Px4/s1600/Picture3.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Here are a couple examples of our actual writing journals. The prompt was "Would you rather paint or run?" The student on the left knew that he needed help spelling exercise and could so he used his dictionary for those words. He thought he could spell want and and, so he did not use the dictionary for these words. We talked about that in our critique. We also talked about reading over your work to make sure it really says what you want it to say. He forgot a couple words, but he thought he had written them. It wasn't until he read this to the class that he realized he left them out. Our critique needs to be positive so we always find things we like and praise, praise, praise! This kid was trying and there were lots of things he did right. We recognized those things and gave plenty of compliments. One student commented on how she liked the way he labeled his picture. Another said they liked the way he used nice spaces between his words. I want all my kids to leave writer's workshop feeling successful. <br />
The student on the right is a more proficient writer than the one on the left. At this point in the year, we are working on three sentences, but I would consider this "second grade writing" because I would be happy to send this kid to second grade with these skills. While his writing is really good, we still find things for him to work on. This creates a feeling of equality in my little writers and helps prevent them from feeling inadequate or boastful. We said we liked the interesting words the student on the right used. He will "draw a master piece" and be "famous". We like how he chose to write the letters FUN in all capitals. It was a great opportunity to talk about why he chose to do this. When I asked why he did this, he said he liked how Robert Munsch used all capitals in some of his writing. What a great opportunity for the whole class to hear one of their peers say something so inspiring! This would not happen with my old small group writer's workshop. What does this kid need to work on? We gave him the goals of writing more! He is ready for more sentences! He had the word went instead of want and noticed this when he read to us so we also gave him reread as something to work on (the same goal as the first student). <br />
This has been an amazing solution to writer's workshop. It is so easy to manage and allows me to meet with every student every week. The best part is, the kids love it! This is by far my easiest block of time each and every day. It allows me to assess my students and give them feedback with almost no prep! LOVE THAT! This year, I am creating four bundles of PowerPoint Prompts to use with writer's workshop. <br />
<br />
Here are the links to the bundles I have in my store:<br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PowerPoint-Prompts-Winter-Bundle-1643180" target="_blank">Winter</a><br />
<br />
I have made a short demo video that shows how easy it is to use this resource: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/y6-N9_1fbsM/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/y6-N9_1fbsM&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/y6-N9_1fbsM&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
Until next time,<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-57191751836455645102015-01-04T09:46:00.000-08:002015-01-04T09:49:03.257-08:00January Goals Gift Card Celebration<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAM9jHifo5snV0qniicKHd59fsnYSyHPdAc9ARI02ZlH20lKXuXwiZ2gKKIS9_HuGoU6r0ZiBs2EN-wKaGjsgHVrDlRiTFwsK3WG4l6pio9_mlUwyjJ0ParGCO2UVof_xyfb1PZxMxoa8/s1600/goal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAM9jHifo5snV0qniicKHd59fsnYSyHPdAc9ARI02ZlH20lKXuXwiZ2gKKIS9_HuGoU6r0ZiBs2EN-wKaGjsgHVrDlRiTFwsK3WG4l6pio9_mlUwyjJ0ParGCO2UVof_xyfb1PZxMxoa8/s1600/goal.jpg" height="183" width="320" /></a>I am a firm believer in setting goals. I set goals for myself every day! Getting laundry done, lesson plans finished, projects completed, etc. To keep myself motivated, I also set rewards for finishing my goals. I believe that setting goals and writing them down is hugely important. I have decided that 2015 is going to be the year of TpT goals. I have always had my own goals, but I want your help to accomplish some of them. I am going to give away a $10 gift card for each goal reached! When you win, you tell me where you would like me to get your gift card from. You choose your prize! I am going to do this every single month all year long! That means this is year, I will be giving away almost $500 worth of gift cards! Holy smokes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5JdFBSpC2EZPOpOwFoU9lEEAeICA8t5FqeJhcTrfDJTsyMJYq6S2LtT1j7gtIXnImkEkJ_-a9aSLMUXrWLi_-84n9JhYpAcsHPnm3lHKHoTc3tZE0GABh2ZkIhCfpFZg-yLXVt6NE1w/s1600/pick+your+prize.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5JdFBSpC2EZPOpOwFoU9lEEAeICA8t5FqeJhcTrfDJTsyMJYq6S2LtT1j7gtIXnImkEkJ_-a9aSLMUXrWLi_-84n9JhYpAcsHPnm3lHKHoTc3tZE0GABh2ZkIhCfpFZg-yLXVt6NE1w/s1600/pick+your+prize.png" height="319" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here are January's goals:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRuU4DtstxxxIaxUMo3xKdYcG7UeFqa5_PURJfLtvDnhgx-BJPUJZ_jWFMkNZoqNfBWsfM7v_VJshnIfGVZ-0uzu8M4vUAuRKg07HV5Nj6_7-q8OpMVQD-es0eMzNaaHBYgNbaFL6Iy4/s1600/jan+goals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRuU4DtstxxxIaxUMo3xKdYcG7UeFqa5_PURJfLtvDnhgx-BJPUJZ_jWFMkNZoqNfBWsfM7v_VJshnIfGVZ-0uzu8M4vUAuRKg07HV5Nj6_7-q8OpMVQD-es0eMzNaaHBYgNbaFL6Iy4/s1600/jan+goals.png" height="416" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Goal 1: 100 Blog Followers (currently at 83)<br />
Why follow this blog? This is a great place to get more info on my products, ideas and resources to use in your classroom, and grab some freebies. How do you follow? Click the "Join this site" button on the right side of this blog. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8SrNk9yBVfDFyNq1hykxkQ6_oWt2UDUMDQMAPNs2NnUdMSp0_-jW3d-hlcYWTnmMetjT6rPnnfq6L2YjJXa2Dq83bnQU6tH-ZZKer_v5B-MZVFtIncCWT4GP_hCUyQfj0siMnAHSfqs/s1600/jan+blog+followers.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8SrNk9yBVfDFyNq1hykxkQ6_oWt2UDUMDQMAPNs2NnUdMSp0_-jW3d-hlcYWTnmMetjT6rPnnfq6L2YjJXa2Dq83bnQU6tH-ZZKer_v5B-MZVFtIncCWT4GP_hCUyQfj0siMnAHSfqs/s1600/jan+blog+followers.PNG" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>
<br />
Goal #2: 1,200 Facebook Likes (currently at 1,037)<br />
My facebook page is the best place to keep up on the latest products and updates. This is also the best place for communication. If you have an idea, question, or suggestion, this is the place to post it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrtQBgXJ9EZ1YLVLoi5tOJb8UoF9PoU07dwmOqJHsSALFqoiN68idjVkQs-RIXWeWA_43hJP1uDrPPnNMmm1FL6T6bIgCTfQI06p9E3oQ2h8oxeHBK61mMBKtEPCqz6hZQybEtyUqteo/s1600/jan+fb+likes.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrtQBgXJ9EZ1YLVLoi5tOJb8UoF9PoU07dwmOqJHsSALFqoiN68idjVkQs-RIXWeWA_43hJP1uDrPPnNMmm1FL6T6bIgCTfQI06p9E3oQ2h8oxeHBK61mMBKtEPCqz6hZQybEtyUqteo/s1600/jan+fb+likes.PNG" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>
