Hurricane Matthew

        Good Evening Friends, your grammatically incorrect friend is back and okay.

         I'm writing this with a broken heart. Not so much of a broken heart for our local status after Hurricane Matthew up the east coast of the United States, but a broken heart thinking about our neighbors in countries that would love to be here and have the first world problems we have. 

         Locally, my friends in Florida up to North Carolina are dealing with a tremendous amount of flooding, roads that are washed out, houses damaged, and more. These are all great things to deal with during a Hurricane as it tears up the coast and scatters families and communities until they can come back together. I have worked hard to check on neighbors, widows in our area and other elderly that might need extra help in the aftermath of this natural disaster. 

        Globally, I have been shattered. I have worked closely with groups that have traveled to Haiti. I have great friends and traveled and worked with the orphanages in Saintard, Haiti. I have a deep love for the people of Haiti. I would spend my summers in Haiti if I wouldn't miss my husband so much. The death tolls in Haiti are too much to comprehend. Additionally, the devastation of structures that pale in comparison to our homes here in the US. The pictures are too much to bear. My heart is a fragile one. One that cares for everyone and wants to help anyone in need. 

        Today we traveled eight minutes to our local beach and discovered such a sad find. 

        Do you know what this is? This is speculated to be a Cuban Refugee Raft. After a mild hurricane on the east coast, a refugee raft has washed upon our shores. The craftsmanship of this raft is unbelievable. The flour sacks of the bags are marked with Cuban brands filled with water bottles of air (notice I didn't say empty). There is chicken wire and fencing with more water bottles on the bottom of the boat. There is a rudder made of scrap metal at the rear and it appears there was a mast in the center. 

        My heart just stopped. In the midst of one of the most shameful presidential elections I think I have ever been exposed to... I'm stopped to see something so amazing and sad. The people who fashioned this raft felt that they had no hope whatsoever in their own country they needed to save scraps and make a life raft in hopes of landing and staying in a country for a fresh start. I have never, ever felt in my life that I needed to make a life raft and sail away to a country in treacherous waters. What story could this raft tell? What demise or hope did these people see? 

        As I go to bed with a heavy heart, I am reminded that I am a teacher. The impact that I have or YOU have is greatly underestimated. The twenty-five children I meet on Tuesday morning will be introduced to such brave, creative, hopeful minds that could have created this raft. If you have't checked out NewsELA or ThinkCERCA, they have amazing current events. Search war and peace or the key word refugees. You will be opened up to several kid friendly articles about refugees from Syria, Jewish, European, etc. 

       So as you go your way, think big, think amazing. You are a teacher and a globe changer. You are shaping the minds of children that will make decisions for us in the future. Teach children to be compassionate and kind. They will change the world because you are determined to change the world, one child at a time. 

You don't have an extra G to drop on Clickers? Try PLICKERS!



Hello Teacher Buddies!

 

I had the amazing opportunity to attend our state's Social Studies conference and I'm overflowing with ideas to share.  I wish I had a full week to just write, blog, share and create new things that coordinate all the different things I learned. A few new tricks are always awesome, but I can't discount the benefits of hearing amazing teachers and professors affirm what I'm already doing in the classroom.

 

So here is one great class tool you can put in your teacher toolbox. :)

 

Have you always wanted a set of clickers but never had the extra G to drop on a set? Well you have stumbled across the right blog, here is a small town girl tutorial on how to get started on your Paper Clickers.  Yep, plickers! (I love saying that!)

 

Plickers... Say it loud and say it proud.... PLICKERS!!!

Plick it up!  Have you Plicked today? Plicking is so much plicking fun! LOL

 

If your students have never used the plicker system before give them a few minutes to say the name.  It just sounds fun; so it has to be right? Absolutely!

 

Well if you thought the world was mac happy and you are a droid lover, here is an app for everyone.

So first, log-in to the webpage and sign up for free. Next, navigate the screen a little and become familiar with the interface. We go through almost a new program per year and I'll say this interface is super easy to navigate.

 

Print a set of cards.  I would recommend the smaller set for third grade to adults.  The larger, full page set I would use for Kinder kids to second grade.  They do not recommend laminating them, but hey, I live in the world where I want them to last a full year so yes, I laminated them.  They still work great. They also recommend printing them on white paper.  Here you can see, yet again I have broken that rule and yep, you guessed it... they work great.

 

 

On the above card you will see a number in the corner.  That number can be assigned to an individual kid if you would like to register their individual data.  Of course you can keep the numbers and students random. 

