tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86074870202046801872024-03-05T17:43:31.209-08:00All Four ReadingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-8236804011697008572014-01-31T04:28:00.000-08:002014-02-01T04:12:42.188-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With Valentine's Day approaching, our group of reading specialists, coaches, and teacher bloggers decided it was the perfect time to share our love of literacy with you. Each of us is passionate about helping children develop a love of reading, and what better way to love reading than through our favorite books. Each blogger participating in this weekend's hop is sharing materials for his/her favorite book, book about friendship, or for Valentine's day. We hope you'll enjoy using them and sharing your love of literacy with your students.</div>
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I have a passion for teaching students to love reading. I was a very good reader, but I enjoyed reading less and less as I became older (sixth grade on). I began reading less for pleasure and when I did have to read for school, I found that my comprehension suffered if I really didn't care for the book. I found out as an adult that I have ADD, so I am sure that played a part in my lack of interest and comprehension as the books became more advanced. I know what it feels like to not want to read, so I make it my mission to find books that kids can get excited about and read even when they don't have to!<br />
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Today, I only teach reading, writing, and language arts, and I read aloud great books to my class every single day. Nothing inspires me more than to see students get excited about reading and learning about different authors.<br />
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One thing I have found that motivates reluctant readers and writers is poetry. We are learning about all kinds of poetry and how to write poems. Poetry motivates even the most reluctant reader and writer because it's fun, rhythmic, and it doesn't have to rhyme. </div>
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Product explanation… My students have started writing poetry, and they love it! They're pretty good at it, too! They love learning about the structure of poetry and how it sounds when they read it. One of their favorite assignments so far is writing color poems. I read students a few books to inspire their colorful imaginations!<br />
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These are all highly entertaining books that made colors come to life through figurative language. My students wrote letters to themselves from the point of view of one of their crayons and wrote color poems about a color of their choice. I have created a resource for writing color-themed letters and poetry that can be used with any or all of the resources shown above. Enjoy this freebie!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colorful-Poetry-Using-Figurative-Language-to-Write-Color-Poems-Songs-1065988" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Tbm_RQDDALpfaL_HoSpCq9CUoY3PsA7RbAAQzRdj83-otEiCTmJ5-scSDK9noD-p7Mh8Unz5DhyP0iDTFMhZNc_rMpxMFyeK08T0ZYuaI2R4qKVn6g96w6ITfUgrFo61H65x0bZJveTw/s1600/Colorful+Poetry+Thumbnail.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://readingandthinkingoutloud.blogspot.com/2014/01/loving-literacymy-story.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://readingandthinkingoutloud.blogspot.com/2014/01/loving-literacymy-story.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQSmWP7Lmpfo4W7fvzxt7U9dJxuFj13DlfI-6420r_LAm52BP0brvv5YLmevCWPOe4p7cKEusUai7ngXjxRjrKHWXXhnDV9J45aVwEtZdDfhLY2vzTWJUQTTtRfmNNas-g-taIOgqUZcB/s1600/Next+Stop+Button.png" height="293" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Jenifer</span></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4708030/" id="rc-4708030" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-17676707729970881122013-12-01T19:35:00.000-08:002013-12-02T03:02:07.031-08:00Winter Planning Giveaway - Stop C-13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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Welcome to the Winter Planning Giveaway Scavenger Hunt hosted by <a href="http://imlovinlit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I'm Lovin Lit</a>. Be sure to stop by her blog first to begin this amazing scavenger hunt where EVERYONE wins!<br />
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I am a fourth and fifth grade reading and language arts teacher. I love creating products that are rigorous, support the Common Core, and promote higher level thinking. I also love teaching everything using mentor texts. I even created a 150+ page mentor text list with thousands of books organized by standard with a variety of different fiction and nonfiction reading skills. Please check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mentor-Text-List-Aligned-With-All-Common-Core-Reading-Standards-441695" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTY-Iu4wrUki8kXQ7rhds1AgBP9YLdZu6mJcGXzRf4kqoW37Sme0qAP3zMRQwl4-l9P8Nu4lvEa6sKE7ztTagQ3nv1vpnsTUjT2cwj4Qp-VkqS6uDU5bmYiMPxZ_G00VSvRW67mUI6TeU/s1600/Common+Core+Mentor+Texts+for+Reading+Thumbnail.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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Now, you have reached stop C-13 for the giveaway. Be sure to write down the secret word!<br />
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For my part of the hunt, please follow my store on TeachersPayTeachers.<br />
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<a href="http://teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Jenifer-Stewart" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8TNUQo0g0WA_Tap9cQOaHcUPMW5ePTvHnmslx9EfiUytXMza4X4-5msIGFzKfJpfIFxZ2vkV8EY7DbaKooT49Qa6kegBis0IMla6wqJQDZGyc2c4Ji-b_yBc8pEbZFJxL4z7AN8G9W6d/s1600/IMG_0299.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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And/or click on the "Follow me on Bloglovin'" button on my page!</div>
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My donation to the giveaway is: Winter Holidays & Festivals Around the World Close Reads. </div>
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There are 15 different close reading passages that each have 2 pages of text-dependent questions. It is perfect for grades 4-6 to be used for homework, literacy centers, guided reading groups, or for independent practice.</div>
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I created this product for my fourth and fifth grade reading students. My class is very diverse with students representing a wide variety of cultures around the world. I didn't want to make a product that just highlighted Christmas around the world. So, I researched and wrote passages about different winter festivals and holidays around the world based on a variety of different cultures and religions.</div>
