tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35934056451789853062024-03-19T01:48:20.777-07:00Kindergarten CrayonsFran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.comBlogger613125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-87019811797063266112017-02-06T04:30:00.000-08:002017-02-06T04:30:00.148-08:00Apron Lady: Will You Be My Valentine?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you know The Apron Lady? Her name is Sandy Welch and I am so proud to call her my dear friend. If you have attended any I Teach K conferences in the last few years you've probably noticed the crowd of teachers chatting and laughing with her in her booth. She is the creator of the Show and Tell Aprons. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Grab a cup of coffee and sit down to read the story of our friendship. I promise that you will be glad you took the time to know her better. We are just 2 kindergarten teachers, who live in opposite parts of California who found out they had much in common.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik5Wx8KWKq5yg0EULEcxJa7bTsqhafVLYoqhaCxLFj88XAc7tR4YQyXMqOlvs8gPLqH3jC8L4lYeMIv8xMsmDdPuAOVN3fOJatfGb-qR57dirY1suTHTNoJ_4yz2qhZi7fJUCqC1tcn0/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik5Wx8KWKq5yg0EULEcxJa7bTsqhafVLYoqhaCxLFj88XAc7tR4YQyXMqOlvs8gPLqH3jC8L4lYeMIv8xMsmDdPuAOVN3fOJatfGb-qR57dirY1suTHTNoJ_4yz2qhZi7fJUCqC1tcn0/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This friendship started in Vegas when I was sitting with a group of bloggers I knew from the internet, chatting over lunch. This darling lady came over and asked me if I thought teachers would buy her apron. She was a total stranger. I looked at the apron she held up and I was shocked at how clever the design was. It took me 2 seconds to fall in love with it. OMG I had to have one. I went into a class on writing with Deedee Wills and she had one in her hands. We both agreed it was brilliant. This is where it all started for me. What happens in Vegas can change your life... right? It sure changed mine. I loved the apron but I really loved the teacher behind the design and wanted to see her succeed. We kept in touch through our blogs during that year but I don't think she had started a FB page yet.Check out her blog known as <a href="http://kinder-gardening.blogspot.com/">Kinder-gartening</a> to get a glimpse of her students and how she runs her classroom. It will make you "belly laugh" when she shares her latest crisis or classroom disaster. She is so real about life in a kindergarten classroom but full of great strategies for helping young children learn. Her love for our youngest students just makes her more endearing. Check it out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx_UbvGymG6Wf7IlNkTsA_IWX6ScQPpSukQO1h9C3wCeOwHoC7BPFg8_W2GJIHY9uw2i5vYNChZ7_W8MFbA4QLtMJpwypbiZnJ_bSQa6p2uu9YKbtbJ4Y7iHVl67bZRlSCkIILF67_Oc/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx_UbvGymG6Wf7IlNkTsA_IWX6ScQPpSukQO1h9C3wCeOwHoC7BPFg8_W2GJIHY9uw2i5vYNChZ7_W8MFbA4QLtMJpwypbiZnJ_bSQa6p2uu9YKbtbJ4Y7iHVl67bZRlSCkIILF67_Oc/s640/Slide3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time moved on and I decided to drag my poor husband to the next I Teach K conference and he convinced me to set up my own booth. He was willing to work the booth while I went to classes and watched my favorite Teacher to the Core, <a href="http://teachertothecore.blogspot.com/">Katie Knight</a> present. Guess who had a booth across from me? Yup, Sandy Welch. Her principal and the secretary of her school attended this conference so they could help her sell aprons. Can you image <b><span style="color: red;">your</span></b> principal doing this? Both of these women loved Sandy and were happy to support her new business. The two of us talked constantly between customers and found out we had much in common. We become even closer friends, sharing a few meals and just chatting about all kinds of things... educational and personal. She was so supportive and kind about my materials that I wanted to pack up the whole booth and hand it to her. I love this picture of us that my husband took! We promised to stay even more in touch and we did. Before I left Vegas she handed me an apron and insisted that is was a gift. I wanted to pay her. She would not take my money. Around the Christmas holidays she sent me an apron (beautifully wrapped) with Kindergarten Crayons embroidered on it and I was speechless. That does not happen too often. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is more so hang in there...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We saw each other again at the <a href="http://www.socalkindergartenconference.com/default.asp?sec_id=180012646">California Kindergarten Conference</a> and my booth was right next to her! Woohoo! Both of our husbands were with us and bored out of their minds (truth be told). Steve Welch is a gem. He is a great guy and the perfect compliment to Sandy. Our friendship grew stronger and I helped her sell some aprons when I could. I had no trouble convincing teachers this was the best purchase of the conference! If you have never attended this conference it is my absolute favorite. Get a ticket right now if you live anywhere in California. It is fan. tas. tic. I can't talk Sandy into presenting but I "forced" her to sing her 3 Bears song to a group of teachers and they each bought an apron... I swear- true story. This year she is part of my presentation!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenGHuODOVh3eEkdNNzCNoii1xMNjCdRwzcoE7JcpLxe7t7KMQ7atsy_xoLd0pKfZpg13JmZd-lIGGxvigeSre48zNywJEEIlRZqmwr4qjO0C_6gEfAk9i73_hdCTyCArxOIMeJbG8wZE/s1600/slide5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenGHuODOVh3eEkdNNzCNoii1xMNjCdRwzcoE7JcpLxe7t7KMQ7atsy_xoLd0pKfZpg13JmZd-lIGGxvigeSre48zNywJEEIlRZqmwr4qjO0C_6gEfAk9i73_hdCTyCArxOIMeJbG8wZE/s640/slide5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Over time we exchange phone numbers and chat about all things to do with our families and kindergarten. We try to calm each other down about testing... report cards... testing... limited time for kids to play. You know- all the issues that make us crazy as teachers. As the months went by she told me Steve could not come to Vegas with her and she was worried about going solo. I offered to go in his place and we decided we women could handle this with no problem. We had a blast... It was so much fun with Katie Knight staying one night in our room and seeing other bloggers we loved. We stayed up for endless amounts of time and talked. Sandy has the best sense of humor but she is also a worrier and I just tried to reassure her. Yes, we could pull this off. No problem. We sold aprons like wild women and even ran out of some designs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr2BVaIF_3FfXtLym523L8B1akLqcWbVARh4vK3f6HnkrKeIoM9RyW3yQ_YB9tqAO5_Enbg5UeTjx1uea37ExSA0eSAsNT6VXkftyzKfupKpkz6T4Er6f7aKlSAGIibjR_nFpMj8PrPI/s1600/slide4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr2BVaIF_3FfXtLym523L8B1akLqcWbVARh4vK3f6HnkrKeIoM9RyW3yQ_YB9tqAO5_Enbg5UeTjx1uea37ExSA0eSAsNT6VXkftyzKfupKpkz6T4Er6f7aKlSAGIibjR_nFpMj8PrPI/s640/slide4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Teachers fell in love with her personality and she spent time talking about this apron and how it kept students engaged. Teachers crammed into the booth, asked questions, and I convinced them that they would really regret not purchasing one. We took pictures of kinder teachers in tutu aprons and just had such a great time being with "our tribe." It was incredible fun. Principals bought aprons for their whole kindergarten team and we told them their teachers would love them forever. Can you imagine? We talked and drank coffee and Sandy even had special granola bars for us to snack on. It was exhausting but well worth the effort. Our friendship only grew closer and each purchase was thrilling to me! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6kbU2uTycm1kkGBu1KbePDq9oZkCGFwAtR_FH6_F1EApeRMY6xlrP7UCtSeN3qVptWJtP3Q6FTsFpbfBmcKwk4s2t2bKNp7j-j3H3MZc7gu6pKLhSLZNp67owPnENnBG08V3mILmOIQ/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6kbU2uTycm1kkGBu1KbePDq9oZkCGFwAtR_FH6_F1EApeRMY6xlrP7UCtSeN3qVptWJtP3Q6FTsFpbfBmcKwk4s2t2bKNp7j-j3H3MZc7gu6pKLhSLZNp67owPnENnBG08V3mILmOIQ/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sandy brought jewelry rolls with her to show teachers how they could display their cards. This was a game changer for me. Game changer. Now I wasn't walking in my room at 7:00 AM wondering where my letters were or the retelling cards. She taught me how to organize myself so I wouldn't pull my hair out. Can we all agree this is pure genius? Leave it to a kindergarten teacher to simplify life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJVEkDSsE9ocMeKlDtGgMGngLGWwOQ7CiVbWdSba63SlEg07q_GvW_Gihxidhc76oNw9WI9ffo6cnC8BcXmN6b1CFL-EZCar2Q0dtKEWlwp-csFWm8uWdRwMMErdA_hrLIUJaxjQ_ltI/s1600/slide6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJVEkDSsE9ocMeKlDtGgMGngLGWwOQ7CiVbWdSba63SlEg07q_GvW_Gihxidhc76oNw9WI9ffo6cnC8BcXmN6b1CFL-EZCar2Q0dtKEWlwp-csFWm8uWdRwMMErdA_hrLIUJaxjQ_ltI/s640/slide6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sandy has the best sense of humor. Her friend Carolyn Kisloski who blogs at <a href="http://ckisloski.blogspot.com/">Holding Hands and Sticking Together</a> wrote a book with Dr. Jean Feldman. Yup, <u><b>the</b></u> Dr. Jean. We both loved these two books and wanted teachers to purchase them. Check out the sign she created at her booth to push sales. We talked about these great reads and teachers listened to us. If you don't have them they can be purchased <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jeans-Reading-Recipes-Jean-Feldman/dp/1631330373/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486308275&sr=8-1&keywords=reading+recipes+by+dr+jean">here</a> and you can thank me later. Carolyn and I have become friends and she has been so generous we these books when I want to do a giveaway for a presentation. Buy them. They are worth it. They are all about engagement. We took pictures of teachers who had purchased them and sent them to Carolyn throughout the day. Teachers helping teachers...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a list of reasons I've come up with for <span style="color: red;">why you must have this amazing apron</span>. Stick with me because I am never wrong about crucial teacher resources. Even if your teaching closets are ready to explode you need this hot little item. Trust me, I know.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mxiQrtS3I3gnW4rCd28236LOqtfBz34YaAJcJazGKw9Qthyphenhyphenw90_UyprwP59HM_I1POlqXE_UVILJJV6e-AgOvg-_U2F5mmJEqnkv8etcoJn4CwR8sXTL7b9YFGGeaXAm06HLDCtTet4/s1600/slide7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mxiQrtS3I3gnW4rCd28236LOqtfBz34YaAJcJazGKw9Qthyphenhyphenw90_UyprwP59HM_I1POlqXE_UVILJJV6e-AgOvg-_U2F5mmJEqnkv8etcoJn4CwR8sXTL7b9YFGGeaXAm06HLDCtTet4/s640/slide7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Is this getting too long? Hang in there and this part will make you laugh. Let's all agree I am ridiculous but you will understand if you scroll down and continue reading. It can be a life changer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45YhwXI6h4mrwMxCTEGvojvZfG8HOMEwWcH5R5UW_TwEPmtj0Q1ZEiQnpJF3MNNbCWgcOl3780je67ygfW1R5Y1VREl27Sg6Ju_CO1RXLYrRSFg67_fmV-1YMvT8uoODg_I7nxMJnTgs/s1600/slide8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45YhwXI6h4mrwMxCTEGvojvZfG8HOMEwWcH5R5UW_TwEPmtj0Q1ZEiQnpJF3MNNbCWgcOl3780je67ygfW1R5Y1VREl27Sg6Ju_CO1RXLYrRSFg67_fmV-1YMvT8uoODg_I7nxMJnTgs/s640/slide8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have all done this at one time or another, rushing out the door with a thousands things in our hands. There is no time to go back home and those stains down the front of your shirt are staring you in the face. Not attractive at all. Solution... just slip on that Show and Tell Apron and no one is the wiser. Problem solved.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBg9hLqc5bD0cCw2nTDy89I2p27Gokje5SngHp45R8qM8womthkrniMLFYNijfwofNAFEKVvGkbNfYWftqSMj5EjoJKYiZxVmP-WBzm4P9SgfslwTbI9DuS8dyNvgy4OqlKsREYWWuq4/s1600/slide9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBg9hLqc5bD0cCw2nTDy89I2p27Gokje5SngHp45R8qM8womthkrniMLFYNijfwofNAFEKVvGkbNfYWftqSMj5EjoJKYiZxVmP-WBzm4P9SgfslwTbI9DuS8dyNvgy4OqlKsREYWWuq4/s640/slide9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every time I receive a district email about testing I reach for something to eat. Is this your reality too? I swear the amount of testing in kindergarten is directly related to teacher weight gain. I'm just being real with you. Now nothing really fits right and yes those buttons are pulling a little more than desirable. Yikes. What now? You should already have been at work. No worries. That apron is waiting for you in the classroom and no one will know the difference.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTMHL3AUZzZ-sOGqXgnqlVp8QekXvVyLZsb4A0p9-vOv3DA1lxChafAjtwp213zzNySk5QsS9IH3sQWIE08FkvWGFWrweNUccZOTLeq5TMzO4tO5BLOdJiSTLdOIA4k3JMn_9YL8iuyU/s1600/slide10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTMHL3AUZzZ-sOGqXgnqlVp8QekXvVyLZsb4A0p9-vOv3DA1lxChafAjtwp213zzNySk5QsS9IH3sQWIE08FkvWGFWrweNUccZOTLeq5TMzO4tO5BLOdJiSTLdOIA4k3JMn_9YL8iuyU/s640/slide10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a principal a few years ago who thought this apron was the best thing since peanut butter. When I had it on she would scream across the courtyard, "What's our star word today?" I was convinced she liked me because I looked the part... super kindergarten teacher on campus. She grinned from ear to ear when she watched me use it for teaching. My evaluations were glowing. It's all about student engagement people! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WuvsGwmGfO38lp6bftjteO8-oRUlERkZz06R7_3wk20m-f6drdqZ7Fbchs6fbCrqKGkNOnE-aR0qOYvrXf-2dcHW_xCffqOFfP_odOAEGok98K3d6XlOY8TAJeowzuITfyx_5v21kxQ/s1600/slide11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WuvsGwmGfO38lp6bftjteO8-oRUlERkZz06R7_3wk20m-f6drdqZ7Fbchs6fbCrqKGkNOnE-aR0qOYvrXf-2dcHW_xCffqOFfP_odOAEGok98K3d6XlOY8TAJeowzuITfyx_5v21kxQ/s640/slide11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you ever stood in front of your closet hating everything in sight? Sometimes I get so sick of my own stuff and can't even make a decision about what to wear because I am so exhausted from doing report cards or entering data, data, and more data. Finally I just grab two dark things and throw them on. I am not attractive- trust me. I head for my classroom and I jazz myself up with that cute black and red apron that is a favorite of mine. Attitude change. I return to the human race.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADO9LZ1mFl_3tmQpuj4k5GteVhuIp1M7JL-Qb5MgVmWc0T1DE19VHEagZ3WOV8ua7Dzwgb2ccgx_r31arU15UJcdm1HXpRjgzL3KEoj5ZxDV5SOSsOiqTTYKs5L6kRvA2ctUMvMwSHQ0/s1600/slide12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADO9LZ1mFl_3tmQpuj4k5GteVhuIp1M7JL-Qb5MgVmWc0T1DE19VHEagZ3WOV8ua7Dzwgb2ccgx_r31arU15UJcdm1HXpRjgzL3KEoj5ZxDV5SOSsOiqTTYKs5L6kRvA2ctUMvMwSHQ0/s640/slide12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are days when I know I need to do laundry but I just can't drag myself away from that 33rd episode on Netflix. Can you relate to this? Or maybe I sat on FB for some ridiculous amount of time just letting time slip by. Yikes! I get up the next day and those same black pants are staring at me with no other choices to be made. Let's all agree this is not a problem for a man but woman notice stuff. It's a lot of pressure. Grab an apron and no one will even notice. Another problem resolved and it's barely 7:00. Now for that 4th cup of java. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqHbsl78VyOwyn8lpetWGMX29zm3FBCRK_KGB05Wo11vFbWA0dJcUvGXzTP6Vf1xyzolp0iT5hPZocdyxJkiniTRdRI6d7K5ja3QFZiTVIQlCI3C_ftw0ftTFKYIXHET-43kXmzXcmZ0/s1600/slide13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqHbsl78VyOwyn8lpetWGMX29zm3FBCRK_KGB05Wo11vFbWA0dJcUvGXzTP6Vf1xyzolp0iT5hPZocdyxJkiniTRdRI6d7K5ja3QFZiTVIQlCI3C_ftw0ftTFKYIXHET-43kXmzXcmZ0/s640/slide13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some kindergarten teachers dream about being a princess and Sandy has come up with the cutest apron to help make this happen in your classroom. This is her tutu apron and she highly recommends getting a tiara to accessorize properly. It is adorable. The girls in your room will be so in love with this look and Halloween will be a no- brainer. It is tutu cute. We sold a zillion of these in Vegas this year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGe5vhvW7mASaCdel3Y2-lC1yAC4xjoYgaD10I32AUT3fQQeiCmANTXPKRSXY6Elhy_Ix6Xbwfsj2UKRou3tm0uI0enT91IeXfsp7rdScSmHzwizDG30Xlb-_r36Rs2saA8DZOpHkO_0/s1600/slide14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGe5vhvW7mASaCdel3Y2-lC1yAC4xjoYgaD10I32AUT3fQQeiCmANTXPKRSXY6Elhy_Ix6Xbwfsj2UKRou3tm0uI0enT91IeXfsp7rdScSmHzwizDG30Xlb-_r36Rs2saA8DZOpHkO_0/s640/slide14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have had some serious rain here and the kids have been hanging off the rafters. Okay that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get my point. Let's just say I had good reason to question my management skills. What does a teacher do to calm 30 wiggle worms down? Sing songs using apron cards, duh. Tell stories. They are fascinated by this and I am convinced they think you are a YouTube video. Gotta do what ever it takes...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFQgEK9BApoePp8VLJ5C8LA-Tf4AcWI4qYAri4tRWRjv76uaYI4skOFE73py-2e9fjYGyw5DHEFBLXlNVcrpz9DTmNzX-PQaB5qhLRu7vMqEEfnMJLTP2ChZk23gYIJgFZp7235M1ERk/s1600/slide15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFQgEK9BApoePp8VLJ5C8LA-Tf4AcWI4qYAri4tRWRjv76uaYI4skOFE73py-2e9fjYGyw5DHEFBLXlNVcrpz9DTmNzX-PQaB5qhLRu7vMqEEfnMJLTP2ChZk23gYIJgFZp7235M1ERk/s640/slide15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I am ready to be serious. Okay just a little bit serious. I love using this apron to practice subitizing skills during small group instruction. I have the kids write their number on a white board and hold it up. You snooze, you lose. They love it! Grab some <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Show-and-Tell-Apron-Cards-Full-Master-Pack-1298512">cards from Sandy's TpT store.</a> They are well worth the few dollars.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq71x68somzUn7CS8DhIrdV-9DiLLOgjTd8X0v-_V83b0ihByFTGV7IFzjJF7d-6421EdqBzzeh37f0syOa414Rt45OtyBmm6dRqvKl5b4peyYaQ_8V3yNraoprjzVhsFL7kuXvluSds/s1600/slide16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq71x68somzUn7CS8DhIrdV-9DiLLOgjTd8X0v-_V83b0ihByFTGV7IFzjJF7d-6421EdqBzzeh37f0syOa414Rt45OtyBmm6dRqvKl5b4peyYaQ_8V3yNraoprjzVhsFL7kuXvluSds/s640/slide16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you have that kid in your room that can never remember the sight word you have hammered on all week? Sometimes I want to pull my hair out but that's just me overreacting. You can have kids read the word as them come into the room and when they are ready to go home. They love this but I always like the 19th child who hears all the others say it and has no idea what the word is. Do you have one? Sandy also mixes the cards up (they are out of sequence) and has the children help her put them in the right order. I have to try that. You could also have them write the word on a dry erase board, spelling it correctly to make it more interactive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2n7ZCZZ7d6zj-1cokznUFCihdThyjQZJ9g3Qv4NZKVwnkicZE23uM1uP2DyG5ZYO-TTmAmDJLSgkBvOx41ddJw2BhQmGCkeNeKpGGc5sa3OgLBbeGe75OA_wtStCt_F_SNQ67avQgB4/s1600/slide17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2n7ZCZZ7d6zj-1cokznUFCihdThyjQZJ9g3Qv4NZKVwnkicZE23uM1uP2DyG5ZYO-TTmAmDJLSgkBvOx41ddJw2BhQmGCkeNeKpGGc5sa3OgLBbeGe75OA_wtStCt_F_SNQ67avQgB4/s640/slide17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I use picture cards to help students learn to track from left to right. It is also a great way to build vocabulary for a theme you are working on. It has really helped my ELL's build language. Sometimes I turn one card over to see if they can remember what it was. Visual memory practice made easy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2OhcfqUUAo5SK3eab6Gcu1C70EGXzQB2o0nqXxR08RSP9w3xpb3w6It9mAEuIjUSkOCqY2J0wCGY9zGRnMX6IjpUf7V3INtP5nO0V2t04-Yfec8898GHioQbSnlih5KTbdNnlaIiors/s1600/slide18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2OhcfqUUAo5SK3eab6Gcu1C70EGXzQB2o0nqXxR08RSP9w3xpb3w6It9mAEuIjUSkOCqY2J0wCGY9zGRnMX6IjpUf7V3INtP5nO0V2t04-Yfec8898GHioQbSnlih5KTbdNnlaIiors/s640/slide18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sandy sent me a child's version of the apron and I had to come up with rules for using this during independent work. They were desperate to wear it. I have them work in partners and retell a story we have worked on. This is a huge favorite and great fun for the littles. Watch out of the corner of your eye for kids ripping it off of each other... just sayin'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSF74NCEZFlMtdLHKkFd7XpGC9_Est50jvryncZAm65VLTgCJI4I1CKj2T89469VjLqd1VdD16yYuMDyct6RwAOXOzbBVzxVWeMzgNgRSxM5Au4IGa2eMnd9Gh1wdzL3k1AD7P5AFnhc/s1600/slide19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSF74NCEZFlMtdLHKkFd7XpGC9_Est50jvryncZAm65VLTgCJI4I1CKj2T89469VjLqd1VdD16yYuMDyct6RwAOXOzbBVzxVWeMzgNgRSxM5Au4IGa2eMnd9Gh1wdzL3k1AD7P5AFnhc/s640/slide19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
If you ever come to a conference and meet this wonderful lady please <strike>force</strike> encourage her to sing you a song and use her magical cards. It takes real talent to do this quickly but she rocks it out. She is a total show stopper when she does her version of The 3 Bears. Don't let her try to squirm out of it. She is hilarious. Remember I said this. You don't want to miss this. Trust me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLgZBcdatmCJzGeDWJ7G_2Nfe8Wsc3Jp1mBMxhfgv3PmD-KAz-tmNwrTOzPxR9XkREsaMAeiUR6ceAfPUdtOGAyR4J8qHdBbHfTPrVX3YWNriqhjtz5dmPO-mVgb52abaP5_MtyelMhI/s1600/slide20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLgZBcdatmCJzGeDWJ7G_2Nfe8Wsc3Jp1mBMxhfgv3PmD-KAz-tmNwrTOzPxR9XkREsaMAeiUR6ceAfPUdtOGAyR4J8qHdBbHfTPrVX3YWNriqhjtz5dmPO-mVgb52abaP5_MtyelMhI/s640/slide20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
You are finally at the end of my post (are you whispering amen?) and I want to thank you for hanging in there with me. I use the apron a <span style="color: magenta;">million</span> more ways but I am sure you need to feed your kids or call your mom so I will end it here. Blogging changed me. Important friendships grew. I am a better teacher.<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Note to Sandy...</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">You have been a blessing in my life, more than you will ever understand. Thank you for always being there for me and always supporting my crazy ideas. You are always willing to make time for me. My only regret is that we met just a few, short years ago. We should have met in kindergarten. You will be my forever friend. I love you. Thank you for all that you do for teachers and most of all for our children. </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">The best friendships are unexpected. Please be my valentine. </span><br />
