tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26232728602180811122024-03-13T14:58:03.381-04:00First Grade CarouselFirst Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-20443208300285477902014-04-09T18:47:00.002-04:002014-04-09T18:47:33.775-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Visitor<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Who or what has visited your class this year?</span></td></tr>
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First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-2585187256722079782014-04-02T12:13:00.000-04:002014-04-02T12:18:57.240-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22px;">In anticipation of our trip to the zoo ~</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Value of Indoor Recess ...<br />What do you see as the value of recess?</span></td></tr>
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First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-67401702981256287562014-02-05T13:19:00.000-05:002014-02-05T13:19:14.839-05:00Habitat Sensory Bins<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't remember the last time I was this excited about something I did at school. Yesterday for the first time I introduced sensory bins to my first graders. Too some they might look like fluff or a waste of time. No, no, no! My children were engaged, they were learning, they were talking, they were experimenting, they were acting out field trips and things they've learned this year. They were exploring, sharing, cooperating and collaborating. The room was a buzz with activity. Even if you feel you can't take away from your teaching time, I encourage you try them as an indoor recess activity - something we are having way too much of this year.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speaking of indoor recess. It is snowing and sleeting again in PA. So once again we have a snow/ice day. I guess our dear groundhog was right this year. It sure is looking like six more weeks of winter. We have used all our snow days and makeup days - so beginning today all future days will be added onto the end of the year :( It has made getting up and running after Christmas break hard, but it has also given me time to explore and prepare some new things for my classroom.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sensory bins are something I've been wanting to try for quite some time. I have read about them on Sandi's blog </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://rubberbootsandelfshoes.blogspot.com/">rubber boots and elf shoes</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. She has created some really amazing bins. On her sidebar she has a link to the bins she's made for her class. I also have to thank Sandi for answering all my questions and providing me with good suggestions as I was making my first bins.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted my bins to fit in with our classroom studies of animals and their habitats. Last week (when we were lucky enough to have school) we learned all about the groundhog. This week (well we had off Monday for snow, yesterday was a late start, and today we are off again, and its only Wednesday) we will dig deep into our study of Australian habitats and animals. The plan was to begin with one bin - but Mother Nature has given me extra time - so I created two bins.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Introducing the Groundhog Bin and The Australian Bin</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gd_X0BttrZY/UvJmh1RO_TI/AAAAAAAAAos/krfEGFneltA/s640/blogger-image--696688584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gd_X0BttrZY/UvJmh1RO_TI/AAAAAAAAAos/krfEGFneltA/s400/blogger-image--696688584.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here is some rice I colored blue, with shells and some stuffed animals.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These are all things I found laying around my house, except for the map of Australia I printed and laminated. When two grown daughters leave the house, they leave you with some awesome treasures.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At first the students were very tentative and unsure of what to do, but then they dug right in.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WLzCTIg39Ag/UvJmfLHzdrI/AAAAAAAAAok/fRTRuqHOphs/s640/blogger-image--43455998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WLzCTIg39Ag/UvJmfLHzdrI/AAAAAAAAAok/fRTRuqHOphs/s640/blogger-image--43455998.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Many of my students have never held a real shell.This little guy discovered it makes noise when you hold it to your ear.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q_jHp3z0yJ0/UvJmO0HnKnI/AAAAAAAAAnk/4yEpxiHy0C0/s640/blogger-image-786747369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q_jHp3z0yJ0/UvJmO0HnKnI/AAAAAAAAAnk/4yEpxiHy0C0/s640/blogger-image-786747369.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Every child approached the bin in a different way. This guy went right for the map. As he pulled it out, he said, "I've got to see this!"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZuJZkmc3YpA/UvJmq4PvrpI/AAAAAAAAApU/KtrjkjUO_K8/s640/blogger-image-925503765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZuJZkmc3YpA/UvJmq4PvrpI/AAAAAAAAApU/KtrjkjUO_K8/s640/blogger-image-925503765.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The guy in the red shirt was fascinated by the sea star. He studied it for a very long time. Then he had questions -"Where are its eyes? How does it eat? What are these lines for?" </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GvQOtnAd_1Q/UvJmj7xqbWI/AAAAAAAAAo0/JyhBjmA_RXc/s640/blogger-image-789346439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GvQOtnAd_1Q/UvJmj7xqbWI/AAAAAAAAAo0/JyhBjmA_RXc/s640/blogger-image-789346439.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is the groundhog bin. Some shiny, smooth rocks, fluff, flowers, sun/flashlight, clouds and of course some groundhogs.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lZMNZInqHgE/UvJmbhnpb9I/AAAAAAAAAoM/knBEFX9dy9s/s640/blogger-image-266457738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lZMNZInqHgE/UvJmbhnpb9I/AAAAAAAAAoM/knBEFX9dy9s/s640/blogger-image-266457738.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Love the cooperation and working together!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ET-t8vQcDWI/UvJmn9z6YwI/AAAAAAAAApE/kpbl_1jNfaI/s640/blogger-image-2053648792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ET-t8vQcDWI/UvJmn9z6YwI/AAAAAAAAApE/kpbl_1jNfaI/s640/blogger-image-2053648792.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Most children experimented with the flashlight. I overheard, "Oh, little groundhog you saw your shadow, back into your burrow you go. Six more weeks of winter."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Interesting experiment happening here.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lgt7WEmn7js/UvJmmboI-zI/AAAAAAAAAo8/8I9MLTWUB8E/s640/blogger-image-346932289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lgt7WEmn7js/UvJmmboI-zI/AAAAAAAAAo8/8I9MLTWUB8E/s640/blogger-image-346932289.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some imaginative play, feeding the groundhog. I love the garden of flowers she created.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hbWbcopUDec/UvJmWQVmVgI/AAAAAAAAAn0/fj9NWtyOZj8/s640/blogger-image--232765646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hbWbcopUDec/UvJmWQVmVgI/AAAAAAAAAn0/fj9NWtyOZj8/s640/blogger-image--232765646.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This was our first day with the bins. Everyone wanted a turn, so I set out 6 stations and put the kids in groups of 2 or 3, they rotated through each station and spent about 10 minutes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TZgO-eWzqCo/UvJmZ7r_A6I/AAAAAAAAAoE/10F1_hGSogA/s640/blogger-image-1583477341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TZgO-eWzqCo/UvJmZ7r_A6I/AAAAAAAAAoE/10F1_hGSogA/s640/blogger-image-1583477341.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These guys were building the farm show - our last field trip.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Smiles and friendships were the order of the day!<br />The children were excited about school!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some of my thoughts and observations after our first day of using sensory bins:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* the children practiced what they had learned without being told to, this was especially true when they were in the groundhog bin. Second language learners need to practice academic talk and here it happened naturally.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* excitement is now very high to learn about Australia. The children asked many good questions as they were exploring that bin, things I would have never thought to cover.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* it is important to be present and listen closely as children explore the bins, it is also important to stay quiet. Let them talk and listen to one another.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* upon finishing using the bins allow children to share what they discovered or did in their bin. I know next time the Australia bin is out ALL my children will be placing the big shell on their ear and listening.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* if we give children time and materials after a field trip or learning experience they will talk and act it out, thus making the learning more permanent.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* the bins appealed to all my students, but they were especially good for my movers and shakers. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE sensory bins. There will always be at least one in my classroom from now on. As I reflect on them, the possibilities are endless.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is this something you'd like to try in your room??????????</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What kind of bin will you make? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> animal? holiday? arctic? math? beach? birthday?</span>First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-15380165527767646522014-02-01T18:31:00.000-05:002014-02-02T16:34:57.321-05:00Dipping into Math Tubs<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well who am I kidding? I don't dip into anything. This is how I operate: read about something I find interesting, mule it over in my mind, research everything I can about it, gather materials, and then dive full in and go for it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a little over a year ago I found this amazing land of teacher blogs. They have opened my world and renewed my love for teaching. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to write posts and develop teaching materials.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The idea of using math tubs to gain time for guided math and small group teaching has been nudging at me for some time. I've been doing guided reading for years in order to teach reading in small groups - why wouldn't teaching math that way work? So I read EVERY blog post I could find on math tubs/stations/bins/centers. I even purchased Debbie Diller's book Math Work Stations. I will be honest here, I haven't finished reading it yet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I gathered. Oh ~ that Teachers Pay Teachers is an addiction ~ I'll tell you. I bought some Winter Math Packs and filled in the gaps with some wonderful freebies. Next, I drug my poor husband to Walmart and we bought 10 of those beautiful bins below.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following weekend was spent printing, laminating, cutting, and loading up the bins. Finally, I was all ready to go.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These awesome editable tags are free <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Play-Learn-And-Grow-In-Kindergarten">here</a>. Made by Play, Learn and Grow in Kindergarden. To get them small enough to fit on the bins I just printed several pages on one page.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wK9C8cfh5AQ/Uu1uQQ7dLVI/AAAAAAAAAm8/t4hFUDcZhUo/s640/blogger-image-708174199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wK9C8cfh5AQ/Uu1uQQ7dLVI/AAAAAAAAAm8/t4hFUDcZhUo/s640/blogger-image-708174199.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is the chart I use to rotate the children through the centers. Some days we do one rotation, other days we do more than one. It uses the same labels above just printed full size. There are also cards for bins nine, ten, and meet with the teacher. The names stay put and I simply move the bin numbers.