tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52399364418400572042016-11-03T16:55:24.113-04:00The Primary PorchA place for teachers to drop by and share ideas.Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-44994203063098204532014-05-11T10:40:00.003-04:002014-05-11T10:40:54.032-04:00Check Out the NEW BlogHappy Sunday Everyone...<br />I recently discovered that I didn't have an original blog/TPT name like I thought. Sooo...I am no longer going to be using this blog. I have a new name, new blog, and new TPT store - all are called The Primary Schoolhouse. I hope you will hop over to my new blog and follow me there. I look forward to continued sharing and learning from y'all.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theprimaryschoolhouse.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yTa_tkQPjX0/U2-Lw5WxOWI/AAAAAAAADYQ/BTJrkhuNj0M/s1600/Blog+link.PNG" height="81" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Happy Days...Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-21333154712963260952014-01-06T23:11:00.001-05:002014-01-06T23:11:08.652-05:00Back to School - Part 2I can't believe it has been almost 5 months since my last post! I took on two new challenges in 2013. First, I started working on a Master's Degree last April. Can anyone say Holy Lots of Work!!! Second, I took on a new challenge at work where I truly felt I had gotten in over my head. 25 years of teaching did little to prepare me for the realities of teaching 14 five and six year old ESE students. Some days, I came home numb and wondered if I was doing more harm than good to these little ones. Other days, I felt like we were making progress. Gradually, the good days outweighed the rough ones. By the time Christmas break was here, I felt like I was getting a grip on how to best help my babies. Plus, it brought almost three weeks off from school (the first break since April). I truly needed these last few weeks. I am rested and excited to be going back to work and starting the next class.<br /><br />I don't usually do New Year's resolutions since I'm pretty sure they will only last a few weeks, or hours. But, this year, I am making some and here they are:<br /><br /> 1. Budget my time better.<br /> 2. Work out at least 3 times a week.<br /> 3. Blog at least once a week.<br /> 4. Plan time with friends at least once a month ( a huge improvement<br /> over the complete absence of "play" for the last 8 months.)<br /> 5. Keep up with lesson plans and grading.<br /><br />If I can do these things, then 2014 will be a much better year.<br /><br />Here's hoping I see a lot more of you this year.<br /><br />Amy<br /><br />Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-31023399722861495962013-08-03T18:36:00.001-04:002013-08-03T18:36:41.598-04:00My Room is Ready!!Can you believe we had our Open House today?? It's August 3rd.! I am still shocked at how early we had to start back. Actually, we started back the same time last year. I think what has me discombobulated is the fact that we started back on Thursday and our students start next Thursday. Who starts the school year on a Thursday - LOL.<br /><br />Anyway, my room actually got finished before the first family arrived (thank goodness!) Since this is the first time I set up a classroom for the beginning of the year since I started blogging, I just had to share a few pics.<br /><br /><br /><span id="goog_1771181339"></span><span id="goog_1771181340"></span>Here's what parents saw when walking in the door. I can't believe how large my classroom looks in this pic. I wish is was this big, but alas, it is not. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tr8aPjl8qeM/Uf1-GcD_9ZI/AAAAAAAABo0/D07_PKZX-Zk/s1600/CAM00361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tr8aPjl8qeM/Uf1-GcD_9ZI/AAAAAAAABo0/D07_PKZX-Zk/s320/CAM00361.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is our circle time area. See the brightly colored book baskets lined up? Those are going to be the students' baskets for Read to Self. I decided to take some advice and implement the Daily 5 slowly. We are going to start with Read to Self and see how it goes. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGqpWF-jPps/Uf1-E5q0X0I/AAAAAAAABoU/rZK5kGighNw/s1600/CAM00356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGqpWF-jPps/Uf1-E5q0X0I/AAAAAAAABoU/rZK5kGighNw/s320/CAM00356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><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: left;">I love how my word wall came out. It is easily accessible for me so that I can add words without having to be an acrobat or contortionist!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7z4mhfLJLc/Uf1-GBEJ6SI/AAAAAAAABoo/mA2rT1f2j0A/s1600/CAM00362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7z4mhfLJLc/Uf1-GBEJ6SI/AAAAAAAABoo/mA2rT1f2j0A/s320/CAM00362.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am really excited about my portable "stage". Most of my students are language impaired and need lots of opportunities to speak. However, I know that many times, children are uncomfortable speaking in front of others. So, in my travels this summer, I found this pocket chart puppet stage at an awesome teacher supply store in Greensboro NC. I put it on a chart stand and put "STARRING..." at the top. The plan is to bring it over to our carpet area whenever students will be speaking. I'm hoping that being behind the "stage" will help them feel more comfortable when speaking in front of the class.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pW5o_H4mU8/Uf1-EG8FHRI/AAAAAAAABoA/AKyAiqC5VJs/s1600/CAM00355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pW5o_H4mU8/Uf1-EG8FHRI/AAAAAAAABoA/AKyAiqC5VJs/s320/CAM00355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, is my birthday board and basket. I found this idea on Pinterest (and as soon as I find it again, I will edit this post and give credit to the originator.) There is one gift bag for each month. Student birthdays are written on candles at the tops of the bags. I am in love with my birthday basket. I found a white basket at a thrift store for $2.00. Since I am unable to make a bow, I also spent $6.99 on a cool-looking bow from Micheals. Inside the basket is Eric Carle's book, The Secret Birthday Message. I am going to be on the look out for other birthday stories. Then, students will choose a book from the basket for me to read aloud to the class. In addition, there are birthday crowns, bookmarks, stickers, and certificates. Everything I need to celebrate these special days in one convenient spot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4Szu6AKvGo/Uf1-Gz4WsmI/AAAAAAAABo8/dXOcfnKogfc/s1600/CAM00364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4Szu6AKvGo/Uf1-Gz4WsmI/AAAAAAAABo8/dXOcfnKogfc/s320/CAM00364.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJgJePgHbqU/Uf1-GXce-7I/AAAAAAAABow/ZugcbWg9JoY/s1600/CAM00363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJgJePgHbqU/Uf1-GXce-7I/AAAAAAAABow/ZugcbWg9JoY/s320/CAM00363.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />I found a great set of Line Up Songs from Mrs. Ricca's Kindergarten. They are available for free in her TPT store. Here is the link if you want to check them out<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Line-Up-Songs-Cards-565582"> http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Line-Up-Songs-Cards-565582</a>. I decided to attach them together and hang them by our classroom door. Now, I can grab the cards, choose a song, and help my students get ready to head out.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2x1fpiAl5c/Uf1-Fe0jVxI/AAAAAAAABoY/co5S3k_SNhA/s1600/CAM00360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2x1fpiAl5c/Uf1-Fe0jVxI/AAAAAAAABoY/co5S3k_SNhA/s320/CAM00360.