tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89994992463058393552024-03-05T08:27:44.228-08:00The Teacher GeneMaking learning fun, and a little bit prettyTheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-8227445918607421372018-02-19T23:42:00.002-08:002018-06-02T19:48:49.595-07:00Sight Word Paper Planes<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
I am all about making learning fun and engaging for our little learners! Inspired by the energetic learners in my care, I have combined the age-old art of making paper planes with the learning of sight words!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Activity-Paper-Planes-220-Sight-Words-Bundle-3690639"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeF0SMJ96r44zPgD7quVo7u29ag8fOJPuGcCadd3MRUtnag0Nqb0R676qtns08BUdi38oYXsLcxtAoIuUnTvBeJadW6eXDRY_3apHsoLd822J7PPYZI1sYrseDha3_S7QStT13z8BRnI/s640/Sight+Words+Paper+Planes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Simply color and trace the sight word. A star has been added at the start of each word so the little learners know where to begin!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Activity-Paper-Planes-220-Sight-Words-Bundle-3690639"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslAsTzWB4mpzbbyLVBE8eLpf4NHhsoFIevbFeoThOH8G8J6UYi4JOBTKIl5w_K1JxYc5ww4FdJp6KpAVxR54onbMTHMrJlqZTS5D8Df15SSdCJDVv7Ijz-bUCVJyPXu4a5REEQVHuDI8/s320/Sight+Word+Paper+Plane+Template.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>
<br />
Then the fun of folding can begin - full pictorial instruction included!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Activity-Paper-Planes-220-Sight-Words-Bundle-3690639"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1476" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcXqPE4cCjjSd7nAedJg7Nyoa60wPWItVx6bwQaLNWXCuZ2Tv6sDAPBfS6Q0ChD-WrXDfDX8fAMZDHycWm4ZTWSRpl5sqa9uEtlwnREjqDLr_uKhgTOXvrv6Hty5wg-0XY4WL2OTgpk4/s640/paper+plane+folding+instructions.png" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Once complete, the literacy center will be alive with flying planes. Add buckets with sight word labels as landing targets for an extra challenge!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Activity-Paper-Planes-220-Sight-Words-Bundle-3690639"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8PT_ezYbNK1x8cHf1w5vQylavCldGSLJPS031VWbsJF9ioD1LUmBFSpFaheOSk7cybNxi-sYMqN92oJgDfOBgok9umtKRf2ZpB1cMyDOK-J53tqbejpCRQOOUXr7eF5B8xNVIE9IhOY/s640/Sight+Word+Paper+Plane+Landing+Strip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Activity-Paper-Planes-220-Sight-Words-Bundle-3690639" target="_blank">here</a> if you're ready for your literacy centers to really take off (sorry, I couldn't help it)!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Activity-Paper-Planes-220-Sight-Words-Bundle-3690639" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="967" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13xAyW6LTg9fM78JWXSMuiS1daQMTr2jRakpX9_rfIC3RQzTmKRNvL39spepmXAgsAIFb87o4SQNaAGXY1CgaQhPJO3iVQXC-BRGJdTuaEEboFF4jmHJydMR1L609kc2_MaW3uTr_FNM/s640/sight+word+paper+planes+bundle.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Activity-Paper-Planes-Freebie-3680577" target="_blank">Or grab this freebie and try it out!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Activity-Paper-Planes-Freebie-3680577" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="628" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOuwQ_zekkxk_L6wyLnMvYTFaWCffGGn3NOr5x7CRJZOnbdCdbJiS_WbSckJb8INN8r3qs4N2HmJoYZy-LCoayNMjwNgqxkWvNIPAGzJfPlTNje6fE-i1H2Iv00PfiYqrDDVPYsVe034/s640/sight+word+activity+paper+plane+free.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-35115741173481897202015-12-31T22:52:00.001-08:002018-05-30T19:19:22.992-07:00Almost No Sew Sit-Upons<div align="left">