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IPGJDzOQuVQ/Uu1uPTEOcNI/AAAAAAAAAm0/qMcxFlzU70A/s640/blogger-image--1180435609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IPGJDzOQuVQ/Uu1uPTEOcNI/AAAAAAAAAm0/qMcxFlzU70A/s640/blogger-image--1180435609.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This Snowman Place Value game was made by Primary Palace and is available<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Snowman-Math-Place-Value-Game-482458"> here</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UyTDDp4cdrE/Uu1uD6m7NnI/AAAAAAAAAmc/gbpcdIU6Qv4/s640/blogger-image-1278667293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UyTDDp4cdrE/Uu1uD6m7NnI/AAAAAAAAAmc/gbpcdIU6Qv4/s640/blogger-image-1278667293.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These make 10 cards come from Linda Martin's Winter Math Tubs Pack available <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Math-Tubs-First-Grade-Common-Core-Activities-1002668">here</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zVVkox7KjNs/Uu1uFe7FSQI/AAAAAAAAAmk/Bg_9qvMDFS4/s640/blogger-image--545335193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zVVkox7KjNs/Uu1uFe7FSQI/AAAAAAAAAmk/Bg_9qvMDFS4/s640/blogger-image--545335193.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These penguin cards also are part of the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Math-Tubs-First-Grade-Common-Core-Activities-1002668">Winter Math Tubs Pack</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So how did it go you might ask? Each bin was introduced and taught over several days. Then we jumped in. During the first two weeks I did not meet with any groups, but rather helped the students with their bin activities. I was amazed at how well they worked with just one partner. When a partner is absent the child works independently. The children were ALL so engaged with math. Once they had the hang of it I began working with small groups. Wow! Just Wow! Time to help those who needed it, time to nudge those who needed it, and time to enrich! I can tell you I will always have math bins in my classroom. No looking back.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do not use paper recording sheets, but rather laminated them so the children can use dry erase markers. Before clean up I do a quick walk around and look at their work before its erased, making notes of who understands and who needs more help. Such joy - less papers to copy and grade.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The math bins fit into my day nicely. Math starts with calendar activities, a large group lesson on the current topic, and then math bin/small group time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've also found that early finishers love to dip into a bin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After I dive in and swim around for awhile. I stop and think very carefully about how things went. Here are my next steps:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plan more carefully for exactly what I want in each bin. I must be careful that it is something I want my children to practice, but they can do it with little or no help. Now I know why teachers create their own materials - so they can get exactly what their students need. My computer skills aren't quite there yet. Maybe this summer I'll dapple with some creating. For now its off to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">careful</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> searching on TPT.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd like to add a computer center to the rotation. I have 4 laptops in my room and have just begun using computer sheets for my animal themes. <a href="http://www.sharingkindergarten.com/">Sharing Kindergarden</a> makes and sells these on TPT. If you have never heard of these go to her <a href="http://www.sharingkindergarten.com/">blog</a> and read about them. I promise you won't be sorry.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up, I'd like to add a sensory bin. Nobody makes these better than Sandi at <a href="http://rubberbootsandelfshoes.blogspot.com/">Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes</a>. These bins give children a sensory experience while sorting, patterning, counting, and speaking. If you read through Sandi's <a href="http://rubberbootsandelfshoes.blogspot.com/">blog</a> you will find she's created a huge variety of these bins.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last, I would like to include a habitat bin. This bin would be along the lines of Sandi's sensory bins, but would include items that pertain to the habitat and animals we are currently studying in class. It would also include a list of rigorous questions to consider while using the bin. This idea comes from Miss Trayers at <a href="http://notjustchildsplay.blogspot.com/2014/01/groundhog-day-rigor.html">Not Just Child's Play</a>. She finds the most amazing ways to add rigor to her kindergardeners' learning daily! Be sure to read her post on <a href="http://notjustchildsplay.blogspot.com/2014/01/groundhog-day-rigor.html">Groundhog Rigor.</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There you have it a new way - for me - to teach math. Thank you one and all for leading me down this path.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-23A1u7ZOSPc/Uu1uRR4pVMI/AAAAAAAAAnE/EK4TecTFxAY/s640/blogger-image--647280043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-23A1u7ZOSPc/Uu1uRR4pVMI/AAAAAAAAAnE/EK4TecTFxAY/s640/blogger-image--647280043.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last, but not least HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear granddaughter ~ Roo, who has just turned one!</span></td></tr>
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<br />First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-85540891147708860482014-01-18T16:59:00.000-05:002014-01-18T17:10:56.471-05:00PA Farm Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A week ago we were lucky to be able to venture off to the PA Farm Show. We left early in the morning and rode about two hours on a school bus. The children were very excited and could not wait to enter the large building when we arrived. This week some of the children chose to write about the animals they saw and were given the opportunity to touch. Living in poverty, in the city, farm animals are just characters in books. Here they came alive!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tVyyyG-9d7s/Utrr2fXl6GI/AAAAAAAAAlA/pBuzWHxxu64/s640/blogger-image-1815413708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tVyyyG-9d7s/Utrr2fXl6GI/AAAAAAAAAlA/pBuzWHxxu64/s640/blogger-image-1815413708.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The children were amazed at all the different cows, but most of all by their huge size. At first many of the children thought the cows were moose.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vg5XfKGv670/Utrr5IB-cpI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/nGvsHQyP_pA/s640/blogger-image-786393332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vg5XfKGv670/Utrr5IB-cpI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/nGvsHQyP_pA/s640/blogger-image-786393332.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Well it seemed like everything was huge - even the farm equipment!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yCc2WJ5cvFs/Utrr36_4SJI/AAAAAAAAAlI/hYQe0sRb_PM/s640/blogger-image-365379306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yCc2WJ5cvFs/Utrr36_4SJI/AAAAAAAAAlI/hYQe0sRb_PM/s640/blogger-image-365379306.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Maple syrup is gathered in PA. This stand taught the children a bit about the process and helped them create a craft to remember their day.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ut12duc2ChA/UtrxNT1oicI/AAAAAAAAAlw/JgJJtYpK45M/s640/blogger-image-406959550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ut12duc2ChA/UtrxNT1oicI/AAAAAAAAAlw/JgJJtYpK45M/s640/blogger-image-406959550.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There were speakers. This guy was talking about turtles. Shaver's Creek also had snakes to view.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0oPh8LUu0wE/UtrxUXOs2cI/AAAAAAAAAl4/_JXLISMywaM/s640/blogger-image--1672618149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0oPh8LUu0wE/UtrxUXOs2cI/AAAAAAAAAl4/_JXLISMywaM/s640/blogger-image--1672618149.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Snakes have something on their stomach that makes them slither on the ground. Some snakes have poison teeth.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jEPXXWv99ZE/UtroTbvdWNI/AAAAAAAAAj8/n9euDpeJSuM/s640/blogger-image--846529335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jEPXXWv99ZE/UtroTbvdWNI/AAAAAAAAAj8/n9euDpeJSuM/s640/blogger-image--846529335.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We had fun searching for the queen bee and we each took home a sample of PA honey - yum!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9FSX3HSNmog/UtrrHFhx1lI/AAAAAAAAAko/C9mJy4ywCQw/s640/blogger-image--849203028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9FSX3HSNmog/UtrrHFhx1lI/AAAAAAAAAko/C9mJy4ywCQw/s640/blogger-image--849203028.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Who would ever have imagined there are so many different kinds of ducks, geese, turkeys, and chickens. They sure were noisy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KPIylwyb_lw/UtrrILvgv_I/AAAAAAAAAkw/a9q5lT7gU0M/s640/blogger-image-2044428358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KPIylwyb_lw/UtrrILvgv_I/AAAAAAAAAkw/a9q5lT7gU0M/s640/blogger-image-2044428358.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So soft!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1_w8ELnXHLM/UtrxMSGs8OI/AAAAAAAAAlo/7YKxXZj4W6w/s640/blogger-image-862072400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1_w8ELnXHLM/UtrxMSGs8OI/AAAAAAAAAlo/7YKxXZj4W6w/s640/blogger-image-862072400.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rabbits they have red eyes and they have fur and he was sad and he was lonely. I like rabbits and brown rabbits and he was nice he didn't bite. I like rabbits were nice all the time.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FrCTTWLH_Ew/UtrrCTPIgcI/AAAAAAAAAkI/FJfs-usgVYY/s640/blogger-image-2091281124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FrCTTWLH_Ew/UtrrCTPIgcI/AAAAAAAAAkI/FJfs-usgVYY/s640/blogger-image-2091281124.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For some petting the cow was the highlight of their day. This kind girl was very patient while each child visited with her cow.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MdtHKNfrqiA/UtrxWuTkK_I/AAAAAAAAAmI/1QnKTkUNhC0/s640/blogger-image--321002511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MdtHKNfrqiA/UtrxWuTkK_I/AAAAAAAAAmI/1QnKTkUNhC0/s640/blogger-image--321002511.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I see the cow because we get to touch the cow.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X0PE5a917tE/UtrrFkAzE3I/AAAAAAAAAkg/1JhPjppSB08/s640/blogger-image-910205181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X0PE5a917tE/UtrrFkAzE3I/AAAAAAAAAkg/1JhPjppSB08/s640/blogger-image-910205181.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For others - the horse was more interesting. This kind farmer brought her horse out of the stall and spent some time with the children.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nXxrohbOd0Q/UtrxLKglgqI/AAAAAAAAAlg/dHpr5XDaMj4/s640/blogger-image-938814847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nXxrohbOd0Q/UtrxLKglgqI/AAAAAAAAAlg/dHpr5XDaMj4/s640/blogger-image-938814847.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw a horse. They smelled us. We saw horses and we saw a lot of animals.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw a horse and he was kind of soft and was kind of lovely and he was kind of white and his nose was black.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">On our long bus ride back to school we enjoyed a snack of PA chocolate ice cream. The children enjoyed playing with the animal pencil toppers they were given at the show.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Well you'd have thought that after an early start to the day, and all the excitement at the show some of the children would have laid down and relaxed on the bus like this dear sheep. That was not the case. They talked the entire trip home about all they saw.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was an amazing trip made possible by <a href="http://www.justborn.com/">Just Born Candies</a>. We look forward to visiting again next year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first grade team - three classes - has decided to develop a farm week for our students at the end of the year. Our brainstorming sessions are coming up with so many wonderful ideas, hopefully we can fit them all in. I know the week will begin with a large farm breakfast for all!