<br />
<br />Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-53363728942257843472017-01-11T23:00:00.003-08:002017-01-12T05:42:52.835-08:00Post Vacation Winter Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my last week of winter break and I have been really busy trying to create new activities for my students to keep them engaged after being home for endless amounts of time. What would help them reconnect and make them want to come back to school? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I decided to wander around in Target where inspiration is everywhere and planned to hit the dollar spot to check out the Christmas clearance. I found these adorable erasers and could not resist buying them. They would make perfect math manipulatives and I knew the kids would love new ones. On top of this the snowmen, trees, and penguins were just 30 cents a bag. SCORE. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8F93dNL6FN4IMQtv6ado_5xaQmitl9dPUJ6-5iGsVs-Y7G5SXRymF0-6r9ygcZOePYfmXX5WU4N1UkgFt7eLtoQ83jvmGy2xt78N-U0R2cd89q5KpaujDP86EjZo-lmcXbFzYrbUQng/s1600/3Mini+erasers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8F93dNL6FN4IMQtv6ado_5xaQmitl9dPUJ6-5iGsVs-Y7G5SXRymF0-6r9ygcZOePYfmXX5WU4N1UkgFt7eLtoQ83jvmGy2xt78N-U0R2cd89q5KpaujDP86EjZo-lmcXbFzYrbUQng/s640/3Mini+erasers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Over the week I bought more of these as I found them and finally realized that I needed a container to hold and organize them. Joann Fabrics has these containers on sale so I bought 2 of them and realized I might have gotten carried away with my eraser obsession.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc_g_82gUU48iQU6DA0VoR5jUDAI2CYtZi3zGEjG3yKf162K4Racy0t1fIveozYZFfjidkKoEfbbrREGFyxm2KEhdJSeXZ4CJ2AESkGxybU_IpSpAKhRut8a7uZ4dXdXxYZ9mfGNNprA/s1600/2Mini+Erasers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc_g_82gUU48iQU6DA0VoR5jUDAI2CYtZi3zGEjG3yKf162K4Racy0t1fIveozYZFfjidkKoEfbbrREGFyxm2KEhdJSeXZ4CJ2AESkGxybU_IpSpAKhRut8a7uZ4dXdXxYZ9mfGNNprA/s640/2Mini+Erasers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So now I had to come up with some way to make use of all these little erasers. Since January is the month where I hit "teen" numbers hard, making ten frame cards was an obvious "must-have." These look pretty cute with images on them to match the erasers. I can build numbers, ask them to show me one more or one less, and talk about strategies for counting these numbers quickly and efficiently. Make sense? These can be used with number cards as part of a center where they work independently with a partner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDj-HHCc1yvsYvcDjp02OApW6BFwnSy9ndpDKfTl70f23SZGFjstGfg0g2RGCG-J5PG5nCmPcG7mYJVE1TWdAArbEAFRdKrxHDj0gB648oqdYjz0OGk90Fl5Hnmr2XVc2XvJbTYXcLV4/s1600/4mini+mats+for+erasers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDj-HHCc1yvsYvcDjp02OApW6BFwnSy9ndpDKfTl70f23SZGFjstGfg0g2RGCG-J5PG5nCmPcG7mYJVE1TWdAArbEAFRdKrxHDj0gB648oqdYjz0OGk90Fl5Hnmr2XVc2XvJbTYXcLV4/s640/4mini+mats+for+erasers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am hoping my students have been practicing their sight words over break but I am not sure this will actually happen (a teacher can pray) so I made a variety of these simple spinner games that they will be able to do alone or with a partner during center time. My kids love spinners and mini erasers so I think this will be a hot ticket item.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg1k96V1KDP_PwuRXnrRZcaieE4mxd3S9S8emgr8FykYd91ek6GmBAN_qq4SUfUxt_xMxNTsSQr9A8PpOgvXJG5Aijl9jmvYLIEXMZZ7Vn3EYJCbcHGMBuHzys5_cCT-BQH6rTMTJ14c/s1600/mini+eraser+spinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg1k96V1KDP_PwuRXnrRZcaieE4mxd3S9S8emgr8FykYd91ek6GmBAN_qq4SUfUxt_xMxNTsSQr9A8PpOgvXJG5Aijl9jmvYLIEXMZZ7Vn3EYJCbcHGMBuHzys5_cCT-BQH6rTMTJ14c/s640/mini+eraser+spinner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I knew my students would need more practice identifying teen numbers so I created winter themed bingo boards that could be played easily with a friend. The ten frame cards are placed in the middle and each person takes their turn flipping the card, identifying how many dots are on there and covering the number with a glass bead. Easy to make, simple to use. I color coded the cards to match the boards so the kids wouldn't mix the cards up! Who am I kidding? That will be a disaster the minute I walk away!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6j5AmzGWY0ih-LjIUqBuhMzpAC4E95r4Wme09zBAvTsg3Lj-aTyML3r8CY7pZQ0zcwVK4caXyi9QlExoD-dh5Mc07sdjVzJeS3RK_mh76LpmOfWGby_oPcie1CuEs2L3a9kUGhGJjW9k/s1600/7Bingo+with+10+frames+to+20+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6j5AmzGWY0ih-LjIUqBuhMzpAC4E95r4Wme09zBAvTsg3Lj-aTyML3r8CY7pZQ0zcwVK4caXyi9QlExoD-dh5Mc07sdjVzJeS3RK_mh76LpmOfWGby_oPcie1CuEs2L3a9kUGhGJjW9k/s640/7Bingo+with+10+frames+to+20+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have ever read this blog you know that I am obsessed with pocket charts and routines that I love to play with students to help them learn the sight words. This time I am hiding a snowflake behind a card and have a snowflake chant ready to go. I have lots of pictures that reflect a winter theme to help them build important vocabulary that I want them to become familiar with. Many of them might not know thermometer, icicles, or various arctic animals. This is a game my class is very familiar with but they will be thrilled to see new cards with new pictures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTI3XmD-Atw6qXMZLBOooaM_oBx5hHlT8xbhJw5JaZCiIkUEkbWcEWBr3Nv1vWB3Xm1Y9A2-wHV_MeKIwCWsaNUrBPQ7MIeWDCMvNIGkafEOzlEzDEhwZJowftwzG_XrOc91AOlciUkw/s1600/6Sight+Word+Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTI3XmD-Atw6qXMZLBOooaM_oBx5hHlT8xbhJw5JaZCiIkUEkbWcEWBr3Nv1vWB3Xm1Y9A2-wHV_MeKIwCWsaNUrBPQ7MIeWDCMvNIGkafEOzlEzDEhwZJowftwzG_XrOc91AOlciUkw/s640/6Sight+Word+Game.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love all "Write the Room" activities and this one will be a real challenge for my kids. They have to look at each card and decide how many more will make ten. I have been working on this for a while and will practice it in small groups before I release it to be done during center time. I love calling it "Slide and Glide" to go with our winter theme. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO57yu4lH-YswN7beC5MqIDfqK0TUIVJBe4n60eP0GMKaSpNI1QgZS1Oe3_hWxuipo_iTcGUmT3o6nyPyoOW4QouFCiCFRIK59EfpIc0329m-sQfkTvsL2OEpJeS88qIhmIXMuP2fqoBU/s1600/What+Makes+Ten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO57yu4lH-YswN7beC5MqIDfqK0TUIVJBe4n60eP0GMKaSpNI1QgZS1Oe3_hWxuipo_iTcGUmT3o6nyPyoOW4QouFCiCFRIK59EfpIc0329m-sQfkTvsL2OEpJeS88qIhmIXMuP2fqoBU/s640/What+Makes+Ten.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
January is when I start <strike>pounding</strike> teaching word families so now I am forced to be creative and really think outside of the box. Once I have introduced several sets of words I am putting these cards in my sensory table for the kids to pull out with tongs. Their job will be to sort them and link related words together to build their word families. I think they will love this activity and are ready for a challenge! I will take pictures of them using these when I get back. What do you think?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNihmjJuJfkH8IQ5HXd9f14sl0GH1m-fR5XttQai5YtxP828Z6jMwtdpX8e4_B_qY_93BCJcYgX8vEELjxoORA0-8sqELdg2_UH3wR_wmNW0YqUcqtcjaW0gthspn5UOAsFSCHA8ClwM/s1600/1word+family+links.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNihmjJuJfkH8IQ5HXd9f14sl0GH1m-fR5XttQai5YtxP828Z6jMwtdpX8e4_B_qY_93BCJcYgX8vEELjxoORA0-8sqELdg2_UH3wR_wmNW0YqUcqtcjaW0gthspn5UOAsFSCHA8ClwM/s640/1word+family+links.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our Common Core unit of study is about weather so once I finish with snow I will talk about other kinds of weather and made "write the room" cards to match sunny, rainy, windy, etc. I created flip books which are simple and only have the kids record the first letter of the word. I want to keep this simple and build on their knowledge over time. For my top kids I will differentiate this and have them write the whole word since this will be easy for them to accomplish. Word families are another opportunity to teach young students a strategy for decoding a simple word by looking at "chunks." Here is an example of sunny weather cards and the related activities. I love keeping it simple so kids can be successful and gain confidence. Right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvBQUqLsazFtVx6rQtTvTmX6avjfMszYpeECqnQ2Y_qDpp6dLb17EVXctHCECP2_6MlnPZTdUB4XIv52_xlZoOtVrVJaawgNfYvyF5kEPqwHlIn-TR_QOS9X2qDfkGysQzk1OEa-FiRU/s1600/write+the+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvBQUqLsazFtVx6rQtTvTmX6avjfMszYpeECqnQ2Y_qDpp6dLb17EVXctHCECP2_6MlnPZTdUB4XIv52_xlZoOtVrVJaawgNfYvyF5kEPqwHlIn-TR_QOS9X2qDfkGysQzk1OEa-FiRU/s640/write+the+room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you ever taught your kids how to play SCOOT? It is so much fun and the kids are up and moving around the room, one seat at a time, solving a problem or answering a question. Kids love this and they are learning so much. It is important to practice how to move and be clear with your directions so it does not become chaotic. I have them <span style="color: red;">STAND</span> behind their own chair, <span style="color: red;">SIT </span>in their seat, <span style="color: red;">SOLVE </span>the problem, and stand behind their chair when finished. Then I call <span style="color: red;">SCOOT </span>and they move one seat over to solve the next problem. This is a blast and a great way to assess the skill reflected on your task cards. Try it! This is for math:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpN5qeSxm4lW_K0Owjjl376jEGLAPZHlAKOCUcFvcoZClVb7EfzLJKo_Ftn0QfaoIhs0ZakUksLIqrFbcjVMTsuD-8xMD1iGtEfH6Q1KpBZknUM5uYhkVwN6HjBIbgzxXygT5L_Kz9bA/s1600/5ten+frame+scoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpN5qeSxm4lW_K0Owjjl376jEGLAPZHlAKOCUcFvcoZClVb7EfzLJKo_Ftn0QfaoIhs0ZakUksLIqrFbcjVMTsuD-8xMD1iGtEfH6Q1KpBZknUM5uYhkVwN6HjBIbgzxXygT5L_Kz9bA/s640/5ten+frame+scoot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is another version of SCOOT where students have to count the number of syllables in a word based on the pictures provided. Be sure to go over this vocabulary ahead of time so children can identify the cards accurately. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII_AMSq4UlOYT5r55jtoM8-vSHJ_ud-mTbSjr7TP13uXPgev05IQQcN6qMEQIR9zPj3U7lGIe9sfjBXQZPlssgRkACjd5bPTleM0WtpplbTLyqzje73YegY26gffLOWaHjV3eXmP02YY/s1600/4Scoot+for+Syllables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII_AMSq4UlOYT5r55jtoM8-vSHJ_ud-mTbSjr7TP13uXPgev05IQQcN6qMEQIR9zPj3U7lGIe9sfjBXQZPlssgRkACjd5bPTleM0WtpplbTLyqzje73YegY26gffLOWaHjV3eXmP02YY/s640/4Scoot+for+Syllables.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I need to work on counting to a hundred and my students need lots of practice with this. I want to use these charts as a scaffold to build their fluency with a counting sequence. I find that it's better to start off pretty simply and build on as students build their skills. For example, a starting point can be 15 and you can have them count to 35. Ask your students about one more or one less and show them how to figure this out. Have them discover number patterns and how they are helpful. <u>You know this</u> <u>stuff</u> but it might be a good idea to provide each child with their <span style="color: red;">own</span> chart in a page protector. Ask lots of questions and have students explain their thinking. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's it for now. I will add on a few activities as I come up with them. I hope you got a few ideas and this post was helpful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YRpzYPZUj47CU-h9bSHMyVSk8thLf-1d_59SKTKOOkD7Fk1IdhBsNxhEGeI-VdVAw2jqi4whB7YuY64Teg3iaXtqcOJOOxxIWnlyiXCu8oGwTjYTEytGhaqr6t_1DJPh4WtPjiPAxVA/s1600/100th+day+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YRpzYPZUj47CU-h9bSHMyVSk8thLf-1d_59SKTKOOkD7Fk1IdhBsNxhEGeI-VdVAw2jqi4whB7YuY64Teg3iaXtqcOJOOxxIWnlyiXCu8oGwTjYTEytGhaqr6t_1DJPh4WtPjiPAxVA/s640/100th+day+chart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy New Year.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-70745385503019218342016-10-03T15:55:00.000-07:002016-10-03T17:06:44.577-07:00Keeping Centers Super Simple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi there. I have not blogged in a long time but I am begging for forgiveness. I am trying to wrap my head around a new classroom structure known as staggered day. This might not seem like a big deal but for 25+ years I have worked with a partner. So now I am totally on my own and have to rethink how to set up for this. It took me a long time to figure out a functional room environment down to where to put my tables and how to set up my centers. I struggled and kept changing it up until some of my friends came in and tossed half my furniture out the door and reconfigured my room. Thank goodness they took pity on me! Without another adult in the room I had to change up my lesson plans and plan activities in a very different manner. Centers could not be monitored by another adult and we are not given aides. With that being said I had to fly solo and figure it out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I realized that my centers would really need to be super simple or they would crash and burn which would be a total disaster. I also saw from my roster that I had a roomful of boys that needed to be more physically active before I hit them with the real work of kindergarten. So I want to share some of the ideas I came up with and you can see what you think...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First I realized that I needed to store these ideas in a notebook with photographs and any files necessary to make these again if they got loved "to death." So I made several notebooks which are filled with Getting Started Activities that do not involve much academic background. My students are ELL's with limited preschool experience. I wanted them to love school and sneak in some of those crucial skills to make them successful in school.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbmnN_NnSiVDQbLeow780IE1wqToCOciXXHFU5kEskCIREVceahHfxbuwU4li89200w5m1W4FBoZnH_Y_Zb2g8no4j7awTZqno_a6zNHtswKH5b_ma1PBxGDz9DEJ0Ge6U5tvROeoWGs/s1600/simple+center+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbmnN_NnSiVDQbLeow780IE1wqToCOciXXHFU5kEskCIREVceahHfxbuwU4li89200w5m1W4FBoZnH_Y_Zb2g8no4j7awTZqno_a6zNHtswKH5b_ma1PBxGDz9DEJ0Ge6U5tvROeoWGs/s640/simple+center+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most of those adorable little boys have not held a pencil or scissor and this becomes a struggle right from the start. Many of our students cannot write their name and need to strengthen their fine motor skills. I don't want them to get discouraged and this is an easy activity to help build their muscles without being too painful. The tweezers are from the Dollar Tree but you can change this up with tongs which are a bit easier. If they are not ready for counting then just let them put the pompoms in containers or sort by color. I used an old muffin tin (I will hate myself when I want to bake) and I glued bright papers inside. Finally I added the numbers for those that can handle this. Differentiate as needed. Easy to throw together right? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMPWLDDCqpMtJZWOS_-t8IUOTpmdXnoPgwneTwHc7dRcPCtPmRNu3lUrNjRB08CCvwSX3l78FPXXaV21UX3oKfXyApBHIZRDNaTuSf_BirjYnfP4Xg62l7HVuQjeEodSZeFZkVLkDWg4/s1600/simple+center+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMPWLDDCqpMtJZWOS_-t8IUOTpmdXnoPgwneTwHc7dRcPCtPmRNu3lUrNjRB08CCvwSX3l78FPXXaV21UX3oKfXyApBHIZRDNaTuSf_BirjYnfP4Xg62l7HVuQjeEodSZeFZkVLkDWg4/s640/simple+center+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lacing cards are another tool for building fine motor skills and most kids love doing these once they get the hang of it. Why did I <b><u>make</u></b> these? I made them much bigger and easier to manage. The cords can be purchased in any craft store. We talked about school supplies before I modeled how to do this and put kids with a capable partner to keep things moving. All you need is clip art, cardstock, and lamination to make this happen. It took no time to throw together. Grab a hole puncher and just make holes around the image. No sweat!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_IcmuUpQC4HIOheAD39vQyUHJATPJDy5IrPpj5VtO1VY43XjcLEdTIxJHZiJjuaXTqJbMgMLdrMTdJeYCI6DZjXRt1UgdMsiCkQEb1XDqHF9BBkFbZcRgvF5AGPkuyR9Kb8xcHw23H4/s1600/simple+center7+lacing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_IcmuUpQC4HIOheAD39vQyUHJATPJDy5IrPpj5VtO1VY43XjcLEdTIxJHZiJjuaXTqJbMgMLdrMTdJeYCI6DZjXRt1UgdMsiCkQEb1XDqHF9BBkFbZcRgvF5AGPkuyR9Kb8xcHw23H4/s640/simple+center7+lacing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Playdoh is always a huge favorite in my room but I found kids getting a bit restless after a few days of using rolling pins and making snakes. They were not ready for letters yet but I was doing guiding drawing with them and they were loving it. That gave me the idea of making mats where they could add details to the picture. They loved this and I am working on a packet that might become available. It was so much fun to watch them as they thought about how to make each mat more interesting and their creativity was amazing! This was super easy to slam together and can be used throughout the year. I can connect them to each theme too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOBFJ4TF4eWmSdPN6EJ2f471z851Hr8q2sgheEs6PkJPdb1qbaOzAHnA0Wpll7qoFeMGr2mP2ocRd1XyB6MKs0ced7nZSXXBPRfNIy65Vr-0h4iJNWF-f3xgFU1WHrF3pLaph1_VC4kM/s1600/simple+center+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOBFJ4TF4eWmSdPN6EJ2f471z851Hr8q2sgheEs6PkJPdb1qbaOzAHnA0Wpll7qoFeMGr2mP2ocRd1XyB6MKs0ced7nZSXXBPRfNIy65Vr-0h4iJNWF-f3xgFU1WHrF3pLaph1_VC4kM/s640/simple+center+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some of my students knew some of the letters of the alphabet and were ready for a more challenging center but not something that required too much interaction from me. We all love all the font sorting cut and paste activities that we can grab. I even have one in my store. However, I love that this is more interactive and I have a colored sticker on the back of each letter so they become self checking. My students love playing this with a partner and taking turns turning over a card and placing it on the right mat. Students can be partnered strategically so they do not struggle with this. This center is easy to make and can be used for many months, as you introduce the letters. This is simple and not too complicated to put together. I store all the pieces in small ziplock baggies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudMHoMtcAtCYJcUUqbKe0frnvqZLtot7fmH5fR2Hudt_kX_uD8PWz8lxhyphenhyphenf76DAx8U8noRa5IcVpkEp_T7RoguTUrUUl002ItgPj1vwmT2w_wYlUI3nD3dBL-ivQNdsRyU4dSPvw1LGE/s1600/simple+center+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudMHoMtcAtCYJcUUqbKe0frnvqZLtot7fmH5fR2Hudt_kX_uD8PWz8lxhyphenhyphenf76DAx8U8noRa5IcVpkEp_T7RoguTUrUUl002ItgPj1vwmT2w_wYlUI3nD3dBL-ivQNdsRyU4dSPvw1LGE/s640/simple+center+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a peek at a few of my kinders playing this. What do you think?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbOigrl_1dq1UnY1a39RTPGyaaJ-U6RElu2m0aaoj7jRShX6rLJUb_8TILljWYGpPiQbrqmyiKax1d3_vydtVDBKSAKvZ67IQ3o-K2hqLdbF0-7RJ_Hp6McCd22veN5qofepbwe9DRoM/s1600/simple+center+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbOigrl_1dq1UnY1a39RTPGyaaJ-U6RElu2m0aaoj7jRShX6rLJUb_8TILljWYGpPiQbrqmyiKax1d3_vydtVDBKSAKvZ67IQ3o-K2hqLdbF0-7RJ_Hp6McCd22veN5qofepbwe9DRoM/s640/simple+center+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is one of my favorite centers and I did a lot of kid watching when I had students doing this activity. Students had to decide what 2 pictures went together. Some students did this with ease but others did not have the vocabulary to support this and had a more difficult time. My ELL's obviously found this more challenging. I made this center self checking too by putting matching stickers on the back of each set that formed an apple. Easy peasey... Students made some combinations I might not have thought of and this made for interesting conversations.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiq8woiGO4IeoVgHi467AFZZUd7isks7Su36-7RNz6fNQ2zQahkRTpgG3_KLEG4t57wo-vKLO9cv-CdbnBC5XQlbgSQm8nuxAG_z2H8eThCtDPHhk-YPCQvRwnH01qPMCFjs05BlRAvyY/s1600/simple+centers+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiq8woiGO4IeoVgHi467AFZZUd7isks7Su36-7RNz6fNQ2zQahkRTpgG3_KLEG4t57wo-vKLO9cv-CdbnBC5XQlbgSQm8nuxAG_z2H8eThCtDPHhk-YPCQvRwnH01qPMCFjs05BlRAvyY/s640/simple+centers+12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I knew I HAD to create centers that would be fun for the boys so I made these alphabet roads that kept them busy with the matchbox cars I provided. They loved finding the first letter in their name or their friend's. Boys and cars go together like peanut butter and jelly so I kept brainstorming ideas that would float their boat as the saying goes...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfyTxRaYlxIhnKRpn66Cah9T1PmgcDUsZQ_qnfNJj_8AQQsrvMoqRW6oOKOOa1Fxi9VtTvQSsDkLicFh4kSHhNDWeqRCjfhSyFO38UGehUSJVXCigBzu-evnitNxTMGCa2poEMHgv4Ac/s1600/simple+center+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfyTxRaYlxIhnKRpn66Cah9T1PmgcDUsZQ_qnfNJj_8AQQsrvMoqRW6oOKOOa1Fxi9VtTvQSsDkLicFh4kSHhNDWeqRCjfhSyFO38UGehUSJVXCigBzu-evnitNxTMGCa2poEMHgv4Ac/s640/simple+center+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More centers on the same order: I added racing flags and monster trucks to these numbers and I found that running them just on colored paper saved me ink and they were just as happy doing this. Many of them knew their numbers and this was an easy way for me observe that without stressing out using an assessment. I made several sets of these to keep the whole gang happy. I laminated some sets and put others in page protectors. Easy, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmbIPczlOBUSmLiEPkG2AOhZnDyi7JxBCF6-WRRJoHjfGQ9vQLpqLtLP-_NePB5d3Tio3vWYbqCAqYb22kzSooSaDbBmSGr_w-XyRGUxI01qGdKdCq9ZQHqizPQjLhR2yYGPALrzIt3Q/s1600/simple+center+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmbIPczlOBUSmLiEPkG2AOhZnDyi7JxBCF6-WRRJoHjfGQ9vQLpqLtLP-_NePB5d3Tio3vWYbqCAqYb22kzSooSaDbBmSGr_w-XyRGUxI01qGdKdCq9ZQHqizPQjLhR2yYGPALrzIt3Q/s640/simple+center+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay this was my best center, ever. I took jumbo sticks (Walmart) and painted them black. Then I made white dotted lines using a paint marker. I made zillions of these and the poor hubby was non too thrilled that dinner was not even on my radar that night. Then I decided to make signs and buildings so the roads would be more interesting. How could I make these stand up? No problem, I used binder clips. I taped the signs to smaller sticks and even used a photograph of the front of the school. Obviously I just added a bunch of little cars and they let their imaginations run wild. This was a hit! Score.