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I found a second, awesome basket at the thrift store. This one is silver. It just screamed "Treasure Box". So, I brought it back to Fl from North Carolina and spruced it up. It is up high enough that my little ones can't touch it, but they sure can see it! LOL<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BAoVXgmCEk/Uf1-EZcBcmI/AAAAAAAABoE/zydfbElLaKs/s1600/CAM00359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2BAoVXgmCEk/Uf1-EZcBcmI/AAAAAAAABoE/zydfbElLaKs/s320/CAM00359.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Finally, my favorite part of Open House. First, I create tags with a short message on them.<br /><br />Next, I attached them to colorful lunch bags with bright blue ribbon. The finished products made the room look even more colorful. The looks on the kids faces this afternoon when I told them they were getting a gift to celebrate the start of a new school year was fun. Lots of smiles and giggles. Again, I can't take complete creative credit. I modified a pin on Pinterest to work for me. I found all of the items at Party City. I will admit I spent more money on the ingredients of the bag, but I thought it was so much fun, I didn't really care - LOL. There is no candy or food in the bags. I wish I had the close-up of the finished bag, but for some reason that is the one pic that would not upload. Anyway, you can see them on the desks in the first pic.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hewyuHDouE0/Uf1-C-hBsbI/AAAAAAAABns/yBcZHk3HC5Q/s1600/CAM00350%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hewyuHDouE0/Uf1-C-hBsbI/AAAAAAAABns/yBcZHk3HC5Q/s320/CAM00350%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92WFwxHACMk/Uf1-C_uOy5I/AAAAAAAABn0/B6Pusp92V8k/s1600/CAM00353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92WFwxHACMk/Uf1-C_uOy5I/AAAAAAAABn0/B6Pusp92V8k/s320/CAM00353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNxdMb8-Jr4/Uf1-DFQeeCI/AAAAAAAABnw/kFVxcBg9SKU/s1600/CAM00354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNxdMb8-Jr4/Uf1-DFQeeCI/AAAAAAAABnw/kFVxcBg9SKU/s320/CAM00354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I hope you enjoyed the tour of my classroom. I am really looking forward to sharing the different activities we do this year.<br /><br />Happy Blogging!<br /><br />Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-6240836877728761302013-07-31T17:26:00.000-04:002013-07-31T17:34:20.864-04:0069 Days and a Spontaneous Give Away69 days ago, I said good-bye to my students and colleagues and began the most anticipated (and needed) time in a teacher's life - SUMMER VACATION! It has been a wonderful summer filled with rest, naps, relaxing, more naps, a road trip, visiting with family, chillin' in the pool, shopping, going out to lunch, and even more naps. Most of all - I haven't heard the sound of an alarm clock going off earlier than any person should ever have to get out of bed. However, all of this is about to change. Tomorrow is our first day back to work. Teachers in my district report to work Aug. 1. Students begin on Aug. 8.<br /><br />Over the summer, my position changed. At the end of the year, I was scheduled to be the CT resource teacher for grades K, 1, and 3. Exactly what I had done last year and wanted to continue. Then, I attended a Train the Trainer training for implementing CCSS and our new reading series. Every day I sat in class and felt sorry for myself because the education pendulum was finally swinging back to what I consider "Real" teaching - you know, thematic teaching with data-driven instruction rather than a prescribed number of pages required to prepare students for a series-specific test. I called my principal and she had just received an additional second grade unit, which she said I could take. I was sooooo excited that I would have my own class and be able to implement all of the wonderful things coming up this year. My one regret was that I would miss working with my low babies. <br /><br />I spent a little over a week prepared to teach second grade when I learned that our K-1 Intensive Academics teacher had to move out of state. I thought long and hard about whether or not I could (or wanted) to take on this challenge. I decided to talk to my principal and leave the decision to her. To make a long story short (or at least shorter), I am now teaching the K-1 IA class this year. I love how everything worked out. I get the best of both worlds. First, I will have my own class and classroom again. Plus, I get to keep working with my age and population I love.<br /><br />I have spent hours searching the internet this summer for ideas and have found some amazing things. I know that I am going to implement WBT. From everything I have learned, it sounds like just what my students will need. I want to start using Daily 5, although I still not quite sure how that is going to work.<br /><br />My classroom is almost set up and ready for Open House this Saturday. I have not been this excited about back to school in several years and can't wait to share how it goes.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: cyan;"><i><b>Now, on to the give away. I have been a very neglectful blogger this summer. I started working on my master's, which consumed a lot more time than I anticipated. Anyway, as I was writing this post, I decided that the first 5 people who respond to this post with their email address and the product they would like out of my store will receive it free. Pick any product. I'll email it to you either tonight or first thing in the morning. (Unless it takes longer for 5 people to respond - LOL). Just go window shopping in my TPT store, pick out what you want and then leave the item name and your email below. </b></i></span></span><br /><br />I hope everyone enjoys their last few days of summer (or their early back to school start).<br /><br />Happy Blogging!Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-62884041293973137762013-07-14T18:47:00.001-04:002013-07-14T18:47:31.629-04:00Back to School Products Linky Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elementaryschoolgarden.com/2013/07/back-2-school-link-up-favorite-back-2.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYH9yDeQgHM/UeMjOVRBC5I/AAAAAAAABjQ/jvm8ZfWsCSY/s320/Back2SchoolLinkUp.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Can you believe July is almost half over? My district starts back to work on August 1. That means I only have 17 vacation days left! I've decided to join Jennifer over at Elementary School Garden in her Back 2 School Linky Parties. Each week, Jennifer is hosting a different Linky party - all topics having to do with Back to School. This week, we are featuring our favorite Back to School TPT products. Here are a few of my faves.<br /><br />First up is my Owl-Themed Classroom Essentials.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Owl-Themed-Classroom-Essentials-751941"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GkbTRLJwBMI/UeMmBD1D5QI/AAAAAAAABkY/PpFBv8b66UE/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3eiilm5I94/UeMmLvYb5OI/AAAAAAAABlM/95VGwe673Tc/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FMuC1IQsYG8/UeMmL1-UHAI/AAAAAAAABks/X2E62Ph4s04/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SX76NYmQuSE/UeMmM7KiQsI/AAAAAAAABlU/YW7yvGv3W_g/s1600/Slide71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Owl-Themed-Classroom-Essentials-751941"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1OUmgbMqh0/UeMnB_VMFMI/AAAAAAAABmA/KxHjsqd13KY/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This product provides all of the items you need to set up your classroom. It coordinates with my Math and ELA CCSS "I Can" Statements. The CCSS statements are available for K-2. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9fPWy4TiU4/UeMnsEixRJI/AAAAAAAABmI/DLyki0LFG5I/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9fPWy4TiU4/UeMnsEixRJI/AAAAAAAABmI/DLyki0LFG5I/s200/Slide1.JPG" width="200" /></a><span id="goog_945379163"></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFf57nUweIc/UeMoVC1xJlI/AAAAAAAABm4/HGSVjL_QoCM/s1600/Slide43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFf57nUweIc/UeMoVC1xJlI/AAAAAAAABm4/HGSVjL_QoCM/s200/Slide43.