</span>First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-74223907844752948342014-01-03T00:31:00.000-05:002014-01-03T00:31:15.358-05:00Lessons Learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rather then making resolutions I thought I'd reflect on what I have learned in 2013.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hopefully I am a bit wiser, I know I'm older.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 ~ Dream Big Dreams, Make Specific Plans, but be Prepared to Take Baby Steps. This has been the biggest lesson I learned this year. I had/have a vision for a very specific curriculum. I wrote my plan, got it approved, and then began preparing, preparing, preparing. I thought all would be up and running the first day of school. Well it wasn't and this frustrated me to no end. It is coming together, we are learning so much about animals and their habitats, but every day I make notes of how to improve for next year. Lesson learned: Realize the first year is a learning and growing year.</span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 ~ Search out funding sources and grants. They are there, but you have to search. Local businesses like to help their local schools! Look locally. Don't expect to receive everything you need right away. Funding takes time to make it to the district, then the principal needs to approve each purchase order, then it gets sent to the district, and finally to the company. I just today received a box of nonfiction books that would have been really helpful in September. Lesson learned: Supplies take time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 ~ Local nonprofit organizations and government agencies are just waiting for you to ask. Seek out partnerships, guest speakers and printed material. Lesson learned: Others want to be involved - ask!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 ~ Taking field trips with first graders during the first weeks of school is tricky business. Would I do it again - yes, BUT I would take extra help along. Some surprising behaviors may pop up, and extra hands sure would have been great. Our two September field trips to the forest set the stage for our animal/habitat curriculum. They were wonderful learning experiences that the children talk about often. For both trips the adults from the places we were visiting came to our classroom the day before the trip. This proved to be a very wise move. They talked about what the children would see and do, and what the guidelines were for their behaviors. Lesson learned: take extra help on early trips.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5 ~ Don't make plans based on last years' students. Every group is different, what works for one group may not work for the next. I was all set to begin Daily 5 and CAFE the first week of school. I had read the books, read every blog post I could find, made the posters ... but this group was not ready in September. I tried and tried, followed the books, no success. I had to do what was best for this group. We are doing a modified version of Daily 5 now and it is going quite smoothly. Lesson learned: do what is best for the students you currently have.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 ~ Watch your immune system especially if you are training for a long distance event. My husband and I enjoyed a fabulous year of running. All summer my husband trained for a marathon, he did every work out, didn't get injured and was set to PR. Two weeks prior to the marathon he was feeling a bit extra tired, but attributed this to all his training. Less than one week before the marathon he was SICK. Fever on marathon day - no running. Six weeks out of work and still tired. Doctor said it could be six months before he returns to normal. Lesson learned: sickness can stop you in your tracks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7 ~ Parents get old. I've never before thought of my parents as old until this Fall. My Dad spent a month in the hospital. It got quite dicey a few times, but he is finally home and on his way to recovery. This illness took a big toll on both of my parents.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 ~ Grandchildren are the gifts you receive for letting your own children leave the nest!</span> </div>
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... The great horned owl pictured above visited our classroom. He was huge - a six foot wing span! The children got to see him turn his head, and a close up look at talons. Its amazing how live animals can make learning come alive.</div>
First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-23107631032312550282013-12-31T16:48:00.000-05:002013-12-31T16:48:21.957-05:0013 in '13 {linky party}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well I've fallen a bit behind in my blogging, 2013 sent a few unexpected bumps and even some rough turns in August that continued into December - but the bumps have finally been smoothed out some, and I am looking forward to a wonderful 2014. When I saw this linky hosted by <a href="http://www.miss-kindergarten.com/2013/12/13-in-13-linky-party.html">Miss Kindergarten</a>, <a href="http://www.ateenytinyteacher.com/2013/12/13-in-13-linky-party.html">A Teeny Tiny Teacher</a>, and <a href="http://www.dragonfliesinfirst.com/2013/12/13-in-13.html">Dragonflies in First</a>, I thought what a nice way to present the highlights of those tricky months. Here are my 13 for '13 and one looking forward to '14:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{ONE}</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My husband and I ran in states #s 16, 17, 18, and 19 ~ getting closer to all 50.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">~ a 5K in Hendersonville, Kentucky</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">~ a Double = 10K followed by a 5K in Indy, Indiana with a trip to the Indiana State Fair</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">~ a 10K trail in Fall Creek Falls Tennessee (a gorgeous place)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">~ a 5K in Lawrenceville, Georgia run with our daughter and 2 grandchildren in the jogger stroller!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{TWO}<br />My teaching partner made contact with <a href="http://www.wildlandspa.org/">Wildlands Conservancy</a>.<br />We arranged for a fantastic naturalist to visit our classroom twice a month, she is following closely what we are teaching in the classroom. The first visit was an introduction to bears and deer which live in the forest - the habitat we studied for the first quarter.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{THREE}<br />We received our classroom mascot from <a href="http://www.boydsstuff.com/">Boyds by Enesco</a>.<br />He is so soft and lovable!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{FOUR}<br />We took our first field trip to the forest at Wildlands Conservancy. There we spent quite a bit of time exploring a pond. We collected water plants, minnows, tadpoles, and even a frog - which are now living in our classroom until Spring when we will return them to their pond. We also met Harvey the snake, a toad, sat on 'The Spooky Bridge' and tried looking through a microscope for the first time.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{FIVE}<br />These are some of the creatures we collected at Wildlands Conservancy that are now living in an aquarium in our classroom. We can't wait to see the tadpoles change into frogs.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{SIX}<br />Here is our second field trip to the forest. This time we travelled to <a href="http://lgnc.org/">Lehigh Gap Nature Center</a>.<br />There we hiked in the forest along the river and up the mountian. We looked and listened for songbirds, and were very fortunate to have a bald eagle fly right over us as we were hiking. We also explored the tiny things that live in ponds under microscopes and even got to hold a salamander.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{SEVEN}<br /><a href="http://www.justborn.com/">Just Born</a> has sponsored our World of Discovery Program (you can read more about this is the two previous posts.) Through their generous donation we have been able to purchase the most amazing classroom rug ever - it has a leaf for each student to sit on, kits for exploring lady bugs & worms, nonfiction books, books, and more books, and they are funding the transportation for our field trips! Thank you Just Born!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{EIGHT}<br />On this visit from Wildlands we learned all about worms. We touched them, looked at them through microscopes and went outside to see where they live.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{NINE}<br />Nocturnal animals was the theme of this Wildlands visit. Lisa ~ our favorite visitor and naturalist from Wildlands brought with her the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sassafras-Audrey-Penn/dp/193371803X">Sassafras</a> by Audrey Penn along with a real live skunk and owl. She read the book to us, signed it, and left it as a wonderful gift for us to enjoy agin and again. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{TEN}<br />For this visit we had moved our forest study to the tropical rainforest. You can see our sampling of visiting creatures above.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{ELEVEN}<br />Our next area of study was the forest in the Tongass of Alaska. We looked closely at bears, salmon, bald eagles and the trees in this temperate rainforest. Our visiting animals included a flying squirrel, a porcupine and a great horned owl.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{TWELVE}<br />As it turned colder in our neighborhood we travelled to the northern forests of the Arctic. Here we learned about polar bears, arctic hares & foxes, and the snowy owl. We were able to compare and contrast different types of rabbits after this domestic rabbit visited us.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{THIRTEEN}<br />Our last Wildlands visit of 2013 concentrated on deer, reindeer and caribou - as Christmas was upon us. We even made reindeer ornaments for our Christmas trees.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{PLUS ONE}<br />Looking forward to 2014.<br />Christmas break was wonderful!<br /> Both our daughters visited along with our two grandchildren.<br />Wishing everyone an amazing NEW YEAR!</span></td></tr>
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<br />First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-3347086805572067882013-08-08T11:21:00.000-04:002013-08-08T18:15:06.431-04:00The Journey Is About To Begin... Into The Forest We Shall Go ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The school year is finally drawing close and preparations are proceeding along. This year I will be teaching my students all their first grade curriculum through animals and habitats. (To read more about why and for an overview of the year please read the post previous to this one.) The first quarter we will begin our studies in the forest. The classroom will be divided into 4 sections. One area for forest wetlands, another for forest vegetation, another for forest animals, and the last for people of the forest. My first thought was to totally turn the classroom into a forest before the students arrived - you know sort of like a Disney World building. Then I got to thinking wouldn't it be better if we built the forest together over the first few weeks of school? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Then this familiar quote <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">“And the walls became the world all around.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">―</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4489.Maurice_Sendak" style="text-decoration: none;">Maurice Sendak</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3020535" style="text-decoration: none;">Where the Wild Things Are</a> </i>got stuck in my head. So on the first day of school we will read this book together and begin creating our forested world together. I love all the trees teachers have made in their classrooms ~ so we will learn how trees grow from seeds. We will hold, examine, and compare tree seeds. Then we will plant/lay them where we'd like those trees to grow up the walls of the room. Well you know what will happen next. Acorns, pinecones, small stones, and anything else I can collect will be used as math manipulatives for counting, sorting, patterns, adding...rather than traditional plastic and foam pieces. We will learn about many animals that live in the forest. First, we will concentrate on the black bear. As we will be the bears this year. My Kindergarten teaching friend has named our hall Critterville and every class will pick an animal. I love it! Fiction and Nonfiction books about bears will rule the first days. Of course an author study of Karma Wilson will be in the plans. Love her bear books :)</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I didn't have a picture of mama bear and cubs so this will have to do.