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovVO3zd6-SZ6GVaR0JXHoCzh7qGjOjZ_V01FE6dxx8HjXrgjCan4DOVMmmroVynncbYRhSQWvh2D6ejPDOjhse78DLHqWJ1PB4mg8c9bJiqwL6j78-yqLH_6dpeCm8Y3_f-sCgbefm2k/s1600/simple+center+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovVO3zd6-SZ6GVaR0JXHoCzh7qGjOjZ_V01FE6dxx8HjXrgjCan4DOVMmmroVynncbYRhSQWvh2D6ejPDOjhse78DLHqWJ1PB4mg8c9bJiqwL6j78-yqLH_6dpeCm8Y3_f-sCgbefm2k/s640/simple+center+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The more academic kids enjoyed putting these simple fishy puzzles together and helped each other put them in alphabetical order too! It was a challenge that they enjoyed if they had the background knowledge to be successful. This could be done as a guided activity in your guided reading groups too. The template is simple and took very little time to put together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkWZH3cm1qOE0R2cbLwhEWNugFxCwGfykiA5h7KOrEvYBVfRpdIo7J4x8dWnkH7mEITaRGlQGE8jEXPWGGVphjQ7akTFKAepdF6Ic0bnGSioTSJSqWFOggzAJhrZAP38WrwslJaOgR-8/s1600/simple+center+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkWZH3cm1qOE0R2cbLwhEWNugFxCwGfykiA5h7KOrEvYBVfRpdIo7J4x8dWnkH7mEITaRGlQGE8jEXPWGGVphjQ7akTFKAepdF6Ic0bnGSioTSJSqWFOggzAJhrZAP38WrwslJaOgR-8/s640/simple+center+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tracing is another worthwhile activity for those littles that still need to strengthen those hands in a non threatening way. All you need is an expo marker (pull out those fancy colored ones) and a small eraser. This takes little prep and was another center the kids really liked. I punched a hole in the upper left hand corner and used a ring to keep them together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgH8K5hAbW0NiyRPCuz3rKSS1rE2lupvoVfxn6UDzA_jCKpMlJtG4vSOHD4vIFe6Ma_pHlOP9aPV2bNVsN-vUebh2xPSgiUKjKgmbZL5JX2S1hBUVouj02XiSxp5P-hZzlCF_XMUYU1c/s1600/simple+centers+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgH8K5hAbW0NiyRPCuz3rKSS1rE2lupvoVfxn6UDzA_jCKpMlJtG4vSOHD4vIFe6Ma_pHlOP9aPV2bNVsN-vUebh2xPSgiUKjKgmbZL5JX2S1hBUVouj02XiSxp5P-hZzlCF_XMUYU1c/s640/simple+centers+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, I used those dollar frames from Ikea to post the "I Can" statements that go with each learning station. Now my administrator will have a clear understanding of the purpose for each of these activities. Many of them also require creativity, problem solving and learning to work with a friend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuhW04znKmvePhrCjrr7f4GSEdyHRwEzhnG9qXCcOGV3c1Dk3HrsDyb0B3hqUkGlPqwD8tc6Cx6GT5dV6a6-Kirwjl7AU0YvTZXNLPdlEQ6EofGISNfLluS4_bZaIr7vf0wJWDC_MNpA/s1600/Ikea+frames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuhW04znKmvePhrCjrr7f4GSEdyHRwEzhnG9qXCcOGV3c1Dk3HrsDyb0B3hqUkGlPqwD8tc6Cx6GT5dV6a6-Kirwjl7AU0YvTZXNLPdlEQ6EofGISNfLluS4_bZaIr7vf0wJWDC_MNpA/s640/Ikea+frames.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I model each center before releasing the students to use these and at the beginning I kid watch as they use these. This helps me trouble shoot any problems that might occur. I hope this is helpful when you design your first set of centers. I hope your year is going well as we face the challenges of CCSS and limited resources for implementing programs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-11659102237608777122016-06-20T15:05:00.001-07:002016-06-20T15:14:05.013-07:00That's A Wrap: My Kindergarten Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Yes I am still around but it has been a crazy year with a teaching partner out on medical leave and lots of littles who needed a program and activities to meet the standards and keep them engaged. It was a tough year but now that it is over I can catch my breath and share those last few days with you! How did I manage? I had lots of help from amazing parents, a principal who provided as much help as she could grab, and a few friends who came out of retirement to lend a hand when they could. It was a stressful, hot mess but I survived to tell the story. I even had one sub that the kids fell in love with that we are hoping to hire this year. That is another story for another time. Basically I learned a lot about myself and how hard I am capable of working when necessary. So here are some ideas I came up with to bring the year to a close.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ChxQ1KNYXs59JGTaPETI15bqnFD0CUNaFEc-rKje-oIsOSlsk3xNLCoW4gsRqxxFxgE8BfApwKkfztjufB60zM9n60LqYvIxnS88QzdUK9H2h8J4rEklb-5fB8Rnz-8_7TIUttMIVJA/s1600/blog+post+autograph+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ChxQ1KNYXs59JGTaPETI15bqnFD0CUNaFEc-rKje-oIsOSlsk3xNLCoW4gsRqxxFxgE8BfApwKkfztjufB60zM9n60LqYvIxnS88QzdUK9H2h8J4rEklb-5fB8Rnz-8_7TIUttMIVJA/s640/blog+post+autograph+book.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a beach theme on our final day together and wrapped it up with "Finding Nemo" which I loved move than the kids. It is adorable. "Finding Dory" came out the day after school ended which was such a bummer. I made the sign that you see above for each student to hold and a parent snapped a picture. The frame is from Ikea and only cost a couple of dollars. It was cute to give this final shot to parents. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also made an autograph book with each child's picture on it with a line for a signature. The kids went nuts over this activity and had so much fun with it. I was shocked that they thought this was so great. I was going to give them each a beach ball but at a dollar each I really did not want to spend so much money on this. So if money is an issue try this idea! I posted the template on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KindergartenCrayons/">my FB page so go check it out.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrjEfUIyPaX3T2-bopS5BLIqhlcvpuya66o8CeR_VqHISNfS1bUafwLSuXWLD7v-WDl3TW97s6lqWyYhuBu7UlnHq7fVJTd9yae7Y9wKRC4UfOzqtjoErHZ_WHfnCeo8_EhEZ6CKbqKI/s1600/blog+post+ocean+bingo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrjEfUIyPaX3T2-bopS5BLIqhlcvpuya66o8CeR_VqHISNfS1bUafwLSuXWLD7v-WDl3TW97s6lqWyYhuBu7UlnHq7fVJTd9yae7Y9wKRC4UfOzqtjoErHZ_WHfnCeo8_EhEZ6CKbqKI/s640/blog+post+ocean+bingo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a variety of centers related to our unit on ocean life that I created for that special day. This was ocean bingo and they loved it. I had them cover each creature with an glass gem. This is always a great unit to do at the end of the year. I made tons of games, centers, art activities, and little books to help them build knowledge. We watched some excellent You Tube videos and their are amazing non fiction books that are available too. I mainly used the Capstone series on ocean animals. We even learned how to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Directed-Drawing-With-Writing-Prompts-Sea-Life-45-pgs-Whimsy-Workshop-Teaching-1807890">draw these creatures </a>using <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sea-Ocean-Animals-Writing-Non-fiction-Literacy-Centers-2159791">Whimsy Workshops units</a> that I just adore. Please check them out in her store. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje06N1wlpiFbz42wA-28KLnh0lLevcd5ODHdwNH3u4YjTTxZsXl_wI8xUYu8Uyd60wTrdGws9TNlOEBCbme31hRDK5X4XPE8DAELVwKFWuHU5VuBBLgT8KvEev4oVQZ3hWuPHeoRtsUOQ/s1600/blog+post+sight+word+magnifiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje06N1wlpiFbz42wA-28KLnh0lLevcd5ODHdwNH3u4YjTTxZsXl_wI8xUYu8Uyd60wTrdGws9TNlOEBCbme31hRDK5X4XPE8DAELVwKFWuHU5VuBBLgT8KvEev4oVQZ3hWuPHeoRtsUOQ/s640/blog+post+sight+word+magnifiers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We did a huge study on sea stars and on the last day they used magnifiers to find the sight word on each fish and record it. Then they got to color this in. Did you know that sea stars come in all colors of the rainbow? What is it about those magnifiers that make little students so excited? They loved this activity too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68gYRA1V_n3fgf5y9-qczHsa73Pl-Lv-rKwiPy5rqdsqWMEa68Eblal0Cw_qgSiTyDmvrvZFI9tbL756or2Tio6MgjQ2XGECZ0__KGM6TkEhUIDHaEJBrHPBzyQgLw-DHhHaq1n0BkjM/s1600/blog+post+popcorn+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68gYRA1V_n3fgf5y9-qczHsa73Pl-Lv-rKwiPy5rqdsqWMEa68Eblal0Cw_qgSiTyDmvrvZFI9tbL756or2Tio6MgjQ2XGECZ0__KGM6TkEhUIDHaEJBrHPBzyQgLw-DHhHaq1n0BkjM/s640/blog+post+popcorn+words.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I realize that if I was really on my game I would have filled this tub up with sand (staying with the beach theme) and had them dig for sight words. However, I really could not get sand that easily and decided popcorn would still make this activity challenging and fun for them. Picking up the sight words with tweezers made this activity twice as hard and a recording sheet was provided for those with more capability. There was no mess and students had a blast doing this center. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLCcbsGwmObBs1vYKqEsfoUxcotW7DklV_lT4avyJPpEqQAuWUaLt5kGfDVCJg-gtrmhbAW-CdqW5yX24-ETchWUlWz230qn9MhHvHID3nN783XdC6d-cdis-AtBg7IdmpKVR8Jb2xsY/s1600/blog+post+with+balls+and+nets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLCcbsGwmObBs1vYKqEsfoUxcotW7DklV_lT4avyJPpEqQAuWUaLt5kGfDVCJg-gtrmhbAW-CdqW5yX24-ETchWUlWz230qn9MhHvHID3nN783XdC6d-cdis-AtBg7IdmpKVR8Jb2xsY/s640/blog+post+with+balls+and+nets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This activity was the favorite for the day. I grabbed a huge tub, filled it with water, and added light weight plastic balls with cvc words on them. Yup, no random activities on my watch! The more capable kids got sentences which I wrote using a permanent marker. I threw some in with the cvc words too. Students fished out the balls using little nets and read the words to me. They loved doing this but I did it outside my classroom door to avoid a possible water disaster. Now I want to buy a million of these plastic balls for all kinds of activities! Right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-locc2s0-5qebbC_Z1yjHeGNmSPQei84BZlJJe26oZMLXHcxLz6SI9sPjoYhD0xL9Z8MYOdJaciuzccZazVybETk6Ym0FXVebHiKVzJ1J0H-W52gu13o6xdWl9CuHPe_LNMIwDZwxJM/s1600/blog+postcertificate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-locc2s0-5qebbC_Z1yjHeGNmSPQei84BZlJJe26oZMLXHcxLz6SI9sPjoYhD0xL9Z8MYOdJaciuzccZazVybETk6Ym0FXVebHiKVzJ1J0H-W52gu13o6xdWl9CuHPe_LNMIwDZwxJM/s640/blog+postcertificate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Each student got a certificate of completion and a matching necklace which I created using beads from Dollar Tree. As I handed out each award I had a parent put this necklace around each child. This was the highlight of their day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZ2qrAY9nMXDd4otOHuNeyE8E7E06NXq4Hs36Laf_YCBdUhpZQWTRLiZQNzt2Q8Hb6313KVKFmnGVlV1O-tIDbMqSDL49ldqpjpdrKOuS0ggDm2PkBS2HuoBhLfD0XVwydvS7N5rSg5o/s1600/blog+post+helping+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZ2qrAY9nMXDd4otOHuNeyE8E7E06NXq4Hs36Laf_YCBdUhpZQWTRLiZQNzt2Q8Hb6313KVKFmnGVlV1O-tIDbMqSDL49ldqpjpdrKOuS0ggDm2PkBS2HuoBhLfD0XVwydvS7N5rSg5o/s640/blog+post+helping+hands.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I would never have survived this year without the amazing parents who helped me. I was so lucky to have them. It made me realize that I had to ask for help and depend on others to run a successful program. I think we pulled it off... I hope so.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuh8KXDhQN6VySiN8YWdcPZSxoeAM-78LthnHkqdF5TY2AazXHms5OCfSmD3OQymGR6EnjTEZDk2COdzw272S2iN-T-TN3eiD-kxmrFPuME5ui_y74OO-zkY8QQf_ifPAReu3dB9CLvM/s1600/blog+post+empty+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuh8KXDhQN6VySiN8YWdcPZSxoeAM-78LthnHkqdF5TY2AazXHms5OCfSmD3OQymGR6EnjTEZDk2COdzw272S2iN-T-TN3eiD-kxmrFPuME5ui_y74OO-zkY8QQf_ifPAReu3dB9CLvM/s640/blog+post+empty+room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The room is packed up. It took about a week with many helping hands. I hugged 51 children goodbye, I talked about first grade, I bought all of them bubbles and best of all I hugged all the parents. I closed the door and walked away. Another year is over. It had so many challenges but it ended on a happy note. Goodbye kindergarten. I will be back in August. I will be rested and ready for the next group. My eyes were filled with tears. The end of each year is always bittersweet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-71226757159580140702016-01-19T20:02:00.003-08:002016-01-19T20:02:32.823-08:00Be InspiredLook around your classroom. Are there things you wish you could change? Are you tired of the same old activities? Be inspired and come check out some new activities that will make you the best teacher you can be in 2016. Dream, reach for the stars, set your goals, and teach at the top of your game:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Fran-Kramer-9834"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPqzHvZm3s6n1C1AVatBWRE1JEvbekyWTQUI9Jv5T_IX9lgZ1_wmChmp39yvQL0lY5Lfm-DqjIQIM4PxZFL7N0HNyYbRqUiq1I87V3EaqY8bKWhqwoSw4n3vhEw-LmdnRJmz43NKQIik/s640/tpt+sale.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
Grab your bags and head on over by clicking on this picture. Happy 2016! Cheers to you.Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-73751713530647777562016-01-18T21:55:00.001-08:002016-01-18T22:53:04.095-08:00Learning About Kindness and Being Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been a crazy few weeks since winter break (desperate for another vacation) and we have been working on a variety of projects related to the seasons and weather. On Friday I took a break and focused on Martin Luther King Jr. This is an important leader and I like to stop and spend time on this. I remember Dr. King as a child growing up in Baltimore and his words had a huge impact on me and the world I lived in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4Q1tT2Ck7cmTCGLkOutnOxexZIvtJCiwc2sni19ikuWercVb7XByMW-e-_jGzd4DrTa6VbPLUQ3GRfofI15AS5xt73V2DYgj-mxRWNoLYKTVsA9sTf0A5saDZRMvEb_5A9z_KuWfwCI/s1600/book+on+MLK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4Q1tT2Ck7cmTCGLkOutnOxexZIvtJCiwc2sni19ikuWercVb7XByMW-e-_jGzd4DrTa6VbPLUQ3GRfofI15AS5xt73V2DYgj-mxRWNoLYKTVsA9sTf0A5saDZRMvEb_5A9z_KuWfwCI/s640/book+on+MLK.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think I own every childrens' book written about this great man but this is my favorite, by far. It is written authentically but in terms a young child can understand. When I was a Common Core coach I did a close read with first grade students using this text. It lends itself well to a cause and effect map and children are able to find evidence to support their thinking with ease. I recommend purchasing it for next year or adding it to your library now. Check it out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-First-Biography-Martin-Luther/dp/0545142334/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453182374&sr=1-1&keywords=my+first+biography+martin+luther+king+jr">here on Amazon.</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC-RyrakaQM"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnANcEEkDrhNkaNdO2sRpq1wdhpPloVBwpYNjbhPBBbmeZZAHzBFKvEoG9JgEP8gZ0hRe9loYuwknlOXPD9F5TWs4x89TScsLKvyxBl_g7XiYhyphenhyphenuDfaYlojrjsAfA9xXD107xycN0it8/s640/video.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really like this video and have used it for several years. If you want to check it out just click on the picture to watch it. We all love Reading Rainbow... right? It might have been the only time my class was quiet all day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/What-Is-Your-Dream-Inspired-By-Martin-Luther-King-Jr-495082"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvArdyCDDFRlICVPe5jnCrHiWfj7MJAI0xsOn99_-k0IniCU1-KOA9vFIoi8iwY35XGj6B4EK71iFnBCtahgFfMyCctv7_zS9gmmmxaPPN-CvHa68Gp0CzVd63Qs9iVNYg2OIEklDl24/s640/MLK.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then we talked about what their dreams are for the future and what goals they would like to achieve by the end of the year. This is a little book I love to use for this purpose and one that the kids can really relate to. If you want to purchase it for next year you can <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/What-Is-Your-Dream-Inspired-By-Martin-Luther-King-Jr-495082">grab it</a> in my TpT store for just a few dollars. My students loved this reader.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv5-nQy39wKLqJUfvl4VsB8Y7VkoyU_pXLPZvDfNeMC3gSGUW-kf4U1W9gbjLDiE_B0tLrsh3EqLB5V9QV285wzAhLKtSCro6sZ6hiTMGKmOIwjlZJ9prGFEsV6KtAxA_uPUu1zVR2BQ/s1600/lb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv5-nQy39wKLqJUfvl4VsB8Y7VkoyU_pXLPZvDfNeMC3gSGUW-kf4U1W9gbjLDiE_B0tLrsh3EqLB5V9QV285wzAhLKtSCro6sZ6hiTMGKmOIwjlZJ9prGFEsV6KtAxA_uPUu1zVR2BQ/s640/lb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a great day, filled with important conversations about kindness, being fair, and standing up for what you believe in. It was well worth the time it took to do this. I even squeezed in a hit of writing just because we need more work on this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJ572WWYgivVNez3h8GSS4Kxv_UguTDgWb96AvxyCb9k5YloEN0XsQpKWpVZou4CLXHq_vOlFuZ2QKMKc8H9Iap-6-iMRrTyXukqL9-TVR17XRzv3luGQopVI-diYc1ZDvgFtn5JBLbI/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJ572WWYgivVNez3h8GSS4Kxv_UguTDgWb96AvxyCb9k5YloEN0XsQpKWpVZou4CLXHq_vOlFuZ2QKMKc8H9Iap-6-iMRrTyXukqL9-TVR17XRzv3luGQopVI-diYc1ZDvgFtn5JBLbI/s640/writing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love 3 day weekends. Don't you? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-11806843909200412202016-01-18T21:48:00.001-08:002016-01-18T21:48:46.070-08:00Martin Luther King Jr Story Read by LeVar Burton Reading Rainbow Stor...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GWqWBfSWYRQ" width="480"></iframe>Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-55592765190072306922015-12-31T15:05:00.000-08:002015-12-31T15:05:41.899-08:00Reflecting On All Things Gingerbread before 2016... Wow, I am so late to the party but I have really been trying to take a break and enjoy my winter break. It has been fantastic and I have loved every second of it. Before I can wish you a Happy New Year I need to show you some of my December pictures and all the fun we had during the last few days.<br />
<br />
I love doing a Gingerbread unit each year and comparing the characters in each version, talking about the "bad guy" and how the events can differ from story to story. It is so much fun to change my voice and stop right before the fox gobbles up that yummy cookie! Each year I buy more books and add to my crazy collection. These are just a few favorites that I have purchased.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlv-8erfh3U-w11SebDKqqSOjxvMUevy1nlkxgW0N4wr5bW3LUdWdt9RS0Zx3ECX9rsUWPYV29yJ7ee0zLH3p60UqMIj7-krljFdyc9giFGVhjtdafddEs0ZC5i445fX9LleIbRPEM48/s1600/GBM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlv-8erfh3U-w11SebDKqqSOjxvMUevy1nlkxgW0N4wr5bW3LUdWdt9RS0Zx3ECX9rsUWPYV29yJ7ee0zLH3p60UqMIj7-krljFdyc9giFGVhjtdafddEs0ZC5i445fX9LleIbRPEM48/s640/GBM1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I always love to send a gingerbread man home for families to decorate to their hearts content. The kids love to bring them back and show them off to the class. The parents adore this project and it fills your classroom with such cuteness. Try it!~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadkuoBWHSDUhrXqNF8703LegNbvXSH42QG39tJ7jnNufFstTInjxWeJOchM3lNfjAJVymUTgtan_PH1zg-Hke0meg_iW25h61ofwMRDmcoXxnmz9FAwVhj5sv_PiEdvHwDuY6Mp4ZyNc/s1600/GBM3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadkuoBWHSDUhrXqNF8703LegNbvXSH42QG39tJ7jnNufFstTInjxWeJOchM3lNfjAJVymUTgtan_PH1zg-Hke0meg_iW25h61ofwMRDmcoXxnmz9FAwVhj5sv_PiEdvHwDuY6Mp4ZyNc/s640/GBM3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are on this blog you know how much I love making a sight word game for each theme that I teach and I won't disappoint you... here is another one. I think the chant was "Gingerbread, gingerbread... you are so sweet, run from the fox, or you will be his treat!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkXXhX33x7cVyj_YGwlEFK4NFD8bAJtZelzYFsPnaKayuAhodKVEwVZogzFhOJsNScMpMtb08learGMPJeLkrDE5UBUoFB_RcygNKrGbAvvwbGpc-jzOGqKKM7i3EIMCOKW4H1U6mkiw/s1600/GBM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkXXhX33x7cVyj_YGwlEFK4NFD8bAJtZelzYFsPnaKayuAhodKVEwVZogzFhOJsNScMpMtb08learGMPJeLkrDE5UBUoFB_RcygNKrGbAvvwbGpc-jzOGqKKM7i3EIMCOKW4H1U6mkiw/s640/GBM2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I made some new math centers this year and one was all about reading a ten frame and recording the number. I started off teaching this in a small group and the kids loved using a clipboard and working with a partner to record their answer. I now make one of these for each theme I teach. This one focused on teen numbers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDIOz1mxP_yUzVz9-Qyzlqng_Dk98uF9xK1bpb8M9nIgkxuXIwzbhaZ7ELtieeZk25W63sN6WQVKLGTZPRuMNnV9gi3WQ_NdSpHATBq7NDScu1XAMJXAMt_NMJZIEkNyIx_1liwTLSpg/s1600/GBM4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDIOz1mxP_yUzVz9-Qyzlqng_Dk98uF9xK1bpb8M9nIgkxuXIwzbhaZ7ELtieeZk25W63sN6WQVKLGTZPRuMNnV9gi3WQ_NdSpHATBq7NDScu1XAMJXAMt_NMJZIEkNyIx_1liwTLSpg/s640/GBM4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd60gA05b0HFJYm37dG1Z_8l9AwrrDS8atDpgpmgqoAuhNmIXB4zX4G8leBlfmBiuppcYymqkl2nlTVipoJnmNCHbuLt_fZgrmHcr27gzpcHn_i21UzI3V6ExXBBuE6OeJreX0yxBxJmw/s1600/GBM5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd60gA05b0HFJYm37dG1Z_8l9AwrrDS8atDpgpmgqoAuhNmIXB4zX4G8leBlfmBiuppcYymqkl2nlTVipoJnmNCHbuLt_fZgrmHcr27gzpcHn_i21UzI3V6ExXBBuE6OeJreX0yxBxJmw/s640/GBM5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is an oldie but goodie just for reviewing numbers and practicing their formation. I have the kids use the eraser on the back of a pencil to make the buttons by dipping it in an ink pad. This makes this activity so much more fun for them. I love when math and literacy can be merged.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWD886iXHIc6vGoaLm0Z5i164K5-Qdm62Keb6JBt5feLA7SKRGtW5BVkHbegPCK8te0AlLHIDxcJ6uOK7hunVvtkBZc_2_5KCmtGIW21qqRN-WNTPz-t1NSvta3qj3qIxvK0m23936zg/s1600/GBM6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWD886iXHIc6vGoaLm0Z5i164K5-Qdm62Keb6JBt5feLA7SKRGtW5BVkHbegPCK8te0AlLHIDxcJ6uOK7hunVvtkBZc_2_5KCmtGIW21qqRN-WNTPz-t1NSvta3qj3qIxvK0m23936zg/s640/GBM6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We are working on beginning sounds so I started off with an easy version of this using an Open Court sound/ spelling image in the corner of each card. For the child who still cannot figure out the beginning sound for the picture this is a great scaffold to ensure they are successful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8VaIsxV2Q0I1W2u3o2PcgSfTsH1MihtkB3D5p0VPD5Bg8I_KnM5z06dY0NAMDzQztQMNJb6wmCD-YdHPd6-vJxxiCO-w3KKZkPvZVSsEPb_Kmioa3rxthJPW5qL5q860xXIkVYY0jfQ/s1600/GBM7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8VaIsxV2Q0I1W2u3o2PcgSfTsH1MihtkB3D5p0VPD5Bg8I_KnM5z06dY0NAMDzQztQMNJb6wmCD-YdHPd6-vJxxiCO-w3KKZkPvZVSsEPb_Kmioa3rxthJPW5qL5q860xXIkVYY0jfQ/s640/GBM7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