Goal #3: 15,000 TpT Votes (currently at 14,223)<br />
Are you leaving feedback for your TpT purchases? You earn credits to use toward free products! Only about 1/3 of buyers leave feedback. You can to to "my purchases" then sort items by "needs feedback". This will help you make sure you got them all! I recently figured out that I have earned over $140 worth of FREE TpT products just for leaving feedback! How awesome is that?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gBvtXQbZiSuz8320rWiSy_CQ8COuJAuiXf0LiA2q7I-87iXdir1CHqWitVGlBRknEa1AnXsb7YZ9poQMAdEvJoqswMVNsEKmFVzxE3p_9_gGbLjWdGOyaXqbv-ti8cwnBGtJdc6FxT8/s1600/jan+TpT+feedback.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gBvtXQbZiSuz8320rWiSy_CQ8COuJAuiXf0LiA2q7I-87iXdir1CHqWitVGlBRknEa1AnXsb7YZ9poQMAdEvJoqswMVNsEKmFVzxE3p_9_gGbLjWdGOyaXqbv-ti8cwnBGtJdc6FxT8/s1600/jan+TpT+feedback.PNG" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>
Goal #4: 2,900 TpT Followers (currently at 2,757)<br />
Why follow me on TpT? You get a notification whenever I add new products. You can also receive messages once a month telling you about sales, new products, or updates. To follow, click the small green star below my store name. When you are following, it shows "following". <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindVQ_qLCCnCHgB057ojI6hIU_BmeTFmcRCb-8B___O6dbQWFJAMW5iCZ61cYTf4tZjHBlYpeWl7272NCgPpUDKanfphuTfI4mKfMngLkN2n7SoG_RV3tLHM2_ci4C1WBawiG1y6zuszE/s1600/jan+TpT+followers.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindVQ_qLCCnCHgB057ojI6hIU_BmeTFmcRCb-8B___O6dbQWFJAMW5iCZ61cYTf4tZjHBlYpeWl7272NCgPpUDKanfphuTfI4mKfMngLkN2n7SoG_RV3tLHM2_ci4C1WBawiG1y6zuszE/s1600/jan+TpT+followers.PNG" height="320" width="272" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_53051436"></span><span id="goog_53051437"></span><br />
How can you help reach these goals if you are already doing all these things? Tell your friends! Spread the word! I love to celebrate milestones with big sales and giveaways. Okay! Finally time for the best part! THE GIVEAWAY! This raffle will run all month. Winners will be selected the beginning of February. Good luck!<br />
<br />
<br /><a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/585f901a7/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="585f901a7" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_v84605b9">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-53855693224057203032014-12-30T16:29:00.001-08:002014-12-30T16:29:10.951-08:00Top Blog Posts from 2014<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFB6l6OSo9K5NsD7yEWWL4nGjsE7pGXEYdzH3R1BJ5y_GiI3qVfa0BhzfWiF7NZWThYHuIHUD0aR3LfQYOYc0v8Mk637RZ-_IxsaO0G3fHXY-1148EMHCujHQTmRDh2FtWFEGd11s8U4/s1600/Top+blog+posts+of+2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFB6l6OSo9K5NsD7yEWWL4nGjsE7pGXEYdzH3R1BJ5y_GiI3qVfa0BhzfWiF7NZWThYHuIHUD0aR3LfQYOYc0v8Mk637RZ-_IxsaO0G3fHXY-1148EMHCujHQTmRDh2FtWFEGd11s8U4/s1600/Top+blog+posts+of+2014.png" height="357" width="400" /></a>I can't believe that 2014 is already over? There is SO much more I wanted to do! Well, I didn't want anybody to feel like they missed out on reading some really great blog posts, so I have asked some of the best bloggers around to link-up their TOP blog posts of 2014! All the great posts in one location. What could be better? If you are a blogger, feel free to post your top blog post from 2014 in the link up below. Thanks for visiting and happy 2015!<br />
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="480657">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=480657" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-48493338218007041512014-12-14T10:35:00.000-08:002014-12-14T15:19:35.906-08:00Fostering IndependenceDear Teacher,<br />
I love to go to you with all of my problems. I love that you are always there to fix them for me. When I told you that Sally wouldn't share the ball with me, you told her she has to. When I needed help opening my chips, you were always there to do it. When I need help on my work, I know you will be there to help me find the answer. When my shoes need tied, you are just the one I want to go to. Thanks for always being there to fix my problems for me. <br />
Love Always,<br />
The Dependent Student<br />
<br />
Dear Teacher,<br />
Thank you for NOT always solving my problems. You were always there for me, but you gave me the tools to fix them myself. When I told you Sally wouldn't share her ball with me, you told me how I should address Sally to take care of the problem myself. Now, I know how to handle conflict with friends and I don't need to rush to you when there is a problem. When I needed help opening my chips, you taught me how. At first my hands were not strong enough to pull the bag open, but with lots of practice, I can do it on my own. When I needed help with my work, you reminded me to read the directions, go back and check my answers, sound words out. You gave me the tools I need to do my work independently. When my shoes needed tied, you taught me to tie them. It took many lessons before I finally got it, but I am so proud of myself now because I know I can do it. Thank you for not always doing it for me. Thank you for teaching me how to be an independent, problem solver. <br />
Love Always,<br />
The Independent Student<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi542cX7MgVaw-9_qJQm12GTw3AI-2w5cBVzEQXm-7D7Sv1IQga_rwZ9HEPul3h3WPkIuvsyQwU63ThLS1UtSvSY-o9PD1yKz9WbeYyfcBnfxd5OxoRY65556S1ThzwXpiyGX5DADL8d6l2/s1600/helicopter-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi542cX7MgVaw-9_qJQm12GTw3AI-2w5cBVzEQXm-7D7Sv1IQga_rwZ9HEPul3h3WPkIuvsyQwU63ThLS1UtSvSY-o9PD1yKz9WbeYyfcBnfxd5OxoRY65556S1ThzwXpiyGX5DADL8d6l2/s400/helicopter-quote.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a>I began my teaching career in preschool. I knew I wanted to be a teacher so I began working with kids while I was in high school. I started out in a classroom for three year-olds. I thought those little kids were so darn cute! So little! So young! Babies really! The teacher in the room, Ms. Martha, was in her late sixties. She has been teaching little kids all her life. She would scold anybody who called her kids babies! They were three! They were capable! They were not babies! At first, I thought she was so harsh and callus. She wanted these little tiny kids to put their own shoes on! They had to clean up all their messes themselves. She forbid anyone from carrying these little darlings. She did not put up with crying or whining. They had to make their own beds before nap time and put them away after. I admit that when I started I felt bad for these little kids! It didn't take long for me to see that even though she had high expectations for these kids, they always met them. They could clean their messes. They were capable of putting their own shoes on. There was very rarely any crying or whining because they knew it would not work for them. They made their beds and seemed to enjoy it. The following year, I was moved to the four year old classroom. This teacher was in her thirties and very sweet. She had a different philosophy than Ms. Martha. She viewed the kids as little babies who needed her help. She had me cleaning their messes and putting on their shoes. I made the beds and put them away. There were constant tattles and whining. Many of the kids were the same that I had in the three year-old room. I knew they were capable. The expectation had changed and so had they. Working at the preschool helped me realize what kind of teacher I wanted to be; the kind with high expectations. My classroom would foster independence. I strive to do this everyday.