<br />
Back to school is just around the corner here in Australia. I am excited about starting a new year and meeting my new group of kids! </div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl7eHbjCoP9g_akZ5qT9uZeZl1K7V8XHH0nAzyVoQsAben9WNBjxp_UStu95hQzs7ZPFr4HmCDHUJIOe3U41aY2Ohnl36jBzGSBCWSg85-v7quWTVFOkJpoF4UBLaWpev2L1fQfg4JgY/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl7eHbjCoP9g_akZ5qT9uZeZl1K7V8XHH0nAzyVoQsAben9WNBjxp_UStu95hQzs7ZPFr4HmCDHUJIOe3U41aY2Ohnl36jBzGSBCWSg85-v7quWTVFOkJpoF4UBLaWpev2L1fQfg4JgY/s640/Picture1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This year, instead of a classroom mat, I have decided to make sit-upons for carpet time. Although I like mats, they can be a bit of a tripping hazard and I think the variety of sit-upons will add a nice pop of color to the room. As I am not much of a sewer, I have managed to make the sit-upons with the least amount of sewing as possible! I thought I'd share how I made them for any other stitching challenged folk out there ;)</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsFFGrpYkahWWtw5Y2GnI72lHyXfZLEdXX7rS9I9PHWa6GI3QgrRoBugeZilbiW1FvJG8teM8PLHf-EA4YM36ngEFxcwAlwjhiBDaMnAk7X5Hf-Ul5gmrRZUOrS-Ihjmobx2-JvNWjXk/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsFFGrpYkahWWtw5Y2GnI72lHyXfZLEdXX7rS9I9PHWa6GI3QgrRoBugeZilbiW1FvJG8teM8PLHf-EA4YM36ngEFxcwAlwjhiBDaMnAk7X5Hf-Ul5gmrRZUOrS-Ihjmobx2-JvNWjXk/s640/Picture2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
The sit-upons are approximately 18" square. First I cut an 18" and a 19" square template from cardboard. I mixed and matched fabrics, tracing and cutting an 18" square of fabric for the top layer, and a 19" square of fabric for the bottom layer. I also cut an 18" layer of wadding.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyHjjF2GAhDo_F8CkG-DaiUEvGVlrZYlFrfOswScoyJ6787sEPlZk2koqQtF_KLV7u6PLy1qdx9iuSbpXvKHc8CLIfV5YN2xnYkAQmB3-hCB36AZgAJC2GRhyxhwitXq8cXDJRQJPZCY/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyHjjF2GAhDo_F8CkG-DaiUEvGVlrZYlFrfOswScoyJ6787sEPlZk2koqQtF_KLV7u6PLy1qdx9iuSbpXvKHc8CLIfV5YN2xnYkAQmB3-hCB36AZgAJC2GRhyxhwitXq8cXDJRQJPZCY/s640/Picture3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
At the ironing board I sandwiched the materials, with the top layer showing the good piece of fabric, then the wadding, then the bottom layer with the wrong side facing up and the good side against the ironing board. I centered the materials and then folded and ironed the bottom piece so the raw edge of the bottom layer was against the raw edge of the top layer. Armed with my glue stick, I then ran the glue along the edge, folding and ironing it to the top layer of fabric. This really sets the fabric in place and means no pins when it comes to sewing!</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JbQ4YZCk6kxv_wivQjmjixMuGQ6x5MqNOvnsFMduJdcrhe99uO7sq-q6nWq9AygeA5n8ALwDWshDEQUrarmHIWkdCEuUxstGFITZOv72PnkQS859X69zlTNAR1EzQP1UbDA-y-ylgxI/s1600/Picture4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JbQ4YZCk6kxv_wivQjmjixMuGQ6x5MqNOvnsFMduJdcrhe99uO7sq-q6nWq9AygeA5n8ALwDWshDEQUrarmHIWkdCEuUxstGFITZOv72PnkQS859X69zlTNAR1EzQP1UbDA-y-ylgxI/s640/Picture4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<div align="left">
