tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40341521642225563502024-03-18T20:46:30.940-07:00onerealreaderLife is short. Teaching is fun. Learning is everything.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-83651127453647391452016-01-16T13:09:00.001-08:002016-01-16T13:12:57.507-08:00CHECK OUT MY NEW NAME AND LOCATION!I have moved my blog to a new location. Find it here: <a href="http://www.crackerjackteacher.com/">http://www.crackerjackteacher.com/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-64042699526151789932015-07-21T11:44:00.002-07:002015-07-21T11:44:34.275-07:00Christmas in July!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1f_8rgRJvIf5U8ANnOi2XOPAE9YIF4tzwDTEKoPxozo3fzlpo8Sh4-B4j3Usw-5agcYvE3kW41_GAVyONLiBkpLlJ3ahhldsavp0ddMZ6xX0JpLUub-_cG7KQANqWnJjCADEONmj6stX/s1600/51oEiA-%252B%252ByL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1f_8rgRJvIf5U8ANnOi2XOPAE9YIF4tzwDTEKoPxozo3fzlpo8Sh4-B4j3Usw-5agcYvE3kW41_GAVyONLiBkpLlJ3ahhldsavp0ddMZ6xX0JpLUub-_cG7KQANqWnJjCADEONmj6stX/s320/51oEiA-%252B%252ByL._SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">At the moment, it's 86 degrees here in New Hampshire, and this frosty scene looks downright refreshing! </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was reading a post by one of my favorite bloggers the other day, and she was making an adorable <b>brown felt bendy Stick Man </b>because Stick Man is one of her children's favorite books! I had to grab the template immediately, because I knew how much fun it would be to introduce a "real" Stick Man to the children next December.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last year I "discovered" this book (always fun to find a book that is new to you) and I was so taken with it, I wrote a literature unit about it that is posted on my TPT store. In honor of Christmas in July, you may download it FREE from my store <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/One-Real-Reader">here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTN0HxwbwogazU8T561ldynDgbsz_8bwA2hUugqMrLoZw68W5va55h0ok5y8oA6IH7Urkt7EmAHQyZ7Lk8CsaQowYsMjrAMiawDNcjXV0GKub8aUwJzgScFIAtJufXh2hm45VTuj8Og_I/s1600/th+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTN0HxwbwogazU8T561ldynDgbsz_8bwA2hUugqMrLoZw68W5va55h0ok5y8oA6IH7Urkt7EmAHQyZ7Lk8CsaQowYsMjrAMiawDNcjXV0GKub8aUwJzgScFIAtJufXh2hm45VTuj8Og_I/s1600/th+%25286%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Stick Man</u></b>, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, has many misadventures as he tries to get back home to his Lady Love and his children in their home in a tree. It makes for a wonderful story map! He floats down a stream, gets used in a snowman, and is even a dog toy being thrown across the field! The magic happens on Christmas Eve. Stick Man is next in line to be tossed on the fire in the grate, when Santa Claus himself suddenly needs an assist. There. You will have to just go read it for yourself now. Your children will love it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am unable to directly link to the neat blog that features how to make your very own simple Stick Man! However, you can get to it by traveling back through her pin which is on my Pinterest page. Go to the board that says "My TPT Store". On the board you will find the adorable felt Stick Man from felt from the gingerbread-house.co.uk. It is worth the trip! <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/nancybpierce/">https://www.pinterest.com/nancybpierce/</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stay cool! Go read something!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nancy</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wYZlWlx2eRSaX_Ou6iaaURWEDld1WsEZRbUfEc7BtZuLeUqPuYCVFO9Kn5yhyphenhyphenlSWZ2f_y8R_ZRdwzeG3xqfQDiGklEiFmrmlyEwABytRFz5ucjTw3BJfOHSUyoqMvi-H0UMcXmFJ8jC5/s1600/clipart-funny-girl-512x512-11ae.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wYZlWlx2eRSaX_Ou6iaaURWEDld1WsEZRbUfEc7BtZuLeUqPuYCVFO9Kn5yhyphenhyphenlSWZ2f_y8R_ZRdwzeG3xqfQDiGklEiFmrmlyEwABytRFz5ucjTw3BJfOHSUyoqMvi-H0UMcXmFJ8jC5/s200/clipart-funny-girl-512x512-11ae.png" width="141" /></a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-76888879943115368492015-07-02T07:33:00.001-07:002015-07-02T07:33:04.015-07:00Sally Goes to the Beach!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeja3Jr3s_lWzRNV1xYlHepEDt9hPCQo4qWs1-253zi9KyTO-zylkTq387pKroUplFVF-jZ0lzgcPThGOt1P4HDwuPasvLPoweMhM34Ni0tuJKpH0CS4IIcwWEKgNgW1Bi0Z5A9vrAnEF/s1600/61GV0310KFL._SX430_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeja3Jr3s_lWzRNV1xYlHepEDt9hPCQo4qWs1-253zi9KyTO-zylkTq387pKroUplFVF-jZ0lzgcPThGOt1P4HDwuPasvLPoweMhM34Ni0tuJKpH0CS4IIcwWEKgNgW1Bi0Z5A9vrAnEF/s320/61GV0310KFL._SX430_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It's time to hit the beach! Well, maybe where you are, but in New Hampshire we are still waiting for it to stop raining!</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is a great story for you parents to read to your beachcomber children. More importantly, it is a wonderful example of point-of-view for all of you teachers who can't stop during the summer. You know what I am talking about. You work even during the summer, because you <strike>are crazy</strike> just love school so much!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmORWTMTRjpOURF1VsWxkkxFt0lu36V2Y7W4rfJuZUmGekzvxyMFk96Nx7mO8Xq_fWqkn8xI7UY2hn9-j3Syzn6ZfjvVatuG37qfdbqv9E6mASJ25O5KKMfr_R4fEoDri9Gc999ZbIrWW/s1600/sallygoestobeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmORWTMTRjpOURF1VsWxkkxFt0lu36V2Y7W4rfJuZUmGekzvxyMFk96Nx7mO8Xq_fWqkn8xI7UY2hn9-j3Syzn6ZfjvVatuG37qfdbqv9E6mASJ25O5KKMfr_R4fEoDri9Gc999ZbIrWW/s320/sallygoestobeach.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is a page from the book. Of course, to Sally, the island is shaped like a dog. What else would it look like?</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sally's suitcase contains 5 balls and a bone. All set. </span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sally only sees other Labradors as she travels in a car, aboard a ferry</span>, <span style="font-weight: normal;">and in a cab to get to her vacation destination. When she sniffs the ocean, she says, "The air smells great, just like cat food!" </span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The woodcut prints are wonderful. Happy Labradors on vacation abound. This would also be a great book to use at the end of the year when you are reading beach themed stories.</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Activities: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Keep a diary as if you are Sally, and write about your trip.</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Make a 5 senses chart and list all of Sally's activities under the correct one.</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Make a list of Things Sally Learned!</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Write an opinion piece. Would you like to be on this trip with Sally? Why or why not?</span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGhK8m-nOX4dAr_Dr01DvY_5vEa2LzynV5urksqZhEHyNo4M7tri3CBkVvfPGKDV8S5hgxbT-QY0MTgUBxxsaHBfEkao-bc5ctFsqirrJSJXmgfDmR-OxUBi6SdFd6jT1EcAqajTEaBIr/s1600/5-Free-Summer-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Happy-Smiling-Sun.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGhK8m-nOX4dAr_Dr01DvY_5vEa2LzynV5urksqZhEHyNo4M7tri3CBkVvfPGKDV8S5hgxbT-QY0MTgUBxxsaHBfEkao-bc5ctFsqirrJSJXmgfDmR-OxUBi6SdFd6jT1EcAqajTEaBIr/s320/5-Free-Summer-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Happy-Smiling-Sun.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Happy July!</span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKAA6NG56X6-mJRH6LuVVdtFP8GPrgHNQ9ZW1JKt8dgOxC2j9C8Tdq2K-cJ_MT0y00aolGEm3mB0GXsh1G-4w_GToQyaK6pQh7nrKXL5scgwkhUBcKEAM_sJurxJBolqgpJHtGez8oFC5/s1600/clipart-funny-girl-512x512-11ae.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKAA6NG56X6-mJRH6LuVVdtFP8GPrgHNQ9ZW1JKt8dgOxC2j9C8Tdq2K-cJ_MT0y00aolGEm3mB0GXsh1G-4w_GToQyaK6pQh7nrKXL5scgwkhUBcKEAM_sJurxJBolqgpJHtGez8oFC5/s200/clipart-funny-girl-512x512-11ae.png" width="141" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Nancy</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-18216040677880991242015-05-24T15:03:00.000-07:002015-05-24T15:03:37.130-07:00Vacation Plans Gone Bad<span style="font-size: x-large;">VACATION!!!!!!!!! at last!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But WAIT! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Is it possible that a kid could be at a nifty hotel-with-a-pool and NOT like it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Before school is out, read this one to your kiddos and see what they think of Bridget. I think they will LOVE her.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6fS0Y9oC9AO2F98kBygV3x8MxFynL3gtjWn-FJh0kXBhBu6xpQofIYSabPQ4jrjR5_vj8PVa7pW_mUK35Vd0g0B7K3fAfvl0pepT3bwtR7sZvlGeHNd_RDag42ZawO_aAqxgRWIKiSzQ/s1600/3376282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6fS0Y9oC9AO2F98kBygV3x8MxFynL3gtjWn-FJh0kXBhBu6xpQofIYSabPQ4jrjR5_vj8PVa7pW_mUK35Vd0g0B7K3fAfvl0pepT3bwtR7sZvlGeHNd_RDag42ZawO_aAqxgRWIKiSzQ/s320/3376282.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">She is a lonely little girl who discovers five ridiculous sheep on an island behind the hotel, desperately in need of a rescue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The sheep love "lemon soda, cookies, and old Band-Aids."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />Do a quickie graph: those who would like a vacation like Bridget's, and those who would not!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then send them off to their writing spots to do a problem/solution worksheet that you can download FREE right here at my TPT store:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zBFrYXPbXJNkQKv1yivDd8i0o9c9oLY7kqKPb4U4xBz3zoAFPj3ZaL11LsEcj7FVhvf-0k_WQoWdg6rVi8e3EPCG4Ayy2QFe32DJefNjFUKVlf8WUzqGr9HIvyyRrzS939-usTdYvK0M/s1600/Bridget+worksheet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zBFrYXPbXJNkQKv1yivDd8i0o9c9oLY7kqKPb4U4xBz3zoAFPj3ZaL11LsEcj7FVhvf-0k_WQoWdg6rVi8e3EPCG4Ayy2QFe32DJefNjFUKVlf8WUzqGr9HIvyyRrzS939-usTdYvK0M/s320/Bridget+worksheet.png" width="247" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/One-Real-Reader">www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/One-Real-Reader</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One foot after the other! It won't be long now!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwAj0-qDghuZg1UkmH1HBOfXKjBpjNykGWpAr8jJFHIDUt_u-Slnuy6cHhAU5QMW2rYuaVHIdQBWvATVOtm84NEMd3C1rbpIYa0Za8jvGlv5ci6Bm5rYAHXWDLQeKo22q7qTYfYPFgrAb/s1600/clipart-funny-girl-512x512-11ae.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwAj0-qDghuZg1UkmH1HBOfXKjBpjNykGWpAr8jJFHIDUt_u-Slnuy6cHhAU5QMW2rYuaVHIdQBWvATVOtm84NEMd3C1rbpIYa0Za8jvGlv5ci6Bm5rYAHXWDLQeKo22q7qTYfYPFgrAb/s200/clipart-funny-girl-512x512-11ae.png" width="141" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">See you next time!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">NANCY</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-78447541438332502652015-05-17T07:14:00.003-07:002015-05-17T07:15:51.128-07:00Cooperation Sunday<span style="font-size: x-large;">The school year is winding down.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjxTXQQIwxOFCAh63eIIdDE58SvLbgLlIy6QEt8QUi6i3AUwqwnx4teLuzmBc54IUxPdtwzQ7LHif1_7NAZosUqyagKUbOPwazGK5EzvagfhbJubOlcf2L2faVLVKhIhsax-ZmAJXe7Xo/s1600/clip-art-circus-465619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjxTXQQIwxOFCAh63eIIdDE58SvLbgLlIy6QEt8QUi6i3AUwqwnx4teLuzmBc54IUxPdtwzQ7LHif1_7NAZosUqyagKUbOPwazGK5EzvagfhbJubOlcf2L2faVLVKhIhsax-ZmAJXe7Xo/s320/clip-art-circus-465619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It can be difficult to keep the excited students from forgetting their manners.</div>