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.quotehd.com/imagequotes/authors75/tmb/ann-landers-quote-what-the-vast-majority-of-american-children-needs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.quotehd.com/imagequotes/authors75/tmb/ann-landers-quote-what-the-vast-majority-of-american-children-needs.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a>In the ten years I have been in first grade, I have seen a change in the children. Every year, they seem younger and more immature. We have farther to go to get them to that independent stage. I have kids who cannot speak in proper sentences, "I go bathroom?" This is because they are not corrected at home. Baby talk in first grade is not cute. It needs to be corrected. I have kids who cannot button their own pants. I have had parents who do EVERYTHING for their children to the point where it has affected fine motor strength. I have had first graders who expect me to wipe their noses! How is this happening? <br />
The other day, I was talking to my dad. He was telling me about working when he was a kid. When he was in first grade, he chopped fire wood. I can't imagine my firsties with an ax! How dangerous! When he was 12, he drove heavy machines at his family's sawmill. I have a 12 year old. There is no way I would let her drive! That is just crazy! I asked my dad if his family was crazy to let such young kids do such serious work. He told me this was the norm. His friends had these same type of chores. Times have changed. Expectations have changed. What will the world be like for my children's children? Will we have a future like in the movie Wallie where we are all obese and live in our own little bubbles? It seems like a scary likelihood. <br />
What can we do about it? I try to teach my parents how to help create independence at home. I give them realistic expectations for their kids. They should be squeezing their own toothpaste on their toothbrush. They can help load the dishwasher. At school, I do not solve my students' problems for them. I teach them to do it. I will be honest, TEACHING them how to take care of problem takes ten times longer than just doing it for them. Once they know how, my life becomes easier. Second grade teachers will have a better year with them. They are more confident and capable. They quickly learn NOT to run to my with their problems. They know what I will say, "How can you take care of it?" I see them start to come to me, rethink it, and then try on their own. If they try and can't, I am always there to help them. I just expect them to TRY on their own before coming to me. I also teach them the difference between tattling and telling. Tattling is trying to get someone in trouble. Telling is when someone is hurt or could get hurt. I always want them to come to me if someone is hurt or could get hurt because my job is to keep them safe. <br />
That teacher in the four year-old classroom was doing her best. She was trying her hardest and wanted only the best for those kids. I was so fortunate to see these two vastly different approaches to teaching. They have helped me as both a parent and a teacher. <br />
<br />
How do you create independent students? Do you agree that they seem to come in more needy each year? Share your thoughts!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-1439104751088556502014-12-10T19:43:00.000-08:002014-12-10T19:43:22.849-08:00The Hour of Code in First Grade<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD26EPX1DBQ9_ZM0_MepzGu_jTggpshUaDHwh6B8VMFKPYfwvHgfikSwhy7Gf42DQ0zHIIUaOAJ85z4FDgrttdutUrOqNMKCtKl9DCZ-TB6SnE9tfMykr4-9XdxdX-NAD_ZvyzLNE7J5Y/s1600/hour+of+code+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD26EPX1DBQ9_ZM0_MepzGu_jTggpshUaDHwh6B8VMFKPYfwvHgfikSwhy7Gf42DQ0zHIIUaOAJ85z4FDgrttdutUrOqNMKCtKl9DCZ-TB6SnE9tfMykr4-9XdxdX-NAD_ZvyzLNE7J5Y/s1600/hour+of+code+logo.png" height="298" width="400" /></a>A few weeks ago, my sister asked if I had heard of the Hour of Code. I asked if this was a movie. She told me that if I was going to call myself "The Primary Techie", I better find out about the Hour of Code. So, I did what any good techie would do, I Googled it! The Hour of Code is a global movement to encourage children to learn basic computer coding. Computers are our students' futures. I believe that we should immerse them in technology. I am a wannabe techie and know NOTHING about coding. That being said, I believe that if I want to learn something, I can. <br />
I signed my class up to participate and began watching the tutorial videos. I was surprised by how easy it was to understand. Many activities were based on popular characters and themes like Frozen and Angry Birds. There are many activities to choose from. The tasks become more challenging as more puzzles are completed. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34DlMB2ZQ7oYnAzGsUXCu6Veq05L4nXo08fwrEfjbXbpslg2ww2kXp3dQTC2TKorCF-W6co-SCL8ueLMXGANZAfVraZaLaqtymsHStfUBJOglQsOUKia1S_1y1hmDCGbMaV57ui91Emc/s1600/hour+of+code+buddies+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34DlMB2ZQ7oYnAzGsUXCu6Veq05L4nXo08fwrEfjbXbpslg2ww2kXp3dQTC2TKorCF-W6co-SCL8ueLMXGANZAfVraZaLaqtymsHStfUBJOglQsOUKia1S_1y1hmDCGbMaV57ui91Emc/s1600/hour+of+code+buddies+logo.png" height="240" width="320" /></a>Some of the activities seemed much more appropriate for older students (independent readers). I borrowed a third grade class yesterday so that I could play with the more difficult activities. The kids were so into it, that they asked for the website so they could continue coding at home. With my firsties, I introduced all concepts on the smartboard. We walked through the activities together. <br />
The kids were bursting with excitement to try the coding on their own. One of the many tutorial videos showed how two kids should work together on one computer. They talked about one being the driver and the other is the navigator. The activities are perfect for taking turns and working together. I have four laptops in my room, so computers are usually one of my six stations. I wanted them to try the partner work, so I used two laptops at two different centers. This worked really well because the kids were able to keep their computers for two center transitions, which gave them longer turns. <br />