I then folded the corner and set with glue. I repeated the steps above along each edge - folding, gluing and attaching to the top layer (glue and fold) until all edges were set on the top layer. </div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OshffG0F15GXKAMLSnq9SeQ1Sn4xyZIP0CP_w04gv3N8kA8yXCd-LeegNGDt08Tw9u7OeBUz5nYz7vh6VhbBCiYVem4uUuu6GiABv1oUSQ7f_iYFwiGNNNjPwsLRbLwzBtXpgD8_W14/s1600/Picture5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OshffG0F15GXKAMLSnq9SeQ1Sn4xyZIP0CP_w04gv3N8kA8yXCd-LeegNGDt08Tw9u7OeBUz5nYz7vh6VhbBCiYVem4uUuu6GiABv1oUSQ7f_iYFwiGNNNjPwsLRbLwzBtXpgD8_W14/s640/Picture5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I couldn't avoid it any longer. I then needed to get the sewing machine and sew around each side of the sit-upon. This really was super easy as the glue meant that everything was fixed in place really well! Not nearly as scary as I anticipated!</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VYOj2LllNfTrg3w2j7KphXtlcSWOnzHjLRGQGqsxhSdxITXViagv702NYhZvDpVdYNI7LG3jtCXeuN9uqhiepdO7CzitR08LkskSkb9QhoNgSrD8Wt7bknIgevXI2uDokz81fbF92eM/s1600/Picture6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VYOj2LllNfTrg3w2j7KphXtlcSWOnzHjLRGQGqsxhSdxITXViagv702NYhZvDpVdYNI7LG3jtCXeuN9uqhiepdO7CzitR08LkskSkb9QhoNgSrD8Wt7bknIgevXI2uDokz81fbF92eM/s640/Picture6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
And that is it! I'm really excited about these little sit-upons. I am thinking I will have each child 'own' one through the year so there is no fighting over them and they will need to take responsibility for their own mat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyRjz4nn3EOq0CpbDuMRs4-lLK6Qs_K6Hy2ipH5oK00Q7PNw8kRDHYSUdSeZWigjG-Tr8zBXS9gz5UI2vRP2qTxXuaYhaKWc5fJLfmqKZiUsLfichFcQwhStpAd462Ol2mUY1Ua4qMt4/s1600/no+sew+sit+upons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyRjz4nn3EOq0CpbDuMRs4-lLK6Qs_K6Hy2ipH5oK00Q7PNw8kRDHYSUdSeZWigjG-Tr8zBXS9gz5UI2vRP2qTxXuaYhaKWc5fJLfmqKZiUsLfichFcQwhStpAd462Ol2mUY1Ua4qMt4/s640/no+sew+sit+upons.png" width="424" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></center>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-15530695370566426652015-12-06T17:56:00.002-08:002015-12-06T17:59:24.542-08:00Christmas Tree Craftivity and Freebie<div align="left">
<br />
Christmas really is my favorite time of the year! I love spending time with family and friends and showing my love to them through gifts. I also love celebrating Christmas in the classroom with <a href="http://www.theteachergeneblog.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/term-4-no-chore.html" target="_blank">Christmas Countdowns</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Sight-Words-Print-and-Go-Freebie-1597635" target="_blank">Christmas Sight Words</a> and this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Writing-Craftivity-2240599" target="_blank">Christmas Tree Craftivity</a>!</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmG0ocKCH11sKXbzfFh7nujURRn60JNrLE1DVnQH7D8ZwZPAtCE7AFa8nHCwgOSyBoWkGuQlFkaqsUmXIzF9Pzm-67KfuPEVAqp35PtiGD4mxSDF1Z2LVuX3z85GaMXiXfQc8K1txaek/s1600/Christmas+Tree+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmG0ocKCH11sKXbzfFh7nujURRn60JNrLE1DVnQH7D8ZwZPAtCE7AFa8nHCwgOSyBoWkGuQlFkaqsUmXIzF9Pzm-67KfuPEVAqp35PtiGD4mxSDF1Z2LVuX3z85GaMXiXfQc8K1txaek/s640/Christmas+Tree+1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I love this simple activity for helping students write lists and think about others (not just themselves!) at Christmas. It also makes a beautiful bulletin board display.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZSQjTZ_iyWnguJ56pBKkKz1BQjoG8gMsYrDHryKxIRfiRazLWaZOuhCcFQxZlhNrStlCAx4U5T6UfkNdi1GDF55kStO2z_zr2jf80erRb4fnVN-JM0vEo54SCzJaZv8fAflgZ7Kr85k/s1600/Christmas+Tree+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZSQjTZ_iyWnguJ56pBKkKz1BQjoG8gMsYrDHryKxIRfiRazLWaZOuhCcFQxZlhNrStlCAx4U5T6UfkNdi1GDF55kStO2z_zr2jf80erRb4fnVN-JM0vEo54SCzJaZv8fAflgZ7Kr85k/s640/Christmas+Tree+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="left">