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Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-31866454107544783232013-11-22T03:33:00.000-08:002013-11-22T03:33:38.276-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Questrial; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">Welcome to All Four Reading<span style="color: red;">. </span>You have arrived at </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Questrial; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">At each blog stop, you will be gathering Reading gifts and freebies. In each post you will find a picture of a snowman with a letter on it. Collect all of the letter to solve the mystery quote to enter the giveaway. Record all of the letters on your</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9bvZr_GtI9xM2t1alhlRWxNSWc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">recording sheet</a></span><span style="line-height: 24px; text-align: left;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Questrial; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">and follow each blog along the way so that you can enter the amazing giveaway at the end!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Questrial; line-height: 24px;">The hop is set up as a loop, so you may start anywhere along the hop, but if you would like to start at the beginning you may go to <a href="http://tellsofatitle1teacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Day In The Life of A Title I Teacher</a>'s blog</span><span style="font-family: Questrial;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">. This is also where you will go after you finish the hop to enter the giveaway!!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When my students enjoy reading, I feel like I have received a gift. My primary goal as a teacher is to inspire a love of reading in my students. I love seeing students engaged in a book - whether it be a fiction or a nonfiction book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am always looking for new, interesting, and engaging books to read to my students. I use mentor texts in my classroom nearly daily, and it is my students' favorite time of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the books I'm reading this year is <u>The Secret Life of a Snowflake</u> by Kenneth Libbrecht. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is an amazing book for older elementary students. It has beautiful photographs of snowflakes and includes comparisons and science content, and I can teach many of the standards while integrating other subjects. I can incorporate writing and teaching nonfiction text features while students learn about something interesting. There is even an art activity where students learn how to make snowflakes out of paper. In fact, I am so inspired by this winter picture book that I made a whole unit based on the Secret Life of a Snowflake! Stop by and pick up this Freebie and don't forget to read!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Secret-Life-of-a-Snowflake-a-Unit-Integrating-Reading-Science-Art-989199" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpl0DqIBoyltbBd5otVfod4pEY7JWaN9ExVzROM7UNk-4GQBvCH_l51w7mqLFRz7TUm_IhcP9DQIyUsQjWSGqKTTy96yzY3etpYessHYt7mLZF1ZRLbCBp0UBp8MXU_8YlsZ17XtqxxGq/s1600/Snowflake+Thumbnail.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My secret letter is...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for stopping by my blog today! I hope that you enjoyed your gift and learned something new. If you would like to be the first to know about new post, giveaways, and blog hops follow me on Bloglovin' by clicking the image on my page. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't stop now! Hop on over to <span style="color: red;">Ripper Resources</span> to pick up another amazing reading gift! Happy Holidays! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you get lost along the way download the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9bvZr_GtI9xRjdTOXFWaEh3aTA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Hop Map here</a> to easily pick back up where you left off! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-67931746679856249762013-10-25T05:07:00.001-07:002013-10-25T09:59:02.222-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Nonfiction Text Feature Scavenger Hunt</span></u></h3>
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This year, our school has finally decided to departmentalize in the upper grades. Thankfully, I get to teach reading and language arts to almost 60 fourth graders ALL DAY!! As a result, I am trying to focus on integrating social studies and science content into my classes while teaching my students about the joy of reading - especially nonfiction reading! </div>
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I decided that my students are going on a nonfiction text feature scavenger hunt to learn about the many different nonfiction text features and authors use these text features to help readers learn and understand the content contained in these texts. They will discover how text features are used in Social Studies and Science texts. These texts are great to use in a scavenger hunt as they contain so many different nonfiction text features.<br />
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So, how exactly can I get my students interested in learning about nonfiction topics? They will participate in a scavenger hunt! By placing nonfiction texts around my classroom, including students' health, math, social studies, and science texts, among others I have collected in my classroom library over the years, students will be exposed to all kinds of topics. I have amassed lots and lots of nonfiction books about a variety of subjects in my classroom, and I want to get my students interested in learning.<br />
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I have created a fun scavenger hunt to engage students in learning about nonfiction text features while reading interesting nonfiction texts. Students will learn how much easier reading nonfiction can be by using these text features the author includes in a text. <br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nonfiction-Text-Feature-Scavenger-Hunt-943598" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikT874_6NqZvDPvzSM3aDO2Z_znTNafijDRQvHl98CADRLEwwjCO5mCQlioN8VU5-1k6wodaJj6ZUg22yOVOUTeChWIBsW1gGVfytC-WqmQdHtlO9eBuQ2a5hjPZyTbtNY2tbWVAda5OPU/s1600/Nonfiction+Text+Feature+Scavenger+Hunt+Thumbnail.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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Now you are ready for my clue. Record the letter on your page...<br />
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Thanks for visiting today. I hope you'll enjoy my unit with your students, and if you'd like to keep informed of upcoming events from our group, please click the Bloglovin or Google Friends button to the right to follow my blog. I appreciate your interest in reading instruction and wish you a wonderful school year. Now, on to the...<br />
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<span id="DataList1" style="display: inline-block; width: 90%;"><span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993465" target="_blank">1. Comprehension Connection</a></span></span></div>
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<div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993504" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/e6338648-f081-4a09-879f-2f64fe19af0d_thumb_BR_24.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.msdsliteracylab.com" width="120" /></a></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993504" target="_blank">6. Ms. Ds Literacy Lab</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top">
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> </span><br />
<div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993511" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/cc0ccb75-b1f1-44d2-8722-255f9576b4b8_thumb_BR_26.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.conversationsinliteracy.blogspot.com/" width="120" /></a></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993511" target="_blank">7. Conversations in Literacy</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top">
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> </span><br />
<div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993547" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/5bcb669c-5692-47e2-b17b-97e566b55142_thumb_BR_31.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.literacyteachermomof3.blogspot.com/" width="120" /></a></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993547" target="_blank">8. Teacher Mom of Three</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top">
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> </span><br />
<div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993571" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/894bdceb-0a9e-4c9b-96c1-ab32bd198148_thumb_BR_35.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: tellsofatitle1teacher.blogspot.com/" width="120" /></a></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993571" target="_blank">9. A Day in the Life of a Title 1 Teacher</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top">