<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /></a>I knew they would learn computer stuff, but I was surprised by all the other benefits of the activities. They are excellent for problem solving, mathematical thinking, reading, and communication skills. Whether you are a techie or not, you should check out <a href="http://code.org/" target="_blank">The Hour of Code</a>. After you sign-up, you will get an email with certificates to print for your class. <br />
I told the technology director at my school about our Hour of Code. His response was, "What now?" I was so excited and that response kind of deflated me a bit. What now? He is right! What now? We are excited about it. We like it. What now? Does this fizzle out until next year when I do it again with a new group of kids? NO! I want my kids to continue this enthusiasm. We need to keep it going. We will add these activities to our weekly learning stations. We will incorporate this in our weekly tech lab time. The Hour of Code will not last just this week. The Hour of Code will become the YEAR of Code for my students. <br />
<a href="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D2dgYHwrlt4/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D2dgYHwrlt4/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a>I took typing in high school - on a TYPEWRITER! When I was in college, we didn't know how to cite the internet because it was too new. Technology changes so quickly and encompasses every aspect of our daily lives. I can't imagine what my students' futures hold, but I know that time spent teaching them about technology is a valuable use of time. <br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-75064640827375110592014-12-08T16:07:00.000-08:002014-12-08T16:15:21.488-08:00Classroom Management Life Savers and FREEBIE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PB9HuAbxeJ8aUjtyZBr5mEFrzyTQ9DTqFJGWNFbBtI5Fmg7-4GLGmOFh26zZ80VuUudWNNEX0gL68On2YB1JhvQWZ0fMS8qKRQIS3ZSy1d7uQ_RKRrBwJymw-AUR3O6ownw5L82hjnA/s1600/12-2-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PB9HuAbxeJ8aUjtyZBr5mEFrzyTQ9DTqFJGWNFbBtI5Fmg7-4GLGmOFh26zZ80VuUudWNNEX0gL68On2YB1JhvQWZ0fMS8qKRQIS3ZSy1d7uQ_RKRrBwJymw-AUR3O6ownw5L82hjnA/s1600/12-2-14.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a>December is fun, but man it wipes me out! These kids are pumped full of candy canes and hot cocoa! Who wants to work when there are fun decorations and presents in your near future? To be honest, most of the time I would rather be home wrapping presents and eating cookies! I know my kids would, too. Behavior management is serious business. ESPECIALLY this time of the year! That is why I am SO excited to tell you about my newest creation: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Life-Savers-1597329" target="_blank">Classroom Management Life Savers</a>! Pretty serious name, huh? Don't worry! It lives up to the name! <br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;">What is this? </span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">This
is a behavior management system that you run on your board. You do not need a </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">smartboard</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> to
run this. Any projector will work. I
strongly recommend a wireless mouse, keyboard, or presentation clicker. This will allow you to use the program from
any where in the room. You can redirect
students with the push of a button. It
doesn’t matter if you are on the phone, talking to your principal, working with
a small group, or testing students. One
click and your whole class is back on track!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;">Why I made this:</span></u><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">I have a marble jar in my classroom. When the jar is full, we vote on a class
reward. I would often give my students
challenges like “If you can pack-up quietly, you will earn 10 marbles.” As they cleaned, I would count down. “Now it is worth 9 marbles.” And so on. This works SO well for me at clean-up time. The problem is, I can’t do it while
multi-tasking. When I am running a
reading group, I forget what number we are on.
I hate interrupting my readers to re-direct the rest of the class. Now, my board does it all for me. </span><br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj642djOfxa4_mIrSuW2iuUF8rsJNb8qUg4MUfGsCeheYrpLBStAGPHfIwy9zjyhYrInRBQ17-4QGFWsY3RQ-Ohl_-JXhe6IFL4stT1divE9KOmgL4x-96l64CluPHTfuFbzsuJ7YPKIc8/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj642djOfxa4_mIrSuW2iuUF8rsJNb8qUg4MUfGsCeheYrpLBStAGPHfIwy9zjyhYrInRBQ17-4QGFWsY3RQ-Ohl_-JXhe6IFL4stT1divE9KOmgL4x-96l64CluPHTfuFbzsuJ7YPKIc8/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;">How to use it:<br />
</span></u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">Just
start the slide show and do your thing!
These are great to use for a specific period of time (not the same one
running all day). I love these during
reading groups. Each PowerPoint gives
the class a goal. In Take Away Tools,
the goal is to keep the objects (marbles, gingerbread men, etc.) In Build Tools, the goal is to gain pieces to
create a picture. The students must try to reach the goal before our next
transition. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj642djOfxa4_mIrSuW2iuUF8rsJNb8qUg4MUfGsCeheYrpLBStAGPHfIwy9zjyhYrInRBQ17-4QGFWsY3RQ-Ohl_-JXhe6IFL4stT1divE9KOmgL4x-96l64CluPHTfuFbzsuJ7YPKIc8/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWcjtpa2mLOtq0BAXai92MCNWwyumzu9LTMCLM4ZzzBVW_h3RqY7lRPKqlHlBSDti9O-T_a4GB0xpbvcoYRW4youzXOI0rNYh7a3Cu5VJV_d4kbsyUn0BT0Q9VLBruvQfztYNAP7CuT4/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWcjtpa2mLOtq0BAXai92MCNWwyumzu9LTMCLM4ZzzBVW_h3RqY7lRPKqlHlBSDti9O-T_a4GB0xpbvcoYRW4youzXOI0rNYh7a3Cu5VJV_d4kbsyUn0BT0Q9VLBruvQfztYNAP7CuT4/s1600/Slide3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;">About Take Away Tools:<br />
</span></u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">Take
away tools count down and deter negative
behaviors. We always start with 10. If my students get too noisy or are off-task,
I just click the mouse . One object will
disappear and a chime signals the class that they have lost one object. This sound reminds them to get back on-task. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">YOU don’t have to say a word! I love this because I can use it while I am
working with small groups and don’t need to interrupt my group at all. One click and they students are
refocused. I use Take Away tools along
with my marble jar. However many objects
are left determines the number of marbles the class earns. It can also be used as a consequence. For example, if my students lose all of the
objects, they lose recess or a fun activity.