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-ELA-and-Math-CCSS-I-Can-Statements-Owl-Themed-751918" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyWKbmcUDhw/UeMnxmUlSVI/AAAAAAAABmQ/4R8PHY1jO98/s200/Slide1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsPfETcx6Dc/UeMoA9tn0fI/AAAAAAAABmo/wjmY0cLOwKA/s1600/Slide12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsPfETcx6Dc/UeMoA9tn0fI/AAAAAAAABmo/wjmY0cLOwKA/s200/Slide12.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Second-Grade-ELA-and-Math-CCSS-I-Can-Statements-Owl-Themed-751929" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbNEXeJcL04/UeMnzeZ33kI/AAAAAAAABmY/jYnUfCDff30/s200/Slide1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SC6Lc1nu6j8/UeMn-ttTyvI/AAAAAAAABmg/L4kOk3M2YFQ/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SC6Lc1nu6j8/UeMn-ttTyvI/AAAAAAAABmg/L4kOk3M2YFQ/s200/Slide5.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The other product that I am happy is finally finished is my September Bell Work for 2nd Grade. There is one for each month of the school year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/September-Bell-Work-for-2nd-Grade-770906"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjrJ_hy22XQ/UeMo2-fXhWI/AAAAAAAABnA/19KJC0BrNiY/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I hope you will check out these and my other products. Be sure to visit Jennifer's blog and visit some other awesome TPT sellers.<br /><br />Happy Blogging!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owsN8XwI044/UeMjzXVdJzI/AAAAAAAABjY/xaDb4X55JNs/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8k5YMmwSNok/UeMj08RSe7I/AAAAAAAABjg/RL6cNMotdhw/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owsN8XwI044/UeMjzXVdJzI/AAAAAAAABjY/xaDb4X55JNs/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8k5YMmwSNok/UeMj08RSe7I/AAAAAAAABjg/RL6cNMotdhw/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owsN8XwI044/UeMjzXVdJzI/AAAAAAAABjY/xaDb4X55JNs/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8k5YMmwSNok/UeMj08RSe7I/AAAAAAAABjg/RL6cNMotdhw/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owsN8XwI044/UeMjzXVdJzI/AAAAAAAABjY/xaDb4X55JNs/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8k5YMmwSNok/UeMj08RSe7I/AAAAAAAABjg/RL6cNMotdhw/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owsN8XwI044/UeMjzXVdJzI/AAAAAAAABjY/xaDb4X55JNs/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8k5YMmwSNok/UeMj08RSe7I/AAAAAAAABjg/RL6cNMotdhw/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owsN8XwI044/UeMjzXVdJzI/AAAAAAAABjY/xaDb4X55JNs/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8k5YMmwSNok/UeMj08RSe7I/AAAAAAAABjg/RL6cNMotdhw/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owsN8XwI044/UeMjzXVdJzI/AAAAAAAABjY/xaDb4X55JNs/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8k5YMmwSNok/UeMj08RSe7I/AAAAAAAABjg/RL6cNMotdhw/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQaXK7J82vw/UeMj5G7P6AI/AAAAAAAABj4/umm-ylkp5oQ/s1600/Slide45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rA6J4r31Puw/UeMkAz_JOgI/AAAAAAAABkI/NJOSNdr8IxU/s1600/Circus+Themed+Classroom+Essentials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br />Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-69339534544951499232013-07-07T17:50:00.000-04:002013-07-07T17:50:09.512-04:00Giveaway...Giveaway...Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://divingintolearning.blogspot.com/2013/07/giveaway-time.html"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyikHr8oPHc/UdniaLZHjkI/AAAAAAAABjA/Qokiqu6vFk4/s320/1+year+blog+anniversary+giveaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Congratulations to Jen over at Diving Into Learning. She is celebrating her one year "blog"versary by hosting an awesome giveaway. Click on the link above to hop over and check out the amazing prizes she is offering.<br /><br />Happy Blogging,<br /><br />Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-63317120780153717202013-07-01T13:16:00.002-04:002013-07-01T13:18:52.274-04:00Math Picture Books - Linky Party #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lyKYWvMMO2Q/UdG5HKRBmaI/AAAAAAAABiw/_XHRhoPvZ6k/s400/Presentation1+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lyKYWvMMO2Q/UdG5HKRBmaI/AAAAAAAABiw/_XHRhoPvZ6k/s320/Presentation1+(5).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />DeeAnne had such a great idea! I love these linky parties. I am "Going home" in the fall and teaching first grade for the first time in 15 years and I can't wait. On top of that, I will also have some Kinders (First time for K). It has been a long time since I've updated my personal library so these Linky Parties are a tremendous help. I have so many books on my wish list on Amazon that I think I need a second job! Anyway, this week's theme is Math Picture Books. Thanks to Pinterest, I've found a ton of great books. Common Core is going to allow us to go back to integrated theme teaching, which in my opinion, is the most effective style. Of course, to do that, I need books - LOTS of books. So, here are a few of the math picture books I am most excited to use.<br /><br />The first three deal with addition and subtraction. I love the way that the first two define the concepts of addition and subtraction. The text will be readable for my young readers, and the great pictures and fun words should make them both Old Favorites.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSTbdfj91bM/UdGzANKJsuI/AAAAAAAABh0/-hKyhiqFO7U/s100/51I-cjJkFTL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSTbdfj91bM/UdGzANKJsuI/AAAAAAAABh0/-hKyhiqFO7U/s100/51I-cjJkFTL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70HD1opuncM/UdGy-gxeI1I/AAAAAAAABhs/xwRQQSCOAtQ/s100/51ooEIO8BTL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70HD1opuncM/UdGy-gxeI1I/AAAAAAAABhs/xwRQQSCOAtQ/s100/51ooEIO8BTL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" /></a></div><br /> Tyrannosaurus Math should be an instant hit.I know that I have more boys than girls in my class - and what boy doesn't love dinosaurs. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3A59cDGqqM/UdGzHnORoeI/AAAAAAAABiM/S7G_lYKRGl8/s100/61ZF1BIXf8L._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3A59cDGqqM/UdGzHnORoeI/AAAAAAAABiM/S7G_lYKRGl8/s100/61ZF1BIXf8L._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />I am always looking for fun ways to help students learn to skip count. I use songs, rhymes, etc. Now, I will also these books.<br /><br />Eggs and Legs: Counting by Twos.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wqC8mfOoqRQ/UdGzCkSWo5I/AAAAAAAABh8/wHi7eWqpCUQ/s80/51RFBYQVYGL._SL500_SS80_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wqC8mfOoqRQ/UdGzCkSWo5I/AAAAAAAABh8/wHi7eWqpCUQ/s80/51RFBYQVYGL._SL500_SS80_.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lots of Ladybugs: Counting by Fives</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzruxWUgjEo/UdGzJ0eUd3I/AAAAAAAABiU/GbiTfQ6ttyI/s80/51ZGG5EHNRL._SL500_SS80_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzruxWUgjEo/UdGzJ0eUd3I/AAAAAAAABiU/GbiTfQ6ttyI/s80/51ZGG5EHNRL._SL500_SS80_.jpg" /></a></div><br />Toasty Toes: Counting by Tens<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QxwwkMyDEhw/UdGy9InLxSI/AAAAAAAABhk/iFhPOi0LuAM/s80/51HVHS7HN4L._SL500_SS80_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QxwwkMyDEhw/UdGy9InLxSI/AAAAAAAABhk/iFhPOi0LuAM/s80/51HVHS7HN4L._SL500_SS80_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, I found Mouse Shapes. I remember seeing this book in another classroom, but I've never used it. It will be a great intro to the geometry CCSS.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3y9Wc6O_m0/UdGzFBcMUPI/AAAAAAAABiE/YT5ekut8BLI/s260/51EeK%252Bgcv0L._SX260_PJlook-inside-v2%252CTopRight%252C1%252C0_SH20_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3y9Wc6O_m0/UdGzFBcMUPI/AAAAAAAABiE/YT5ekut8BLI/s200/51EeK%252Bgcv0L._SX260_PJlook-inside-v2%252CTopRight%252C1%252C0_SH20_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Finally, I found a book called The Great Graph Contest. This is the first book I've come across that introduces graphing to primary students. It even contains directions for students to make their own graphs.