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993589" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/cfc593d9-ba87-42a1-98a4-1bd1761b6e56_thumb_BR_37.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.luckeyfrogslilypad.blogspot.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993589" target="_blank">10. Luckeyfrog"s Lilypad</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993598" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/0c90a718-8ac6-4bb2-bb0c-0b32c47e00f6_thumb_BR_39.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.curiousfirsties.blogspot.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993598" target="_blank">11. Curious Firsties</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993625" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/9a661c2f-0aa5-4262-a28a-b90f4bb418e8_thumb_BR_45.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.allfourreading.blogspot.com/" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993625" target="_blank">12. All Four Reading</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993637" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/0a66cb2d-9c5b-4b2f-9c73-2469a18dd021_thumb_BR_48.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.readingandthinkingoutloud.blogspot.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993637" target="_blank">13. Thinking Out Loud</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993643" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/deefb306-1078-4f10-a774-5d0305ddffed_thumb_BR_50.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.msjordanreads.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993643" target="_blank">14. Ms. Jordan Reads</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993646" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/69129d89-1ad4-4dc8-89f9-2909394684e5_thumb_BR_51.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.bigtimeliteracy.blogspot.com/" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993646" target="_blank">15. Big Time Literacy</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993663" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/d88b027c-50fd-4c16-9de3-20a43982c12e_thumb_BR_56.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.readwithmeabc.blogspot.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993663" target="_blank">16. Read with Me ABC</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993669" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/52623509-0104-443c-9420-be8cce5ea76d_thumb_BR_58.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.teachingwithnancy.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993669" target="_blank">17. Teaching With Nancy</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993672" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/95afb7a9-667f-4e0d-9bb2-a8d1e07dfc7a_thumb_BR_59.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.littlepiggyreads.blogspot.com/" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993672" target="_blank">18. This Little Piggy Reads</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993675" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013929/b60f3565-1dc0-45d9-8b34-758acc857242_thumb_BR_59.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.literacyminute.blogspot.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=6993675" target="_blank">19. The Literacy Minute</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7000875" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013930/12eed2d0-a8c7-4de2-9beb-18e584d3676b_thumb_BR_50.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.bookunitsteacher.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7000875" target="_blank">20. Book Units Teacher</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7000894" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013930/8f6035cf-3828-4464-a19a-18af95c95397_thumb_BR_54.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.readerstars.blogspot.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7000894" target="_blank">21. Reading Toward the Stars</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7000905" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013930/883228b8-7624-4148-98d2-bbf821eadb40_thumb_BR_56.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.theliteracygarden.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7000905" target="_blank">22. The Literacy Garden</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7005791" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013101/899244da-0320-47b5-957a-836d12427da3_thumb_BR_6.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.imlovinlit.blogspot.com/" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7005791" target="_blank">23. Im Lovin Lit</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7022724" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013104/1aea594b-de36-4b81-9a3a-264847fc920b_thumb_BR_51.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.ripperresources.blogspot.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7022724" target="_blank">24. Ripper Resources</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7022730" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013104/e387833e-42d9-4b95-8945-7a37b9d588f7_thumb_BR_53.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.teacherstakeout.blogspot.com/" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7022730" target="_blank">25. Teachers Take-Out</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7022739" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013104/2487b852-ba52-48db-9ec6-72c40e3c22ee_thumb_BR_57.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.sandycangelosi.blogspot.com/" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7022739" target="_blank">26. Sweet Integrations</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7022764" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013104/b978cd08-441c-4170-a35e-1db04025e234_thumb_BR_4.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: http://www.readingandthinkingoutloud.blogspot.com/" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7022764" target="_blank">27. Reading is Elementary</a></div>
</div>
</span> <span style="border-color: #E4E4E4; border-style: Solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block;" valign="top"> <div style="float: left; height: 177px; overflow: hidden; padding: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 128px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7022767" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://linkyimg.arvixededicated.com//thumbnails2013/2013104/d56d73f9-92b2-406a-9fc5-644f7c16b70c_thumb_BR_5.jpg" height="120" style="padding-bottom: 0px;" title="Linked to: www.therungsofreading.blogspot.com" width="120" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 120%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; white-space: normal; width: 122px;">
<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=7022767" target="_blank">28. The Rungs of Reading</a></div>
</div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-61055678794524991322013-07-21T14:32:00.002-07:002013-07-21T14:32:37.086-07:00Using Mentor Texts to Teach Voice in WritingWhen Carla from <a href="http://www.comprehensionconnection.blogspot.com/2013/07/six-traits-sunday-voice.html" target="_blank">Comprehension Connection</a> started her Six Traits Sunday blog posts, I thought it was a great idea! I love using mentor texts in my classroom for reading and writing. In fact, some of my best selling Teachers Pay Teachers items are a huge list of mentor texts to teach a variety of reading and writing skills.<br />