I call this “Plan B”. You never
want to have a “plan B day”. Plan A is
always much more fun! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX29a1sMwsJVnQivj-Gz4SmBv-3YwYiyxO_jLKnsrvds9VQH_0KZpothKQEnOqk2yBlHyNNleAHsFjXQPNepWfTH-JfUsQ86lidolHwaZy0ftXvghBsb966NP0uq5fIOmwdXrzZXCRJs/s1600/Picture6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX29a1sMwsJVnQivj-Gz4SmBv-3YwYiyxO_jLKnsrvds9VQH_0KZpothKQEnOqk2yBlHyNNleAHsFjXQPNepWfTH-JfUsQ86lidolHwaZy0ftXvghBsb966NP0uq5fIOmwdXrzZXCRJs/s1600/Picture6.png" height="132" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;">About Build Tools:</span></u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">I
believe that positive reinforcement works much more effectively than negative,
so I also created Building Tools. With
the Build Tools, positive behavior is rewarded by creating a picture. When I catch them all working on-task, I
click to give them a piece of a picture.
I tell my students that if they reach the goal by the end of our reading
groups, they will earn a reward. This
can be a small treat like an M&M (yes, they do get excited about ONE
M&M!), “take your shoes off” until our next transition, extra minutes of
recess, everybody moves their clip up, or marbles for our jar. These are just a few ideas. I like to change it up on them all the time
so it is new and fresh. If it gets
boring, it will lose its effectiveness. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFG11i6nyLp3P-6FnBGaUrE8vC1Z7ovVk9P4ThlsVAyqPkDpWnFet8Ie6tdAsKBYzCSyOjeKZr39lxWZUDIKrycmlj75laJJ_c5bty2bMcgStDGRL-e1ToDtcRdS37WxdV3pxFc24_Zk/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFG11i6nyLp3P-6FnBGaUrE8vC1Z7ovVk9P4ThlsVAyqPkDpWnFet8Ie6tdAsKBYzCSyOjeKZr39lxWZUDIKrycmlj75laJJ_c5bty2bMcgStDGRL-e1ToDtcRdS37WxdV3pxFc24_Zk/s1600/Picture1.png" height="132" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;">About the Files:<br />
</span></u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">To
keep students engaged, I like to switch themes often. I have named the files to make them easy for
you to find. Themes that can be used
anytime (like pirates, marble jar, fish, and aliens) have names that begin with
0. All monthly themes are named with the
number of the month followed by the name.
For example, Santa will be used in December. December is the 12</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; vertical-align: super;">th</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> month, so this file will be called 12-
Santa. If you are looking for St.
Patrick’s Day themes, they will start with 3 because March is the third
month. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFc6B_DZ6E9oHoZJ5-mQYM9zghytgls88k3iElzaXbQpWt6SLQVIZDPqQQJqtGTKt-91meOr80VX5FJOXFwoLZK5oeJMzjCEVJVjQSJ2P-S5DOkWqosuTcUEwUkML1MizyLn9mR1SDeA/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFc6B_DZ6E9oHoZJ5-mQYM9zghytgls88k3iElzaXbQpWt6SLQVIZDPqQQJqtGTKt-91meOr80VX5FJOXFwoLZK5oeJMzjCEVJVjQSJ2P-S5DOkWqosuTcUEwUkML1MizyLn9mR1SDeA/s1600/Slide5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">This is an expanding file. I will continue adding new themes until this
has a minimum of 40 to give you a new theme each week. If you have a class theme that is not
included, please message me and I will try to add it for you. You can reach me at </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="mailto:primarytechie@gmail.com">primarytechie@gmail.com</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> or
via my </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">facebook</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> page
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrimaryTechie">https://www.facebook.com/PrimaryTechie</a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> if
you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. I would love to hear from you! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">I am so excited about these that I want to let my blog followers have a set for FREE! <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzLNL1x_YFzBam1BOGV0ajRFcGc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">This exclusive link</a> is not listed anywhere else! <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzLNL1x_YFzBam1BOGV0ajRFcGc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to download your own Build a Santa Tool.</a> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLzJ1shPn8tdK-XMs8hZmOcCiRnLNdNUbT6vPYxBpeyUGw4rySbvRcyc9fEsDDT0pOW2vdb4Aome6oAE0M1uLn8DsDEOasWBt9bXJfwl0EMkT9333WyZRq6EChoiI60WX2dmOmXRUPKw/s1600/Freebie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLzJ1shPn8tdK-XMs8hZmOcCiRnLNdNUbT6vPYxBpeyUGw4rySbvRcyc9fEsDDT0pOW2vdb4Aome6oAE0M1uLn8DsDEOasWBt9bXJfwl0EMkT9333WyZRq6EChoiI60WX2dmOmXRUPKw/s1600/Freebie.png" height="293" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">
This full set will continue to rise in price as more themes are added. The sooner you buy, the lower the price. Check out the full set by <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Life-Savers-1597329" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2O6I8PjOWBBomgs-aAO4Shk7nK5uipAgpFiyNyGAQfr4AiFR39pjGo2gcAY4KMD3LKQOBFQD3PUNS9HGoDzEytXq0hfe1_ftSw44YsnwdyUIXBtW0wFBsp1h2QoF2quqVCwUX8PBQ2h8/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2O6I8PjOWBBomgs-aAO4Shk7nK5uipAgpFiyNyGAQfr4AiFR39pjGo2gcAY4KMD3LKQOBFQD3PUNS9HGoDzEytXq0hfe1_ftSw44YsnwdyUIXBtW0wFBsp1h2QoF2quqVCwUX8PBQ2h8/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and reading about my newest treasures. I hope they save your sanity during this holly, jolly time of year! </div>
</span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-84022974587470991042014-12-07T15:36:00.000-08:002014-12-07T15:44:27.926-08:00Workin' Hard with the Fit Desk<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lifespanfitness.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/t/r/tr5000-dt7_model.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lifespanfitness.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/t/r/tr5000-dt7_model.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool, but not for me...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ever since I began creating stuff on TpT, I have found myself sitting on the couch with my laptop for hours and hours and hours (and hours). I get so sucked into my project that when I eventually stand-up, my legs are asleep and I have couch butt. I hate this! I like to move! I saw these super cool treadmill desks a while back.<br />
<br />