When will my students get tired of these fishing poles? Never. I cannot imagine them not loving anything I put in this sensory table for them to fish out. I should have filled it with something like colored rice to make it more exciting... next year. This is just another beginning sounds game that has them color in the letter on a response sheet. The sight word coloring sheet is just another way of getting to those color words and the kids still love this activity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oMDqLaLCg8a5eU4P9hMyTY-G3ZZbTrQ3hPJ38HTrXENLC0XYaUt8-zKHgypb6CbhV5Mn1gwi3gF6IlzYh2IUHGlFUkNXVR7Pfpx-jbL_v-E9MG-G9fpFI5zluq4LSwDh7Tu6q6W6Iv4/s1600/GBM8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oMDqLaLCg8a5eU4P9hMyTY-G3ZZbTrQ3hPJ38HTrXENLC0XYaUt8-zKHgypb6CbhV5Mn1gwi3gF6IlzYh2IUHGlFUkNXVR7Pfpx-jbL_v-E9MG-G9fpFI5zluq4LSwDh7Tu6q6W6Iv4/s640/GBM8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This was a new activity for me this year. Students had to cut and paste pictures into this grid that begin with the sound being focused on. Some of the pictures are wrong so it makes the littles really think! I introduce this in my guided reading groups but eventually the kids do this independently. I can adapt this for students who need additional practice by just changing the image to something that reflects the theme we are working on... hello winter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy43oeI-Jirqb1y-nz14Hvd0dyDYTa6pSrxb2ErRGXifV2xiMmaONod_DdHzYeL1D_XqjCrdrlZg5jZ21NSj4SVQsD3a3OmsIAKWkXqaAkvhcCzjbh2DWKsCoUwHUjxJNVi1XP4kQI1nw/s1600/GBM9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy43oeI-Jirqb1y-nz14Hvd0dyDYTa6pSrxb2ErRGXifV2xiMmaONod_DdHzYeL1D_XqjCrdrlZg5jZ21NSj4SVQsD3a3OmsIAKWkXqaAkvhcCzjbh2DWKsCoUwHUjxJNVi1XP4kQI1nw/s640/GBM9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes life must include playdough so we added in our favorite kind. Gingerbread playdough rocks and the kids loved using it. I also showed them how to make their own gingerbread man and they loved doing this. They were so adorable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2c-dAleOGS6IIdIPGmqWl0XW0jMBg3OsFx4YMYsRWk2HV3VzxGC7HAreepPvStrIQjsw0EL4IDuRAwq9olhFwKL3rxUSj7pdsxWNE4zJVi4bwoW0GfDPiE5QOEDFchoHAYsoG5WOd2Y/s1600/GBM10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2c-dAleOGS6IIdIPGmqWl0XW0jMBg3OsFx4YMYsRWk2HV3VzxGC7HAreepPvStrIQjsw0EL4IDuRAwq9olhFwKL3rxUSj7pdsxWNE4zJVi4bwoW0GfDPiE5QOEDFchoHAYsoG5WOd2Y/s640/GBM10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After a bizillion centers we finally had our Gingerbread Activity Day and our parents came in to help with the different centers I had. They did an amazing job with all the kids and we ended our day by going outside to eat gingerbread cookies. Most of the kids loved them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgwfwMGhmdLkTt0foyVrtFvfHReplxJGD9TM4MYr8iVgJBNlvF3lSjV1CowJohhq2-xYnXA5MYRTFatR09ynLHRajAMWDU8ZWB28BQ_4Q-YTUXPln3Rbmt2UFH6x02vUk0fb1ReR2SVw/s1600/GBM11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgwfwMGhmdLkTt0foyVrtFvfHReplxJGD9TM4MYr8iVgJBNlvF3lSjV1CowJohhq2-xYnXA5MYRTFatR09ynLHRajAMWDU8ZWB28BQ_4Q-YTUXPln3Rbmt2UFH6x02vUk0fb1ReR2SVw/s640/GBM11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLxcDpXRLm-7kiGi65Z4tFk3xG-vuYPUd5giCVKTVk-wPpBUNcQxmkFf6A5ZiBleAKxpXQn85eM8ysCCoCVuuk7Eq9yth-sejidoL1sKfJ3NVroNTXepUEZexNc4k0lfJFyjAqmIQsQY/s1600/GBM13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLxcDpXRLm-7kiGi65Z4tFk3xG-vuYPUd5giCVKTVk-wPpBUNcQxmkFf6A5ZiBleAKxpXQn85eM8ysCCoCVuuk7Eq9yth-sejidoL1sKfJ3NVroNTXepUEZexNc4k0lfJFyjAqmIQsQY/s640/GBM13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsa2l7qqFhoEvjHp69vlqH-DF3nXiWqM_8qkm0PmpKiSmhwzEM4wKDEORFHnDuSqMMTB19nDkB6vheREf9TaoEJpTyoWnF3LTupgW1A_bzc2Jwqoq50jLiDpmGAZjIUWYZSqhSiZ5qyo/s1600/GBM14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsa2l7qqFhoEvjHp69vlqH-DF3nXiWqM_8qkm0PmpKiSmhwzEM4wKDEORFHnDuSqMMTB19nDkB6vheREf9TaoEJpTyoWnF3LTupgW1A_bzc2Jwqoq50jLiDpmGAZjIUWYZSqhSiZ5qyo/s640/GBM14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgq1cQlur4_0W81rubvjO2RYpAE8GyzSbLU7DSsK4LI-HLddmZwfsN670Mav6bTFAIhwS9C5rr9vKhIdQWTvMBzO0XlBk6qqjaD_jujY-sV_tSVNux9f9vest160TZhDZjlNbAnlIm1tQ/s1600/GBM15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgq1cQlur4_0W81rubvjO2RYpAE8GyzSbLU7DSsK4LI-HLddmZwfsN670Mav6bTFAIhwS9C5rr9vKhIdQWTvMBzO0XlBk6qqjaD_jujY-sV_tSVNux9f9vest160TZhDZjlNbAnlIm1tQ/s640/GBM15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IpOcoJts0Uh-z5gtWE3jhS9Km1Bjl9kBwI7P-V0y1Y1lDo5fFhjqXtzlII9dzY4HRB4cfTO0u4iHJGXprr0FT7rQurztwLycyxiA1pP-1SonZa33CZa0gAUE6v2JWZo-2D0taYaVD68/s1600/GBM16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IpOcoJts0Uh-z5gtWE3jhS9Km1Bjl9kBwI7P-V0y1Y1lDo5fFhjqXtzlII9dzY4HRB4cfTO0u4iHJGXprr0FT7rQurztwLycyxiA1pP-1SonZa33CZa0gAUE6v2JWZo-2D0taYaVD68/s640/GBM16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHfHAeEXdxEtT1oUxKqefG4EuJLF_ZkEDdyI4oy2K-cdJCPlIxYaSvu3NYIG-gwx1p7_aGLAbxz4nuUujbH5mpJVQODZ6-SKQAp_vzafDLkIoTH2F51IHyrUSbJw8VBN6jVB3IT2djzs/s1600/GBM17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHfHAeEXdxEtT1oUxKqefG4EuJLF_ZkEDdyI4oy2K-cdJCPlIxYaSvu3NYIG-gwx1p7_aGLAbxz4nuUujbH5mpJVQODZ6-SKQAp_vzafDLkIoTH2F51IHyrUSbJw8VBN6jVB3IT2djzs/s640/GBM17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0YNicAZRzRqCG6XXpB87idAHOskPT93thMk9umVfOOBt4JJYQE0ZGBliSbDKa2-C5A_Ywv4SRwUoGniCbc9-TnvlpSyv8a6LiFZoql1iNaQLs2iPwA0dHQiX6dBRnTv1JqjsKXYJi9A/s1600/GBM18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0YNicAZRzRqCG6XXpB87idAHOskPT93thMk9umVfOOBt4JJYQE0ZGBliSbDKa2-C5A_Ywv4SRwUoGniCbc9-TnvlpSyv8a6LiFZoql1iNaQLs2iPwA0dHQiX6dBRnTv1JqjsKXYJi9A/s640/GBM18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So it was a great week. The parents were so sweet and helpful and cleaned up all the mess with me. I hugged the children good-bye and set the room up for January. All gingerbread things were put away for another year. A new calendar went up. I turned off the lights and left earlier than usual and was ready for that much needed winter break.<br />
I will be ready for 2016 and a new set of goals for my students. I got to spend time with many friends that I love, family that I cherish, and finally read a book and got some much needed sleep. Now it is time to build new memories...<br />
<br />Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-12293176943794795862015-11-30T05:50:00.000-08:002015-11-30T05:50:02.232-08:00Cyber Smile Sale on TpT... Grab Some Goodies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
TpT is having a great sale today and tomorrow. Now you can stock up on all those materials for the winter months and save some money. It's a win- win for teachers! Don't forget the promo code today: SMILE so you can get the full 28% off. Have fun and fill your cart with happiness. If you want some of my products you can find them here: <span style="text-align: center;">http://bit.ly/1gD5LR7.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">How cute is this picture of me? It makes me smile because both of my girls looked like this and so do the cousins. I love old family pictures.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlp5CS32EvOilNiogo9sddXyk7Pqwo0XEXxZE3PKMT5Ll8aqHXMhEuqQTL5Xb1XOTp-Kcf0HCqwjRY12LH_bGE7XHFPrGuqbA174iBw8gY_4wADwEwJFXvolSeEp1_Rk89nFqItGWsLI/s1600/ad+for+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlp5CS32EvOilNiogo9sddXyk7Pqwo0XEXxZE3PKMT5Ll8aqHXMhEuqQTL5Xb1XOTp-Kcf0HCqwjRY12LH_bGE7XHFPrGuqbA174iBw8gY_4wADwEwJFXvolSeEp1_Rk89nFqItGWsLI/s640/ad+for+sale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-56662683341201429802015-11-29T17:16:00.001-08:002015-11-29T17:16:38.787-08:00Turkey Leftovers From My Classroom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
November has been such a busy month for us. At this time of the year I am assessing students to get ready for report cards but it is also the wonderful season of fall and I love teaching about the Wampanoag culture and reading fun stories about turkeys and Thanksgiving. This year I did a billion and one activities but I will only hit the ones I loved or better yet- have pictures of. We grew seeds in the backyard of my classroom and this time a mom had the kids help her put soil in about 5. How smart was she? One of them is bound to grow and several did! This is an early picture and I cannot wait to see what the pumpkins look like this week. We talked about decomposing and the kids never get tired of watching these. If you have never done this promise yourself you will try it next year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0_YCjZzS_wAJVE9n3p7lXPZaInlPhV0zMxHr80pto_88MtW9rMwMcQx4K34rSNKdAopfNmjYW9NNbHRm4BAy66bWArpDDAerqDGMQKEzTOy1Dm6MRaugKASnlu8HGwSAkR4m7wz_vBA/s1600/pumpkin+plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0_YCjZzS_wAJVE9n3p7lXPZaInlPhV0zMxHr80pto_88MtW9rMwMcQx4K34rSNKdAopfNmjYW9NNbHRm4BAy66bWArpDDAerqDGMQKEzTOy1Dm6MRaugKASnlu8HGwSAkR4m7wz_vBA/s640/pumpkin+plants.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whatever concepts I needed to teach during these weeks had a picture of a Wampanoag or pilgrim. This was a simple math game where they just counting the dots on each card and recorded it and I ran it on old scrap booking paper and distressed the edges with brown ink to make it look old. The kids really liked this activity and it was a great formative assessment. Does anyone know how to make a 5 without reversing it. Nope.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaKe6j83DcJiRPcp5TUpK5uY6pj9vUMQG9YrdZhNI1pBMh_d0nNoua-qjzNbnq6kXQu61UO0O787S-Lk1BgXFASUbJpOYuM8yKACdVhjyWswNjqq7CVuAjSDTrlrPzi7m2V5gHE5aKgI/s1600/Wampanoag+Counting+to+ten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaKe6j83DcJiRPcp5TUpK5uY6pj9vUMQG9YrdZhNI1pBMh_d0nNoua-qjzNbnq6kXQu61UO0O787S-Lk1BgXFASUbJpOYuM8yKACdVhjyWswNjqq7CVuAjSDTrlrPzi7m2V5gHE5aKgI/s640/Wampanoag+Counting+to+ten.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We played lots of sight word games with cards and spinners and showed different ways to make numbers using an image of the Mayflower to spice things up! All of these were a big hit with the littles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2TOv1nG3OIa1UxeZ4oroqyDYOxSyJf163arCcpOgjvnxWuLfzNM0WjgmoZVfUW4wann-4mr7R4DXfqaoUGqEflCsh2iKDP48Qss4z_AZM44LoZpjsOk4sZUk5aJvvGBJ3FbW9ubvWDM/s1600/reading+and+math+games.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2TOv1nG3OIa1UxeZ4oroqyDYOxSyJf163arCcpOgjvnxWuLfzNM0WjgmoZVfUW4wann-4mr7R4DXfqaoUGqEflCsh2iKDP48Qss4z_AZM44LoZpjsOk4sZUk5aJvvGBJ3FbW9ubvWDM/s640/reading+and+math+games.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a fall fluency chart we worked on to build their confidence before going to a little reader that matches this text. We built the sentences in a pocket chart with a matching picture and talked about adding "s" to show more than one. This is a great strategy to use when teaching new vocabulary.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2o-1J8WQnssFV4PGmf7kTG9LtD4KVmLHN61w6G_lTSDvJJlNj4Ejybuwpnjo58eGZWUhEPZfxTXWaGhm1CpY7NTB2YXxcjBaz_rgvPgMgD24T2PgO8NEMexmG3aKYTEGL9ViasRauFPw/s1600/fluency+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2o-1J8WQnssFV4PGmf7kTG9LtD4KVmLHN61w6G_lTSDvJJlNj4Ejybuwpnjo58eGZWUhEPZfxTXWaGhm1CpY7NTB2YXxcjBaz_rgvPgMgD24T2PgO8NEMexmG3aKYTEGL9ViasRauFPw/s640/fluency+chart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We made a variety of maps and labeled them as we completed our Social Studies unit on working together. I also teach the children top, bottom, left and right while we complete this activity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3l-Hr3_kA1PGpppYsQnGqCaXGjQGqd9IyMEBjuIY_PNsGVdAKP2WPp8wPzQWY8XgkRoYk04T8ugerM3bxx-IPBNGdDeTObpU6yJ-_Gbzqb4FfLF4VqhHEP3-AvsQnAJtGml7Fsxxk74/s1600/circle+maps+of+pilgrims+and+wampanoags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3l-Hr3_kA1PGpppYsQnGqCaXGjQGqd9IyMEBjuIY_PNsGVdAKP2WPp8wPzQWY8XgkRoYk04T8ugerM3bxx-IPBNGdDeTObpU6yJ-_Gbzqb4FfLF4VqhHEP3-AvsQnAJtGml7Fsxxk74/s640/circle+maps+of+pilgrims+and+wampanoags.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At this time of year we are working on story elements and we sorted character, setting, and event in a pocket chart. Some students found this challenging but we worked on it together and students had to support their ideas when they placed the picture in the chart. It was a great activity to do and I will keep working on this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0x2tlu5Mcl8COkEwwsqtQQ9b3FC53hQr8PoJwUWW5Zcc3PFFLWAXqyYZk6Xionn5r1bK-Fe9b2JCtSaG_VvyuQhZ-n9PM0tA0p4FWUtMMHh-T1qxmd-qYKX7jdA5DdMctTerMVEacwo/s1600/sorting+character+setting+and+events.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0x2tlu5Mcl8COkEwwsqtQQ9b3FC53hQr8PoJwUWW5Zcc3PFFLWAXqyYZk6Xionn5r1bK-Fe9b2JCtSaG_VvyuQhZ-n9PM0tA0p4FWUtMMHh-T1qxmd-qYKX7jdA5DdMctTerMVEacwo/s640/sorting+character+setting+and+events.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love teaching guided drawing which then leads to their writing. This was so much fun and provided an opportunity for me to teach about the pilgrim children, what they wore and the jobs they did to help their families. We also talked about their clothing and compared many things to then and now. The kids did these on clipboards sitting on the learning carpet and loved their results!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gcVVstTiPZt31hkPd4fvjaR_3_rKNkNyE8EHv6UGQflqTeM_dX9eELXHJakTq57-dqTjDWj3ZMGTQw9RdPx1awEmP0pmIqiLcV51TwvSQhiOQD-HcRlcUgKk6RLmH568kwSauQuyD2I/s1600/Guided+drawings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gcVVstTiPZt31hkPd4fvjaR_3_rKNkNyE8EHv6UGQflqTeM_dX9eELXHJakTq57-dqTjDWj3ZMGTQw9RdPx1awEmP0pmIqiLcV51TwvSQhiOQD-HcRlcUgKk6RLmH568kwSauQuyD2I/s640/Guided+drawings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love providing these mini anchor charts when I asked students to write independently. It makes them so much more successful since it triggers their creativity and anchors their thinking. How cute are these 2 drawings? I love this age.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCiAv7At1mXym58rd6iZNo7v1dlXvFVov98VpXKDSOHB5jsyzcqCkA0PwDIb-hhMSM_3VPemL-cXE2i0TSvlwGCpDwOsRWQnWHwnwbruMT5EYAQnq1ovZ7LD9fMX8TB8KVvdfu-OZMp4/s1600/writing+about+pilgrims+and+wampanoags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCiAv7At1mXym58rd6iZNo7v1dlXvFVov98VpXKDSOHB5jsyzcqCkA0PwDIb-hhMSM_3VPemL-cXE2i0TSvlwGCpDwOsRWQnWHwnwbruMT5EYAQnq1ovZ7LD9fMX8TB8KVvdfu-OZMp4/s640/writing+about+pilgrims+and+wampanoags.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />This year I was not interested in sending home the same old turkey for families to decorate so I decided to do a thankful plate. What are you thankful for as we approach this important American holiday? My students and I talked about gratitude and I sent this plate home with a note to the parents offering suggestions for making this. They knocked it out of the park! They were SPECTACULAR AND I CRIED OVER EACH ONE... NOT EVEN KIDDING. Parents really worked hard with their children and were so creative. I just took a few pictures but all of them were amazing. Their words were so beautiful and the family photos were so special. This was not my idea but I have had many friends on have done this and now I am trying to decide what I can do for the winter holidays that will be more meaningful. My students were so proud of their work that we ended up showing them to the principal. You have to try this project!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfYakI1Y-GvJSglzfjar0i2BXxRJ_22UJuG-mZSkDXoxju2mCM_hkTmubiiw0-0nDYbKiT3zlRWroGn3ByiWwRXMC8m1S-GO2trXth-6uwcShML15Jhl8GuLCP4qjo7pywT-CUsZ4QwU/s1600/gratitude+plates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfYakI1Y-GvJSglzfjar0i2BXxRJ_22UJuG-mZSkDXoxju2mCM_hkTmubiiw0-0nDYbKiT3zlRWroGn3ByiWwRXMC8m1S-GO2trXth-6uwcShML15Jhl8GuLCP4qjo7pywT-CUsZ4QwU/s640/gratitude+plates.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As Friday rolled around I was starting to fall apart from all the projects, activities and the mess. The kids love all headbands so I came up with this super simple one and when I modeled how to make a turkey feather you cannot imagine how much they loved this activity. It was silent in the room as everyone got to work trying this new "feathering" skill. Kids helped each other and now I realize why we have to release kids to do things on their own... yup it is painful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNJjl0kJuaonl32M4YB110YqWs89C2ambKqiL2N2lUf19XIYssNJ1f0pv-i_iqOCaImFX3haTeYEBl0l7uIHwtvFSnusI7JmwONTzC3lr3kMmmGGqqDBzV4maquJIBF8VZpAF0Z5A_6I/s1600/headband+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNJjl0kJuaonl32M4YB110YqWs89C2ambKqiL2N2lUf19XIYssNJ1f0pv-i_iqOCaImFX3haTeYEBl0l7uIHwtvFSnusI7JmwONTzC3lr3kMmmGGqqDBzV4maquJIBF8VZpAF0Z5A_6I/s640/headband+fun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This simple little turkey is so kid friendly. I walked them through the process and curly the feather on a pencil was the best part of their day! It felt magical to them and I loved their enthusiasm. I think they are so adorable and full of personality. These went home for the holidays.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDU2sce4W0IFVXb0aHnZoBGS9E3kxGnCfEW4UU8XoPeYMDq-XTBRhww2j1MM4w8RPDjFWIb_3us7OwjPvR4Fa3vboe3NjFpvUDC5zPRP1pWDmishgb0cC_v7CsKBjHmMUTvcWtQkgCT1g/s1600/turkey+cut+and+paste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDU2sce4W0IFVXb0aHnZoBGS9E3kxGnCfEW4UU8XoPeYMDq-XTBRhww2j1MM4w8RPDjFWIb_3us7OwjPvR4Fa3vboe3NjFpvUDC5zPRP1pWDmishgb0cC_v7CsKBjHmMUTvcWtQkgCT1g/s640/turkey+cut+and+paste.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you got a few ideas for next year and now we are on to The Gingerbread Man which I love. I think I own every book possible for teaching this story and the kids never get tired of it. Check back soon and I hope your turkey day was filled with family, good times and memories that will keep you warm in the winter!</div>
<br />Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-52865567023571760592015-10-25T19:52:00.000-07:002015-10-25T20:24:18.896-07:00Snapshot Of Our RoomHi there,<br />
I have not really disappeared but I have been missing for a few weeks. The year started off with a bang and I have been really busy planning activities to keep an active and chatty group of children busy and engaged in learning. This is no easy job as many of you well know but I have given it my best shot. Here are some photos of what has been going on in September and October...<br />
<br />
September was all about apples and exploring their understanding through both Science and Social Studies. We saw lots of You Tube videos on Johnny Appleseed and the life cycle of an apple. I made several apple readers that they loved too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JWV7pc_JY9tDySzd17r6pAmVCPWolMFDRjSN8NOhaDetD-T51qx1Ylvov5xsURgeOY0PvWOO5uMRHt3jNBkRfX3skKwTuZYYdyZCmaX6aw2e-tSgDlZFdjVFrbKJ3PaALCQgG9ZpGu4/s1600/apple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JWV7pc_JY9tDySzd17r6pAmVCPWolMFDRjSN8NOhaDetD-T51qx1Ylvov5xsURgeOY0PvWOO5uMRHt3jNBkRfX3skKwTuZYYdyZCmaX6aw2e-tSgDlZFdjVFrbKJ3PaALCQgG9ZpGu4/s640/apple1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I am all over subitizing and practicing it with my students. This has really made a difference in their ability to recognize the number of dots on dice when playing games. I made a Power Point where I click through the dots at top speed and they love "racing" to tell me the answer. This has been so much fun and can be changed throughout the year depending on our theme. It is really building number sense quickly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BdNfCCQvt7NRFTP5be_NfROAzL-BKFGi1fPmZlCAIhG8l3Ex8TwElPxOXozmRW4QBhB1rfxchx6Vv6H-BXVwJTtifY-KK-__Ztlh2AMbKFIVA2pcYCF-gc3qLqUPSXtqU-ckkCv38Ig/s1600/apple2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BdNfCCQvt7NRFTP5be_NfROAzL-BKFGi1fPmZlCAIhG8l3Ex8TwElPxOXozmRW4QBhB1rfxchx6Vv6H-BXVwJTtifY-KK-__Ztlh2AMbKFIVA2pcYCF-gc3qLqUPSXtqU-ckkCv38Ig/s640/apple2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdDOJQ-mFJ_4W6DFncy4c7TRLCpcgnTr6_rzne9VAAKN0dkzip9M045TFcxumteaWo_AHZ2wb0Qs6SqLBeoTw0ILpandoCQk6-Ug1R2bB0IxWpH5rC4EiHRgBXyofjX-qFp4-Ztc2PWg/s1600/apple3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdDOJQ-mFJ_4W6DFncy4c7TRLCpcgnTr6_rzne9VAAKN0dkzip9M045TFcxumteaWo_AHZ2wb0Qs6SqLBeoTw0ILpandoCQk6-Ug1R2bB0IxWpH5rC4EiHRgBXyofjX-qFp4-Ztc2PWg/s640/apple3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I introduced a variety of sight words but used apple images to help to build their academic vocabulary. This game was a huge hit but I got tired of playing it (the kids were fine with it) so after about a week I had to change it or go nuts! Yup,it's all about me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0aNhDVFe7xcIUPkBAtZ8sEIAIqeYVtJhPDyV0sW9EyzAxUuvrUWMV4FbEctkalI_aY5OifuB-MTr-24oyb1jRnym2mfwLd1Uw4TNMObQvpsntMDnDA4_K0bLCFb_14721y4vewXZGs8/s1600/apple4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0aNhDVFe7xcIUPkBAtZ8sEIAIqeYVtJhPDyV0sW9EyzAxUuvrUWMV4FbEctkalI_aY5OifuB-MTr-24oyb1jRnym2mfwLd1Uw4TNMObQvpsntMDnDA4_K0bLCFb_14721y4vewXZGs8/s640/apple4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I cut up a variety of apples and read stories about apple orchards so naturally we labeled a picture but mine is super simple to cut apart since not all children have mastered this skill yet. No one got a hair cut that day so I felt in control of the whole situation. They are so cute that I put them up around the room. We also did a guided drawing of an apple which they loved.