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Their little excited brains are already out here:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LVvoRjqDPfHWOPYTTCLc9ouEQn63BvAvQ0R4zwOinyya19_aaFZ10gt4pkYj6XfMsqJBRr_mfYP9XOYJQxP90a7NBGdvPIE6DSTorSgSQ1F4Em-hoPoeGkkkT0_c9Cmz5kgFrzH_Ojqq/s1600/cute_school_of_fish.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LVvoRjqDPfHWOPYTTCLc9ouEQn63BvAvQ0R4zwOinyya19_aaFZ10gt4pkYj6XfMsqJBRr_mfYP9XOYJQxP90a7NBGdvPIE6DSTorSgSQ1F4Em-hoPoeGkkkT0_c9Cmz5kgFrzH_Ojqq/s320/cute_school_of_fish.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Destination: Anywhere Else!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rather than watch your whole year's worth of character training go out the window when you need it most, may I suggest Cooperation Sunday?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vzgxIPUD8tfYWiX5Pcf3SSXGnXQmDlxDmaRa4qG_OMoqI9gUEhUdL2DBnBLOuPQvBhCBln7ZXHeUAZQFbz45v2X_MyI2d7-NVsdOZs0KF4VEov1cnj1KfNFVpXi9DAeU_Or2gfjaCtgb/s1600/clip-art-playing-children-919301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vzgxIPUD8tfYWiX5Pcf3SSXGnXQmDlxDmaRa4qG_OMoqI9gUEhUdL2DBnBLOuPQvBhCBln7ZXHeUAZQFbz45v2X_MyI2d7-NVsdOZs0KF4VEov1cnj1KfNFVpXi9DAeU_Or2gfjaCtgb/s320/clip-art-playing-children-919301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cooperation Sunday in action on Monday!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">All you need to do for Cooperation Sunday is add into your already crammed plans for the week a character building lesson . It will not take more than 20 minutes, the kids will get something to remind them of things they have already learned, and you get a shot at a better week! Who's in?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Today's Pick for Cooperation Sunday is:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQAksFeycDQYRAJI20a35dn_xVqFQzvlmhtcdpxg2vTOHuhrhwH04_d0MWDgLTHmeW1JlDCEjlG5uB453bERscF2A4ffMGVb494-GjGW7yNrIPNjeWD0D7CTxZmIv2xejwsFELbPPji4j/s1600/9780060580827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQAksFeycDQYRAJI20a35dn_xVqFQzvlmhtcdpxg2vTOHuhrhwH04_d0MWDgLTHmeW1JlDCEjlG5uB453bERscF2A4ffMGVb494-GjGW7yNrIPNjeWD0D7CTxZmIv2xejwsFELbPPji4j/s320/9780060580827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I love this book!!!</b> Many teachers use this book to teach character-building every week, beginning in September. It is worth the revisit, especially to review those all-important attitudes of optimistic/pessimistic, proud/modest, generous and compassionate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Get a sentence strip and write "We Are Smart Cookies!" on it, and have each student select one of the <b>22 </b>traits to write on their cookie before they decorate it and you hang it up. You can refer to it on an as-needed basis (probably hourly at this time of the year).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't forget, these are some <b>rigorous vocabulary words!</b> Yeah!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcpLybxaJkC2aE8IWfw9tnzv3IzvhxjFsODUwkKiJveCfoHiLSioSqf_Z62dU0NREDumFjiUcNI4lwP7XGtj3q-P5bpiNzXMAPsEuVPlkJB3C81cfyBQsv8DUsYgDEBUpZdayGgPH_onf/s1600/1chchipcookiebw.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcpLybxaJkC2aE8IWfw9tnzv3IzvhxjFsODUwkKiJveCfoHiLSioSqf_Z62dU0NREDumFjiUcNI4lwP7XGtj3q-P5bpiNzXMAPsEuVPlkJB3C81cfyBQsv8DUsYgDEBUpZdayGgPH_onf/s320/1chchipcookiebw.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Go <b>here</b> for the free cookie template if you don't feel like making your own: http://www.greatestcoloringbook.com/coloring-page/chocolate-chip-cookie</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a sweet week! Our school year ends on June 18th, so there's still plenty of learning left!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">See you next time!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nancy</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslGZdPpv-fZ75-b5nOrPyOiPlg4Es8yHMg9IGWCRnZlYIXhc4HdQJFnQDLzU41FmwH-uIJEdjoKSKHacIH4AiROb3vrm-rxK1Way1EKmVMbJWfFnnUTJc6mnLZd-2qmfHjZ5JxkYBtEgL/s1600/clipart-funny-girl-512x512-11ae.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslGZdPpv-fZ75-b5nOrPyOiPlg4Es8yHMg9IGWCRnZlYIXhc4HdQJFnQDLzU41FmwH-uIJEdjoKSKHacIH4AiROb3vrm-rxK1Way1EKmVMbJWfFnnUTJc6mnLZd-2qmfHjZ5JxkYBtEgL/s200/clipart-funny-girl-512x512-11ae.png" width="141" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-54169363677194419612015-04-19T11:30:00.000-07:002015-04-19T16:17:36.256-07:00Secret Agent Man Love <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoPaQLKXycunC2H3EQS9CZe18ctpFqUF09U-D2J0E6saCTGIUEt3ckyz7XKiObs7ijey8niS-8LVaBvGVRX4zOlS_5ARk_SNXM4rexqE5Zm9aBSWoNrl3g-lTabjx9g9CYbmJ_1xSOzBH/s1600/9780545542494_xlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoPaQLKXycunC2H3EQS9CZe18ctpFqUF09U-D2J0E6saCTGIUEt3ckyz7XKiObs7ijey8niS-8LVaBvGVRX4zOlS_5ARk_SNXM4rexqE5Zm9aBSWoNrl3g-lTabjx9g9CYbmJ_1xSOzBH/s1600/9780545542494_xlg.jpg" height="320" width="292" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have always secretly wanted to be a spy.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can imagine my thrill at discovering this new (to me!) Splat the Cat book, actually published in 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This ADORABLE book has everything a first grade mystery reader craves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ONE, a crime! Missing duck decoys that are returned minus their </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">beaks! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJkXAOhuqeNSK8Icyd60BgFqweHvjyMKIwhR_LxldktaJfT0VDIx73gF5H0NTgDJfwfPRJrKJV9yz3tjaDYrhyphenhyphenrgolQnPoRP751wLsWSevHt5sxr0rZgx9ud9BEoZOM3SOwFxjvIDdu8R/s1600/m8kOfXd9XGznb_qkjtKCRCnOK6U.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJkXAOhuqeNSK8Icyd60BgFqweHvjyMKIwhR_LxldktaJfT0VDIx73gF5H0NTgDJfwfPRJrKJV9yz3tjaDYrhyphenhyphenrgolQnPoRP751wLsWSevHt5sxr0rZgx9ud9BEoZOM3SOwFxjvIDdu8R/s1600/m8kOfXd9XGznb_qkjtKCRCnOK6U.png" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TWO, a criminal, identified by Splat as "Mr. Nobody". WHO IS HE?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THREE, a brave and cunning cat who dares to transform himself into Secret Agent 003 1/2.....Splat himself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">FOUR, a trusty sidekick, Seymour the mouse, AKA code name "S".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">FIVE, a <i><b>spy kit</b> </i>and a <i><b>secret plan</b> to trap <b>youknowwho!</b></i><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Your readers will find this a real page-turner as they try to discover the identity of Mr. Nobody. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If they are anything like me, they will eventually graduate to Agatha Christie novels! Everyone loves a mystery!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAykEhtQuGjBrL1kD9pfBQFT7UCE5WbM-JIxl2PSF4ScjvW_Pcjw0ckCPc7n9FFR37Iov8cgjD5rzxEJhpnss2GtCSG6SjUjkDetmb2cCVe2iPmR94RL3DDjFOTIH82vSe13KQLO630Vye/s1600/93096710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAykEhtQuGjBrL1kD9pfBQFT7UCE5WbM-JIxl2PSF4ScjvW_Pcjw0ckCPc7n9FFR37Iov8cgjD5rzxEJhpnss2GtCSG6SjUjkDetmb2cCVe2iPmR94RL3DDjFOTIH82vSe13KQLO630Vye/s1600/93096710.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The end papers of the book include a "Duck Code" which will be great fun for your students to use to create their own secret messages. This illustration is one I found at this link <a href="http://storytelling2.canalblog.com/archives/2014/01/15/29624084.html">http://storytelling2.canalblog.com/archives/2014/01/15/29624084.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Also, there is a free Secret Agent Activity Booklet available here<a href="http://assetlibrary.supadu.com/images/ckfinder/687/images/Splat-the-Cat/PDF/AgentSplat_EventBooklet_4.pdf">http://assetlibrary.supadu.com/images/ckfinder/687/images/Splat-the-Cat/PDF/AgentSplat_EventBooklet_4.pdf </a></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's so important to set the mood with the right music! Watch this cute little video and see the ideas come tumbling out of your students for any and all writing topics related to secret agents!<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDz-DunWU6Y">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDz-DunWU6Y</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDz-DunWU6Y"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHGLeCLspt5iR0iYtwgZJSVo2jJVQS_hlGzUxVPeyawtFGo7bTkposdtp7Jaa01-FGUcsYSQ4BV57RjEMpyarKuWhLQkkvhqsfIUDsXIO8qbZ5thWYWci9PJTwQVKMjP_QtUoLpxsEBOU/s1600/aefda4c12228fae85553a5d1ed7abca2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHGLeCLspt5iR0iYtwgZJSVo2jJVQS_hlGzUxVPeyawtFGo7bTkposdtp7Jaa01-FGUcsYSQ4BV57RjEMpyarKuWhLQkkvhqsfIUDsXIO8qbZ5thWYWci9PJTwQVKMjP_QtUoLpxsEBOU/s1600/aefda4c12228fae85553a5d1ed7abca2.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wouldn't it be great to have a Secret Password of the Day? <span style="font-weight: normal;">Before the kiddos run out to lunch, recess, or out to the bus at the end of the day, they have to know the Secret Password! Identify this word at your Morning Meeting...hopefully it is posted on your interactive vocabulary wall. This is a great way to keep your children listening too! </span></span> </h4>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm creating a list of favorite mystery books by grade level...please send me yours! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Till next time,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nancy </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-58973065988130505072015-04-15T15:53:00.001-07:002015-04-15T15:53:10.720-07:00It's Chocolate Chicken Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzA3yTu6wIZWs4FnAkWELQ7Y3msiI5cQoQcWRR6t5hwK6uCDI42Utb8YCYEHc9P4X74uFzGl5kXqGpGUjNyM4goRfZFKh_RmQ1CbQbzBFKnLVwQyKeUrf_0_Mb2xicQj_WdSG-s2B-rSC/s1600/download+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzA3yTu6wIZWs4FnAkWELQ7Y3msiI5cQoQcWRR6t5hwK6uCDI42Utb8YCYEHc9P4X74uFzGl5kXqGpGUjNyM4goRfZFKh_RmQ1CbQbzBFKnLVwQyKeUrf_0_Mb2xicQj_WdSG-s2B-rSC/s1600/download+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">As anyone who loves Max and Ruby knows, Easter is one of the best holidays of all to get silly with our favorite bunny siblings.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't met them yet, you and your children are in for a treat!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the years, my first graders have loved watching Ruby try to find more colored eggs than Max. She succeeds because Max is, well, Max. He wastes his hunting time looking in silly places, like squirting all of the toothpaste out of the tube to see if any Easter eggs are hiding in there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some of them get a little nervous when it becomes clear that Max isn't going to get <i>any</i> eggs. Maybe they gave had to compete with older brothers and sisters before and "get it" that Max may just lose out for real. (Which we all know is just, totally, not fair!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEijkjwWIuYz8hX0msKuGkI9twMjWO-UZb-oiLFCkkEWlq5FrHfY5S-yh1b8Fv7bHpF9Ab6dNQPwp-_ZrYASMi3wlSu6_w2pCB84sR2GIFi_UnBLiHYgZvbZCvzPjJZMAavnqsbOvKhWVr/s1600/timthumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEijkjwWIuYz8hX0msKuGkI9twMjWO-UZb-oiLFCkkEWlq5FrHfY5S-yh1b8Fv7bHpF9Ab6dNQPwp-_ZrYASMi3wlSu6_w2pCB84sR2GIFi_UnBLiHYgZvbZCvzPjJZMAavnqsbOvKhWVr/s1600/timthumb.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, Max decides to help himself to the prize chocolate chicken and hide. All is not lost for Ruby, however. Good old Max decides to show himself (chocolate face and all) before <b>all</b> of the chocolate is gone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I note the date of publication of this post, I realize that all of the chocolate chickens at your house are probably long gone! Here at the Pierce house, we are in the boxing and packing mode as we prepare to move to the town next to ours (Laconia, NH). Easter just kind of slid by as there are no longer Easter egg hunts and the like for us...thank goodness there will always be Max and Ruby!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's hoping your holiday and the arrival of Spring (and maybe the ear of a chocolate bunny or two) put a blissful smile upon your face!