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Oh the excitement of venturing down a new trail.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our nonfiction study will be Fairytales that occur in the forest. I was very fortunate to have received a free copy of <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Happy-Endings-with-a-Wolf-Fairy-Tales-and-Wolf-Research-779555">Happy Endings With A Wolf</a> unit created by Angela Rubin. You can read all about it <a href="http://www.rulintheroost.blogspot.com/2013/07/happily-ever-after-fairy-tale-unit.html">here</a>. Let me tell you its great! It incorporates language arts, math and science! At Paula's Place <a href="http://shawpaula.blogspot.com/search/label/Fairytales">here</a> you can read all her great fairytale ideas. Love how she grew Jack's bean stalk and put the castle on top. Be sure to go take a look. She also has a great Fairytale unit. This morning I found a great Bear Hunt posted by Kelly of <a href="http://thefirstgradefairytales.blogspot.com/2013/08/classroom-reveal-first-day-of-school.html">First Grade Fairytales</a>. Head to the bottom of <a href="http://thefirstgradefairytales.blogspot.com/2013/08/classroom-reveal-first-day-of-school.html">her</a> post to find out how she made her bear hunt extra special for her students. Kelly thanks for sharing - I know my children are going to love their bear hunt!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The best news of all is my fantastic ESOL teacher made a contact with <a href="http://www.wildlandspa.org/">Wildlands Conservancy</a>. Through a special grant they will be sending the most amazing naturalist to our classroom twice a month!! She will be bringing live animals, skulls, antlers, pelts, magnifying glasses, and all sorts of other amazing things to our classroom. Each time she visits she will read to and teach my children about an animal in the habitat we are currently studying! We will also be visiting the Conservancy. I just can't wait.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moravian College has also agreed to partner with us and provide some college students to volunteer in the classroom.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still have a few loose ends to tie up, but things are starting to look good :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More to come when the journey actually begins the end of the month.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now for some fun ~ </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past weekend I ran the Color Me RAD 5K with my sister-in-law and niece. It is amazing and loads of fun. If you haven't tried one. Go for it!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Before</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After<br />Hint: If you do this run take a large fitted sheet place one short end over the head rest on your car seat, and the other down on the floor. This eliminates a mess in the car on the way home.<br /><br />Now this is just plain cute - my granddaughter and her friend.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I can't take credit for this, the little guy's mom created it.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I leave with you with one of the last bloomers of summer. They are huge many as big or bigger than dinner plates. Enjoy the last bits of summer!</span></td></tr>
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First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-24765632621879392922013-07-29T13:02:00.000-04:002013-07-29T13:02:37.679-04:00Planning for the Implementation of an Inspiration<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Spring while teaching my fantastic first graders I was hit with an inspiration! I decided that next year ~ well now this year I would teach most of my first grade curriculum through animals and their habitats. I am doing this for 2 main reasons. First, I noticed whenever animals were mentioned all little ears in the classroom were tuned to whatever was being taught at the moment. Second, my children live in an urban environment and have very little knowledge of animals and their habitats. So I began reading, studying, dragging my ESOL teaching partner along, making phone calls..........</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found the pushes I needed to go forward in the two books above. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From Ron Clark: think big, be persistent, and make it happen. In his book <i>The End Of Molasses</i> <i>Classes,</i> my favorite chapters are: Create Moments That Will Have A Lasting Impact On Children's Lives, Make Learning Magical, Open Your Doors To The Parents, Make the Most of Every Moment! There Should be an Urgency in Education!, and Reach Out To the Community to Build a Powerful Network.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dave Burgess in <i>Teach Like a Pirate</i> gave me many things to think on. This is the quote that keeps me jumping...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Jump on creative opportunities that come your way, and then implement them! Be proactive in your pursuit of your vision for your classroom and life."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So by now you are probably wondering, "What exactly is she up to?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the plan:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will divide my classroom into four areas. An area for animals, one for wetlands, one for vegetation and the last for humans. The area types will remain the same all year, but what is in them will change. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the first quarter they will reflect the forest and then rainforest. In the second quarter the Arctic and Antarctic. The third quarter Australia and Safari. The last quarter we will learn about farms and life cycles.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few more thoughts from Dave Burgess. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has a whole chapter titled, 'Find A Crew.' I am lucky to have found many great crew members. First, is my dear husband, he listens to all my ideas, helps me develop them, and scale them down so they are workable. He also goes on many missions with me to collect objects and pictures for the classroom. We have collected turtle shells, acorns, sticks chewed by beavers, and various other items. I couldn't do this project without the blessing of my Principal, Supervisor of ESOL, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Assistant Superintendent for Education. My ESOL teaching partner is fantastic at organizing and planning. She has helped to write a grant that looks promising and has made contacts and arrangements with two local environmental agencies to provide programing for our students. The crew will continue to grow.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Determine to intentionally control your environment and all the presentational elements in play. Everything matters." That's a heavy one from Dave. I began working on this one this week. I have called many foundations and agencies that provide educational programs about animals and the response has been amazing! I will soon be receiving awesome posters and other education materials to use to turn my room into the habitats. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The above two books have been my inspiration for math this year. Rather than use traditional math manipulatives I plan on using things like acorns, pinecones and stones for counting, sorting, etc.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reading and writing will have a new look also thanks to the above 3 books. Reading all of your blog posts on Daily 5 and CAFE have helped me enormously in my planning. Thank you :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last, but not least I am planning a technology piece where my class will communicate with classes in all of the habitats we are studying this year. This is the piece I am currently working on. If you are interested in participating please let me know. As soon as I put this idea carefully together I will post more details.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading to the end. I hope you too are inspired to step outside the box and plan an innovative program for your class!</span></div>
First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-86833031813325545412013-07-16T14:02:00.000-04:002013-07-16T14:02:18.798-04:00Looking For a Teacher Binder<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am asking for your help. This year I'd like to use several teacher binders ~ one for lesson plans, one for Daily 5/CAFE and one for a substitute. I went to Teachers Pay Teachers and found there are thousands - yes over 2000 to choose from, I spent more time than I'd like to admit looking through the first couple. So I am asking if any of you have created and are selling one, or you have used one that you love, PLEASE let me know so I can go check it out. Thanks :)</span>First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-26825785002844029662013-07-07T15:17:00.001-04:002013-07-07T15:25:39.321-04:00Sunday SmorgasbordToday I am linking up with <a href="http://fabulousinfirst.blogspot.ca/2013/07/sunday-smorgasbord-june-7th.html">Michelle from Fabulous in First</a> ! I have a whole bunch of random today so this is just perfect. Thanks Michelle:)<br />
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This morning's 7 mile run was HOT and sloooow. I couldn't complain though my husband ran 18 - crrazzy! He is preparing for a September marathon. I think my marathoning days may be over.</div>
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This is my new favorite drink. I used to drink Coke, but it is not good for a runner or for weight control. I then moved to chocolate milk - better for me. A week ago my neighbor introduced me to this ~ Dark Chocolate Almond Milk. It is delicious, less calories than a glass of regular milk, and has more calcium. How could I go wrong? Yummy!<br />
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I did a bit of school shopping this week. Found some great polos on sale, sale, sale at the Talbots Outlet, perfect for those first hot days back to school. Yes, I bought more than 2. Also, after reading all your great blogs their were some teacher books I just had to get and read. So I placed an order with Amazon. Can't wait for them to arrive. This is my last week teaching summer school, the books should arrive just in time for me to dive in.<br />
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These are our two beautiful daughters. Sorry this is a picture of one of my favorite pictures of them together. They will be 25 and 23 this summer. Boy am I getting old. Happy Birthday Girls! Dad and I love you very much.<br />
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Wendy, our greyhound turned 11 this week. We rescued her 9 years ago. Greyhounds make great pets. They are big, but also very calm and loving.<br />
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This is Bubba (nickname), our grandson, he is now two and lives way too far away.<br />
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Here's his sister Roo (also nickname), our granddaughter. She will be 7 months soon. We will be visiting them in August. Can't wait :)<br />
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The coneflowers are in full bloom. They bring in goldfinches and butterflies :)</div>
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Have a great week ~ thanks for reading!</div>