As a whole class, we discuss that while it is nice to receive presents at Christmas, it is also a great time to show our family and friends how much we love them by making or buying gifts. Then we brainstorm things that parents, siblings and friends might like as gifts. This is a great opportunity to read shopping catalogues and explore the value of money within a budget context.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzTJjvqdiiLGdhrCiwO-c5fXW4ijl8kZGVFqJjjNsNnN0m5R7grTddocBGVO-FrtNJu0CncQKfmsnUewfk6JjTygHOtKd0QVdyvCPu8rJjZnR81hDZsfEfrMXbsU7_tsLc628W8uL-xs/s1600/Christmas+Tree+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzTJjvqdiiLGdhrCiwO-c5fXW4ijl8kZGVFqJjjNsNnN0m5R7grTddocBGVO-FrtNJu0CncQKfmsnUewfk6JjTygHOtKd0QVdyvCPu8rJjZnR81hDZsfEfrMXbsU7_tsLc628W8uL-xs/s640/Christmas+Tree+3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Following this, I model writing a shopping list for friends and family using a sheet included in the download.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHulgTI_M4OVa3mVfyPXwTYo7lvl_eRc1UbHj8Zt4ybVgsBRvFB0X4u_yerdSTq2RNGMgic7M3gTc7EuGBan5iBnw9hCGXomE6mifcw0rlY27b2eGFjD5vzpUfyW7WKUsmEC3X_pONnA/s1600/Christmas+Tree+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHulgTI_M4OVa3mVfyPXwTYo7lvl_eRc1UbHj8Zt4ybVgsBRvFB0X4u_yerdSTq2RNGMgic7M3gTc7EuGBan5iBnw9hCGXomE6mifcw0rlY27b2eGFjD5vzpUfyW7WKUsmEC3X_pONnA/s640/Christmas+Tree+5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The students then view the Power Point (also included in the download), which has step by step instructions of how to construct the Christmas Tree Craftivity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUOi_6y6WvyGLpJOq09RbT4wzPWxpQoLA_6sDvVCyIdj7GYCRpQfzymZXAsPxxbcWAfO2a2cZA6bmVjDYx0rByaEwafTIJrvElrhyphenhyphencNBKoTsiYEXTqdQyqs2Fnz8DsCeuDsosAGddoP0/s1600/Christmas+Tree+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUOi_6y6WvyGLpJOq09RbT4wzPWxpQoLA_6sDvVCyIdj7GYCRpQfzymZXAsPxxbcWAfO2a2cZA6bmVjDYx0rByaEwafTIJrvElrhyphenhyphencNBKoTsiYEXTqdQyqs2Fnz8DsCeuDsosAGddoP0/s640/Christmas+Tree+6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="left">
I think the end result makes a lovely Christmas display. Just remember to hand the trees to your students to take with them on their shopping trip! Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Writing-Craftivity-2240599" target="_blank">HERE</a> for more details about the craftivity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG02bHUEZcrdcrv8Ont6mos3kBS5lZwdkLfTdOTPW2yDjdA6Tm1jM_jB4fdpCnhwzm5TCrOxrqzU1c723jGLkakuRfQV0w28U1j1KhiRxyy3szQuxQmENewlefO46yf4E_gl9ToIlMAJc/s1600/Christmas+Freebie+Sight+Words.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG02bHUEZcrdcrv8Ont6mos3kBS5lZwdkLfTdOTPW2yDjdA6Tm1jM_jB4fdpCnhwzm5TCrOxrqzU1c723jGLkakuRfQV0w28U1j1KhiRxyy3szQuxQmENewlefO46yf4E_gl9ToIlMAJc/s640/Christmas+Freebie+Sight+Words.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And for sticking with me until the end, a little gift for you! This Free Sight Word Print and Go is a great Christmas activity for your literacy centers! Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Sight-Words-Print-and-Go-Freebie-1597635" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas!</div>
<center>
<br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></center>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-5162098525404372672015-10-10T17:01:00.000-07:002015-10-10T17:22:29.388-07:00Term 4, No Chore!<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Hello teacher
friends!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here in Australia