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Till next time! Nancy</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF1mvEIJFksY8mdFPp3nUjMCHBbriO7x6dJja-LJJ1rIcnLdJXhT86b6Eh3mdHXyye68r4QY8HHq0mUAea9t0TctV9NgP9lfh1WH-fgBbXyKGw4ACgcWdoL9iO6FWHsrFUGNdfUtskeSO/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF1mvEIJFksY8mdFPp3nUjMCHBbriO7x6dJja-LJJ1rIcnLdJXhT86b6Eh3mdHXyye68r4QY8HHq0mUAea9t0TctV9NgP9lfh1WH-fgBbXyKGw4ACgcWdoL9iO6FWHsrFUGNdfUtskeSO/s1600/th.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-46545070159270074402015-03-22T13:17:00.001-07:002015-03-22T13:17:28.175-07:00I'm Teaching As Fast As I Can<span style="font-size: large;">This week I noticed the stress ratcheting up at school.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Data Meetings. Lots and lots of Data Meetings. Small clusters of teachers urgently talking in low voices. How can we push these kids to hit the mark in only 63 days?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMHB733QNJ22rIF_ASu4O12pOSE-pYa0nvoNVOiOwKRKzl6FiEPg4VNGLmbh3D-QOcI1kQ5M7CgVaJiHN38yU-NENnznWbFn4HVcJefw57hCz3Ag9MjzLKG0nfOa8uWGZJGhUprhuRA4s/s1600/ill_bunny.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMHB733QNJ22rIF_ASu4O12pOSE-pYa0nvoNVOiOwKRKzl6FiEPg4VNGLmbh3D-QOcI1kQ5M7CgVaJiHN38yU-NENnznWbFn4HVcJefw57hCz3Ag9MjzLKG0nfOa8uWGZJGhUprhuRA4s/s1600/ill_bunny.png" height="286" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe in Data. It is so important that I even give it a capital letter. But, truth be told, the end of the year hysterics kind of depress me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Teaching needs to go back to the joyful celebration of What We Have Accomplished! Often, under difficult circumstances. Teachers are totally, completely aware that The Buck Stops With Them. Hence, the stress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The irony is that teachers do not receive the same recognition that we try to give to the students. Teacher Appreciation Day comes and some teachers will find a little baggie of Hershey's Kisses in their mailbox.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Under the glare of the judgement of people who know nothing about teaching, teachers stand alone in the hope that somebody, somewhere will see what they have done. And thank them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year, I am finally in a place where I actually do feel appreciated, a part of the team, and all of the rest of it. In my bloggy travels I have visited with many teachers who are not in such a place. For that I am sorry, and hope that they will not give up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRtapWwyq94UGxQcpsgtC5VdZn6n7zhwGNjloIug0gxkUBUVGSQuXg-rsU3aw79y1ZXTnRsyV4uMYJ-BiikJCj3aD7FGH8XFmTf7o2aWs9HPUKBmfxt9qiJz4oY2XQwWUqJ402MLZAZyD/s1600/easter_bunnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRtapWwyq94UGxQcpsgtC5VdZn6n7zhwGNjloIug0gxkUBUVGSQuXg-rsU3aw79y1ZXTnRsyV4uMYJ-BiikJCj3aD7FGH8XFmTf7o2aWs9HPUKBmfxt9qiJz4oY2XQwWUqJ402MLZAZyD/s1600/easter_bunnies.jpg" height="153" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It is the teachers with the most talent who give the most, and suffer the most. Thank a teacher today. Spring is coming! Spread some sunshine! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">See you next time...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nancy</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjXwupGjnISy6w9KyvZNbW3978mFlARLTIGRNhGbPjqTbCPUwBktvIDRJ5CBspJ43dUYnG27i-ms8YUROk1-xCzupJEW__S_uldl5dFI5WBHIVI-951Ujq1_ql55tVWfgeF-T6IklmTvR/s1600/clipart-funny-girl-512x512-11ae.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjXwupGjnISy6w9KyvZNbW3978mFlARLTIGRNhGbPjqTbCPUwBktvIDRJ5CBspJ43dUYnG27i-ms8YUROk1-xCzupJEW__S_uldl5dFI5WBHIVI-951Ujq1_ql55tVWfgeF-T6IklmTvR/s1600/clipart-funny-girl-512x512-11ae.png" height="200" width="141" /></a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-35784605803400146712015-03-08T15:45:00.001-07:002015-03-08T15:45:27.549-07:00Streamlining Your Teaching Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Up to about 1 minute ago, I was juggling 3 jobs. Two are wonderful school-based</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> jobs where I have to use everything I know to help four diverse groups of</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> children, and one was a retail job that I acquired when I didn't have either of the</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> other two jobs yet. Retail is an interesting thing, if you have ever been a teacher</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXVwv5MstnbJKmEBUixrVMDE-KNgQVKT7MdDdd639byM86yuFGGjWs8gqvpdKZ49_8er6ZaZ_5VeJ3Zs2b6kM9ZUVcLRlo0zOjRgZuiOOTnR-TNA8jLkd6Q7SRKy-MC9DHCVn0D1uc6Qr/s1600/butterfly_clip_art_cyan.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXVwv5MstnbJKmEBUixrVMDE-KNgQVKT7MdDdd639byM86yuFGGjWs8gqvpdKZ49_8er6ZaZ_5VeJ3Zs2b6kM9ZUVcLRlo0zOjRgZuiOOTnR-TNA8jLkd6Q7SRKy-MC9DHCVn0D1uc6Qr/s1600/butterfly_clip_art_cyan.png" height="320" width="306" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> of small children. Adults (big people) </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">who should know better, do really, really,</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> unexpected and unwelcome things.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
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Like try to smuggle 10 extra items out of the store.</span></h3>
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Like complain about how few people work in the store.</span></h3>
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Like leave the bathroom a mess. In First Grade, we pretty much learn not to do this.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">
Anyway. I was under a lot of stress because this extra (now) job was costing me</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> one of my Very Essential Days Off every single week. </span></h3>
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I decided that I deserved and needed a real weekend like everyone else. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">What can you get rid of that is cluttering up your teaching life?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">I am also getting rid of some of my books because I actually have too many. All of my extras will thrill somebody at the newspaper book sale this month! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Today's book tip (drum roll, please!):</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Best Read-Aloud for St. Paddy's Day (in my opinion):</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg772ecJrGDXKpbnfSrjRNuIWjmLWlzGP9BvOZ9mPZzGdAusk6Ceut1WFu5dOLk8Sux4EYDrBCc1m3taEjuSZHkeZflAzA7_iLvAUVh8lQmi-Wuhulgwm_pCeJU_ybvbsrBkSAqt1sEHwr-/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg772ecJrGDXKpbnfSrjRNuIWjmLWlzGP9BvOZ9mPZzGdAusk6Ceut1WFu5dOLk8Sux4EYDrBCc1m3taEjuSZHkeZflAzA7_iLvAUVh8lQmi-Wuhulgwm_pCeJU_ybvbsrBkSAqt1sEHwr-/s1600/th.jpg" height="400" width="317" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span>Have a happy time reading!</span>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Till next time,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nancy</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-48647310022405779562015-02-24T13:29:00.001-08:002015-02-24T13:36:50.069-08:00Fabulous February! <span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome to the end of snow! I predict it will all turn to slush....well.....eventually.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There. Nobody can fault that logic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">At the bottom of this post is a birthday meme created for a graphic artist of superior ability who shares my idea of what is funny. Here you go, Michelle aka The Three AM Teacher!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This bird looks like the way I do first thing in the morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">WELL, this is a vacation week and I am hard at work vacationing at home. Today my husband shoveled a path out to the propane tank to see how much was left in it. 30%! That means we are not in danger of running out tomorrow. Good news.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Currently in my small reading group, we are reading fairy tales. LOVE THIS. Last week I gave the kiddos a coloring sheet of a fox to go along with our reading of this book...before the kids were released this sweet kindergarten boy informed me that the picture I had given them was actually, a wolf. Huh. You are right.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOvg0sckKnAoji39tK_OOkzWaj-Dlcikv8eowyyKy-rzF5w_wiH6wnb1rTBjhZTMWU_WeFA6vgEtV2S1wz6Wmp0N1Jyn-EEasMWHbJX-bhnWGNY8wn1DHL1ILyv1gPa1wD2qXPhcOuFtf/s1600/9780689817564_p0_v1_s260x420.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOvg0sckKnAoji39tK_OOkzWaj-Dlcikv8eowyyKy-rzF5w_wiH6wnb1rTBjhZTMWU_WeFA6vgEtV2S1wz6Wmp0N1Jyn-EEasMWHbJX-bhnWGNY8wn1DHL1ILyv1gPa1wD2qXPhcOuFtf/s1600/9780689817564_p0_v1_s260x420.gif" height="200" width="151" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, a wolf and a fox are both generally shabby characters, so we all decided that nobody cared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love kindergarten.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, here's the meme!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">See you next time! Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nancy</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDiiDf-QxF3eAPAIxdanE-6pWbqrNkPh3T8ot-EbJcf_xRuEIH3oJIwtjbpQtCH7SoKw5IRVKoKkiLOe_Grc9rhc_l14Tx9wIYuB3WilbB8qvui5XJkpOSVKUinUEyX3OzzQ3Ye5TNrW7/s1600/Birthday+meme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDiiDf-QxF3eAPAIxdanE-6pWbqrNkPh3T8ot-EbJcf_xRuEIH3oJIwtjbpQtCH7SoKw5IRVKoKkiLOe_Grc9rhc_l14Tx9wIYuB3WilbB8qvui5XJkpOSVKUinUEyX3OzzQ3Ye5TNrW7/s1600/Birthday+meme.png" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://the3amteacher.blogspot.com/">http://the3amteacher.blogspot.com/</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-74075260514829479392015-02-02T13:26:00.000-08:002015-02-02T13:26:54.042-08:00Really Really Royal in February<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today I unpacked some of my best introductions to </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Royal Life</b> <b>and</b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fairydom</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">. Here are a few:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvjt_jWKphR2Haw3FaAdVKleVNKrKgKEG37D70zGyxlH0GxzlzABhsfMdc1Vc1On4NVlhLtB02KSeV49fGbsevjFIfzgG5V22IbDQrzJkMVEMIJTZQYPgJ4bhGrWAE4o-aA_K4jEF21KG/s1600/download+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvjt_jWKphR2Haw3FaAdVKleVNKrKgKEG37D70zGyxlH0GxzlzABhsfMdc1Vc1On4NVlhLtB02KSeV49fGbsevjFIfzgG5V22IbDQrzJkMVEMIJTZQYPgJ4bhGrWAE4o-aA_K4jEF21KG/s1600/download+(3).jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRx4nBrPH2T_TkbwbqOrptNNNjosJFMVgFJn-YZF0yl2y-ecOkRLQyV02GBhO-qNHMNre__lAtMT2rYoYXsrq05s97HKeW2zbtBRfSDDlzW7Ttv_Vh5h8OyoYVQdr0GPCEgomnA_mKHDL/s1600/download+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRx4nBrPH2T_TkbwbqOrptNNNjosJFMVgFJn-YZF0yl2y-ecOkRLQyV02GBhO-qNHMNre__lAtMT2rYoYXsrq05s97HKeW2zbtBRfSDDlzW7Ttv_Vh5h8OyoYVQdr0GPCEgomnA_mKHDL/s1600/download+(4).jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWDUsk7PmvFQYqZJf1Yn_i3hZ_59C8kvtAGJ7QSU7AmEBfRPP9-G6BiJOPtO6oAKpSFJuEZ0Z9LlbWZjga1FiJPCzO48BRHs2vwA32Wwq9jPyDH01CZuy6gD2zpeGcOTA8L-3soKIC6av/s1600/download+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWDUsk7PmvFQYqZJf1Yn_i3hZ_59C8kvtAGJ7QSU7AmEBfRPP9-G6BiJOPtO6oAKpSFJuEZ0Z9LlbWZjga1FiJPCzO48BRHs2vwA32Wwq9jPyDH01CZuy6gD2zpeGcOTA8L-3soKIC6av/s1600/download+(5).jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6VmC5uiCCwzC2H65dqNvYIvDUDIPbJhU5qPziDvj7tiavrQmUIN_RqzDpCHrCmi54SvBs38lbfUcJ6tWra2XBl0vrHfCK-0n8-kKhcRdlBc2f9HBSg-XKtTX8w-UHAU1M4i5PUVyNaPV/s1600/download+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6VmC5uiCCwzC2H65dqNvYIvDUDIPbJhU5qPziDvj7tiavrQmUIN_RqzDpCHrCmi54SvBs38lbfUcJ6tWra2XBl0vrHfCK-0n8-kKhcRdlBc2f9HBSg-XKtTX8w-UHAU1M4i5PUVyNaPV/s1600/download+(2).jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Because I am working with a group of 16 Kindergarten children who are reading at first grade level, I get to do my favorite thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>En-rich-ment.