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One of my favorite picture books for teaching the Voice trait is <u>Voices in the Park</u> by Anthony Browne.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4E8LrXA5J7tpUMaeuh81myf0yIbrw5bmG_VgXxwrt4DVXVC_bLxwBsQxqPSbMU25XJcewI1xdRH-o3qZDTax7YTg1KWYQrfme-zRkc8-En7EaLNYKP3m7Dp3W9GZVRirNMjYCam8Pex4/s1600/61OLD9AZFHL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4E8LrXA5J7tpUMaeuh81myf0yIbrw5bmG_VgXxwrt4DVXVC_bLxwBsQxqPSbMU25XJcewI1xdRH-o3qZDTax7YTg1KWYQrfme-zRkc8-En7EaLNYKP3m7Dp3W9GZVRirNMjYCam8Pex4/s1600/61OLD9AZFHL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
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In this book, four characters (gorillas, actually) go to the park with their dogs: A father and his daughter and a mother and her son. Each character tells about the trip to the park in their own voice and through their eyes, we see four different perspectives. <br />
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This book can spark a great discussion about voice and point-of-view. It is important that students learn to think of the world in a three-dimensional way; in this book, students can start to understand how others might look at a similar situation.<br />
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After hearing this book, students can practice writing a short story from two different perspectives. Last year, we read the book <u>Bridge to Terabithia</u> and had an amazing class discussion about the way Janice Avery (the bully in the story) treated Jesse and Leslie. My students had a different feeling about Janice once they learned about her past which explained why Janice treated others the way that she did.<br />
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Students can also (as a homework assignment) write about a trip and have their parents tell about the same trip to see how their perspectives differed.<br />
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For more mentor texts for the Six Traits of Writing, check out my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mentor-Texts-for-Writing-Workshop-502921" target="_blank">Mentor Texts for Writing Workshop</a>. Also, be sure to check out Comprehension Connection's blog post to find other ideas for the trait of Voice.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-18980597203579451822013-07-13T09:28:00.001-07:002013-07-13T09:28:34.065-07:00I've Been Nominated for a Liebster Award!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-COk74LqhOZzmSVMXacnQmf7UPmk3PSgFEGTTq1wf0ttb002-m1aIor06PVY9G0ooM3LcPhYOoafF9VXnQwaAbTVZVFBr2KpgNmUdhXED5wKUgjWA3adRUTmX3NpNK_y7jOEmuzoW_7I/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-07-06+at+9.04.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-COk74LqhOZzmSVMXacnQmf7UPmk3PSgFEGTTq1wf0ttb002-m1aIor06PVY9G0ooM3LcPhYOoafF9VXnQwaAbTVZVFBr2KpgNmUdhXED5wKUgjWA3adRUTmX3NpNK_y7jOEmuzoW_7I/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-07-06+at+9.04.39+PM.png" /></a></div>
This is very exciting! I found out that I was nominated by Christie Heiple at <a href="http://3rdgradetheatrics.blogspot.in/2013/07/liebster-award.html" target="_blank">3rdGradeTheatrics</a>.<br />
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There are a few rules I must follow. Here they are:<br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>To accept the nomination I must:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>1. Link back to the blog that nominated me</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>3. Answer the questions posted for you by your nominator</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>4. Share 11 random facts about yourself</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>5</i></span><i style="line-height: 21px;">. Create 11 questions for your nominees</i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>6. Contact your nominees and let them know you nominated them</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>I nominated</b><i>:</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>1. Denise Scaccia at <a href="http://cuteandcolorfulcommoncore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">CuteandColorfulCommonCore</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>2. Jan Bernard at <a href="http://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dragon'sDenCurriculum</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>3. Sarah OShea at<a href="http://loveeducasong.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Educasong</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>4.Michele at <a href="http://coffeecupsandlessonplans.blogspot.com/2013/07/favorite-pins-for-friday-math-theme.html" target="_blank">CoffeeCupsandLessonPlans</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><i>5. Pam Olivieri at <a href="http://thecommoncoreteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">CommonCoreTeacher</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>Questions from Christie:</b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>1. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>When did you know you wanted to be an educator?</b> I had almost completed earning my Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing when I saw a special on 20/20 on Marva Collins. They were revisiting the students in her first class at the school she opened in Chicago. I was completely moved and knew that I wanted to make a difference in students' lives. I finished earning my Bachelor's degree in Marketing and earned my Master's of Arts in Early Childhood Education. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>2. </b></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>What is your favorite classroom memory?</b> There are many, but one that stands out was in my first year of teaching. I was teaching third grade in a Title One school. I had been going over and over the concept of division on the board in as many different ways that I could think of. We practiced over and over. Finally, several of my students got really excited and said, "Oh! Now I get it!!" and I knew they did. It was a great feeling I will never forget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>3. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>What is your dream vacation?</b> I would love to go to Hawaii one day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>4. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>What was your funniest teacher moment?</b> There are many but one specific moment doesn't come to mind right now. I will have to think about it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>5. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>What is your favorite summer activity?</b> I enjoy summer, but it gets so hot and humid down here in Georgia. It gets so hot that going to the pool isn't even enjoyable. I like going to concerts and barbecues.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>6. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>What is your favorite brand of handbags/purses?</b> I love Coach purses. I also like Kate Spade and Michael Kors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>7. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>What is your favorite movie?</b> I don't know that I have a favorite. I enjoy comedies. I recently saw The Internship and it was really funny. I am not a huge fan of animated movies (although I have probably seen them all). My favorite horror film is the Paranormal Activity movies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>8. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>What is your favorite children's book?</b> I LOVE children's books. One of my favorite ones is <u>See the Ocean</u> by Estelle Condra. I love Lemony Snicket's <u>Series of Unfortunate Events</u>. My favorite picture book author is Chris Van Allsburg.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>9. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>Which holiday, during the school year, do you look forward to the most?</b> That would be Christmas. It's a nice long break and I get to spend it with my family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>10. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>What is your favorite on-the-go snack?</b> Ice cream is my biggest weakness, but I guess that's not really an "on-the-go" snack. I enjoy fruit and goldfish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>11. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>What is one piece of technology that you can't live without?</b> That is a hard one. It would be between my iphone or my laptop. I rely on both of them a lot. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>Random Facts About Me:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>1. </b>I have ADD (I was diagnosed as an adult).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>2. </b>I am very shy (except when I am around kids - and then I am incredibly silly and outgoing).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>3. </b>I saw Maroon 5 in March; they are one of my favorite bands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>4. </b>I played softball for many years as a kid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>5. </b>I am an animal lover. I have three dogs and a 20 year old cat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>6. </b>I love brain teasers, word games, and logic puzzles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 24px;"><b>7. </b>I saw Rent on Broadway in New York with a few of the original cast members.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>8.</b> I used to work at the mall as a survey taker.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>9. </b>I love the show Supernatural.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>10.</b> I love playing music in my classroom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>11.</b> My favorite subject in school was math. I hated to read. Now, my absolute favorite subject in the world to teach is reading.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>Here are my 11 questions:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">1. What is your favorite book?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">2. Do you have a classroom theme? What is it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">3. If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">4. What is the biggest lesson you've learned as a teacher?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">5. What is your favorite band or musician?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">6. Who has been your biggest influence as an educator?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">7. What was your favorite subject when you were a kid?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">8. What is your favorite subject to teach and why?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">9. What is the most challenging part about being an educator?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">10. Where did you go on your last vacation?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Coming Soon;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">11. Where is your favorite place to shop?</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-10162091409450524052013-07-06T07:29:00.002-07:002013-07-06T07:29:27.293-07:00Summer Planning Giveaway (Hosted by I'm Lovin' Lit!This is a planning giveaway where everyone wins! Visit <a href="http://imlovinlit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I'm Lovin' Lit's</a> page for the details! This is my blog, where I blog and post about my fourth grade classroom and my love of children's literature. I have quite a growing collection! Don't forget to follow me and pick up the secret word! :)<br />
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Visit my store, follow me, and get the secret word! I am donating my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mentor-Texts-for-Writing-Workshop-502921" target="_blank">Mentor Texts for Writing Workshop</a>! It's a great product for you to find literature to teach the six traits of writing and writing genres in grades 3 through 8!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-55608360916507313082013-07-05T19:03:00.000-07:002013-07-05T19:03:16.103-07:00Mentor Texts and Read-AloudsI don't call my blog "All Four Reading" for nothing! I am a fourth grade teacher who will (luckily, in my opinion) only be teaching Reading, Writing, and Language Arts this upcoming school year. I am super-excited as I am so passionate about teaching and instilling a love of reading and writing in my students.<br />
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This summer, I have been hard at work updating my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mentor-Text-List-Aligned-With-All-Common-Core-Reading-Standards-441695" target="_blank">Mentor Text List for all Common Core Reading Standards</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmojU0NhMkG8zMxwI97HT3EU4gZjIbYZxcneFpad3bJx1EDL_iUlRviI-9CTIZAFnHgWF8HmnSyL_7P-QIAd7NwoGDFTyZPs-JVPT-VA57kE-0-eJVPqX04C5L3Ngf5Mkij8SzsIQKWo5/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmojU0NhMkG8zMxwI97HT3EU4gZjIbYZxcneFpad3bJx1EDL_iUlRviI-9CTIZAFnHgWF8HmnSyL_7P-QIAd7NwoGDFTyZPs-JVPT-VA57kE-0-eJVPqX04C5L3Ngf5Mkij8SzsIQKWo5/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is currently over 150 pages long! I have enjoyed researching books. Using mentor texts in the classroom is one of my favorite things to do as a teacher. Students are able to notice and learn important reading and writing skills in context, which makes learning much more fun for everyone. <br />
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Some of my favorites are:<br />
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<u>See the Ocean</u> by Estelle Condra<br />
<u>Voices in the Park</u> by Anthony Browne<br />
<u>The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups</u> by David Wisniewski<br />
<u>Rimshots</u> by Charles Smith, Jr.<br />
<u>Twilight Comes Twice</u> by Ralph Fletcher<br />
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I have also found some great potential read-alouds for my fourth graders. I want to read them all at once!:<br />
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<u>Wonder</u> by R.J. Palacio<br />
<u>The One and Only Ivan</u> by Katherine Applegate<br />
<u>Splendors and Glooms</u> by Laura Amy Schlitz<br />
<u>The Underneath</u> by Kathi Appelt<br />
<u>The Magician's Elephant</u> by Kate DiCamillo<br />
<u>Chew on This</u> by Eric Schlosser<br />
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My daughter (a rising 8th grader) has me reading the book <u>Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children</u> which is great, but not suitable as a read-aloud for my fourth graders. I would highly recommend this book for middle and high schoolers, however. It is full of mystery, suspense, and horror.<br />
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So, what will YOU be reading with your class this year?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-56944628635223120412013-01-23T16:39:00.001-08:002013-01-23T16:39:18.408-08:00100-Word Limit for the 100th Day of SchoolBy fourth grade, students are not as excited about the 100th day of school as they were when they were in kindergarten or first grade. They are becoming more mature and aren't as easily swayed by novelty toys they used to get when they were younger. They've worn the eyeglasses in the shape of 100 and have had the special pencils and special 100 Day snacks. It's hard to surprise the students and excite them at this age. So, I decided to add a twist and turn the 100th day of school into a challenge. My students will tell you that I absolutely LOVE challenges, and I know fourth graders do, too.<div>