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBxt-LmB6YU/UdGzNRRVuqI/AAAAAAAABic/oHuKgzGR_6c/s260/61NE8WD4Y1L._SX260_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBxt-LmB6YU/UdGzNRRVuqI/AAAAAAAABic/oHuKgzGR_6c/s200/61NE8WD4Y1L._SX260_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70HD1opuncM/UdGy-gxeI1I/AAAAAAAABho/EFFphXkCTYo/s100/51ooEIO8BTL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSTbdfj91bM/UdGzANKJsuI/AAAAAAAABhw/zGg1kT_gyic/s100/51I-cjJkFTL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70HD1opuncM/UdGy-gxeI1I/AAAAAAAABho/EFFphXkCTYo/s100/51ooEIO8BTL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSTbdfj91bM/UdGzANKJsuI/AAAAAAAABhw/zGg1kT_gyic/s100/51I-cjJkFTL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>I can't wait to see what other books I am going to have to add to my wish list. Be sure to check out DeeAnne's blog, <a href="http://firstgradeandfabulous.blogspot.com/2013/06/picture-book-linky-party-week-2-math.html">First Grade and Fabulous</a>, to follow other posts.<br /><br />Happy Blogging! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-2456770524667255302013-06-29T20:05:00.001-04:002013-06-30T23:39:50.041-04:00First Week Picture Books Linky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://firstgradeandfabulous.blogspot.com/2013/06/picture-books-linky-party.html"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wl6OnE4PNDM/Uc918-7rlpI/AAAAAAAABhI/DzuvV6EPSqE/s320/Presentation2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />If you are anything like me, I am always excited when I find a great deal. This weekend, I found lots of them. One of my finds was a copy of First Day Jitters. I've heard of the book, but never read it. I roared when I read the last page! (Especially since I have felt just like Sarah). Anyway, today when I was blog stalking, I found a linky party hosted DeAnne over at First Grade and Fabulous. Bloggers are linking up to share their favorite picture books to read aloud the first week of school. So, here are a couple of my tried and trues, along with some new ones that I can't wait to use this year.<br /><br />First up, is <u><b>Chrysanthemum</b></u>, a great story about a perfect mouse with a perfect name, until she starts school. There, she meets classmates who decide that her name is silly. Luckily, she has an understanding teacher who helps her appreciate her unique name. I love this book because it is a great discussion starter about how we treat each other, along with embracing the things that make each of us unique.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFQZQMVF9Pw/Uc9oA6oVcDI/AAAAAAAABfo/p3Rg4M7Q0EU/s160/51gp7AsrTML._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFQZQMVF9Pw/Uc9oA6oVcDI/AAAAAAAABfo/p3Rg4M7Q0EU/s200/51gp7AsrTML._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Another book I read every year is <u><b>The Crayon Box That Talked</b></u>. Again, it is a great story that has helped my students begin to understand that each person in our class is important, even though each one is unique. If you've never read this one, it is a story about a box of crayons that discover that while each one can make a beautiful picture by itself, when they work together, they can create a masterpiece.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7cJRaYfW1M/Uc9o6SIO5QI/AAAAAAAABf0/mfh9PBniGvs/s160/51rL--Ki5sL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7cJRaYfW1M/Uc9o6SIO5QI/AAAAAAAABf0/mfh9PBniGvs/s160/51rL--Ki5sL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div><br />I am excited to add First Day Jitters to my collection. I found a copy at a yard sale (50 cents is a great price!) and snatched it up. I think the kids will really enjoy hearing about how teachers can also be nervous about the first day of school.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOB0g82k3EA/Uc9yynAlFtI/AAAAAAAABgE/falzrjPTHkY/s160/51RF262F3FL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOB0g82k3EA/Uc9yynAlFtI/AAAAAAAABgE/falzrjPTHkY/s160/51RF262F3FL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now, on to some new ones I am planning to pick up before school starts. I found all of these on blogs that have already signed up for the Linky Party and can't wait to use them. <br /><br />I chose this book to add to my shopping cart (Love Amazon!) just because I have either said or heard so many of the things RJ hears throughout his day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5rty1oJFZE/Uc9zmgfhbgI/AAAAAAAABgQ/OdMONSE0xsM/s100/51Nhodte5QL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5rty1oJFZE/Uc9zmgfhbgI/AAAAAAAABgQ/OdMONSE0xsM/s100/51Nhodte5QL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" /></a></div> I've heard about Pete the Cat, but have never used any "Pete" books. I think this one will be a great one to start.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXc9ocnCcDA/Uc9znhS2XbI/AAAAAAAABgY/peIJB94PtzE/s100/51RERinyB0L._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXc9ocnCcDA/Uc9znhS2XbI/AAAAAAAABgY/peIJB94PtzE/s100/51RERinyB0L._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" /></a></div><br /> I LOVE Splat the Cat and was thrilled when I found this one.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8UmmS1N1lc/Uc9zpBQeA-I/AAAAAAAABgg/dmjFg3v5OH0/s100/51TvakcvGJL._SL500_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8UmmS1N1lc/Uc9zpBQeA-I/AAAAAAAABgg/dmjFg3v5OH0/s100/51TvakcvGJL._SL500_SS100_.jpg" /></a></div><br />The Recess Queen looks like a great book for introducing the idea that we will be kind to each other (and that I am the only Queen (or boss) in the room - LOL).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92wfEP0i6sE/Uc9zqc_BWPI/AAAAAAAABgo/7xzNmKHTpDQ/s100/51Zt6LPGyzL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92wfEP0i6sE/Uc9zqc_BWPI/AAAAAAAABgo/7xzNmKHTpDQ/s100/51Zt6LPGyzL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" /></a></div><br />Finally, I found the following books, based on 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. I am going to be teaching a K-1 class this year and found one for each grade. What a great way to make sure both grades are represented!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Acl6KTe5sOk/Uc91fH2hBBI/AAAAAAAABg4/6UoIeqqLi-M/s100/61CvKxb0uhL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Acl6KTe5sOk/Uc91fH2hBBI/AAAAAAAABg4/6UoIeqqLi-M/s100/61CvKxb0uhL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2vHlu-WPbKY/Uc91gEHdEkI/AAAAAAAABhA/Bkxu2ThFnUY/s100/61kJ70hwvkL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2vHlu-WPbKY/Uc91gEHdEkI/AAAAAAAABhA/Bkxu2ThFnUY/s100/61kJ70hwvkL._SL500_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-big,TopRight,35,-73_OU01_SS100_.jpg" /> </a></div><br /><br /><br />I can't wait to see what other great books are out there. Be sure to link up and add your ideas.<br /><br />Happy Blogging,Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-89817077910488081352013-06-29T10:54:00.001-04:002013-06-29T10:54:50.693-04:00<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5294625/?claim=k3vdse2tw8w">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-36094608479932290232013-06-27T12:25:00.002-04:002013-06-27T12:25:49.993-04:00Changes + Daily 5 = An EXCITING New Year!This summer has brought a lot of changes. I just started back to school. I am working on a Master's in Reading. I loved the first class (Foundations in Reading) and am looking forward to the next one. I am also making a professional change. I left the regular classroom last year and taught K-2 ESE Co-Taught. I loved working with my kids and enjoyed the opportunity to go into different classrooms. I was all set to do the same thing again, when I attended a training on Reading Street and Common Core. I sat in class for three days feeling sorry for myself because the pendulum had finally swung back to thematic teaching and I was going to miss out because I didn't have my own classroom. So, I finally called my principal to see if there were any openings. She had just gotten another second grade unit and would put me in there if I wanted. I was thrilled that I was going to have my own classroom, but a little sad that I would be leaving my ESE babies. Then, a week later, I found out that there was an opening for a K-1 Intensive Academics teacher at my school. Once again, I talked to my principal (who is AMAZING by the way) and she moved me to that position. Now, I have the best of both worlds - I have my own class and I'm still in ESE. I can't wait to start the year.