 

The arrows are pointing to the choices; A, B, C, D.  These are somewhat small, but that encourages kids to stay honest as they hold up the card for you to scan.  (aka they are less likely to cheat) You can also use the A, B,for true or false.  The kids will turn the card facing you with their answer choice in the upwards direction.

 

You will then use your device to scan the room.  To my surprise it was very quick (even on the first sweep) and easy.  It will show you instantly which cards/ students are correct, and which are wrong. It took only a few tries to get students to keep their fingers off the corners, etc.  They work very much like QR codes. Because I laminated my cards, I turn off one set of lights so there isn't much of a glare.

 

Additionally, you can make one or two sets of cards and share with other teachers.  In our grade level we have two laminated sets and share.

 

If you have the plicker website displayed on your projector or smart board, you can refresh to show your students live data.  How awesome is that?

 

 Now, what are some ways you can use them in the class?  

 

Obviously, pre-assessments

Quick formative assessments at the end of class or mini lesson

Review a unit, be sure to quickly move across the skills they mastered while covering the difficult questions more in-depth

Review homework quickly

Student interest survey

 

I have used these with my fifth graders and they absolutely loved getting instant data.  We challenged our group to strive for higher percentages with each question.  We would challenge our class to get the 50/50 answers out of the way.  I'm excited to see how other teachers use this tool.

 

Okay, I have brainstormed a small list but I can't wait to read more about these bad boys this summer to get even more ideas.

 

 Have a great weekend!

MLK Speech

~ Tara

Photo Dumping or What? American Revolution and more

Sorry in advance.
I haven't been on in a while so I decided to do a little photo dumping tonight.  You're welcome:)

 This is our pre and post assessment for the American Revolution.  There is a wooden box of tea, crown, lantern, Declaration, Constiution, sugar, lobster, coins, Thomas Paine's Common Sense and more.  Students are able to take an assessment on 5 items they can write about that deal with the American Revolution.  It makes a great pretest because students don't know much about these items beforehand.  I love this kind of probe because students really have to dig into more than a simple fact to explain an object and it's significance to the Revolution.

Oh, and a quill.

 Here's a glimpse into our interactive notebook.  This is available on my TPT store, or you can find plenty of great ideas and resources out there.  I have really enjoyed creating materials that fit perfectly into my style of teaching and allow multiple ways for students to learn.

 Yes, I'm the horrible teacher they talk about that taxed the children to sit in chairs.  But, let's be fair, shall we? They only have me for 70 minutes and they get their money back in the end.... after they rebel.  I have put a decree on my door for the last two years about taxes as we are learning about the French and Indian War and the beginning of taxes.  Somehow, those smart little whipper-snappers learn about the Sons of Liberty really quick and fashion their own petition.  I love it!!  Taxes, chairs, students saying "Long live the King" and me with my crown on.  The kids collected 50 signatures on the petition in a half day.  I could go on and on about this, but it truly is a great learning experience! They secretly love the chance to rebel while having a little fun.

 A closer look into our notebook.

Again, have a great night! Tara

Boston Massacre Crime Scene Take II

Here's how we set up the crime scene and how it played out with the children.

 

Here are a few more pictures to share with you about our crime scene.  Students were just beginning to settle in class.  It was a dreaded MONDAY, yikes and oiiii.  It was a dreaded MONDAY before Thanksgiving break... even more groans and squalls.  Anyhow, I was trying to think of something that would be a meaningful, memorable experience (since, let's face it... I have to be at school and some of them are taking an early vacation). Not to mention the barometric pressure was LOW and it was raining outside.  Raining like CATS and DOGS!!  Not a chance of letting them run off their red dye infused candy off during recess (don't blame me, I didn't give it to them)!! Anyhow...

So I wandered onto Pinterest where alas, did I find an amazing teacher who talked about setting up this simulation.  But, as you know, that's all I had to go on.  So for the entire Sunday afternoon, I began thinking of different items or symbolic representations that might have been around at the time.  I also, being a science Olympiad coach, had a roll of crime scene tape! Waaah- lah!

I jazzied up some printables, evidence bag labels, FBI envelope top secret cover, top secret letter from the president, made FBI Agent badges, and so much more.....

 

Labored intensely for an hour prior to block 1.

Block one entered.  I could tell they were excited to learn them up some history for the day.... YAWN.... NOT!!!!!  So I told them to sharpen extra pencils for their 200 question history test on the American Revolution.  Yep, you got it!  That woke their sorry little butts up. 

I'm just kidding.  I really have a bad sarcastic sense of humor, if you couldn't tell.

