tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52363922404638949792024-03-04T20:49:20.315-08:00The BEST Days in our Classroom HAVEN'T Happened Yet!Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-3085297048403146652019-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:002019-10-31T00:00:02.114-07:00Build a Game: A Super Easy Way to Include Student-Led Learning in Your Classroom<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are like me, you are constantly looking for ways for students to prove that they understand a concept or skill. To me, a test does not provide true understanding of a skill. I like to have some kind of <b>Project Based Learning</b> to accompany a topic or skill that they have learned. That's where<b> Build A Game</b> comes into play! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrrS_ctup5Szm3r-L_QVdcLYK4WRNRRR4Z3Q71HKULySJwc_oAQb-Eo9wzj95nklgYZ_mtdO_z0m59T_2jsnERjlLERlYrS_jDeYWzw4GcSfosLVzF8MMceAbcSN-DJa3HUDcHAjJqGpY/s1600/Slide2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Build a Game for Student-Led Learning" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrrS_ctup5Szm3r-L_QVdcLYK4WRNRRR4Z3Q71HKULySJwc_oAQb-Eo9wzj95nklgYZ_mtdO_z0m59T_2jsnERjlLERlYrS_jDeYWzw4GcSfosLVzF8MMceAbcSN-DJa3HUDcHAjJqGpY/s640/Slide2.jpeg" title="Build a Game is a super easy way to add Student-Led learning to your classroom. In this blog post you will discover the idea behind Build A Game and how simple it is for students to prove their knowledge through creating board games!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's Build A Game?</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Build A Game is a super easy way for students, and you, to create a project that shows their knowledge. Students create the game cards based on a subject you assign or a subject they are studying, maybe in Genius Hour. Students must design all the parts to the game-from the rules to the questions. It is completely designed by them! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">How Does it Work?</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">In my class, I assigned the skill for the <b>Build A Game</b> activity. Students then worked alone to design their game. They met with friends to run through the game and make decisions about what worked and what didn't. Then they took their game to final product. This is where the rubric truly comes into play. This product includes a rubric that can show students exactly what is expected. Students should refer to the rubric each time they work, but especially when working on the final product. This way students know the expectations as they work into their final product.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi4YCQWnLEq/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Student designed and student made games are one way to boost Student-Led Learning in your classroom! This is available in my store!! Link in my bio!! #studentled #studentledlearning #thirdgradehallway #teacherspayteachers #tptproductsinaction #thirdgradetribe #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofthegram #iteach345 #classroomgames #teachersofinstagram</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Julie from The Best Days</a> (@thebestdaysclassroom) on <time datetime="2018-05-17T13:51:08+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 17, 2018 at 6:51am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let Them Struggle!</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Build A Game</b> is an uncharted territory for most kids. They may or may not have played a lot of board games in their life. I do have my games available to them during this time to look at and think about rules, etc. But, I don't provide a ton of support in these areas. Students will learn more about problem solving when creating something like this than if I were to answer all of their questions. Students will also seek out other students who are being more successful with designing these games, naturally creating leaders in this area. That is one of the wonderful side effects of an activity like this-and, for you, as the teacher, it is then easy to discover strengths and weaknesses in students in general in an area that is new and different for them! It's a win-win! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU9jIrZeugAPwcfK3C4U_M9fl35unbWABIyTj_013C1jmKGj_iIzc5JsG8IkgY-abhERN_Ph-gmnC-YWeA6zgZv42TptjghWQMPghjidCoDLAQ9SYlW5WBPVKnHOqf7ZDDlB_oV7E2CX_/s1600/IMG_9596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Build a Game Sample project" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU9jIrZeugAPwcfK3C4U_M9fl35unbWABIyTj_013C1jmKGj_iIzc5JsG8IkgY-abhERN_Ph-gmnC-YWeA6zgZv42TptjghWQMPghjidCoDLAQ9SYlW5WBPVKnHOqf7ZDDlB_oV7E2CX_/s640/IMG_9596.JPG" title="Are you looking for a great way for students to prove what they know about any topic? This easy to use Build-a-Game product allows kids to show their knowledge and have fun too! " width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, give it a try! After all, you never know where <b>Build A Game </b>will take you and your students! You just might have an amazing time together as a class! I'd love to hear what you think too! Leave me a comment with your thoughts! AND don't forget to follow my over at Facebook and Instagram to follow my classroom journey! I'd love to have you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UtdXRo26zwsgnK3TPlYA5_8Y2Q5nX7SLzoXEsSmbxXBPrrd4pUiTgjMXTFGFPYP-Ypqt085IcW9i_G2ynVw-Se028wptzjSQ8vZpo14M0kDr1PwXHRcb3qFOp390ab61I9RSf1YId5mw/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Build a Game for Student-Led Learning" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for a great way for students to prove what they know in any subject area! Creating games with a skill assigned by you or as their choice can do this! Everything you need is included, from directions for students and teacher to a rubric! These printable game boards are easy for students to add their rules and questions to! And, other students just LOVE playing other kids games! So easy to use and fun to play too! #studentledlearning #studentgames" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UtdXRo26zwsgnK3TPlYA5_8Y2Q5nX7SLzoXEsSmbxXBPrrd4pUiTgjMXTFGFPYP-Ypqt085IcW9i_G2ynVw-Se028wptzjSQ8vZpo14M0kDr1PwXHRcb3qFOp390ab61I9RSf1YId5mw/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-24697274258275564712019-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:002019-10-27T13:33:45.585-07:00Types of Stars-What You Just Might be Missing! <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Types of stars</b> is an interesting concept to teach. While we think students understand the properties of stars, we can quickly build an understanding that each <b>type of star</b> brings a basic struggle for students to understand. There are a number of reasons why! Let's take a look at common misconceptions students have!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FtCDohsEG-3UJRK8jYTcLq4GhBBPM3xOgmmMa6i0Ordz0eRxGYQPA-9wyZeVS4SPgiQr87m8L4cdj6d3A8iTuEckVWYwJbmega8m54iBLID8PP_eHDGLJGZWPQGWwTZFbs_weVoVpBTM/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FtCDohsEG-3UJRK8jYTcLq4GhBBPM3xOgmmMa6i0Ordz0eRxGYQPA-9wyZeVS4SPgiQr87m8L4cdj6d3A8iTuEckVWYwJbmega8m54iBLID8PP_eHDGLJGZWPQGWwTZFbs_weVoVpBTM/s640/Slide1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Color of Stars</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The color of stars can confuse students. Think about our own perception of fire. Fire glows red/orange and is hot, right! We want to place a label on that-red/orange fire is hot. Red/orange means hot in all aspects of our life-a stove is red/orange! HOT-don't touch! But, in reality, red/orange is cool in the range of heat output. We just have this preconceived notion that RED means HOT! Stars that are red/orange are the coolest stars. Blue and white stars are the hottest stars. Kids are like us. They want to apply red/orange stars as HOT, but they aren't. This is a misconception that needs to be addressed when studying stars. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Size of Stars</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bigger is better, right! When it comes to <b>types of stars</b>-NOT TRUE! Big stars a dying stars. They have burned through their fuel and are heading toward death. Small stars are fully fueled and are just beginning their lives. This misconception needs to be addressed when studying stars! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distance of Stars</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stars appear on a plain - a flat "surface" to us. Stars are really at a wide variety of distances from Earth, creating this misconception of a flat, one dimensional surface when we look at them. And, after all, they are all the same size on that plane, right! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">See the problem of misconceptions building up! These are REAL problems when teaching <b>types of stars</b>!!! So, how do we address these misconceptions? How about a STEM activity! </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stars-STEM-Types-of-Stars-3737271?utm_source=My%20Blog&utm_campaign=Star%20STEM%20Post" target="_blank"><img alt="Types of Stars STEM project" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQn_pEGodVJh-1dgmlthlLvVlA-uBEXPTE0PWvSDNqeSzSdpsDJEDwvJSv8NrX11EN6JExHvG-6UpZWOG0mPo5zFD0mBl5f5S1sLrSZ7BjDKNuuPqZY9OXAQAGDvxJMNW5Kr8Gt-y56tZ/s400/Slide2.jpg" title="Types of Stars STEM can help correct misconceptions students have when exploring types of stars and their distances in the classroom." width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I developed this STEM to try and undo the misconceptions that I saw my students struggling with-the very ones I just shared with you! I could not find a way to communicate the properties that we were discussing in a way that students grasped them at a deeper level. There had to be some kind of hands-on activity out there! But, there wasn't! This Star STEM was birthed out of the very cosmos! It had to make things easier - or so I thought! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Starting Off Strong</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKCeUnLXTxn1rieAJ3_QyvExKO-XRFox_la0nKNVk0kIwS1eEOZsVPxbuW7sE-0w2H0rwMLeYRuQ6Mj0SW4XLDgoGvVJayGrtRw4_xeeYOFVT3xHRkp53ETjkNMwhYDpdDY4SWNxhHkTO/s1600/IMG_9166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Star STEM planning page" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKCeUnLXTxn1rieAJ3_QyvExKO-XRFox_la0nKNVk0kIwS1eEOZsVPxbuW7sE-0w2H0rwMLeYRuQ6Mj0SW4XLDgoGvVJayGrtRw4_xeeYOFVT3xHRkp53ETjkNMwhYDpdDY4SWNxhHkTO/s640/IMG_9166.JPG" title="Completing all steps in the STEM process is key. Allowing students space to plan their STEMN and sketch ideas and thoughts is key to the process! It starts them off in the right direction! " width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students were super excited to start this STEM! They brought a variety of flashlights from home and I purchased some different sized flashlights for cheap at The Dollar Tree and other stores! You will need flashlights from very small to very large to represent each type! I also bought tissue paper and some other "star" making materials. You will need packing tape-a lot of it-too! Makes sense, right! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WRONG! Students jumped on the color first! They where using things like their red pencil boxes with the light shinning through it! I would say ROUND and it was like I was speaking a different language-because color was key to them! In fact, one team began creating this blue monster! I couldn't figure out what in the world they were doing! They not only missed ROUND, they missed a star is in space! They were creating EARTH! So, be sure they truly understand the properties involved. Even though this was clearly discussed, and redirected to teams, it did not become the focus of what they were doing! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzXPjKDuTkxWGI8U-t0O5ecETNo_RTMqV_GGdqsZiY_8SDo1MsdhJNDRyGKFXq3iU4FcVXyyibJ7evKF7Sf_GKvFVvMxXpRfEQhT6JIrPEnSSbXfqeDA3J3epo6qChJIH58EABb7Z9dLf/s1600/IMG_9173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Students were building the wrong type of star in this STEM picture." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzXPjKDuTkxWGI8U-t0O5ecETNo_RTMqV_GGdqsZiY_8SDo1MsdhJNDRyGKFXq3iU4FcVXyyibJ7evKF7Sf_GKvFVvMxXpRfEQhT6JIrPEnSSbXfqeDA3J3epo6qChJIH58EABb7Z9dLf/s640/IMG_9173.JPG" title="Misconceptions in studying stars happen easily. It is key to identify them and correct them. STEM projects are a great way to do this! They reveal misconceptions and, through facilitation, they can be corrected! " width="480" /></a></div>
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Misconceptions can lead students away from the goal of learning when the </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finishing STRONG! </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We did get every team focused on the correct properties. We did get every team creating one <b>type of star</b> that represented the size and color that they needed. It was well worth the effort! Because, next came testing! And testing these was where it is AT! Suddenly, they could SEE what happens in the night sky with distances! We tested a number of combos of stars and locations in the room. I had assigned "distances" in the classroom and set up Polaris as the closest star (my design was used for Polaris) on a chair in the front of the room. As we changed out stars and students in "space" we were amazed to see how star sizes appeared the same and how color didn't matter to differentiate a size. They blurred into one sky, even within the classroom! I also used an iPad to take pictures so that we could flip the lights on and examine the evidence in picture form! </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhEgZalgdNJ/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Our Star STEM was so awesome! This really helped the kids understand star distances and how far they are from Earth! There are 4 layers of kids in this photo! You can find this STEm in the link in the. Up! 1/2 price through today too! #starstem #stemteacher #teachersofstem #iteachstem #teachersfollowteachers #teacherspfinstagram #teachersofthegram #thirdgradehallway #iteachscience</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Julie from The Best Days</a> (@thebestdaysclassroom) on <time datetime="2018-04-02T13:52:18+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 2, 2018 at 6:52am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the end, we did finish strong with our study of <b>types of stars</b>! We did internalize the idea that viewing them from Earth does not mean that they are all the same distance or the same size! We did internalize that space has greater distances that can make the size of a star appear smaller than those closer to us! And that is what made this STEM so awesome! It was the very objective that this lesson was supposed to show-because that one is the most complex of all the objectives in teaching <b>types of stars</b>! </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuxsJenfckVzjETIczK0eVO4viK_qhFG6j1sJpsHYrIvrbkAdbPeTlVDU61dSpnmItYKDUcno0J_adrkb_5s57MAMQnaCJxNsz98cn-0Gz6gqNsCVmIfJKS2t0Ob7BJa7Lrbq9ZnvO-qe/s1600/IMG_1104+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="STAR STEM results" border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuxsJenfckVzjETIczK0eVO4viK_qhFG6j1sJpsHYrIvrbkAdbPeTlVDU61dSpnmItYKDUcno0J_adrkb_5s57MAMQnaCJxNsz98cn-0Gz6gqNsCVmIfJKS2t0Ob7BJa7Lrbq9ZnvO-qe/s640/IMG_1104+2.JPG" title="Star STEM: These stars are located on a plane-all in one spot in the classroom. " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These stars are on a plane. You can see that their size and color are shown. These are Red Giants and Orange Stars. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNd14k92rrgiMTxbI06GFGJ8BJ936h_d50Z3IXT7VqsHp3xcylX9_kjLfpGXVVmf8GPmLCfTSGsW4Cgdo8eOPjicR9D_WXQn0fFQ6gZHLR-wUzbgJMV9FMz-Rac9Ksdtwx7Fw0vwSMjQFi/s1600/IMG_1107+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Star STEM testing by students. " border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNd14k92rrgiMTxbI06GFGJ8BJ936h_d50Z3IXT7VqsHp3xcylX9_kjLfpGXVVmf8GPmLCfTSGsW4Cgdo8eOPjicR9D_WXQn0fFQ6gZHLR-wUzbgJMV9FMz-Rac9Ksdtwx7Fw0vwSMjQFi/s640/IMG_1107+2.JPG" title="Star STEM testing includes placing students on a plane so that you can test how they appear in space. Use Polaris as the brightest star in the sky to judge brightness, just like real astronomers do! " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Create Polaris to judge brightness and distance, just like real astronomers do! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As always, let me know what you think! I'd love to hear what you have done in your classroom with types of stars! You can add a comment here or join me over at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" target="_blank">Instagram </a>to share your thoughts! I'd love for you to join me there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Find out how I <a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2018/07/how-to-hack-your-teacher-observation-rubric.html" target="_blank">hacked this rubric</a> for my teacher observation <a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2018/07/how-to-hack-your-teacher-observation-rubric.html" target="_blank">here</a>!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLYVgUm2fC60BHYCjyewYa3R5Z513qXJS5gArpEsaqjyVOfTjm2usdAoKCmOSQz4Ig8uXzvq4qZDK9OfiF1B_l9Nmv_2uBbtgBgbXxvuuFtCaZ7GIKKA7PYMV_EqmkE83VdIJ1wuh1k0b/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-pin-description="Teachers, are you wondering what you need for students to understand the types of stars in the night sky? In this blog post you will discover the misconceptions in the science of types of stars and lesson plan ideas to solve them! This blog posts shows how using hands-on activities can solve those problems for students. Check out sample projects too! What a great way for 3rd graders, 4th graders, or 5th graders to prove their knowledge of stars through a STEM activity! #typesofstars #starstem" alt="Types of Stars STEM" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLYVgUm2fC60BHYCjyewYa3R5Z513qXJS5gArpEsaqjyVOfTjm2usdAoKCmOSQz4Ig8uXzvq4qZDK9OfiF1B_l9Nmv_2uBbtgBgbXxvuuFtCaZ7GIKKA7PYMV_EqmkE83VdIJ1wuh1k0b/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-6081885163979210692019-08-01T00:00:00.001-07:002019-08-01T00:00:12.507-07:00Superhero Secret Skills Review for Primary Students<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know I am always looking for<b> Secret Skill Review for my Primary students</b>. I have found that if you wrap your review in something SUPER, students tend to do their best because they are having fun! Here are some <b>Superhero Secret Skill Review</b> ideas! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSR9HG-eACpLC8ALbJBEJ-rqTKjUz8Ear_AefLksCUz6a3ZZeQeBXFlNRmEYc9YhLHAG61EevgjtnKL71neWXTGe6hOoHCwC922YoTIsCNenWcl2uHK4W1T8Bf5aRjfXQDKYNM_PnHtX5/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSR9HG-eACpLC8ALbJBEJ-rqTKjUz8Ear_AefLksCUz6a3ZZeQeBXFlNRmEYc9YhLHAG61EevgjtnKL71neWXTGe6hOoHCwC922YoTIsCNenWcl2uHK4W1T8Bf5aRjfXQDKYNM_PnHtX5/s640/Slide1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Addition and Subtraction Skills</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students will have a SUPER time proving what they know in addition and subtraction. These pages are a great way for kids to both prove what they know and take a brain break to color either at the beginning of the year or, even, at the end of the year! <b>Super Secret Skill Review</b> at it's best! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbeehv-skoqR2EL0J7StJuLt3HuUBj2JBP8me8HmuzWiHXu86sewHMkst9G-XCpsMB1TpcP3sHhWfA2nGVMIX9q2GK7FvQG4Cd716EhlqAUDYQuOkSKHFh9VmFxk47iRMCcCOPMu2BZkn/s1600/IMG_5009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Basic addition and subtraction Superhero skills" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbeehv-skoqR2EL0J7StJuLt3HuUBj2JBP8me8HmuzWiHXu86sewHMkst9G-XCpsMB1TpcP3sHhWfA2nGVMIX9q2GK7FvQG4Cd716EhlqAUDYQuOkSKHFh9VmFxk47iRMCcCOPMu2BZkn/s640/IMG_5009.JPG" title="Teachers, what is more SUPER than a superhero basic addition and subtraction skill page! Plus, you get MORE! Sight words and following directions are included in these super fun pages! Great for #backtoschool or anytime! " width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sight Words</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sight Words are a jumping spot for reading. These <b>Super Secret Skill Review</b> Sight Word pages are super simple to use! Just print and go! The best thing is, they can be used as Morning Work! Then, they can be used to assess students ability to read the words! Two in one! Win-Win!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA_8WGdk5EaVwfIftVbIg2IcBqf3RQqUka6BhyA_w9g6bDWigDxHNP0CfWtZuK-JvNi73f2JDNJmqpxne5DaYnsoIz_BOKizjfBCAZD6GKBd3c8zqPVCS6ajOs-jJLCLCY1TP-ICL4qDB/s1600/IMG_4988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sight Word Superhero Activities " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA_8WGdk5EaVwfIftVbIg2IcBqf3RQqUka6BhyA_w9g6bDWigDxHNP0CfWtZuK-JvNi73f2JDNJmqpxne5DaYnsoIz_BOKizjfBCAZD6GKBd3c8zqPVCS6ajOs-jJLCLCY1TP-ICL4qDB/s640/IMG_4988.JPG" title="Teachers, are you looking for a way to assess students SUPER sight word ability? This easy to use, and fun too, sight word activity can give you a glimpse at your students skills! Plus, there are addition and subtraction basic skills and following directions activities too! Great for #primarystudents at #backtoschool or anytime of the year! " width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This one! How often do we get a chance to see exactly what students can do with direction following. These <b>Super Secret Skill Review</b> pages can give you a clear idea of what students can really do with direction following. They read each step and follow those directions provided. From this, you can see exactly what your students are capable of, whether it is at Back-to-School time or the End of the Year! Super easy to use too! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivywjKZ8G6nJSTLKEltwhyphenhyphenvZn4mBLdp1UoYxDR-4AIQAfzJhX_zM4J0xguP5jnt6WPteiuTf18Q1OICzgXXAO1d_Mrs87jsgsOw6ZrIxr-wLyv6vRrpylgqU3zKKvkiYUfKzoXyHTzzbjM/s1600/IMG_5019+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Following directions Superhero activity" border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivywjKZ8G6nJSTLKEltwhyphenhyphenvZn4mBLdp1UoYxDR-4AIQAfzJhX_zM4J0xguP5jnt6WPteiuTf18Q1OICzgXXAO1d_Mrs87jsgsOw6ZrIxr-wLyv6vRrpylgqU3zKKvkiYUfKzoXyHTzzbjM/s640/IMG_5019+2.JPG" title="Teachers, are you looking for a great way to assess students with direction following? These superhero activities will do just this! Plus, you can assess both sight words and basic addition and subtraction as well. " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, as you can see, these Super Secret Skill Review pages are a great way for students to show-what-they-know and for you to get the information you need to assess from them! LOVE IT!! Let me know what you think by dropping me a comment here on the blog! And, you can join me over at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to keep up with my journey there! I'd love to have you follow along! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWP4MYVkQmkAt2YN-H_0Lg1Sie29q1S5gew2KZ7ID8YxJajxW-il0KpSXL2xMO0xy_DEq0Q-4b3kzOEF83K-EGjg7jJCJ_4QoJ79LUc4B0A5Jx1JdQl9tKkvj2AUAnRa_GdAZQZS0CvkG/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Superhero basic skills pin" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for a fun way for primary students to show you what they know? Students will enjoy these Back-to-School or anytime assessments that are fun to do but also give you, the teacher, information about a student's level. Sight words, basic addition and subtraction, and following directions are all assessed. Great for the first day of school in your classroom! Great for 1st grade or 2nd grade students! #backtoschool #primarystudents #firstgrade #secondgrade" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWP4MYVkQmkAt2YN-H_0Lg1Sie29q1S5gew2KZ7ID8YxJajxW-il0KpSXL2xMO0xy_DEq0Q-4b3kzOEF83K-EGjg7jJCJ_4QoJ79LUc4B0A5Jx1JdQl9tKkvj2AUAnRa_GdAZQZS0CvkG/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-39160602210247155822019-07-18T00:00:00.000-07:002019-07-18T13:15:46.426-07:00Rounding Numbers to the Nearest 10 and 100 for Mastery and Fun<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rounding to the Nearest 10 and 100</b> is one of the most basic skills presented to students-honestly, kinda boring too! What if I presented to you the idea that it can be a lot of fun and kids can master it too! No, really, it can be FUN and mastery can be done in just one week! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd-gWwSvw5ONZFtOlRIHNwaXdqfvITbHQ0twCM8NGBgX0WLMECYriKdZq1IG6MG5w-6jF_iU3ujZpKPRS-hIaCYgHIdf9zOh9DCnDAn3CyImXjlAa30aItAxAtXZuLh88jf7N1DDllfyl/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 square intro image" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd-gWwSvw5ONZFtOlRIHNwaXdqfvITbHQ0twCM8NGBgX0WLMECYriKdZq1IG6MG5w-6jF_iU3ujZpKPRS-hIaCYgHIdf9zOh9DCnDAn3CyImXjlAa30aItAxAtXZuLh88jf7N1DDllfyl/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="Teachers, looking for a great way to master rounding to 10s and 100s and still have fun learning? Check out this blog post to find out how a themed study can open up learning opportunities beyond math! " width="640" /></a></div>