First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-6703781141920904362013-07-06T14:47:00.000-04:002013-07-06T14:47:40.381-04:00A Reality Check<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well I got stuck on this post. Ever since I read <i>Little Bunny's Sleepless Night </i>by Carol Roth and Valeri Gorbachev (way back in the beginning of May) I've been mulling around what I wanted to say about the discussion that took place that morning with my fantastic bunch of first graders whom I already miss. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a great story for making connections, predictions, sequencing and teaching the 5 senses.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started this read aloud like I do most, by showing the cover of the book and telling the children, "This story is about a Little Bunny, and he has trouble sleeping one night." Then I asked the question, "Why can't you sleep?" I didn't realize this would be a loaded question. I expected answers like... my mom sends me to bed too early, I'm not tired, I want to stay up and play, I'm excited about ~ but those are not the answers I got.</span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little background is needed here. Each day, my wonderful first graders bounce into the classroom ready and eager for the day. They are clean, dressed nicely and loved by their families. It is, at times, easy for me to forget their homes aren't like what I, or many of us know. You see my school is next to a housing project and low rent housing. Over 91% of my children live in urban poverty and many are second language learners. Yes, many enter my classroom with a variety of needs, but they are first graders and its my mission to fully prepare them for any second grade classroom they may enter. Often they arrive at school tired. Never did I think to ask them why, until I pulled this book off the shelf for our read aloud.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are the answers I received, # of children who agreed out of 18:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*14 said they were too cold ~ small PJ's, no blanket or thin blanket, sleeping on the floor or sofa</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*16 said outside noise kept them awake ~ gunshots, fighting, loud music, noisy cars</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*16 said they had nightmares ~ no explanation needed</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*14 said it was too noisy in their house ~ fighting, loud TV or music</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*10 said brothers or sisters in their room kept them awake</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*12 said they were scared</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*9 said they were too hungry to sleep</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not a single child said they weren't tired or were sent to bed too early.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why did this bother me so much, and why does it still weigh heavy on my mind. Certainly deep down I knew this was their reality. I like to hope/think that in some small way I am making a difference in their lives - but I think this set it straight, I cannot change what I cannot change - and that hurts. These are innocent children who will forever be effected by their living situation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It also reminded me to talk less and listen more. This class needed to talk about their lives and I listened. I learned more than I wanted this year, but hopefully I will be a better teacher because I asked and I listened.</span></div>
First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-11553027176768110892013-07-04T15:40:00.000-04:002013-07-04T15:40:15.612-04:00West Virginia State #15<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">School ended in a flurry and running season began. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RUnByTheRiverToBenefitShepherdstownDaycare">The Run by the River</a>, Shepherdstown, West Virginia</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On June 8th we ran a 5K in West Virginia, our 15th state on a quest to run in all 50.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This had to be one of the friendliest, nicest runs we have ever done.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you are near Shepherdstown, WV the beginning of June I strongly suggest you sign up! </span><br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hC5M9fo8iSs/UdXDdcr8OtI/AAAAAAAAAdw/zyxMJNUyQ38/s640/blogger-image--1826270132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hC5M9fo8iSs/UdXDdcr8OtI/AAAAAAAAAdw/zyxMJNUyQ38/s640/blogger-image--1826270132.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Upon arrival we were greeted with a table of yummy foods and happy people. They gave us our race packets (seen below) filled with great treats for runners ~ including chapstick, sunscreen,water bottles and chocolate. You will notice the chocolate is missing because it didn't last long.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The T-shirts were colorful, soft and made of 100% recycled materials. I love how the race logo is on the front and back of the shirts. All these goodies came in the signed bags.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In addition each runner was also given a handmade card created by a child at the Day Care the proceeds benefitted :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--Asig0ydqp0/UdXDeQov-iI/AAAAAAAAAd4/lErfhtujEs0/s640/blogger-image-1178108872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--Asig0ydqp0/UdXDeQov-iI/AAAAAAAAAd4/lErfhtujEs0/s640/blogger-image-1178108872.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The race was advertised as an out and back course, downhill out and uphill back. Well when the race started with two quick up and down hills I began to worry, because if this wasn't what they were calling the hill then I wondered what the hill would bring. Well I soon found out. It was long and at times steep. Of course the down part was easy, the up took some work. At the finish line they had someone taking every runner's picture. Upon arriving home we found that we had each received an email with our pictures and another personalized email. How thoughtful!</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oAIPy0w9Jlo/UdXDfrEyOLI/AAAAAAAAAeA/Dtq2Qgq5PYA/s640/blogger-image-10200781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oAIPy0w9Jlo/UdXDfrEyOLI/AAAAAAAAAeA/Dtq2Qgq5PYA/s640/blogger-image-10200781.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After the race there was nice cold water and plenty of tasty snacks to refuel on. In addition to the 5K, there was a 5 Miler, and a Kid's Fun Run. They followed the races with a nice awards assembly. My husband and I were both pleasantly surprised to find we had won our age groups! For this we were given an envelope that had written on it, "Congratulations on Your Speedy Run!" Inside we each received a gift certificate to <a href="http://www.mellowmoodsjuicebar.com/">Mellow Moods Cafe and Juice Bar</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We decided to head up to the cafe for a quick bite before hitting the road again. What a great place! Delicious, healthy food. If you are ever in the area do stop in.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We also made a stop at <a href="http://tworiverstreads.com/">Two Rivers Treads</a> a natural running store. They will do a gait analysis for free.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">All in all it was an awesome race, a great town filled with wonderful little shops and friendly people, and a just plain great day!</span></div>
First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-88305993913329011212013-07-02T18:03:00.001-04:002013-07-02T18:03:12.882-04:00Blog Lovin'<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5653679/?claim=rg58yrq54ng">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
Just getting set up!First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-2612573419762650502013-04-22T11:50:00.000-04:002013-04-22T11:50:00.122-04:00Be a Fly on My Wall<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dSu5VwwxBPw/UXRhPdPPw4I/AAAAAAAAAck/_bExHNJrWHg/s640/blogger-image--1834613011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dSu5VwwxBPw/UXRhPdPPw4I/AAAAAAAAAck/_bExHNJrWHg/s640/blogger-image--1834613011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dSu5VwwxBPw/UXRhPdPPw4I/AAAAAAAAAck/_bExHNJrWHg/s640/blogger-image--1834613011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am linking up with Jodi from <a href="http://www.fun-in-first.blogspot.com/">Fun-In-First</a> to offer you a look at a day in my classroom. As you know days vary and my schedule has some flexibility in it. This particular day we did not do centers ~ although we often do.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fun-in-first.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YWZSvM-ZYSA/UWmZF7LPSUI/AAAAAAAAGMo/d12XfXMz3Vs/s320/Fly+Linky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dSu5VwwxBPw/UXRhPdPPw4I/AAAAAAAAAck/_bExHNJrWHg/s640/blogger-image--1834613011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dSu5VwwxBPw/UXRhPdPPw4I/AAAAAAAAAck/_bExHNJrWHg/s1600/blogger-image--1834613011.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Top left is Rockin' Roll and Read made by Dana of <a href="http://polkadotschecksstripes.blogspot.com/2013/04/rockin-roll-and-read-freebie.html">Polka Dots Checks & Stripes</a>, top right is a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Silent-E-Bunting-Games-featuring-Long-aiou-and-Mixed-Vowels">Silent E Bunting Game</a> by Melissa of Fashion Craze Learning Days, and bottom is a Kung Fu Four by Mary of <a href="http://pitnerm.blogspot.com/2013/04/kung-fu-pow-eeeee-freebie.html">Pitner's Potourri</a>. All three are excellent games for struggling readers.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We start our day at 8:55 with a quick extra jolt of reading. At the start of the third quarter I became concerned that a few of my students were still struggling readers. They now enjoy a 15-20 minute extra small group reading lesson each day as soon as they walk in the door. We begin each lesson with a short round of word game (shown above.) Followed by passage reading. While this group is meeting with me my other students are reading about the room in pairs working on developing fluency and expression.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On this day we played Rockin' Roll and Read.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We then work on reading fluency using <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Fluency-Passages-For-Reading-Intervention">Sight Word Fluency Passages for Reading Intervention</a> created by Christine of Sugar and Spice. These passages have proven to be worth their weight in gold. Everyone of my students in this group has made great gains in reading :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">While I am reading with this group my other students are pair reading poems, plays and passages from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/April-Fluency-Pack">April Fluency Passages</a> created by Amy of The Resource(ful) Room. My children really enjoy them and love presenting them to the class. See video below.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After 15-20 minutes we all meet together for morning meeting. One of the reasons we did not get to centers today was that our morning meeting ran late due to 3 reasons ~ 2 good and 1 major goof up by me :( As the children gathered in our meeting spot there was quite a commotion (unusual for this group.) When I asked what was going on they said one of the boys said the "f" word, other students were quick to confirm this and the student himself said he did it. So without thinking I started on my we don't say those kind of words in school and sent him to the behavior chart to move his name. Big mistake on my part. I know better. Well he returned crying and I finally came to my senses and decided perhaps I should ask why he would say such a word at school. He was so distraught he couldn't speak so I asked if any of the other children knew why he said it. One boy spoke up and said he was trying to read a word on the map. I asked him to bring me the map ~ turns out this little guy with some speech issues was trying to say Africa, not quite sure how it ended up sounding like the "f" word, but I do believe this is what happened. So now I had to change gears. Apologize to the poor little guy and explain to my students that saying a naughty word is not really bad if it was truly an accident. I felt sooooooo bad.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Mz2D728L2jM/UXRhRPJ76rI/AAAAAAAAAc0/i63zNEmLur0/s640/blogger-image--333291500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Mz2D728L2jM/UXRhRPJ76rI/AAAAAAAAAc0/i63zNEmLur0/s640/blogger-image--333291500.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Here's my Collection of Elmer books. Really amazing books written by David McKee. If you don't have them check them out. You won't be sorry.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After I tried to repair the damage I did to my poor little guy we moved onto lunch count and story time. We are working on fractions in math and I always try to ask a math question that has something to do with our lunch count before moving on. Today's first question was, "What is half of 12?" Well I called on one of my little ones who's hand was up, but I really wasn't sure she knew. She promptly answered, "6 is half of 12 because 6 plus 6 is 12." Well gotta love that Whole Brain Teaching, not only did she get the correct answer, she said it in a sentence and added the because clapper! I was doing the teacher happy dance there so I decided to up the anty and asked, "If I have have 4 friends and 12 candy bars how many candy bars will each friend get if I share them equally?" I was really surprised when one of my little guy's hand quickly shot up and he answered, " 3 because 3 plus 3 is 6 and there are 2 sixes in 12." Wow I am sure I could not have come up with that in first grade! Okay happy moments here:)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up my absolute favorite part of the day... story time. This year my students could listen to stories for hours. They love making predictions and connections. They really love when characters appear in multiple books. Today we read the last Elmer story I have. Then we sat and talked about all we've enjoyed while reading Elmer books. Last week when we started the Elmer books we did a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Elephants-Mini-Unit">mini nonfiction unit on elephants</a> by Megan of Mrs. Mitchell's First Grade.