Now.... what's this? A TOP SECRET MESSAGE ON MY DESK?  FROM THE... WHO? THE PRESIDENT? HE wants us to WHAT? And yep, FBI badges and an official report.  They were hook, line and sinker.  I escorted them down to the room where the crime scene was blocked off with Caution Crime Scene Tape and personally checked badges for entrance to the scene.  Did a little explainin' and let them go.  I helped as needed, however, I didn't have to redirect any of them! Any, not one!!

 

With the exception of a little hunting and gathering, you can pick up this unit for a low cost on my TPT store.  Have a great night teacher friends!!!



~ Tara

Boston Massacre Crime Scene

Well first of all, it started on Pinterest. That's how it always happens, right? I was so excited to find what I was looking for only to realize it was just that, a great picture from an amazing teacher.      
Nothing else.
Well not entirely.
She had great descriptions of what and how she did it all. But I wanted more! Where were the printables? Where were the cheat sheets? Then it dawned on me... Make them, so I did. Now, when I actually have my computer I will go in length how I elaborated on a relatively limited idea and really developed it into a much bigger two day unit. But until then, you'll have to be happy with a few pictures.

It was absolutely amazing to see all the ideas about the torn blue fabric.  Some students even connected the different weapons saying they were torn from a bayonet and the colonial money fell out. Great detective work kids! 

 In the directions for the colonial money I mentioned to print in black and white and stain in coffee.  My ink was running out and it looked naturally old... what are the chances? I had my amazing daughters crumble up the money and letters really good to give it the old, rumpled up money look.

 I'll have to admit, one of my biggest weaknesses is an antique store.  I just can never pass up a jar of buttons. What's up with that? Anyhow, I was sure I had some gold buttons.  They symbolize all the nice bells and whistles the British Military had apart from the colonists pieced together uniforms.  Students had all kinds of ideas about how these fell off.

 I was caught red handed (I mean blue handed)!  I alternated different fingers to identify the British soldier that fired the first shots and the dead colonist's finger prints.  The kids in all their crime scene work detected my blue fingerprints and asked if I framed the shooter? Haha

 We aren't allowed to have any facsimile of weapons at school (great thing, I'm not complaining) but I really had to improv for this one.  I used a dollar store tip of a plastic butter knife and told the kids this represented a bayonet tip that was broken off in conflict. 

 Wooden Club.  There are two main versions of the Boston Massacre; was it provoked or were the colonists innocent? Would wooden clubs and stones have made the evidence more clear for a trial? Absolutely.

 This is charcoal from an aquarium kit.  I must confess, I am a teacher hoarder.  I'm getting better thanks to my awesome buddies.  However, I can't pass up boxes of stuff that "I might be able to use one day" all stuffed inside going to the trash.  Normally, I'm the teacher who has what you're looking for:)

Goodnight all you fabulous teachers out there!

American Revolution Videos

~ Tara

History Related Kid Snippets and History Review Videos

Have I told you how much I love Kid Snippets? LOL

Well, it adds a little humor to the fun rigamaroar of test prep.  Oiiiivay..... I'm not sure I'm going to make it.






And now, on to the more serious review videos.  My new favorite subscription is to Learning Instantly on Youtube.  These history, science, and math videos are created by middle school students.  Sure to keep the attention of your upper elementary kiddos.  Enjoy.








I can't wait to see how the kids react to these great educational videos tomorrow.  HA!

American Revolution Common Core Lesson Freebie, Maniac Monday Linky

I'm so happy! Another Manic Monday Classroom Freebie with Charity Preston!  I'm so thankful for everyone that has time to host these parties!!

I am also happy that these Linky Parties keep me working on making free things for my classroom for me and for YOU!  I would love to hear your feedback on what you like or what I can improve.  I love to make things better.  ALSO, thanks to everyone who links up awesome things, I really appreciate it!

So here is my AMERICAN REVOLUTION COMMON CORE LESSON!!!! 
I love it and can't wait to use it!  I also can't wait to see what you think!!

So here's my freebie.  If you need a more clear copy, you can download it at my TPT store for free!
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/American-Revolution-Common-Core-Report-with-Rubric-750804


Remember, I would love if you follow my blog or TPT store, I make freebies all the time for my awesome followers!!!! Muah! Have a great night!!!

~ Tara

New Social Studies Common Core POSTERS!!!!

I'm lovin the blogging!!!
Older girls, bedtime, no tv... blogging and being productive.
Well maybe a little (I should be working on my Master's program... oooiii)

But instead I have created this wham, bam, 50 page Social Studies Common Core Poster set with Essential Questions and ...... wait for it.... a word wall.

