Student Planners

I know school is a very dirty word right now! LOL BUT----- I have a surprise for you!!

Nautical Student Planners will be a flash freebie tomorrow ONLY!!

If you download them, don't forget to give me some feedback love! Also, you will be eligible for free updates each year without having to purchase a new one.

This year we needed to implement an AVID binder with our fifth grade kiddos.  Well, I went straight to my go to source.  Pinterest, then Teachers Pay Teachers.  Well, I couldn't find anything that really fit what I was looking for.  Additionally, we had to begin implementing notebook checks next year, but purchasing planners are so expensive and print shop won't print them with a copyright. So I evaded the printshop police (in a joking way) and made my own.

Neener, Neener, Neener!!!

NOW you can have student planners for your kiddos too! These are great for elementary and middle school students. Parents- You can print your own for your kiddo too! But don't forget, download them tomorrow.  They will be pretty inexpensive afterwards just for you! 

Happy Monday- XOXO

Oil Spill Activity

This is my second year doing this activity and I have absolutely fallen in love with it. I used a pre-reading activity to give the kids a good background knowledge of the basics of oil spills. There were multiple resources available on TeachersPayTeachers as well as national articles on the Exxon Valdez and more recent Santa Barbara Oil Spill. A  venn diagram activity on the worksheet for your students to do a pre-reading activity comparing two different texts. This fits so nicely with any language arts standards of comparing across texts. Here is the link to the temporary freebie. I hope you enjoy this activity with your kids!!   

~ Tara

Getting Ready for NCRA Conference

I'm looking forward to sharing some ideas at the 2015 NC Reading Conference! I also can't wait to be filled with great ideas from amazing teachers and authors. Now that I have uploaded the blogger app. I should be able to keep you posted soon!

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

The snake that nearly got me fired

 

Enough said. 

Disclaimer: I have had proper reptile identification classes, therefore, can properly identify snakes indigenous to our state.  I do not advise picking up wild animals. Please do not try this at home. LOL If you do, first make sure you have health insurance coverage.

~ Tara

Why I Gave Up Having a Class Library

I'm not a hard core, you can't read in my class kinda gal.  But I have given up purchasing and maintaining a classroom library. Not without having many reasons. So if you are a new teacher or a veteran teacher considering giving up an elaborate classroom library, here are few of my personal  reasons for giving up a classroom library.

Here's a cute picture of my adorable little girls. So you'll understand that reading is extremely important to me and for students to have access to. 

#1 Our fifth grade classes are departmentalized.  That means,  I teach Social Studies and Non-Fiction reading through Social Studies activities.  We do partner work, word work, simulations, and a multitude of activities that involve reading.  We don't have a lot of room in our schedule for students to do a bunch of free reading.  Do they free read, ABSOLUTELY!  The early bird kiddos get anywhere between 10-30 minutes first thing in the morning.  When we have crazy schedules because of assemblies, 1/2 days, etc. it provides the perfect time to curl up with a great book or do an off the wall read aloud.

 #2  Our Librarian is so fan-flippin-tastic I can't compete.  She stays up to date and lures kids to their reading death!  I can't compete with that. Kids can locate so many similar books when they find an author or series they absolutely LOVE! I can't maintain up to date books and magazines while keeping classics in stock.

#3   Students need to stretch their legs.  It's a nice little walk to the library.  Think about it. Some kids try to get out of class to go to the bathroom.  I'd much rather them ask to leave to go get a book.

#4  Back to our Librarian, did I mention she is the bomb-diggity? When I let her know what our next big Social Studies topic is, she gladly pulls every book I could possibly use.  I keep all the ones I want to use for mini-lessons or read aloud and display the rest on the board.  When students finish early, they can select books they are interested in reading surrounding out general topic.  This is also an opportunity for me to display books I have purchased in the past for student use.

#5  I have surrendered my book sets to other homeroom classes.  Thanks to The Book Whisperer and Readacide. I believe if I go back to teaching reading, it will be totally renovated by all the new Daily 5 and reading workshop ideas that are out there.

#6  They walk away.  That's right.  I'm not accusing students of keeping books or taking them home and never returning them.  Nope, the books literally get up off my shelf and walk away.  Never to return again. I've always assumed they were in the wrong grade level and hitched a ride to 6th grade,  they wanted to go back to fourth grade, or meandered into math class where they could relax and party on the shelf.  Whatever the reason, the books felt my room was too uncomfortable for their liking.

Actually, one time a parent returned 15 books at the end of the school year,  Her daughter had been collecting them in her bedroom all year.

#7  I could never find a correct system for shelving them that worked for checking books out. By author, by genre, by Title.... Even with all the Pinterest ideas out there. Therefore the books felt they could walk away because they weren't being properly cataloged. So you see, they walked away because I couldn't make them feel organized and at home.

#8  Our reading teacher is a Book Whisperer!  I mean it! Our most reluctant readers are readers!  This reason should actually go right along side reason #2.  Kids will bring their free reading books into all their classes and try to steal away to their mystery story, comic adventure, or far away island. Let's just say, if student enthusiasm was part of our standard 6 these two ladies would have mastered their goals.  These kids are reading because they enjoy reading. How many kids walk away saying that?

#9  I love that the kids go to the library.
      I love that the kids know how to use the library.
      I love that the kids love the librarian.
      I love that the kids want to check out multiple books.
      I love that kids want to read, read, and read!!!!!

#10  Students are responsible for the books they check out.  That's right.  They are locked in to the students' name and school account.  You betcha hot dollar they will return them. 

#11  I still love and incorporate book projects.  Recently we broke off into Revolutionary War Projects.  Lots of reading and lots of Librarian LOVE!

#12  No worries for me, laminate a hall pass and let them read!

 

Now that you have endured my grammatically challenged thoughts.

Free Library Passes!!!! 

 

 

 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hall-Passes-Teal-Glitter-Chevron-1415839

~ 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!