I considered buying one. When I was researching, I found them to be over a thousand bucks each. If this thing got me moving, it might be worth the money. My real worry is, what if I get sucked in to my projects and forget to walk? What if I hurt myself due to my lack of coordination? As I was looking at the treadmill desks, I found this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CM9CBZY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CM9CBZY&linkCode=as2&tag=thepritec-20&linkId=S4GBVFENLSNXDXE3" target="_blank">bike desk</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPP8WvawujtgX6hcmkmF7xHOKZySmUw-cziTFZo8NSpExC2vGbRno0T5kXOM_lqDEz5FKLtjehKQjCEgM0Nb_X4dmVDt5KOR2gg1zdbRfH8uOixTtQl3s-LuUfKXuXAB_7NQfnu40COPw/s1600/bike2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPP8WvawujtgX6hcmkmF7xHOKZySmUw-cziTFZo8NSpExC2vGbRno0T5kXOM_lqDEz5FKLtjehKQjCEgM0Nb_X4dmVDt5KOR2gg1zdbRfH8uOixTtQl3s-LuUfKXuXAB_7NQfnu40COPw/s1600/bike2.png" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is what I like about the bike desk:<br />
1) It doesn't take up too much floor space.<br />
2) It was only $300.<br />
3) If I forget to pedal, I am safely seated.<br />
<br />
I ordered that baby right away! It came in a little over a week. I was a bit intimidated by all the pieces and the overwhelming directions. I do love a good project, so I got busy right away. I had it completely put together in about two hours. <br />
<br />
It is not difficult to work and ride. I can easily type and pedal. It is smooth and not jerky. Instead of spending 3 hours sitting on the couch each evening, I am now spending 3 hours on my bike. I get all my work done, and get a workout in! I really love my bike and am so happy that I ordered it. If you feel like you don't have time to work out,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CM9CBZY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CM9CBZY&linkCode=as2&tag=thepritec-20&linkId=S4GBVFENLSNXDXE3" target="_blank"> check out the Fit Desk! </a> <br /><iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thepritec-20&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B00CM9CBZY&asins=B00CM9CBZY&linkId=JHAENSZGJQZQRCLS&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true">
</iframe>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-66053715228312268952014-11-14T21:24:00.000-08:002014-11-14T21:24:17.858-08:00Why I Am Thankful for TpT<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBAIc7LNK3R1KqovlgNthUywtQQ5u32T1t6HZnHfmb06kQaYNQwJGi3BfMNeYcKKl6dYZCzUqICvRa8agRer4q8JjHGXcxT7DrXE3TkURISwSC3Il58sfY-SR_5WrPSop2pFjgitZZ-sf/s1600/Thankfulness+Linky+Button.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBAIc7LNK3R1KqovlgNthUywtQQ5u32T1t6HZnHfmb06kQaYNQwJGi3BfMNeYcKKl6dYZCzUqICvRa8agRer4q8JjHGXcxT7DrXE3TkURISwSC3Il58sfY-SR_5WrPSop2pFjgitZZ-sf/s200/Thankfulness+Linky+Button.png" width="160" /></a>Miss Giraffe is hosting a <a href="http://missgiraffesclass.blogspot.com/2014/11/why-im-thankful-for-tpt-linky-party.html" target="_blank">"Why I'm Thankful for TpT" Linky Party</a> and I HAD to join! November is a time for reflection, a time for giving thanks. I cannot let this month pass without thinking of how eternally grateful I am for Teachers Pay Teachers. <br />
<br />
I began my journey on TpT just over two years ago. I have always loved creating things for my own students. Other teachers always told me I should sell my creations. I had no faith in myself. How would I start? Would anybody really want it? What if I failed? I was filled with so much doubt and a tremendous lack of confidence. <br />
<br />
In October of 2011, I learned that I needed stomach surgery. Even with health insurance, it would cost a few thousand dollars. I was devastated by this news. Times were so hard then. Money was so tight. We bought our home when the market was high and our payment was ridiculous. My husband is a firefighter, and I am a teacher. You would think we would be alright, but in actuality, every year we took home less money than the year before. There was no money in the budget for raises and the cost of insurance and taxes went up and up. <br />
<br />
I remember leaving the doctor and crying on the phone to my mom. How could I even think of getting this surgery? I was taking money from my kids. I didn't feel that I was a priority. I always put myself last. I felt so guilty that I was now going to be a burden. After I got off the phone, it hit me! I could raise the money by selling some of my creations! I would save all the money I made, and I wouldn't feel guilty. That very night, I signed up to be a seller on TpT. I made my very first sale within a couple hours. After that I was hooked! <br />
<br />
In the past two years, I have created over 600 resources. Children in Spain, China, and Australia use my games! Teachers have shared pictures of their students using my games and even letters from their kids THANKING them for letting them do them. I am blown away! I have met some of the nicest people! I began to realize that teachers actually liked my stuff! Kids across the country were using my games to have fun and learn! This is my passion! This is my dream! I am all about getting in done, but makin' it fun! I want kids to LOVE school. I want them to think they are playing, but really they are learning! I was now sharing this passion in classrooms across the world! I had never imagined how fulfilling that could be. <br />
<br />
In 2013, I got a booth at the I Teach K conference in Las Vegas and shared my passion with teachers from around the country. Last summer, I got two booths and presented. I NEVER would have done this before TpT. I have found a confidence in myself. I have realized that I can go as far as I dream. <br />
One year ago, I had my stomach surgery and paid for it all through my TpT earnings. I feel so much better physically, but I never imaged how much better I would feel emotionally. TpT has given me a confidence and drive that I never had before. I know that I am worthy and deserving. I no longer put myself last. Teachers Pay Teachers has empowered me, given me a purpose, and allowed me to grow as a human being. I never expected any of this when I signed up, but I am forever grateful to TpT for helping me discover who I was meant to be.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBAIc7LNK3R1KqovlgNthUywtQQ5u32T1t6HZnHfmb06kQaYNQwJGi3BfMNeYcKKl6dYZCzUqICvRa8agRer4q8JjHGXcxT7DrXE3TkURISwSC3Il58sfY-SR_5WrPSop2pFjgitZZ-sf/s1600/Thankfulness+Linky+Button.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-83781492283117862022014-10-11T15:00:00.001-07:002014-12-07T21:51:37.722-08:00The Life Cycle of a Pumpkin with Free Science JournalOne of my favorite Halloween books is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0807566667/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0807566667&linkCode=as2&tag=thepritec-20&linkId=2NZ5IXKPYV2LCVEM" target="_blank">Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell</a>. <br />
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/A1D%2BkOhoAiL._SL1500_.jpg" height="505" width="640" /><br />