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdPxde7ZRV52kEIz7TEErBWsccE34jwoGgSjTrhR6x7ZuxPZrolVbD8rUFSDQrByj6BkvibHHskLCpQGBdFgxq7R1JTsrThNotSjmXRXGbuf9mPY-cOsko7YzBvl4fOE6BBsZzdjZzdE/s1600/apple5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdPxde7ZRV52kEIz7TEErBWsccE34jwoGgSjTrhR6x7ZuxPZrolVbD8rUFSDQrByj6BkvibHHskLCpQGBdFgxq7R1JTsrThNotSjmXRXGbuf9mPY-cOsko7YzBvl4fOE6BBsZzdjZzdE/s640/apple5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Yup, Chef Kramer showed up with her crock pot and showed the children how to make applesauce from the apples our parents had sent in. I only added a little sugar and some cinnamon and it was a big hit. Most kids loved it but some would not even touch it which surprised me. How do you handle students who refuse to taste something. I try not to make a big deal of it. No one likes to be forced to eat something. Right?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLFnpjkBl63874uThviwQ-FNMW3GSxmBIrI8BPXhSULFuQ3KgXAAIVvMNNhFCk77i-q4HaEYsuL4jLP2A1Fu-Np1GcCbavTndyVDd9l7CZRLNvzEs7gwfVmjagiSf-n32oClnRiQoMM4/s1600/apple6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLFnpjkBl63874uThviwQ-FNMW3GSxmBIrI8BPXhSULFuQ3KgXAAIVvMNNhFCk77i-q4HaEYsuL4jLP2A1Fu-Np1GcCbavTndyVDd9l7CZRLNvzEs7gwfVmjagiSf-n32oClnRiQoMM4/s640/apple6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our school does not celebrate Halloween in any way. We don't read about witches, ghosts, zombies, or Frankenstein. However, I do a huge unit on Autumn and a lot of science around the life cycle of a pumpkin. Here a just a few pictures of what we did and I have many other activities that the kids loved. Many of them come from my activity packet that is in my TpT store: Click on the picture and it will take you there: It has lots of great activities but the best is a retelling bracelet with a matching little book for the life cycle of a pumpkin. My students wore that bracelet for an entire week! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Adding-just-a-little-PUMPKIN-SPICE-to-your-math-and-literacy-stations-1529350"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHT-MKv7VQqEZwtY19GUyZJ3SqXM5xf-OiXH3CqoVldtd1ii0B-jzFXGC418oQjgjihxmSvSAPWc-1IqNR5AxA12IzUccKnzqGpsPThmi1JyRYd1qApXFpnSMX_ZzokOxNR-wA_B5op4/s640/cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgNCK_vE4tgJR2InUx1R6hfOsPIQFOn_50K5z_MH7fDhOt20Nu55JPtdENqnJ8FIQmIhxSf5Y7KYu2PfGnMAg3j0sw7tVJU4F2QaofLq9KNvHhFNrKW9GteidfYfGLzq2EZIywn-gGLQ/s1600/preview+of+pumpkin+spice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgNCK_vE4tgJR2InUx1R6hfOsPIQFOn_50K5z_MH7fDhOt20Nu55JPtdENqnJ8FIQmIhxSf5Y7KYu2PfGnMAg3j0sw7tVJU4F2QaofLq9KNvHhFNrKW9GteidfYfGLzq2EZIywn-gGLQ/s640/preview+of+pumpkin+spice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Parents sent in lots of pumpkins and we naturally did a Bubble Map to describe it both inside and outside and they loved it! I threw it together quickly just using graphics from Susanna at <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Whimsy-Workshop-Teaching">Whimsy Workshop</a> because her clip art rocks! She has made me gorgeous graphics that my students adore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Tch9PAEdZ8EoOuBdavFH-taGb0buWF-2CU_qaEyurQfOuqinIaEwH_eZkSnK_W91SLOXXxWO45A50zCL4jrmNRtOnEuxhy6C1eQ9WrozKU-UFRw2D8lXFABz8c_YUUxLIIrer3Yb-Po/s1600/pumpkin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Tch9PAEdZ8EoOuBdavFH-taGb0buWF-2CU_qaEyurQfOuqinIaEwH_eZkSnK_W91SLOXXxWO45A50zCL4jrmNRtOnEuxhy6C1eQ9WrozKU-UFRw2D8lXFABz8c_YUUxLIIrer3Yb-Po/s640/pumpkin1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I also made a fluency chart with my Sparkle Reader called <u>I See a Pumpkin</u> that is also available in my TpT store. Click on the pictures to fly over there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sparkle-Readers-Set-4-355624"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQXmk9Z1mblw7QvGWjafSG9ed7_wAKdc01qevgHAuEDO52GFNTwld-Z6i_BkyPt0lTgc70l_uLoRSJxZX2vRo_y4IRBiW6-rmU884LTovNDrTBSg8zGm2SmVV7nWBFe6tOZulPYc-ZCU/s640/pumpkin2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We practiced important but basic skills with simple games I created that made learning more fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMNAmtP4GtUIjY7mGFp74jKhUgGAeW63x4SXQoHMNZvi4jS1OwywHoyCHfUsPqGLNFArn9r8X2CptrkLOdv7HiGG3hwBzVO0qxru7VGtifZ_brmXND2merEWBz-MXQ3oetj1HzFu4YX4/s1600/pumpkin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMNAmtP4GtUIjY7mGFp74jKhUgGAeW63x4SXQoHMNZvi4jS1OwywHoyCHfUsPqGLNFArn9r8X2CptrkLOdv7HiGG3hwBzVO0qxru7VGtifZ_brmXND2merEWBz-MXQ3oetj1HzFu4YX4/s640/pumpkin3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
On our Fall Activity Day the moms came in to help and the children made a pumpkin mosaic using beans and pumpkin seeds. They loved do this project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRiGxGpB8XwBUT8G1G-JGlBOFnJ2_Piw_HDJzxYgAmjw0VNhN-Mubo1g39Xfg8rOmadVOgVJUUM5vQ9gpOupQxHFVXXBti4EGaav1Mz6fUvRUwvxN8lTJCH9NN-eeIXsl4_sjRc4WkY8/s1600/pumpkin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRiGxGpB8XwBUT8G1G-JGlBOFnJ2_Piw_HDJzxYgAmjw0VNhN-Mubo1g39Xfg8rOmadVOgVJUUM5vQ9gpOupQxHFVXXBti4EGaav1Mz6fUvRUwvxN8lTJCH9NN-eeIXsl4_sjRc4WkY8/s640/pumpkin4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There is so much more to post but now I need to work on other projects to get ready for the week ahead. Look for more pumpkin fun later in the week.<br />
Have a great week of teaching.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-78974343300165169002015-10-04T07:41:00.004-07:002015-10-04T20:48:57.331-07:00Tips for Taking the Littles to the LabOur school has a computer lab where kindergarten students are expected to log in on their own with a a six digit student number. This is crazy since most of them cannot even read numbers and have never touched a mouse (the one used for technology) in their lives. What does a teacher do to hold on to her sanity, which is slowly slipping away? Create a scaffold.<br />
This works for me so don't go insane yet... there is hope.<br />
First, I make a card for each student with their first and last name and their student ID#. I pop this up pretty big so they can see it with ease! The number is placed in a grid so younger students have an easier time tracking it with their young eyes. On the right side is the computer they are assigned to. Once they learn where to go you will love that they just come into the room and sit down quietly. Okay, that was a lie. This can all be done in Power Point or Publisher.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitivC5NcZWdcO_qJq_V5oPNybML5UsHu7L1AzUbUGnGjGRti-uqo4i0RHMipZg1A3JwpV9t6T6vkjpBQLjAGcLZIFhH2AWEswgSZiwJAhG1COOvRsNe-tN5uWNRjjiT1wbOG21QKjofbM/s1600/blog+picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitivC5NcZWdcO_qJq_V5oPNybML5UsHu7L1AzUbUGnGjGRti-uqo4i0RHMipZg1A3JwpV9t6T6vkjpBQLjAGcLZIFhH2AWEswgSZiwJAhG1COOvRsNe-tN5uWNRjjiT1wbOG21QKjofbM/s640/blog+picture1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Notice that I have a boy or girl graph on the left side. I recommend changing that to a photo of each student to make this easier for buddies, (I am getting to that) the lab tech, and your poor sub who has to do this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kOTA6YuQf4PNafmZ-tkX2x1C6_u4-dxq0FItkOw7smf4FaKfpOM5zdJmJzxP30e4SVTCqKo85Mr7CniSqGYkv1K1yJqUUwNSG4uAankvxJJd0q3BHJzi4C6uoW_rWN5-xqT9YG0qJ0M/s1600/blog+post2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kOTA6YuQf4PNafmZ-tkX2x1C6_u4-dxq0FItkOw7smf4FaKfpOM5zdJmJzxP30e4SVTCqKo85Mr7CniSqGYkv1K1yJqUUwNSG4uAankvxJJd0q3BHJzi4C6uoW_rWN5-xqT9YG0qJ0M/s640/blog+post2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Are you with me so far? Once you have all your names listed in alphabetical order (by first name) with your student ID#s you are now ready to laminate. I prefer home lamination since it is thicker but do what works for you. Now cut all your cards apart and stack them. Mine even have a title card because that helps me know what I am grabbing. Here are a few extra cards I make. I also have a card with all my passwords needed for this lab! Old brain... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCwLbqVaxXiw49Tlk_x18nQeEi-0ruvRKtrs3Nefj0kVm68o3LoKLjP7-N0KHdwlBkOpzHV083SJVN3VugXNHFrMnaJ1-pIRe00R7fN-5L0LYWMn2xuNMhGwaxNCCt1rdwwutAtUreME/s1600/extra+cards2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCwLbqVaxXiw49Tlk_x18nQeEi-0ruvRKtrs3Nefj0kVm68o3LoKLjP7-N0KHdwlBkOpzHV083SJVN3VugXNHFrMnaJ1-pIRe00R7fN-5L0LYWMn2xuNMhGwaxNCCt1rdwwutAtUreME/s640/extra+cards2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once you have all the cards you need and a few extras for new kiddos it is time to punch a hole in them and put them on a ring so you can find them! Right? I punch them in the upper left-hand corner and then use a ring to hole them all together. Does this make sense? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some pictures in "real life" of what they actually look like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgna0xpzD2_A3A2V3VsnQmrckdXp3Rubo594IQRpSLLE2mn_GF6os0F1k6dfwgt9cA4NEzJWgi0Lev5YL0FbRjGEYdhlp4BjNPjukYcJljc-WMCvZEVNdf2nw1cla5oVMpRYw4gUJhRA/s1600/computer+tag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgna0xpzD2_A3A2V3VsnQmrckdXp3Rubo594IQRpSLLE2mn_GF6os0F1k6dfwgt9cA4NEzJWgi0Lev5YL0FbRjGEYdhlp4BjNPjukYcJljc-WMCvZEVNdf2nw1cla5oVMpRYw4gUJhRA/s640/computer+tag1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOtjYTQ3D5cK4pMugBpUFl7vyJT9dksJpLyQmvmb7C5YBB3_ioPyiksuhoS4Noki7xz2CzgUqovJnN18L8AtMRpFJke2QRiHnqO1KZKapAJucH7lmBh0w-rTK8h9DP6Ipvqn0gOacFpM/s1600/computer+tag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOtjYTQ3D5cK4pMugBpUFl7vyJT9dksJpLyQmvmb7C5YBB3_ioPyiksuhoS4Noki7xz2CzgUqovJnN18L8AtMRpFJke2QRiHnqO1KZKapAJucH7lmBh0w-rTK8h9DP6Ipvqn0gOacFpM/s640/computer+tag2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLr0h6LpM2dRj97QfiG5QCtgLHOo1-Dy4JbFKSmGI6xplLxCx21QgBYM5HCFVB6ucktFXLk2Ah4mPyYArbMDLJwQdvrKOXbuIgJZPxg1mqK3PCqUPhgMjtcqcYBD7RljeRkVUsgkLKWvY/s1600/computer+tag3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLr0h6LpM2dRj97QfiG5QCtgLHOo1-Dy4JbFKSmGI6xplLxCx21QgBYM5HCFVB6ucktFXLk2Ah4mPyYArbMDLJwQdvrKOXbuIgJZPxg1mqK3PCqUPhgMjtcqcYBD7RljeRkVUsgkLKWvY/s640/computer+tag3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk1dS18py93ZaT8oXysh4UOaXnTEsjkR24bFL7KTPwcjNxLG-ARyHbnLoBLyjfPaTMdScufChEke9NVFYpqFNVI33LYisk-HayJI6uUCqIqZ9OB9Qen-lg-mxp3RS9eWE5nRUOxkssp0/s1600/computer+tag4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk1dS18py93ZaT8oXysh4UOaXnTEsjkR24bFL7KTPwcjNxLG-ARyHbnLoBLyjfPaTMdScufChEke9NVFYpqFNVI33LYisk-HayJI6uUCqIqZ9OB9Qen-lg-mxp3RS9eWE5nRUOxkssp0/s640/computer+tag4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;">Why do you line them up by first name?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is far easier to remember for you and your students! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can do this before you head for the lab.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;">Why do you assign them to a computer?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They know exactly where to go and it makes this process more systematic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How do they learn how to log in with a million numbers to learn?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the beginning I use 5th grade buddies who stand behind them and gently guide them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;">Do you have them memorize their number?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes. I make this part of their HW and parents help them to learn this. It takes time for many children to achieve this. It is also their lunch number.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a sample of what I send home:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uU2PrleaZH5AcuGBRn_u0_XDq9lxbbVvoHJ0SmH1TdLEFgHa12ASqk2KuMJ0X8NIoj1Qnhh2LrS8kMqCgd27lQD0GFnlAepcgwyygUqPaDtNa5NruDmKSCP5S8EQNt6Wy7banDEfgoY/s1600/Computer+Numbers+for+Parents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uU2PrleaZH5AcuGBRn_u0_XDq9lxbbVvoHJ0SmH1TdLEFgHa12ASqk2KuMJ0X8NIoj1Qnhh2LrS8kMqCgd27lQD0GFnlAepcgwyygUqPaDtNa5NruDmKSCP5S8EQNt6Wy7banDEfgoY/s640/Computer+Numbers+for+Parents.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope this has helped you organize your students for the computer lab. My students go there twice a week and must also take certain assessments. This is a lot of screen time. Let me know if this helps you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: yellow;">Do you want your own copy to use? Head for my FB page and grab my "fan freebie". You can edit this for your own class. </span></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-4548627100235527472015-09-07T12:32:00.000-07:002015-09-07T12:35:24.018-07:00Back to School: A Night to Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been one crazy, busy teacher with the start of school. Kids have been moved around, parents have tried to hang out in the classroom, and kids have been crying. This is all part of the chaos of starting kindergarten. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I gave each student their own name tag which they were thrilled to have but I had to remind a few to stop sucking on it. I guess they were not feeling all that comfortable yet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My students are adorable but I have my work cut out for me. Many of them do not know their colors and can't write their name. Does that sound familiar?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The paperwork at the beginning of the year makes me crazy and on top of this our staff decided Back to School night should happen as soon as possible. Yup, you read that right and I was the only one waving her hand to say NO- NOT YET. I am so not ready for this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Why am I freaked out? I have NOTHING on the walls. My goal this week was to keep everyone IN the room and happy. This is no easy task with the bolters looking to escape if the opportunity presents itself! One tried at recess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway I have a Power Point but my old teacher partner is back with me (can I hear an AMEN) and with two new administrators some policies have changed. OMG now I needed to go back and revamp this to reflect the changes. I had good intentions but every night I would come home and crawl onto the sofa and collapse. I was so wasted by all the stress. I am way too old for this job girlfriends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-J21fOH0dX28fW63K2L1SoJ9A_PrDx9SoxyvOYy1W0T-tBSIAKRYT2fbkS-j-XtkzWijyycKhX5k-3s35-dHcdx9c8IvGR5GiCnkEaOb_-owmk58jxaVusltsUgejrGyFHUC0yZHwNE/s1600/powerpoint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-J21fOH0dX28fW63K2L1SoJ9A_PrDx9SoxyvOYy1W0T-tBSIAKRYT2fbkS-j-XtkzWijyycKhX5k-3s35-dHcdx9c8IvGR5GiCnkEaOb_-owmk58jxaVusltsUgejrGyFHUC0yZHwNE/s640/powerpoint.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If standing up in front a million parents makes you nervous, create a PowerPoint. I include all my talking points and use photographs to support this. I try to include a few pictures of my current students to keep parents more interested.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some topic that I include are:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. Photos of the administrators: some parents are new to the school</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Dress Code with photos to clarify</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Absences and Tardies/ start up and pick up times</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Our homework policy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Our classroom rules</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Parent Volunteers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. Skills are students should have when entering K (in a perfect world)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. School Policies and Discipline Procedures (PBIS)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9. Explaination of CCSS and what students must master</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. Testing and Data</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
11. Email Info</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are just the big bullets but you don't wait this to take anymore than an hour. Keep it short and simple and you can even give them a note taking guide if you want them to remember key points.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year I added on to this with a parent information pack:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CoIf6KIBLZIoueuqwfyiMQTnuClmwSCwWKth4ma8VyDM7BlL2OoXnMB6pLK6M-Toxyn2LLWLvDlZnUMx_tZj3XUsCgkNizgk9aowZ-kmmSuvmhDfZePsqMz8m2azDAGs0KjZvSwJNxo/s1600/final+brochure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CoIf6KIBLZIoueuqwfyiMQTnuClmwSCwWKth4ma8VyDM7BlL2OoXnMB6pLK6M-Toxyn2LLWLvDlZnUMx_tZj3XUsCgkNizgk9aowZ-kmmSuvmhDfZePsqMz8m2azDAGs0KjZvSwJNxo/s640/final+brochure.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did not create this on my own (I am not that smart friends). I got it from a blogger who is much smarter than I am. Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editable-Double-Sided-Flip-Book-Template-Bundle-No-Fuss-Edition-1958667">here</a> to see it. There are zillions of these for purchase but I bought this one because <a href="http://www.learninginwonderland.com/">Learning In Wonderland</a> provided a video and a lot of well thought out options. This lady rocks. Check out her blog and give her a round of applause for her skills. I am so grateful to her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpyKBXLsP8MEPMoj3BiUlCKmZQVQKeOg54cxqfjp5E4Du0EKrR6XuPsbD_qFTgFUQqKdg9VUa2FMRxxWvTMWcYQTgsqqrKbNqDumT7jAMGSzT6OPvBWoOsi3-a1KYUb23PlnFPgUInAg/s1600/pages+of+parent+info+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpyKBXLsP8MEPMoj3BiUlCKmZQVQKeOg54cxqfjp5E4Du0EKrR6XuPsbD_qFTgFUQqKdg9VUa2FMRxxWvTMWcYQTgsqqrKbNqDumT7jAMGSzT6OPvBWoOsi3-a1KYUb23PlnFPgUInAg/s640/pages+of+parent+info+book.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To keep this stress free I decided to take the masters to Office Max and let them do this. Smart, right? Wrong. So wrong. The girl took the pages out of sequence and had no idea what to do. She was so confused and kept insisting she could figure it out. She made a total mess out of it and I decided to go home and figure it out... flexible mindset. The video made it clear and once I figured out how to make my copier do a 2 sided page voila... my booklet came together. Picking out the color palette was the best part of the project but not exactly difficult.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My husband is questioning my sanity since this took me most of the day. The poor guy does not see this as a masterpiece and a huge accomplishment. I do. I really love this but it would take a lot to talk me into changing it. Now I need a nap.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I better come up with a project for the walls. Fast.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-80776279907496146902015-08-30T23:03:00.000-07:002015-08-30T23:03:15.103-07:00Where Have You Been?Hey there. Sorry I haven't been around much lately but I have been busy for the last few weeks trying to get my classroom ready for my students. The air conditioning is not working too well so it was rough in the heat but somehow I pulled it all together and thought you might like to see some of my projects.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-Ti6qGo96I4OjbFd-CMQXYGpahyphenhyphendkixUZzTxUiyqGMwVKVyvL-tGB8FSFFvi99CsVAQ2q0Vb1-CpNz0rvNHdi17tfCJyez6-PFNHI3a-9K0EKX2IgYleM2GRJ75BuKrYVZEVSbgw1MA/s1600/sneaker+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-Ti6qGo96I4OjbFd-CMQXYGpahyphenhyphendkixUZzTxUiyqGMwVKVyvL-tGB8FSFFvi99CsVAQ2q0Vb1-CpNz0rvNHdi17tfCJyez6-PFNHI3a-9K0EKX2IgYleM2GRJ75BuKrYVZEVSbgw1MA/s640/sneaker+board.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The theme in my room is Pete the Cat so I did a board with shoes that have the names of our students on them. This is not quite finished but you get the idea. The banner looks really nice and brings out the colors in the room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FvxJ0pHqVUh-sTH4NKfLoFrsdfoN_MvyT-E2_6uAfEOh27_AI3fVRS33eC2zO3cklFQ9ErABnItc1nkVe16vNZ2wRtW5HvAyriFxbfZJjbgPUmmp269UZVfOWVPKmJJmwchjrLi0Djk/s1600/pete+lanterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FvxJ0pHqVUh-sTH4NKfLoFrsdfoN_MvyT-E2_6uAfEOh27_AI3fVRS33eC2zO3cklFQ9ErABnItc1nkVe16vNZ2wRtW5HvAyriFxbfZJjbgPUmmp269UZVfOWVPKmJJmwchjrLi0Djk/s640/pete+lanterns.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have lanterns hanging over each set of tables and Pete is hanging off of them with a label. This is an easy way for children to identify where to go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo89vqqtdX9JD1Aj9BslNrTqEGJO3aqpiyEomCwMj8X_qqjKztWJCwo99y4K1gdkaDPyn37UHH2rrHzcsyqiKPhGa8qErtJ1hkWPxma8n0ZPRIffrVKirXqR9zvjhsrRfJfTSRullvPE/s1600/bucket+seats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo89vqqtdX9JD1Aj9BslNrTqEGJO3aqpiyEomCwMj8X_qqjKztWJCwo99y4K1gdkaDPyn37UHH2rrHzcsyqiKPhGa8qErtJ1hkWPxma8n0ZPRIffrVKirXqR9zvjhsrRfJfTSRullvPE/s640/bucket+seats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I redid the bucket seats that I made last year because they were used each and every day and were pretty filthy by the end of the year. I saw these fabrics in Walmart and could not resist them since they match the room perfectly. Each seat only cost 2.00 to redo and it was a huge improvement. I covered these right on top of the original fabric, using a staple gun! Easy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zx413BOcjjICN6C9t9oM0lE_K3z5t62d-KC5anHeKvLnLiGkF9b_5ZwRyspmEWlBAtmGXa6XahbZx66voylZl4VexT0ZP7E4jkLkWFOTmYZBkwqVmp6Gx5qh-M0tMPO-HxwXffcimWA/s1600/anchor+charts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zx413BOcjjICN6C9t9oM0lE_K3z5t62d-KC5anHeKvLnLiGkF9b_5ZwRyspmEWlBAtmGXa6XahbZx66voylZl4VexT0ZP7E4jkLkWFOTmYZBkwqVmp6Gx5qh-M0tMPO-HxwXffcimWA/s640/anchor+charts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My husband was sweet enough to make mini anchor charts for me and I have one on each set of tables for the children to use when needed. They are color coded to match the color of the lantern hanging above it. This makes it easy to keep all materials in the right place. The anchor charts are covered in duct tape as an inexpensive way to change up the color. I cannot wait to try these out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK3Ff0WlAc5b3QKA4wk-WhKJOSQoRvuCYaUSuW-bioQ1bJNpZlLjI7nqnXGJ_dDZzsrUdqgsv6wuS6WbUaixwwX25R5e6NlP5Uc756hj1d27XN8uXTEjBZxiRCTCEKH1IyKB-Q098wKc/s1600/colored+rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK3Ff0WlAc5b3QKA4wk-WhKJOSQoRvuCYaUSuW-bioQ1bJNpZlLjI7nqnXGJ_dDZzsrUdqgsv6wuS6WbUaixwwX25R5e6NlP5Uc756hj1d27XN8uXTEjBZxiRCTCEKH1IyKB-Q098wKc/s640/colored+rice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did a lot of reading on "discovery bottles" and made a wide variety of them for various concepts. I will do a whole post on this. Most of my bottles have colored rice in them but a few have colored popcorn which is another fun item to use. I think the kids will adore these and they took very little time to put together. Now let's not discuss what my kitchen looked like! Be sure to hot glue the lid so nothing can spill out... not a step you want to forget!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS8iD2np4NJobrrAHKzLpziebwu4YGsrd-40o-BJDs-NuvuJgHAT0IoreDn4p6VFJ6yAxHXLoCGcpC7p-fyDUi_XzCgHJVc8CCMB3k5r-nF6X9SyKBXFKySc74GqZXs6NEAtbw8SHLl8/s1600/bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS8iD2np4NJobrrAHKzLpziebwu4YGsrd-40o-BJDs-NuvuJgHAT0IoreDn4p6VFJ6yAxHXLoCGcpC7p-fyDUi_XzCgHJVc8CCMB3k5r-nF6X9SyKBXFKySc74GqZXs6NEAtbw8SHLl8/s640/bottles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used Voss plastic (not the glass) bottles because they are sturdy and it is easy to remove the labels. I made a color coded label on top so students could identify them easily. Each bottle has a recording sheet to keep them engaged and they could be used with a partner. I made lots of them because they look so colorful and appealing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcaDyMLlyZMPPiBL7jEUdMxy5iR-FPSDu2XLiDP3N4N1D0XVGjsW7lhpTk7IrWgNxoMntP-mba2N6HstTvAJ_6hjFubqA5nOddBgrru5PES2Fn0SuywEtUqAkxZbVQ6hR2m0PZdXlksQ/s1600/growth+mindset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcaDyMLlyZMPPiBL7jEUdMxy5iR-FPSDu2XLiDP3N4N1D0XVGjsW7lhpTk7IrWgNxoMntP-mba2N6HstTvAJ_6hjFubqA5nOddBgrru5PES2Fn0SuywEtUqAkxZbVQ6hR2m0PZdXlksQ/s640/growth+mindset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our district has been providing PD on growth mindset and I made some things to hang in the room to support the ideas I want to work on this year. IKEA has beautiful frames in a variety of colors which will make these stand out in your classroom. They are just a few dollars. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNC-qLsjT_D9CTXDpX5Ik8JlFWnitJwnOcdoCOFFbBpIA7DbCc2AoQQGIOaUS-jV4Zgzchz_T3973kM3ZSj72Lt6TaLgxTVcxvCO5lCARQFwVnEystEuaLuOzCzPk6EjiWHzPN99th28/s1600/Fb+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNC-qLsjT_D9CTXDpX5Ik8JlFWnitJwnOcdoCOFFbBpIA7DbCc2AoQQGIOaUS-jV4Zgzchz_T3973kM3ZSj72Lt6TaLgxTVcxvCO5lCARQFwVnEystEuaLuOzCzPk6EjiWHzPN99th28/s640/Fb+cards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also made some small cards that will trigger conversations at our morning meeting related to growth mindset. I think it is well worth the time to talk about these ideas and build understandings. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well that is just a hit of what I have created but part 2 of this post is on it's way shortly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How is your room shaping up? I have a tiny room with old furniture so it is nothing glamorous but I am hoping our students will still find it appealing. I cannot paint walls or furniture but we all do the best we can with what we have.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope your year is wonderful and you build a community of learners who work well together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-52181430777308055592015-08-18T18:31:00.004-07:002015-08-18T19:11:51.483-07:00Can You Believe It?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmujxegGbPz2okzMDfE89qOJprcW8hEvm7Qh1ERdwLDFFb6iSYjF9x1qz7El5Tk5W2RM7iDfgfCgxIxf6_FHl2WdXBvr5M2wDk0AhreooPjhLlSBxhAtJGNZddrRn7X5LO6E6V3j3bJuM/s320/tpt+sale+is+on.jpg" width="320" /></div>