<br /><br />I had already decided that I wanted to implement the Daily 5 after reading all about it on other blogs. I had a pretty good idea about what it would look like in second grade. However, now that I am going to be in a K-1 classroom, I am not so sure. I think the first graders will be fine with it, but I am concerned about the kinders. If anyone out there in Blogworld has used Daily 5 with Kindergarten, I would love to hear about your experiences, especially what did and didn't work.<br /><br />Happy Blogging!Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-25209270101830636092013-06-20T18:18:00.001-04:002013-06-20T18:24:56.090-04:00Introducing a New Blogger!!Hi Blogger Friends,<br /><br />I am so excited to introduce a brand-new blogger to everyone. Her name is Tiffany and she is a kindergarten teacher at my school. She moved to kindergarten last year after being an ESE Co-Teacher for several years. She is sooooo creative and has tons of great ideas. I hope you will check out her blog and new TPT store. I know that I will learn lots from her. I hope some of you will be able to use some of her ideas as well. Click on the pic below to check out her new blog, More Schoolhouse Fun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.moreschoolhousefun.com/"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9rIQlWui6A/UcOA36eNAgI/AAAAAAAABfI/7euN6JJzLP8/s320/logopicture2.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a Terrific Thursday!!</div>Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-34595361498914432822013-06-12T17:45:00.003-04:002013-06-12T17:45:32.315-04:00Leaping into WBT...Can you help?Well, I am finally going to take the leap into Whole Brain Teaching. I plan to spend time this summer researching and learning as much as possible so that I am ready to implement it in August. I would love to hear from anyone who uses WBT. What do you like best about it? What works? What doesn't work? Any advice for a newbie? <br /><br />Any and all comments will be gratefully read and pondered upon (LOL).Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-34127539446988856622013-06-06T21:20:00.001-04:002013-06-06T21:20:32.846-04:00Clipart Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Several fabulous clip artists and bloggers have come together for an amazing Clipart Challenge hosted by Primary Possibilities! Each blogger is featuring a clip artist and a product they made using that artist's images! This is a great way to discover new clipart creators for your summer creations. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://primarypossibilities.blogspot.com/2013/06/clipart-challenge.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27q3lsTi2lw/Uay-u0X6IvI/AAAAAAAAGNs/4JcFspaPDSo/s320/3am_clipartcallenge_2013.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am so excited to share my Back to School Icebreakers created using papers and frames by Amy Alvis. If you would like it, click on the image below to go to my TPT store, where you can download it for FREE.</span></div><div style="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="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Icebreakers-719935"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvqID8mi2kQ/UbExenXntCI/AAAAAAAABd8/vQVih0f70g8/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYTRIflEiq8/UbExf62_4iI/AAAAAAAABeE/9Hrb-oAx_XA/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYTRIflEiq8/UbExf62_4iI/AAAAAAAABeE/9Hrb-oAx_XA/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mn8gBwfVx4/UbExhBoYICI/AAAAAAAABeM/VBDsosga8NA/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mn8gBwfVx4/UbExhBoYICI/AAAAAAAABeM/VBDsosga8NA/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvy8PMBKfEU/UbExiR9xD2I/AAAAAAAABeU/fPPClscrWyg/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvy8PMBKfEU/UbExiR9xD2I/AAAAAAAABeU/fPPClscrWyg/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Altogether, you get 56 cards that can be mixed and matched so that the questions are appropriate for any level. I've included 3 ideas for activities, but the cards can be used in lots of different ways. For example, the cards would make great journal prompts. If you would like to visit Amy's store and check out her great papers and frames, just click on the image below.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Alvis"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vapvuWnLa_g/UbEyah5wXyI/AAAAAAAABeg/PrDL4P36-1s/s320/Digi+by+Amy+Alvis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div align="center"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are the two products I used. Click on the images to check them out in Amy's store.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Digital-Background-Scrapbook-Pack-Spring-II-12-X-12-506591"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7XnnDk_IiGs/UbEypnr7tKI/AAAAAAAABeo/MNnmC_sQ9kE/s320/Spring+2+Preview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Doodle-Frames-III-10-frames-20-doodle-borders-616801"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjjgQEFzsHQ/UbEyuWMVOqI/AAAAAAAABew/3WHEr3SWmxk/s320/thumbnail1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have really enjoyed participating in the Clipart Challenge. I can't wait to see the other fantastic products that have been created. So keep reading and following the linky at the bottom to head on to the next post! You may even pick up some freebies along the way!</span><br /><br /></div></div><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="280763" pagesize="60"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2.inlinkz.com/load.gif" /> Loading InLinkz ...</div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=003" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- end InLinkz script --> Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-18410868102548157242013-06-06T11:28:00.001-04:002013-06-06T11:28:16.471-04:00What Happened to May?Honestly, I have no idea what happened to May. It seems like it was on its way and the next thing I know it is June. I can't believe how busy the past few months have been. I moved both my home and my classroom, finished out the school year, celebrated my 50th birthday, and started grad school. It sure doesn't seem like a lot when I see it written out here, but it has been crazy. Things have finally settled down. I have missed being able to sit down and blog and feel like I am returning to a long-lost friend. I hope everyone has or is having a great end of year. I really look forward to catching up with everyone.<br /><br />Happy Blogging!Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-82421745576123550052013-04-08T19:13:00.002-04:002013-08-31T10:12:52.048-04:00Gavin: A MIGHTY Mito WarriorBack in September, I blogged about a very special little boy that I work with in Kindergarten named Gavin.