In this story, a little boy throws his old jack-o-lantern into his garden and watches it rot. He is surprised to find new pumpkin plants sprouting from the rotten shell. For years, I would leave an old jack-o-lantern out so that we could watch it rot. It was pretty fun. Last year, I saw an idea on pinterest where the pumpkin is filled with soil so that the seeds can sprout. We still have all the fun of watching the pumpkin rot but now we also get to watch the seeds sprout. The kids LOVE it! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6638248807493510481" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H6v81qxXMM1usaDCDD8QKUuoRXM2INktX7igz200Xxhl7GiFweWaQW84T6jonMdEsQiegMA5WLOfBHFv1tyIyh2-zx6zOH4wBWAw6-CGJ-QtzqQK86Va3CgaE00g5iKVVTi7OJ1JBGE/s1600/pumpkin+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H6v81qxXMM1usaDCDD8QKUuoRXM2INktX7igz200Xxhl7GiFweWaQW84T6jonMdEsQiegMA5WLOfBHFv1tyIyh2-zx6zOH4wBWAw6-CGJ-QtzqQK86Va3CgaE00g5iKVVTi7OJ1JBGE/s1600/pumpkin+journal.jpg" height="640" width="530" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
To get started, all you need is a pumpkin and a bag of soil. Cut the top off the pumpkin and fill that baby up. Put the pumpkin in a clear plastic tote. I look for something that can be tossed because after weeks of rotten pumpkin, I don't want to clean it. Water the seeds and watch. I created some journals for my kids to record the changes we see. We are just starting them, but my students were SO excited! <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzLNL1x_YFzBNnhiLUpwYzAtc1k/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to print your own Pumpkin Science Journals</a>. Here are the pages:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M3KO17m9KIZPewmo-ecKaZSqBmIYjaTzoLIQsZ3oWPm12ef9aMn-qxu6vQExQ4RxMWtIL8kmXmD49AwN0-0uRYvxJTVeH54gbvyq0X_FeI-gdyL1ikzj-KQ52AbDbYBf1TQMt5qIg_E/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M3KO17m9KIZPewmo-ecKaZSqBmIYjaTzoLIQsZ3oWPm12ef9aMn-qxu6vQExQ4RxMWtIL8kmXmD49AwN0-0uRYvxJTVeH54gbvyq0X_FeI-gdyL1ikzj-KQ52AbDbYBf1TQMt5qIg_E/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_0_ujO8GYHwPeEA517FRaZz-Z3EgBBW6adr1LcwWsaCyyAaPU6J4917hXcjacKuD_C-L-4R1BV8dLi0Jd1N1Qib_M8-UfeCVfkAYrBp6J0u0TXleqpBU6NAbVTk594uhY0R-wAL1G4M/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_0_ujO8GYHwPeEA517FRaZz-Z3EgBBW6adr1LcwWsaCyyAaPU6J4917hXcjacKuD_C-L-4R1BV8dLi0Jd1N1Qib_M8-UfeCVfkAYrBp6J0u0TXleqpBU6NAbVTk594uhY0R-wAL1G4M/s1600/Slide2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside pages. I put 6 two-sided sheets in each journal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalJAB4DuEN3aYDE4ED2PGbtpstLLYvRSPHaX9AcizS7r03wilj69NX68n5Jez7XGLB8GC6LCSkHaDEydQ1hLbRZyTZeDr0ow06nJtMyMJ0sIsFQdzg58PN2CM0gOo7i2gCBxJeedac8c/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalJAB4DuEN3aYDE4ED2PGbtpstLLYvRSPHaX9AcizS7r03wilj69NX68n5Jez7XGLB8GC6LCSkHaDEydQ1hLbRZyTZeDr0ow06nJtMyMJ0sIsFQdzg58PN2CM0gOo7i2gCBxJeedac8c/s1600/Slide3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last page - reviewing what we learned from the project.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Until next time-<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-63813797684261290062014-09-14T17:44:00.000-07:002014-09-14T22:05:51.054-07:00Favorite Things Giveaway #2 - PowerPoint Clicker!Wow! Long time no blog! I have been super busy with my new group of kiddos. I am happy to report that they are a great bunch and we are off to a super start. It has been a month since my last Favorite Things Giveaway, so I had to return to the blog and get busy! Each month this year, I will be posting one of my favorite things and giving it away! This month, I am so excited to giveaway one of my favorite little gadgets - my PowerPoint clicker! I think this is probably my most used piece of technology, but I am surprised by how many teachers have never heard of them! Here is the breakdown:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What is it? </span><br />
This little gadget lets you click through powerpoint presentations from anywhere in your classroom. It comes with a little part that looks like a jumpdrive and plugs into your computer. The actual clicker looks like a small remote control. It has just a few buttons. Mine has a laser pointer on the end. I picked mine up at Target and I think it was around $25. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Why do we need it?</span><br />
You can be ANYWHERE in your room and still control the board! Here are some ways that I use the clicker in my room:<br />
<ul>
<li>I use these when I read scanned books to my class. I am able to sit on the floor with them and flip through the pages of the book. To read more about scanning books, <a href="http://primarytechie.blogspot.com/2013/08/read-like-techie.html" target="_blank">click here</a>! </li>
</ul>
<ul><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alpha-Stretch-Brain-Breaks-1287785" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF9xRvpjvUkHemXZG_KdQwfEs2NuJ3E_MAjRomiVGFLDb80IvT3L9TAWFDsvImsi0GTmifHFtwMaK8i_9sxEt1YVEuR-BAWEuLNNx23J96yBHgBZPX6HxnoRr0i_9lk-tbq-14a6mAm4/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>
<li>We play games with it! This is especially fun with my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alpha-Stretch-Brain-Breaks-1287785" target="_blank">Alpha-Stretch games</a>! I have my kids stand in a circle and give one kid the clicker. I turn on an Alpha-Stretch with the setting "Click to Advance". The student holding the clicker must think of a word that begins with the letter on the board. The whole class does the movement that goes with the letter. After the student with the clicker says a word, he presses the button to advance to the next letter and gives the clicker to the student next to him. Once we have gone through the alphabet, we do it again and try to beat our time. I love this game before holiday parties! It keeps them engaged and gives them a chance to move around. To learn more about Alpha-Stretch games, check out this video: </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ynVTqY0Fxwg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>We also use the clicker during morning songs. My star student gets to hold the clicker and advance through the songs for us. This helps morning songs run without me. To read more about morning songs, <a href="http://primarytechie.blogspot.com/2013/08/morning-songs.html" target="_blank">click here</a>! </li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Other tips for using a PowerPoint Clicker:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20FLzrTRbj573DwqYDjX7nqAB6jsCUyYS70K0jUBM2O4LVYSTTSrKit8qhUStx-ZhYA9Zj7vZilSIT2QZvgNTAYdw0cPHy_tCqsAm1fofL6Fw2yLf8lpm3ACONJ366PYnPbuuf3CP2CA/s1600/PowerPoint+Clicker+tips.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20FLzrTRbj573DwqYDjX7nqAB6jsCUyYS70K0jUBM2O4LVYSTTSrKit8qhUStx-ZhYA9Zj7vZilSIT2QZvgNTAYdw0cPHy_tCqsAm1fofL6Fw2yLf8lpm3ACONJ366PYnPbuuf3CP2CA/s1600/PowerPoint+Clicker+tips.png" height="481" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Sometimes, my clicker wanders off. I hot glued a magnet to the back of it and keep it on my board next to my computer. This ensures that we can find the clicker when we need it! </li>