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Tomorrow is our 100th day of school, and my students will have no more than 100 words they can use. Students will have post-it notes on their desks to keep track of their words, and they will need to tally EVERY WORD that they say. The reward is that I will give them a ticket for every five words they have said under 100 at the end of the day. The penalty is that they will give me a ticket for every five words over 100 they say. So, if a student has said only 70 words by the end of the day, he or she will earn 6 tickets from me. If another student says 110 words by the end of the day, he or she will owe me 2 tickets.</div>
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There are exceptions, of course. I do not count the words they use if they ask me a school-related question, nor do I count the words they use when I call on them to answer any questions I ask. When I am meeting with students in a small group (or students are meeting in a literature circle) and we are having a discussion, I won't count the words they use there because I want them to participate and ask questions. I also don't have them keep count of words at recess or lunch so they can socialize. Other than those parameters, students need to choose words carefully so that they do not go over 100 words.</div>
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I have tried this with my fourth graders last year and my third graders the year before that. You would think that this would be a punishment for the students, but they LOVE it. It is such a challenge to students to try and find other ways to communicate. They hold each other accountable, and they are pretty honest about keeping track of their words. Best of all, they are incredibly well-behaved - even the ones who are normally very social during instruction.</div>
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So, tomorrow we will be celebrating...fourth grade style. It will truly be a surprise, and hopefully one that we will all remember for a long time!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-33349153770623117242013-01-12T11:43:00.002-08:002013-01-13T05:16:33.776-08:00I'm Nominated for a Liebster Blog Award!I have to say that I am completely taken by surprise by this wonderful nomination by <a href="http://funinthefours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fun in the Fours</a>. It looks like great fun, so I will carry on the tradition by following the rules for this award.<br />
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First, I will post 11 random things about myself.<br />
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1. I was born and raised in the South.<br />
2. I can remember the birthday of every student I have ever taught.<br />
3. I have a daughter in seventh grade.<br />
4. I hate having colonoscopies.<br />
5. I have taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades. Fourth grade is my favorite.<br />
6. My favorite sport to play growing up was softball.<br />
7. I am short.<br />
8. I am a Gemini.<br />
9. I love my job.<br />
10. I am a Maroon 5 fan (and I'm going to see them in concert soon).<br />
11. I have wonderful co-workers.<br />
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Now, I will answer the 11 questions asked of my nominator.<br />
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1. <span style="color: cyan;">How long have you been teaching and what grade do you currently teach? </span>I teach fourth grade and this is my fifteenth year teaching.<br />
2. <span style="color: cyan;">What advice would you give a brand new teacher?</span> Make sure you are passionate about teaching and inspiring children. There are more and more demands being put upon teachers, and the salary is minimal. You do not always get the recognition you deserve, and you have to put in lots of hours. But, when a child looks at you and tells you how much you've taught or inspired them and how you're the "best teacher in the world," it will all be worth it. If it's not, find another career. :)<br />
3. <span style="color: cyan;">What made you decide to enter the blogging world?</span> I have been inspired by many blogs out there and decided to try my hand at starting one up. I don't exactly know what I am doing, but I am never too old to learn.<br />
4. <span style="color: cyan;">Which blog do you really love to read? </span> There are so many blogs that I love reading. One of my favorites is <a href="http://teachinginroom6.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teaching in Room 6</a>. <br />
5. <span style="color: cyan;">If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why? </span> I would love to visit Hawaii some day. I have heard that it is beautiful.<br />
6. <span style="color: cyan;">What pets do you have?</span> I have three dogs and a cat. I am a sucker for animals.<br />
7. <span style="color: cyan;">When you were a child what was your favorite book?</span> I didn't like to read as a child. I do remember reading Encyclopedia Brown books and enjoying them. <span style="color: cyan;">What is your favorite children's book today? </span> I have so many favorites! One of them is Lemony Snicket's <u>Series of Unfortunate Events</u>. I've read it aloud to my third graders for many years, and now my fourth graders are all hooked on the series. It has rich vocabulary, advanced-level humor, and a great story-line.<br />
8. <span style="color: cyan;">Do you speak any other languages?</span> Unfortunately, I only speak English. I wish I could speak another language.<br />
9. <span style="color: cyan;">What is one item you can't live without?</span> I have to say that I couldn't live without my cell phone. I can use it for just about anything I need, and it gives me a sense of security. :)<br />
10. <span style="color: cyan;">If you look up from the computer right now what do you see?</span> I would see my T.V. I am on my laptop on my couch right now.<br />
11. <span style="color: cyan;">What is your favorite charity?</span> I have a friend who has started a non-profit organization to help families pay non-medical bills while their children are fighting cancer. It is <a href="http://facebook.com/ACommunityEffort" target="_blank">A Community Effort</a>.<br />
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I will continue this post in Part 2.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-53715404584888857212012-12-28T18:46:00.003-08:002012-12-28T18:46:39.166-08:00What's So Funny? Using Humor in the ClassroomI believe that children learn more when they are having fun. I love using humor in my classroom. Although I am by no means an extrovert (I am a terrible sufferer of stage fright and giving speeches to adults), but I have no fear at all standing up in front of a bunch of 9 and 10 year olds and being downright silly. I love making my students laugh.<br />
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The ability to understand more advanced humor can be one of the signs of giftedness in a child. This ability involves reasoning, intuition, and recognizing the abstract. By using humor in the classroom, all students are given the opportunity to develop these skills.<br />
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I have a "Humor of the Day" section in my classroom where I post funny pictures or quotes. We take a few minutes of our day to discuss the picture or quote and talk about what makes it funny. I have students of all abilities and backgrounds in my classroom, so we learn from each other. I love the moment when students "get it" for the first time. It can sometimes lead to a great discussion. <br />
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I have seen some of my students start to catch on a little quicker the more we discuss the humor in my classroom. It is definitely a nice break from the routine. Besides, I love laughing daily - doesn't everyone?<br />