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I just call it teaching reading with a theme that is </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>really really fun</b> </span><span style="font-size: large;">and involves </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>creativity</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> and making </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>glittery</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> crafts and doing </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>writing.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am going off to practice up on my </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">English accent.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeYAI2fBtwlEitFFOqViEywQ23BqibGSWIswFabIIcqgBbb0o8RaHmtUC2Y40Y6n5fDpGnz3u6Pd7oA70dnsvZCNOa6pCVl0PiNPSxXhLI0InxTBokScMwR0nmE1J1druRW744qBNQsH9/s1600/teacup_lineart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeYAI2fBtwlEitFFOqViEywQ23BqibGSWIswFabIIcqgBbb0o8RaHmtUC2Y40Y6n5fDpGnz3u6Pd7oA70dnsvZCNOa6pCVl0PiNPSxXhLI0InxTBokScMwR0nmE1J1druRW744qBNQsH9/s1600/teacup_lineart.png" height="146" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And find my <b>little tea cups.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">See you soon! TA-TA! Nancy, the Princess of Everything </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwodNZjWNtusFgPS7RsruAHCzucBuumu6Q4SCFQZoi4kf9Wb2APyhgpIIZL53pfjihuhw5iuWRzwz5LuGvKXAjhyphenhyphenxiXpuGXAbZNP4Jlch99FzFtrYaidJ1tgnmk2q5N3U-hmGxswkD6cs/s1600/tiara_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwodNZjWNtusFgPS7RsruAHCzucBuumu6Q4SCFQZoi4kf9Wb2APyhgpIIZL53pfjihuhw5iuWRzwz5LuGvKXAjhyphenhyphenxiXpuGXAbZNP4Jlch99FzFtrYaidJ1tgnmk2q5N3U-hmGxswkD6cs/s1600/tiara_1.png" height="200" width="126" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">PS Any suggestions on How to Be Really Royal will be Gratefully Accepted.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-25141940039087786962015-01-27T10:05:00.000-08:002015-01-29T04:12:05.700-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQf-fqdtQ_dy4ZuphxUny0RnBu9k_JbMZgvD-mgFDwgT5ZLo0r_TROVdf6LELi2AKFVRwWezeJWOwnm9UMzSRw2kBcZYHZshyvadYnd7IZNuGr5GZhw68QFPP6ezzkTw9Mxh8yk8dZci4/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQf-fqdtQ_dy4ZuphxUny0RnBu9k_JbMZgvD-mgFDwgT5ZLo0r_TROVdf6LELi2AKFVRwWezeJWOwnm9UMzSRw2kBcZYHZshyvadYnd7IZNuGr5GZhw68QFPP6ezzkTw9Mxh8yk8dZci4/s1600/download.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">What Does the Snow Say?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">1. Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep sleep sleep.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">2. Watch, watch, watch, watch, watch, watch, watch watch watch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">3. Eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat eat eat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">4. Shiver, shiver, shiver, shiver, shiver, shiver, shiver shiver.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">5. Shovel, shovel, shovel, shovel, shovel, shovel shovel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Actually, we are not accumulating that much snow but it is very cold, windy and blowy. Still in my pajamas!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">I have been pinning like crazy and can't decide what to do next. I think I will work on fixing something on this work-in-progress blog (yeah, lots to do here!) But first, a shower to warm up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">BTW, I know "What Does the Fox Say?" is like, 2 years ago, but I can't get it out of my head. Sorry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">See you under a blanket with a couple of books,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Nancy </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-56962415936363832622015-01-03T16:04:00.001-08:002015-04-19T11:37:45.385-07:0010 Best Things About 2014!<h2>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. Adversity was turned into adventure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. Cancer was vanquished to the 10-year mark.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. Tropical heat was replaced by fall leaves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. Old friends and some new were found on FB.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. Having a mullet (briefly) didn't kill me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. My sewing machine was dusted off after 12 years of disuse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. Abby the dog got on Doggie Prozac.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. I found a new haircutter (answer to mullet, above.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. I walked in the snow again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">. I made a tutu for a little girl. Love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Of course, there are so many other things. Things to be thankful about-like my family's health and my 3 sons moving along with their own adult lives. But this one moment I just wanted to reflect on what has brought immediate, new found joy into my own heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I would have to say peacefulness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Knowing that my husband and I can weather any storm together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Knowing that what I do every day is important.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Knowing that one day this year, I will be able to look at this blog and realize it is just as I wanted it to be all along.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">To all who read this, know that you are enough, you have enough, and you can do anything!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-16461090716200380022014-12-05T12:50:00.001-08:002014-12-05T12:50:04.066-08:00A Wombat for Christmas!<span style="font-size: large;">Actually, friends, the title of today's holiday read is <u>Christmas Wombat</u> by Jackie French. I borrowed it from the library because it was new to me and I loved the cover art. Our Aussie friends are probably very familiar with wombat stories, but Americans, not so much. Anyway, I test-piloted it on my little group of RTI students</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3nKW_upno4JUG4ldtASCmA7r5tY-FIdAHxA_u1tRGovQjg_BpZyQT4jF93_Jm3jnIgOTlx8dFBbItUrD8SWY4GRhW8tZrsoZP7ulgEn3rjozpv_wbv3lHMSjdA3DDgfnAKD_MoNwfdhl/s1600/christmas-wombat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3nKW_upno4JUG4ldtASCmA7r5tY-FIdAHxA_u1tRGovQjg_BpZyQT4jF93_Jm3jnIgOTlx8dFBbItUrD8SWY4GRhW8tZrsoZP7ulgEn3rjozpv_wbv3lHMSjdA3DDgfnAKD_MoNwfdhl/s1600/christmas-wombat.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br />(first-graders) yesterday. They were very curious about what a wombat was. In the beginning of the story they received critical information about what a wombat spends his day doing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> “Slept. Scratched. Slept.”</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then we discovered that our little wombat friend was very, very, <i>very, </i>partial to carrots. It just so happened to be Christmas Eve, and people had started setting out cookies and milk for Santa, and big bunches of carrots for his hungry reindeer.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our wombat (who we observed, looks sort of like a little bear cub and runs sort of like a little bunny) wins a stare-down with the reindeer and accidentally falls asleep on the runner of Santa's sleigh! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The children in my group were delighted as they figured out that the wombat thought that the whole purpose of the trip around the world was to get more carrots! You will love this new (to me!) Christmas classic.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to watch a video about the common wombat:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://natgeotv.com.au/videos/animals/wombat-93AD3663.aspx">http://natgeotv.com.au/videos/animals/wombat-93AD3663.aspx</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Here is a short and sweet coloring page as well!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.supercoloring.com/pages/australian-wombat">http://www.supercoloring.com/pages/australian-wombat</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Till Next Time,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nancy</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-37051419446590992662014-11-22T08:00:00.002-08:002014-11-22T08:00:57.840-08:00What's on Your Thanksgiving Table?<span style="font-size: large;">Having recently moved to NH from FL, I called my sister the other day to go over the "what's on your menu?" conversation. It's kind of silly, because my sister can actually cook. Anyhow, she listed all the stuff she was preparing and then we hung up. I thought, "Hey, what about dessert?" and called back. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Oh."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Apple pie."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I said, "Isn't that kind of boring?" and she replied, "Yeah, but that's all these people will eat." She paused and said, "I might just pick up a frozen pumpkin pie. For me."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYfCyyD8udND11pgXAQpiqB4kRQJReGEH56bJU1tzU12Lg3YCd35SKacSQOl0fDy-FjBYq3WYx7JtPwg6dxFdhji0CRUyavPRiVOAJ5hSOHDvrnvltQlPJS8c-GDJQHubHv9WYgqZIqbY/s1600/images+(27).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYfCyyD8udND11pgXAQpiqB4kRQJReGEH56bJU1tzU12Lg3YCd35SKacSQOl0fDy-FjBYq3WYx7JtPwg6dxFdhji0CRUyavPRiVOAJ5hSOHDvrnvltQlPJS8c-GDJQHubHv9WYgqZIqbY/s1600/images+(27).jpg" height="129" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGG9wYGxSAR4tA8OCxz1tNLTQ3lT5ieQMQ2pA_5lpPqu9FBT1HhPjj0jGcQPEXf2YoXH8Ats4AsIuXxN_rPoq4AFETy0AbAzjh_hI2uCbgbO_XcBuYmhRxheg6deVaskNidvO7cOxx9ot/s1600/books+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGG9wYGxSAR4tA8OCxz1tNLTQ3lT5ieQMQ2pA_5lpPqu9FBT1HhPjj0jGcQPEXf2YoXH8Ats4AsIuXxN_rPoq4AFETy0AbAzjh_hI2uCbgbO_XcBuYmhRxheg6deVaskNidvO7cOxx9ot/s1600/books+(2).jpg" height="162" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <span style="font-size: large;">We spend so much time planning and shopping and cleaning and eating! What would happen if we did not get <i>anything</i> that we wanted to eat on Thanksgiving Day? That is the premise of this great book by Eileen Spinelli called <u>Thanksgiving at the Tappleton's.</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In this story, each member of the family is responsible for one of the critical parts of the dinner: the turkey, the mashed potatoes, the salad, and the pie. Due to a series of mishaps, starting with the frozen turkey sliding off the slippery back porch and into the pond, the dinner kind of falls apart before our eyes. However, those responsible do not want to admit to the rest of the family that there is a problem, and figure they will just "make do" with the rest of the menu and maybe nobody will notice, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, <i>all</i> of the critical items have been pilfered, lost, or destroyed. Then the very, very, hungry grandparents arrive!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Kind of like Cyndi Loo Who wondering if Christmas can come without the presents, can Thanksgiving come without the special food? What a great topic of discussion for your family or classroom! It does make you think about what we are truly thankful for.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Many, many of the children at the school I tutor at are considered</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Food Insecure." That is just a nice way of saying that they do not know where their next meal is coming from. Literally.