<li>Kids can get confused by the buttons. I used a little bit of red and green nail polish to mark the forward and back buttons. Green means "GO" to the next slide. Red means "STOP" and go back! Why nail polish? It stays put way longer than regular paint and is opaque enough to cover the writing on the buttons. </li>
</ul>
<div>
And now...The moment we have all been waiting for...THE GIVEAWAY!!!!</div>
</div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/585f901a6/" id="rc-585f901a6" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" /><br />
<br />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638248807493510481.post-15241862146543312332014-08-09T12:59:00.000-07:002014-08-09T12:59:06.768-07:00Favorite Things Giveaway #1 ScentsyIf you follow my blog, you know that I have been working all summer to create my dream classroom. I am excited to start a series of giveaways of my favorite things! Each month, I will post something in my classroom that I LOVE and you will have a chance to win it! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GY61GA3n2ELwiznm6XJe-jIQdRgnXMiRteWdVKzYHp_4NMc1x6Ia9vcG1a9YVJ4e91Ol_6icnfpY33oL3X7SDGU8zOEINeczEt0KJVHJhs2yJ56Fa-el1bILUBIXuABCsjfrIjPUI4U/s1600/Favorite+things+Scentsy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GY61GA3n2ELwiznm6XJe-jIQdRgnXMiRteWdVKzYHp_4NMc1x6Ia9vcG1a9YVJ4e91Ol_6icnfpY33oL3X7SDGU8zOEINeczEt0KJVHJhs2yJ56Fa-el1bILUBIXuABCsjfrIjPUI4U/s1600/Favorite+things+Scentsy.png" height="342" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the most important things to me about any space is the smell! I can be in the most fancy shmancy of places, but if it stinks, it's all over for me! I teach firsties and after recess, my room smells like puppies. I can only imagine what happens in older grades! I use my scentsy everyday to keep my room smelling fresh and clean! I love that I can change the fragrances daily or according to the seasons and holidays. New fragrances create a new atmosphere. I love to smell pumpkin in the fall and citrus in the spring. For me, scents are really tied to memories and moods. Scentsy gives me the power to control that! My Scentsy bars last for SO long! I keep a variety of fragrances in my cabinet so that I can switch them out as often as I want. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I get my Scentsy products from one of my parents, <a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/" target="_blank">Delina Duchaineau</a>. She is the nicest lady and she is also a teacher! She has offered to donate a warmer and two Scentsy bars to my giveaway. I told you she was the nicest lady! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Scentsy offers SO many different warmers and guess what? Delina said the winner can choose their own warmer! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a few of my favorites:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img alt="Chevron Black Scentsy Warmer PREMIUM" height="200" src="https://imagelive.scentsy.com/CMSImages/Products/R1ChevronBlackWarmerPWS300.png" width="200" /><img alt="Big Apple Scentsy Warmer PREMIUM" height="200" src="https://imagelive.scentsy.com/CMSImages/Products/20811_DSWBAPP_BigAppleWarmer.png" width="200" /><img alt="Carrey Scentsy Warmer ELEMENT" height="200" src="https://imagelive.scentsy.com/CMSImages/Products/R1CarreyWarmerPWS300.png" width="200" /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is a warmer to fit any classroom decor! To see more warmers, <a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/Buy/Category/1277" target="_blank">click here!</a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
Ok, so let's talk about the SCENTS! Here are some of my all time favorites!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/Buy/ProductFinderProduct?propertyValueId=46&sku=SB-LNA#//property/46/SB-LNA" target="_blank">Luna</a> (at home, not at school! I don't want my bedroom to remind me of my classroom!)</li>
<li><a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/Buy/ProductFinderProduct?propertyValueId=3&sku=SB-APP#//property/3/SB-APP" target="_blank">Apple Press</a></li>
<li><a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/Buy/ProductFinderProduct?propertyValueId=33&sku=SB-HAP#//property/33/SB-HAP" target="_blank">Happy Birthday</a> (Only used when we are celebrating somebody's birthday!)</li>
<li><a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/Buy/ProductFinder#//property/57/SB-PPG" target="_blank">Perfectly Pomegranate</a></li>
<li><a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/Buy/ProductFinder#//property/71/SB-SCB" target="_blank">Sticky Cinnamon Bun</a></li>
<li><a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/Buy/ProductFinder#//property/80/SB-WHM" target="_blank">Welcome Home </a></li>
</ul>
<div>
Scentsy also offers special scents throughout the year. They have a catalog for fall/winter and spring/summer. Last year, I got a gingerbread and a holiday cinnamon bar that made my classroom smell great all winter! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://imagelive.scentsy.com/CMSImages/Products/CC-BEA.Jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Beach Scent Circle" border="0" height="200" src="https://imagelive.scentsy.com/CMSImages/Products/CC-BEA.Jpg" width="200" /></a>I also love the Scentsy <a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/Buy/Category/1301" target="_blank">body products</a>. Have you tried them? They have lotions, soaps, perfumes, even laundry soaps! My favorite scent is Luna. I might be called a Luna-lunatic! I think I have bought everything they make in that scent! I always put <a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/Buy/Search?query=circle" target="_blank">Scentsy Circles </a>in my suitcase when I am traveling. My clothes smell like home to me. It's like a little treat! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Check out <a href="https://delinaduchaineau.scentsy.us/" target="_blank">Delina's site</a> to see all the wonderful things Scentsy has to offer! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am so excited to kick off this giveaway! Please spread the word to all your teacher friends who might be interested in entering! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/585f901a5/" id="rc-585f901a5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsmn2ZJ_rCqjNcpN_NJDtwuLUaqF6QjeaUQi6XDVhcUpL_EKFaVhjmWDdUUuTLk2cQxP2zkZrTFoQwnVzGJMDewOIyfVG4sNAqpPWPyLM6b8xRy3vBHE0POKcam170D3-Qt6YdPim05U/s1600/Signature.png" />The Primary Techiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01175204164243336866noreply@blogger.com19