we have just started our final term of school for the year. In 10 weeks I will be relaxing poolside in my hammock enjoying a good read! Before I can get to that though there's a lot of learning and assessing to be finished, report writing completed and cleaning done. It can be stressful and busy, but this term also provides lots of opportunities to have fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have teamed up with some online
Australian blogging friends to bring you some tried and tested teacher tips that
you can implement now, or begin to plan for to make this term easy to
manage and to find some nice opportunities for memory making amongst the classroom craziness! These tips are
simple and relatively easy to implement.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span data-reactid=".14.1:5.0.1:$comment702310616569774_703606839773485/=10.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end/=1$text16/=010">After you have read my tip, please visit the other blogs in the link up below to find more ways to cruise through Term 4.</span></div>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3Jj5R4M1PXDSBKVmXqiAa5wlJKxZAb6PtAtYys1MLE5HTcK2bQ5EQDuKjWwfBYjFGLbsgR_Mt_t0Xx5ExVR2BrFKdvH_hgX-7I3oyKGi_zhiOe2aFQ66Mi3s767RtnoxNSE_6hQIXbA/s1600/12107841_410623752469019_7156324090602102368_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3Jj5R4M1PXDSBKVmXqiAa5wlJKxZAb6PtAtYys1MLE5HTcK2bQ5EQDuKjWwfBYjFGLbsgR_Mt_t0Xx5ExVR2BrFKdvH_hgX-7I3oyKGi_zhiOe2aFQ66Mi3s767RtnoxNSE_6hQIXbA/s640/12107841_410623752469019_7156324090602102368_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My Tip might sound crazing in October, but trust me! I know what I am talking about! Plan your Christmas Countdown now! After assessing and report writing, it can be hard to muster the enthusiasm to continue creating authentic learning opportunities and memory making moments. Do it now to avoid Term 4 burnout!</div>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickM6fNPj0g5QpnisHih4Hc55i31caCgjeBmoKdPX2wf3SW9WxPrk3JOsSJo76al3XnXjIMw61gaZn-6e96-GoLIQiTswALZ-nklU3oL0cX4tInCzkCGTFoq2EKu7ejAZdclasVFd6FpA/s1600/DSC_4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickM6fNPj0g5QpnisHih4Hc55i31caCgjeBmoKdPX2wf3SW9WxPrk3JOsSJo76al3XnXjIMw61gaZn-6e96-GoLIQiTswALZ-nklU3oL0cX4tInCzkCGTFoq2EKu7ejAZdclasVFd6FpA/s640/DSC_4625.JPG" width="436" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Find yourself 10 boxes from the dollar store (I was disappointed I couldn't find 10 identical boxes, but in the end I was happy with the result) and place an End of Year or Christmas activity in each box. At the school where I teach, I am allowed to teach the nativity story so I also divided the nativity story into 10 sections. As well as the activity or activities, each day a section of the nativity story is read to the class. By the end of the 10 days the entire nativity story has been read. If the nativity story is not part of your curriculum, you could easily adapt this idea to include Christmas Around the World information in each box. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod70Q64pYvKlPK7J-fuQcp_xDJvGSBZxt-ux7IWAURCZG4Hunwd0QH64bysszASFq1PWAZE54nS46qEZK5q6nAP5oXOoOUUWJRcFQY4CVz7uFBHxsCLunDWzRuS86UXJY0jrhH9ddw44/s1600/DSC_4629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod70Q64pYvKlPK7J-fuQcp_xDJvGSBZxt-ux7IWAURCZG4Hunwd0QH64bysszASFq1PWAZE54nS46qEZK5q6nAP5oXOoOUUWJRcFQY4CVz7uFBHxsCLunDWzRuS86UXJY0jrhH9ddw44/s640/DSC_4629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