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It might be interesting to talk about this book over a meal and come up with what each person would not mind eating if they had to miss their turkey and gravy. Although I am extremely fond of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce, I think if I had to pick a substitute from the pantry I would go for peanut butter and jelly, with a chaser of milk. With my family sitting across the table from me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Relaxing!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Eating!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nancy </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-2168791710789404312014-11-10T08:25:00.001-08:002014-11-10T08:25:47.704-08:00No Ghosts, No Goblins, No More Candy, November!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJAlS00aGu6NSyYoivgzjTOVT71Kipgy9RqgWpzvneMRqm4NvK5KFjynzRngsf0Yv6aJ3Yf_gLgeCCgArTkqEXEIhhsjN1Q3euKKsVnWKiJgxiroTcTZB0lQvGp3DoJgpdcEbbTbr8p27/s1600/3AM_Oakleaf_.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJAlS00aGu6NSyYoivgzjTOVT71Kipgy9RqgWpzvneMRqm4NvK5KFjynzRngsf0Yv6aJ3Yf_gLgeCCgArTkqEXEIhhsjN1Q3euKKsVnWKiJgxiroTcTZB0lQvGp3DoJgpdcEbbTbr8p27/s1600/3AM_Oakleaf_.png" height="200" width="164" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">You rip the October page off of the calendar and count the actual teaching days and clutch your heart. November and December are the worst and the best of months in Teacherland. The best, because there are lots of days off and lots of festivities and usually, cupcakes. The worst, because time will F-L-Y and come December,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">results will be expected. Amid all of the festivities , time off, and cupcakes. How do you make it happen?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT5x-YF_jsOR1CKEsRXkoG2MDBV_RVyP0X8JGEddxrGjn2Ymx5E3SUN_E16FSksqzgI5VE7J_x50onwnO6dV0501dkrBLBEqNzzZaYutMInv72LwDucQsA9nHwM7bC_M-eTfS522EpttN/s1600/3AM_Oakleaf_.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT5x-YF_jsOR1CKEsRXkoG2MDBV_RVyP0X8JGEddxrGjn2Ymx5E3SUN_E16FSksqzgI5VE7J_x50onwnO6dV0501dkrBLBEqNzzZaYutMInv72LwDucQsA9nHwM7bC_M-eTfS522EpttN/s1600/3AM_Oakleaf_.png" height="200" width="164" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The only way I could ever get it all done <b>well</b> was to use fabulous literature for my reading/literacy 90 minute slot that covered the important things in the content area. In November, I always liked to start with <b>Native</b> <b>Americans</b> in literature and poetry. Children are</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">fascinated by the topic and are capable of the </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">deep thinking the stories entail. First up, my favorite Native American Cinderella story is <u style="font-weight: bold;">The</u><b> </b><u style="font-weight: bold;">Rough-Faced</u><b> </b><u style="font-weight: bold;">Girl</u> by Rafe Martin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi237J5CJ-LapoAHRaB7v6_GHWg94JuI4JUVpj8Z9KGJ7qY50HqBd6EUypInMB3ETqyaUviGJAEbay0D2uih4XhDyDvFyF0zIsXTd58M71LHCHYsdpt-uBNaLjgQifXfS9Q3vMk9EsS7Hny/s1600/roughfacedgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi237J5CJ-LapoAHRaB7v6_GHWg94JuI4JUVpj8Z9KGJ7qY50HqBd6EUypInMB3ETqyaUviGJAEbay0D2uih4XhDyDvFyF0zIsXTd58M71LHCHYsdpt-uBNaLjgQifXfS9Q3vMk9EsS7Hny/s1600/roughfacedgirl.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Just looking at the cover for a while will bring up lots of good questions. What is she looking at? Is she afraid?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Why are her hands and arms all bandaged up? What are those marks on her face from? Is she poor? Her dress is ripped up!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now your lovely listeners are ready to hear the story. They hear about a village of people who live near a lake and live in wigwams. Included in this village, but apart from the others, is a </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">very large wigwam that is supposed to house the most powerful, the richest, and the handsomest man in the village....but no one has ever seen him! He is known as the Invisible Being. He lives with his sister, who quizzes any girl who tries to pretend that she has "seen" him. Only the girl who has <b>truly seen </b>the Invisible Being can become his bride. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Rough-Faced-Girl has been scarred from tending the fires for her two horrible sisters. Her father is poor and she has to wear awful clothing. But she believes that she has seen the Invisible Being, and bravely goes to the wigwam of his sister, wearing her pitiful "best" and despite having scars all over her face. Her sisters have recently tried to scam the sister into believing one of them saw him, but she sees they are imposters and kicks them out. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Rough-Faced-Girl is able to describe the Invisible Being, whom she has seen in the natural world around her. She is instructed to take a swim in the lake. When she emerges, all of her scars have vanished and she is as beautiful outside as she is inside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWzC-zHhL-XAktHPoE7_WanQvpTnCLvBbNasGybh_2yCnalgvxszT2XEom1NreHrg954JlV897bNtPW38mvYaP7ptJrODeTWzPxSVzXPFov8GOJjCu7t9Kuv-EAX8uV43a2F0wgeL5Mwo/s1600/bark_canoe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWzC-zHhL-XAktHPoE7_WanQvpTnCLvBbNasGybh_2yCnalgvxszT2XEom1NreHrg954JlV897bNtPW38mvYaP7ptJrODeTWzPxSVzXPFov8GOJjCu7t9Kuv-EAX8uV43a2F0wgeL5Mwo/s1600/bark_canoe.png" height="96" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">She and the Invisible Being are married and paddle away together.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The illustrations in this story are not to be believed. They convey so much feeling. Along with great discussion (this story is good for grades 3-5 as well) first and second graders will identify similarities between this story and our own Cinderella, which you can post up on a Venn diagram. In their Reader's Notebooks, they can draw a part of the story that they liked and tell about what was happening then. Older students can write about how the Invisible Being's sister was able to truly see inside the Rough-Faced-Girl's heart, and not just judge her on her outside appearance. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Reading and Happy November!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Till next time, Nancy</b> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-21422641486133886922014-10-31T16:10:00.000-07:002014-10-31T16:10:43.204-07:00It's Halloween! Cat Nights!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSP_0aErJhnl8EbqTZOmZqortO3JaiYyoxr5nNlXSICoaUx3sfkLOaHebDTuxeJ_7iud4N5OlBzcPx1ZZhxLGQXuJKHxtQrGVoQIgt_6FXIBCt8EhljD8uqmo2J1NX5gVl9Rg1cDpm3lrv/s1600/Cat-Nights+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSP_0aErJhnl8EbqTZOmZqortO3JaiYyoxr5nNlXSICoaUx3sfkLOaHebDTuxeJ_7iud4N5OlBzcPx1ZZhxLGQXuJKHxtQrGVoQIgt_6FXIBCt8EhljD8uqmo2J1NX5gVl9Rg1cDpm3lrv/s1600/Cat-Nights+(1).jpg" height="320" width="276" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b> <u>Cat</u> <u>Nights</u> by Jane Manning</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This book was a new read for me this year, and let me tell you,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE IT!!! It's totally <i>different </i>from all of the other Halloween books that are out there. For one thing, this story is based on a <b>legend</b> that I had never heard of, and I like to think I'm pretty bright! The legend is that a witch can turn herself into a cat eight times, but if she does it a <b>ninth time</b>, the change is <b>permanent.</b> <b>That</b> <b>is where</b> <b>the expression "A cat has 9 lives" comes from</b>! Did you even know that?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, back to our plot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The pictures are scrumptious as we watch little witch Felicity as she celebrates her 263rd birthday. This is a major milestone for a</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">witch, as you will soon find out. Not only does she grow her first wart, learn how to cast her first love spell, and sees her shoes beginning to curl up at the toes, she FINALLY is old enough to turn herself into a CAT.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "Give me whiskers and moonlight sight,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>as I become a cat tonight.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>My witchy self will now be gone,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>but I'll return by break of dawn!"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Felicity turns into a cat eight nights in a row. Her cousin witches,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wanda, Willa, and Woo cast a spell over her so that she will no longer want to be a cat, but Felicity grows sad and listless. They realize that they have made a mistake, so the cousins undo the spell and allow Felicity to choose to <b>follow her own dream</b>. Her bliss is </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">becoming a cat! On the 9th night, she turns into one forever.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is a great time to do a little cat craftivity. Here's mine, hanging from my kitchen light:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU3MECNESU3D8Rpq4cc62vj67NV1dSIEB4lEfiCKtVXkkmf6jBuFsG7kv_neyDLCRhmLxqj99i_2S7f9B974PY0DNbJeezwtcwHPEc-zuO4QF1Jc4uIQCPB9jrdRo4xDol2_XFXiVfi2B/s1600/100_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU3MECNESU3D8Rpq4cc62vj67NV1dSIEB4lEfiCKtVXkkmf6jBuFsG7kv_neyDLCRhmLxqj99i_2S7f9B974PY0DNbJeezwtcwHPEc-zuO4QF1Jc4uIQCPB9jrdRo4xDol2_XFXiVfi2B/s1600/100_1607.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I think Felicity makes a very charming cat!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Writing Choice</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Students could write an <b>opinion paragraph</b> on whether they think it is better to be a <b>cat</b> or a <b>witch</b>. (Of course, this is only is they have had previous experience watching this type of writing modeled in Writer's Workshop.) They must back up their opinion with three reasons why one choice is better than the other.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Math Graphing</u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;">When all of the writing has come in, tally up which choice received the most "votes" by the writers. <b>How many more votes</b> did the winning choice get than the runner-up choice? Can someone tell</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>how</b> they figured out that answer? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's time to say goodnight to all things Halloween!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Reading!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Until next time, </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nancy</b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-45948443338082602512014-10-30T16:51:00.002-07:002014-10-30T16:51:13.320-07:0031 Days of Halloween - In the Haunted House!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrnvVh7nT3TunwJI8Ef2s6yHlUiWKmobclKUnncVqePOct4fItFPHGjsYEY1FWH7zKGxT5Gh1Py64NcnySvnrCgdtK06MkEowIFZWD1tmQ6WOablmyXF91y6JdzEfSBHc56rsxSHlIkjT/s1600/th+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrnvVh7nT3TunwJI8Ef2s6yHlUiWKmobclKUnncVqePOct4fItFPHGjsYEY1FWH7zKGxT5Gh1Py64NcnySvnrCgdtK06MkEowIFZWD1tmQ6WOablmyXF91y6JdzEfSBHc56rsxSHlIkjT/s1600/th+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><u>In the Haunted House</u></b> by Eve Bunting</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Eve Bunting is an Irish author who has written more than 200 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">books for children. It is a sure bet to pick up anything you see at a yard sale or a thrift store with her name on the cover. She says that</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">she likes to write books that <b>"make children think."