Tpt is busy helping teachers get ready to go Back2School and one of my Chalkie friends created this darling sale button to rock your teaching world. My <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Fran-Kramer-9834">entire store is on sale</a></span> and guess who has a few new products? Yup, do not fall on your face.<br />
Check these out girlfriend:<br />
Click on a picture to "shop till you drop."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Family-Ties-With-Word-Family-Fun-2041517"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFUbwEwe7nJRVXkrgBIIXiknLNa9LM_hglkDzSveywahshEyuJUOl4C_xG18NgJUqzvjibDx0GMvqE7K-9Q1haiPjyYwvOXmyX-63cKadK0F2z7Aa3buUbbZ6BzxOKHT3npsM1ztK3xI/s640/picture1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Literacy-Gems-With-A-Sprinkle-of-Math-2007408"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif09x2tv1cD4n4xboTTRtmNG9xvf8G3HfpmWYM9b4ma9-LL_0UsM7oDwEkjTkecDCoIUxHF9oy3uwLjNTohNIhZpVJv6OmcxU2K-rfuW1vp7y7tHrxzkp7kMKyDVxGaO-SDquNX13_J7w/s640/picture2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spotlight-On-Numbers-Beginning-Number-Concepts-2004955"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BAJmTBBLaO1T2-LeefkjAP2INrM3iAg4YtP-wF_fhD1b0fqEMAC103_yhh_QtCg-vUGDpV8PC7ugzgGfFiHzcskpAHlj16XQ0lXWibtmtJpDp-S8qB25gEgNQYtX9mSkUkWV35OsxLU/s640/picture3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Silly-Sound-Circles-Simple-Cut-Paste-and-Trace-Fun-751351"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3OUpJG3Pt8tph7SJWxUaBiPZ0hdJAe7sYzxMcM7wOtzEHVYyfzXzIiI1y8PG6wpFKl8pWOeli1brkNLx0Hu8yf4QG7FrtZzB8U2mAByK5cCEO9Jmusu8cgXV4CPsT3m09AKAGBsoM4Q/s640/Picture4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/I-Can-Cut-Paste-Sort-and-Write-the-Alphabet-285197"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7kH5O561_drgflSjTl0ld5loMnLERPOtWtUfKeEIi_lrxwM2bVP9j4J4EGkoWajfz1uSlBEdExuqomPRFIl4N8ms06EydJuT3-iyIIlP6vD5ysk1VoM_geL313kAD9_zCD9pok1OvHk/s640/picture5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Jobs-To-Build-Community-804513"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVsRe27jLKS06ppgROGR-u7K2_Avl3K80q4Vt-M7Iqa3bIQ32rpAWlQ2-eAAG4jf_NQ4hWtpy2NUmrzTP_mT9J2YRghCpSiOkVi3krGXnHi7i2ujEEpV_lEwjo3Cg4uQvFOb0mtcbLNY/s640/blog6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Jobs-To-Build-Community-804513"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSOHbWFNpfY0P-trqD17dF9ap6ssFV0Hl-wvEAHpZ17R1EVdhpgI1D4sAxpyHVGWru1IZcnsKLO1ogt9cOFnJvHDFVlQpDSxK4OXtvoQQsr62jSLPNK6rUMOFm5o3UOlQrVJEziHYZJw/s640/blog7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="ttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Words-To-Rock-Your-Room-Too-144597"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5KpPdVBrbkoO4p-2OHDMB3QkF1t9DFKEzAB43fjEjvjS0MYozudqE-Muco_OiqFzTnN0Dq4YteuMlSEjqiRfjtwZz4TdyTIExMoeiPgKRX3p2ccjZ-xTV6sT5QzTKOnDcqDsKPBqOFI/s640/blog8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you find some packets that will help to make your year easier. I work really hard to make these packets worth your money and filled with content that is useful for young learners. Please click right here for my<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Fran-Kramer-9834"> Teachers Pay Teachers Store</a> and remember all of this has been carefully aligned to the CCSS.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a wonderful start,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXJCYr9fzujMFc9HEUdBVHldo0O9Dfj9DVHYp5XQu1CcQXZ_cUDBjc7oZu-bbHgQec0ECK2BBe7urAeEdSDB-XTG1bXtIEbhGdDhWYsklqFNEr8Xl_o-d0dVDvjoXHcypPgDijQjqoEo/s1600/Little+Fran+button+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXJCYr9fzujMFc9HEUdBVHldo0O9Dfj9DVHYp5XQu1CcQXZ_cUDBjc7oZu-bbHgQec0ECK2BBe7urAeEdSDB-XTG1bXtIEbhGdDhWYsklqFNEr8Xl_o-d0dVDvjoXHcypPgDijQjqoEo/s200/Little+Fran+button+%25281%2529.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fran Kramer <span id="goog_1055302119"></span><span id="goog_1055302120"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-26218401661153299092015-08-04T13:32:00.001-07:002015-08-04T13:37:26.029-07:00Literacy Gems: Make Learning Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;">Can you believe it? I actually created another packet that I really love. How many of you have been making letter gems to use in your classroom? They are all over the internet. I decided to make a packet that used these gorgeous gems to make word work throughout the year more fun for the kids. As an extra bonus I threw in a few math activities just because... Do you want to check this out? Take a peek at this.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrE5q8_P6IIM5rKDamHkUsf-sDgnj9Bl-5vUWCDGc6sAm8R6Xfyc3CTxGJ1M_Br7rS_fRP-vXXPGDuzO63SP0rJcr7MrZexAkja6YwL6vpqpyehSY1x2bFtC8rQkuguuIpnF3oRlMvb4/s1600/compressed+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrE5q8_P6IIM5rKDamHkUsf-sDgnj9Bl-5vUWCDGc6sAm8R6Xfyc3CTxGJ1M_Br7rS_fRP-vXXPGDuzO63SP0rJcr7MrZexAkja6YwL6vpqpyehSY1x2bFtC8rQkuguuIpnF3oRlMvb4/s400/compressed+cover.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange;">In this packet I show you how to make the gems with photographs to help support my directions. They are easy to make and hopefully you won't go crazy and make endless amounts... just sayin'.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: orange;">I also give you advice about organizing these treasures (maybe I was a pirate in a previous life) so they will be easy to manage.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYdQbssxVgtR1cC91rLpJ4VOoT7mSf-EMIFHHm6tI20oHe2hlggna7exh1FVcIevtk1ZavmfthMM2NVfAAMWMWR_Cnx86t7LIC8tBOL8UrEc_AE7NUB8HhH7HJ8Mjvj7VZSO8yYUh9I8/s1600/gem+containers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYdQbssxVgtR1cC91rLpJ4VOoT7mSf-EMIFHHm6tI20oHe2hlggna7exh1FVcIevtk1ZavmfthMM2NVfAAMWMWR_Cnx86t7LIC8tBOL8UrEc_AE7NUB8HhH7HJ8Mjvj7VZSO8yYUh9I8/s400/gem+containers.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">This packet also included cards (many, many cards) that provide students with word work practice that is more fun and more engaging than what I typically provide. Who knew it could be so much fun? Lots of skills are covered, from letter identification to cvce words. Sight words are included and building sentences is included too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lBiweI24Dw9K3mwKEkjs7s5p3gdRjfyKOxUR_gNk2-NiVa0bSdgIOZ1FVwUhVBK8ck1oDyJsqS5BOdmRJaK5-U7PzeA1mKjr9RjrA321Qw9Lc1B_5RSuAbz8t7EZl7yhB1Vz10P6VgA/s1600/cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lBiweI24Dw9K3mwKEkjs7s5p3gdRjfyKOxUR_gNk2-NiVa0bSdgIOZ1FVwUhVBK8ck1oDyJsqS5BOdmRJaK5-U7PzeA1mKjr9RjrA321Qw9Lc1B_5RSuAbz8t7EZl7yhB1Vz10P6VgA/s400/cards.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;">Many teachers have told me they like having related response sheets and I recommend using this for assessment purposes or homework. Good idea, right? Use them anyway you want. They too me a long time to create but I plan on using this packet throughout the year. I might have to make more sets of gems which are quick and easy to do my way. * This packet has word and vowel gems in case you need them. You can't have too many!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64Wkdq19W-Dswd39ST2EcdNWdRtDfXmQ9WeV08pAMWDWJqMaWnG5rAsR_iu12EpIBERWCQmQx_I9hABdXroC5MkrhMD51Hv_9DEM_eThO7sE7h2d0m95fQdSAza1S-x226BeyIlgJ6IM/s1600/Publication12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64Wkdq19W-Dswd39ST2EcdNWdRtDfXmQ9WeV08pAMWDWJqMaWnG5rAsR_iu12EpIBERWCQmQx_I9hABdXroC5MkrhMD51Hv_9DEM_eThO7sE7h2d0m95fQdSAza1S-x226BeyIlgJ6IM/s400/Publication12.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I am going to let my students use these gems and cards with a partner. I really believe that students grow faster academically when we allow them to use a collaborative model. These cards lend themselves to this and would make partner work so much more engaging. So if this "floats your boat" click on the picture below and it will take you right to the TpT mall so you can shop.<span style="background-color: white;"> <b><u>Yup the sale is on until the end of today so what are you waiting for?</u></b></span></span></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>CLICK BELOW</b></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Literacy-Gems-With-A-Sprinkle-of-Math-2007408"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn8msAHGP9Ao5zNwwvYSZOLBi02dUxpOthe1xfhZAMtXyZCim75lhdgUDu8dCUuSky2DU3r2nMGkVIR6kBhbYH0ImSXtCBAXV-wmYrXCd3RIUTjo3Stgz7XPGiETs-I0-CgxJV3mqzeo/s640/preview+of+product.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Teaching friends!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-54515394187060557792015-08-03T21:14:00.000-07:002015-08-03T21:14:14.388-07:00What's New In My Store With A FREEBIE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi there friends. I have been working on several products for my TpT store over summer break and I finally have a few to show you. This is Spotlight on Numbers which can be purchased in my TpT store. Take a look at these pages to get a sense of what is included. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My students are addicted to bingo daubers and will do anything to get one in their little hands. Does that sound familiar. Daubers are beginning to show up in lots of places now but I particularly like the ones in Dollar Tree and at the Target Dollar Spot. I found Darice Bingo Markers in a Teacher Supply Store and they were fairly inexpensive. You can purchase them at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bulk-Buy-Darice-Marker-6-Pack/dp/B005P1RIJK">Amazon too</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAvLXz0Fy3amrm0g-yY94WRz9KsSctuTHRGE_0qzpuaXH3AG4p0703euWXARfzcNTl1nqYja8hBDLFhdraYN3fRbXK89WUw2tumzxyomljYDlryLokAKXR7_XP2hTtceW-1mb-F8j5oY/s1600/page+1+for+blog+for+spotlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAvLXz0Fy3amrm0g-yY94WRz9KsSctuTHRGE_0qzpuaXH3AG4p0703euWXARfzcNTl1nqYja8hBDLFhdraYN3fRbXK89WUw2tumzxyomljYDlryLokAKXR7_XP2hTtceW-1mb-F8j5oY/s640/page+1+for+blog+for+spotlight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some photographs of this product so you can see actual pictures in "real life." Students make their own Number Book which focuses on numbers from 1-20. It has been carefully aligned to the Common Core, just so ya know!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqde2HYVILKlcv9e8FtLm4gEeVeDX5PgTmj2NYMSSeP20ypL79lX5sHyajmjChCUV5BPXqYoNzqhgi44cAzw2Vbc3FOIp__SX25Nd8tU3oyLag9Z1rQ-SEcOdtQyYdGFRZLGdi3MGbdps/s1600/blog+post+for+spotlight2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqde2HYVILKlcv9e8FtLm4gEeVeDX5PgTmj2NYMSSeP20ypL79lX5sHyajmjChCUV5BPXqYoNzqhgi44cAzw2Vbc3FOIp__SX25Nd8tU3oyLag9Z1rQ-SEcOdtQyYdGFRZLGdi3MGbdps/s640/blog+post+for+spotlight2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I thought it might be fun for you to have an actual page from this packet as a freebie and what page could be better than one with my friend Pete the Cat! Right! When you click on the picture below you will be able to download this document. Please do not forget to leave me a comment too. Thanks for being a friend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-QxpZBRIL3NY19yV2loa2lXcmM/view?usp=sharing"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw08l7cZQWcOdfScXevCd57rKQJHWZUB_9oJwFcPvwn4LxMd4WXJp0iuqlZiHHfd3FkgRstVnQbiCZS8ndRxQRwasqoqMRoWF62HvOC5e20SSfKlgvOe59C7WK0n5-Af21QM4UjnUbI0M/s640/blog+3+spotlight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you would like to purchase this packet at my TpT store grab it while the sale is on <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spotlight-On-Numbers-Beginning-Number-Concepts-2004955">right here</a>. </span>Thanks so much for doing so. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now if that looks great for Back to School work check out this related packet:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the Alphabet version of this packet and I open up the year with this packet. It is perfect for the beginning of the year. If you grab it today or tomorrow you can have it for just a few dollars while the sale is going on. Are you in? Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spotlight-On-The-Alphabet-1365532">here to get this product</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaGehSwZ99koS6-AJlWq2vMNh4DH4viJRMJZVEkKVQot1D1J4-KMLcEgcVsTtrGUKszrs-xxfft0RCYWQKKt3ImpU9oOK8Js-itUEmSr62ai_FFSbidFz10RnZG0DO2W6rQYIws23m7Y/s1600/Spotlight+on+the+Alphabet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaGehSwZ99koS6-AJlWq2vMNh4DH4viJRMJZVEkKVQot1D1J4-KMLcEgcVsTtrGUKszrs-xxfft0RCYWQKKt3ImpU9oOK8Js-itUEmSr62ai_FFSbidFz10RnZG0DO2W6rQYIws23m7Y/s640/Spotlight+on+the+Alphabet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheers to the start of another school year. Remember that they come in as preschoolers and go out as first graders. Don't forget to reassure them and let them play. School can be scary for many of them but they are lucky to have you as their teacher. Teach like your hair is on fire!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-1744570215845879202015-07-15T09:02:00.002-07:002015-07-15T09:22:58.330-07:00Life at the Target Dollar Spot...freebies on their way<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Target Dollar Spot:</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't decide if Target Dollar Spot is a friend to me or not. It is summertime and I should be relaxing. School will be looming in front of me in just a few weeks. But... I was in Target and the Dollar Spot was calling to me (once I grabbed a Starbucks coffee). I just glanced over. You know where you just sort of sweep the bins cause you are totally in summer mode and not ready to think about your classroom. I resisted the call to check them out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bins were pretty chaotic so I was even less interested in exploring them and hit the main part of the store first. I raced down the first aisle (those bins were calling to me) and slammed around the corner. Believe it or not School Supplies had taken over the entire back end of the store. Who knew? Nothing was on sale that grabbed my attention so I made sure I didn't even slow down. But then I noticed black charts hanging on a back wall. BLACK. I swear if they has been any other color... Yup, black pocket charts for $1.99. I was sucked right into the Target School Supplies drama. I was not leaving those in the store, no sir. So I threw 2 into my cart and knew I was now hooked. OMG. Target has hypnotized me back again and it's only July. Please insert hanging head in shame. Now I knew I was checking out the dollar bins. What else was I missing? I had to pay better attention.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zh6Z69JaLuXqEfspyqfdZghfXWVDa6sH9vu09grwOgOY76ahaNNt_cvkAQSU5NZNguZY85nhqcoIeXRrNjuFWP_l66T9NphAzvdARjUiilCYjy44CUPSD6FxcFtAmDHWkSX8ddWmbxE/s1600/post+pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zh6Z69JaLuXqEfspyqfdZghfXWVDa6sH9vu09grwOgOY76ahaNNt_cvkAQSU5NZNguZY85nhqcoIeXRrNjuFWP_l66T9NphAzvdARjUiilCYjy44CUPSD6FxcFtAmDHWkSX8ddWmbxE/s640/post+pic1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;">In the Target Dollar Bins:</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">As I looked more carefully I found all kind of bulletin board cut-outs that I could use with the kids at the beginning of the year. Oh crap, the theme was crayons so use your imagination. I was hooked. I took the big crayons and made color labels for them and used a ring to hold them together. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aGjpUsV5CWGgoyovQ5b0hocWr8ZOavMAbgsYzD_uFywyS-I0EX9dQTPfaMAhzSF9s6hhxQA2gLBggrdR55NX64ndCNggfeAmQgVYyZWwXPmV92HIFouMqdFDwvqE4bDHmpE0WEs8h9A/s1600/bloc+pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aGjpUsV5CWGgoyovQ5b0hocWr8ZOavMAbgsYzD_uFywyS-I0EX9dQTPfaMAhzSF9s6hhxQA2gLBggrdR55NX64ndCNggfeAmQgVYyZWwXPmV92HIFouMqdFDwvqE4bDHmpE0WEs8h9A/s640/bloc+pic3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am a sucker for alphabet stickers since I can use them for all kinds of projects during the year. Right now I am using them for large glass gems so my students can do some alphabet activities. I always need more for my water bottle tops too. Score! I even found talking bubbles that I think will be fabulous when kids draw self portraits and write words in these. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxpjdYQWwN06EW9W0OcAfe5tOz092tVAccDeFo6FsVOQm4F_uz33ICb1tZRIQ6A72EtH7hAnfoK2hQdeYbS4X6V5r6_suLaTaT4jlnP3m6k8LTpjOLxHs3rQkm08XSEuxYgQ4GeY0mvY/s1600/blog+pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxpjdYQWwN06EW9W0OcAfe5tOz092tVAccDeFo6FsVOQm4F_uz33ICb1tZRIQ6A72EtH7hAnfoK2hQdeYbS4X6V5r6_suLaTaT4jlnP3m6k8LTpjOLxHs3rQkm08XSEuxYgQ4GeY0mvY/s640/blog+pic2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Can you ever have too many giant dice? Let me help you. No. They get grungy from those sweet little hands that use them all year after wiping their nose or using them after recess. Iwon't even remind you of the ones with glue on them. You get the picture. At the beginning of the year my games are simple. I am just teaching procedures so nothing fancy. If you want the backpack freebie you can grab soon. I will link it soon.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_drQTtYtb2CcqXyyWF6OQ_rnoxXm5sQzgo8TfcMGWodpCVTYnEp1K9xbGwKYecp3rwBl0sNOfU_EIsMi-aI9uQGYo6-5Lb7irk93McVRFyNWv5OPYaNnKmvyyYreMbZLWttPnz5bHW24/s1600/blogpic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_drQTtYtb2CcqXyyWF6OQ_rnoxXm5sQzgo8TfcMGWodpCVTYnEp1K9xbGwKYecp3rwBl0sNOfU_EIsMi-aI9uQGYo6-5Lb7irk93McVRFyNWv5OPYaNnKmvyyYreMbZLWttPnz5bHW24/s640/blogpic4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I was really excited to see scented bingo markers for a dollar. They were in some new colors, different from the Dollar Tree version. Here's a trick. If they get too juicy blot them with a paper towel and remind your students not to push down too hard. Good luck with that!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE6Y3Ic98BR6C6K2APqQc-eVafI8rG4oom2dHKrtdr8_0jQY4YX0wcdNkWEQZg9EjPEFwDsZfT16d6KKgAxlGmm55GD3pOOvlzJg89MFnEWDCuBuW3P-YGWEU2m3DoVXwE7_XiIdsulI/s1600/blog+pic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE6Y3Ic98BR6C6K2APqQc-eVafI8rG4oom2dHKrtdr8_0jQY4YX0wcdNkWEQZg9EjPEFwDsZfT16d6KKgAxlGmm55GD3pOOvlzJg89MFnEWDCuBuW3P-YGWEU2m3DoVXwE7_XiIdsulI/s640/blog+pic5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am addicted to these markers because I use them early in the year for many different activities. I am working on a new one as we speak! "Spotlight on Numbers" just needs to be edited but I am using it in September for beginning number sense. I think the kids will really like this one. It is one of those packets that can be used throughout the year as their mathematical understandings grow. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have other packets in my TpT store that teachers have really liked so here is a quick glance at some of the possibilities if you want to know... Click on the picture to get to my store.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Fran-Kramer-9834"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhePjxdlbtdMY9R7xekSRMZ4xwsvu3IWEx4i6w1aT7fDqcA8zuD2_XR6HO0lGkHXLfY0lHle-Xy4ETPCQUNpV8RiHeRK3AT_SIF-nCAO0BoWzmN4hRfRGHhFQVceX9AMQxALrDVnrfWo/s640/blog+pic6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I only bought a few sets of these foam blocks but I am going to put words on them so students can build sentences. I will keep them simple at the beginning and scaffold them with sentence strips where some students will just match the words up. It will be important to keep all the blocks the same color and package them in separate containers. Wait does that mean another visit to Dollar Tree?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29MbOBiDCQ7Gw5DLawevl9AcU3WtkzmgtLAUKVGwI5wISP3kYqsC_1m4iHaAksUitftvq_aQ4xYw7UsoqdZqSd1zx6Burb43pKphf-GvkL8Gxwhse3rBGPhgHyV0mkCsKljZwvF0VkM0/s1600/blo+pic8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29MbOBiDCQ7Gw5DLawevl9AcU3WtkzmgtLAUKVGwI5wISP3kYqsC_1m4iHaAksUitftvq_aQ4xYw7UsoqdZqSd1zx6Burb43pKphf-GvkL8Gxwhse3rBGPhgHyV0mkCsKljZwvF0VkM0/s640/blo+pic8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I am not sure what to do with these crayons gel clings but they are too cute not to purchase. I was thinking of putting them in the widow of our recess door but if you have a better idea I would love to hear it. I haven't used this before.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1XzQEyKiHsetEi9dF0G6oIh4tXw_Ya22O9tfrVnbRIaI7tA2vgVNEMqONY7BLCPaZJFWCOQ160JtfmC9SIwuRaf2xO1IPhKMR12xWmM7m42TjlcRQZAK22BGnIclfrZBoVoWmVbPmnw/s1600/blog+pic7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1XzQEyKiHsetEi9dF0G6oIh4tXw_Ya22O9tfrVnbRIaI7tA2vgVNEMqONY7BLCPaZJFWCOQ160JtfmC9SIwuRaf2xO1IPhKMR12xWmM7m42TjlcRQZAK22BGnIclfrZBoVoWmVbPmnw/s640/blog+pic7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Isn't this banner adorable. This is such a great word for kindergarten. If you believe you can do it, you can... right? That goes for us too. So BELIEVE.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PhoS-CYBMHjm3WlQ8ljElrNdUBIZOcVWfHtacMpQ9fv1ATeONBv7Iy0KLD-xVL5ix9lBfw6lT0odvWinq869PQ_mr0UY8XBB-rTbMQGIfJ1thyphenhyphensqBN3eouEatE2hK-p2c5fCX-VOAWs/s1600/believe+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PhoS-CYBMHjm3WlQ8ljElrNdUBIZOcVWfHtacMpQ9fv1ATeONBv7Iy0KLD-xVL5ix9lBfw6lT0odvWinq869PQ_mr0UY8XBB-rTbMQGIfJ1thyphenhyphensqBN3eouEatE2hK-p2c5fCX-VOAWs/s320/believe+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