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How to Make it FUN! </h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Find a good theme and go with it! Seriously, <b>rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 </b>needs a theme! That's how you make it FUN! Luckily, a theme has been made! May I present to you...Knights of the Rounding Table!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This fun rounding unit is set to the idea that the King needs help-and the queen steps in to save the day with an idea-an idea that defeats the Digits Dragon!! So fun, right! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSFHkJxeD8mWcAlSWDsrHOoMv_7BpzDBDyYyhxxCUtJmBGpmMgw6N_-rESeGom1EwHiLG3K0pmxWPKYvP1svzfzk3LnKro4e8WgYGcohcw1O_kYbXJhudR7c_05ksNZYlYKsE-oj5UnmB/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Digits Dragon and rounding activities picture" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSFHkJxeD8mWcAlSWDsrHOoMv_7BpzDBDyYyhxxCUtJmBGpmMgw6N_-rESeGom1EwHiLG3K0pmxWPKYvP1svzfzk3LnKro4e8WgYGcohcw1O_kYbXJhudR7c_05ksNZYlYKsE-oj5UnmB/s640/IMG_4976.JPG" title="Teachers, finding ways to practice rounding to 10s and 100s can be as easy as defeating the Digits Dragon! Find out how in this blog post! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to Make it MORE Fun!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I do this <b>Rounding to the Nearest 10 and 100 unit</b>, I accompany it with some fun information about knights and dragons! Read a great book about Medieval times (I have an oldie but a goodie that is so old, I can't even find it on Amazon to show you the book!) Or, even better, about King Arthur! Or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Saint-George-Dragon-Margaret-Hodges/dp/0316367958/ref=asc_df_0316367958/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312652786535&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16554182935417051052&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012292&hvtargid=pla-449830057851&psc=1" target="_blank">Saint George and the Dragon</a> which is an amazing knight story! (<a href="https://images.scholastic.co.uk/assets/a/20/a9/dragon-pcps-217327.pdf" target="_blank">Grab this freebie from Scholastic!</a>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This literature tie in makes it even more fun because students can dive into the topic in a different way-tying in this new information to apply to the math concept! It builds a fun new experience all around! Plus, you could even have them create a fun Digits Dragon on their own! This adorable craft would make a great tie in to this unit! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What about the Rounding?</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Students get the opportunity to learn r<b>ounding to the nearest 10 and 100 </b>from simple steps to the practice of mental math! Students start with learning the Rounding Poem. This poem helps them to remember the concept of rounding down for under 4 and rounding up for 5 and over. Plus, the posters have clues to help them remember too!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3j_gaHH9Yml5eJ-2x5hpdcDSyHBuJFuBQ_C7e9yk-PsX2d5jGLOE0y-hpYKYKJnlqDzgF4B3ZkMVjdKBDrZxwCMjtztes-K10b2F2DUxJrst-Rg-Zg_f1ju_D3EVh3hbqeYFtZ_hZUsGu/s1600/IMG_4967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3j_gaHH9Yml5eJ-2x5hpdcDSyHBuJFuBQ_C7e9yk-PsX2d5jGLOE0y-hpYKYKJnlqDzgF4B3ZkMVjdKBDrZxwCMjtztes-K10b2F2DUxJrst-Rg-Zg_f1ju_D3EVh3hbqeYFtZ_hZUsGu/s640/IMG_4967.JPG" title="Teachers, are you looking for a way to master rounding by 10s and 100s? This spiraled learning unit will help students master this skill while having fun! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students will first practice <b>rounding to the nearest 10 and 100</b> by identifying the ten or hundred before and after the original number. Then, students must decide, based on the rounding rules, which number it is rounding to. This allows students to build the foundations of the mental math to come. Next, student step into the mental math realm to round to the nearest number. Both <b>rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 </b>is taught on separate pages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once the skills are mastered individually, then students are presented with rounding to the nearest 10 OR 100 on one page! This way, students can practice this skill in tandem with one another, switching their brains back and forth! Plus, they can play a fun game! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Gd0zwEs0gztnUkLmJGPdVM0kfv8mrnuWMu3nDW7cIwInREQHwBq2EeufH_h1BoVpNJHZWNKZqrrT58hYDal3d2sNgRAtaFuHKm1t59LD9IAsvmN4cPYn0WkhC3CvYSKWCNLJBCWTvD9J/s1600/IMG_4966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rounding table practice pages" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Gd0zwEs0gztnUkLmJGPdVM0kfv8mrnuWMu3nDW7cIwInREQHwBq2EeufH_h1BoVpNJHZWNKZqrrT58hYDal3d2sNgRAtaFuHKm1t59LD9IAsvmN4cPYn0WkhC3CvYSKWCNLJBCWTvD9J/s640/IMG_4966.JPG" title="Teachers, students will love learning about rounding through a fun, hands-on unit that you can stretch into real learning about medieval times! Grab this unit now! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This super fun game presents the students with the opportunity to defeat the Digits Dragon! And, then, students can prove their mastery with a quiz! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NAi45y1awr8wElDHoya9Izn3bqsU2xBzSYDWtwB2V-Z8MbhJAzKoSiyrxW5MGiJ5v82E1ewHGlcH2BghgyyyjWVbq3HA5-isrNkeA1iXKpXjtVEA-U1t9Uzv8Os-ILxIRVHh8vW7CHji/s1600/IMG_4944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Digits Dragon Game" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NAi45y1awr8wElDHoya9Izn3bqsU2xBzSYDWtwB2V-Z8MbhJAzKoSiyrxW5MGiJ5v82E1ewHGlcH2BghgyyyjWVbq3HA5-isrNkeA1iXKpXjtVEA-U1t9Uzv8Os-ILxIRVHh8vW7CHji/s640/IMG_4944.JPG" title="Teachers, are you looking for a fun game to build mastery of 10s and 100s. You will find it here in this blog post! Learn how! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Best of all, then they are KNIGHTED! Imagine their excitement to receive their official Knighthood after learning both rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 AND Medieval Knights! It is just so exciting to them! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxxYV70z1P4fPnrnotayftHz-dK3OXWPJe0tyK_LXl5kwsBRf2E6RxJcroeUuDfWNhyLvYBRsCNc8DrHBTtlelGBhW_FDmLO4XvzDaXjUv17JhQ8BpXIgIdKo6fEYUOD0mvfuQ1j_j82X/s1600/IMG_4952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rounding Knight certificates" border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxxYV70z1P4fPnrnotayftHz-dK3OXWPJe0tyK_LXl5kwsBRf2E6RxJcroeUuDfWNhyLvYBRsCNc8DrHBTtlelGBhW_FDmLO4XvzDaXjUv17JhQ8BpXIgIdKo6fEYUOD0mvfuQ1j_j82X/s640/IMG_4952.JPG" title="Teachers, who wouldn't love to be Knighted after learning how to round to 10s and 100s! Find out how in this blog post! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, as you can see, <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rounding-to-the-Nearest-10-and-100-Knights-of-the-Rounding-Table-2557605" target="_blank">rounding to the nearest 10 and 100</a></b> can be both a learning opportunity and fun! And, everything you need can be found in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rounding-to-the-Nearest-10-and-100-Knights-of-the-Rounding-Table-2557605" target="_blank">this product</a>! Your students will love it and so will you! </span><span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to hear what you have to say or your ideas about </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">rounding to the nearest 10 and 100</b><span style="font-size: large;">! And, if you would like to learn more about what I do in my classroom, I'd love for you to join me on my </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Instagram</a><span style="font-size: large;"> journey and over at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-size: large;"> too! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRi7Sk6_VaiGCfp3RP-nAIvv5k2jGKrKV9GNlQsP2OzpYSpaT0I6-uIIxVX9HjdCyBRzyaQGX62olWnJi7xzs0gBqHURteY1qLv7L1V5j9c44T2eSTUavNOZ3TDxj3B4H3yksWrmaa07G/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pin for Rounding to 10s and 100s" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for a great way to teach rounding to the 10s and 100s for 3rd grade and 4th grade students? This blog post exposes activities, worksheets, a poem, and a game that will help your students master rounding! So simple to use too-all are print and go activities! Plus, there are some fun literature and craft tie in suggestions! Students will just love all the learning wrapped in these activities-and so will you! #roundingnumbers #rounding #roundingto10sand100s" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRi7Sk6_VaiGCfp3RP-nAIvv5k2jGKrKV9GNlQsP2OzpYSpaT0I6-uIIxVX9HjdCyBRzyaQGX62olWnJi7xzs0gBqHURteY1qLv7L1V5j9c44T2eSTUavNOZ3TDxj3B4H3yksWrmaa07G/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-87519564641038871582019-07-11T00:00:00.000-07:002019-07-11T00:00:03.532-07:00How to have a TWEET First Day of School! And Beyond! <span style="font-size: large;">Tweet, tweet! The school year is about to start and you are wondering what to do to 1. Teach your students about your classroom and 2. Not bore them to death doing it! Why not <b>TWEET Your First Day of School</b>! Let's take a look! </span><!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMqy6L0KNk0Mjij3iwKMH9Updhyx4zIhNo6OJgfErWVsKq9VPaKmugtC5Bn-bQFu77Swdctf9RyvunExWG97ZNkF-rJ1WBi-X8iBvKWMNVd-VqkeIF-7L10_m03JLdyTqbb8donGbxOHp/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tweet Your Classroom for the first day of school! " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMqy6L0KNk0Mjij3iwKMH9Updhyx4zIhNo6OJgfErWVsKq9VPaKmugtC5Bn-bQFu77Swdctf9RyvunExWG97ZNkF-rJ1WBi-X8iBvKWMNVd-VqkeIF-7L10_m03JLdyTqbb8donGbxOHp/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="Teachers, this blog post will help you have a TWEET first day of school-and beyond! Find out all about great student-led activities you can do with your students this fall to get them up and moving! Plus, they'll learn about their classroom and themselves! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Teach Your Classroom</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students love getting up and moving the first day of school. Plus, to be honest, they are just tired and need to move! So, this fun little booklet gets the job done! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is some prep for you with this <b>First Day of School </b>activity. Of course, printing the materials before the first day and assembling the booklets is key! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q_uhemf4A50H0FauCKXd9QQIvewzCF__KLL4iNvnYwpTSh4d7HdLmAebq2OxMLyoEwBZBHzjhfmvCBTeSag4pmmPy4cz8alB19o_UFQngUUtVGUUP5qhk7x-9aeHz5H00Elm3xb8z5w-/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tweet Your Classroom Booklet" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q_uhemf4A50H0FauCKXd9QQIvewzCF__KLL4iNvnYwpTSh4d7HdLmAebq2OxMLyoEwBZBHzjhfmvCBTeSag4pmmPy4cz8alB19o_UFQngUUtVGUUP5qhk7x-9aeHz5H00Elm3xb8z5w-/s640/IMG_0962.JPG" title="This TWEET booklet will get your students up and moving this Back to School season! Print and assemble the booklets before the first day. Students will then get up and moving to learn about their classroom! Built in activities include gathering books to read later and meeting and greeting new friends! So fun and a learning opportunity too! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You also need to have students access some materials around your classroom. For instance, I always have them "discover" the dictionaries, as these are going to be key in our learning. Another great thing about this activity is that your students dive into the classroom library! During this time, I ask the kids to pick out four great books they find that they would like to read. This preps the possibility of students being able to read later in the day when everyone needs a break! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8TzxBtYO9tSZTypDB5AkMM8bt_b17SMabQqIwr8IvzSBoMX13zHhbNRqueBiebbX09XRsIXIYsrGdJzDXJUv3rTpALZJ2UU5qPw8qt3KM6BhclzuzOSciIjSEOVWtYia-zK9Haqk4aSQ/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Students checking the library" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8TzxBtYO9tSZTypDB5AkMM8bt_b17SMabQqIwr8IvzSBoMX13zHhbNRqueBiebbX09XRsIXIYsrGdJzDXJUv3rTpALZJ2UU5qPw8qt3KM6BhclzuzOSciIjSEOVWtYia-zK9Haqk4aSQ/s640/IMG_0647.JPG" title="Students love to discover their classroom library on the first day of school! In this blog post discover how to TWEET this information! " width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another thing this booklet does is gives the students an opportunity to talk to each other! We tend to want to avoid this on the first day, BUT isn't that how we create community! They need to get to know each other, even if some of them have been friends for years. They still need to know what it is like in our classrooms. Parameters can be established within this simple activity. An example of this is how we talk to each other and how long within the classroom setting. This activity will do that! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEqitF4Lmpb3I0SJ5-HxpMHQmiZ1lZL317RVuJCncVg8wO5kz7vx-0_FrQSlY2dLP_X0eLhsFtZeLwejcbAPlO4yVOKzAWdBGY7kyNUHD1Eb6PdSjJjdd7Is97QLavEFrT26m7KdMDUtA/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Boy TWEETING their classroom " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEqitF4Lmpb3I0SJ5-HxpMHQmiZ1lZL317RVuJCncVg8wO5kz7vx-0_FrQSlY2dLP_X0eLhsFtZeLwejcbAPlO4yVOKzAWdBGY7kyNUHD1Eb6PdSjJjdd7Is97QLavEFrT26m7KdMDUtA/s640/IMG_0650.JPG" title="Teachers, get your students interacting on the first day of school by TWEETING about their classroom! Students engage in a scavenger hunt activity to discover items in their classroom! Read about it in this blog post! " width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Plus, it gives you the chance to expose other areas of your classroom to the students. I always have the students find the clipboards, because this is a key tool in our classroom. I list the clipboard rules out and have them available for students to view when this activity is going on. This way, students are able to know their location and know the rules that go with them. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwd_zVBP6gwXLbZicrIBqQRnJzcuj5g9movFk7OpedY6i8wbBNIHAvq3ByxunmsuFoPreN4-W974kyExQPD06bhAkp8w2oiK3POZ4uCc01EILK5_ENLCXgz7Ugxr-kOGxI__SrtPga-LeD/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tweet sign on a clipboard holder" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwd_zVBP6gwXLbZicrIBqQRnJzcuj5g9movFk7OpedY6i8wbBNIHAvq3ByxunmsuFoPreN4-W974kyExQPD06bhAkp8w2oiK3POZ4uCc01EILK5_ENLCXgz7Ugxr-kOGxI__SrtPga-LeD/s640/IMG_0644.JPG" title="Teachers, are you looking for some fun on the first day? TWEET Your Classroom has students up and moving, discovering things in your classroom! TWEET signs help to guide their way! Read about it in this blog post! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Secret is in the Tweets! </span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">You may have been reading this wondering how students know where to go! Well, the secret to getting the students to the right location on the <b>first day of school</b> is to TWEET them! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-NiJOhYHpYceq2h3XaXvYvtCL-ASAEraMf08Of3LOs2vI5U2eY-nFx-dadQlGlCctnEtL2zXkS7e0MCfQY139sWzZtV9PlRDj6SCpX9AW1PllMFlUoOy7_OsmwyWcybBLSLhf1RYo4Q7/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tweet sign" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-NiJOhYHpYceq2h3XaXvYvtCL-ASAEraMf08Of3LOs2vI5U2eY-nFx-dadQlGlCctnEtL2zXkS7e0MCfQY139sWzZtV9PlRDj6SCpX9AW1PllMFlUoOy7_OsmwyWcybBLSLhf1RYo4Q7/s640/IMG_0637.JPG" title="Tweet signs can lead your students to endless discoveries in your classroom spaces and places! Read all about it in this blog post! " width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simply by putting up these cute tweet signs, students have a marker for where they are to go. They also move around to find these tweets at different rates, so you won't have kids gathering in huge groups. If you do, this is your opportunity to step in and express the need for them to move about and not be social, but to concentrate on completing the activity. To be honest, this is the first step in developing your expectations in a way that is facilitative and allows them the opportunity to grow in success through redirection! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What Else is There?</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Every year I have tried to accomplish this entire product on the <b>first day of school,</b> but, well, I've failed! So, there is MORE that can be done, even past the <b>first day of school</b>! Here's what you get! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqEf4XLrRG995qou1UsLtc0p6DxnRGmfJ8Mq4uUTd6P7XZkmD_LF3m3Vb1ZNVBP-MtpUJaOi9zOGAjHexDebRERO3j3ht1Ewect2H4NBxnZq_DKPnQja8t-UkVh6h9vOyougxUqxFyrjh/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tweet Classroom Little Book" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqEf4XLrRG995qou1UsLtc0p6DxnRGmfJ8Mq4uUTd6P7XZkmD_LF3m3Vb1ZNVBP-MtpUJaOi9zOGAjHexDebRERO3j3ht1Ewect2H4NBxnZq_DKPnQja8t-UkVh6h9vOyougxUqxFyrjh/s640/IMG_0959.JPG" title="Teachers, this TWEET little book is an easy way to have students actively prove that they understand and remember their classroom rules and procedures. Plus, you can tell how students are at direction following by folding this little book as a group! Great practice and insight too! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Tweet Tweet our Class is so Sweet Little Book helps your students understand rules and procedures! Students get to reflect on what they are learning by writing it in their own words! This can also double as a direction following activity, giving you an idea of what students are capable of doing with directions. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPvjmivS4ICL0XhVmlPKVQEsEAxgY0vG8BwNuA3C5UMUMEjzGVMUOpdiMEb6MuITrH91puvJxH59qXfFa7jnUsCHK_f6BOr7MiAQcP7Ip9t9oE1PGoVCuxQ0MobFueBYwLP7bpep7SXaV/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tweet Friend Venn Diagram " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPvjmivS4ICL0XhVmlPKVQEsEAxgY0vG8BwNuA3C5UMUMEjzGVMUOpdiMEb6MuITrH91puvJxH59qXfFa7jnUsCHK_f6BOr7MiAQcP7Ip9t9oE1PGoVCuxQ0MobFueBYwLP7bpep7SXaV/s640/IMG_0967.JPG" title="Teachers, this fun Venn Diagram is a great way for students to share information about themselves with a new friend from class. A bonus for you is that it will show you both student's abilities in completing a graphic organizer! Win-Win!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Tweet Friend allows students the chance to work with a friend discovering things about each other by using letters in their names! The kids LOVE this activity because it gives them a chance to interact with a friend and discover similarities about themselves! For you, it can guide you in understanding how well kids can use and interpret Venn Diagrams from their past experiences and how their handwriting is in an open ended activity. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Classroom-Scavenger-Hunt-Tweet-Your-Classroom-Activities-4039427" target="_blank"><img alt="Tweet Your Classroom " border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9JP9e0S5RcH38URjdyPLKxyhHgWepTZyVXOPZhTlwWVHhGyUP2Z_oHl7HmwS6MHtkfcs-5fUBapSLy1rPmqO_zJgvoe77y58Fat6qfSZlDGcIQWJfP1jVBM0D0sNLTYGOP5AS4vqYjb6/s640/original-4039427-1.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, there is so much packed into these <b>first day of school</b> activities that you can fill your lesson plans with them so quickly and easily! Students just love them, and so will you! Let me know what you think! I'd love for a comment below about your first day of school activities! Or, follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to keep up with all the action! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXmoBI0-6N0befI3AVasoSCOM3beDin19xrkl9k6LJWSC_2GWuwjfhMKNCvVup_RLlkfmw92UoI3rZSwJI6EVcwoXRdsB6sbuNqfiT_o2RzscPWktA-So9Tvf9n9xZZyXbz3wJfcBiWp0/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tweet Your Classroom Pin" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for a great first day of school idea that will be fun for kids and for teachers too! TWEET Your Classroom with these great ideas found in this blog post. Getting to know you activities for kids and the classroom are included. Team building for the whole class and a scavenger hunt idea are covered! Your lesson plans never looked so great! This will start your students on a Growth Mindset from the beginning! Great for elementary! #firstdayofschool #backtoschool" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXmoBI0-6N0befI3AVasoSCOM3beDin19xrkl9k6LJWSC_2GWuwjfhMKNCvVup_RLlkfmw92UoI3rZSwJI6EVcwoXRdsB6sbuNqfiT_o2RzscPWktA-So9Tvf9n9xZZyXbz3wJfcBiWp0/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love the Bird Theme? <a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/06/Watercolor-Bird-theme-classroom.html" target="_blank">Check out My Watercolor Bird Theme Decor and More! </a></span><br />
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-46802269598398365252019-07-04T00:00:00.000-07:002019-07-04T00:00:00.950-07:005 Patriotic Products to Make Any Elementary Student Celebrate! <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we approach any <b>American Patriotic holiday</b>, we want to bring that celebration into our classroom! Whether it is during President's Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or even Labor Day, we are proud of our American Heritage! Here are <b>5 Patriotic Products that will make any elementary student celebrate</b>-or teacher too! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiganwAN2vnyPbt4YYMyy2azGOU8VGQG_RGVXWh9AciBEiixG9Eqv2OC7RgdO9yRG66McDUUio8UAKOEMkiLC0VHOyO44A00dA14aLdToX0F5mS64qpiAyxGiZgmFs9AeD4bF52iM9GTye4/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Patriotic Products to make your celebrating easier! " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiganwAN2vnyPbt4YYMyy2azGOU8VGQG_RGVXWh9AciBEiixG9Eqv2OC7RgdO9yRG66McDUUio8UAKOEMkiLC0VHOyO44A00dA14aLdToX0F5mS64qpiAyxGiZgmFs9AeD4bF52iM9GTye4/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="Teachers, are you looking for a great way to celebrate a Patriotic Holiday and still include academics? This blog post will help you do just that! A Freebie is included! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Patriotic Product #1: Patriotic Scoot - Addition and Subtraction with Regrouping</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiXiT9_NohmyH5r8AIcnaw1J8cMKnBe1QSF-HhWTuawNKGPiZd4zSOAJonmF-uqf6xSGCZ1lvyDDoD0MNtC_O87NKP7HfRAgKLnRLHtI18WihfQIXTveywfX-uILwTJs4LXaahXMKRaqu/s1600/Slide2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Patriotic Scoot Cover" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiXiT9_NohmyH5r8AIcnaw1J8cMKnBe1QSF-HhWTuawNKGPiZd4zSOAJonmF-uqf6xSGCZ1lvyDDoD0MNtC_O87NKP7HfRAgKLnRLHtI18WihfQIXTveywfX-uILwTJs4LXaahXMKRaqu/s400/Slide2.jpeg" title="Addition and Subtraction Scoot with Regrouping is a great way for students to celebrate Patriotic Celebrations and still have something fun to do academically! " width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3-Digit-Addition-and-Subtraction-with-Regrouping-Scoot-Patriotic-Theme-3896624" target="_blank">This product</a> has kids up and moving while checking out patriotic pictures! Kids just LOVE to play SCOOT! There is a pre-made work page, so students can SCOOT with ease! And, this is 3 digit by 3 digit problems, so late 2nd graders all the way up to 5th graders can benefit from this continued practice! That's one way to make kids happy on a holiday and still get a skill practiced in math! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Patriotic Product #2: Primary and Secondary Source Superstars</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Primary-and-Secondary-Source-Activity-4040718" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Primary-and-Secondary-Source-Activity-4040718" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPow9mt2z_SPKsGe10-M9bJ2_kpoPGZ9FoD4u3Mg_VWOFTHhza1SHGn1LyMh82ODd2fAWnI_aioKodAFBTtJ9Hpvv5uD2s9wdaXKJ6jXq1TlsgjvGIwMETZhEKUtBi4szVPBIuTHGn9IBC/s400/Slide2.jpg" title="Primary and Secondary Source Superstars explores these terms through infographics and uses George Washington's home as a way to explore them! " width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students will just LOVE this exploration of George Washington through <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Primary-and-Secondary-Source-Activity-4040718" target="_blank">Primary and Secondary Sources</a>! Students will take a virtual field trip and discover what Primary and Secondary Sources are through infographics! There is a leveled reading passage as well! This is just a great way to celebrate America and learn at the same time! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Patriotic Product #3: Parade of States Project</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/State-Report-and-Float-Project-Student-Editable-PowerPoint-State-Report-3872970" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuxd8l6268Yt8bWNuFs_DawagWQKhWwmIiOAQc9XbECP2vvaxU9oe0gvBwzNXn1ozH-SRCjWbnLYCKzI4nAR3hUF-qf7PgxB6d9Qw9jgqZvl5QrIQH2yVOvMECt0gpwe6OoVjZpNYY8FB/s400/Slide3.jpg" title="The Parade of States is a great way for your students to practice research skills, create a report, and complete a project all in one assignment! Fun school-wide parade too! " width="400" /></a></div>
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Read more about this activity <a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-use-project-based-learning-to.html" target="_blank">here</a>! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/State-Report-and-Float-Project-Student-Editable-PowerPoint-State-Report-3872970" target="_blank">LOVE a parade</a>! Especially when the floats are created by your students! This project is a great way for students to gain knowledge about our great 50 states and have a fun parade to teach others too! Students research a state, create a float and research project, and, then, parade their state for all to see in a school-wide parade! And, if states aren't your thing, you can always be patriotic with the </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/National-Park-Project-Editable-Report-PowerPoint-and-Float-4590036" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">National Park Float Parade</a><span style="font-size: large;">! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Patriotic Product #4: Colonial STEM</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqP3765BPoJ/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Our Colonial STEM projects came out awesome. Adapted tag to find a corn husk, Teepee Knock Down, an extremely interesting corn husk/ marble/ block a rock/ playing card game, a corn husk doll, and an interesting four corner / block with a rock in a row game! These ideas were great!! Watch for this STEM in my TpT sometime next week!! Putting the finishing touches on it!! #iteachstem #coloniallearning #teachersofinsta #iteachsocialstudies #iteachsecond #thirdgradehallway #secondgradetribe #teachersofinsta #teachersofinstagram #teachersofthegram #teachersfollowingteachers</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Julie from The Best Days</a> (@thebestdaysclassroom) on <time datetime="2018-11-16T16:32:11+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 16, 2018 at 8:32am PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take a trip back to when America was just starting out! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colonial-American-STEM-Create-a-Toy-or-Game-4218953?utm_source=my%20https%3A%2F%2Fclassroombestdays.blogspot.com%2Fblog&utm_campaign=blog%3A%20%20Colonial%20STEM" target="_blank">Colonial America</a> was an exciting time to be in America! And, children had so many choices in toys-or, at least, to the toys that their imagination created! And that's the basis of this STEM! Students will use the "technology" of the time to create games or toys that students in Colonial America could play! That means NO COPY CATS of toys of today! Get your student's creative juices flowing with American pride through this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colonial-American-STEM-Create-a-Toy-or-Game-4218953?utm_source=my%20https%3A%2F%2Fclassroombestdays.blogspot.com%2Fblog&utm_campaign=blog%3A%20%20Colonial%20STEM" target="_blank">STEM</a> project! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Patriotic Product #5: Yeah and Nah Voting Sticks Freebie</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Our-Nation-Voting-Sticks-Freebie-1556389?utm_source=my%20https%3A%2F%2Fclassroombestdays.blogspot.com%2Fblog&utm_campaign=Voting%20Freebie" target="_blank"><img alt="Yeah and Nah sticks for voting" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-BwEzIqKOUZ9lGl9aq3uTnjQ5rh5isqM4h_spxK0WNhRBGfuV6mh9Z-moPwnnOZK54Y3S4CA3qAA-Wty-Gub1jkhWaqckjhTFJT-8YUaTWcaI4FYrr8oc8yc_X-5qy-1pjQw-Bpqd80R/s400/Slide1.jpeg" title="Yeah and Nay sticks are a great way for students to practice voting! Use them for a government unit or just for fun! Voting hasn't been more fun! " width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students everywhere will LOVE voting just like our legislatures do! And, even better, they can fly their Yeah or Nah high in the air with this freebie! Simple to print and hot glue to tongue depressors! Then, just pass out and vote away! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Our-Nation-Voting-Sticks-Freebie-1556389?utm_source=my%20https%3A%2F%2Fclassroombestdays.blogspot.com%2Fblog&utm_campaign=Voting%20Freebie" target="_blank">So much fun and FREE too! </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There you have it! <b>Five Patriotic Products to make any elementary student celebrate </b>and learn in your classroom- for a holiday or any day! Just let me know in the comments what you think or a great patriotic holiday idea you have! And, jump on over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to follow along with my journey through posts and product updates! I'd love for you to join me! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxmW1irR_EDPtQIFJ2MGzrEW794escZD25nP-zJVpDMpgdRxEnNT8IRMrJAcDOLlTWX843fpEuYkFqZstxqzwzshwtnvtsizgPX_DVf-wvLF_OaVts8ige-pFW1SStM8hTgUpAiB9QRhb/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Patriotic PIn" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for a great way to celebrate and still be academic in your classroom? Find out about 5 great ways for you to keep an academic focus while still having fun! It doesn't matter if you are celebrating Abe Lincoln or the United States, these products will help you be educational while kids enjoy their day! Colonial STEM, Patriotic Scoot, and more are shared PLUS a freebie! Grab it now in this blog post! #AmericanCelebrations #UnitedStatesfun" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxmW1irR_EDPtQIFJ2MGzrEW794escZD25nP-zJVpDMpgdRxEnNT8IRMrJAcDOLlTWX843fpEuYkFqZstxqzwzshwtnvtsizgPX_DVf-wvLF_OaVts8ige-pFW1SStM8hTgUpAiB9QRhb/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-31000558885640390212019-06-27T00:00:00.000-07:002019-06-27T11:18:07.145-07:00Multiplication Mall to Prove Multiplication Strategies Success! <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: large;">It wasn't too long ago that multiplication was a rote memory skill-one that simply included memorizing to "know" your multiplication skills. Now, multiplication is about understanding-and that is a huge improvement upon just knowing the facts by heart! So, what would make it even better? How about a project that includes <b>proving multiplication strategies success</b>! That's what Multiplication Mall does! </span><!