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This Halloween tale does just that. A <b>rhyming couplet</b> underneath </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">each pencil and watercolor illustration offers the reader just a few <b>clues</b>, so they have to scan the pictures carefully. We never see the bodies of the two people who have decided to enter the haunted </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">house, just two shoes, one a blue high top and the other, a small red shoe. What a great opportunity for <b>discussion, prediction, and proof as the story goes on!</b>It is like <i>we </i>have gone inside the house</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with the main characters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> This is the house where the scary ones hide.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> Open the door and step softly inside.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As the two go from room to scary room, one of them keeps asking</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the other if they are frightened, and want to go, but the answer is "No."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">By the end of the story, the cat is out of the bag...we can see that it is a Halloween haunted house, and that the two people are really a father and his daughter. Dad is clearly the frightened one here, in fact...his daughter makes him go inside again!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This story is so effective if you read it in a <b>slow, whispery voice. </b>Up front caution the listeners to pay very close attention to the pictures, but not to call out. Once you get to the end, go to your prepared chart paper and start back at the beginning. Have the students <b>offer you evidence from the pictures that lets you know</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. when something scary is obviously staged</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. when they know which person is the more frightened</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. when they know who the two people are. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>More fun here! </b>Watch a quick song about a haunted house that gives the students vocabulary words to use when writing about a ..........(you know what comes next!)<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPRaY5QWKIk&feature=youtube_gdata_player" style="font-weight: bold;">Spooky Spooky</a><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Writing Mini-Lesson</u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;">The importance of using <b>details</b> was evident in the read aloud </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">today. How did they contribute to the overall feeling of creepiness</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in the haunted house? Have the students write about <b>one room </b>in</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a haunted house. This will be a <b>"small moment"</b> kind of story.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Have them <b>describe in detail</b> as much as they can about what they <b>see, hear, feel, smell, or taste</b> in this room, so that the reader can </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>visualize it.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Sharing</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Always choose at least two students to sit in the author's seat and share what they wrote. It is a good idea to keep a list on a clip board so that you don't forget to give anyone their chance!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Reading!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Till next time,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nancy</b></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-42342051537375762922014-10-22T10:16:00.000-07:002014-10-28T10:16:34.177-07:0031 Days of Halloween Day 22! Multiplying Bats!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVU20r2mxR-7hs3cGjv1GE1JPs5mC4pKYDHdi7or8xyFaQMpva-cFsl_a8xRGcGy63qvZIARDii_Qe1-DuHhH5jxtM6kqXGOk1AuEPtrdtEFKOaP4Mq0q2Kv5U-Bfx5sNjsqx8wOjr2FB/s1600/bae9d5a5e0717b5c0f607f489c33fa86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVU20r2mxR-7hs3cGjv1GE1JPs5mC4pKYDHdi7or8xyFaQMpva-cFsl_a8xRGcGy63qvZIARDii_Qe1-DuHhH5jxtM6kqXGOk1AuEPtrdtEFKOaP4Mq0q2Kv5U-Bfx5sNjsqx8wOjr2FB/s1600/bae9d5a5e0717b5c0f607f489c33fa86.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Bats</u> <u>on</u> <u>Parade</u> by Kathi Appelt will grab your students right from the start with its big, beautiful, colorful illustrations. The pictures themselves are a great way to jump into <b>visual literacy</b>, as it is important that the reader understands <b>how the author is setting up the story. </b>They can glean from the pics that this town appears to be made up of animals, who are all out to view a parade. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Connect with the readers-who has been to a parade, and what kinds of things will they see there (besides somebody throwing candy at the crowds...that one always comes up, guaranteed). <b>Make a list</b> of possibilities: clowns, bands, majorettes, fire trucks, floats.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Back to the book...reading just the first 5 pages, what do they notice? The book is written in <b>rhyme</b>. If you prepare a list of the rhyming words on a chart ahead of time, they can practice reading them later in the lesson. (I have listed them at the end of this post.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, this is really a sneaky math lesson book. All of the bat musicians appear in order:1x1, 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, up to 10x10. These pictures are a natural way to have some super number discussions that can usually be started by you with a casual, "What do you <b>notice</b> about this picture? Can you tell me <b>anything else</b> about the number of bats here?" For beginners, anyone noticing that the 3x3=9 page <b>is the same as 3+3+3=9,</b> go ahead and whoop it up and write them on the Batty Parade Numbers chart. This person has just set the connection for you...multiplication is just <b>repeated addition! </b>There may be other discoveries that you can write down in your math journals, such as <b>"The bigger the number you multiply, the bigger the answer will be." That's basic number sense! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For younger students, use some of the neat <b>bat template additions </b>to your math journal and they will be eating it up! Find lots on my <b>"October Ideas" board on Pinterest (link is up on the right). </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Reading and Counting!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Till next time, Nancy</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rhyming Words from the text!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">eve/sleeve promenade/parade routine/queen seat/street</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">anticipation/visitation majorette/set twos/shoes line/nine</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">twenty-five/five section/collection cymbals/timbals</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">gleaming/streaming reported/retorted then/ten sky/by</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">bats/hats flair/air stars/bars crew/flew sight/night</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-78736291420481749102014-10-21T16:13:00.000-07:002014-10-28T09:28:49.286-07:0031 Days of Halloween - Day 21!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aqS-7wAjkcFfBILLMmcDSQTTeQ1u2FdVldNoDjbdXwjfk3hoJ4rT1NhAk1eRaBsvvKjJtXxzolpa09L8zbXoYNkwLtfLQ4sSnfxcqbNvmsWqUvfjKP2RuechE6boBFmYCnXnay2KWCQg/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aqS-7wAjkcFfBILLMmcDSQTTeQ1u2FdVldNoDjbdXwjfk3hoJ4rT1NhAk1eRaBsvvKjJtXxzolpa09L8zbXoYNkwLtfLQ4sSnfxcqbNvmsWqUvfjKP2RuechE6boBFmYCnXnay2KWCQg/s1600/th.jpg" height="165" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Space Case</u> by Edward Marshall</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Every kid in the room loves reading anything illustrated by James </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Marshall. His artwork is nothing short of hilarious. The plot in this story is great, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A "thing" from outer space decides to visit Earth on what turns out to be Halloween night. He (the thing) is not noticed as he clomps around with the other trick or treaters. The next day he goes to school with Buddy, the boy who somehow forgot to do his science project. Now the "thing" is mistaken for a robot. (There is more!)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Teachers, this is a Reading Rainbow Book, so you know it's good!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Time to address the <b>Common Core:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Writing</u> The story begins with the phrase </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>It came from outer space...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Write the phrase on the white board and have the students finish with an idea of their own. Then they should illustrate it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Vocabulary</b> </u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Words from the story to define together:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">natives folks appeared noticed origin</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">atomized peculiar-looking specimens</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">primitive</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Spelling</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">un means "not" What do these words from the story mean? uncooperative unquestionably </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Math Problem</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The thing from space lived 2 zyglotes away from Earth. A zyglote plus 2 zyglotes=6 How much is a zyglote? How did you figure it out?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Language Arts</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Expressions are often not defined for children. Discuss these expressions that are used in the story. Have the children discuss it in groups of 2, then share what the expression means.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The thing from space was <u>beginning to lose heart.</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It must be that new kid from <u>down the block.</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The kids stopped at the schoolyard to <u>stuff themselves silly.</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"<u>Good heavens!"</u>beeped the thing.</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Reading!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRR9dUz9g9SlYmhtPQgBfflAE0AeAmgdQgMgL8OwkRKvIyreTCOQQODUb1SxjYS6ZIW6haRuOF0cTMp-cSeYLL6bojAvslhy0Cp_p64oSSSu4UqHuN2JEvbv6vIbkMTshM2QmcwfJ3Vqy/s1600/canstock7475741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRR9dUz9g9SlYmhtPQgBfflAE0AeAmgdQgMgL8OwkRKvIyreTCOQQODUb1SxjYS6ZIW6haRuOF0cTMp-cSeYLL6bojAvslhy0Cp_p64oSSSu4UqHuN2JEvbv6vIbkMTshM2QmcwfJ3Vqy/s1600/canstock7475741.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Till next time,</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nancy</span></b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-37426104405039391782014-10-20T12:54:00.000-07:002014-10-28T09:27:38.468-07:0031 Days of Halloween - Day 20!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How to Look Perfectly Brilliant at School...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Using the Stuff You Have at Home!