</center>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I just love the Christmas tree display this arrangement of boxes makes! Decoration and countdown in one. Students love the suspense of revealing their activity each day, even if it is something they would have done anyway like wash the tables (life skills is counted as authentic learning, right?) or play a Christmas themed math game.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope this tip helps make this crazy term a little easier! For more ideas and time savers,
don't forget to also follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theteachergene" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/theteachergene/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. Find more tips for crusing through Term 4 in
the link-up below:<br />
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="571557">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=571557" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
</div>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></center>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-60201767649048067672015-05-28T19:11:00.001-07:002015-05-28T19:16:03.702-07:00End of Year Fun and a Freebie!<br />
<div align="left">
The End of Year comes around so quickly! While there are a million things to finish during this time, it can also be such a fun time in the classroom! Disguising education in fun activities is part of the role of a teacher throughout the year, and particularly as it comes to an end!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj82cUOiylibPs_wGKFPAI8JgANnwcRkoSZn7cezyr23IYlcAQp4ciE66XdeRhEvpnb8Vt7liF9Cfpcjs9VruYJKC4gfv2x2Gs1bs5lcyAx5_VMRG1zFF-0JaAl6NA1TfLrt0QrD0N-o/s1600/end+of+year+fun.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj82cUOiylibPs_wGKFPAI8JgANnwcRkoSZn7cezyr23IYlcAQp4ciE66XdeRhEvpnb8Vt7liF9Cfpcjs9VruYJKC4gfv2x2Gs1bs5lcyAx5_VMRG1zFF-0JaAl6NA1TfLrt0QrD0N-o/s640/end+of+year+fun.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Putting one 'treat' per day inside these cute envelopes is a great way to count down to the end. In my experience, some favorites include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Sit next to a friend for the day</li>
<li>Create a page for our class year book</li>
<li>Conduct one lesson outside</li>
<li>Reflect on your goals achieved this year</li>
<li>Write a letter to a kindergarten student starting next year <em>(if you have a kindergarten class)</em></li>
<li>Eat lunch in the classroom</li>
<li>Trace around your hand, write your name inside and collect positive affirmations/memories from your classmates about you and your school year</li>
<li>Use the fancy pens</li>
<li>Create a scavenger hunt of your favorite classroom games for a friend/s, and play the game at each stop</li>
<li>Make a photo collage of the year</li>
</ul>
Rolling out the red carpet and celebrating student success is another favorite event at the end of the year! I love recognizing the individual through Awards, Crowns and Letters specific to their individual achievements and progress! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI79raUuHg76M9HGlTfuybVfEPP8pB2MbbChAeTc00T5CAxLEVLrXjWIszJBDA89NNI7MajLQZsw8z8D_ofAY6vpZsBpLc_PoOovWr6oKA1HDh9chCoRdu7EDxsilGrYb7WIIgWF6I0bM/s1600/superhero+awards+and+invitations.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI79raUuHg76M9HGlTfuybVfEPP8pB2MbbChAeTc00T5CAxLEVLrXjWIszJBDA89NNI7MajLQZsw8z8D_ofAY6vpZsBpLc_PoOovWr6oKA1HDh9chCoRdu7EDxsilGrYb7WIIgWF6I0bM/s640/superhero+awards+and+invitations.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've just created these cute Superhero themed awards. You can type your students' names straight on these the awards, and if none of the 36 awards suit a particular student, you can type a new award title on the customizable award. It's SUPER easy, promise :) I've created a little clip if you want to see just how easy it is!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TPguifO4PY8" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