So that's it for now and if I have some DIY projects finished in a few days I will be happy to share them with you.<br />
Target is not my friend. I am so sorry but I could not resist. I will do better. Hehe.<br />
Happy Shopping!Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-89523919790263074922015-06-25T09:53:00.003-07:002015-06-25T10:05:25.198-07:00What Should Kindergarten Teachers Be Reading This Summer?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0S-9XZuc4LqGCKYYO-Cf6-r_u39wCYTHiOyS18n5kzGpngBqdak355MKCj5af_OHn_R4nwFjC_CJEo9xojG0PJjEGTjXWuVzQWWFi1ynRN88bTjXwhC4xJ_qhigjIX8KKJmgsBpT2eLk/s1600/title+of+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0S-9XZuc4LqGCKYYO-Cf6-r_u39wCYTHiOyS18n5kzGpngBqdak355MKCj5af_OHn_R4nwFjC_CJEo9xojG0PJjEGTjXWuVzQWWFi1ynRN88bTjXwhC4xJ_qhigjIX8KKJmgsBpT2eLk/s640/title+of+post.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every summer I promise myself that I will clean closets, catch up on friendships that I sadly neglect, and do some professional reading that is essential to staying on top of educational trends. Here is my beef. Often books have suggested grade levels (k-5) and kindergarten is mentioned in just a few places. The information is great but not for our "littles" and I get frustrated by this since it rarely changes my teaching practices or relates to my classroom experiences. We often hear that "kindergarten is its own animal" and I find this to be so true. What is out there for kinder teachers that is worth reading during your precious summer weeks? Here are my top picks for you:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>GENERAL BUT AMAZING READS:</u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwimcs9irLeRqADz9TgU_BNmvFbVCrNoEL43moa78QpkmjpuOWgMwbYS9UHJxcv9l0QR6Jy9X6Krpl5stazB-RCoR7XoTDSeYBVUUgeYhf7_gwUeQEWXXuOxUmfXnmv3RcvM3Dv9KbcU/s1600/book1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwimcs9irLeRqADz9TgU_BNmvFbVCrNoEL43moa78QpkmjpuOWgMwbYS9UHJxcv9l0QR6Jy9X6Krpl5stazB-RCoR7XoTDSeYBVUUgeYhf7_gwUeQEWXXuOxUmfXnmv3RcvM3Dv9KbcU/s400/book1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This book is huge and expensive but it looks like it is a terrific resource for learning aboutflexible reading strategies. It is laid out in a very simple, powerful way. Goals are clearly stated. What are you working towards? Skills students need to practice are provided and finally, specific strategies for getting there are offered. It is set up almost like a "cookbook" and you can look up topics that you need more help with. Levels are clearly provided and there is plenty at the emergent level for kinder teachers to use. Teacher tips are also included. I know I will mark this up with post-it notes and use it as a reference in the classroom. You will love the format... Buy this. This should be given to all teachers who are responsible for teaching reading at the elementary level.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3vhq91eokcIoODHussgGJ1n71IsqnKr06TmpD7cw6Lwhxg_qkC6wNFl4UBdPj0Neuzq_gss8SNda-kf-hniKPOkCfdWSRMQ9m945ZnC3pZjPjzuaOsgKi6VDkD2leNBKzTJ2U7Abnv0/s1600/book2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3vhq91eokcIoODHussgGJ1n71IsqnKr06TmpD7cw6Lwhxg_qkC6wNFl4UBdPj0Neuzq_gss8SNda-kf-hniKPOkCfdWSRMQ9m945ZnC3pZjPjzuaOsgKi6VDkD2leNBKzTJ2U7Abnv0/s400/book2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love this author and have read this book in the past. It is filled with great ideas for building reading skills in your classroom and to teach with intention. This is an easy read but you will want to highlight great ideas and share your thinking with your teacher friends. Teachers have done book studies if you want to get some additional insights into this wonderful read. This is another great read for a new teacher. She talks about classroom environments and authentic teaching which makes me reflect on my own practices</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrPvAA_NF5DS00jszL7Dvd_s8ONE4ANWAGvz5KBFX_nFIMEPpYS2DdCiLSnVdx1s6_pqvS2WXB_T_CKrBateubR-erXADzScrVPiuQCkMjGPyu1k9wyT4KxcgzW9hsHc6IeEpWSAv5mE/s1600/book4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrPvAA_NF5DS00jszL7Dvd_s8ONE4ANWAGvz5KBFX_nFIMEPpYS2DdCiLSnVdx1s6_pqvS2WXB_T_CKrBateubR-erXADzScrVPiuQCkMjGPyu1k9wyT4KxcgzW9hsHc6IeEpWSAv5mE/s400/book4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The whole world is reading this book and it looks like a great one. <u>Teach Like A Champion</u> is all about providing powerful techniques for teaching that can be put into place tomorrow. Many of these reflect expectations related to the Common Core so it might be well worth reading. It is not on the top of my list but I own it and want to check it out. This would make a great book study for an entire staff, including the administrator. This book is a great catalyst for having important conversations about the climate of a classroom and getting kids on the path to college. We all want that for our students.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">SPECIFICALLY FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS:</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft63E6X88mJExkueScp9o4pu6IGT3BXuT8jRpg5IwFxDzleZoSrVY9AYdYuPjYnklVA9yjbYaohqYFxXV5V7FexA35RGQGSvp7WROFCajxjp8c9JAVoWEQg2sECoGTEpeOPBABmQruq8/s1600/book3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft63E6X88mJExkueScp9o4pu6IGT3BXuT8jRpg5IwFxDzleZoSrVY9AYdYuPjYnklVA9yjbYaohqYFxXV5V7FexA35RGQGSvp7WROFCajxjp8c9JAVoWEQg2sECoGTEpeOPBABmQruq8/s400/book3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This book was written by Carolyn Kisloski and Dr. Jean Feldman. My copy was sent to me by Dr. Jean as a gift and she even signed it! (insert bragging tone of voice). Both of these ladies are amazing and if you don't get any other book purchase this one! It is filled with great ideas, beautiful photographs, and extensions on activities that are all about student engagement. I got it a few days ago and find myself half way through the book. If you have been teaching for as long as I have you might be familiar with some of these ideas but many offer a new "twist" to make learning even more fun! Both of these talented ladies have blogs that are well worth checking out: <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://drjeanandfriends.blogspot.com/">Dr. Jean and Friends</a> </span>and<span style="color: red;"> <a href="http://ckisloski.blogspot.com/2013/03/hi-my-name-is-carolyn-kisloski.html">Kindergarten: Holding Hands and Sticking Together</a>. </span>As I am reading this I am constantly calling my teaching partner to discuss an idea. I am not going back to school without making some of the suggested materials. Buy this book if you are a kindergarten teacher and thank me for the suggestion! If you are going to Vegas it will be there and you can grab a copy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This book is well organized and Common Core aligned. You can skip around for ideas that you need to meet your own classroom needs. These two "cooks" have built a great restaurant so go in and grab a bite!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5yAQVVAfShVEZBA6_iUowhVx8vb4Pl_FWBK2HLtybeL_BAEtD6uWB5JqnyN9O9Kfl1Tsp56jfzmN4l3wcf518VyqpVcTQrMwC19L4_EgBIvxeIX78y55P3y84glOlCY8APe14ujPLJ0/s1600/book5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5yAQVVAfShVEZBA6_iUowhVx8vb4Pl_FWBK2HLtybeL_BAEtD6uWB5JqnyN9O9Kfl1Tsp56jfzmN4l3wcf518VyqpVcTQrMwC19L4_EgBIvxeIX78y55P3y84glOlCY8APe14ujPLJ0/s400/book5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I bought this book last summer but somehow I looked it over but did not really get into the nuts and bolts of it. However, during the year it often clarified a Common Core standard and cited many examples, supported by photographs. It is so well done that I really recommend purchasing it. This would make a great one for a book study. Check it out. If you are confused or anxious about implementing the CCSS in kindergarten, this is your go to reference. Buy it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKJeKwVvvpToiDOPfjpTqYIM96ZgZN0uD5VqMGuHIYuesbOmUjx3lZHLmm3j0cckCc35819jjXSazsOO29j2I_KJkqsbc_Hz93OhUUhrKwh_1RjblPe51uGU5ctpznMNTYQCgSngVCnk/s1600/book7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKJeKwVvvpToiDOPfjpTqYIM96ZgZN0uD5VqMGuHIYuesbOmUjx3lZHLmm3j0cckCc35819jjXSazsOO29j2I_KJkqsbc_Hz93OhUUhrKwh_1RjblPe51uGU5ctpznMNTYQCgSngVCnk/s400/book7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So we all own Debbie Diller's book, <u><span style="color: red;">Math Work Stations</span></u> but what else is out there that promotes student engagement and builds independence? This is a great book because it is full of ideas that are Common Core based and simple to make. You might be familiar with many of these ideas but once again the author puts a new twist on it. I love that they are organized by standard and make it easy to differentiate since it covers K-2. Some of these ideas remind me of <span style="color: red;"><u>Math Their Way</u> </span>and the oldies of kindergarten know how powerful these ideas are. Check this out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6cQCo8IiHhVCtDqHyKco0pcsie7OiFacDEhepz1M40mbtrbF_W_xR3O8YqIgBvlThXzVSpZ10lIbqhiD12MilXFirfNhi9hogPXcHqxYB5NaE4LYvr-v8rYQmGRaYlfJ5kvyiQCYx8Y/s1600/book6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6cQCo8IiHhVCtDqHyKco0pcsie7OiFacDEhepz1M40mbtrbF_W_xR3O8YqIgBvlThXzVSpZ10lIbqhiD12MilXFirfNhi9hogPXcHqxYB5NaE4LYvr-v8rYQmGRaYlfJ5kvyiQCYx8Y/s400/book6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a well known author in the field of literacy and this makes a great "go to" reference when you do not understand a Common Core standard. It is well organized and written in easy to understand language. Sharon Taberski provides the gist of each standard and what must be considered when teaching this. I don't know about you but I need the quick and dirty version of each standard so that I have some sense of what to do. She provides possible questions to ask students. This needs to sit on my teacher desk at all times. You need this if you are teaching the CCSS in kinder. Trust me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Even if you only get to one book that can make a real difference in your teaching. I love reading with another teacher friend and having a discussion over an iced coffee at Starbucks. Are you on my page? Professional development is important but we all know that we deserve more time with our families. Take that family vacation and build memories. Have a wonderful summer and I hope I see you in Vegas! Look for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What are you reading?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-47751427058073875372015-06-07T07:18:00.002-07:002015-06-07T07:19:02.962-07:00Grab a Teachable Moment In Your Classroom...Have you ever brought a pet to your classroom? I can't think of a better way to engage young children in learning. They will be full of questions and this provides an authentic opportunity to learn about an animal. It's a great way to take a break from your standard curriculum and have some fun.<br />
<br />
My teaching partner brought in her leopard tortoise for the class to see and touch. They were speechless with happiness to see an animal up close. We seized the moment to explore the life cycle of this animal and just a little information about her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp4EnMUR7EsY4bbobWdnwAlZ7v4SyOjCYSnMs9y1_kfwb7QBJHNmnxEyuMTj-HLcqNgJ44cDxKMCCRN8HOvb8-knPSXLWz7UWA9NqoULiIhscIlM-mxJe3ThMsj_nW_EjOEAv9jnS_TE/s1600/tortoise1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivp4EnMUR7EsY4bbobWdnwAlZ7v4SyOjCYSnMs9y1_kfwb7QBJHNmnxEyuMTj-HLcqNgJ44cDxKMCCRN8HOvb8-knPSXLWz7UWA9NqoULiIhscIlM-mxJe3ThMsj_nW_EjOEAv9jnS_TE/s640/tortoise1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We learned that a tortoise hibernates like a bear and Daisy had just started to move around to let her owners know she was awake and hungry! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0lub986gQJRSEywOHRt7f5lbT2mSC6JnqoUzWx_5-KUcDQcl7dr1R5y9z_s3YjUsN58aDv7NaoWf_BphD8UzfF81S22RmWinHQ3Tw6gmgCo1BRe1NVJEd8ZKWs9EXTK4WR0W00VO1Bc/s1600/Tortoise2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0lub986gQJRSEywOHRt7f5lbT2mSC6JnqoUzWx_5-KUcDQcl7dr1R5y9z_s3YjUsN58aDv7NaoWf_BphD8UzfF81S22RmWinHQ3Tw6gmgCo1BRe1NVJEd8ZKWs9EXTK4WR0W00VO1Bc/s640/Tortoise2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We talked about how you have to care for a pet and what to put in her habitat to keep her happy. We learned what a leopard tortoise needs in their environment and what they like to eat. Who knew hibiscus flowers were on their list of tasty treats! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5poHsRw4C34AEwRqtJhvkyRko53EkdEJSV23jv_Nvvt_6FZe5xbm-dB2qd8lLAagTtEAY3Sihf8YBLT5Yr1aVqML-b5iJKyfef0QICtF2UB4CS0tFciadRaaUlyn7EedBLRxIXoxpzc/s1600/Tortoise3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5poHsRw4C34AEwRqtJhvkyRko53EkdEJSV23jv_Nvvt_6FZe5xbm-dB2qd8lLAagTtEAY3Sihf8YBLT5Yr1aVqML-b5iJKyfef0QICtF2UB4CS0tFciadRaaUlyn7EedBLRxIXoxpzc/s640/Tortoise3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Students could gently touch her shell but we explained the need to wash your hands just to be safe. They loved watching her move around and were fascinated when she ate the dark leafy lettuces in her habitat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdcD7-JfsSHu_STAsRDNfIhl0I-fs4Ts_V-YlzoytQjnUrlOqto6qP-kBz82gvIml8BPHsWRKgXYL99e-oNtR_bnve7NGPxNWeLTs7Qv5I-ioFR1vZU43TX_UPYlA2Ftw2wN9OR0wMpk/s1600/Tortoise4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdcD7-JfsSHu_STAsRDNfIhl0I-fs4Ts_V-YlzoytQjnUrlOqto6qP-kBz82gvIml8BPHsWRKgXYL99e-oNtR_bnve7NGPxNWeLTs7Qv5I-ioFR1vZU43TX_UPYlA2Ftw2wN9OR0wMpk/s640/Tortoise4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we took her outside for recess she loved moving around the blacktop but when Mrs. Schurmer spoke to her gently she turned immediately and moved toward her voice. We were all amazed by this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9w9YGD4VHlWwRpCSY0irLZPrvxU6-XGesIT98ndvp5NasyfdXFpR74g7gtd7tytZGbNB2ckdoOpNdjI-Hbw9gvqqy3mg08TGWrIX0TLs7SEPh8bDaXD7yaNatIekoWxCbblxVKiq5P4/s1600/Tortoise5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9w9YGD4VHlWwRpCSY0irLZPrvxU6-XGesIT98ndvp5NasyfdXFpR74g7gtd7tytZGbNB2ckdoOpNdjI-Hbw9gvqqy3mg08TGWrIX0TLs7SEPh8bDaXD7yaNatIekoWxCbblxVKiq5P4/s640/Tortoise5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I loved listening to the children talk to this little creature in a gentle, loving way. Most of them do not have pets and home. They have never seen a reptile close up. They were filled with questions and natural curiosity about her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0oB2wKi6Gs0vn7gMjocgSYhe_tS0Woub2OUMoKE0JYLIA6VxEFvCT8tn1Cfb-bR5SQY9NOMXttDfWkloAM4LwrUdpu6rAcVx8bzkXZ7cZs5MnINrVNoC-ZxQFQQn22PH4CD909NnlFo/s1600/Tortoise6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0oB2wKi6Gs0vn7gMjocgSYhe_tS0Woub2OUMoKE0JYLIA6VxEFvCT8tn1Cfb-bR5SQY9NOMXttDfWkloAM4LwrUdpu6rAcVx8bzkXZ7cZs5MnINrVNoC-ZxQFQQn22PH4CD909NnlFo/s640/Tortoise6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We suggested learning more about this interesting creature and I promised them I would have some special activities to go along with learning about the leopard tortoise.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRAsweknpLTXsS_zMyhQBK6cDyLTzo2LmR_t3BGMg79IPxPz76upkvNCPq5TWvIFUWl9TxqDi4N6k33_zx3yDv-yHV7Si3xmV9DxTBGmxybrak51DGC4dDhkYpTl8KXCMdf2oTMolGVU/s1600/Tortoise7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRAsweknpLTXsS_zMyhQBK6cDyLTzo2LmR_t3BGMg79IPxPz76upkvNCPq5TWvIFUWl9TxqDi4N6k33_zx3yDv-yHV7Si3xmV9DxTBGmxybrak51DGC4dDhkYpTl8KXCMdf2oTMolGVU/s640/Tortoise7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we got back in the classroom we built a bubble map with information we already had about Daisy but as we learned more we added on describing words. We watched several short videos on the leopard tortoise and talked about our new learning. We learned that this reptile often lives to be 100 years old! Amazing! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some of the materials I put together for the next day. We watched another video on You Tube and created a short Power Point with general information. It was just enough to hold the interest of a young child...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They loved reading this informational text and learning the word "herbivore." It was fun for them to do a simple report (we did it together) based on all that they had learned. Hands shot up and students could not wait to share what they knew.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRw1ghb89TgshPyVg03VOUPoWFJcoBZTPPQq0_L0xnmSay-hfd5CdfoU75xER_l4OVnS5hbBBD2tcPRaHw4sIQ4gCm0ZOUmxKBWMMaC9Aa8oPs5tQ71GkJ8Igaq-KYPquv2DXXH1RtxA/s1600/Tortoise8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRw1ghb89TgshPyVg03VOUPoWFJcoBZTPPQq0_L0xnmSay-hfd5CdfoU75xER_l4OVnS5hbBBD2tcPRaHw4sIQ4gCm0ZOUmxKBWMMaC9Aa8oPs5tQ71GkJ8Igaq-KYPquv2DXXH1RtxA/s640/Tortoise8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyotqOuBnwFTWcMMx-XdoomUyjZLBuCxS2m7eFutLRqsPUutInn58kFsZA-cbqHPD07J1ORnszXVMqw_0DYjMbNAGQ4ndILS2mVBaUH-jqs6W_Cu5bJN9uwONMkO10XZbBFl6g9PwzTHU/s1600/Tortoise9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyotqOuBnwFTWcMMx-XdoomUyjZLBuCxS2m7eFutLRqsPUutInn58kFsZA-cbqHPD07J1ORnszXVMqw_0DYjMbNAGQ4ndILS2mVBaUH-jqs6W_Cu5bJN9uwONMkO10XZbBFl6g9PwzTHU/s640/Tortoise9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Many students wanted to continue writing so I created this paper. I did a guided drawing lesson to teach students how to draw a tortoise so they could do this along with their writing. This was a huge hit with them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKtgQ2WmLQ31ONrOicn08CCvNVfycIwKqo8R-BTAWtfxnZNgt_KF73SuEuvIwhqGTDzA0mVOsPTLWsvCGdarCeoiTzCps2OhBTg3rT-7F-eASknr1RZcUDPnfMppJ-ZrGVeaYg_hN0nY/s1600/Tortoise10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKtgQ2WmLQ31ONrOicn08CCvNVfycIwKqo8R-BTAWtfxnZNgt_KF73SuEuvIwhqGTDzA0mVOsPTLWsvCGdarCeoiTzCps2OhBTg3rT-7F-eASknr1RZcUDPnfMppJ-ZrGVeaYg_hN0nY/s640/Tortoise10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is not part of my curriculum but it was well worth it to take a break and seize the moment to teach our class about caring for a pet and information on a tortoise. Next week she is bringing her gecko to school...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you have a class pet? I am thinking about getting one for next year since the children loved this so much. Any suggestions? Let me know if you want any of these materials. I can post them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-89940361472360429272015-05-24T16:48:00.000-07:002015-05-24T16:48:03.270-07:00It's "Bean" A Long Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have done a great deal of planting in our classroom recently which was part of a Common Core unit that I wrote with some of my teacher friends for our district. For the first time I got to actually try out my own materials and see how they worked out. This is the Greenhouse I came up with but my friend recommended trying this with corn seeds instead of Lima beans. I found out she gave me great advice! We sprayed a paper towel with water and put these in a baggie that I attached to the back of this little house. The kids loved coloring this in and were so excited to hang these in our window. We crossed our fingers because I have not had much luck with this in the past.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S_JLU3rDR9Co8wFrGN1lbRdTf12oPGXLU2dVP1OwTTyGh-g0PUWtX9XdRc_shnKa8N69ujnMYe0wY5csXzKwhOr_1aNIqwrjJtBKnQUPmdtJnG1TR76i5fbuqUH7yP09PvtliwzxNuo/s1600/post+pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S_JLU3rDR9Co8wFrGN1lbRdTf12oPGXLU2dVP1OwTTyGh-g0PUWtX9XdRc_shnKa8N69ujnMYe0wY5csXzKwhOr_1aNIqwrjJtBKnQUPmdtJnG1TR76i5fbuqUH7yP09PvtliwzxNuo/s640/post+pic1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhM50l9uXhK7DKTzYDwivRL6LMmSA7G-SlQKO0vWhe-OzStQdtdpmpkpNpqSokex4FJm8Coxxy-o1eNCD1VEQjYDPjOiGnOAcKEHhmFF2trvhk1OWxDqhEnoJhedwX-IIS14y07jGjZwY/s1600/blog+post2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhM50l9uXhK7DKTzYDwivRL6LMmSA7G-SlQKO0vWhe-OzStQdtdpmpkpNpqSokex4FJm8Coxxy-o1eNCD1VEQjYDPjOiGnOAcKEHhmFF2trvhk1OWxDqhEnoJhedwX-IIS14y07jGjZwY/s640/blog+post2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My teacher friends who are amazing gardeners told me to soak the beans or corn first to get the germination going. This was fun because the beans really puff up and the kids are shocked when they observe them the next day. They loved looking at this using a magnifying glass and drawing what they saw. Great activity for you to try next year or even in a summer program.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUQtshqe6Y5L07NEtx0lcpNWHgXhNAdpWKEJmIGGeOiRVl-rp2eBBIgHxLXrZ8x7VFdsAM-TVPnf7_7msYoIoef1kF5_uMmNdFi_CIDcXg0JOqn0-iABa_sC_zDN0k1V_rkOQuxU5DEg/s1600/blog+post3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUQtshqe6Y5L07NEtx0lcpNWHgXhNAdpWKEJmIGGeOiRVl-rp2eBBIgHxLXrZ8x7VFdsAM-TVPnf7_7msYoIoef1kF5_uMmNdFi_CIDcXg0JOqn0-iABa_sC_zDN0k1V_rkOQuxU5DEg/s640/blog+post3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are the corn seeds growing in the Greenhouse and here is a clear cup with a few seeds. Obviously the soil makes a real difference. We also planted beans in soil in clear cups but I helped the students place the seed along an edge so they could see the root system! This was really great to observe. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-e3IjAP8bDnP1iftmtlACcyuONweT0BPRJFlVFAfKSMW387iRryDzesoNuki3LreSDN7YfE5Ifn6fyUrXWw_7nXY27VKXd1Pa7k8Wjd5oGsAFAiRTLK_-DMgUWmcWYpEP2haibRSSgw/s1600/blog+post4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-e3IjAP8bDnP1iftmtlACcyuONweT0BPRJFlVFAfKSMW387iRryDzesoNuki3LreSDN7YfE5Ifn6fyUrXWw_7nXY27VKXd1Pa7k8Wjd5oGsAFAiRTLK_-DMgUWmcWYpEP2haibRSSgw/s640/blog+post4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The beans that we germinated on paper towels did not grow at all and only a few grew successfully in the clear cups. I was more disappointed than the kids. We do not get enough sunlight where our classroom is located. I had to check my reaction at the door because the kids were thrilled that anything grew at all! They loved watching it and checking daily for changes. Me, I think my thumb is black.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXbgOV4G3xJbVrhfuCtD0cm7zDu0rJI3QHyKJf-R_lj5kxxsrm_iCoCvtn0WctmB9WCVd4y9mjIJHNXGlD1dXtHdzIy-ks3j0MEtyuaJnDfC4JtInkKTLFE_UPaNczMjxacZ9a2rbBGU/s1600/blogpost+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXbgOV4G3xJbVrhfuCtD0cm7zDu0rJI3QHyKJf-R_lj5kxxsrm_iCoCvtn0WctmB9WCVd4y9mjIJHNXGlD1dXtHdzIy-ks3j0MEtyuaJnDfC4JtInkKTLFE_UPaNczMjxacZ9a2rbBGU/s640/blogpost+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My teaching friends at another school made their greenhouse like a garden label and put the kids pictures in the middle. They stuck it in their bean plants and got fantastic results. Okay, I am not too green with envy. The idea is clever and would be so cute for Mother's Day. I love when people reinvent a great idea!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93Slpx9z-UJRfHYpslSqmDHcME94g1iyKPtA51PYlTSrSJpiHoQ6VbLY19r7jCy6226BxcAzH3z5RQ6V50Ek_3JbUAr5Xx50LVcAqZ-YPjg1kZqhi72liQeGcLaei5yQ3uyk5RESUgzU/s1600/blog+post6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93Slpx9z-UJRfHYpslSqmDHcME94g1iyKPtA51PYlTSrSJpiHoQ6VbLY19r7jCy6226BxcAzH3z5RQ6V50Ek_3JbUAr5Xx50LVcAqZ-YPjg1kZqhi72liQeGcLaei5yQ3uyk5RESUgzU/s640/blog+post6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