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So, do you use humor in the classroom? What makes you and your students laugh?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-34471212447300999102012-12-28T18:26:00.000-08:002012-12-28T18:27:11.050-08:00Do I Procrastinate? I'll Let You Know Tomorrow!So, I have this new planner for my desk at school.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ajyyeYvLsF_L5SXAhvqSFRn9-qZpWRW1JEeK67_qzUwkbWNvqRKByA33VxP1bUTn_NEXVuvqk9Me0sKhpi79tTX-HStShGOlAMI8cOjES3BBhunyzCmQVkDpPgE16_hKBUQUwRCTA5_k/s1600/IMG_1172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ajyyeYvLsF_L5SXAhvqSFRn9-qZpWRW1JEeK67_qzUwkbWNvqRKByA33VxP1bUTn_NEXVuvqk9Me0sKhpi79tTX-HStShGOlAMI8cOjES3BBhunyzCmQVkDpPgE16_hKBUQUwRCTA5_k/s1600/IMG_1172.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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It's funny, because I DO tend to procrastinate. I know, however, that I shouldn't, and I do not want to encourage my students to be procrastinators. But, as I flipped through this planner, I couldn't help but laugh at the little gems of advice this planner gives.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTP6qiQEY2fyp-KkVlxmmPIOgGHfTo7zSAWybFGh3VeNqB4i37oZaNSd62mZlpOSp50F6B6hgGz0zmxrgD1uq8Y3lxFs2v2hqzrGhunkOmZJWctz6iX8Y6nux5LFQJrsdxSC9DCO3n9bI/s1600/IMG_1174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTP6qiQEY2fyp-KkVlxmmPIOgGHfTo7zSAWybFGh3VeNqB4i37oZaNSd62mZlpOSp50F6B6hgGz0zmxrgD1uq8Y3lxFs2v2hqzrGhunkOmZJWctz6iX8Y6nux5LFQJrsdxSC9DCO3n9bI/s1600/IMG_1174.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
There's a place to prioritize my "To Do" list - with more procrastinator tips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmQnYHzxU2AScQql3ln20ZfITP2FBTsxh8uGT4x6wZnVJ-TlJxqOZtvLHTYw8N28T4zxelxiQjnBsrT2I32zM6kFytHFH0E7XwsHflUho90jxgejzGiDgLvNQPhFZFH-NsElmrWlXBGGx/s1600/IMG_1176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmQnYHzxU2AScQql3ln20ZfITP2FBTsxh8uGT4x6wZnVJ-TlJxqOZtvLHTYw8N28T4zxelxiQjnBsrT2I32zM6kFytHFH0E7XwsHflUho90jxgejzGiDgLvNQPhFZFH-NsElmrWlXBGGx/s1600/IMG_1176.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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Lastly, it includes a place to doodle during those times when you need (or just want) some distraction.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlHVk96h0bFdqeLqeXq0vszYW_L-OkoUqbjf3JgvTY8XW0TTml3BUUP3-4s7ScWxvUCxAaYUCXRqMMArHf1_5g7Rrqk9v7ZCNp-8Qv23v9GOmNAmfrVvE8Ts8tj2vMfIELjP6kdp-s4Mk/s1600/IMG_1177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlHVk96h0bFdqeLqeXq0vszYW_L-OkoUqbjf3JgvTY8XW0TTml3BUUP3-4s7ScWxvUCxAaYUCXRqMMArHf1_5g7Rrqk9v7ZCNp-8Qv23v9GOmNAmfrVvE8Ts8tj2vMfIELjP6kdp-s4Mk/s1600/IMG_1177.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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So, as I start off 2013 with my list of resolutions, one of the ones at the top of my list is to not procrastinate. It doesn't mean, though, that I can't have a good laugh, right?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-78283827433234738292012-12-22T19:07:00.001-08:002012-12-22T19:20:14.563-08:00Pinterest Favorites Linky Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://teach123-school.blogspot.com/2012/12/pinterest-favorite-linky-party.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6St8ec45hPZ-LaPpdiR6-99PHSZ2RIguTZ9mdQBB6BwqADNUE_irMp_hPevMJwWehCyTVGY-TLng_SYYMDUeYpKltyGRmHPYkKHKWec9gJVqEEM1Qr8SaNJqVuUVHm2aAr6nvLjBGpAah/s320/Screen+shot+2012-12-20+at+9.46.00+PM.png" width="244" /></a></div>
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I love Pinterest. It can be quite addictive! Here are a few of my favorite pinboards.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/jrfindl/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEfCKJy3Jho2HGGSNIIqdsM4No2h9eQ7CkauWtVUhEVIENEJAfzm9H5_UH1EQvVatVdzgDDB5mIAZkZ1yl_QOQdPe1ZODrKSOVEtjNeQKctJng3AQ8v-2oMjsXdZQzVxjA3MlCm4m1fca/s1600/jrfindl-1355092953_600.jpg" /></a></div>
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Jennifer Findley has so many teaching-related boards I love.</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/jnase1/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcq95owjkocmpT57ewCERsu_FRl3joPw9S9zSVTpfMAQbee5kUO5nozH0TGEA9q0iJ2lE5OZzJXGSBMhSorxKCgBJbd_d4sgFg-ciIj6ph24IgpNBklsjUH1DTWIntC5SoS2MzbjfBLeW/s1600/jnase1-84_600.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is A Teacher's Bag of Tricks/The Book Bug. There are so many boards and resources for library and book lovers.<br />
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Happy Pinning!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-43518273798760699072012-12-22T17:11:00.002-08:002012-12-22T17:20:39.446-08:00Student-Teacher ConferencesI know everyone has had conferences with parents about how their children are performing in school, but how often do you have conferences with students? I've been thinking a lot about student-teacher conferences lately because I feel like students should take more of an ownership role in their learning - especially as they get older.<br />
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I have had many informal conferences with students in the past, but it seemed more teacher-focused, with me telling them what my expectations are. I realized that I was having the same conversations with the same students about the same things, but there was not much of a plan in place.<br />
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I came up with some <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Teacher-Conference-Forms" target="_blank">conference forms</a> that I plan to use with my students as soon as we come back to school. I want my students to reflect on their strengths and areas in which they feel they need improvement. It is my hope that they feel secure enough to honestly reflect on what kinds of things they need to work on in order to be successful. At the same time, I want them to tell me what things I can do to help them succeed and be their best.<br />
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Students will fill out a self-reflection pre-conference form so they can rate themselves and think about areas where they can improve. I will also fill out a form to highlight each student's strength and what I think should be improved. Students will come up with some goal statements with ways these goals can be measured and, together, we can come up with an actual plan to put into action. Once we meet, the student, their parent(s), and I will sign the conference form so that we are all on the same page. We will all work together as a team to accomplish the goals set, and we will meet again every six weeks to check on their progress.<br />
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I have very high expectations for my students. I honestly feel that my students can achieve anything they set their minds to achieve. I do not "dumb down" my lessons because I know my students are all capable of higher level thinking. I have to include a lot of scaffolding for them to learn new concepts sometimes, but ultimately, all my students can learn. Sometimes, the hard part is getting kids to live up to those expectations and BELIEVE in themselves. Sometimes, they have to make up their minds to shine and live up to my expectations. I KNOW they can accomplish practically anything.<br />
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What do YOU think?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-74665749293770581082012-12-20T08:42:00.002-08:002012-12-22T17:15:28.990-08:00Who Cares About A.R.?Actually, I care. I care a lot. I know that, as a teacher, I am in the minority; in fact, almost all of the teachers that I know could care less about A.R., and I understand. Most teachers feel like kids should read simply for the love of reading and not for points. Most teachers also love to read. I never have, so I will offer a different perspective.<br />
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I grew up loving math. I loved (and still do) puzzles and brain teasers. I like logic, and most of the time I don't even bother using a calculator. I can calculate in my head how much I will pay when I'm out shopping, and figuring out a tip on my bill at a restaurant is incredibly simple for me. I have always been left-brained.<br />