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is a perfectly awesome way (if I do say so myself) to come up with some fab <b>manipulatives for math</b> without spending any money, while clearing out some teaching clutter from your overflowing boxes of teaching </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"stuff"</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> If you are teaching an upper elementary grade, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">say 4-6, don't click off this page because </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>your kids</b> </i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">are </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">beyond manipulatives! Well, we wish they were, but I would </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">be surprised if <b>a couple of them were not seriously lagging in</b> <b>the old testing department.</b> Perhaps they never got to use </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">manipulatives extensively enough in the younger grades. No matter. They can have them now.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UbkyU9tb82Jpqc4nAq1La-bqDcr7k5784qpYTvh9xbtsM5Ss5AE9MPZdXy1yzJH6NHfcgwmxw0CQwcwdGGoAWuUPKHIIqBX4Kpsq1ZWckytA0pM6qFHA4A-ZOKclTt-QnG4cKxGjMKLV/s1600/images+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UbkyU9tb82Jpqc4nAq1La-bqDcr7k5784qpYTvh9xbtsM5Ss5AE9MPZdXy1yzJH6NHfcgwmxw0CQwcwdGGoAWuUPKHIIqBX4Kpsq1ZWckytA0pM6qFHA4A-ZOKclTt-QnG4cKxGjMKLV/s1600/images+(7).jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>These are not little plastic hippos.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's what I did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found a box of junky odds and ends that included some holiday stickers. They probably cost about $1.99 whenever I did buy them. I also came across some cool scrapbooking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">paper that I unloaded off off somebody for $3 for a gigantic </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">stack this past summer. <b>Stay with me.</b> Okay. So I choose a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">piece of orange patterned paper, and simply peel and stick the stickers right onto the paper! Because they are <i>stickers,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">right? No glue needed! Nothing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I trimmed the sheet of paper down so that it would be the right size to fit into a sleeve of laminating plastic, turned on my trusty 10-year old laminator, and ran that baby through! Out it popped. I trimmed the pieces, and voila...40+</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">pieces of halloweenie math counters! Nice and flat so they will take up approximately zero space in my October</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">supplies box in a nice, flat envelope!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To use them, put them out on your math center table in something quaint like this black plastic frozen food dish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now for the visuals!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5GKYX3CbSmnv1sjjs9VF8gKHbakfRutM3WT2wgmTMmCYwvTgGk9AOVYA0MzTSsiejMGhoqsI2asw4cfVYSO9oEU5CQwRU5_w3ycSQXloB44-LtPXH0E1j6hzGKSP3NAnHIdmdG_T1aqs/s1600/100_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5GKYX3CbSmnv1sjjs9VF8gKHbakfRutM3WT2wgmTMmCYwvTgGk9AOVYA0MzTSsiejMGhoqsI2asw4cfVYSO9oEU5CQwRU5_w3ycSQXloB44-LtPXH0E1j6hzGKSP3NAnHIdmdG_T1aqs/s1600/100_1600.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is how they turned out...they are about the size of a quarter, but a few were bigger.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZHmlPhaTDGZ-c15Wlrvmwah-QVmMgJtrux3LK4gYYvIHRYDDtqFrxKDXRmFGiIazLf6DfXwJDrIsLPAJWLxuq24-V69ZnIHXIJLq50kT-Y6kOiohbFeGCgCeu2ggjhMneQgyBk1NCpQK/s1600/100_1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZHmlPhaTDGZ-c15Wlrvmwah-QVmMgJtrux3LK4gYYvIHRYDDtqFrxKDXRmFGiIazLf6DfXwJDrIsLPAJWLxuq24-V69ZnIHXIJLq50kT-Y6kOiohbFeGCgCeu2ggjhMneQgyBk1NCpQK/s1600/100_1601.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is how cute they look in their little dish. Way to recycle, Mrs. Pierce! There was an added bonus to this humble little pad of stickers. I discovered, on the back, <b>two cool little</b> <b>scene backgrounds</b> meant to be used, I suppose with the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">stickers. And they were even <b>reversible!</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP152HNRxsrLGkyqGmRpL2Og_m43goWPo0rMMOZTXv_HTOH9jELhsVEDVXhAAkiKUTFO7Wm9roGFVTyqPhW7DmugeZQt6AQ6WyjN0zU68w9xe1iIe7JfK2vtISFmI-MUwPIQG2rq_FTod/s1600/100_1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP152HNRxsrLGkyqGmRpL2Og_m43goWPo0rMMOZTXv_HTOH9jELhsVEDVXhAAkiKUTFO7Wm9roGFVTyqPhW7DmugeZQt6AQ6WyjN0zU68w9xe1iIe7JfK2vtISFmI-MUwPIQG2rq_FTod/s1600/100_1603.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghezMocPHa9DDqP_xl8b5-MVC2Jn_mSSu8iLgi6zqxebrRsSg31kio4JyrZ2PjQunzWlJJWfW12N-6fz7hveEaey85hvYyjps6crih1DBWibst0AhR2PZYmKXkYPQ0wHiKwgubEglM22Ou/s1600/100_1604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghezMocPHa9DDqP_xl8b5-MVC2Jn_mSSu8iLgi6zqxebrRsSg31kio4JyrZ2PjQunzWlJJWfW12N-6fz7hveEaey85hvYyjps6crih1DBWibst0AhR2PZYmKXkYPQ0wHiKwgubEglM22Ou/s1600/100_1604.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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Sorry about the glare!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3N7zoIiVE5QY2m7hp412GVagSQlCCedrDcjqWQSLueBGLHS1aloFMRkR6gSr8xS1oNkWjPMercqzygHz8YJPJDm3Fe9YxjGkCZdjc3DtaUvJEG_ty39MP57xIPUgODLRAbArLPoO140l/s1600/100_1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3N7zoIiVE5QY2m7hp412GVagSQlCCedrDcjqWQSLueBGLHS1aloFMRkR6gSr8xS1oNkWjPMercqzygHz8YJPJDm3Fe9YxjGkCZdjc3DtaUvJEG_ty39MP57xIPUgODLRAbArLPoO140l/s1600/100_1602.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now here comes the part you have been waiting for....how might some <b>older kids use these to help with their math</b>?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How about to do some <b>fractional parts</b>? Or maybe make</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a multiplication array? Who knows?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoKFt74QrjbnlfosMCPBBDia5_QUOVT1W7OZfMRG7bqBKDQNcxNSPBL9SRsRA9hSerCyQ_NmgIsmhhjjj2pGB6zIe4DELTC3khyphenhyphenws9Rw6GUc4OCdIHMmO2fxoFEHPYQAAZmH6xLLVptGD/s1600/100_1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoKFt74QrjbnlfosMCPBBDia5_QUOVT1W7OZfMRG7bqBKDQNcxNSPBL9SRsRA9hSerCyQ_NmgIsmhhjjj2pGB6zIe4DELTC3khyphenhyphenws9Rw6GUc4OCdIHMmO2fxoFEHPYQAAZmH6xLLVptGD/s1600/100_1605.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, the younger kids will have no problem figuring </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">out how to help themselves with story problems. It's even,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">kinda, you know, <b>fun!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Does anybody out there think this might work for them?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I'd love to know! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy Reading!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Till next time, Nancy</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-43326350682071558272014-10-19T06:37:00.000-07:002014-10-28T09:13:53.447-07:0031 Days of Halloween - Day 19!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPfSBvuzvKRVUsjLDGc7pMMKTl4KVSJS33fgLQKWHfbemaW8hpN8ehZ94J39YXdcyOgkEsNFPsVxw4Ypse-qoRLxrxtyuaQW5N5ckCdhfCIPzow9YWWilmgdgaAfouExvm_b3ISdLT0Bp/s1600/01a44e8518d3667f5c985f71999dd265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPfSBvuzvKRVUsjLDGc7pMMKTl4KVSJS33fgLQKWHfbemaW8hpN8ehZ94J39YXdcyOgkEsNFPsVxw4Ypse-qoRLxrxtyuaQW5N5ckCdhfCIPzow9YWWilmgdgaAfouExvm_b3ISdLT0Bp/s1600/01a44e8518d3667f5c985f71999dd265.jpg" height="200" width="176" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>The Spider and the Fly</u> by Mary Howitt</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOYzsS7KwmogqNyw2b0JRCTJjnhsEt906vMLDphyAC4RT02592ZwIscjZdCe61zdRzjtawLRWBN-qnhrIe4P2090ofJOc0fvKqsZObBxf1ABHaxPC22WHPFkce4axx8ySI_WpH9TOzHy3/s1600/61YglZAq2wL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOYzsS7KwmogqNyw2b0JRCTJjnhsEt906vMLDphyAC4RT02592ZwIscjZdCe61zdRzjtawLRWBN-qnhrIe4P2090ofJOc0fvKqsZObBxf1ABHaxPC22WHPFkce4axx8ySI_WpH9TOzHy3/s1600/61YglZAq2wL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="189" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGyG5wl1tA8zn-_vTUdei8lWnOR0YLU0QpsFmAomPNJOKKiZN-JRUebR_EBGWf4aVTsUtK0gU3YpNlJewbc9nyR9oqTbMvE46PtGjJ_0w5DRRlJvsH38c0XbXunGZM4WRjGiAgrXSPfW-/s1600/halloween-clipart-free-0808-0710-1618-1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGyG5wl1tA8zn-_vTUdei8lWnOR0YLU0QpsFmAomPNJOKKiZN-JRUebR_EBGWf4aVTsUtK0gU3YpNlJewbc9nyR9oqTbMvE46PtGjJ_0w5DRRlJvsH38c0XbXunGZM4WRjGiAgrXSPfW-/s1600/halloween-clipart-free-0808-0710-1618-1048.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div class="Content" style="float: left; padding: 0px 15.125px; width: 1059.09375px;">
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b>Will you walk into my parlour</b>?" said the Spider to the Fly,<br />
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did <b>spy</b>;<br />
The way into my parlour is <b>up a winding stair</b>,<br />
And I've many <b>curious things to show </b>when you are there." </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is <b>in vain</b>,<br />
<b>For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again." </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"I'm sure you must be <b>weary, </b>dear, with <b>soaring up so high</b>;<br />
<b>Will you rest upon my little bed?</b>" said the Spider to the Fly.<br />
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,<br />
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"<br />
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,<br />
<b>They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!" </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Said the <b>cunning</b> Spider to the Fly, " <b>Dear friend</b> what can I do,<br />
<b>To prove the warm affection</b> I've always felt for you?<br />
I have within my <b>pantry, good store of all that's nice</b>;<br />
I'm sure you're very welcome -- <b>will you please to take a slice?</b>"<br />
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,<br />
<b>I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!" </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>"Sweet creature!"</b> said the Spider, "you're <b>witty</b> and you're <b>wise, </b><br />
How <b>handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes! </b><br />
I've a little <b>looking-glass</b> upon my parlour shelf,<br />
<b>If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself." </b><br />
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say,<br />
<b>And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day." </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,<br />
<b>For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:<br />So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly, </b><br />
<b>And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.</b><br />
Then he came out to his door again, and <b>merrily did sing</b>,<br />
<b>"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;<br />Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;<br />Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!" </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,<br />
Hearing his <b>wily, flattering words</b>, came <b>slowly flitting by;</b><br />
With buzzing wings <b>she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew, </b><br />
<b>Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --<br />Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing!</b> At last,<br />
Up <b>jumped</b> the cunning Spider, and <b>fiercely held her fast.<br />He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,<br />Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!</b><br />
<br />
And now dear little children, who may this story read,<br />
<b>To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:<br />Unto an evil counselor, close heart and ear and eye, </b><br />