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: large;">The purpose of Multiplication Mall is to <b>prove multiplication strategies</b> through designing a "store" in the mall. Each part of the "store" provides evidence that a student understands a particular skill in multiplication. Let's break this down! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Starting the Project</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students need some foundation with the basic of this multiplication project. This is where brainstorming comes into play. Work as a class to brainstorm the type of stores that are found in a mall to get their creative juices going. You will also need to work on learning about alliterations. Luckily, there are posters within this product to guide your students with alliterations! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWJf5plF2UEElqCwagsKwCuQWc0wIZ-LgqlDbhiIcm6fonJlexZk4LFM05MIYEJt1Donz4H61DR3ZVQ546iZqaDWAkHh2ODgUfGb3Qvums6SJU2VCf-dCiLrFAgKUnbcLqvr356x61UGz/s1600/Slide3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Multiplication Mall posters" border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWJf5plF2UEElqCwagsKwCuQWc0wIZ-LgqlDbhiIcm6fonJlexZk4LFM05MIYEJt1Donz4H61DR3ZVQ546iZqaDWAkHh2ODgUfGb3Qvums6SJU2VCf-dCiLrFAgKUnbcLqvr356x61UGz/s640/Slide3.jpeg" title="The Multiplication Mall is a great way for students to prove they understand multiple ways to solve multiplication problems. Through Project Based Learning, students create a mall store and fill their windows with goodies showing them in multiplication strategies! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Assigning the Project Steps</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, students will dive into the project itself. Provide the rubric to students along with the Planning Page. This is where students will make critical decisions about what their store will "sell". A rough draft like this allows students to make mistakes BEFORE they get to their final design. It is critical to allow this because it builds in success in the final product! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students will also work on the posters that hang outside of their store. Both the windows and the posters are designed to prove multiplication strategies that students know. To help guide their choices, there are also posters representing each <b>multiplication strategy</b> that students can choose from. Once all of this is designed, students will then get the teacher's approval to move forward into the final design stage! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Completing the Project</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students will need bulletin board paper and construction paper to complete this project. You will need to cut the bulletin board paper, also known as butcher paper, to the size that students need. This needs to be large enough to fit the piece of construction paper that will house the windows on. You will also want to have white paper cut to design the posters also. Once this is done, allow students the chance to create! Step back and watch what they will do, you will be amazed! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNotKfJ9yE1IsSXLnBm5XcvDkW85zc308EE2UIV9u7g7U4ioB9RAGzcwNMnQ91FoW7UkP065ArAsi28OsTycdbmQwULChyphenhyphenVBIanMBR6lzm20Nk-g8Dh1Fs1prmFzvStYNF9K0KdB9n1Im/s1600/IMG_0504+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sample Multiplication Mall Project" border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNotKfJ9yE1IsSXLnBm5XcvDkW85zc308EE2UIV9u7g7U4ioB9RAGzcwNMnQ91FoW7UkP065ArAsi28OsTycdbmQwULChyphenhyphenVBIanMBR6lzm20Nk-g8Dh1Fs1prmFzvStYNF9K0KdB9n1Im/s640/IMG_0504+2.JPG" title="This Student-Led Learning Project has students creating a store in the classroom mall! Students pick the store theme and prove their multiplication strategies through displaying the store goods in their window! Easy to use and kids love it too! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Final Thoughts</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Projects are about proving what students know. Allow students to self grade their projects will give you insights beyond what you can learn by grading them yourself. It is a relatively easy process. Give students a yellow highlighter. Let them work through the rubric, examining their work to best judge themselves. Then, once they turn it in, grade the project with a blue highlighter! Anywhere the teacher and student agree, it will turn GREEN! How cool is </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZ_REqkeE5LHoRqdBcJwDT_SOCmw_3a3w1_RJQi826QKQBTFkih7FCNd5GoJ5aT_h_6y5Wzua-qu0WVN-QrcDDFcNZlobhwMkkabndBhGOW5PtKals58hqpLO6R99Gc4x22ASYdCPE3xX/s1600/Slide4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZ_REqkeE5LHoRqdBcJwDT_SOCmw_3a3w1_RJQi826QKQBTFkih7FCNd5GoJ5aT_h_6y5Wzua-qu0WVN-QrcDDFcNZlobhwMkkabndBhGOW5PtKals58hqpLO6R99Gc4x22ASYdCPE3xX/s640/Slide4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Allowing students to <b>prove multiplication strategies for success</b> is an easy way for you to show that students have mastered the standards of multiplication. But, it is more than that! It is a way to provide a creative, fun way for students to show what they know! Grab it in my TpT store! And, let me know what your ideas are about proving multiplication strategies in the comments! I'd love to hear! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Project-Build-a-Mall-with-Multiplication-Strategies-3863155" target="_blank"><img alt="Multiplication Mall project" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6Q3HsQSByRLk0_DUCT3KO3Cw30ORGeOEbm8aFOviBAL7gq_TZnu4qYYE-g7KCuqYm8RkwDWVIX6q0LOaZB88YEQ5PVt9qBVCx-YTsC3kMFEiQZLFz8o7fT2I6f7fvP9LU7j9i1-WoG9y/s400/Slide2.jpg" title="Multiplication Mall is a great way for students to prove their understanding of a variety of multiplication strategies! This Project Based Learning activity is fun and engaging for students and they will learn so much about what they can do in multiplication! " width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pin for Later! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhuSl8CtzQlicJNsGIA0QFKmaIIe8GGpTjfp_2KTgeNbhwD5ql2TUCmAGEfBMkZQ6Kfg3yXQeFzVjnYgi8xJhDbxsAuCWjbd5Dj4T1w3m2w6SlS_n2iym38oaswHYD2Fl-ccw2zlQwBiz/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-pin-description="Teachers, are you wondering what you need for a great Project Based Learning activity for multiplication? In this blog post you will discover ideas for creating a great project that both your students will LOVE! This blog posts provides guidelines for students to prove their mastery of multiplication strategies. Check out sample projects too! What a great way for 3rd graders to prove their knowledge of multiplication through strategies! #multiplicationstrategeis #multiplicationprojects" alt="Multiplication Mall Pin" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhuSl8CtzQlicJNsGIA0QFKmaIIe8GGpTjfp_2KTgeNbhwD5ql2TUCmAGEfBMkZQ6Kfg3yXQeFzVjnYgi8xJhDbxsAuCWjbd5Dj4T1w3m2w6SlS_n2iym38oaswHYD2Fl-ccw2zlQwBiz/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-71076669344223672792019-06-20T00:00:00.000-07:002019-06-20T00:00:06.637-07:00How to Use Project Based Learning to Put on a Parade! <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever wondered how you could easily add a <b>Project Based Learning</b> activity to your classroom? Are you wondering how to put the project on display? Sometime it can be merged as one! Simply put on a <b>Project Based Learning Parade</b>! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscJdR6RhMvgAoQdf9Bs7kJaBNWMK4yIpSFggsl6uEiKTLpJKc9vYw_w8CyIUw8kv4sjDi5Y5A7giutmwJLmg8Au-k95Gv7v9UbRMFXQcREoAunSpLukhb8G7tmc-pPMReMN4S8jz_lofJ/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Float Parade Blog Post header" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscJdR6RhMvgAoQdf9Bs7kJaBNWMK4yIpSFggsl6uEiKTLpJKc9vYw_w8CyIUw8kv4sjDi5Y5A7giutmwJLmg8Au-k95Gv7v9UbRMFXQcREoAunSpLukhb8G7tmc-pPMReMN4S8jz_lofJ/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="Teachers, are you wondering how to create a Float Parade for your students to parade with? Find out the steps in creating a float parade in this blog post! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where to Start?</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">First, pick a theme! Every parade has a theme, so a <b>Project Based Parade </b>should have a theme! Dive into your curriculum to see what could be developed into a project with the outcome as a float-because that's the point of a parade, great floats! Here are two ideas: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>State Park Floats: </u> This project explored both the state in general and the region of the US it is found in. It is primarily to learn about the 50 States.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-DFfP__UwKM1vE9dOBleQRSuw9wJX_KjWejn3mATM54KBqDYg_pv6cI5JohKVEwaXg9C3CP2N9xg-Yzp0j_dzMlxsNtBQGUNL_PfXUm8npzzwo230SjczjQSVofoP21xmJEbSKnDwVHq/s1600/IMG_1215+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="State Park Float" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1234" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-DFfP__UwKM1vE9dOBleQRSuw9wJX_KjWejn3mATM54KBqDYg_pv6cI5JohKVEwaXg9C3CP2N9xg-Yzp0j_dzMlxsNtBQGUNL_PfXUm8npzzwo230SjczjQSVofoP21xmJEbSKnDwVHq/s400/IMG_1215+2.JPG" title="State Park Project Float and Research project gives you everything you need to create an amazing parade for your school's students to enjoy!" width="307" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>National Park Floats: </u> This project explored both the National Park's history and the ecosystems found there. It incorporated the food chain found in the National Park. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sLycx76iluMWlh1on0De-X1I1SWFkw92onjUpza37x6H2Sxl6FPvWta3k7ztIguzUVUhHe-jor4JbYS7XNguY9lcZwO1EckoObiOWpDAGJK9QDQeOfOOXhIy66tw-goZtxKEuQ9SLh4R/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="National Park Project float" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sLycx76iluMWlh1on0De-X1I1SWFkw92onjUpza37x6H2Sxl6FPvWta3k7ztIguzUVUhHe-jor4JbYS7XNguY9lcZwO1EckoObiOWpDAGJK9QDQeOfOOXhIy66tw-goZtxKEuQ9SLh4R/s400/IMG_4132.JPG" title="The National Park Project and Float lets your students learn about an amazing National Park, create a PowerPoint or paper report, and parade their information in the form of a float for the whole school to enjoy!" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You see, both of these have a rich research base. So, another piece of advice when diving into your curriculum is to look for something with a rich research base. State flags, maps, park outlines, dates, ecosystems, tourist spots, etc. are all parts of the research base for this kind of project. What topic are you studying that can allow for this rich base to be met?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Technology Integration</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Next, you need to think about how much technology integration do you want? Students can create research outcomes to accompany the float through the use of technology. PowerPoints and other documentation can be help students to organize and present the information that they need beyond the actual parade float. Consider this in your decision making process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">State Project</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz33apQj1SVLbT_LrBQpVOxIXCClUkDofWkoP2t_N8TGqxidy5DtLfR75zyMwDUBreTM0RbfKQHSyjASZuC7A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">National Park Project</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0keXUBRVt/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0keXUBRVt/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">PowerPoints are a great way for students to show what they know! This one was completed by one of my students for our #nationalparkproject Over the course of the week each child has presented! They were wonderful! Presentations are scary! That’s why I start each year with presentations as soon as I can! Even with #secondgraders This final project is the culmination of all our work! Tomorrow we celebrate with a float parade! Check back for some awesome floats tomorrow!! #iteachelementary #classroominspirations #thirdgradehallway #iteach234 #thirdgradetribe #secondgradetribe #iteachprimary #iteachgifted #teachingresources #igteachersrock #elementaryteacher #teachershare #teacherstuff #iteachsecond #secondgradeteacher #teachersfollowingteachers</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Julie from The Best Days</a> (@thebestdaysclassroom) on <time datetime="2019-05-23T22:13:47+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 23, 2019 at 3:13pm PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Research Time</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Questions about Research Time include how much of a guideline do you want to provide, how much time do students need, and do you want them to complete research in class or at home? This will also determine your lesson plans and the development of your research questions. This last point is key to where students go. Scaffolding them in their research will help them to feel successful throughout the process, whether completed at home or at school! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCkjccKlfZfPmmuMqEIadMimw8t1LVqj7Fz5Dubx2xhvEqoR9fEykwFYlIDFpNVnz0298bXoVB4TWe1SCaZ_FhHqbp2qZpruIX-vVciZQj2w2yGY770MdjsfkIc_CPcYqJk8g0VhAA72G/s1600/Slide4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="National Park Pages Preview of student work" border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCkjccKlfZfPmmuMqEIadMimw8t1LVqj7Fz5Dubx2xhvEqoR9fEykwFYlIDFpNVnz0298bXoVB4TWe1SCaZ_FhHqbp2qZpruIX-vVciZQj2w2yGY770MdjsfkIc_CPcYqJk8g0VhAA72G/s640/Slide4.jpeg" title="Student Choice in developing a project is key! These pages help students to research a National Park and build a project and a Park Float for a school wide parade! Read all about it in this blog post! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Presentions</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Next, you will want to think about how the presentations in class will be planned and what you will need for them. Developing a rubric is SO important to this part-and the whole! Research says that when teachers provide a rubric, students can succeed at a greater rate. Plus, it eliminates any negotiation for students who do not complete the task. So, develop that rubric and get it into students hands! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTSnRT587XsQLB_mhVMijGSnf3XFqHbGygq7j1-1fH_779ztvN9r6dgUV6P1QZlScKgqoFIuPNVmKGHeyxzkYU6HHijrpxEs1LxZURArLEnxTZPKYDTEErBB2TNAnSjsCNrSXCYl87cUL/s1600/Slide5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="National Park Project Teacher pages" border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTSnRT587XsQLB_mhVMijGSnf3XFqHbGygq7j1-1fH_779ztvN9r6dgUV6P1QZlScKgqoFIuPNVmKGHeyxzkYU6HHijrpxEs1LxZURArLEnxTZPKYDTEErBB2TNAnSjsCNrSXCYl87cUL/s640/Slide5.jpeg" title="Being organized during a project is KEY! Plus, students should be provided a rubric for scoring too! Learn more about it in this blog post about how to create a school parade through research! " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once you are ready to present, have volunteers go first. Students who are comfortable presenting will boost other's confidence and provide a foundation for others. I try to pick students I know will offer great presentations so that others see and know what the expectations are. This will often spur them into practicing more too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Parade</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, coordinate <b>the parade</b> beforehand! This means you should send our emails to your staff to let them know the day and time you will be parading! Students in other classes give the project builders the ooo's and ahh's that just make them feel successful! Visit as many grade levels and classes as possible! This means lots of eyes on their projects and a desire to make projects in the future! That's a key to great project success! </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="476" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F1393618317423284%2Fvideos%2F387664358501165%2F&show_text=0&width=267" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="267"></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once you have engaged in a <b>Project Based Parade</b> you will fall in love and want to do it every year! Here are two projects to get you going - they provide everything you need for a great project parade! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqVlq1PsOQlPZHf71W7CucRchg0e6lybAloJK29g4dEoTxjh0BcJHCThKsoy5trD3071lzxY8PUkITcb7U9c8lzo3k_UxFKd76yA1j473QxGnHsSwOBvrSNRWMvkUe5IlgowWEudYpVKW/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="State Float Park Parade" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqVlq1PsOQlPZHf71W7CucRchg0e6lybAloJK29g4dEoTxjh0BcJHCThKsoy5trD3071lzxY8PUkITcb7U9c8lzo3k_UxFKd76yA1j473QxGnHsSwOBvrSNRWMvkUe5IlgowWEudYpVKW/s320/Slide3.jpg" title="This product provides everything you need for a great State Float Parade - from teacher organization pages, students work pages, pictures of samples, and how to organize the parade! " width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucButHM7WuclkM_YbpkNXcviZGVF6A7GjnKp5yyDuBbkgPqpwXeMdgme_vXYDiJZt0UhiN0Prq2-_P5S4sQ8y7yXLPOsAt3am3HRMUKNUuRMWNnJmYmp4K49Gr7Yl1wjOPXmanbgh0001/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="National Park Float Parade Project" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucButHM7WuclkM_YbpkNXcviZGVF6A7GjnKp5yyDuBbkgPqpwXeMdgme_vXYDiJZt0UhiN0Prq2-_P5S4sQ8y7yXLPOsAt3am3HRMUKNUuRMWNnJmYmp4K49Gr7Yl1wjOPXmanbgh0001/s320/Slide1.jpeg" title="National Park Float Parade: This product provides everything you need to create an amazing National Park Float Parade: teacher organization pages, student pages, research pages, an editable PowerPoint of students and sample project photos! " width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As always, I'd love to hear from you and what you like to do for <b>Project Based Learning! </b> Drop a comment below or follow me over at<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" target="_blank"> Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for classroom updates! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bAhVFAqF5nyodUX9jH8yafUE_339YPPTYYtFh9IBq_MLgGwekO0D0rB2jHR5dQKFFO_8WLEo194plAaSKdbVLPOzH4PitnTDLR0meEpfAM0_iuYHBC37JMu7HumlQdzwREcmNRdGSdvF/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Float Parade Pin" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for a great way to integrate Project Based Learning in your classroom? In this blog post you will discover the steps for creating a Float Parade Project that is fun and gets students learning.Kids create both a PowerPoint or book report and parade their float through the school campus. Ideas of how you can get started and build a great project are provided! Teaching has never been more fun for 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade. #projectbasedlearning #socialstudies" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bAhVFAqF5nyodUX9jH8yafUE_339YPPTYYtFh9IBq_MLgGwekO0D0rB2jHR5dQKFFO_8WLEo194plAaSKdbVLPOzH4PitnTDLR0meEpfAM0_iuYHBC37JMu7HumlQdzwREcmNRdGSdvF/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-33917224380155345922019-06-13T00:00:00.000-07:002019-06-14T06:23:06.228-07:007 Must-Have Items to Make Your Bird Theme Classroom a Hit! <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had come to a conclusion. I was no longer happy with my classroom theme! I wanted my classroom to take on a different feel, one that would represent more of who I was, even as a teacher. I LOVE superheroes and had used this theme for about 5 years, but I needed a change! Watercolor is all the rage, but I'm not a succulent kind of girl! So, I wanted something more "me" and, to be honest, more kid friendly. (Most kids don't know what a succulent is!) So, I dove in with an idea-<b>Watercolor Bird Theme Classroom</b>! And, it was a hit, even with the boys. So, here are 7 must have items for your Bird Theme Classroom!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHWWIZ_m0A9stlQsXyaw7ouf15ugIUyCExzfsfWqYUK57k0p6veMqnJJ-zQl5LL4oC24LFAWIKavDvnPsfj7GClRrw4lOymYIcHJ0diTzBXPfTFXzN0KPdbPDdCiFJhrA8WkNs9dPOtcp/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHWWIZ_m0A9stlQsXyaw7ouf15ugIUyCExzfsfWqYUK57k0p6veMqnJJ-zQl5LL4oC24LFAWIKavDvnPsfj7GClRrw4lOymYIcHJ0diTzBXPfTFXzN0KPdbPDdCiFJhrA8WkNs9dPOtcp/s640/Slide1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Table Signs</span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Best-Days-By-Julie-Santello/Category/Bird-Theme-330034" target="_blank"><img alt="Watercolor Bird Table Signs" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpuW0tDi2evP0xtcll2447Sy1iclLp9-QWc-405XaS6I8SmgblaWFgy0Ix3BJP5xp2OPyoo7ga0-bRNrrtKzSMqzk9HVl55LWpXbsbzZNxTFVmJ0dYW3JrGOOXk5HnXeHPeS1oA6djfZ4/s320/IMG_0531.JPG" title="Watercolor Bird Table Signs make your classroom "TWEET"! Both birds and birdhouses come in this product! " width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just love being able to remember my table numbers! Yes, because half the time I can't remember with so much going on! These are designed to be placed back to back-so you get birds and birdhouses in this product. Simply print, laminate if you want, and staple them back-to-back. Then, I used fishing line and paperclips to hang them. That way, you don't even have to poke a hole!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Calendar</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every great classroom needs a beautiful calendar (even if the month never gets put up!) This is print and go ready with everything you need - days of the week are included! I paired it with my <b>Watercolor Bird Theme</b> Editable Job Cards, which is make a really nice bulletin board-especially when you add the month! Ha!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByEFfoIh8uG/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">That’s how my May went-days posted but no month anywhere to be seen! . . . Only 1️⃣ student day left! Then this calendar gets a whole new room! . . How about you?! Link for this product is in the bio! Watercolor Bird Decor! . . #lastdayofschool #teachersfollowingteachers #teachersonbreak #teachersoninstagram #iteachelementary #classroominspirations #thirdgradehallway #iteach123 #thirdgradetribe #secondgradetribe #iteachprimary #iteachgifted #teachingprimary ##igteachersrock #elementaryteacher #teachershare #teacherstuff #iteachsecond</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Julie from The Best Days</a> (@thebestdaysclassroom) on <time datetime="2019-05-29T22:50:55+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 29, 2019 at 3:50pm PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Birthday Display</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">This was so easy to use! I simply printed out the months and stapled them to the wall. Then I used my Cricut to cut out the banners. I used KG A Little Swag Font (Free for Personal Use) to create the banner! I then added the colors of the decor behind the banner to give it the punch of color you see here! LOVE this! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Best-Days-By-Julie-Santello/Category/Bird-Theme-330034" target="_blank"><img alt="Watercolor Bird Birthday Display" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO53_eaf7lF3Zl83wAlWteOoIX875x2OGhZztE-Nvj7FXV4ErRRZVzq7u16wFRE5bQ5WsxcJzg43rwGpb0fm6EYPJMQNDcjyGJ3ImUvJQuyg9BSk1aJh-BwbE9wFNBX3HIVeB14CoHL_BX/s400/IMG_0587+2.JPG" title="Watercolor Bird Birthday Display! Each header is available and cards to add student names to put under their birthday month! " width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Best-Days-By-Julie-Santello/Category/Bird-Theme-330034" target="_blank"><img alt="Watercolor Bird Theme Birthday" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdXFs3-leIDKFc9pwWNk36qFC1qqUtkc65bp8azIZZX4cOhTNoRRKpaMyRXRO6pJe3IVBNenwH_VHI0SAekTS2-pqG6gju6rKAn4I1c4DOztereNkmw2Rg_zYCc82kU-T-nc5m6EWc1qA/s400/IMG_0584.JPG" title="Watercolor Bird Themed displays can be created through a Cricut. This banner was super easy to make and adds so much to the birthday display! " width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Schedule Cards </span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't have my schedule up right away this year and I paid for it with my students. I tend to play around with my schedule till I get it "just right", so I always wait till it is "just right" to put it up. And then I paid for it for the first month. The students constantly asked, "When is..." Once my schedule is posted, both with the written time and the clock time, I don't answer those questions any more! It trains the students to learn the schedule and the time. And, isn't that the whole purpose of having it posted! As you can see, I didn't use the editable part, but it is there for you to use! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Best-Days-By-Julie-Santello/Category/Bird-Theme-330034" target="_blank"><img alt="Watercolor Bird Theme Schedule Cards" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6EDtnh_WI1VFVb0vDG_vAI3TcqoxVaht_LWDzhVxEbZZDUL7QrWifp-oL2HPQPqXQXio_SXUKqwi-VOmhyJcY9RQwhSyXxH5s5OubL8X3nJIRUjICztnm4Rdbogz1FmTwJJlq41kGFik/s400/IMG_4122.JPG" title="Watercolor Bird Schedule Cards are editable! You can use any font you like! Or, you can even write your own information on them! " width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Go-Home Banner</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our school is big on knowing how kids go home so I have embraced the Go-Home Banner! I write the student's names on their go-home mode of transportation with a dry-erase marker so that I can change them if they change transportation. Then, at the end of the day, this is how I also call the line-up order for going home. I switch who goes first each week based on the chart and the students LOVE that! Who knew something this simple would bring so much pleasure! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpZqICxnpG6/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Took me a whole quarter to get my Go-Home chart laminated to hang! But it is going to look beautiful! This decor line can be found in my store on TpT!! #classroomdecor #teacherproblems #teacherlacktime #feelingbehind #teachersofig #teachersofthegram #teachersfollowteachers</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Julie from The Best Days</a> (@thebestdaysclassroom) on <time datetime="2018-10-26T15:12:31+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 26, 2018 at 8:12am PDT</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. Word Wall</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everyone needs a Word Wall! Student can access words they need easily and teachers can add words that students need to spell regularly if they are not already on the wall. I use simple card stock pieces of paper under each letter that I have typed common words that 2nd graders need on them. Then I handwrite words in as the year goes on. Easy-Peasy! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Best-Days-By-Julie-Santello/Category/Bird-Theme-330034" target="_blank"><img alt="Watercolor Bird Word Wall" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMIhYkIa2UIYFCDbeNt4N0Xi6eHEQRzBi8ff_vqt0brJXfVdnzcZkma_UILRqVz2UU25dU-oHdwFG5Nz_XShyphenhyphenozl0bYs1psAx8tSzSunURuA1QqUuxseQXxfGAuysYYMSNgnW1ZYDXK5r/s400/IMG_4119.JPG" title="Watercolor Bird Word Wall will make your classroom peaceful for both you and your students! " width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">7. Great Bulletin Board Paper</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">A great looking room many times relies on great bulletin board paper! I grabbed this <a href="https://www.michaels.com/default/10471621.html" target="_blank">Pacon Fadeless paper</a> from Michael's at the beginning of the 2018/19 school year! It was the PERFECT match for this <b>Watercolor Bird Themed Classroom</b>! In addition, I added white and <a href="https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/classroom-decorations/borders/azure-blue-scalloped-bordettesup-sup/p/BJ3700AB" target="_blank">azure blue scalloped bordette</a> from Lakeshore Learning! LOVE! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbbUAcNBz6SDgSeAoeugRf3Fbyr4CQfB-htpqT791Y5nd6TKnlarkjZoZoHx2EHfkyflDicVj-S89Wi0Igj-etYgIcfaL16z0C4KfhReSoekb6KLYoDBiQptYcLnZYtbRL6FU6vYm2cwI/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Watercolor Bird Classroom Decor" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbbUAcNBz6SDgSeAoeugRf3Fbyr4CQfB-htpqT791Y5nd6TKnlarkjZoZoHx2EHfkyflDicVj-S89Wi0Igj-etYgIcfaL16z0C4KfhReSoekb6KLYoDBiQptYcLnZYtbRL6FU6vYm2cwI/s400/IMG_0615.JPG" title="Watercolor Bird Classroom Decor looks great on wood grain bulletin board paper" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, there are more choices you could add to your classroom! Good thing they are easy to find in my <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Best-Days-By-Julie-Santello/Category/Bird-Theme-330034?utm_source=My%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bird%20Theme%20Post" target="_blank">Watercolor Bird Theme Classroom Decor Bundle</a></b>! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Best-Days-By-Julie-Santello/Category/Bird-Theme-330034?utm_source=My%20Blog&utm_campaign=Bird%20Theme%20Post" target="_blank"><img alt="Watercolor Themed Classroom Bundle" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawze3MWdgviwL48tYWFux7plHJi5v_eNAZaxV8v8RZe5RmhvVkpuZKzt52zx3z-0Uxl9u0c7p92sZ1gQwgE42BGp_IfxjRinJzugbVL8sC7IOL0Ebg7NhdI4oMaj72hqPAbQRb5klFRtq/s320/Slide1.jpg" title="This Watercolor Bird Themed Bundle comes with everything you need to have an amazing Bird Theme Classroom! And, it is beautiful too! " width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of these goodies and more are found in this set! You could add the alphabet, number cards, rules, and so much more to your awesomeness! There are many more editable materials in here too! And, while you are checking it out, grab this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Birds-Themed-Rules-Freebie-Watercolor-Design-3852964" target="_blank">FREEBIE</a>! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Birds-Themed-Rules-Freebie-Watercolor-Design-3852964" target="_blank"><img alt="Watercolor Bird Theme Rules" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYEZPC39moNB-MXWxx-bcYuiBWXUZZ5rTlcCfSC4JuHGEeC4hyphenhyphenw9znE7NLIlJwy8Az7y5DAG2tO5TwxzteZPxDn2LSebmyDfhL0reUneNawfqSGyO0YyVJe-Z0kGBcQYNOOjordM3GF4-/s400/IMG_4113+2.JPG" title="These free rules will make any Bird Themed classroom beautiful! Download them for free and check out the other Watercolor Bird Themed decor at The Best Days by Julie Santello" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, drop me a comment on what you would add and any other ideas you might have about this <b>Watercolor Bird Theme Classroom Decor</b>! I'd love to hear what you have to say! I'd also love for you to join me on my classroom adventures! Follow along at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" target="_blank">Instagram </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for all the latest news! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_SAUeI1GY8dBifWyzp51DDmbBIpYQsNbVQR3Fg6loiIX9q5iYS3TmCuvcRFB6XbxvsJHNIxEgm-wvOn8CCMUTLmFcbcEuCww-HCJRN7GZ39JF40r02AKYb-C7uXhAAGqZguoJMMRNLuQ/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bird Blog Pin" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for a new school style? Check out the must-haves every bird theme classroom should have. Beautiful Watercolor design will help your classroom look and work beautifully! Student activities will look amazing next to these fun designs! Great ideas for bulletin boards, book studies, and boho designs included! Forget polka dots and go for watercolor! Make your learning and procedures fun for everyone! #birdtheme #classroomdecor" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_SAUeI1GY8dBifWyzp51DDmbBIpYQsNbVQR3Fg6loiIX9q5iYS3TmCuvcRFB6XbxvsJHNIxEgm-wvOn8CCMUTLmFcbcEuCww-HCJRN7GZ39JF40r02AKYb-C7uXhAAGqZguoJMMRNLuQ/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-1061582462875118842019-06-06T08:47:00.001-07:002019-06-14T06:25:27.623-07:00Why Contraction Surgery Succeeds! <b style="font-size: x-large;">Contraction Surgery</b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">is such a simple, yet wonderful, way for your students to succeed at learning contractions! Often we think and believe that contractions are an easy skill for students to learn and understand. When we apply a project to this skill, it becomes a delicate art of skill and knowledge hidden in the fun of </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Contraction Surgery</b><span style="font-size: large;">! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvJUw-ZzNvRn_wAM0kMH-Hgn5Rza6p5hvGhyphenhyphen5O01H_iCxPqAy9X6pjOPlqcJ4Hcf3K_O5pV-APcw5W8Qi2BquE0DIu8QpXAROPweoHsU_XSF4WFFfKjgPzw8sm_E6yAMSrAqAgo4CSu0e/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Student engaged in Contraction Surgery." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvJUw-ZzNvRn_wAM0kMH-Hgn5Rza6p5hvGhyphenhyphen5O01H_iCxPqAy9X6pjOPlqcJ4Hcf3K_O5pV-APcw5W8Qi2BquE0DIu8QpXAROPweoHsU_XSF4WFFfKjgPzw8sm_E6yAMSrAqAgo4CSu0e/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="Contraction Surgery sets the stage to engage students in learning contractions. This easy to use classroom transformation provides students with both fun and academic learning. Read about it in this blog post!" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My interest in <b>Contraction Surgery</b> started years ago when I saw a simple pin online, even before Pinterest was a hot spot for ideas. Just the picture alone got my mind spinning! I was teaching first grade at the time and thought, "I'm going to do this!" I created this product, and headed on my merry way! And it was FUN! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">After being away from Primary teaching for a few years, I have returned to Second Grade with the promise in my heart to complete <b>Contraction Surgery</b> again, and really dive into discovering why it is such a success! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Why is it a Success?</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Contraction Surgery</b> wraps two things together that make it a success. These two things are hands-on learning and FUN! Yes, I said it, FUN! Imagine that in today's learning environment!! So, let's start there!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh80vp0fMzlObSITP_Q-GdRtAz-cl2B2DirguAvHMm_qX9jEFYzY95Qu2gYEdKT3NosBxDANq2e3n1iGLZRyiHbuBqLthoI-kVtrwg9wSjymx2acKPLqMSY4p5F1-egJmVHTDqELnsEFcv/s1600/IMG_2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Students are engaged in Contraction Surgery" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh80vp0fMzlObSITP_Q-GdRtAz-cl2B2DirguAvHMm_qX9jEFYzY95Qu2gYEdKT3NosBxDANq2e3n1iGLZRyiHbuBqLthoI-kVtrwg9wSjymx2acKPLqMSY4p5F1-egJmVHTDqELnsEFcv/s320/IMG_2634.JPG" title="These students are engaged in both a fun and academic experience called Contraction Surgery! It is easy to use and print and go read! " width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">FUN!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Contraction Surgery </b>is FUN <b>if</b> you make it so! You don't have to create a total classroom transformation for this to happen. I did something simpler. I added some blue Dollar Tree table cloths to the ceiling for a "operating room" feel, bought some masks and gloves from Walmart, and, with the help of another teacher on my team who participated with this in her room, gave students hospital gear to wear! (Donations from doctors offices and emergency rooms can help you gather these things too!) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtHo1a4sbzEtdpCiSdFwcaP0E5o33-QHDiHqQsVe8ZetOgjv9RQH63_iucW76rZbHGiHFCOIhZ4zCR1PpL4FvYwDwcBEliFqejKdZhfTjmT0U9OSIlLGdQ0t7DdnpQF3VYvH_vhtKOoLV/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This classroom is set up for Contraction Surgery! " border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtHo1a4sbzEtdpCiSdFwcaP0E5o33-QHDiHqQsVe8ZetOgjv9RQH63_iucW76rZbHGiHFCOIhZ4zCR1PpL4FvYwDwcBEliFqejKdZhfTjmT0U9OSIlLGdQ0t7DdnpQF3VYvH_vhtKOoLV/s320/IMG_2570.JPG" title="Contraction Surgery is an easy way to get students engaged in learning contractions and an easy way to do a classroom transformation." width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I dressed in a super cheap scrub from Walmart! Our Dr. Apostrophe decorated our board and welcomed our "Contractionologists" into the surgery suite! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuSHL0lW6FrV1GXsTO8JJDni5fCPt8_qYwq3zOSH76Ro4ehWGUQrIxTK0Da5a41FEB2S-yEjywoNwUkHKiyVl9vvTibPTt0VfJCY7h81C5T8J6W9Io-rdGVUasPNuvVJkxg31UJ3BK32V/s1600/IMG_2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Contraction Surgery Dr. Apostrophe welcomed students to their surgery day!" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuSHL0lW6FrV1GXsTO8JJDni5fCPt8_qYwq3zOSH76Ro4ehWGUQrIxTK0Da5a41FEB2S-yEjywoNwUkHKiyVl9vvTibPTt0VfJCY7h81C5T8J6W9Io-rdGVUasPNuvVJkxg31UJ3BK32V/s320/IMG_2569.JPG" title="Contraction Surgery Dr. Apostrophe welcomes students to surgery! " width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I also hit the bulletin board paper room for the "surgery table" covers. I also rolled out a long piece of paper on the floor for our "patients" to "recover" on. All this set the stage to engage and get the kids ready for FUN! These steps are so simple too, so don't skip over these fun little extras! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fdma4CjG6VhXK5iSp_1t0KoTE7-r2IPYgFqymEmiP183et0XI_h9WXMSYUsdX0-WLeKuiAeIhU8gCbOl7lMl-piOvFAHFbXGKrzlNk9DqPy4GG9FbNkTx-2RW-CGsziX2OjvndUXw5fD/s1600/IMG_2591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Student table is set up for Contraction Surgery" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fdma4CjG6VhXK5iSp_1t0KoTE7-r2IPYgFqymEmiP183et0XI_h9WXMSYUsdX0-WLeKuiAeIhU8gCbOl7lMl-piOvFAHFbXGKrzlNk9DqPy4GG9FbNkTx-2RW-CGsziX2OjvndUXw5fD/s320/IMG_2591.JPG" title="Contraction Surgery Table all ready to go! " width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hands-On Learning! </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't underestimate the lack of understanding students may have with contractions! <b>Contraction Surgery</b> provides the opportunity for students to manipulate the word cards in a way that goes to their higher-order thinking. They must analyze the word and work to create the new contraction. Many times we take it for granted that students just "know" the two words, because we use contractions all the time in our conversations. But, in reality, this activity makes them deconstruct their knowledge of contractions and work in a backwards thinking process. I "know" contractions, but now I have to apply my knowledge to the process in front of me-much more difficult than we can imagine. To scaffold this instruction, I allowed my students to access a contraction list and to "consult" with one another! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5qA5w2tH_q8XHbQKvc8YiFlYdOB6kjeeHYq-Gc7MHL6ERr0h9YUr-oDt0it4O5YmdsVofpbrTD7bR7wkCYJQNuVHDA_n22ZzCSelkJ-4JQ2EbDMRmBbDh-YnZ5vUPLt8MKcA7INgA0-q/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Students enjoy helping each other with their Contraction Surgery work! " border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5qA5w2tH_q8XHbQKvc8YiFlYdOB6kjeeHYq-Gc7MHL6ERr0h9YUr-oDt0it4O5YmdsVofpbrTD7bR7wkCYJQNuVHDA_n22ZzCSelkJ-4JQ2EbDMRmBbDh-YnZ5vUPLt8MKcA7INgA0-q/s320/IMG_2637.JPG" title="Contraction Surgery Student Work " width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also allowed students to perform "emergency measures" on words that were incorrectly formed. This meant that other students could pick up "dying" patients from the recovery room and fix the contractions they found were errors. We saved these to be talked about later! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, as you can see, although we think contractions are easy for students to apply and learn, it, in many ways, is an opposite situation! By creating a fun, safe environment through <b>Contraction Surgery </b>we can allow them to practice the process in a way that is both memorable and fun! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsytIEqhp57/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Contraction surgery was a BLAST! I had completely forgotten how amazing it was! It was engaging, rigorous, and fun all in one! And guys, we are making assumptions about what kids know about contractions! I had most of my class needing to access our Kindles and Enchanted Learnings list to feel successful at this! They learned a lot and had a great time doing it! Product link in the bio!! Honestly an amazing process and so worth the time!! • • • #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgradefollowloop #secondgradetribe #secondgradeteachers #secondgradefun #secondgradesquad #secondgradeshenanigans #2ndgradeteacher #2ndgraderocks #2ndgradeclassroom #2ndgradeswag #2ndgradefun #iteachsecond #iteach2ndgrade #iteachsecondgrade #iteach2nd #classroomtransformation #teachersfollowingteachers #contractionsurgery #teachingcontractions</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Julie from The Best Days</a> (@thebestdaysclassroom) on <time datetime="2019-01-18T22:13:56+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 18, 2019 at 2:13pm PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And, what's even better is that it doesn't have to stop there! You can provide additional practice with contractions in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Contraction-Surgery-Dr-Apostrophes-College-of-Contractionology-1903371?utm_source=My%20Blog&utm_campaign=Contraction%20Post" target="_blank">this product</a>! In addition to getting everything you need to make your <b>Contraction Surgery</b> a success, you get additional practice pieces! </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Contraction-Surgery-Dr-Apostrophes-College-of-Contractionology-1903371?utm_source=My%20Blog&utm_campaign=Contraction%20Post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgpYk-_ef0ogkGZftYN92weMHzr565YeXz5qL6OSxMw1c3w83th2rNcb1-dW320nDVsAVVHSvx3m2XmDuYjYUADixX3ce2LYrp9jvXWzz0hQjbZZFNkOAV36YCg5okyihdR9JM7EbKrV2/s320/IMG_2626.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Contraction-Surgery-Dr-Apostrophes-College-of-Contractionology-1903371?utm_source=My%20Blog&utm_campaign=Contraction%20Post" target="_blank">Click to find Contraction Surgery in my TpT Store!</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">AND, so fun items to make a great page in a school memory book or just to take home to hang on the fridge! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to hear your thoughts on <b>Contraction Surgery</b>, so drop a comment below! Also, to check out all the things going on in my classroom, I'd love for you to follow me over at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pin for later! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrDuJ19W0P1dPSG0rdf4z9E4V__y8QBdjAS5ftm1EOjWkWfYHRVbicTC634D5J8AIctBtfKiRnA89tTtc4VBwf8XriuW4C9qzqbVbP55aOyXXGl1SjatCq_x02KB4HO78Wcx1YwDMHw8M/s1600/Slide1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Contraction Surgery set up!" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for a hands-on activities to help your students learn contractions in First Grade or Second Grade? Find out how important the hands-on learning is through this blog post! This fun room transformation will allow you to have fun while students are the doctor earning their Contractionology Degree! AND, find our how you are improving their higher-order thinking too! Read all about the reasons you will want to do Contraction Surgery! #contractionsurgery #contractions" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrDuJ19W0P1dPSG0rdf4z9E4V__y8QBdjAS5ftm1EOjWkWfYHRVbicTC634D5J8AIctBtfKiRnA89tTtc4VBwf8XriuW4C9qzqbVbP55aOyXXGl1SjatCq_x02KB4HO78Wcx1YwDMHw8M/s640/Slide1.jpeg" title="Contraction Surgery is a great way for students to learn contractions through hands-on activities! " width="426" /></a></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0Palmetto, FL, USA27.5214269 -82.572319327.4651029 -82.6530003 27.5777509 -82.4916383tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-88424386880505931622019-02-19T18:27:00.002-08:002019-02-19T18:27:44.425-08:00The Error You are Making with Flat Stanley's Original Adventure<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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</script><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone loves <b>Flat Stanley</b>! He is so much fun to make and send off in an envelope to parts unknown! People take pictures with him and send him back so that you can see all the amazing things he got to do-just like when <b>Flat Stanley</b> went on his adventure to California! Great learning, right! What if I told you that there was something you totally missed? What if I told you that you made a major teaching error by just reading this book and sending <b>Flat Stanley</b> on his way. Because you did, you missed something really remarkable in this tale! You made a teaching error...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqqhwNx2EI5E4FfM5vorVkzb91SjY-fVtEIMdvCXD_4nghv4kW0FaXK56leFNkQiLIMo-JImNomKekmLOuhkJ_Wj6-t048HdqX1eqAKb1dOYZOQm0bNueDEhI6uwemhum3JrIAJS5Yqrj/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Learn all about how you can get more out of your study of Flat Stanley's Original Adventure! " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqqhwNx2EI5E4FfM5vorVkzb91SjY-fVtEIMdvCXD_4nghv4kW0FaXK56leFNkQiLIMo-JImNomKekmLOuhkJ_Wj6-t048HdqX1eqAKb1dOYZOQm0bNueDEhI6uwemhum3JrIAJS5Yqrj/s640/Slide1.jpg" title="The Error You are Making with Flat Stanley's Original Adventure" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Flat Stanley</b> is much more than a paper doll you are sending out. T</span><span style="font-size: large;">eachers have missed a key opportunity to teach some amazing things through this book because we use it as a Social Studies opportunity and it is, well, fun! </span><span style="font-size: large;">There is an entire world of literary wonder at just the right level for late first graders, second graders, and early third graders to learn about. This book is written at a level that allows students to critically examine a text for elements they need to know about. It is also written for them to have fun! Why not combine the two and have a great book study! Let's look at how! </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Comprehension</span></b></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although it doesn't look like there are opportunities for great comprehension, there is! Each chapter packs a little bit of an opportunity to think about and comprehend what is in the chapter. For instance, in the first chapter, (<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Flat-Stanley-Novel-Study-for-His-Original-Adventure-ELA-Activities-and-Theme-2486493?utm_source=Flat%20Blog%20Post&utm_campaign=Flat%20Blog%20Freebie" target="_blank">Grab the freebie here!</a>) there are some interesting parent interactions! There is also a chance to look at how this story is a fantasy. And, it even has a chance for some fun measuring in your classroom to get kids ready for the deeper stuff. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtCJe6whVN5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtCJe6whVN5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Today we had so much fun finding things that measured the same as Flat Stanley! What kind of fun things do you do to integrate other subjects into reading? • • • #secondgradeteacher #secondgrade #secondgradefollowloop #secondgradetribe #secondgradeteachers #secondgradefun #secondgradesquad #secondgradeshenanigans #2ndgradeteacher #2ndgraderocks #2ndgradeclassroom #2ndgradeswag #2ndgradefun #iteachsecond #iteach2ndgrade #iteachsecondgrade #iteach2nd #flatstanley</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Julie from The Best Days</a> (@thebestdaysclassroom) on <time datetime="2019-01-24T22:10:20+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 24, 2019 at 2:10pm PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This continues throughout the rest of the book, building deeper and deeper meaning and thoughts expressed by the author. All of this can be assessed through comprehension questions that help students build true understanding of the text.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Character Reactions</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students can have a different kind of experience with <b>Flat Stanley</b> by examining character reactions. This can be done with a Wants and Needs Chart. This chart is not the typical wants and needs we complete in the Social Studies Standards. This looks at what character want and what they need to do to accomplish that want. What happens when we examine characters in this way, we can look deeper at what the author's purpose is. This, ultimately, leads the students to discover themes for each character and the book overall! This is a priceless way to use<b> Flat Stanley</b>, because it exposes sibling rivalry to students who are always amazed at how much Stanley and Arthur have in common with their lives! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-xilfVgo6gXruGqRn83IXdfwsrhiN66223G4Pedn8sDVDXdYJYoSu_voD0wHRPgwdlwyVjMhjoIUFSnjDGS2OEjTMQLnZFE3KEY0qZsdzgbv3Pk3yzbN_b_ZZ6MhGEKI2dPjZ7_i1sJ4/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-xilfVgo6gXruGqRn83IXdfwsrhiN66223G4Pedn8sDVDXdYJYoSu_voD0wHRPgwdlwyVjMhjoIUFSnjDGS2OEjTMQLnZFE3KEY0qZsdzgbv3Pk3yzbN_b_ZZ6MhGEKI2dPjZ7_i1sJ4/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="579" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Flat Stanley</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> doesn't jump to mind as a great vocabulary teaching opportunity, it is in there! This story was written at a time period where different words were used. Fragile, jostle, and rummage are examples of the strong words used by Jeff Brown in his authorship of this book. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And More! </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are even more opportunities packed into this text. Looking at dialogue, character feelings, and more can be done with <b>Flat Stanley.</b> Don't miss out on the opportunity to boost your students' skills with this great book AND this great product! Everything you need for a great novel study is found inside! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Flat-Stanley-Novel-Study-for-His-Original-Adventure-ELA-Activities-and-Theme-2486493?utm_source=My%20Blog&utm_campaign=Blog%20Flat%20Stanley" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CkrV7Jlnni1niQBqkUpGLDBTu93KCQQBT6u-Oh4m-z4MqC6grsDgNyCH07UQrPB49J9ZTYpRZaDBgBqZA1UvmRCWB0QE6A53EyIg7INDlrEaxoi9DYR2m2G_W-GJKR601D3IX9Th1Zlc/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></span><br />
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<span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to hear what you have to say about <b>Flat Stanley</b>! What have you done to get the BEST out of this study! Drop me a comment or follow me over on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to share on a post! I'd love to hear from you! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KjmpkaLYqev7FRoeG3OkVeL8YHdW-rpATufVt42rVkHMonVsNpfAR3WYMupL0vUMufi4qM2Q_BxbE-WKoSUipK-MaRC2Wj22uWReblRDYW0F4fwQxAGc0BReoNnTsACd_ulYHPRC4JAD/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you wondering what errors you made with Flat Stanley. Read how to get more out of it! " border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you wondering how you can get more out of your Flat Stanley book study? This blog post has ideas for a real students book study. The adventure has so many things to do with student response that you just might be surprised. Included are ideas for students projects beyond the regular Stanley trip activity. Students will just love this book study and so will you! Great for first grade, second grade, and third grade students. #flatstanley #bookstudy" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KjmpkaLYqev7FRoeG3OkVeL8YHdW-rpATufVt42rVkHMonVsNpfAR3WYMupL0vUMufi4qM2Q_BxbE-WKoSUipK-MaRC2Wj22uWReblRDYW0F4fwQxAGc0BReoNnTsACd_ulYHPRC4JAD/s640/Slide1.jpg" title="The error you are making with Flat Stanley" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-28822634336217338982019-02-12T17:47:00.001-08:002019-02-12T17:47:40.710-08:00Book Clubs for Kids: 5 Tips for Grading Student Book Clubs<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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</script><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Clubs for Kids</b> is one of the BEST ways to use real literature to build comprehension in students. <a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-clubs-for-kids-student-book-choice.html" target="_blank">Student choice</a> and s<a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-club-for-kids-student-roles-jobs.html" target="_blank">tudent jobs</a>, or roles, are key components to success in Book Clubs. But there is the question that teachers who want to start Book Clubs ask the most-How do I grade <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>? Let's take a Look at some tips to grading Book Clubs!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYfyEOUPWRW0eAhtxS3im0BZ_oLKd9_ivHDN6NRf_mjtsm6EgRuWk19IJejOIfHnj-noI4ZFf6PkXl6ynCD-ZByqSW4We9KzpaQ3X1bX1JKmUwdRd57dycM2hADfMH9jX8Mgj2ZaGjkcG/s1600/Slide5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYfyEOUPWRW0eAhtxS3im0BZ_oLKd9_ivHDN6NRf_mjtsm6EgRuWk19IJejOIfHnj-noI4ZFf6PkXl6ynCD-ZByqSW4We9KzpaQ3X1bX1JKmUwdRd57dycM2hADfMH9jX8Mgj2ZaGjkcG/s640/Slide5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tip #1: Use a Well Developed Rubric to Grade</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Honestly, this is the BEST way to grade. I spent years examining what my students were doing in Book Clubs for kids to adapt and change to meet their needs. Once I created an area, I would try it out and see how it worked for a diverse number of students. It was adapted and changed over and over again until I found the perfect combination of social interactions and academics. I used this grading rubric with groups I sat through and groups I observed as I walked around. It is a life-saver when it comes to scoring students. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6C3BRBguVg2HfeMLQ8Y8IwR21TJj_GSO4Rh-el_D8JR-vCEVd5f_bjWZ-X0Ai5HGo5NSLzggeIqP6wekCVJsunTU2wqlTLo1zviUTTKee6XIfoOxPwizuI0QR7Ixo6MYB56gXSvKmmiy/s1600/ACS_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rubrics for grading are one easy way to get a grade from Book Clubs for kids. " border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6C3BRBguVg2HfeMLQ8Y8IwR21TJj_GSO4Rh-el_D8JR-vCEVd5f_bjWZ-X0Ai5HGo5NSLzggeIqP6wekCVJsunTU2wqlTLo1zviUTTKee6XIfoOxPwizuI0QR7Ixo6MYB56gXSvKmmiy/s640/ACS_0037.JPG" title="5 Tips for Grading Students Book Clubs" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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Tip #2: Grade their Meetings</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Document everything! It is key to keep track of what was said in Book Clubs beyond what the students provide. When I first start <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>, I sit in on their meetings. I also ask Higher-Order Thinking Questions. I take the time to write down what each child is saying. What do I do with this? I keep the papers so that I can tract their progress over the year. I also examine these pages for strengths and weaknesses in students and to readjust groupings. This also leads me to lessons I can teach to build our Book Club skills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tip #3: Grade their Book Club Jobs</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In addition to using the rubric, I also grade the <b>Book Club for kids </b>jobs. This is where I gain valuable grades, as you can either grade these separately or all together, depending on the level of skill your students have. In the primary grades, I grade them as one grade. In intermediate, I tend to grade these as stand-alone grades because of the amount of work it takes to prepare them. You can also apply point values to each job and, then, add those up as one score in the end. There are plenty of variations along the way to play with. Try some out and pick what works best for you! This is key! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tip #4: Grade for Specific Skills</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Clubs for kids</b> can also be adapted for specific skills. On top of the Book Club jobs, you can add open ended pages to the Book Club to target a specific skill you want to assess. Be thoughtful about the amount of extra work though. You don't want to add too much to their plate, as reading and completing the main tasks can fill a student's time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tip #5: Grade with Expectations</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometime teachers look at <b>Book Clubs for kids</b> as "fun work". It is important to grade with the same expectations you would on any class assignment. This is NOT "fun work". Yes, kids have fun in Book Clubs, but their work should be taken as seriously as any classwork is. Look at content, conventions, and anything else you would normally look for in student work. This can take their work level to the next realm of learning! Expect and they shall achieve! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Need a great rubric for <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>? Check out my two levels of Differentiated Book Clubs! They have a variety of assessment pieces built in for you to use! I'd also love to hear about your tips for assessing kids in Book Clubs! Drop a comment and share your ideas! Or, ask a question! I'd love to hear them! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other <b>Book club for Kids</b> Posts to Read: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-club-for-kids-instead-of-guided-reading.html" target="_blank">Why I Don't Do Guided Reading: Book Clubs Exposed</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-clubs-for-kids-student-book-choice.html" target="_blank">Student Choice in Book Clubs</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-club-for-kids-student-roles-jobs.html" target="_blank">The Secret of Getting the Best out of Student Jobs</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/02/book-club-for-kids-5-things-to-know.html" target="_blank">5 Things You Should Look for During Book Clubs</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O9XpAGRQVv6Dq5sobRir_7filZ5Op_FGlLqN48dNB9ONB20pO05VoilCxlIIsNUxn52DpoRSoZ2M8Gut05AG12HMj47z1KSQkg82yI2Axw5nhyphenhyphen8At5f0Tpf7WFGom4Of9YAM4FzhE4FQ/s1600/Slide7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5 great tips for Book Club grading in your elementary classroom. " border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you wondering how you should be grading Book Clubs for Kids? There are 5 great tips that you can use when you are thinking about grading students work during Literature Circles. Great idea and tips are also included in this blog post to help you along the way. Check out the other blog posts in this series as well. #literaturecircles #bookclubsforkids
" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O9XpAGRQVv6Dq5sobRir_7filZ5Op_FGlLqN48dNB9ONB20pO05VoilCxlIIsNUxn52DpoRSoZ2M8Gut05AG12HMj47z1KSQkg82yI2Axw5nhyphenhyphen8At5f0Tpf7WFGom4Of9YAM4FzhE4FQ/s640/Slide7.jpg" title="Book Club for Kids: 5 Tips for Grading Student Book Clubs" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-78879071986534806812019-02-05T00:00:00.000-08:002019-02-05T00:00:01.391-08:00Book Clubs for Kids: 5 Things You Should Look For During Book Clubs<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: large;">As teachers, we are constantly looking at our teaching and evaluating what we are doing. With <b>Book Club for Kids</b>, we are doing the same things. It is very important to "read" what is going on in the groups and responding to what we "read". Here are 5 Things You Should Look for During Book Clubs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdqTY3cH5QNmfhvSEwrrFoA_nXRA3yeYogWHd9UT1wBTK-9H7nybzEMBFIhUbSmgXSZxFak3JmHxZvWTOdwwU6j5rscf4xZjwozqiLsDmwfSUvtR4sAhXgbg_FOVmNZKE6e1qtx1cL8t-/s1600/Slide4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdqTY3cH5QNmfhvSEwrrFoA_nXRA3yeYogWHd9UT1wBTK-9H7nybzEMBFIhUbSmgXSZxFak3JmHxZvWTOdwwU6j5rscf4xZjwozqiLsDmwfSUvtR4sAhXgbg_FOVmNZKE6e1qtx1cL8t-/s640/Slide4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />1. Behavior Concerns</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, this is the number one thing you need to watch for! Kids are kids, and they will try to take advantage of this! Stand firm, monitor this group more closely. Use proximity. You can also pull students away as a consequence. Students love Book Clubs but if their behavior gets in the way, they need to be removed. Watch also for the opposite-using behavior to get out of Book Clubs. Students who don't finish work don't participate. Students are quick to figure this out and will try and use it to their advantage. Be one step ahead and have a plan. I usually provide additional class time to that student-especially if you have centers or "free time" that can be used. It won't take them long to see their theory of less work doesn't work. Always be on the look-out for behavior! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Struggling doesn't always mean that just the low students struggle. Struggling can come in many forms. The idea that it is just the reading who causes a student to struggle is not true in Book Clubs for Kids. The work itself can be a struggle. Coming up with questions for a student who has not mastered questioning in reading is a struggle. Creating a summary can cause a high student a lot of stress if they have not practice creating a summary. Some kids can't make a strong connection because they lack some emotional skills to do so. This is when you can differentiate your student's tasks. Watch for what they need, instead of what you need. Providing the perfect balance can lead to success for all your students! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">3. Weaknesses of the Class</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Weaknesses of the class in <b>Book Club for Kids</b> is key to watch for. This can give you an overview of what concepts and ideas your students are lacking. Teaching a skill in isolation and expecting them to apply it in Book Club can be a surprise when they fail at being able to do it. Isolation is just that-students are looking for that skill and they do it for the grade, just like spelling tests or other rote skills. Then when they are confronted with something in Book Clubs we are shocked when they fail at it. WHY? It is now in context. Book Clubs are the perfect opportunity to see what your class really knows and make a plan to correct their path, whether it be the whole class or small groups of kids. Watch for the weaknesses, they are there! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">4. Lessons to Teach</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It never fails that I have to teach two core lessons when we get started, no matter what grade level I teach. The first one is how to write a summary! Summaries are key to <b>Book Club with Kids</b>. Summaries are also key to classroom experiences and State Testing skills. Yet, kids are always weak at it because we teach it in isolation! And, what do we hear over and over - your kids can't summarize. With Book Club, it is a required element that makes them practice in context, again making the skill come alive! So, take the time to teach it as you want to see it. This could be done pre-Book Club or even during Book Club. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another weakness in students, no matter what grade I've taught, is good, quality questioning. Students will start out looking for knowledge level questions, including yes/no answer questions. Make it clear from the beginning that these questions are NOT acceptable. Work in lessons on how to build stronger questions for your Book Club discussions. Tie in Author's Purpose as a way to challenge students to ask other students questions. Even better, build in questions stems through Anchor Charts that students can access over and over again. Don't give up. This skill takes time and with your constant help, students will be developing "teacher quality" questions. Trust me, I have a whole notebook full of questions I've made enhanced with questions students have asked to match my ever growing collection of Book Club books! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, what are you looking for to discover lessons-the first place to look is at #2- weaknesses. What continues to be your class' weakness? The second place to look is your Standards, whether it is Common Core or specific State Standards. Search to discover what your students need. You will not be disappointed! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX46lGsSchDXhN02HIvjtGNZiPSnASuxd9rCZ-RoJ3v7WPchFjOZ6ArSy3k-_Uyiv0GttmPlXTpcIQ6ow5lDu1ibVh-SUz2X5R7hTsGQLxj6R797KUe8O8DqwiyRuZhCZ-PuiQkGKG7s9/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Book Club for Kids Author's Point of View" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX46lGsSchDXhN02HIvjtGNZiPSnASuxd9rCZ-RoJ3v7WPchFjOZ6ArSy3k-_Uyiv0GttmPlXTpcIQ6ow5lDu1ibVh-SUz2X5R7hTsGQLxj6R797KUe8O8DqwiyRuZhCZ-PuiQkGKG7s9/s320/Slide3.jpg" title="Book Club for Kids: 5 things you should look for during book Clubs include Book Clubs for Point of View" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is an example of how you can take a Standard and </div>
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turn it into a Book Club! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">5. Enjoyment! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a key component of <b>Book Clubs for Kids</b>. If they are not enjoying it, they are probably not learning. There are always books that students won't enjoy. It is key to keep this in mind as you select books. Just because you enjoy may not mean that they do. Be responsive to student need even before you start. Then, monitor for this. There are times you may just need to abandon a book, just like real readers do. This needs to be an open discussion among your group and be agreed upon by all, so that they hear they are valued and respected. In general though, students enjoy this process and want to engage in this process. Always be watching for their level of enjoyment though, just to be sure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How do you accomplish all this? In a carefully crafted way! Differentiation is the very best way to meet all students needs and you can find that in these <b>Book Club for Kids</b> products! Grab what you need by clicking on the picture below! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to hear what you think! Leave me a comment and let me know what works for you or what you are still wondering about <b>Book Clubs for Kids!</b> Or, join me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" target="_blank">Facebook </a>or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to follow my journey, including what I do with Book Clubs! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOoDeqIiZTwW0sJUMwAkyohLFU_2mX90qD8eCtAv3FnqZ3PgquldxApuUxPdqoEBrfoKGt1kOFeHShBIfJH99zLyUXN_PXm71A9JG3tuDHXnF7-iyoSqZVMNBFtRiCXzdv_Zh-NO7zTRm/s1600/Slide6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Teachers should know what to look for during Book Clubs for Kids- Learn about what to watch out for" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you wondering what you should be looking for while your completing Book Clubs for Kids? It is easy to keep on target in Literature Circles, or Book Clubs, if you know the signs of what students struggle with, what they needed help with, and even to watch for enjoyment! Great idea and tips are also included in this blog post to help you along the way. Check out the other blog posts in this series as well. #literaturecircles #bookclubsforkids" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOoDeqIiZTwW0sJUMwAkyohLFU_2mX90qD8eCtAv3FnqZ3PgquldxApuUxPdqoEBrfoKGt1kOFeHShBIfJH99zLyUXN_PXm71A9JG3tuDHXnF7-iyoSqZVMNBFtRiCXzdv_Zh-NO7zTRm/s640/Slide6.jpg" title="Book Club for Kids: 5 Things You Should Look for During Book Clubs and Differentiation of Book Clubs" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Read More in this Series of Blog Posts</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-club-for-kids-instead-of-guided-reading.html" target="_blank">Book Clubs Exposed: Why I Don't Do Guided Reading</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-clubs-for-kids-student-book-choice.html" target="_blank">Student Choice in Book Clubs</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://0.0.7.227/01/book-club-for-kids-student-roles-jobs.html" target="_blank">The Secret of Getting the BEST out of Student Jobs in Book Clubs</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-32342606688082100442019-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:002019-01-29T00:00:03.827-08:00Book Club for Kids: The Secret of Getting the BEST out of Student Jobs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</script><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Clubs for kids</b> are a primary tool of reading instruction in my classroom! They are used in place of Guided Reading instruction and are much more informative than the actual practice of Guided Reading. One of the secrets to <b>Book Clubs for kids</b> is picking roles, or jobs, that provide the most value to the students and the teacher! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Your Purpose Might Just Be Hiding! </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before we dive into jobs, let's talk a minute about purpose! Everything we do as teachers should have a purpose. I have honestly read other teachers share that their <b>Book Clubs for kids</b> have no purpose besides being a Book Club. This, my friends, has a deeper purpose! You are using the skill of talking about REAL LITERATURE in a real world setting! That means you should be diving into researching this topic to build a structure for this talk, a structure to teach real literature without the kids knowing it! Higher order thinking is your real goal-learn how to utilize it in this setting! Because everything we do HAS A PURPOSE! Look for it, it is there! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Best Book Club for Kids Jobs!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are so many ways you can utilize Literature Circle Roles. These roles were shared by Harvey Daniels in Voice and Choice in Literature Circles. It was simple then to utilize these roles to teach within <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>. I used these roles, or jobs as we now call them, with my first real experiences back when I first learned about Literature Circles. However, times have changed. The demand of testing and the new Standards that most of us teach under, has really called to us about how to build skills and understanding within the texts students read. That means we need to have jobs that have the most bang for our buck! Above all, students need to be practicing skills that can be bridged back to the Standards and meet the demand of testing. These five jobs do just that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Job #1: Summarizer</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This job is just what it is named. Students write a summary of their reading. This could be a chapter or even multiple chapters. This process is key to many smaller parts of a variety of standards. Determining key details, sequencing, and critically examining the text are ways that students use reading to build a summary! Plus, students strengthen their vocabulary and writing skills, as they cannot just copy sentences from the text. This is not a skill to take lightly. Writing summaries together, giving feedback on summaries written, and reteaching to your class will all be part of this job. In the end, it is worth the time to do this. Your students will boost so many reading skills just through learning how to properly write a summary! Take the time to use this valuable job in <b>Books Clubs for kids</b>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Job #2 Questioner</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This job is so much more than asking questions. But, let's start with the obvious! When you are looking at the basics of the new standards, you will find that many of the foundations start in asking questions about a text. And, yet, kids struggle with doing this! They struggle with finding questions with real meat to them. This can be developed through <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>. The job of Questioner is about asking quality questions and, also, providing an answer. As a teacher, this gives me insight into what students are questioning as they read. When you look at this deeper, you an clearly develop an understanding of their higher-order thinking. If students are stuck on obvious questions, they are lacking higher-order thinking. It is my job to begin to cultivate this through lessons. If students still struggle, it is time for some one-on-one help to build this area up. Their answer are just as insightful. A student can ask a great question, but totally miss the mark that their answer can have multiple answers. It is when students open up to the idea that a question can have many answers that debate occurs-and it does, naturally, in Book Clubs for kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In addition to developing question to ask the group, the Questioner is responsible for running the group. This starts very early on when I still sit with the groups, especially in the younger grades. I try to act as a silent witness, offering as little guidance as possible. This helps in the gradual release to student-led Book Clubs. I have my students use the Questioner form to work through their Book Club leading. Soon, students are leading, no matter what their ability is! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlAjpaaOePeY1wMaXHl1WvcscwvlJB0CCu9S8vziUE4tdkc8Yr51XtV9xC0hmld37TVxTGDeSitnSuioQcEhsMqsK2jcy8mPlg0eqpUUsbcDZo8z9aI19S7__GJoFxkhKj4JmDxgiZXMC/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlAjpaaOePeY1wMaXHl1WvcscwvlJB0CCu9S8vziUE4tdkc8Yr51XtV9xC0hmld37TVxTGDeSitnSuioQcEhsMqsK2jcy8mPlg0eqpUUsbcDZo8z9aI19S7__GJoFxkhKj4JmDxgiZXMC/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />Job #3: Plot Picker</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This job in <b>Book Clubs for kids</b> is another way for students to meet specific Standards that you need to assess. They need to critically analyze the text to determine the climax of the chapter or section they are reading. Students must wade through key details to pick the moment that impacts the story the most. This can be difficult for students since there may be a variety of opinions based on what they are reading. This job, more than any of the others, can lead to a real debate among students-and that is what you are looking for. Students can strengthen their skills of talking correctly and building debate naturally within the Book Club structure. Be sure to be watching for it and guiding it along. I have used good group debates as "fishbowl" moments. I have the students recreate their debate and have others watch. This way, we can talk about successful debates and how you correctly talk and react within them. This words for any grade (I have even done this with First Graders!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Job #4: Character Sketcher</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Character Sketcher is 100% looking at Character Traits. Students must choose a moment from their reading and explain this character through traits that they see in their reading. This is a key moment to assess the difference between actions and reactions. This one is difficult for students when it really comes down to it. They think the characters actions cause the trait, when in reality it is their reactions that are the trait. Continued practice in <b>Book Clubs for kids</b> is a simple way to build and grow this skill to mastery. Kids are looking at their character across a WHOLE story, across many events and many interactions with others. This is what is missing in those guided reading books. (<a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-club-for-kids-instead-of-guided-reading.html" target="_blank">Read more here!</a>) There is not enough depth to characters in these texts to get what students need! That is why real literature in Book Clubs just does amazing things with students. And this is a job that proves that fact! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Job #5: Connector</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Emotions play a huge role in who we are as readers. This is why this job is important. It takes the time to dive into the feelings of the reader and to dig into their schema. I will never forget when one of my toughest fifth graders ever was reading Old Yeller'. We were in the middle of Book Club and I was monitoring their group. I was standing behind him when he started. All of a sudden he broke down in tears. He explained that when he was younger one of his dogs died and how this story brought him right to that moment and how he just knew how Travis had to have felt. He just knew it because it was exactly how he felt. It was powerful and moving. We were a tight knit group, so it didn't go anywhere past our classroom-and all the kids hugged hime sometime in the day. It was real, it was powerful, it was real literature in action! It was also 15 years ago for me-and it has stayed with me all that time. That is the power of connecting in <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Other Jobs</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, there are other jobs. Here is what I have to say about that! I have tried all of the other jobs and have personally found that they lack the depth of the jobs I have shared here. These can (and are included in my Book Club products) Word Nerd, Visualizer, Passage Picker, and Travel Tracer. The problem with these is not found in the job itself. All have their value. The problem lies in the sharing of the job. With Word Nerd, students loose interest hearing words and their definitions. This can cause off-task behaviors to jump up and disrupt your groups. I find that if I let kids pick words across the text and do this job as an individual product, I get better results. Visualizer is a weak job in general. Students must show a picture and discuss their picture. I find this amount of drawing, especially with older kids, is not a good use of classroom time. Again, this one can be used at the end to share "the moment" that stuck with them! The two that have some traction are Passage Picker and Travel Tracer. Both look more closely at the reading, but both can be somewhat boring to listeners and frustrating to the student completing the task. What if they reading only has one setting (Travel Tracer) or too many settings?! What if the student doesn't like this part of the reading and finds no value in the passages they have read? All of these are areas I've had students struggle with. These struggles are an important part of understanding the Book Club jobs presented here! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Differentiation! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The good news is that ALL of these Book Club roles can be differentiated to meet the needs of your students. You will find value in all the jobs presented when you are differentiating. Each and every one of these jobs becomes important to students if you look at what they need in that moment. A struggling reader just may need that Visualizing job when they are completing a Book Club. It's easy to differentiate by having leveled pages representing each job. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Club-Differentiated-Book-Clubs-for-Third-Grade-Fourth-Grade-Fifth-Grade-4304545?utm_source=Blog%20Post&utm_campaign=Book%20Club%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"><img alt="This shows Differentiated Book Club Job sheets for a variety of needs. " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ViluGMfZbh9Kq3PWYQMvg6cjXJS_skbrH8G5tQN2tWQNfyO_NBZvECWn_mZ0XHLZRATysx79wEuHGrrGAovJ-YvJBxbXmvU30Bdlt84-ycIwzjGenGl5BrsMGWKk2waEMthfwl8w6lvr/s320/ACS_0041.jpg" title="Book Clubs for Kids: Student Jobs Advanced pages Differentiated for student needs" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Club-Differentiated-Book-Clubs-for-Third-Grade-Fourth-Grade-Fifth-Grade-4304545?utm_source=Blog%20Post&utm_campaign=Book%20Club%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">Advanced Book Club Pages</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Club-Differentiated-Book-Clubs-For-First-Grade-Second-Grade-Third-Grade-4304451?utm_source=Book%20Club%20Blog%20Post&utm_campaign=BlogPostBasic" target="_blank">Basic Book Club Pages</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Club-Differentiated-Book-Clubs-For-First-Grade-Second-Grade-Third-Grade-4304451" target="_blank"><img alt="Differentiated book club pages are shown in the basic level of learning" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNXxXrHsuYZZSFAcBvqOy_ihDLhaIG74KoHa0bfGlcgtr3Jm-xVdVgGAEUjVesdaZNFFuxlNBEA9NBSMY9r_QU5rgQjYeC6_16fwiJM0lpcl_PXjDLVbIX3ztJ6kjtUqtNpDhADOimmpB/s320/ACS_0040.jpg" title="Book Club for Kids Role Sheets Differentiated at the Basic Level of need - great for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students can easily be assigned what they need, even when reading the same text. Each of the sets come with their own leveling. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Club-Differentiated-Book-Clubs-For-First-Grade-Second-Grade-Third-Grade-4304451?utm_source=Book%20Club%20Blog%20Post&utm_campaign=BlogPostBasic" target="_blank">The Basic Set</a> leveling includes a story level and a chapter level that support a larger area of drawing. Then they move into limited drawing on the page and no drawing, focusing on the written element alone. This allows for an easy transition into completely written work. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Club-Differentiated-Book-Clubs-for-Third-Grade-Fourth-Grade-Fifth-Grade-4304545" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Club-Differentiated-Book-Clubs-for-Third-Grade-Fourth-Grade-Fifth-Grade-4304545?utm_source=Blog%20Post&utm_campaign=Book%20Club%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">The Advanced Set</a> includes the first page offered as the limited drawing. Some students in grades 3-5 will benefit from drawing, but I find it is key to keep the written work as the most important element on the pages. The goal with <b>Book Clubs for Kids</b> in the intermediate grades should always be about what they are presenting to the group in written form, not the drawings that accompany the work. I think this can get lost sometimes in Book Clubs! But, just like with the Basic Level of Book Clubs, this set can easily be differentiated to meet the needs of each of the students in your classroom! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you think about these jobs, or roles for Book Clubs for kids? I'd love to know what works for you, what doesn't work for you, or what you are interested in hearing more of?! Leave me a comment or hit me up on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/classroombestdays/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>! (Be sure to follow to get all the most recent information about my classroom!) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQyVW7N0yKgal3lnMW8THwNp2X85Oi80fKsVPvXtLsGOa3P9W15xVxAIqiuQjFyMWLXtbEfXuhNkut5aPFGC5OSnSb51ksxHULbbnSVbs24ghmY3oSEzhSbuytSNMxNGSnlJQAzQBfPpO/s1600/Slide5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This blog post is about how to get the best jobs or roles for your students in Book Clubs for Kids" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you interested in learning more about roles, or jobs, for your students in Book Clubs for Kids? In this blog post you will learn about specific roles for students. This includes Questioner, Summarizer, and more. These valuable jobs help students to share with their classmates and allow you to assess their understanding! Read more to find out about how these roles work and how to get the BEST out of them with your students! #literaturecircles #bookclubsforkids" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQyVW7N0yKgal3lnMW8THwNp2X85Oi80fKsVPvXtLsGOa3P9W15xVxAIqiuQjFyMWLXtbEfXuhNkut5aPFGC5OSnSb51ksxHULbbnSVbs24ghmY3oSEzhSbuytSNMxNGSnlJQAzQBfPpO/s640/Slide5.jpg" title="Book Club for Kids: The Secret of Getting the BEST out of Students Jobs or Roles " width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read other Book Club for Kids Posts</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-club-for-kids-instead-of-guided-reading.