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried to insert a video of two of my students reading one of Amy's poems, but I just couldn't get it to work. Sorry. The students loved watching themselves on video.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up morning work. I use Jodi's <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-Differentiated-Morning-Work-for-April">monthly packs</a> because they offer a fluency component on one side and reinforce common core ELA and math on the other side AND they are already differentiated. Who could ask for more. At first it took my students a long time to complete these papers. Now they fly through them. This is the time I attend to student folders.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last thing before specials and lunch ~ anthology time. I teach the strategies and skills as outlined by the program. We enjoy the stories, but I often add here and put my own twist on things. This weeks' stories had to do with insects.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At 10:45 my students leave for specials, they have a different one each day. At 11:30 I pick them up and drop them off for lunch. It makes for a short morning and a very long afternoon.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now its noon and we begin math. Yesterday we made fraction pizzas that I have seen on several blogs. We started by reviewing our pizzas then we used this great fraction matching game by Michelle of <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mama-Mias-Pizza-beginning-fractions-FREEBIE">Our Sweet Success</a>, very cute and free!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The bulk of our math lesson was completing a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Flying-High-With-Fractions-of-a-Whole">fraction activity with kites</a> created by Jennifer of Cuddle Bugs Teaching.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up - Guided Reading. I have 3 groups. My top 2 groups are working on this amazing pack called <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Find-Us-Forever-Homes-Critically-Reading-Analyzing-Information-Inferring">Find Us Forever Homes</a> created by Tracy of Creekside Teacher Tales. I meet first with my high flyers, set the stage and send them off to work independently. At the end of the period I meet with them again to check on their progress. My middle group does the packet with me and sometimes in pairs after a strong introduction. I meet with my struggling readers for a second time each day now. This is when they read books. Today we were reading the little book that goes with our anthology.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A high flyer completing the activities for the dog Lucy.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I am meeting with these three groups I offer the students a variety of activities to complete. On this day they were working on their Elmer stories. I find I get some of their best writing after they have heard several stories about one character, and I ask them to write their own adventure for this character. Elmer has sparked the most writing I have ever gotten!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Some of that beautiful Elmer writing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We are also working on a collage to display with our stories.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After guided reading we go outside for a 10 to 15 minute recess.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is normally followed by our RTII groups. All first graders are grouped based on DIBELS scores and sent to appropriate teachers in small groups for interventions. I teach a group of 12 tier two children using My Sidewalks On Reading Street.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But..since our poor upper grade children were state testing for two weeks we did not do RTII during this time. Instead I took what I was already doing at the end of the day Jodi's <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Fluency-Packet">Spring Fluency Pack</a> and expanded upon her weekly themes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On this day we spent time learning about ladybugs. The paper on the left is from Jodi's pack, there is a nice ladybug poem on the other side with some questions to complete. The Ladybug Life Cycle book and worksheet below come from Michelle of Apples and ABC's free <a href="http://applesandabcs.blogspot.com/2013/04/life-cycle-of-ladybug-freebie.html">Ladybug Life Cycle</a> pack.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At 3:25 I walk my students to the door, no buses here, everyone walks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There you have it, one day in my classroom, similar, but different from all my other days.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I leave you with these gorgeous flowers from my garden...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My wish for you is that all bleeding hearts from last week ~ those in Boston, Texas, Kansas and where ever you may be find peace and begin to heal.</span></td></tr>
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First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-24418376008100873232013-04-16T08:27:00.000-04:002013-04-16T15:42:37.220-04:00Answering The Tough Questions?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the second time this school year we find ourselves asking the tough questions. Why? Why? What next? In less than one hour I will have to face my group of first graders and somehow answer their questions. It will be my job to reassure them and let them know they are safe. But I have to ask myself is anyone safe anymore? Both these tragedies hit me very hard. Next to my family ~ first graders and runners/spectators are my favorite people. Why would anyone want to hurt them? First graders are so full of life wanting to explore and learn with smiles on their faces. Runners and their families are celebrating life every time they run. A finish line is the happiest place on Earth, especially if you've just completed a long distance. I am very sad that fear has crept into schools and finish lines:( I have seen what the loss of a child does to a family and it is not good. I hope and pray these tragedies caused by people end and that somehow, someway as an educator I am able to promote peace.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To all those directly impacted by tragedy my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://melonheadzillustrating.blogspot.com/2013/04/for-boston.html">Melonheadz Illustrations</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">has created this amazing illustration which shows exactly how I, and I'm sure many others feel.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thank you for this beautiful tribute to all those touched by the sadness in Boston.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-29601980955264873112013-04-07T19:23:00.000-04:002013-04-07T19:23:39.570-04:00Could it be ... Spring?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Well its be a very long wait here in PA, but I think Spring is finally arriving...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My one and only blooming Daffodil, hope the others follow soon.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Heather</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yes, I know, no flowers yet, but Lupine is one of my favorites.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I've saved the best for last. Our resident Dove has returned to hatch a new little one or two!</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope wherever you are Spring finds you soon too!</span>First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-44972263254303458682013-04-05T21:51:00.000-04:002013-04-05T21:51:37.219-04:00Jogging For Jonah<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well my heart aches for this little guy and others like him!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I lived closer I'd join the run, but instead I've made a donation. I'm hoping you will consider supporting this cause too :)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDtevJQY7-8/UVkEYjMF8JI/AAAAAAAACq0/2aMpCn5bYqs/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-03-31+at+11.51.16+PM.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; position: relative;" width="305" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://myheartbelongsinfirst.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-me-fighting-eb.html#comment-form">Tamera of My Heart Belongs In First</a> has gathered together a wonderful set a products worth $85.00 which can be yours for just a $10.00 donation to this cause. Head over to her blog <a href="http://myheartbelongsinfirst.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-me-fighting-eb.html#comment-form">here</a> for all the info.<br /></span><h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Just a Bit More Fluency...</span></h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Just after I posted on fluency I found Tori's truly amazing post at <a href="http://toristeachertips.blogspot.com/2013/04/fluency-part-1-5-days-of-lessons-and.html">Tori's Teacher Tips</a>. I immediately put her ideas to work with my kiddos and they just ate it up and flew with it. Head over to her blog <a href="http://toristeachertips.blogspot.com/2013/04/fluency-part-1-5-days-of-lessons-and.html">here</a> to read more. I can't wait to read her other ideas.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25px;"></span>First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-40052779710584294062013-04-03T20:41:00.001-04:002013-04-03T20:59:41.164-04:00Improving Fluency<h2>
Fluency ~ A Piece Of Cake?</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9-BTosn7Rw/UVzKlcLNwlI/AAAAAAAAAZA/gjS7pPAXtvc/s1600/photo-28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9-BTosn7Rw/UVzKlcLNwlI/AAAAAAAAAZA/gjS7pPAXtvc/s1600/photo-28.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The cake my dear daughter made for Easter dinner!</span></td></tr>
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The Challenge</h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are an RTII school. In January, all our students were DIBELS tested. After the testing, our principal met with every teacher in the school. She showed us the results of our students. Then she informed us that we had to make a plan and actively work towards moving ALL the students in our class to Tier 1, the core group. Luckily, half my students made core, but that still left 9 students to move - with some of them needing to move 2 tiers :(</span></div>
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The Plan</h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I needed to stop and think very carefully about how I was using every minute of my day ~ what to keep, what to delete and what to add.</span></div>
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What To Keep</h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* I kept my read aloud time. This takes awhile because we really take our time and dive totally into the stories. I feel the time invested here is well spent since it carries over into their own reading. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Guided Reading had to stay. I meet with each of my three groups every day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*RTII Time is required, no discussion allowed here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Spelling is used as phonics time to show how sounds work in words. This is a very short mini lesson each day with written homework.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Lunch and Specialist</span></div>