( <a href="https://adventuresinteaching.net/2012/09/mito-week-and-amazing-little-boy.html">https://adventuresinteaching.net/2012/09/mito-week-and-amazing-little-boy.html)</a> Gavin is an inspiration to many who know him. He is funny, sweet, loving, and always smiling. He amazes me on a daily basis with his enthusiasm for life and learning. He loves school and insists on coming to class no matter how rough the night was for him. This disease is degenerative and he has regressed this year, but this doesn't stop him from trying to do everything his peers are doing. He loves Circle Time. Most mornings, he is too weak to get up and dance with the other kinders, so he sits in his floor sitter and bounces to the music. He sings along, even though he is usually a line or two behind. <br /><br />He has been blessed with an incredible family. He has an older sister, Makenzie, who is his champion. She is so loving with him (although like all siblings, they have their moments - LOL). She worries about her brother and tries to help her parents as much as possible. Today, I saw her at breakfast and she was wearing glasses. I asked her when she had to start wearing glasses. She replied, "They are fake. I am wearing them so Susie (not her real name) won't feel bad about having to wear glasses to school." I was speechless. As much as Makenzie has to deal with at home, she is still thinking about how to make her classmates lives better. Gavin's parents, Jeff and Brandi, have dedicated their time and efforts to doing everything possible to give Gavin and Makenzie a normal life. This has not been easy. Jeff works 50-70+ hours a week working, trying to provide for his family. Brandi is Gavin's full-time caretaker. She is with him 24/7. She even attends school with Gavin as his service dog's handler. Last October, Jeff and Brandi made a difficult decision to continue to pay for Gavin's medical treatments and medications instead of their mortgage. They are in danger of losing their home. To spend time with this family is to catch a glimpse of everyday heroes.<br /><br />Gavin is no longer able to play soccer or participate in physical activities. One day, his mom saw him trying to take pictures of his seizure alert dog, Hershey, in the hospital. Once he was discharged, she took him to the park and gave him a camera. He started snapping pics and has become quite the little photographer. His pictures are incredible and are now available on Etsy. Here is the link if you'd like to check out his work. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/momlawrey?ref=pr_shop_more">http://www.etsy.com/shop/momlawrey?ref=pr_shop_more</a> All proceeds from the sales of his pics go to his medical trust fund.<br /><br />This past weekend, Gavin's story ran in our local newspaper after a reporter and photographer followed he and his family on their medical journey for the last 9 months. Today, it was picked up by USA Today. <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/07/florida-family-medical-mystery/2061739/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/07/florida-family-medical-mystery/2061739/</a> There is also a fund set up to help with Gavin's medical expenses. h<a href="ttp://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/z842/hopeforgavin">ttp://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/z842/hopeforgavin</a> Gavin's disease has no cure. It will continue to attack his organs. No one can predict what will happen next. Right now, funding for research is extremely limited. This won't change until people are more aware of this horrible disease.<br /><br />Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I would like to ask you to consider posting a link to this post on your blog or Facebook page. The more people we reach, the more likely we are to be able to raise awareness of Mito.<br /><br />Have a Terrific Tuesday!!Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-27828289300588893192013-03-09T08:43:00.001-05:002013-03-09T08:43:41.178-05:00Moving On...(and a Giveaway)Today is the start of a crazy hectic week! I am moving to a new unit in the complex where I live. I'm excited because it is much better than the one I currently live in BUT....I HATE MOVING!!! LOL.<br />My time on the computer is probably going to be very limited over the next several days as I try really hard to stay off of here and actually do some moving. I didn't want to leave my poor blog sitting with a post that is over a week old. However, I'm pretty sure I won't be doing any blogging at all in the coming days. Luckily, Diving Into Learning is have a Spring Giveaway! So, click on the link below and hop over to enter to win some great prizes. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://divingintolearning.blogspot.com/2013/03/spring-giveaway.html"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UG9BXR1iHfc/UTs8RM7D0wI/AAAAAAAABdE/mAO5P8zP8aQ/s1600/diving+into+learning+spring+giveaway.jpg" /></a></div><br />Have an AWESOME week!Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-36249213229968127052013-02-26T17:43:00.000-05:002013-02-26T17:43:45.709-05:00Testing, Oh Testing......I hate you, you stink!<br /><br />Ever read the poem, "Homework, Oh Homework" by Jack Prelutsky? (If you haven't - check it out. It's a favorite!) Anyway, years ago, I learned about innovating stories and poems to help beginning writers and have used this strategy for a long time. Well today, I got to do my own innovation. I was given the <strike>chore </strike>opportunity to proctor the FCAT Writes test in a fourth grade classroom. It was 60 <strike>mind-numbing</strike> exhilarating minutes of walking around the classroom watching 10 year-old students write. I also know that I have more standardized testing to look forward to in the next couple of months. (Can I get a Woo-Hoo?)<br /><br />When I got back to my classroom this afternoon, this refrain kept bouncing around in my head: "Testing, Oh Testing, I hate you! You stink!" So, when I got home tonight, I decided to have some fun and share what I really think about standardized testing in elementary schools.<br /><br />Testing, Oh Testing<br /><br />Testing, Oh Testing <br />I hate you! you stink!<br />You never tell us as much<br />as they think!<br />If only politicians<br />would get a clue<br />Testing! Oh, testing!<br />But sadly, very few do.<br />I'd rather lick lollipops<br />covered with germs,<br />or even eat a big bowl <br />of crunchy fried worms,<br />shave my head bald,<br />break out in hives<br />than tackle the testing<br />that runs our lives.<br />Testing! Oh, testing!<br />You're last on my list.<br />I simply can't see<br />why you even exist.<br />If you just disappeared<br />it would tickle me pink.<br />Testing! Oh, testing!<br />I hate you! You stink! <br /><br />(BTW - I didn't have to change the last stanza for it to express my feelings. LOL)<br /><br />Have a Terrific Tuesday!Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-26056792479289682712013-02-25T20:18:00.001-05:002013-02-25T20:18:15.143-05:00<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1da9d21/" id="rc-1da9d21" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-53974037092723845772013-02-24T09:31:00.001-05:002013-02-24T09:33:27.857-05:00Teaching and Tapas GiveAway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teachingandtapas.com/2013/02/giveaway-win-up-to-100-amazing-products.html"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Abt3SxWNM_Y/USokEY5JjnI/AAAAAAAABcM/WIAxFdZEfpM/s1600/mail.google.com.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Good Morning, Blogworld! I keep telling myself I am going to post at least 2-3 times per week. But every week the TIME THIEF keeps getting in the way. Oh well, maybe this is the week I win.:)<br /><br />Alyssha over at Teaching and Tapas is hosting a giveaway. She has over 100 products broken down into grade level packs. Isn't that a great idea? Now, you can register for the level(s) you can use and not end up with products that aren't geared towards your grade(s). If you would like to enter the giveaway and/or check out Alyssha's blog, click the button at the top of this post.<br /><br />Happy Sunday!