Don't get too excited yet.
There is no clip art :(  ( I know, I know... not there yet people... that commercial clip art costs mullah)

It is a nautical blue theme with polka dots Created by AMAZING JEN JONES
and fun fonts by Kevin and Amanda Fonts.
I love it without the clip art and I hope you like it too!

I'm so excited to be working on material that other teachers need or want.  Let  me know if the price is too high :)

~ Tara

Frustrations = Free stuff for YOU!!!

Happy Friday to YOU!!!!!

I'm easily frustrated with people that choose to be NOT NICE!  I really don't know how people decide to be mean and unhappy all the time?????? 

I want to change them and make them see how fun it is to be NICE and look on the bright side... etc, etc, etc. (I'm pretty sure you only use one etc) HA.

So in an attempt to turn this topsy-turvy world into a better place...Here is a free character sketch!  Made by me :)

At UNCW a student presented a really cool character analysis from a novel with a stickman note taking.... needless to say.  Over eleven years, I have tweaked it to be my own baby.  I have added and taken away so many times.  I think this is the poster I currently have up.  It is my goal as a novel evidence task they would draw their own character and add the elements they want and use this as a guide.

Success.... My students have absolutely loved this and their artwork is so unique.  They add so many different descriptions, details, and illustrations/symbols from the story.  I love this activity and I hope you do too!  You can download it on TPT @  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Sketch-Notetaking-Final-Book-Evidence-711280

Please leave a positive rating if you love it!!!!  I really appreciate it!! Or if you have suggestions on how to make it better just comment below and I can reload the document or email it to you. 


Have a great weekend. 

I would love to hear how you use any character sketches in reading/writing/ social studies...

Cheers~ Tara

International Trade

Here's a scavenger hunt for the classroom to introduce International Trade.  Happy teaching:)

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5fGJyAsm9j8QVFLb3VZemJ1LWM/edit?usp=sharing

~ Tara

Three Branches of Government

Happy October to YOU!!!!

Here's a brochure to help you organize your information about our three branches of government.  I'm in total love with my team this year and we have decided to each take a day to teach the other classes one branch.  One of our lovely teachers has a smart board and will do an interactive lesson with each class.  So essentially all the kids will get to have a lesson with each 5th grade teacher and gain knowledge from their personality and learning/teaching style.  They will use this brochure to collect information along the way, display and in turn use as a study guide. 

I'm so excited to have 26 followers... Yay!



~ Tara

Bring a Veteran to School Day

Yes, this is a better title because so many of my kids asked how they were supposed to bring a Vet to school.  Haha!

Well this is the first year I can say with confidence we have taught the kids to understand what a Veteran is and why they are celebrated on November 11th. 

We have so many fathers and grandfathers coming in to share some small tidbits about thier military experience... rated G style.  For example:

1. What branch of the military did they serve?
2. Why did they join the military?
3.  Memorable experiences good/bad?

We are also going to give out our Honorary Veterans a certificate of appreciation as we salute them during the brief playing of each military song.  We have printed these certificates on flag stationary.  The students will give thier Veteran the certificate at the end of the program.

Each of our third grade classes will stand for a different branch of the military.  (Be sure to get the compolation that includes the Coast Guard) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdXBewNsaQA&feature=related

We are so excited about tomorrow morning as some Veterans come to share with pictures, some with uniforms and hats and some with the willingness to share with our kids the meaning of Veteran's Day. 

We Salute you Veterans!!  Most Sincerely~ Tara


Here is another military brochure if you do mini-lessons on the different branches or have the students do independent studies.

Click on the pictures to go to my webpage and download the file. Thanks- Tara

After the many events that took place.  Here are a few pictures to show you the amazing time we had. 

Bring a Vet to School Day

I'm so excited.
A new tradition is about to pop up for our grade level ( I hope).

Time for Kids in addition to the History Channel is sponsoring Bring a Vet to School Day.  In our county, we have a chopped up three day week during Veteran's Day week.  So this is perfect for small mini lessons on Veteran's Day.  For those of you who may not know a whole lot on the subject the following link has a bunch of resources.  http://www.history.com/topics/take-a-vet They even offer free 30 wristbands for your kids, I brought a vet to school day! 

We are going to allow our kids to bring a snack and have a small spread for the Veterans.  The vets will watch a video of the kids and many different child-like meanings of being an American.  Then we will have a standard three questions they can talk with the kids about.  We will encourage the children to hold their questions until the end.  Hopefully, we will end with a sweet picture of our fabulous day with pieces of our American History among us. 

A must read aloud to your kids is The Wall by Eve Bunting!  Wow, try to hold back the tears.

I am so proud to be an American!