These are the observational logs we made in our classroom. I did not have the kids fill them out daily but only when we could record a real change. We did this as a whole group while I asked questions and did a guided drawing. This was a great activity and I was able to build in lots of labeling and academic vocabulary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsHQ6y8Wq_pXTQ9qNYGl9guTOQ4cLWphLXElsvVrHnGM7wDLlHXvBUIKUBZCAyIIn6fNVhR5kFC3ZXHHK88MekdOQrS_a4jcLPhmiV2yuntEDNAjsrS7Q0KFOukQRIWQC0SD0JcffAnA/s1600/blog+post7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsHQ6y8Wq_pXTQ9qNYGl9guTOQ4cLWphLXElsvVrHnGM7wDLlHXvBUIKUBZCAyIIn6fNVhR5kFC3ZXHHK88MekdOQrS_a4jcLPhmiV2yuntEDNAjsrS7Q0KFOukQRIWQC0SD0JcffAnA/s640/blog+post7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are some of the books I read to go along with this unit. We also watched a bunch of videos on YouTube that were about growing beans and corn. Next year I think I have to put these outside in the sun to get better results. Looking back we might have over watered some of our plants since the spray bottle was so exciting to use. Just sayin'. What do you like to grow in your room?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-8084615163096652232015-05-16T13:54:00.002-07:002015-05-16T13:54:24.948-07:00Special Events and A Freebie to Boot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our school does a Parent Volunteer Tea as a thank you to all of the parents that work endless hours in our classroom. I could not run my program without them. They make countless books for me, trace pieces for art projects, and work with children to help them gain confidence and be successful learners. I have so much gratitude for the moms and dads that come through my door each week, filled with enthusiasm and energy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wanted to do a few special things for the tea but I had very little time to pull this off. Here are some simple ideas if you ever get stuck and need "quick and easy" solutions. Any candy in little clear bags with a topper is appealing and easy to throw together. I had tons of skittles so here is what I put in a bright colorful basket (Dollar Tree is my friend). If you want the topper you can grab it <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-QxpZBRIL3NQkZISWphX0lHMFU/view?usp=sharing">here</a> and use it for any special event. It says, "You are better than any treasure found at the end of the rainbow." Leave me a comment if you like this and tell me what you are using it for!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8uyfEyvChNFDuapIMTbV8PS0iNQmhCDHo2FewElKAAafwIepxC8sxSGxneuIWwRNp1kwMbR_Ku24fFuR5giP6qRj0fpxEZ0LEMRl06V9CqH2nuux04mTfwL_FwokRI7zMcpHJzCQNJI/s1600/skittles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8uyfEyvChNFDuapIMTbV8PS0iNQmhCDHo2FewElKAAafwIepxC8sxSGxneuIWwRNp1kwMbR_Ku24fFuR5giP6qRj0fpxEZ0LEMRl06V9CqH2nuux04mTfwL_FwokRI7zMcpHJzCQNJI/s640/skittles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My daughters were in town for Mother's Day (so special for me) and suggested making shortbread since this takes very little effort and the results are gorgeous. We used <a href="http://barefootcontessa.com/recipes.aspx?RecipeID=48&S=0">Barefoot Contessa's recipe</a> and then added a little flower on top to make it look special.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLkv92uSKswbOb7Z4ieEJW7SR-b2AACzxBddIJWG_AiulLXkQ8Ts1dlcwF4X66_DfzCrGcycRfKC9LBZIuXaPgcUvbnZyrXGsNL_JF2xise9gphsMWCeGoXmfQvrYc7oH1Cqk8RhoPRs/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLkv92uSKswbOb7Z4ieEJW7SR-b2AACzxBddIJWG_AiulLXkQ8Ts1dlcwF4X66_DfzCrGcycRfKC9LBZIuXaPgcUvbnZyrXGsNL_JF2xise9gphsMWCeGoXmfQvrYc7oH1Cqk8RhoPRs/s640/cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used candy melts from Michael's for the flower since they would harden (set-up) easily and I just added a hit of pink. The center is just a tiny circular cookie decoration that are bigger than sprinkles and are also available in Michael's. The bags are quick and dirty to use since the ribbon is already woven through the bag and this made it so much faster to wrap!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgwd-qFj7CQ3acPfktVpnAJ4oIJSYTEV_F-W38e9-LQI05q_x5K3mbnaHaquF1PthVieRHSFstfhQHkTUVZVwIi5TSTf5yhpL3fm4NPfTwKcNoh7ngOGrZuT7Y5Y4a5UVcygJGcMO7PQ/s1600/Cookies+wrapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgwd-qFj7CQ3acPfktVpnAJ4oIJSYTEV_F-W38e9-LQI05q_x5K3mbnaHaquF1PthVieRHSFstfhQHkTUVZVwIi5TSTf5yhpL3fm4NPfTwKcNoh7ngOGrZuT7Y5Y4a5UVcygJGcMO7PQ/s640/Cookies+wrapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mother's Day turned out to be so special in our classroom. We have a grandparent who is a photographer and she came to visit for an entire day. She set up the lighting and backdrop with the help of her daughter. She brought a vintage desk and red apple... The kids were fascinated (so was I).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx8B_oC54qHgPWoaRgM52NpI3M3BnqnyT2WiJg3HvnABrxUxvyXIFSSoPRvlDOQbsnwxZXH4CtXG2mCxN3y43_VTycUSicDbsmJrnfF0gaFaE8kJ3hV39HsffK4Z4c0spTLdKnp1v2vo/s1600/mother's%2Bday%2Bpost1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkx8B_oC54qHgPWoaRgM52NpI3M3BnqnyT2WiJg3HvnABrxUxvyXIFSSoPRvlDOQbsnwxZXH4CtXG2mCxN3y43_VTycUSicDbsmJrnfF0gaFaE8kJ3hV39HsffK4Z4c0spTLdKnp1v2vo/s640/mother's%2Bday%2Bpost1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQE4Ne0Ny6U4Ctc00PidklzdUW8AkyvW9S_2MQcXWa6fe0y37w7aXDmOcy7L4p_vTQpKISvfYjfzcUBwNvo3mwnGn7Y7PLraa9jBLWIyM_7kIRP1FsfmDa3SjpRFkr__22mhmYvOof0g/s1600/mother's%2Bday%2Bpost2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQE4Ne0Ny6U4Ctc00PidklzdUW8AkyvW9S_2MQcXWa6fe0y37w7aXDmOcy7L4p_vTQpKISvfYjfzcUBwNvo3mwnGn7Y7PLraa9jBLWIyM_7kIRP1FsfmDa3SjpRFkr__22mhmYvOof0g/s640/mother's%2Bday%2Bpost2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyP2hutN9B9sq4vOmJXIdQjCoi37t2yYLR3HOmgqdKRfbj7hH8XtEs_GIsvfwjQeF3mOSZFdV2Ko97000cNIkeRRE1gexB0qJEblFSX0bj6vdEt84244OgstaipzYMzoQTDKIjWczm7t0/s1600/mother's%2Bday%2Bpost3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyP2hutN9B9sq4vOmJXIdQjCoi37t2yYLR3HOmgqdKRfbj7hH8XtEs_GIsvfwjQeF3mOSZFdV2Ko97000cNIkeRRE1gexB0qJEblFSX0bj6vdEt84244OgstaipzYMzoQTDKIjWczm7t0/s640/mother's%2Bday%2Bpost3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The results were gorgeous and parents loved them so much. The children told me their mom opened their card and started to cry. Wow! What more could I ask for? By the way this generous lady did this all on her own dollar and refused to let us pay for a thing. She then invited the teacher next door with medically fragile kids to come in and get their picture done. She got beautiful results snapping many pictures and working to get the perfect one. I AM BLESSED TO HAVE THIS GRANDMA IN MY LIFE. </div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-3237472835704457692015-05-04T20:05:00.001-07:002015-05-04T20:31:32.252-07:00Where Did The Year Go? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ztpzPMj3K99oGzGV0CNW645tPmQ82HTjr1doOBAWHeiIGR2OaK4xYZZtzkfyFH8W7jX7-GnIi8Be2Z9bSEcVMC1Y7kQ2BcBs-oM3AVrUBZEAuVFRcyig3TMfn5GJLCnGcu7pakWu2u4/s1600/tpt+sale2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ztpzPMj3K99oGzGV0CNW645tPmQ82HTjr1doOBAWHeiIGR2OaK4xYZZtzkfyFH8W7jX7-GnIi8Be2Z9bSEcVMC1Y7kQ2BcBs-oM3AVrUBZEAuVFRcyig3TMfn5GJLCnGcu7pakWu2u4/s640/tpt+sale2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I cannot believe how the year is flying by right under my nose. Here we are in May and I am slamming past Mother's Day and moving right along trying to plan for closing out the year. This has been one crazy, demanding year for me with Common Core and a new teaching partner. Whew, it makes me reflect on how lucky I am to be a teacher but how little down time there is.<br />
This is Teacher Appreciation Week across the country and it forces me to stop for a minute and acknowledge all the amazing teachers that have influenced my life in so many important ways. Teachers who have encouraged me, stretched my thinking, tried to organize me, enlighten me, and just plain love me for the mess that I am.<br />
Kindergarten teachers are the mostly loving, generous people on the planet. There, I said that out loud and I mean it. When I attend conferences I am flabbergasted by the kindness of my peers. Everyone loves "their kids" and spends endless hours prepping and planning to give our youngest learners the best and most engaging activities to make learning powerful. We have a huge influence on our littles and their attitude towards school. If you are reading this I am sending you a huge cyber hug and I want to thank you for being there for our students each and every day. You know who you are. You are loving, kind, generous, fast on your feet super heroes. Your students could not do without you. I appreciate all that you do.<br />
Teachers Pay Teachers (they rock in my world) has decided to participate in Teacher Appreciation Week by throwing a sale so you can grab some of those amazing products you have had on your wish list forever. Oh I see you jumping up and down at your computer! The year is coming to an end and you better keep your eye on the prize and grab a few winners to wind down with. What? You are teaching summer school? Holey Moley you are one dedicated educator. That's all the more reason to grab a few goodies that will make the last few weeks easy, breezy and some that will make your classroom so much fun in the sun. What about a camping theme? I don't know about you but I need easy at this point. So here are a few of my favorite little printables that are minimal work if you want to pay attention: My friends love this little number. Click on the picture to grab this kindergarten memory book. Your parents will love it and bet yet so will your administrator!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Common-Core-Kindergarten-Year-An-Emergent-Memory-Journal-706780"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-7xQTWonctcmkDn_Zh6qA6LXLLhZMqbcckbRqQSOD2cNAxr6LVn9zoDVTYx7GbLc40j84JohOhimwC2ApVhWzPabHQPaeH3wW-GMlGkNQn8xB0EE4jfv12NXlLLUWefnREQpOAz7W2k/s640/tpt+sale+pic1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
This is one of my favorite pack and go summer goodies. It is a simple review of both Language Arts and Mathematics. It is learning "on the go" and the campy theme keeps it fun. It has been carefully aligned to the Common Core and is a perfect addition to a summer program with kinder kiddos. You can even send it home for the summer with your little ones to keep their skills sharp as they enter first grade. The next group of teachers will love you! Click on this little picture to zip line over to my little shop for this hot number.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Camp-Common-Core-Literacy-and-Math-Printables-728211"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKsWNfP9g_NjOPUfTUcIV1iR4nlwliJpdtPxcssuoaiC0veytbZNjsLs3_GnFQrTyRQWA8w9G-WEVw3TkFFq1_FtbPc7ZBHTPzOjxeZGRs8vmKmOJV0mNac6vnmdN-9kuPi90a8KIDb0/s640/Camp+pic+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Do you own my Sparkle Readers? If you have enjoyed them you might want to grab this additional one that is beachy. Yes, it has the dots under the text to help young children with tracking. Click on the picture to swim on over to my store.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/What-Can-I-Do-At-The-Beach-265005"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaBkawXUOHIRAcZXX4dZe2x4pp9wVOCWi7XbkNT2ac-x6_bzZmKjl5RVEeXYOH3k-KMxrfJ15wXtavx3fPV9NVTYakzXuLDFDrajl251v9E4bQoxooqPuKgqesRUPPAZIAvYmmX8o9Ig/s640/beach+reader.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
You loved the first Camp Common Core Pack and Go Set so much you asked for more so I split up the Language Arts and Math and gave you <span style="color: #6aa84f;">two more packets</span> for your summer journeys! No summer slide on my watch:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Camp-Common-Core-Part-2-Language-Arts-1278311"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxOjCHH_1HjBy5IyvbGIomvK95FJd5DgTFDdEU_Nwud9FqZ0Pji96YvKTkyIYo059ms6zE9MQhRWHigsSS6iSy_KIAha_wvwpRGesoKs9vUWikEoLMhRVVqSRx_GD-LusKPOKlEmGoqY/s640/camp+common+core+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember to use the promo code <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: bold;">Thank You to save an additional 10%. Grab my stuff for even less than imaginable!</span><br />
Check these out by just clicking on the picture and sailing over to my store! Have fun shopping and I hope we meet each other in Vegas in our flip flops! Woohoo! Have a great rest of the year and stay connected.<br />
Much love,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-16400707097819113852015-05-03T16:43:00.003-07:002015-05-03T16:49:46.910-07:00Mothers Are MagicalMother's Day is right around the corner and this year I decided to try something a little different. One of our grandma's is a professional photographer and I asked her if she would be willing to take a picture of each student for a Mother's Day card. I loved the idea of it being in sepia and looking like an old fashion picture. She was so sweet to agree to this and bought a "brick" backdrop to use. I think these will be sensational. Now what do I use for a card? I thought about this for a long time and came up with this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS1kIxkcNGSS7J8GEQ_WY11ZTldgBRrxLb18t9R-PRRiPomAuLaaJGLPNUh4C8UH-xhTHSXN008vZRSDlW9gdFztvXOexqSGXdLhTtIHtL80W9CvS_M_RrJqvgtuJlP4F7v9vu2CFp54/s1600/blog+post+paper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS1kIxkcNGSS7J8GEQ_WY11ZTldgBRrxLb18t9R-PRRiPomAuLaaJGLPNUh4C8UH-xhTHSXN008vZRSDlW9gdFztvXOexqSGXdLhTtIHtL80W9CvS_M_RrJqvgtuJlP4F7v9vu2CFp54/s1600/blog+post+paper1.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
I knew these papers would be perfect for this kind of picture so I bought both and luckily they were on sale. I was rolling along when I found this little number on another aisle...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7amNOGy8cyg44BU7LiUKkwYeUg7y_3iRQCFLZN0HtDw64LVFBhLMcviA7qVTzgikN2YbM_EDe-xQcK7QLL_VmPBBguL2vwL4gj64DnOU_MXB4foUi2OIXP22yJNvRuY-tQhenpkFg5nY/s1600/blog+post2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7amNOGy8cyg44BU7LiUKkwYeUg7y_3iRQCFLZN0HtDw64LVFBhLMcviA7qVTzgikN2YbM_EDe-xQcK7QLL_VmPBBguL2vwL4gj64DnOU_MXB4foUi2OIXP22yJNvRuY-tQhenpkFg5nY/s1600/blog+post2.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I decided to add a little pizzazz to the card and make it look a little more antiqueish (okay not a word) but you know what I am sayin'<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOPgEwcUU9Lahz4-oxYuxmV2_7diqzciFW_ZtcoCSLze4KJJThPcUQP8GHeqpWf3dOH5HkKcOCMvqCL-oR6fBsGfs5PhmrwIO1M57nwxNbEUlGa8CBTl6DdzR1mTV2E66tSPSV_0r9yc/s1600/blog+post3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOPgEwcUU9Lahz4-oxYuxmV2_7diqzciFW_ZtcoCSLze4KJJThPcUQP8GHeqpWf3dOH5HkKcOCMvqCL-oR6fBsGfs5PhmrwIO1M57nwxNbEUlGa8CBTl6DdzR1mTV2E66tSPSV_0r9yc/s1600/blog+post3.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
I made this for my students to cut and paste on their card but they can do this any way they want to. I will try not to be a total control freak but I will show them some samples like this one:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zBNOw1ihnI3NxXlmF-coIRCzCbBxgx_pvjIOdleT6VXu30q3zDn11p18J0Z-wleGxVkuAlsRIHBxBvvHIYUgvF5vQHFFBTlVAix2wm0PM0bTEQon1SE3POvizMV_-kW73AkRe-wtQSc/s1600/blog+post4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zBNOw1ihnI3NxXlmF-coIRCzCbBxgx_pvjIOdleT6VXu30q3zDn11p18J0Z-wleGxVkuAlsRIHBxBvvHIYUgvF5vQHFFBTlVAix2wm0PM0bTEQon1SE3POvizMV_-kW73AkRe-wtQSc/s1600/blog+post4.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The picture will go on the other side (right) and the set comes with an envelope they can decorate as they please. I will share some of these when they are finished but I think parents will love these. What are you doing for a Mom gift?<br />
If you need a card I have one you can grab if you would like. It looks like this and allows your students to do a bit of writing too. You get a little bang for your buck as the saying goes. It can be downloaded in my TpT store. Just click on this picture. While you are there check out my end of the year <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Common-Core-Kindergarten-Year-An-Emergent-Memory-Journal-706780">memory book</a>. I can't wait to send this home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/An-Interactive-Mothers-Day-Card-692350"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbIFX8GkVztWRTawR_2T-qWR2BWUKPx8qVJ-m7Pxz9QsuvhXMkJI_fQ_vLA3wyycD3yEsuu7UHXUDRlSVkXaY6Jj5UoTB6TOW_qCH8C2DfDkynlfQreZb_XsarHXuA89oguWTrsagG-U/s1600/mom+card+freebie_Page_1.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3593405645178985306.post-81271161825772090092015-04-21T04:54:00.001-07:002015-05-09T22:09:20.384-07:00Be Aware and Please Take Loving Care of Our Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Earth Day is one of my favorite themes to use in the spring. It is celebrated on April 22nd but I love to do activities related to this for several weeks. <u><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friends-of-the-Earth-A-Celebration-of-Earth-Day-and-Spring-1173270">Friends of the Earth</a></u> is a Common Core packet that has been carefully designed to meet the needs of your primary learners. It will help to raise student awareness of the importance of recycling and taking care of the earth.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friends-of-the-Earth-A-Celebration-of-Earth-Day-and-Spring-1173270"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GbRRdgv0J3-MnTGJRiHdeY9xzFY9iHIrg_BK2QGYzMVjAgIcARH_o4uDYD8B_4VGjKv9-GCy_L0a3h_H8PuNXAJPU6dvJ9f5dhUXLK9wl8opwH4kZwsOzy6v_OY1zrSjcFZ4_4vp1so/s1600/earth+day1.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have included both literacy and math stations that will build the academic language of your students and promote student engagement. Writing activities are also included and scaffolds have been provided to ensure student success. It also addresses the needs of your English language learners.Many of the printables serve as a record of student understandings and can be used for assessment and homework. Check it out and see if it looks worthwhile to you. When I was a Common Core coach the kinder and first grade teachers used this and got beautiful results.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friends-of-the-Earth-A-Celebration-of-Earth-Day-and-Spring-1173270"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4YfRhoeTpPECCTtYcQF9INkEh2X2HK6XXPoL3LOUKR7mhHpGQC7LMiXaELR73dsdsYSQHkhNMHtx9YNciUYOdBZf-M9QTRFF4BKonWtsTvPjdXB0S6nEWXZC6VoyBzJLq3DXLma1Ylk/s1600/earth+day2.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friends-of-the-Earth-A-Celebration-of-Earth-Day-and-Spring-1173270"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwJh2tVFbZlUzewMM5Mr0w21to53Ay6KbAqzffC8-iKKEsmvHTzABmF-Lcjqw7uDtxI17Hi_d9P9ApJZ4rKnIEBMUIuPzqjptn4zeLRc3VI2ioMM9lE53mjHyIXIuc7ZE7WCQvec1OA4/s1600/Earth+day3.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friends-of-the-Earth-A-Celebration-of-Earth-Day-and-Spring-1173270"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxDNuFA32xVycGfRylCG54P0kAxg1GFcazHMm-vIDEuaaY6jOxa68DJLmu08_MK9Qu9XrqmACHUkYl7MhqTkilBkWZsyK5O4QjgPzeOTta5pLDu-n3p2gKz88oVv2vDeTOP6kakJC4oE/s1600/earth+day+4.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friends-of-the-Earth-A-Celebration-of-Earth-Day-and-Spring-1173270"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gGA2u23by8mMePKlZfPI-PtZ1poNriuF3gGaNuX617UQy20wX8i69LItzuCdpyFaFsUxaF4uJn6I4uT4z7upMLyBjhitVCzyfElgnJbDPreHg8XAPyYuYQm69YCUWRdYEjj6RoBIF3Y/s1600/earth+day5.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Students even make a simple necklace using straws to add some bling! If you would like to purchase this packet it is available in my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Friends-of-the-Earth-A-Celebration-of-Earth-Day-and-Spring-1173270">TpT store.</a> Be sure to pick up the headband freebie too! Help our children learn to care for the earth and each other. What do you do to celebrate Earth Day?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Fran Kramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09467109929924206534noreply@blogger.com1