<br /><br />Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-36467746153885569392013-02-14T17:22:00.001-05:002013-02-14T17:47:06.431-05:00READ Across America Linky Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG_Ou71ZSyE/UR1jR7dSorI/AAAAAAAABbE/M0kpSAE3fu0/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG_Ou71ZSyE/UR1jR7dSorI/AAAAAAAABbE/M0kpSAE3fu0/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Happy <strike>Valentine's</strike> RAAD Day! Our school celebrated Read Across America Week a little early - we have actually been celebrating all week! The parents and teachers put in LOTS of time to get everything ready and they did an amazing job. So, I thought I'd share a few ideas and host a Linky Party all at the same time. I hope you will link up to your blog posts so we can see all of the creative ways we are celebrating Read Across America this year.<br /><br /> Every day this week, students have been following the "directions" of a different Dr. Seuss character for some fun dress-up ideas. (Since we are a uniform school, this is always a big hit for the kids!).<br /><br />Monday: Silly Socks Day<br />Tuesday: Grinch Green Day<br />Wednesday: (Cover your FEET with) Crazy Shoes Day<br />Thursday: Cindy Lou Who Crazy Hair Day<br />Friday: Cat in the CRAZY Hat Day<br /><br />Today was my favorite so far. I lost count of the number of students (along with a teacher or two) who actually wrapped their hair around plastic water bottles or plastic cups sitting on top of their heads. My Kinder co-teacher had hair that stood up close to a foot!<br /><br />In addition to Crazy Hair Day, today was the day we had guest readers from the community come in to read to classes. Everyone who volunteered to read was treated to some "Seusstastical" treats (Made by some Pinterest stalkers - LOL). Here's a pic of the treat table in the foyer.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgpNZGB9EGU/UR1ZD6WHkTI/AAAAAAAABaE/gBnpeDwn5Wg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wgpNZGB9EGU/UR1ZD6WHkTI/AAAAAAAABaE/gBnpeDwn5Wg/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />When our guests finished reading (and snacking), we asked them to vote on their favorite door. That's right....we got to decorate our doors!! Both teachers and students love this part of RAAD week since we usually have to follow some very strict fire codes. Here are a couple of pics of some great doors.<br /><br />This door leads into one of my second grade co-taught classrooms. Along with the giant hat, each student's picture is displayed. Here is the catch - in order to get their pic on the door, they had to read the poem with no errors! They loved standing outside and practicing and I'm pleased to report they all got their picture on the door. This is quite an accomplishment since this is an Intensive Reading classroom. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlpEb3IAxmQ/UR1ZgBJ7ywI/AAAAAAAABaM/dhO-G9GnEkc/s1600/photo(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlpEb3IAxmQ/UR1ZgBJ7ywI/AAAAAAAABaM/dhO-G9GnEkc/s320/photo(5).JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br />This door was one of three or four "Horton" doors. I love the fact that more than one teacher selected a Horton book. Today, my Kinder co-teacher and I took the little ones on a tour of the school. Along the way, we stopped and talked about each door. We had a great discussion about the fact that Horton appeared in two different books and the fact that different people took the same story and showed it in different ways.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MO5Se9lou9M/UR1ooqaKx0I/AAAAAAAABbU/FaEB9fNnkQ4/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MO5Se9lou9M/UR1ooqaKx0I/AAAAAAAABbU/FaEB9fNnkQ4/s320/photo(3).JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br />Here is the door my co-conspirator created. Isn't it fun! It's really hard to see, but the Grinch's face is actually a photo of Dr. Seuss. While touring, the Kinders had to knock on her door and let her know that Dr. Seuss was NOT a Grinch! LOL<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEE5La4m-m0/UR1oPCQ8i9I/AAAAAAAABbM/Fp-ojHJbwO8/s1600/kims+door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEE5La4m-m0/UR1oPCQ8i9I/AAAAAAAABbM/Fp-ojHJbwO8/s320/kims+door.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br />The next two pics show some of the decorations around the school. One of our first grade teachers and her students <strike>taped</strike> planted Truffula trees all around the school, including the front foyer. The second shows some more trees along with a really creative Cat in the Hat.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAAvPAJQ1vo/UR1aqMoaJ-I/AAAAAAAABac/j8u2vB_b0wI/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAAvPAJQ1vo/UR1aqMoaJ-I/AAAAAAAABac/j8u2vB_b0wI/s320/photo(1).JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loCIstozhyo/UR1asF2REyI/AAAAAAAABak/SDqytWAEF6Q/s1600/photo(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loCIstozhyo/UR1asF2REyI/AAAAAAAABak/SDqytWAEF6Q/s320/photo(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Finally, our PTO created/collected props for a photo booth. The first <strike>victim</strike> person is our amazing Reading Coach. (She happened to be in the hall when I was looking for someone to take a pic for me to post on here. That will teach her to leave her room - LOL).<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTaMlnfJ0qg/UR1aucukj0I/AAAAAAAABas/EjlVKsAWWkM/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTaMlnfJ0qg/UR1aucukj0I/AAAAAAAABas/EjlVKsAWWkM/s320/photo%25284%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br />So, I asked our Reading Coach to pose for me because I wasn't sure I'd get a copy of my own pic to post in time, but I did. So, here is my <strike>partner in crime</strike> , <strike>the one who always get me into trouble,</strike> good friend and I posing together. I don't know if you can tell or not, but we were both talking and/or laughing behind those great mustaches. We tried the quiet thing, but that just doesn't work for us.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCf-N06AZm4/UR1dWwXTAEI/AAAAAAAABa8/oaCqp7jte5o/s1600/kim+and+i+raad+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCf-N06AZm4/UR1dWwXTAEI/AAAAAAAABa8/oaCqp7jte5o/s320/kim+and+i+raad+day.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />I hope you enjoyed a peek at our RAAD week. I would love to hear how you are celebrating! Please link up your posts below. Don't forget to click on and save the button at the top of the page to make it easy for your readers to find other great blogs to read. (Thanks, Michelle at the <a href="http://the3amteacher.blogspot.com/">3AM Teacher</a> for the great graphics used to create the button.)<br /><br />Happy RAAD!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=242214&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-58981723339161082992013-02-01T17:23:00.002-05:002013-02-01T17:23:09.275-05:00Sunday Super Sale AND 1,100 Follower Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IRD7PoRmkt0/UQw8HzsS5NI/AAAAAAAABW0/wRcvwTGLlmA/s1600/28148757d6bbc228b1a6574eaf5edbcb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IRD7PoRmkt0/UQw8HzsS5NI/AAAAAAAABW0/wRcvwTGLlmA/s320/28148757d6bbc228b1a6574eaf5edbcb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />This Sunday is going to be great. Two of my favorite things will be happening. Of course the BIG event is the Super Bowl (Go 49er's). I have to confess, I am a total SF fan because my favorite player of all time (to watch LOL) is Joe Montana!!! (Can anyone say cutie-patootie?) Even though he is retired, I figure any team smart enough to hire him gets my cheers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ny6wOrE5tq4/UQw8PzjMeqI/AAAAAAAABW8/R_GRfabhHYU/s1600/joeMontana.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ny6wOrE5tq4/UQw8PzjMeqI/AAAAAAAABW8/R_GRfabhHYU/s1600/joeMontana.gif" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyIdbN93Xdw/UQw8RgW5GLI/AAAAAAAABXE/Z1iIZmuiVHc/s1600/Montana200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyIdbN93Xdw/UQw8RgW5GLI/AAAAAAAABXE/Z1iIZmuiVHc/s1600/Montana200.