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What To Delete Or Cut Back On</h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*I almost completely deleted recess. This wasn't too bad because our weather was awful all winter and no one really wanted to go outside. If Spring ever finds PA we will head out to play again.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Math time was cut a bit short. It will have to be shored up in the fourth quarter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Oh no ~ direct instruction of writing took a big hit. This was a hard one for me, as writing was my concentration during the second quarter and my students were beginning to make good progress.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Anthology time was shortened, but not eliminated. I like the skills taught and many of the stories are very good. The little readers that go with our program worked well as one of the guided reading books each week. The sight words and vocabulary words are appropriate.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Science and Social Studies had to be integrated into read alouds and reading passages.</span></div>
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What To Add</h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's where I needed to gather new resources. Well I entered giveaways, crossed my fingers, got lucky and won some high quality materials. Then off I went to shop in my new favorite store TPT.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Each day now began differently for my students. My 6 students needing the most assistance were identified. They now know to enter the classroom, hang up their things, and quickly meet me at the guided reading table. There I use Sight Word Fluency Passages by Miss DeCarbo they are available <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Fluency-Passages-For-Reading-Intervention">here</a>. These are amazing short passages that practice important sight words. They are presented similarly to how students will see them when DIBELS testing. While this group is reading with me my other students are sitting around the room reading in pairs. I was lucky to win Amy Marshall's March Fluency Practice available <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/March-Fluency-Pack">here</a>. They practice reading to each other the poems, plays and short passages. I give them opportunities to read to the class. The March Practice was so good I have purchased the April Practice to use again this month. This only takes 15 to 20 minutes. Then we continue our morning as we used to with lunch count, etc. After which we enjoy a good story together.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*When returning to their seats, our next addition, is Jodi's Common Core Differentiated Morning Work available <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-Differentiated-Morning-Work-for-April">here</a>. There is a page for every day of the month. On one side of each page are practice problems for ELA and math (sneaking some math in here.) The other side of the page has a word of the day. It is used in a sentence and then a paragraph. We practice reading these together and sometimes in pairs. At first these pages took a long time. Now my students whip right through them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Later in the day we complete one of Jodi's Spring Fluency Pages from the packet available <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Fluency-Packet">here</a>. This was a big purchase for me, but it has provided me with an extra fluency page for every day until the end of the year. I like that there is a theme for each week. Sometimes this can double as Science or Social Studies depending on the theme.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*The last TPT products that I use to improve fluency come from Sarah Paul. Her things are fabulous! They hit Common Core very well. I can give my students very appropriate work that they can complete while I am working with guided reading groups. Sarah's materials are available <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hoppy-Easter-Literacy-Pack">here</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to all for providing me with such high quality materials!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I first found each of these sellers by winning one of their packets in a giveaway or by trying one of their freebies :)</span><br />
<h3>
The Results</h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well we won't DIBELS test again until May, but my DRA scores have jumped tremendously :) I am confident my students will do well in May. All but one of my students are now reading on grade level, with the majority reading well above first grade! I was very fearful of cutting back on writing instruction, but their writing has continued to improve - no loss here. What did take a slight dip was math. I will be sure to be careful about doing a great job teaching math our last quarter.</span></div>
<h3>
New Challenges</h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How to keep those high flying readers interested? Where to find high quality reading material to supplement what is in our guided reading library? Back to TPT I go. Well have you seen Tracy Tegelers' materials? If not you've got to check <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Find-Us-Forever-Homes-Critically-Reading-Analyzing-Information-Inferring">this</a> out. I think it will be tomorrow's buy. If you have any suggestions of other materials available to use in guided reading with high flying first grade readers please leave a comment below. Thanks!</span>First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-47159984270336615112013-03-28T09:14:00.000-04:002013-03-28T09:14:31.780-04:00Brand New Look ~ Come Take A Peek<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ever since I began looking at all the wonderful teacher blogs, I knew I wanted my own special look. I tried, I really tried to do it myself, but I just couldn't get the look I was going for. My husband sat and listened to me dream of my own special design night after night. Then one magical night he said, "Find a designer ~ this is my gift to you :)" Some gift it turned out to be. I am on Cloud 9 just staring at my beautiful, fun, new look. Thank you dear husband; I love, love, love my new design!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In order to get this great look I had to find a designer. After studying many blogs and designers I decided to contact Barb of <a href="http://www.rubyslippersblogdesigns.com/">Ruby Slippers Blog Designs</a> and see if she was willing to give it a try. She was amazing right from the start. She asked great questions, tried things, and willingly changed things as the design developed. She even tried some of my crazy ideas which I'm sure she knew would look hideous, like a red background in the sidebar :0 Thanks Barb! I hope you enjoy my new look as much as I do. If you ever want a professional to work on your blog I highly recommend Barb.</span><br />
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First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-41962428508491680202013-03-16T13:26:00.000-04:002013-03-16T16:36:54.597-04:00Winter Wonderland DisplayedHere is the display in my classroom of all the fantastic projects shared by teachers from around the country and Canada. I want to apologize to those who took part for taking so long to get this post onto my blog. More importantly, I want to thank each teacher and student who participated! My students and I learned so much about winter in places far away from our homes.<br />
Teachers who participated in this project sent me a letter describing winter where they live and 20 student made projects. When I received everyone's package, I collated them and each class then received a letter and project from each school.<br />
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Below are individual pictures of each project and a link to the teacher's blog if available. Please be sure to visit these amazing teachers' blogs!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EpRZjToZwto/UTUf8jln-cI/AAAAAAAAAXM/aUsDXQfvcpY/s640/blogger-image-211034534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EpRZjToZwto/UTUf8jln-cI/AAAAAAAAAXM/aUsDXQfvcpY/s640/blogger-image-211034534.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Love Bugs with Adjective Descriptions<br />California<br />Rebecca of <a href="http://1stgradefascination.blogspot.com/">First Grade Fascination</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oNcPBUavHT8/UTUf-CMz3aI/AAAAAAAAAXc/An-5lF-_Bno/s640/blogger-image--533603463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oNcPBUavHT8/UTUf-CMz3aI/AAAAAAAAAXc/An-5lF-_Bno/s640/blogger-image--533603463.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cesar Chavez<br />California<br />Kay of <a href="http://sommerpride.blogspot.com/">Sommer Pride</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y9BSDCijVzc/UTUf7I1EbnI/AAAAAAAAAW8/dqJ2GMRjrrA/s640/blogger-image--1922734439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y9BSDCijVzc/UTUf7I1EbnI/AAAAAAAAAW8/dqJ2GMRjrrA/s640/blogger-image--1922734439.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Snow Globes<br />California<br />Wendy of <a href="http://1stgradefireworks.blogspot.com/">1st Grade Fireworks</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXPgIC50lFM/UTUf9arwkkI/AAAAAAAAAXU/n7QNzCQy154/s640/blogger-image--168466277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXPgIC50lFM/UTUf9arwkkI/AAAAAAAAAXU/n7QNzCQy154/s640/blogger-image--168466277.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Winter Birch Trees<br />Canada<br />Kaitlin and Christine of <a href="http://kandclovegrade3.blogspot.com/">K & C Love Grade 3!</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cw6p-SGT93c/UTUgAAsrGQI/AAAAAAAAAX0/DLRX3OeGIko/s640/blogger-image--2030366715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cw6p-SGT93c/UTUgAAsrGQI/AAAAAAAAAX0/DLRX3OeGIko/s640/blogger-image--2030366715.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Snowmen in Glue<br />(These are way cool in person.)<br />Michigan<br />Jennifer of <a href="http://owlthingsfirst.blogspot.com/">Owl Things First</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lFMjaJZdy3U/UTUf7_zSfpI/AAAAAAAAAXE/3ImJr-IVN9c/s640/blogger-image--1608667890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lFMjaJZdy3U/UTUf7_zSfpI/AAAAAAAAAXE/3ImJr-IVN9c/s640/blogger-image--1608667890.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jockey Silks</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kentucky</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Brianna of </span><a href="http://thepriceofteaching.blogspot.com/" style="font-size: medium;">The Price of Teaching</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bNl5pYrKgz8/UTUf6V8ZKAI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Lcn7tqUWWgM/s640/blogger-image-1708382718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bNl5pYrKgz8/UTUf6V8ZKAI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Lcn7tqUWWgM/s640/blogger-image-1708382718.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pigeons<br />Ohio<br />Emily and Maria of <a href="http://curiousfirsties.blogspot.com/">Curious Firsties</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fn-22tIiUCk/UTUf-mBhw4I/AAAAAAAAAXk/evgJNXZuosU/s640/blogger-image--1056075106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fn-22tIiUCk/UTUf-mBhw4I/AAAAAAAAAXk/evgJNXZuosU/s640/blogger-image--1056075106.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Glue Snowmen<br />Vermont<br />Claire of <a href="http://firstgradesmarties.blogspot.com/">First Grade Smarties</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H4WTVjHcpmA/UTUf42tYjGI/AAAAAAAAAWk/oYTScYo5HJg/s640/blogger-image--158430710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H4WTVjHcpmA/UTUf42tYjGI/AAAAAAAAAWk/oYTScYo5HJg/s640/blogger-image--158430710.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Melted Snowmen<br />Pennsylvania<br />Sharon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GiKx-5klR34/UTUf4Dj39fI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Kp3lcHMnY8w/s640/blogger-image-963939026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GiKx-5klR34/UTUf4Dj39fI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Kp3lcHMnY8w/s640/blogger-image-963939026.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Coqui<br />Puerto Rico from Pennsylvania<br />Shannon</span></td></tr>
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<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://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6xnujTU-xSE/UTUf2OKUlKI/AAAAAAAAAWE/5Csq2Sp_Ly8/s640/blogger-image-1416946271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6xnujTU-xSE/UTUf2OKUlKI/AAAAAAAAAWE/5Csq2Sp_Ly8/s640/blogger-image-1416946271.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Penguins and Polar Bears<br />Georgia<br />Kelly of <a href="http://thefirstgradefairytales.blogspot.com/">First Grade Fairytales</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uqoiOTW81W8/UTUf2n0xdUI/AAAAAAAAAWM/94TAzo3dJQo/s640/blogger-image-239813959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uqoiOTW81W8/UTUf2n0xdUI/AAAAAAAAAWM/94TAzo3dJQo/s640/blogger-image-239813959.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Starfish<br />Florida<br />Gina of <a href="http://beachsandplans.blogspot.com/">Beach Sand and Lesson Plans</a></span></td></tr>