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I didn't like to read. I was a good reader, actually, and was always put in the advanced reading group. I could pronounce any word I found, so I could read the words of any book that was put in front of me. But, I struggled with vocabulary, comprehension, and symbolism, especially as I entered middle and high school. I read books that I was required to read, but if I wasn't interested in the book (which was most of the time), I struggled with remembering what I had read. Even now, I am not a big reader.<br />
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As a teacher, however, I don't care as much for teaching math (unless it is a really advanced math class). Math concepts come so easily to me and make so much sense that it is hard for me to understand how a child could not understand something that I showed them. I am always working hard to find other ways to teach math so that students can learn those concepts.<br />
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In contrast, I absolutely LOVE teaching reading and writing. I love getting kids excited about reading. I love the huge selection and variety of children's and young adult books out there. I love reading aloud to my students and making the book come alive. I also love and promote A.R. in my classroom and require my students to set A.R. goals for themselves.<br />
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I understand that many kids dislike reading - especially those who struggle with reading comprehension and fluency. I get why kids always need to go to the bathroom during reading and who will do anything to get out of having to read. Those are the ones who need to read the most, and the only way they can be better readers is to read. I understand them because I was one of those kids.<br />
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As much as we hope that kids will read simply for the love of it and not worry about whether a book is A.R. or not or how many points a book is, the reality is that many just don't like it, no matter how much we tell them that they should and it's "fun." It doesn't change the fact that they still need to read. So, what's a teacher to do other than require them to read and hope that one day they will just naturally decide that they love it and will read without being asked? <br />
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I say that we should introduce a little competition or incentive. I am an incredibly competitive person, and I know that many kids are as well. I like them to think of A.R. points as a sport or challenge that they can meet. We now have access to all A.R. tests at our school, so most books that they read are A.R. And if kids read books only because they can earn more points, who cares? At least they are reading, and isn't that the goal, anyway? By reading (even if it's for A.R. points), kids will improve their reading fluency and comprehension in the process, and once reading becomes easier or they find a genre or series they like in the process, they may decide they love reading and will end up reading because they love it. <br />
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I have seen this happen many, many times in my fifteen years of teaching. Parents have told me that their kids have never loved reading more than after being in my class. There is no greater joy as a teacher to hear that I have made a difference, and encouraging students to read A.R. books is why many kids (like I was) like reading more than when they started.<br />
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I will get off of my soapbox now. How do YOU feel about A.R.? Are you a reading lover? Do you love teaching reading? I'd love to hear your thoughts!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-81406754352880214542012-12-18T19:22:00.001-08:002012-12-18T19:32:52.189-08:00Poetry Rocks!I've discovered the most awesome book of poetry. It is, in fact, one of my favorite books I own (and I own around 2,000)! It is National Geographic's Book of Animal Poetry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-QBznPWf43YtglKypVCJx3I5mniZwSKsyRKmhgxTRDBPdFf-1zkjBncOzszW6n82p1EiwKeA2OMCmTun65_e_cmV-oLgNe2__oxf-tlt2vad2UEn2phkMGpVL05lLYP4PiRyBumr006_/s1600/IMG_1155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-QBznPWf43YtglKypVCJx3I5mniZwSKsyRKmhgxTRDBPdFf-1zkjBncOzszW6n82p1EiwKeA2OMCmTun65_e_cmV-oLgNe2__oxf-tlt2vad2UEn2phkMGpVL05lLYP4PiRyBumr006_/s320/IMG_1155.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is a collection of 200 poems written by various authors and grouped by animal. There are all types of poetry written about all types of animals. The pictures are absolutely amazing - so colorful and brilliant! I have been reading these poems to my students, and we love to discuss the different types of figurative language we find. This book is perfect to read while students finish up their animal research papers. Students each picked an animal to research and used various sources to research their animal. They have created an animal nonfiction brochure to go along with their report, and in January, students will write poetry from their animal's point of view. <br />
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I used Leann Bongers's (lifein4b.blogspot.com) <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Non-Fiction-Animal-Research-Report-Student-Sheets">animal research student sheets</a>. If you haven't checked her stuff (and blog) out, you really should! She is my idol. <br />
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Happy reading!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607487020204680187.post-88949502682748194542012-12-17T18:02:00.003-08:002012-12-17T19:09:54.443-08:00Confessions of a First-Time BloggerOkay...I will confess that I know next to nothing about blogging. So, equipped with my copy of <u>Blogging for Dummies</u>, I attempt to try my hand at blogging. Wish me luck!<br />
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I am in love with teaching, especially reading and writing. There's something about children's literature and inspiring kids to love it, too that gets me to school every day to work in a profession that is only meant for those with a true calling.<br />
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Being a teacher is not what I aspired to be when I was a kid. I wanted to make money. I wanted to be in the business world. In fact, I even earned a Bachelor's degree in Business. But I was miserable. It was an episode of "20/20" featuring Marva Collins that changed my mind and career path. The show re-visited the students in Marva's first class (20 years later) from her school in Chicago. These were all underprivileged students who were originally told by previous teachers and others in society that they were retarded and that they couldn't learn. She taught them to be confident. She set standards for them that were high. She believed in them and helped them believe in themselves. Because of her determination and love, every single member of that class was enrolled in college, and many aspired to continue on to law school or medical school. I was forever changed by her story. After that show, I decided to pursue a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and never looked back since.<br />
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I never liked to read as a child. I was a good reader, but as the text levels became more difficult, the more I struggled to comprehend. I only read because I was told I had to. I didn't care much about what I was reading; reading never took me to another place or sucked me in and kept me there. I liked math and puzzles and logic. I wish I had loved reading and didn't struggle with symbolism or vocabulary. Maybe if I had, I might not identify with so many children who hate to read. Maybe I can hopefully inspire my students to actually love reading and books. Who knows?<br />
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For now, I will aspire to inspire. And maintain a somewhat coherent blog. I guess we'll have to see.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504594558420471660noreply@blogger.com4