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If there ever was a more chilly <b>cautionary tale</b> than this 100+</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">year old poem, I've yet to hear it! It will engage students of</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">all ages (maybe skip K). Read it aloud and ask for synonyms</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">of all of the bold print words or phrases. What are the three</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">questions that the Spider asks the Fly? What were her</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">three answers? Which answers signals a change in her</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">attitude, and what does the Spider do then? <i>Students will </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>find it helpful to mark important words or lines with a </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>highlighter. It also helps engage younger students!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How does the Spider get her to come back, and what</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">happens to her when she does?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Common Core standard is the ability to interpret <b>themes.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What does the class think the theme or message is in this</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">poem/story? Is it still a worthwhile message to learn, 100</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">years later? Why? (Let's give some evidence, people!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other ideas spring to mind. A Circle Map about the Spider</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">character, and another about the Fly. What words from </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the poem can be used in each?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love this video that allows the <b>illustrator, </b>Tony Di Terlizzi,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to share how he used his own black and white artwork as</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">well as computer-generated images to make the creepy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">pages. View the video here:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEKEaoNDSU8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEKEaoNDSU8</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to check out the many, many awesome crafts</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">and spider-related graphic organizers on my "October </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ideas" pinterest board. Just click up on the right! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Reading!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Till Next Time,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Nancy</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-3415777881143264302014-10-18T07:20:00.000-07:002014-10-28T09:09:52.796-07:0031 Days of Halloween - Day 18! <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So that your class will <i style="font-weight: bold;">know</i> how hip, cool, and with-it you really are, here are two videos that connect with books! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">OK! For those who teach beyond the primary grades, do not be fooled by the Cookie Monster video parody about <u style="font-weight: bold;">The Hunger Games</u>. You will not believe your eyes! Watch it here:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT7nD02Im5E">You Tube The Hungry Games</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">DISCLAIMER:</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><b> The Hunger Games</b> is actually a pretty scary series so I am going to just count this as part of my 31 Days of Halloween. Hope that is okay with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The kids can decide how close to the real story the Cookie Monster version is. If they have not read the book, then, they miss out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Parody is a good vocab word to teach, </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">also!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For those of you who do <i style="font-weight: bold;">not </i>get to watch the Hungry Games, you can still click on the same link and instead choose to watch a fun little commercial about BOOKS. It is for all ages. It is a catchy tune about using the library called "All About the Books, No Trouble". You may be familiar with this tune by now. Again, your kids will think you are c.o.o.l. Sing and dance here:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pduszh4ADTU">All About the Books, No Trouble</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Till Next Time,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nancy</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-38988029327808783452014-10-17T06:35:00.000-07:002014-10-28T07:56:59.430-07:0031 Days of Halloween - Day 17!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Big</u> <u style="font-weight: bold;">Pumpkin</u> by Erica Silverman is such a Halloween classic. It is a book that is actually meant to be <i>sung</i>, even if you are not a singer. Once the children catch on to the song, then you can act it out. The song is:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHkuZKAW7bs">Big Pumpkin on YouTube</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It has the little "beeps" because it is actually an old cassette tape recording to read along with a book. It is helpful to hold the book out so that the children can read the pictures while they are learning the song. The beeps tell you when to turn the page.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You will find the children singing the song to themselves while they are working (love!). If they need a Brain Break, put on the You Tube song and let them do the actions while they are singing. It is also really fun to do in a circle!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You can <b>put the words on a big piece of chart paper and leave it up on the wall for reference</b>. It's great practice reading/singing!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This story is about a witch who wants to make a pumpkin pie on Halloween, but is unable to pull the pumpkin in her garden off of the vine. Along comes a ghost, then a vampire, then a mummy. They each claim to be bigger and stronger than the previous one, and each try but fail to pull the pumpkin off the vine. Last flits along a teeny little bat...and the others just laugh at the idea that the bat might succeed where they have failed.But the bat has a plan!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">They form a line and pulling together, the pumpkin flies off the vine, rolls down the hill, and the witch makes a pumpkin pie which she feeds to her Halloween guests, remembering to save a pumpkin seed for the next year's big pumpkin.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For <b>literacy centers</b>, it is perfect for <b>sequence of events work</b>; <b>who came by first, second, third, last</b>? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It begs for a lesson on <b>-ed, </b>since the refrain of the song is</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "<i>well, he <b>pulled</b> and he <b>tugged</b> and he <b>pulled</b>. First he <b>pulled</b> hard and then he <b>pulled</b> harder." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "and she </i><b><i>kicked</i></b><i><b> </b>that pumpkin."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "...but they thought about pumpkin pie and <b>stepped</b> aside."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "<b>boasted</b> the vampire (ghost, mummy)"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Other -ed sight words to teach include: <b>wanted, planted, weeded, watered, poked, looked, rolled, started, called, landed, bounced, shouted, hurried, watched.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is the perfect time to bring out your anchor chart with Mr. and Mrs. -ed on it to show that <b><i>words that end with -ed always happened in the past.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And the dance along Brain Break movements? Just make those up! When pulling and digging, bend over at the waist, reach down and grab up and down, up and down....when she kicks the pumpkin, give a little kick, when a character steps aside, well.....step aside. Don't forget to say the witchy lines in a witchy voice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Reading and Singing and Dancing!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Till Next Time, Nancy</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034152164222556350.post-78455856410640893302014-10-16T15:09:00.001-07:002014-10-16T15:10:58.370-07:0031 Days of Halloween - Day 16!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you know that there are children who have <b>never </b>touched the icky guts of a pumpkin before? Who do not know what that smells like? Who might think that there is one really great big seed in the whole thing?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is heartbreaking to think that all of the simple pleasures and things that we did in school so many years ago are now <i>exceptional </i>opportunities to learn for our students! What that means is, if you do not provide these activities in school, they might miss it entirely because pumpkins are not inexpensive. Parents will buy a costume and a plastic pumpkin and send their child out there to collect their loot. <b>Purchasing a real pumpkin, carving it as a family activity, actually roasting the pumpkin seeds to eat them? Often that only</b> <b>happens if teachers do it.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I recommend this book, <u style="font-weight: bold;">How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin,</u> by Margaret MacNamara to use as a basis for <b>Pumpkin Day</b> in your classroom. On Pumpkin Day (not to be confused with a Halloween Party) all reading, math, science, writing, science, and craft activities center around the mighty pumpkin! In this book, a teacher is helping the class to figure out some answers to questions that they have about pumpkins. You can figure them out right along with them in your real classroom!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My recommendations for you include: enlist help from parents ahead of time, and make sure you collect everything you will need: big scooping spoons, big bowls to put the pulp in, pumpkin cutting knives (for the adults). You need 2 big pumpkins (with 2 adults in charge) to handle a classroom of children. Give each adult a list of the children's names to call up one by one. That way, they don't keep asking, "when is it my turn?" </span><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget the plastic tablecloths for the pumpkin tables!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a great <b>self-directed pumpkin art activity</b> for them to do at their seats while they are waiting. In another corner you could have a <b>parent reading a new Halloween story</b>.A fun <b>writing</b> activity is to pretend that <b>you are the last pumpkin left in the pumpkin patch, and it is getting late. What happens to you?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When the children are interacting with the pumpkin, they should have their <b>math notebooks</b> with them to write down how many creases are on the pumpkin, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I take the seeds home to bake them in a little bit of oil with some</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">salt. It is worthwhile to get to taste something new. Then you can <b>graph</b> "Do you like roasted pumpkin seeds or not?" More math! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For tons of <b>free printables</b> plus further ideas to help round out your activities, check out my <b>October Ideas</b> board on Pinterest. The link is up there on the right!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Reading! Till Next Time, Nancy</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11628096078963454349noreply@blogger.com0