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<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://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qL8PVBnmrLI/UTUf_bf6urI/AAAAAAAAAXs/aU5K0T_3cGQ/s640/blogger-image-416777581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qL8PVBnmrLI/UTUf_bf6urI/AAAAAAAAAXs/aU5K0T_3cGQ/s640/blogger-image-416777581.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Martin Luther King<br />Texas<br />Beth</span></td></tr>
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<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://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xMpmSI913ME/UTUiaxPLQNI/AAAAAAAAAYE/yinWecz2Rz0/s640/blogger-image-1369198131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xMpmSI913ME/UTUiaxPLQNI/AAAAAAAAAYE/yinWecz2Rz0/s640/blogger-image-1369198131.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rainy Day Umbrellas<br />Mississippi<br />Christy of <a href="http://mrschristysleapingloopers.blogspot.com/">Mrs. Christy's Leaping Loopers</a></span><br />
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<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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvqIgzDUll8/UUTXPPlFrhI/AAAAAAAAAYc/IH3sx5_693o/s1600/ww.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvqIgzDUll8/UUTXPPlFrhI/AAAAAAAAAYc/IH3sx5_693o/s400/ww.jpg" width="383" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Snowmen At Night<br />Arkansas<br />Cynthia</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o0gvYTmbNCk/UTUibggJuaI/AAAAAAAAAYM/HsUbokOKMkU/s640/blogger-image-1377867079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o0gvYTmbNCk/UTUibggJuaI/AAAAAAAAAYM/HsUbokOKMkU/s640/blogger-image-1377867079.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Groundhog Lapbook</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pennsylvania</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Maria of First Grade Carousel</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">With Special Thanks to:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Granny Goes to School ~ Groundhog Craft available </span><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Groundhog-Day-Craft-and-Pattern-Economy" style="font-size: medium;">here</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Informational Book available from Jennifer Ruiz</span><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Groundhog-Informational-Booklet" style="font-size: medium;"> here</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tally/Graph from Dawn DeLorenzo available </span><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Groundhog-Day-Packet" style="font-size: medium;">here</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Groundhog Funnies from Froggie Went a Teachin available </span><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Balanced-Literacy-Center-Groundhog-Day-Funnies-riddles" style="font-size: medium;">here</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Groundhog Graphics from LittleRed available </span><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Balanced-Literacy-Center-Groundhog-Day-Funnies-riddles" style="font-size: medium;">here</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A Huge Thanks to all the Students and Teachers for Particpating!</span></td></tr>
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First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-76250935832580264292013-02-24T14:44:00.001-05:002013-02-24T14:45:12.901-05:00Amazing Gifts Have Arrived From Miss LA while back I entered a contest ~ and won! It was <a href="http://misslwholebrainteaching.blogspot.com/">Miss L's</a> 1 Year Blogiversary. She promised a Mystery Prize Package made specially for the winner. Well she certainly delivered on that promise! Pictures speak 1000 words they say so ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-taRAstuyN30/USpQ6weYXEI/AAAAAAAAAUc/weLc19VA3os/s640/blogger-image-525888547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-taRAstuyN30/USpQ6weYXEI/AAAAAAAAAUc/weLc19VA3os/s320/blogger-image-525888547.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">First, the treats that keep every teacher going. Coke (you will noticed that it is gone already) chocolate and that extra special gift card every loves! I love the French on the Coke and candy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L5_ovFqGUmI/USpQ6DGXj7I/AAAAAAAAAUU/hrYZdIMVR8c/s640/blogger-image-346386167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L5_ovFqGUmI/USpQ6DGXj7I/AAAAAAAAAUU/hrYZdIMVR8c/s320/blogger-image-346386167.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A mountain of my favorite school supplies. A large Canadian smelly marker (how fun), a variety of Post-its, 2 packs of ladybug push pins, retractable whiteboard markers (I've never seen them before), cool, fun pens, and 2 awesome containers to store everything on my desk.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gaY4-rYNgEY/USpQ5JRTccI/AAAAAAAAAUM/TdYIZt71dtI/s640/blogger-image--1241969857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gaY4-rYNgEY/USpQ5JRTccI/AAAAAAAAAUM/TdYIZt71dtI/s320/blogger-image--1241969857.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An awesome mug to enjoy my hot chocolate in while wearing my new, red (favorite color) homemade scarf.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EWealD9AqbQ/USpQ78IHNMI/AAAAAAAAAUk/EC91jJW8s0E/s640/blogger-image--1742731086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EWealD9AqbQ/USpQ78IHNMI/AAAAAAAAAUk/EC91jJW8s0E/s320/blogger-image--1742731086.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last, but not least, my favorite item ~ a Canadian hockey puck!<br />Yes, hockey is my favorite sport to watch, although I have to admit I am a Penguins fan. Go Pens!<br />Still love the Canadian Puck!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://misslwholebrainteaching.blogspot.com/">Miss L</a> is still a university student (graduating this Spring) but you would never know it from reading her blog. She has much to offer all teachers. I especially like her posts that contain helpful information on using technology in the classroom. She is even presenting at a conference why blogging is important for teachers. Be sure to take a look at her blog!<br />
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Thank you Miss L you will always have a friend in Pennsylvania!</div>
First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-23925624344207472362013-02-12T11:03:00.000-05:002013-02-12T11:03:04.715-05:00The Last Packages Have ArrivedI am very happy to announce that all the packages have arrived. Many of these I received last week.<br />
All participants will be receiving their packages in the mail this week!<br />
A HUGE thank you to all who sent projects and letters :)<br />
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<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://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KoJpsjzvTzw/URpHuxlO8qI/AAAAAAAAATM/twWqA6xhuPo/s640/blogger-image-1516585444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KoJpsjzvTzw/URpHuxlO8qI/AAAAAAAAATM/twWqA6xhuPo/s320/blogger-image-1516585444.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kentucky</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0RMJuRsBGFE/URpHz5A72lI/AAAAAAAAATc/3jJsOfOS5Fs/s640/blogger-image--959027948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0RMJuRsBGFE/URpHz5A72lI/AAAAAAAAATc/3jJsOfOS5Fs/s320/blogger-image--959027948.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Arkansas</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yQz8d0xur2E/URpHtYfUH9I/AAAAAAAAATE/8I_yM9e9O2A/s640/blogger-image-1951791155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yQz8d0xur2E/URpHtYfUH9I/AAAAAAAAATE/8I_yM9e9O2A/s320/blogger-image-1951791155.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stockton, California</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DjnRAxiBLtc/URpHyuFAWdI/AAAAAAAAATU/BFMK5IwBDNU/s640/blogger-image--422680104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DjnRAxiBLtc/URpHyuFAWdI/AAAAAAAAATU/BFMK5IwBDNU/s320/blogger-image--422680104.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pennsylvania</span></td></tr>
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First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-62296573768999824112013-02-02T19:17:00.000-05:002013-02-02T19:17:09.250-05:00Canada, Ohio, and MichiganSorry for the delay in posting these. Our dear friends from Canada sent their project electronically. I will be printing it and including their project in your package. Packages also arrived from two of the Great Lakes states ~ Michigan and Ohio! By the way this summer on vacation we explored the Great Lakes and surrounding states. They have some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. We are getting close to having all the packages. My students get so excited when the mail comes! They love finding the states on the map. I can't believe how this project has made our country real to them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b2CP38tA2T0/UQ2nae3sj_I/AAAAAAAAASo/MnkPafG_HxY/s640/blogger-image--1827958224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b2CP38tA2T0/UQ2nae3sj_I/AAAAAAAAASo/MnkPafG_HxY/s320/blogger-image--1827958224.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Canada</span></td></tr>
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<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://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rBJhqs1w944/UQ2nZSP6LGI/AAAAAAAAASg/68z6qn7Ba3w/s640/blogger-image--1538041185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rBJhqs1w944/UQ2nZSP6LGI/AAAAAAAAASg/68z6qn7Ba3w/s320/blogger-image--1538041185.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Michigan ~ gotta love the duct tape!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BP-4xxKl_ik/UQ2nYbmDR3I/AAAAAAAAASY/ryj3eknLlO4/s640/blogger-image-1533121046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BP-4xxKl_ik/UQ2nYbmDR3I/AAAAAAAAASY/ryj3eknLlO4/s320/blogger-image-1533121046.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ohio</span></td></tr>
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That's all for today... I am sure there are several packages waiting for me at school. Can't wait till Monday!<div>
A huge thanks to Andrea of <a href="http://forehandsphenomenalfirsties.blogspot.com/2013/01/if-i-were-alien.html">Mrs. Forehand's Phenomenal Firsties</a> for answering my picture question.</div>
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To add pictures quickly and easily from my phone I followed her directions. I added Blogger to my phone, signed in, pushed on the pencil icon, filled in post title, then pushed on the camera icon, took picture, pressed use, and repeated for all the pictures I wanted. Rather than complete the post on the phone, I saved it as a draft and completed it on the computer. Much, much easier than the old way. Thanks ~ Andrea!</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 0px;"><br /></span></span>First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2623272860218081112.post-18477048038326103452013-01-30T18:36:00.001-05:002013-01-30T18:36:56.782-05:00Georgia! and a Question?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">The latest package arrived from Georgia! They included not one, but two projects! I have gotten word that many more projects are on the way. So stay tuned ...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ-9kZXPGyI/UQms-bTPKzI/AAAAAAAAASA/vHQfdZqY1T0/s1600/georgia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ-9kZXPGyI/UQms-bTPKzI/AAAAAAAAASA/vHQfdZqY1T0/s320/georgia.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-size: small;">Douglasville, Georgia</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">Sorry this post is a bit late. We started the week with a snow day ~ mostly we just got a wet slushy mess, which is all gone now. The day off for me was good, because unfortunately, I caught a bit of the flu bug, despite having had the shot. Lucky for me, my doctor started me on Tamiflu right away and my symptoms have been held at bay for the most part. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">A Question????? Please help if you can. I've heard there is an easy way to get pictures from your phone to your blog. Right now I take the picture, email it to my computer. Download and save it, then upload it to the blog page. I know there must be a better way. If you know or can direct me to a tutorial, please do. Thanks!</span>First Grade Carouselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03880227951515786225noreply@blogger.com3