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-club-for-kids-instead-of-guided-reading.html" target="_blank">Book Clubs Exposed</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-clubs-for-kids-student-book-choice.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-clubs-for-kids-student-book-choice.html" target="_blank">Student Choice in Book Clubs</a></span></b></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-82138833094028019072019-01-22T18:14:00.000-08:002019-01-28T14:02:08.841-08:00Book Clubs for Kids: Why Student Choice is NOT that Hard to Do! <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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</script><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Clubs for kids</b>, also known as Literature Circles, have been around for a very long time. However, <b>Book Clubs for kids</b> is one of the most underutilized tools in the teacher's tool chest of skills. When you look at Balanced Reading's fundamental truths, it screams <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>, especially for older elementary students. Yet, we continue to follow the guidelines of Big Business in our classrooms and go with the readers provided by these book companies than to provide real literature with a purpose. <b>Book Clubs for kids</b> do just that! So, how do we pick books and how do we allow students a choice in book picks without them being unrealistic their reading levels. Here's how! </span><!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbWjWDwNkNjj95Z-JxETSZPXwuJPCMm-0MQ2U5d43msEkroxYZGgmHCjBVzIATqSbEFy2pKYTixcK-XQrE4mV2-tAQ1iKAckj0pOFO5ETSeu4Xq1JWVL3Cz-u9-EWSfLQ79YxvOzgsPUQ/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This girl is happy because she is getting to pick the Book Club books! Her choice! " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbWjWDwNkNjj95Z-JxETSZPXwuJPCMm-0MQ2U5d43msEkroxYZGgmHCjBVzIATqSbEFy2pKYTixcK-XQrE4mV2-tAQ1iKAckj0pOFO5ETSeu4Xq1JWVL3Cz-u9-EWSfLQ79YxvOzgsPUQ/s640/Slide2.jpg" title="Book Clubs for Kids: Student Choice in Book Club" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First of all, it is key to understand that student accountability and responsibility is the fundamental element of <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>! Without it, you will be chasing students down and all around your classroom trying to get them to complete this work. Starting with the basics of how to do <b>Book Clubs for kids</b> must come from you, but the rest is based on their ability to be a member of a group that is counting on them. This is why Book Club book choice is so key to the success of the Clubs themselves. I will state, for the record, that I DO CHOOSE THE BOOKS IN THE END for each student-just in case you want to give up because this seems too far fetched for you! It's all in how you manipulate the choice that gets the group to be cohesive and complete! Let's take a look! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Purpose</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, target your groups needs. This can be as simple as reading level to as complex as character development through deep analysis. You must decide what the purpose of the group is. You will also be looking at what children you want to put in this group! Have a flexible list, because this is where the fine manipulation comes into play-having that general list. Here's an example of where I am going with my class:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Advance Reading Level and Comprehension - 2 groups</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Character Development - 2 groups</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Continue Basic Comprehension and Growth - 1 group</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Book Selection</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, I select the books I want to use. This step, at times, can come first. I usually work together within these steps, as I know what books I have sets of. I target the books and what kids I want to have in each groups. Again, I keep a flexible list, because I know I can change groups around based on their interest too! This year I'm in Second Grade, so here's what I'm looking at for book choice next:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Tornado by Betsy Byard - 2 groups</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Frog and Toad - 2 groups for Character Development</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Henry and Mudge - 1 group, Basic Comprehension </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Student Book Choice</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now comes the next step, student choice. Label the books you are planning to use. I put post-its on the books numbered 1-4. I allow students to examine the books, including reading the back, looking inside, and checking out anything else they may want to do. I do this in smaller groups, over the course of one or two days. Students want to see and examine the books to make good choices. This should become an important step to the selection process. Plus, it gives you time to prep folders and papers as they are doing this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, I print out post-its for book selection. Each student gets a book selection post-it. They write their name and their book choices-1st, 2nd, and 3rd-on the post-it. They turn it into me so that I have their choices. It's as easy as this! Again, it's a fine game of manipulation after this, but you have done one of the most important steps to student buy-in! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Assigning Books</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is time for the grand manipulation. Here's how this goes down! First, sort all the groups by who picked what for their first choices. You can then pull those kids that you have picked earlier for those books. This one is easy. Next, examine where your second book picks fall. Usually, I can place all of my kids by the first or second choice. They really do pick the right books. When I get a student who has not picked the book I need for them to be in, I look at the following:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Is there room in the Book Club they want this time! If it isn't too far of a stretch, I will usually look at this as a choice. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Did the child at least pick their "book" as third choice. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">If the child did not pick their "book", I pull them and I conference with them. I explain that their book choice was filled and that ________ is the only spot I have. (The next part is KEY!!!) Then I promise them FIRST CHOICE next time-and I make sure I write it down and STICK TO IT! </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They are usually thrilled with this idea, because they know their valued in the process. All the while, you are winning at getting them in their proper Book Club books! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do believe that this is all a very gentle balance. It is always key to remember that student choice is one of the key components in Book Clubs with kids! If you over use play this balance, they get onto your game and you will have some difficulty completing that fine art of manipulation. Value their choices and balance it with your needs-it works every time! Any other tricks and idea, drop me a comment! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Differentiated Book Clubs: These products contain all you need to accomplish amazing Book Club moments in your classroom! </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Club-Differentiated-Book-Clubs-For-First-Grade-Second-Grade-Third-Grade-4304451?utm_source=Book%20Club%20Blog%20Post&utm_campaign=BlogPostBasic" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAkSJjwJgX5nb_GDk18Uozl_bhU3YZJNJ85bEbA9Ym-AdGPdPjPVcCPRpv9EVDikE3TsDhSQ_cTDjlvBh8JM_2BqcwaK__G0yWrvnCO10x2vLw8NOCJDUKGfODlnuUmmm6JFMIvJ9QtoI/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Club-Differentiated-Book-Clubs-for-Third-Grade-Fourth-Grade-Fifth-Grade-4304545?utm_source=Blog%20Post&utm_campaign=Book%20Club%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank"><img alt="Advanced level of book clubs are for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsdRr1NrX0AEXT0BcZAkottFfoCb3nFMReepJvq9BhyphenhyphenINY0dR6lsh3i0ZyCv6fWrQucO0OzreUs6T-_6hKCbMeEDJg-0TmkO3lCt37ZNwCxwtBAxYMPJpO4CBDdaZu7DmkRTF84ayGH8u/s320/Slide2.jpg" title="Book Club for Kids; Advanced Level of Book Clubs for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDQUXsXtOHVuMWizneUS9E5zLZAgo2iGRxRv_sA6Llg6w_oXuXmH3bsFMyVkGChyXmtVtAbIkpl0py6h-V42cPtaO4WaCSWR93lEnnNATkI9ofX8Kuj48Hj2s3Sd7rylgs2FrvC8xu7P3/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This child is picking a book for Book Clubs for Kids! Students choice is key" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for tips and techniques for Book Clubs for kids? This blog posts shares tips and techniques for student book choices in Literature Circles or Book Clubs. This idea will allow student ownership in reading and completing Book Club role sheets. It also provides tips for how the teacher can still place students within their reading levels AND accomplish student choice at the same time. #literaturecircles #bookclubsforkids" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDQUXsXtOHVuMWizneUS9E5zLZAgo2iGRxRv_sA6Llg6w_oXuXmH3bsFMyVkGChyXmtVtAbIkpl0py6h-V42cPtaO4WaCSWR93lEnnNATkI9ofX8Kuj48Hj2s3Sd7rylgs2FrvC8xu7P3/s640/Slide2.jpg" title="Book Clubs for Kids: Why Student Choice is NOT that Hard to Do! " width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Read more about <a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-club-for-kids-instead-of-guided-reading.html" target="_blank">Book Clubs for Kids here </a>too! </span></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-26058306147616360152019-01-15T17:26:00.001-08:002019-01-28T14:01:46.739-08:00Why I Don't Do Guided Reading! Book Clubs Exposed!!! <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNTEI9eOAb-Gn1n2mhmHl7Z0o2D_obKukMXIaCcwKBsQSV3qmpnzEh9uN_9NTBNDUZcfUB8bYW_Fe9fWG1poVAidw8bUahamyQkBIo_T592ZlIp6EE4y6j-HFzx-WhD2Va_RZ7BkGroti/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Book Club for kids is another name for Literature Circles." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNTEI9eOAb-Gn1n2mhmHl7Z0o2D_obKukMXIaCcwKBsQSV3qmpnzEh9uN_9NTBNDUZcfUB8bYW_Fe9fWG1poVAidw8bUahamyQkBIo_T592ZlIp6EE4y6j-HFzx-WhD2Va_RZ7BkGroti/s640/Slide1.jpg" title="Eliminate Guided Reading by Using Book Clubs for Kids" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have lucky to be in on many innovative educational ideas. I have seen the rise and fall of educational concepts. It has been an interesting time. One of the best ideas I have seen, and practiced, is the use of <b>Literature Circles</b>, or <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>. It is also one of the most under utilized strategies with teachers. Let's take a look at why! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Br28AmKBGuu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Br28AmKBGuu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">This is how I survived my ELA block for the last few weeks before break!! I LOVE Book Clubs (Literature Circles) and so do my students!! It strengthens their understanding of character development and plot! Have you used Book Clubs in your class! Let’s hear about it!! #studentbookclubs #bookclubsforkids #literaturecircles #iteachela #iteachprimary #iteach123 #iteach234 #iteachgifted #teachingprimary #Igteachersrock #iteach2nd #iteach3rd #elementaryteacher #primaryteacher #teacherteam #teachersfollowingteachers #elementaryteacher #secondgradeteacher</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebestdaysclassroom/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Julie from The Best Days</a> (@thebestdaysclassroom) on <time datetime="2018-12-26T17:09:33+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 26, 2018 at 9:09am PST</time></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Book Clubs for Kids</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Literature Circles, or <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>, have probably been around longer than we can imagine. I can retrace my experience back to my first year of teaching. I taught Fifth Grade and had this great idea from college to try out. My peer teacher was extremely innovative and agreed to let me try them out. She was a steady novel user herself-in fact, she still is a novel user! (More on that in other posts!) I had used novels right along with her, mainly to get the most band for the buck! <u>My Brother Sam is Dead </u>is a great example of this most bang moment! This amazing novel teaches the American Revolution from an amazing view point - that of a Revolutionist who also put his life on the line for his family, all told by his young brother who was not fighting in the War. Great stuff - but I digress! So, I gather the texts I wanted to use - <u>The Secret Garden</u>, <u>Alice in Wonderland</u>, <u>The Jungle Book</u>, and <u>Huckleberry Finn</u>. These books were not a huge jump for my students - in fact, because of what we were reading, they fit right into our class. I created a project too - they had to write a summary for each chapter and draw a picture to create a Big Book for a younger grade! All was great - but I had NO IDEA what I was doing! This was totally unstructured talk with a random project. I would rotate and listen to them. They would all write a summary! Great, but with no real results. No real ability to "see" what I needed to see from them. And, so, like so many others, I gave up this very "innovative" idea and stuck to what I was learning from others - the use of really great literature with the whole class. Until...</span><br />
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Balanced Literacy!</h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, about ten years into my teaching career, Balanced Literacy was launched. It was during this time that "Guided Reading" was introduced to us and it was quickly pushed aside by those that I taught with. In fact, it was a somewhat verbal assault on the instructor of the course. But, she would not be pushes aside so easy. Over the course of our year's worth of classes, she began to make headway - with <b>BOOK CLUBS for kids</b>! She quickly moved from the idea that small readers were for all students into reading novels with older kids. This brought buy-in! In fact, she brought us to the point that students in <b>2nd grade and beyond SHOULD be reading real literature in the form of NOVELS! </b> And that's where she found acceptance and understanding! And that's why I don't do Guided Reading in my classroom - in ANY grade I've taught! Instead, I do...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Book Clubs!!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Literature Circles, or <b>Book Clubs for kids</b>, soon became a big hit with my students! Why?? Well, there are a number of reasons! Here's some:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">They offer student choice! We all know that it is hard for teachers to give up the idea that students can choose their own books. However, that is part of what <b>Book Clubs for kids</b> offer. Choice gives a student more buy-in. That means more time on task, a connection to social-emotional learning, a willingness to have cooperative behaviors, and just a better chance to have fun with their reading. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">They provide a chance for differentiation! That's right! You can offer a variety of reading levels and topics in one <b>Book Club for kids</b>. Or, you can go with a theme and offer a variety of levels of reading opportunity! The opportunities are endless! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">It provides a purpose for reading beyond the idea of taking a test! YES! It is real, it is engaging, it is opportunity! Real literature is used. Kids want to read when the book engages them-so pick quality with PURPOSE! Understand what and why you have picked that text to use with them! And, opportunity is present. Opportunity to get students involved and loving a book for what it is and what it does for them as a reader! </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What Book Clubs for Kids are NOT! </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I shutter when I hear Guided Reading- for real, I do. Because it has become what it should not be. It is, in it's current form, Round-Robin Reading Groups. Student groupings don't change, they are stuck in a cycle of boredom (and so is the teacher), and we are assessing everyone for fluency OVER AND OVER! (Why?? WHY?? If they are fluent-move ON!) We don't boost their reading past what we "think" they should be doing! Reading is NOT A LEVEL! Therefore, Book Clubs are NOT Guided Reading! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Clubs for kids</b> are NOT a free-for-all either! There is structure and planning in Book Clubs. Students have roles and expectations- all of which they must be ready for. It takes practice and work, but students can quickly learn the hows and whys when presented with opportunities to lead! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Clubs for kids</b> are NOT ungraded! There are many ways to grade Book Clubs. Be open to ideas for grading, even from the students. They know what should and should not be going on in their groups and will be honest about their behaviors and reading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Book Clubs for kids</b> are NOT unguided. I carefully scaffold my Book Club instruction. I start the same for every grade, no matter what grade I have taught Book Clubs in, 1st through 5th. When they learn the ropes, they learn quality Book Clubs! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, now that you are intrigued, I'd love for you to join me in learning more! I'll be posting some Blog Posts and sharing some over on my Facebook Page! Stop by and follow me there for my live discussions about Book Clubs! And, let me know more about what you'd like to learn by leaving me a comment below! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivibVCB0T1u6X1g-5BnBmrwY4htl8pqnMqhbhZZiK5_13JAoIMwQV-1Vf3fuQgmvoBA8cIkProqeFU_mnVBT53e9NpUjZWgyenQz9Rb9PTKKETV1-yGf5wGBcqSu9LsshuiNaOcaizsFPh/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Book Clubs Exposed pin for Pinterest. This post is about literature circles. " border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you thinking about using Book Clubs for Kids or Literature Circles in your classroom? In this blog post you can find what Book Clubs for kids are, how to begin to think about using them to replace Guided Reading groups, and what Book Clubs for Kids are NOT! This post will also guide you to more information about Book Clubs for Kids and how student choice is part of this process! You will also find great products to support your Book Club needs! #literaturecircles #bookclubsforkids" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivibVCB0T1u6X1g-5BnBmrwY4htl8pqnMqhbhZZiK5_13JAoIMwQV-1Vf3fuQgmvoBA8cIkProqeFU_mnVBT53e9NpUjZWgyenQz9Rb9PTKKETV1-yGf5wGBcqSu9LsshuiNaOcaizsFPh/s640/Slide1.jpg" title="Why I don't do Guided Reading! Book Clubs Exposed!!" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Read the next article on <a href="https://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2019/01/book-clubs-for-kids-student-book-choice.html" target="_blank">Book Clubs for kids HERE! </a></span>
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<br />Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-52631398416615827332019-01-08T14:38:00.001-08:002019-01-08T14:48:16.889-08:00 Get Your Class Out of the Regrouping Rut with BINGO! <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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</script><span style="font-size: large;">Do you love to play <b>BINGO with kids</b>!? I know that my students LOVE Bingo! But what they do tend to do with <b>regrouping in addition</b> and <b>regrouping in subtraction </b>is get bored! So, why not connect <b>BINGO with kids</b> and <b>regrouping in addition and subtraction! </b>Let's take a look at why these two skills can be connected to gain academic success! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MctIjo2P6m15H41OVk0CuAbdK-Qw9Yz5LJzs9C6KBi-CgXztYapU0VrV4IqrgxW4bZn-r_7VCSMjWEGEge51ucqYxHdbUOrlr-zQM0c4diy9Y77Q8RUHHpFEu3fDtxVa6CJYJMRSEjUR/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This is a square picture that has BINGO for Kids and getting your class engaged in addition with regrouping and subtraction with regrouping. " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MctIjo2P6m15H41OVk0CuAbdK-Qw9Yz5LJzs9C6KBi-CgXztYapU0VrV4IqrgxW4bZn-r_7VCSMjWEGEge51ucqYxHdbUOrlr-zQM0c4diy9Y77Q8RUHHpFEu3fDtxVa6CJYJMRSEjUR/s320/Slide1.jpg" title="Regrouping addition and regrouping subtraction using BINGO" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bingo Benefits! </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. <b>BINGO with kids</b> turns an activity from boring to exciting! We have all seen it-with almost all games we end up playing with out class. But there is something special about BINGO! I don't know if it is the thrill of hunting the number that is called, the risk of winning, the risk of loosing, or all of it combined that makes this game GREAT! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. It grows critical thinking skills - Yep, I didn't believe it till I did some investigation. You see, when students are playing BINGO, they are forecasting the next set of possible events. This kind of thinking builds the area of critical thinking skills. It seems just too simple to be true-but it is! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. It also works on a number of skills under the heading of "sportsmanship". Students must learn to win, loose, and celebrate others all while playing this game. They are social and learn to talk to each other in a way that is acceptable to the category of sportsmanship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And, when you pair that with MATH you get a win-win situation! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Benefits to Your Math Instruction</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, there are benefits to your math instruction as well. One of the best ways that you benefit is through engagement. Students are motivated to win the game-and to win BINGO, you must be accurate. When we play <b>addition with regrouping</b> or s<b>ubtraction with regrouping </b>BINGO, I talk to my students about how inaccurate answers will cause them to instantly loose the game! If you don't have the right answer, you can't cross it off for the BINGO! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Engagement is another area that boosts your math instruction in <b>addition with regrouping</b> or <b>subtraction with regrouping</b>. When students have a purpose greater than "just practice", students will be more engaged. These BINGOs have become one of the highest engaged moments in my classroom! Imagine, students who want to practice this skill, are excited to practice, and have an end game in mind which leads to success! LOVE IT! </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-Digit-Addition-with-Regrouping-Bingo-3464530" target="_blank"><img alt="This is a cover of the Regrouping 2 Digit addition problems by playing Bingo for kids! " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTXI0bhRhesE7vURn4eGBwgKbEeb9R8jgQezMXITiyCZu0tHPFYwRCdNEjPR-Rx2CDK4RfKhd1WtxCFo8ezSCF1mbT5lMgaa69HpLkdl1gaWIRV6TurZjqXB6V3fs6RjT95858_Glb54s/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="2 Digit Addition with Regrouping Bingo" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3-Digit-Subtraction-with-Regrouping-Bingo-2986752" target="_blank"><img alt="Play bingo for kids that include problems with 3 digit subtraction with regrouping. " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-099eu7iacrXEzjzTSNvYaIDvQruGErWI03i2dmJQei3JU3nwCjOKMH-b93Gw1R3QwThQMCmfPNCLRT_-4iYa2ZptOTVjMh7dE2bg1c0-oX9CsPVuacPxPUo26odpv-ZSnJK9PsGOKRt/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="3 Digit Subtraction with regrouping BINGO" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3-Digit-Subtraction-with-Regrouping-MORE-3-Digit-by-3-Digit-Bingo-3012339" target="_blank"><img alt="Play bingo for kids that include problems with 3 digit subtraction with regrouping. " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMwzJ_Z5jKUNixVdNkp5rl2PF11lxMuhCzJkkNN5zLWfiAPhuLNtDA8nicY8HTyZbQauih0DOH-NOvOyIsieFJq-9qIcDnK4hZAr7QdooIHN_6sbMHwbIRUS5VN-F0qP1WFgf-sQslG2I/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="3 Digit subtraction with regrouping BINGO" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3-Digit-Addition-with-Regrouping-Bingo-2975034" target="_blank"><img alt="Play bingo for kids that include problems with 3 digit addition with regrouping. " border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQXjm4tvyWo17u2EsMj4DyxnkzAqkjPlMHuBOPW8gcLIL_gJ6xJCre_wHN_vanx0QwrSWc9zAvhXmeyXcfz-eMdIuwb8ssLtFEjtUm5o9Da2zMxAUx3AZvTjlGIcm345kXQIZJ4cbG1Ee/s200/original-2975034-1.jpg" title="3 digit addition with regrouping BINGO" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How Simple is It?</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's this simple! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Head on over to my TpT Store and check out the BINGO's I currently have available.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Print out how many you need. There are 25 game boards in each of these! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Print out the Calling Card - The great news is, you can call these numbers more than once! During our Math block, I am able to have students finish the work and we play BINGO about 3 times! How awesome is that! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you have gained some ideas about the benefits of <b>BINGO with kids</b>, even beyond math! It is a wonderful way to add engagement and fun in your classroom while you build critical thinking skills and sportsmanship! I'd love to hear how you use BINGO in your classroom - so, drop a comment below! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewJDtlqCd0MTbzYwfRM3DiNALHAnTaz54TKpxw7rrreit7RcCP4Y5lziYq_ROYtg6g0A86vfbsWi9E2idH3wPFcRqWJbblE-8kfUB0CNIn_5Rx6PqjEPDc2AX1cg5paAbfaFGgmmxE-1H/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for a fun and engaging way to practice addition regrouping and subtraction regrouping? Bingo for Kids is a great way to do that. Using these printables, students practice the skill in a fun way. Learning through classroom games have never better better! Great for second grade and third grade as they learn and practice regrouping! Easy for teacher's lesson plans, great for student growth! #second grade #regrouping"