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />However, that is not the only big event on Sunday. TPT is going to have a SUNDAY SUPER SALE with up to 28% off on your purchase. Many, many amazing sellers (plus me) are participating. If you make your purchases on Sunday and use the promo code SUPER, you will save 28%. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Adventures-In-Teaching"><img border="0" height="50" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2TAMliDkqno/UQw8hocaf1I/AAAAAAAABXU/rLKgShG4u4E/s400/TpTSundaySaleBanner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />I am going to run my sale an extra day (Monday) but that day you will only get 20% off since TPT is offering the extra percent on Sunday only. I hope you take this opportunity to downsize your wishlist and pick up those products you've been wanting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Adventures-In-Teaching"><img border="0" height="50" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RO957WDZ9Wo/UQw_bs2-hOI/AAAAAAAABYM/z6JyOsJFXnM/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Finally, <a href="http://pitnerm.blogspot.com/2013/02/big-giveaway-big-sales.html">Mary</a> over at <a href="http://pitnerm.blogspot.com/2013/02/big-giveaway-big-sales.html">Pitner's Potpourri</a> has done it! She is celebrating 1,100 followers with a give away on her blog. There are over 30 prizes donated by TPT sellers. Click on the image below to hop over and check out all of the great items you could win.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pitnerm.blogspot.com/2013/02/big-giveaway-big-sales.html"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DN0b4EFpDcw/UQw5i4s5HwI/AAAAAAAABWs/GkRJ7fvxtww/s1600/1100+Giveaway.png" /></a></div><br />I hope everyone has a SUPER weekend!Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-14333752753133620502013-01-27T20:38:00.005-05:002013-02-01T16:41:08.437-05:00Football FrenzyThis week the countdown to Super Bowl Sunday begins. For those of us who LOVE football, it is the best time of year! Ashley Hughes offered some adorable frames in honor of the upcoming Super Bowl and they inspired me to create 2 I Have, Who Has games called, Football Frenzy. If you would like to pick this freebie up, just click on the image below to download.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_x8cCVy8dYkbmE5MFV3UVBJeFk/edit" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uG-vSFn-KSs/UQXWaV20gRI/AAAAAAAABVk/FMBDorUDKiE/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4UFlp4KXTU/UQXWcauYeWI/AAAAAAAABVs/ZyE4qv0HWvk/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4UFlp4KXTU/UQXWcauYeWI/AAAAAAAABVs/ZyE4qv0HWvk/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehi9pCZoK3E/UQXWdzxaofI/AAAAAAAABV0/wvgYgXpkCbw/s1600/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehi9pCZoK3E/UQXWdzxaofI/AAAAAAAABV0/wvgYgXpkCbw/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Happy Blogging!Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-3225221508466507692013-01-22T20:55:00.001-05:002013-01-22T20:55:44.363-05:0018 Things...In the back of my mind, I've always toyed with the idea of becoming an author some day. Some day hasn't arrived for me yet, but it has for my friend and colleague, Jamie Ayres.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-gLA0L3EOk/UP9CBEeKxYI/AAAAAAAABUo/-ZQNX1DLnBw/s1600/c3071d9733e93b0140151740329cfb40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-gLA0L3EOk/UP9CBEeKxYI/AAAAAAAABUo/-ZQNX1DLnBw/s200/c3071d9733e93b0140151740329cfb40.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> Jamie is a third grade teacher at my school and she has done the "almost impossible". Not only is she a wife, she's an amazing mom to two beautiful girls, a full-time teacher AND now she is an author. Her first book, 18 Things, will be released on Thursday (Jan. 24). If you (or someone you know) enjoys YA literature, this is one book I think you will want to read. Knowing Jamie, there will be some powerful lessons about life in the book (that's just the kind of person she is - always teaching!) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jamieayres.com/2013/01/09/18-things-book-bomb/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--K--bVWRTGs/UP9CMjvkNII/AAAAAAAABUw/yWm5qBCpxLc/s320/sm18-things.gif" width="224" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like more information, click on the pic of the book above to visit her blog. <br /><br />18 Things is being published by a small publishing house, so there is not really a budget for marketing and promotion. Instead, we are organizing a "Book Bomb" on Amazon. If you are interested in picking this book up, and can purchase it on Thursday, it will help drive her book to the top of the search results.<br /><br />I am so excited for Jamie. I know how long and hard she has worked for this day. I can't wait to get my copy and start reading.<br /><br />Happy Blogging!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-65143535791092021562013-01-21T11:29:00.000-05:002013-01-21T11:30:43.709-05:00Bagels and Blogs and MLK, Jr. Day!I am so honored to have one of my freebies chosen to be featured by <span style="color: magenta;">Donna</span> over at <a href="http://mathcoachscorner.blogspot.com/2013/01/bagels-and-blogs-janauary-21.html" target="_blank">Math Coach's Corner! </a> Her blog is amazing and she has been featuring freebies for quite a while on her Bagels and Blogs page. I hope you will head over there and check out her blog (and the freebies offered).<br /><br /><br /><br />On another note, if I had to choose the American I most admire, it would be Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I believe that he did more to make this country a better place to live than any other person in the 20th century. I'm glad that our country recognizes his contributions and celebrates his birthday. <br /><br />I don't have a full-time classroom this year, but I do work with two wonderful second grade teachers. We are going to spend the rest of this week doing a unit on Dr. King. I am excited to see what the little ones learn. Each day, both teachers will start with a whole group lesson/activity about Dr. King. When I come in, instead of doing our regular centers, we are going to divide both classes into 4 mixed groups. Then, each group will rotate around to 4 different learning activities. Students will be working with vocabulary, problem and solution, writing opinion paragraphs and generating questions. We'll spend 2 days on these activities. Then, on Thurs. and Fri., students will be choosing one activity to complete each day. We've created a menu that offers four choices. Students will rate the activities according to preference. We tried to include something for everyone, so the choices are:<br /><br />1. Create a poster advertising a movie about the life of Dr. King<br />2. Draw What You Hear (students draw what they "visualize" while listening to a story about Dr. King)<br />3. Participate in a Readers' Theater about the Birmingham Bus Boycott and Rosa Parks<br />4. Create a puppet of Dr. King and then "interview" him<br /><br />I really hope that these activities will help our students grasp the significance of the impact one person can make. I want them to understand that they have the ability to do great things and make a difference in their world.<br /><br />I'd love to hear what kinds of activities you do in your classrooms for Dr. King's birthday.<br /><br />Happy Blogging!Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5239936441840057204.post-1456145521357065472013-01-20T22:37:00.002-05:002013-01-21T11:11:50.252-05:00Congratulations! We Have a Winner!Happy Sunday evening!<br />I love sitting here knowing that I do not have to get up tomorrow for school...love these 3-Day weekends!<br /><br />I want to congratulate Sarah M. for winning the Magical Products Swap Giveaway. (YEA!!).<br /><br /><br />Have a Magnificent Monday!Amy G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14909218020395126548noreply@blogger.com0