alt="This show two girls playing BINGO in the classroom using addition with regrouping and subtraction with regrouping. " border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewJDtlqCd0MTbzYwfRM3DiNALHAnTaz54TKpxw7rrreit7RcCP4Y5lziYq_ROYtg6g0A86vfbsWi9E2idH3wPFcRqWJbblE-8kfUB0CNIn_5Rx6PqjEPDc2AX1cg5paAbfaFGgmmxE-1H/s640/Slide1.jpg" title="Bingo with Kids using regrouping in addition and subtraction" width="428" /></a></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-64580961240991543202018-07-24T00:00:00.000-07:002018-07-31T13:28:54.378-07:00Reflecting on Open Seating in the Classroom <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last summer I explored <b>Student-Led Learning</b> in depth and pledge to reflect upon that practice-and I failed at it! Miserably! However, I did not fail upon the practice of this, including my pledge to try <b>Open Seating</b>. <b>Open Seating</b> is different than Flexible Seating as it allows students to find their own seat in the classroom. In best practice, it is done on a daily basis. (Check this article out!) Upon r<b>eflecting on open seating in the classroom</b>, here's what I found worked for me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3IvRAvB5i5ZdcD01jiQJnjvmaG2hhmA9QUfBU7ihohdTe8ThdQWXMWoKFQoLxXyn76ADgTWs7gyywwgu6CklvInqDpzxZ67yYGxx7ZJRxrClXjUDbE6IqghwTxWNea43459iQCiUIpWy/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Students sitting around a table working together with text that says Reflecting on Open Seating in the Classroom " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3IvRAvB5i5ZdcD01jiQJnjvmaG2hhmA9QUfBU7ihohdTe8ThdQWXMWoKFQoLxXyn76ADgTWs7gyywwgu6CklvInqDpzxZ67yYGxx7ZJRxrClXjUDbE6IqghwTxWNea43459iQCiUIpWy/s320/Slide1.jpg" title="Reflection on Open Seating in the Elementary Classroom Blog from The Best Days" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What "Kind of" Worked!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, I did try the idea of weekly moving of students. That is the best I could do with this practice. We never moved into the ability to do a daily change. It was a huge investment in weekly changes when I was working on that practice. I slowly moved into bi-weekly, which ended up becoming monthly. I just could NOT put that much time into moving students around, not in this testing environment. In addition to this, my administration became REALLY strict about bell-to-bell instruction. That included on Friday. We had our RtI invention at the end of the day, including Fridays. I just could NOT fit everything in. So, it became a monthly changing of seats. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second, we tried truly Open Seating. It worked for a good amount of students. However, as you would predict, there were "those" kids who just could not do it. It was fewer than I thought it would be, which was surprising. Students had to be reminded to try new friends, even with the idea of trying subjects, etc. They tended to still want to migrate to their friends. Or, carry on a pattern. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Surprising Finds</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Patterns-we soon discovered that certain students had patterns, including areas of the classroom that they wanted to sit in. It was very hard for these students to want to be flexible. At first, when kids found "their" spots, I allowed for them to stay in that location for more than one rotation. But then they never wanted to move! It became a need because as the year progressed, some of the other students needed to be separated. Same problems as a regular class! The thing I kept coming back to is that I wanted them to feel comfortable in a spot that they felt allowed for them the best opportunity to learn. That was the hardest thing to balance. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeIAOj0XBuB-iGiAFJiR06ivItZTQHyxTLj2y6EV3Ly6kCsIhoSNbLaVVVCvGtVfVMMUVkbmyLIievLh0Mu43tCPfh_BK9N0Gt7Tg5uv4LZT4SgHBbn1znA-fkZrbPyL5YoCn32wInjhJ/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A square picture with two girls working together with the text Open Seating Building Partnerships" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeIAOj0XBuB-iGiAFJiR06ivItZTQHyxTLj2y6EV3Ly6kCsIhoSNbLaVVVCvGtVfVMMUVkbmyLIievLh0Mu43tCPfh_BK9N0Gt7Tg5uv4LZT4SgHBbn1znA-fkZrbPyL5YoCn32wInjhJ/s320/Slide2.jpg" title="Reflecting on Open Seating Blog Post from The Best Days: Partnerships" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Partnerships-This was the most interesting discovery! Students really do have the ability to find learning partners. It quickly became apparent that this Open Seating opportunity allowed for partnerships to strengthen and grow. Frequently, students began to sit together. I began to watch these partnerships closely, to see if there was value within them. There was! I then gave permission for those partners to begin to stay together! This was amazing, but came with some consequences. Just like anything, this could wear on these kids. They actually then knew that it was time to move apart-and WOULD! Soon, these teams were back at it, working together although their seats were not. AWESOME! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall, I'd try Open Seating in my classroom again. Students can and do monitor their choices. They do determine where the best learning location in a room is. They do know when to give up friends and move to working partnerships. Again, this applies to the vast majority of students. Just like in anything, reflecting on open seating in the classroom is just as good for students as it is for the teacher! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me know your thinking on <b><a href="http://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2017/08/student-led-learning-classroom-design.html" target="_blank">Open Seating in the Classroom</a></b>! I'd love to know if you have tried it or you are willing to try it! If you are, I have just the product to get you started! Find it in my store! In the meantime, drop your thoughts in the comments! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Open-Seating-Posters-and-Reflection-3298105" target="_blank"><img alt="A square cover for the Open Seating Product on TpT offered in this blog post. It shows the posters and tents available for this product. " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LMc7QkjP8IAIlGc4SBxz96B-U8tFISpSbTWfImdXsDFQmv3-srjyaCHeH74wL7fpxudtnL00KeUvGnFzwqvpn11QLgeVm8UWEFJSSgsW9d9BEg2xUzqPD4Zd6ElTLScEGhCRHb3xO2As/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Open Seating TpT Product found at The Best Days Blog-Reflection on Open Seating" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfrHY4D1ueOue_cjEUEsY-vsFLNM0b1v5eJ8l4IZe0lB8ExLnQAbOm8-hufC22ksm6NuA8W6_6uOY66nvLrbFY4PJXVf6oVYRh-4nlxWdeKF5XfPk7c5umrUFS-4pZZvqe9N-yjWkCbHO/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pin for Open Seating that is vertical and shows two girls working together, a table team of students and the text saying Reflecting on Open Seating in the Classroom. " border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you wondering about open seating in the classroom. Students and teachers benefit from having open seating in their student-led learning spaces. This is different from flexible seating and allows for student choice. It is easy to organize and offers students a chance to lead seating in their classroom. Kids and teachers just love this during activities and work time. #openseating #flexible seating #studentledclassroom #studentledlearning #learningspace #elementaryclassroom" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfrHY4D1ueOue_cjEUEsY-vsFLNM0b1v5eJ8l4IZe0lB8ExLnQAbOm8-hufC22ksm6NuA8W6_6uOY66nvLrbFY4PJXVf6oVYRh-4nlxWdeKF5XfPk7c5umrUFS-4pZZvqe9N-yjWkCbHO/s400/Slide1.jpg" title="Reflecting on Open Seating in the Classroom PIn" width="266" /></a></div>
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Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-58737129829575515402018-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:002018-07-20T00:00:06.636-07:00How to Request Supplies You Need at Back-to-School Night (Or Open House!)<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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Do you spend a lot of time agonizing over <b>how to request supplies you need during your Back to School Night or Open House?</b> Many <b>teachers</b> use lists to show parents what they need for the learning that goes on in their classroom. Have you ever thought to use a themed <b>Giving Tree</b> for this all important request list? Here are a few ideas for your <b>classroom donations</b>!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdMZ_gaEANq3GAf0khI6FlIzF8he-8ka3U1bamp2hgpcMPRZ1CAPGrPrvqSxLLpRwXXXnm6I0XwFVxnjX1GvR0wHmOLDPeLnZdzAKzmIcTfYt_rbtId4gS8Z99ysyzWi7HnvbrG9DGSN5/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mom is loving watching daughter build at Back-to-School Nite so she is going to get some supplies for her teacher using the Giving Tree found on the board! " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdMZ_gaEANq3GAf0khI6FlIzF8he-8ka3U1bamp2hgpcMPRZ1CAPGrPrvqSxLLpRwXXXnm6I0XwFVxnjX1GvR0wHmOLDPeLnZdzAKzmIcTfYt_rbtId4gS8Z99ysyzWi7HnvbrG9DGSN5/s320/Slide3.jpg" title="How to Request Supplies You Need at Back-to-School or Open House" width="320" /></a></div>
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Easy to Use Design</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">These Giving Trees are totally easy to use! Inside each of the Giving Trees you will find the letters to complete your display, the 8.5' x 11" poster that communicates the fact that you need to get those supplies for your classroom, and awesome frames for you to write your supplies on. Everything you need!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmMwrikDUcGI78x26Tg43qw3oHJEnQuECggg0OmaX2muDxdlgjQxdiUTAq4lXAI0et9ugTswdd774ay0dL3xqRUwX1Xb3LI4I8ciko2homkIl5B7GNSjszrrdyv15OEVMRWtqSd4TWTcE/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This is a picture of how to layout the Giving Tree on a white board for Open House or Back-to-School Nite. " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmMwrikDUcGI78x26Tg43qw3oHJEnQuECggg0OmaX2muDxdlgjQxdiUTAq4lXAI0et9ugTswdd774ay0dL3xqRUwX1Xb3LI4I8ciko2homkIl5B7GNSjszrrdyv15OEVMRWtqSd4TWTcE/s320/Slide1.jpg" title="Sample Giving Tree Layout from The Best Days" width="320" /></a></div>
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Displaying Your Giving Tree</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">These are super easy to display too! All you need is a white board, a bulletin board, your classroom door, or a display board! I've seen them done in all of these ways! Here's how you put this together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Print out all of the materials you will need.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Cut out the letters and other items. You may want to laminate them because you can sue them year after year!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Write your <b>wish list</b> items one at a time on each frame.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Display your Giving Tree in your room!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Get those supplies! Whoot!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3yGGgWbWwHUh97oKM4efnVd655eqpiE-9XLCwjGeDtn_exdImACK881l23yyWkmwkNeUEmsB5KVvGK1DHfmeviKgHXZ_0Jp0ff0pDGn-S_lPZMMOh8HwjXc36TkFWpuNHRI6fBDW-sro/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This is a close-up of a sample poster and a frame filled out for Open House or Back-to-School Night. " border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3yGGgWbWwHUh97oKM4efnVd655eqpiE-9XLCwjGeDtn_exdImACK881l23yyWkmwkNeUEmsB5KVvGK1DHfmeviKgHXZ_0Jp0ff0pDGn-S_lPZMMOh8HwjXc36TkFWpuNHRI6fBDW-sro/s320/Slide2.jpg" title="Close up of Giving Tree and Frame" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Things to Remember!</h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Think across your school year and subjects for your supply needs. Think about those craft projects or those STEM activities that escape you right now! Holiday parties and events are another thing to think about! Dig into your year and go from there! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is always key to thank parents for the supplies that they send in. Simply sending a thank you note is one of the easiest ways to thank them. One great way to show everyone what supplies were donated and say thank you all at once is to make a picture collage of all the goodies and send it out to all the parents at once! It's a super fun way to show your thanks!</span><br />
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Themes!</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are so many themes available that you should find something that meets your needs! If you don't see one here, I could probably whip one up for your needs! Simply leave a comment or email me at classroombestdays@gmail.com to share your idea! Here are the themes available in my store now!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Camping-Giving-Tree-Wish-List-Donations-3244654" target="_blank"><img alt="This Camping Themed Giving Tree is perfect to get your supplies for Back-to-School Nite or Open House!" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQpg1-BASDI1ragMWr6F_JccnxiwZJPpYW-K4Mq0U7DyBZGn3kod8eR8tLAcUgzSLx2oprtIA-eHr-47ZTrAQI9dI_saIcoJvBALU2nODVLM60x4I2DmAtEcRwgWOvZ4x7aFkyjWntCTN/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Camping Themed Giving Tree" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Frog-Giving-Tree-Wish-List-Donations-3243710" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="This Frog Themed Giving Tree is perfect to get your supplies for Back-to-School Nite or Open House!" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCucNrj1D09mgwwWWo1rFRICvVMsfOyw0KGgOOwljAmlJ5Dp5cOsLMaRFgQCaqZT-fAEiPDrPY0T094ry1bUJztIohPHIW4P1YrhIDvDCj16q87tQ-8tMqGMyw5OuwvvD6WFaTEU5Hxb_i/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Frog Themed Giving Tree" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Owl-Giving-Tree-Wish-List-Donations-3243535" target="_blank"><img alt="This Owl Themed Giving Tree is perfect to get your supplies for Back-to-School Nite or Open House!" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03dkC63hWvXcwR38nRtScT_WrHJtEHqFtMMJQwzkc95kYPRHiND_EDSobjoQQX2K9wKJNklew25eqt-LQJc02wbKhO7n9q2TEEwp2c10xk9T42bnSfXvea6qR7WcGxrMM_uCPqSSq5Vbf/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Owl Themed Giving Tree" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pineapple-Themed-Giving-Tree-Wish-List-Donations-3301717" target="_blank"><img alt="This Pineapple Themed Giving Tree is perfect to get your supplies for Back-to-School Nite or Open House!" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4xUVhhKv_uSwQEp5TSVnO1PyqN9s-JetH7HwekHKBBDyUARuUp_M019U22sBEk7u2tYy57MfURXS0KWPZ8B1wa_g2pyDOhQ2FhFMF0jPGJkZgvA9mhO8r-2UjYbFuULQgsWWGAtl05_o/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Pineapple Themed Giving Tree" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Space-Themed-Giving-Tree-Wish-List-Donations-3316009" target="_blank"><img alt="This Space Themed Giving Tree is perfect to get your supplies for Back-to-School Nite or Open House!" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNtpXX6C6rWcbjG8Grk030YMmDepfMlchnXX1xcpdbapYbcAZQjfNcwzP8lrIbN_EHJaestwY9fzXL2Z0t4VajfNU3_duxNVyNOcA_V2IV9VkGxcloJiciJN3rO1jtd1_Bm1gELOSp7_G/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Space Themed Giving Tree" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sports-Themed-Giving-Tree-Wish-List-Donations-3298331" target="_blank"><img alt="This Sports Themed Giving Tree is perfect to get your supplies for Back-to-School Nite or Open House!" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHCMlLRXAASUS4vsQ8a2pXGJ0ZXc7LB5V0jl01G2h7Kd4EhfnHQMFKKPFJqkJCrXg4bVmFuO7nB4Yz2QzBFENliCRhNdu8UxyjzpnSew1ztZpsE6IFnU769bEfxyAVaAVK9skukG6QRMo/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Sports Themed Giving Tree" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Star-Bright-Giving-Tree-Wish-List-Donations-3243308" target="_blank"><img alt="This Star Bright Themed Giving Tree is perfect to get your supplies for Back-to-School Nite or Open House!" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWKBcCFELTDO0dKnGa8sZu2izwDeCjnVGWO8eew90Evv62oj64kgN2Tjwo506dNSKo9zulvKyvBTDqaDFLO1pEXRLINGP3InJ1ck9RdI1JyG6OJb_w9PWxGbNU15qLeOC0oCOdp9SEiDs/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Star Bright Giving Tree" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bird-Themed-Giving-Tree-Wish-List-Donations-Watercolor-Birds-Themed-3844992" target="_blank"><img alt="This Bird Themed Giving Tree is perfect to get your supplies for Back-to-School Nite or Open House!" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFgRf-p1eSaU-jihAjPwg2W3-WwbODXCq64Akx_6NAtPz0sCjMRj8IHW2KrLLJIZDqZ6tduThlCQhP97diNCi_48gefrMTNVi3Z0LAurn8I3tHs62S_PM57marZk7p2tPh_d8SwwRqpse/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Bird Themed Giving Tree" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Super-Hero-Giving-Tree-Wish-List-Donations-Other-Themes-Available-Inside-1355543" target="_blank"><img alt="This Superhero Themed Giving Tree is perfect to get your supplies for Back-to-School Nite or Open House!" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPYtZ3m2x7pjUT_SyR1cx5Y6XRiP-QzUOxPqbHY2WafTJ1KfZ5iCRAN-iWtsNxG12XnsSC9HiB7F5aImXJZFnjfCYAlSyINTJcMBoFcMp2lRxD5293CWxo0480O6VHK71WlhaCfA6TtJK/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Super Hero Giving Tree" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Racing-Theme-Giving-Tree-Wish-List-Donations-1903991" target="_blank"><img alt="This Racing Themed Giving Tree is perfect to get your supplies for Back-to-School Nite or Open House!" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw1BKT9PK3Z4RSH4VZZpVjnDMU_guDDVBMQaZv_3FAJfUNcf54dywQR8GbBsfQN_alG3qKOx7QYIdnNk6QCqDz4OooM7ydJAB2I24idrh0wfud1-0xhU-1llY01U54y9rCRAT7I8SMq2b/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Racing Themed Giving Tree" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, using Giving Trees to request supplies you need at Back-to-School Night or Open House can be a simple and fun process. I'd love to see you try one out! Drop a comment if you have other ideas of how to ask for supplies! We'd love your suggestions!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Want to discover more about how to make your classroom more <b>student-led </b>during the first week of school? Check out <a href="http://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2016/08/back-to-school-fun.html" target="_blank">this blog post!</a></span><br />
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Pin for Later</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV-dTpWq5Tuj5rBQxaXzQKcOMUzC2xsfV4uKpNZ1do0Lb8DCLHAlhvDL2kUf6Ro6EoaAahlQw_3EYEO5RuZqUSkZLbKl9oF7Antyc9K1ocslFE2-A4JpoMoL7vuF5lf4Smylbw7Sizv66/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This pin shows the different giving trees available for Open House or Back-to-School! " border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for a great way to ask for school supplies during your Back-to-School Nite or Open House. Read all about how easy it is to request donations with the use of a Giving Tree. School supplies on your list will come flowing in! There are ideas and themes available in this Blog Post that will help you get what you need! Great for first grade, second grade, third grade. #elementary #backtoschoolnight #openhouse #donations #giving tree #primary #intermediate #teachersupplies" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPV-dTpWq5Tuj5rBQxaXzQKcOMUzC2xsfV4uKpNZ1do0Lb8DCLHAlhvDL2kUf6Ro6EoaAahlQw_3EYEO5RuZqUSkZLbKl9oF7Antyc9K1ocslFE2-A4JpoMoL7vuF5lf4Smylbw7Sizv66/s400/Slide1.jpg" title="Giving Tree Pin" width="266" /></a></div>
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<br />Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-2614115673604278292018-07-18T00:00:00.000-07:002018-07-18T11:10:56.989-07:00How to Hack the Dreaded Teacher Observation Rubric to Save You Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacO8hMlDnA3KYzUYtSavXWSCWVF09z67_xFf9ktDK3rHdYVt7aElRH8hu5DWhnNRtoNW2ep54opgK3gdSifRQl5Rzd2seXfs1y7LarEFf-8AsldltVO_gAR7gyzJiO8Kem5DnHwWCUTf0/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Teacher teaching class with girl smiling because she helped the teacher Hack the Dreaded Teacher Observation Rubric" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacO8hMlDnA3KYzUYtSavXWSCWVF09z67_xFf9ktDK3rHdYVt7aElRH8hu5DWhnNRtoNW2ep54opgK3gdSifRQl5Rzd2seXfs1y7LarEFf-8AsldltVO_gAR7gyzJiO8Kem5DnHwWCUTf0/s320/Slide1.jpg" title="How to Hack Your Teacher Observation Rubric" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each year as <b>teacher observations</b> come around, everyone starts to panic! One of the panics include:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"How in the WORLD am I going to get my <b>student created rubric</b> done for the lesson they are going to see!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yep! Every. Single. Time!! After my first year of getting "dinged" I realized that it can't just be for this observation, this moment. What are we really doing in our classrooms that things like this are only good enough for <b>observation moments</b>? Do we not realize YET that kids aren't going to play into that kind of thing and that administrators (or, at least, let's hope) get that the kids have no idea what they are using that rubric for! The fact is, every classroom should be <b>creating rubrics with students</b> and for students! But, we struggle with allowing them to create, to impact their learning and, in all of this, make our rubric rock for our observations! I think I have found the PERFECT <b>Teacher Observation Rubric Hack</b>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to Hack your Teacher Observation Rubric</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, determine what your end results for your observation needs to be. This is what they students will be learning in the lesson that you are going to be teaching. You want this to be fresh and new-nothing they have totally mastered. If they have some ideas, that's ok. My admin looked at my finished rubric and specifically asked if the students gave those outcomes. I was able to say no! That was a good thing. My admin said that if they were able to give the outcomes in 4 levels, there was zero reason to do the lesson! So, keep that little tidbit in mind as you are planning your observation! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, create an anchor chart with the titles. I simply headed it STEM and added a column for "Behaviors" and one for "Scientific Knowledge." Your second column will be your curriculum focus. You can even change your behaviors column to something like, "Grammar Elements" or "Center Work"-anything you need for your lesson! Get creative! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjXNxWttpgfoeBnBEsrl5frgUnLcL5GHcV_Lbz5k3DQKwBUwv1N2UUl71VHhMtYStSxXtSpMQSqXLTWE4mjSGhFfVA23z-mkAFvi4XdFY6UiC-9rdIaRWFuUlv1aD_q4enWWvNu0y7qqN/s1600/IMG_9039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A boy working on adding his post-it note to the Teacher Observation Rubric Hack chart in class." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjXNxWttpgfoeBnBEsrl5frgUnLcL5GHcV_Lbz5k3DQKwBUwv1N2UUl71VHhMtYStSxXtSpMQSqXLTWE4mjSGhFfVA23z-mkAFvi4XdFY6UiC-9rdIaRWFuUlv1aD_q4enWWvNu0y7qqN/s320/IMG_9039.JPG" title="Chart for Teacher Observation Rubric Hack" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now comes the magic! Gather your students to your carpet or meeting spot! Explain that your administration will be coming into your classroom to record the story of your class. I take this route because our administration talks to the students and writes things down. This totally scared my kids the first time they did this because they have little to no contact with administration. By explaining that they are writing a narrative piece, they are ok when they see their names being written down on the paper or computer they are using. I tell them to be open to the story and to add whatever they can to make our classroom story be the best! Next, I introduced the chart. My students knew that we would be observed and what we would be doing. I shared this again with them and then asked them to think of other times we have worked through an activity like this! We worked first on the behavior side. I had them turn and talk about what behaviors they felt were key to this activity. Then, here's the magic, I had them record information for behaviors with the idea that 4 was the best work and 1 was the lowest performing behaviors. They could write to whatever they felt they know the most about! All it take is one student's ideas to make this work, so don't stress that they are all perfect statements! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, do this again with "general" knowledge of your topic. Remember, you are not looking for them to nail it! You want them to be general so you can adapt it, etc. to your needs! You get to nail it! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfoLSG-F3oCKCImoqZubCmSOLTJiwl9bPCEaZCh8GvSDO7SkqtUGS19qENEu0utWrQA8v-H1s1H7s-oFWgb42QJz-9tCHiR2LeA3rzqfNR-j79PmOXycGts6jzZr5Qf3eMtjehFT6hYOz/s1600/IMG_9124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="These are post-it note examples of how the students replied to the questions on the chart for the Teacher Observation Hack Rubric." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfoLSG-F3oCKCImoqZubCmSOLTJiwl9bPCEaZCh8GvSDO7SkqtUGS19qENEu0utWrQA8v-H1s1H7s-oFWgb42QJz-9tCHiR2LeA3rzqfNR-j79PmOXycGts6jzZr5Qf3eMtjehFT6hYOz/s320/IMG_9124.JPG" title="Post-It Note Examples" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, pull that chart off just as it is, take it home or someplace quiet, and get to work! Here's what you do! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Set up a table in PowerPoint or some other document that will allow you to create the rubric. You could also create it on another sheet of paper for display.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Look for great quotes from students that you can adapt to the positive just enough to make your rubric work! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Look for levels of learning expectations (See the level 1 in that pic!) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Create the teacher observation rubric from the students' statements and ADD THEIR NAME where their statement connects on the rubric! Yep, nothing causes ownership like their names on a rubric! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. You add the content specifics and add names only where needed. Notice on mine, it is only at Level 1 because they actually targeted their struggles in this statement. That came out during my observation! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1M7qHz_sTozgvBEnDKOVhcDyvYWy6w1PUk23c0VAAXS5gL-vhyxfGiURwBTqU-8WT8H0nAH0OynYznlhgYw3DP7al_xRk9Y7x0lsy8tSvbsUBTKDS2xO3oxvdrPy6SXLOxq4pXaKeMg-/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This is a rectangular page that shows the rubric information with students' names added to Hack my Teacher Observation Rubric." border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1M7qHz_sTozgvBEnDKOVhcDyvYWy6w1PUk23c0VAAXS5gL-vhyxfGiURwBTqU-8WT8H0nAH0OynYznlhgYw3DP7al_xRk9Y7x0lsy8tSvbsUBTKDS2xO3oxvdrPy6SXLOxq4pXaKeMg-/s640/Slide2.jpg" title="Star STEM student-led rubric that I used to Hack my Teacher Observation Rubric" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Easy-peasy! And, you have a beautifully designed teacher observation rubric with student-led learning wrapped inside! This took me considerably less time than the rubric I made the year before. That one took me DAYS of class time, because we had to do it in small doses! This one was quick and easy! Students loved their names on it and many were impressed that they even had the thoughts they did! The only thing we did in addition to these steps was to share the actual content of the rubric the day before the observation. Students also had a copy in their STEM folders and I was able to refer to it and remind them of their scoring criteria throughout the observation! All in 1/2 the time of the previous rubric development in my classroom! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How about you? Have you developed an easy way to create a student-led observation rubric? If so, I'd love to hear all about it! Drop a comment and let us know! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The product I used for my observation is available in my TpT Store! </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stars-STEM-Types-of-Stars-3737271" target="_blank"><img alt="This is the Star STEM link to TpT I used during my observation and to hack my Teacher Observation Rubric" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdTB8UZWgGJGPR10tCuTy1pVu3RZArFodSwg5FyHCKOMrEc6aibOAPLJg4iJUOW1XU52eQmzHyEtKac-BGW96TdDf4Lbg3CNzj7ZdJkIinILdQOmHgxy9a8xUp_nKnXpMMK5Q-Krn488Y/s200/Slide1.jpg" title="Star STEM product on TpT" width="200" /></a></div>
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Want to read more about my ideas on the <b>Teacher Observation System?</b> Check out <a href="http://classroombestdays.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-5-stages-of-teacher-observation.html" target="_blank">this post</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsjUxMGUHKcLHXkepMOq33vlPxMjJAt8iQHyn6O5klwwUHrGIbFhTp4xyu41kaWxnpSwQgD-HLomgwU7kf0SFksLFEh0V611ct0Uj8m9SLIYY9ADM0JSR6gZaUGQfCKLn5LUiMx0pxyVl/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-pin-description="Teachers, are you looking for tips and ideas to hack your teacher observation rubric? On the list of look fors is the student-led rubric. Gain extra points for your lesson in most elementary, middle school, or high school classrooms. This basic template of free information will make going down your checklist of items super simple! Your feedback is all you need in second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and beyond! #teacherobservationhack #studentledrubric #elementary #middleschool #highschool" alt="Teacher teaching class with girl smiling because she helped the teacher Hack the Dreaded Teacher Observation Rubric" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsjUxMGUHKcLHXkepMOq33vlPxMjJAt8iQHyn6O5klwwUHrGIbFhTp4xyu41kaWxnpSwQgD-HLomgwU7kf0SFksLFEh0V611ct0Uj8m9SLIYY9ADM0JSR6gZaUGQfCKLn5LUiMx0pxyVl/s400/Slide1.jpg" title="Teacher Observation Hack Pin" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-91875451466472425162018-05-04T14:09:00.002-07:002018-05-04T15:27:21.636-07:00The Force Was With Us on May the 4th!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwDOBOX8WUPHv7Y_sUusBXkbeo8aodIWgAW4SlrWgfXsMWG0FJfbYpQIeHE-6Q_3FVAxgjk3MROypPFkgwa-tkrACvDzkoRqGtA1uByzTrMJlCCwqZFkfzgSEKXwLmU9GawkpUSTyXdJN/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwDOBOX8WUPHv7Y_sUusBXkbeo8aodIWgAW4SlrWgfXsMWG0FJfbYpQIeHE-6Q_3FVAxgjk3MROypPFkgwa-tkrACvDzkoRqGtA1uByzTrMJlCCwqZFkfzgSEKXwLmU9GawkpUSTyXdJN/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year's celebration DID NOT disappoint! Each year I try and celebrate International Star Wars Day, which is on May the 4th! I know this is my "thing", since I've been a Star Wars girl all my life! I'm happy to say I am a member of the Class of 77'. This has nothing to do with high school. This, in Star Wars land, means that I was actually there, in 1977, to see the movie! It was so fabulous, my mother let us all see it TWICE! This was a BIG deal in the 70's, as no one could really afford to see a movie twice! However, there is so much you can actually do that even if you are just familiar with Star Wars, you could run a successful day! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPetJc0R9ZkBpsosr57NPQ3p6QjGq1XZLQRG_6Vnj0XH4R8nCPMpCv0_ejme9rDikjp4ruuppycZqJCQ_XB8yTWs0NpAkJIH6o-EaxGdi8XGtldNf019aeQ2K8H3Vhrp9WBTLDNnrnw_QZ/s1600/IMG_9520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPetJc0R9ZkBpsosr57NPQ3p6QjGq1XZLQRG_6Vnj0XH4R8nCPMpCv0_ejme9rDikjp4ruuppycZqJCQ_XB8yTWs0NpAkJIH6o-EaxGdi8XGtldNf019aeQ2K8H3Vhrp9WBTLDNnrnw_QZ/s320/IMG_9520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Everyone needs some Star Wars in their life-a mug, a shirt, and some fun friends!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let's Get Started! </span> </h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, this was the PERFECT time for me to throw in a celebration for ending the FSA, Florida's version of State Testing! My kids were totally wiped out after two days of testing. So, today's celebration offered a wonderful chance to decompress and do something fun! So, we started with a fun math that was easy yet worthy of a grade! <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwNLisAz_71PX0lneTJwY2EyZG8" target="_blank">Check out what we did here! </a> This math idea would be one of the easiest ways that you can include this celebration into your classroom! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another great way to include this celebration into your classroom would be to add a touch of art! This year, we added Symmetrical Aliens to our activities! These are super simple to do and can be done with almost any theme! Simply fold a piece of paper in half and have students draw 1/2 of their alien ON THE FOLD! Once they finish, have them trace this design in crayon. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinR25fj9Gy196ftSiVMEyyrgixOoSSlt8yyPAdBmAHk3tf_XOF_J0Fx9thmw0-y7eUFfmuTjfEh4BNzNV8jBPLyTbxMC09frE-fAAA3DyLYGrIJiXtKo9iR0i6eKeaW48EOt9PDD2cogka/s1600/IMG_1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinR25fj9Gy196ftSiVMEyyrgixOoSSlt8yyPAdBmAHk3tf_XOF_J0Fx9thmw0-y7eUFfmuTjfEh4BNzNV8jBPLyTbxMC09frE-fAAA3DyLYGrIJiXtKo9iR0i6eKeaW48EOt9PDD2cogka/s320/IMG_1149.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, fold their alien into the inside of the paper and rub this line with a pencil on it's side. They need to rub HARD! Once you are done rubbing, open it up again. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjVlfA81Ge5ikxOuI4xpkEiMXNTnuaWUjXDB8PycVNF3gi8BYA78F9vj1MXu8UPcOb46rP2SulEYuSdepJ6psUlujFRUraGnplK_i6ZIQuhXCgRKTQAO8dbmmKMnFjGA6lCsYjAwDZWzl/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjVlfA81Ge5ikxOuI4xpkEiMXNTnuaWUjXDB8PycVNF3gi8BYA78F9vj1MXu8UPcOb46rP2SulEYuSdepJ6psUlujFRUraGnplK_i6ZIQuhXCgRKTQAO8dbmmKMnFjGA6lCsYjAwDZWzl/s320/IMG_1152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Y</span><span style="font-size: large;">ou will have a very light line. Trace over it, and, you have a perfectly symmetrical alien! Add any other details and color it in! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ7IT4-NEsfPq6t20_mVVpGxP-rYcDxkLJQkHxL6tMOgyqeYoeH3dbCheR-qB9abxm9tUyk3K0ipOUwaThT1-pdr5gcsnbQMQWCV1W_uXnbWF76tjj3n_C64LYRpBkii61PK2skJfyZ_Z/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ7IT4-NEsfPq6t20_mVVpGxP-rYcDxkLJQkHxL6tMOgyqeYoeH3dbCheR-qB9abxm9tUyk3K0ipOUwaThT1-pdr5gcsnbQMQWCV1W_uXnbWF76tjj3n_C64LYRpBkii61PK2skJfyZ_Z/s320/IMG_1151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These came out so great! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Again, I kept with the tradition of letting the Wookie Win! This game is so fun and plays like a Jeopardy game. It would be super easy to create because I can't share this one due to trademark issues. The questions focus on review and you could even play this game without the fancy PowerPoint! Just think of some fun questions from each category that you teach and go for it! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdT0Q4XEkdvCCipvAxWzr2cNnyveG-OZ9Z3OEY3GqfawRbet2BDMOIFpbSRfPrytCGGhhes3BmehnSBf-XFdR-dIdBN4tpUazLk-dTJwWbA4PU_idMoI6fWVeivR1ySKyiGoDDzHKVX8X/s1600/IMG_9533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdT0Q4XEkdvCCipvAxWzr2cNnyveG-OZ9Z3OEY3GqfawRbet2BDMOIFpbSRfPrytCGGhhes3BmehnSBf-XFdR-dIdBN4tpUazLk-dTJwWbA4PU_idMoI6fWVeivR1ySKyiGoDDzHKVX8X/s320/IMG_9533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It isn't a Star Wars celebration unless you have an tasty treat! This year I went with TIE-fighters and Wookie Cookies! Both of these were super simple! Each child needs some Oreos or other cookies, a marshmallow, and some frosting! They just put the frosting on the marshmallow and add the Oreos on the end! Yum! Our new treat was Wookie Cookies! I put some chocolate frosting in a ziplock and cut a very small hole in the tip. The kids used this to put the frosting on a chocolate chip cookie! Then they added some edible eyes! So cute and tasty too! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94ppdTnCvCb9Z0Q65zyoX1TaF2WCHLPFon_sxNVbVdsqiVUK60KEL66u2LVpwYnlBK1J78snOvjVRp-rYARpTfVUlVRu1groxO32ofUfsWW2jh2rodl0-8mrTqiCz2AuCdl9JhdblEu_f/s1600/IMG_9534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94ppdTnCvCb9Z0Q65zyoX1TaF2WCHLPFon_sxNVbVdsqiVUK60KEL66u2LVpwYnlBK1J78snOvjVRp-rYARpTfVUlVRu1groxO32ofUfsWW2jh2rodl0-8mrTqiCz2AuCdl9JhdblEu_f/s320/IMG_9534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a totally fun day and a truly great way to celebrate our success at the end of testing! I hope you enjoyed International Star Wars Day and, if you have never celebrated, I hope it inspires you to try your own celebration! Let me know what you do, too, in the comments! And, May the 4th Be With You! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmzUGdVuVMOLZjlkcIAE6B1D7-oRa3fP6FbVAg_FgSAZF51oGcudPCCbi1QaE7qEDueJ0cIMuFBREqAs8WpLSbw_3pVRV7TYKdK_XimFOvFFO0ECwjC5674y4h1y5-0VUgH-X-33xDG3I/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmzUGdVuVMOLZjlkcIAE6B1D7-oRa3fP6FbVAg_FgSAZF51oGcudPCCbi1QaE7qEDueJ0cIMuFBREqAs8WpLSbw_3pVRV7TYKdK_XimFOvFFO0ECwjC5674y4h1y5-0VUgH-X-33xDG3I/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-42016931559399232842018-02-12T00:00:00.000-08:002018-02-12T00:00:37.964-08:00Sending You Love $100 TpT Gift Card Giveaway<span style="font-size: large;">Every now and again I share a great giveaway! This one is one of those! I've paired up with 10 Teacher/Authors to #SendYoutheLove! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3UoqoQsmo7mvako8xMsrFhgJCTLnwas153ZIVHA6-mewXhn8ahqOE5K8Z9KmLNQRkIQTOcfd9GTGKGEHQ0g33rV-nrAT3OK9nuwpQ6vakf6M56mdcyxVgUDYixcsSQtEfoBB9GQSQyit/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3UoqoQsmo7mvako8xMsrFhgJCTLnwas153ZIVHA6-mewXhn8ahqOE5K8Z9KmLNQRkIQTOcfd9GTGKGEHQ0g33rV-nrAT3OK9nuwpQ6vakf6M56mdcyxVgUDYixcsSQtEfoBB9GQSQyit/s320/Slide2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are super excited to give you a chance to win a $100 gift card to TpT! With the sale starting on Wednesday, February 14th, this would be an awesome way to purchase what you need for your classroom! Join the fun by entering the Rafflecopter below! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The winner will be announced on Wednesday, February 14th! So, check back to find out who wins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This contest is not sponsored by Blogger or TpT. Winners will receive 10 gift card codes to use on TpT! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-35302865156791937962018-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:002018-02-25T17:52:15.137-08:005 Steps to Creating a Great Anchor Chart WITH Students<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">This may be an unpopular view, but I'm anti pre-made anchor charts. With all the Pinterest charts and materials flying around out there, teachers have begun to loose that one thing that matters-the STUDENTS! We have the shabby chic classroom that means nothing to students. We have the Pinterestly perfect accessories and the ultra deluxe bookshelves that make everything Southern Living perfect. Including our anchor charts. Anchor charts-a tool to teach children. A tool for children to use. A tool that is interactive. A tool 100% designed to be done with children, in front of children, and have meaning to that child because THEY had the learning presented to them in a way that makes sense. Anchor chart-NOT a poster made at home by a teacher to make sure their class is Pinterestingly Perfect! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, even I recognize the need for a great looking anchor chart every now and again. In the age of the Pinterestingly Perfect anchor chart, there has to be a happy medium. I also get the main goal of time saving. However, what I don't agree with is the idea that students are presented the information in poster format and having that called an anchor chart. So, is there a way to combine them into one. I think so! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Step 1</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Determine what you want your anchor chart topic to be. In this case, I was introducing myths to my students. I wanted to present the facts behind myths to my students. I started with a large header and went from there. I had researched the elements of the myth and knew what I wanted the chart to hold. Then I went to designing. I designed these. </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/King-Midas-and-The-Golden-Touch-Any-Myth-Study-3652825" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dqqNHYhhIJf-YpHujuZBTdekmEQMoa3Ps_u9cSkw50GzA23hxTc4ysZJJxgJ0Hqj4fnRQinR3pcxp8IBTkcwb00nFZbBWrIfXbUDK1LSkBtGiB47sbrWTejHBarmr9MQ0gipnR9Qy0l7/s320/FullSizeRender+62.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step 2</h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, I created a mock-up. I printed my design in black and white so that I could see how it would fit on the chart paper. I laid it out with the end in mind-making sure it all fits! </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/King-Midas-and-The-Golden-Touch-Any-Myth-Study-3652825" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLA8zhtwDKrmOc13OzqLnrSwa2nTraDo071BQR7SYg6wz6Uo_MJzqaTARtwvwikzU4JMlHaXj56PiiCJ2DX-mmsJZdYmV0hkkycihlVJyrbhy-KqUgQ2ECRgcPMTdRs8vGLhrvQwuSzkmR/s320/FullSizeRender+59.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Step 3</h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next I printed the pieces in color and cut them out. I also clipped them together in the order that I wanted to introduce them to the students. This way, I was ready and organized for the lesson sharing the elements of the myth. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/King-Midas-and-The-Golden-Touch-Any-Myth-Study-3652825" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sDq_gJcM25Efdepd6ljQRO6Gb7MzbBzGSdJf6Q_Je2oOAxjioeK_GtCcZIIwM9-ca53TBYGcNzJ-m91XChg4tm2F93a1ndQevlcEvGDcTeSrOXQ1zf1P1TBfmu4P-4jJr8bqoTTiKfGl/s320/FullSizeRender+57.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Step 4</h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Present the lesson. At this point, glue is your best friend. I kept a picture of the mock-up on my phone so that I always knew what was coming next. I glued and discussed with the students as we went. They had lots of questions for each part as we worked, instead of seeing everything at once. I would have totally lost them the whole lesson with those monsters if I had presented this chart all at once! They were fascinated with them both! </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/King-Midas-and-The-Golden-Touch-Any-Myth-Study-3652825" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ha3NY3rI5ChXexWXEWPPSimE6JSjgp2ScpqJ63cZJsaSppNumazPmhc4Y_AIq50QOypz4K8gblGwWVucisMAvD8kB29HsMznkvLxVBmAsdjJDZtXFuMLv7t7O2dtx4KRkdy0hkcQFQWd/s320/FullSizeRender+63.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">These materials will soon be available in my TpT store!</span></div>
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What we ended up with was a great looking Anchor chart that was teacher driven but completed in front of the students. The students interacted with the material and learned it in a sequence that did not overwhelm them all at once. Our discussions about each part allowed for the building of the knowledge they needed but, yet, did not give it to them all at once! </div>
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Anyone can develop charts like this. All you need are some great fonts, some great clipart, and a little bit of time to think it through and type it up-just like any anchor chart you would make without students present. The difference is, students are present and part of the development when done this way, which deepens their learning! </div>
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I hope this helps you think about how you develop anchor charts with students. I'd love to hear what you have to say! Let me know in the comments below! </div>
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This come from my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/King-Midas-and-The-Golden-Touch-Any-Myth-Study-3652825" target="_blank">King Midas and The Golden Touch</a> product! </div>
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<br />Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-85214939925580472192018-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:002018-01-29T19:24:41.472-08:00February Writing Fun: Great Products to Get You through February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whether you have primary or intermediate students, I know the month of February is packed-each with it's own fun, problems, and issues to cover. Writing shouldn't be one of them! I've got you covered! As you know, I've been talking a lot about writing in my classroom lately. I've given up the boxed programs for a more "old school" approach-actually TEACHING in CONTEXT! Imagine that! Anyways, now that January is heading out the door, I want to cover some of the things I plan to do for February. Here we go!<br />
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Today I am double posting! I'm over at Conversations From The Classroom talking about how to have fun with STEM and writing through the use of one of my products called Love Bug in a Jar This has always been one of my favorite prompts to write about and I'm sure this year's group won't disappoint! <a href="http://www.conversationsfromtheclassroom.com/2018/01/combining-writing-and-stem-for-awesome.html" target="_blank">Check out what I'm sharing</a> if you love this idea-I think you will!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-STEM-and-Writing-BUNDLE-Catch-a-Critter-12-PRICE-FOR-24-HOURS-3603710" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczXrnId4A69vW2QE-xdfUkzOoq7qxu1L1JZkAQYuUGaomQ1PJaKGPjO8VxjxHfaY64l43GSiTO_2yZu8NchjrOHF0Gr4QiMioFygf0hjaa0_OeB2zXmSJNQ-AlVmUaDqT70p-ZE392Gs1/s320/Slide2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Check it out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-STEM-and-Writing-BUNDLE-Catch-a-Critter-12-PRICE-FOR-24-HOURS-3603710" target="_blank">here!</a></div>
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If that doesn't fit your needs, I have two other great products for Valentines that just might. Both focus on Valentines but are geared toward text dependent writing prompts. These are designed to provide practice for your students in the area of reading prompts and, then, having to write with source materials in their pieces. These are print and go ready too! One of the things I've done in the past to help cut the copy costs is print the reading pieces on card stock and then laminate them. This way I can use them over and over again!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Writing-Prompt-All-About-Valentines-Day-Primary-Interactive-Wrt-2951454" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_fP1xzlQ7wvvsFoCwLlHrEGqsyTAYZujrGaT99O9pxyxMKZz6CsTaUZVyyZcj8SJTdvHdoYqEAa5h8zbEFf6ExBih4YxYr6YY7p30yKZPyJycHoxULC3WK3y3lTGdqXxbfGRy7oFG1JF/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Writing-Prompt-Write-to-Inform-High-Stakes-Testing-Prompt-2948530" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9z0tEaGkoNS7jU4efkIif3ENoMCfSL5D43YzsL0JuYembFPSf4r-yHtyxSU18owu7cJwh8gjXliCrPk1EFZ_cSbMJY2BKOyamuitJvtnYKnyNou8odokrdhnQapblDOkuGyxiUoc4Fkou/s200/Slide1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Click on the pictures to view these products. </div>
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How about Groundhog's Day! I've got you covered! This great narrative piece will let kids think about how the groundhog would feel being awaken from a sound sleep to be jolted out into the cold world to see what the weather would be for the next six weeks! Is it me or have you ever really thought about the inaccuracy of that! The sun has to be out for the groundhog to see his shadow! Wouldn't that mean spring is on it's way and not more winter! But, it's a fun tradition and that groundhog lives high on the hog-pun intended!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Groundhog-Writing-Craft-Posters-Planners-Toppers-Included-3552712" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMu_uNN9Gvh2JH_mFn26by2kJAQ_2Rwov_bBZiLZwfJ8_AUR-AS6UGhTomFLAYRyKZbz3-er59wJhZ0tx19c2r_V2nv0PGgBkE3yWYmYyEDQtPaSKpqtGwO-HG18lE1AcC1K94U1mWaw9/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Check it out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Groundhog-Writing-Craft-Posters-Planners-Toppers-Included-3552712" target="_blank">here</a>! </div>
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Right after Valentine's Day, we head into President's Day! Students would just LOVE writing about a day with any President of their choice. This can be simply a narrative piece, or, for added bonus, use <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1B7HBG5-joClC78S0lmpV7n88K66Bzay9" target="_blank">this document</a> to do some research about a President. Then, students can use that research to create their day with a President! How fun is that!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Writing-Craft-Posters-Planners-Toppers-Included-3592950" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_nY7qJC0ozsR7UFsO3dXuAQW599dUktfGROrSFGKS2_pk1NacTUwc-ESULTztQd7z3daTtpsf03ZcH5z6Db0-dCr7BmrK9vLzjR9QchcdsW0ANJKyyocNNJwerBwqxKCq7zKHw6qjdFn/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Check this one out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-Writing-Craft-Posters-Planners-Toppers-Included-3592950" target="_blank">here</a>! </div>
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As February winds up, intermediate students would love to explore the history of snow globes! Students are provided with three pieces to read and examine. Once they gather vocabulary, notes, and ideas about the history of the snow globe, students write about their new knowledge. Then, they get to try their hand at creating their own snow globes! This was is so, so much fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YQEOwAZiqbN1CoJuKSrucTVCVhNiFgDEQ5uAy5rCt7oAQNwJpoSpjk4gEBmSRrIXDfEqqrEhccUeh7j6tKqL6qt7pCNsBdm0Ep7INAVQ_3g88P8agMckU-RRcoUDVrvIaT5myLdIe64B/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YQEOwAZiqbN1CoJuKSrucTVCVhNiFgDEQ5uAy5rCt7oAQNwJpoSpjk4gEBmSRrIXDfEqqrEhccUeh7j6tKqL6qt7pCNsBdm0Ep7INAVQ_3g88P8agMckU-RRcoUDVrvIaT5myLdIe64B/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can find this fun project <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-All-About-Snow-Globes-Write-to-Inform-Prompt-FSA-or-PARCC-1616563" target="_blank">here! </a></div>
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Don't forget that the Winter Games are coming! This product has a little of everything! Students can do a quick research piece on one of the sports they are interested in. Once the mini-research is completed, they craft an informative essay as to why that sport is their favorite! Then, students create a topper to match their choice! These would look great in anyone's hallway or classroom! </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Games-Writing-Posters-Planners-Toppers-12-Price-for-24-Hours-3621439" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19iDQ1phIhsu4CxxB17dQpOBfKCv4wmZUN8hnaJHdfmyshPWxN-zhBxTsk-YdVLezGQcE9b9NrrYoJLCp3Ftjsyea8M0Bh0u3OWOBhvPLbiGFnod33UmHtApUK2e86RZOHXw4ureT81Hm/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Find this fun product <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Games-Writing-Posters-Planners-Toppers-12-Price-for-24-Hours-3621439" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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So, as you can see, I've got you covered for the month of February in writing! Find them all at my store on TpT!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5236392240463894979.post-24636006288129549872018-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:002018-01-16T00:00:16.016-08:00The Best Way to Build Writers: Modeling, Planning Style! <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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As I travel through this journey of giving up the boxed writing program, there is one thing I will never give up-MODELING! Teachers frequently ask me what makes my students become the writers that they are, and that's what I tell them-MODELING! You have heard it over and over from others I'm sure, but I'm here to tell you, modeling is golden! It is the very key to successful student writers, with one other thing!<br />
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Modeling! </h2>
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Where does this process start-at the very beginning. I model how to make a plan first. This is so incredibly important! Students need a plan to guide their writing, but it is the first thing that teachers drop. WHY?! I have heard everything- students don't know what to do, they don't use their plan, it takes too much time, it's too hard! UGH! This is NOT about us, the teacher! It is about students making their way in writing, with a view of where they are going in their sight! Give them the opportunity to have success through planning.<br />
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So, how do you model this? Super simple! The first thing you need to do is decide on what form of planner you want to use. I am a Hamburger Planner girl myself!<br />
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I have used this planner for years with every grade from first through fourth! I find the idea to be very appealing to students and it is easy to make the parts valuable to students. The buns go together-this is a MUST! Students must understand that the top bun and the bottom bun are THE SAME THING! The focus of the writing goes in each bun. Where do you get the focus-from the prompt, the assigned topic, or their own personal choice of topic. That's the joy of the hamburger planner! You can use it for all styles of writing and for any topic! Just a little tweaking to make it work across all the platforms and you're good to go!<br />
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Next, students will move into the hamburger layers. This is where you can talk about all kinds of organizational issues. This is where organization starts after all! That's one of the very reasons to plan!! Instead of students jumping all over <u>as</u> the write, this can be fixed <u><b>before</b></u> they write! Take the time to talk about this during the planning stage. Then, MODEL it! Get a copy for yourself and fill it out. You are going to be using this to guide your way, so fill it out before the students, not before class! Modeling only works well live. Give up your idea that it has to be fancy and beautiful because that isn't going to work. Talk through your thoughts and the why behind what you are writing on the page. The more you verbalize, the more students will see that you believe in what you are doing-and that means it WORKS!<br />
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You see, that's half the problem right there. When we offer students criteria and then don't support it with evidence, we are doing the same thing they are when they don't use text evidence. "It was in my brain." doesn't work when we want them to provide text evidence, so why would we want that for writing! Model this step and it will pay off BIG TIME!<br />
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An now, for the next best thing to Build Writers-Have honest conversations about what is on the planner. Yes, that's right. Ask kids to share and then have an honest conversation about what is on their page. The key is to wrap it in that general rule of one positive comment, one suggestion, and one positive comment so that kids are seeing your suggestions as a positive. Here's a brief example of how this might work:<br />
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Conversations</h2>
Student: My bun is Winter Break. My reason one is Isle Maurada, my reason number two is Disney Cruise, my reason number three is running a race. My final bun is Winter Break.<br />
Teacher: I love that you are focusing on your favorite thing on your break, which is your Disney Cruise. Do you think that your order of these reasons makes sense in the order they are in? Think like a story from a book. You're ideas are strong. What can you do to make it make better sense?<br />
Student: I could put the Cruise first!!<br />
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Yep-that was a real conversation. By simply allow students to take a minute to think about their planner fixed a major writing problem-organization-BEFORE their draft was written.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Break-Writing-Craft-Posters-Planners-and-Toppers-for-ALL-BREAKS-3557131?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Fclassroombestdays.blogspot.com%2F&utm_campaign=The%20Best%20Way%20to%20Build%20Writers%3A%20%20Planning" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9tXmo5iFEta-U4Rm2Ci1KG_u9s8-fYoJFJsGf_9LGs2M2ptYJwlHJ-iAIG2h74tmJo_TiEMUhASQgy9TaSm4anAumue34qwYVC_0v2PYXLOoukzR3VtW09P5DUSb8QOMUVd1nhCAPt2K/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Break-Writing-Craft-Posters-Planners-and-Toppers-for-ALL-BREAKS-3557131?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Fclassroombestdays.blogspot.com%2F&utm_campaign=The%20Best%20Way%20to%20Build%20Writers%3A%20%20Planning" target="_blank">This is the product we were working on all week! </a></div>
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I hope this helps you to build confidence in planning and using this as a modeling tool. Take the time to try it, and stick to that planner for writing. I'll be back to discuss this very thing, so you can see the sequence of how to model with the planner during the writing process. Until then, let me know what you think, what your favorite planner is, or any ideas that you might have for modeling writing with students. I'd love to hear from you in the comments!<br />
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Pin for Later!</h4>
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<br />Julie from The Best Days Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05857742087350666173noreply@blogger.com0