And here's an OUT OF THIS WORLD freebie award for getting to the end of the post! Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Space-Awards-End-of-Year-Awards-FREEBIE-Editable-1854565" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Space-Awards-End-of-Year-Awards-FREEBIE-Editable-1854565" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Space-Awards-End-of-Year-Awards-FREEBIE-Editable-1854565" border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZumHzZ8RS4e-EwPRBWeJOzL3kZNLg0XLIHVWdOUD814h8bdsef_stjmHLw4WAxnREK7x4UB_MHgxGpyA5pDUlTepHAhPqytps7n87RwnBa-2J1JIH21SFMTN7tueHsAayqQ6uKjzRP9Y/s640/free+awards.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></a></div>
</div>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-66702713415470529592015-04-26T18:19:00.000-07:002015-04-26T18:29:23.872-07:00Teacher Appreciation Giveaway!<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
It never rains but it pours, right? Yesterday I shared with you an <a href="http://theteachergeneblog.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/swap-share-give-linky.html" target="_blank">opportunity to win some wonderful resources from my sweet Aussie friends</a>, and today I have another amazing giveaway for you from some of my blogging friends not quite so close to home.</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
If you're reading this blog, then I don't need to tell you that teachers work long hours educating our most precious resource - the children in our classrooms. So my friends over at the new <a href="http://www.iteachkinder.com/" target="_blank">iTeachKinder</a> blog wanted to let you know that the work you do each day is so important and we value you! And to say thanks, we would like to give you the chance to win a gift card from Target, Starbucks, Amazon or TpT. </center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br />So it got us thinking.....if you give a teacher a gift card what will s/he buy?</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3zuHNLhzGZ7TIU2yKxmVR8Yzz6nv1FikDcisJFXFr8Vg9aULHdsrwVLaiGXuNXk5me20fmCgGGE71FfUw6YXQoy-BF31B3PctLQbiwBHARCOoTk7U7NZ5uGhKL7vvRSCatog4b6c8ks/s1600/kimage+(Small).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3zuHNLhzGZ7TIU2yKxmVR8Yzz6nv1FikDcisJFXFr8Vg9aULHdsrwVLaiGXuNXk5me20fmCgGGE71FfUw6YXQoy-BF31B3PctLQbiwBHARCOoTk7U7NZ5uGhKL7vvRSCatog4b6c8ks/s1600/kimage+(Small).png" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
I'll be honest here. I am not much of a shopper. The bright lights have always dazzled me, the crowds have overwhelmed me and the mirrors in the change room - well let's not go there! However, give me a computer and a credit card and somehow the feelings of disorientation leave me and I am ready to shop! So for me, an Amazon gift card is where it is at! Yes please!</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Write-Wipe-Pockets/dp/B004DJ35X8" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6qrgKxszKgYUjQizfiVUWXve32Oszi5afmh3w1iX4tHLcc3P7WOgoyy3xlrZ5ySe7dQs7AnuNk6Nam3mD6S592KdSvfQBsIROi0EEyQarE_Jmoo37A3AysxN-sySviURzvEU8ZW_4_0/s1600/71d89TREopL._SL1000_.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
Currently I am returning to work after an extended maternity break, so I am working as a substitute in some lovely local Kinder classes. As I don't have my own copy card, I am wanting to print as few sheets as possible and then place them in these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Write-Wipe-Pockets/dp/B004DJ35X8" target="_blank">Write and Wipe Pockets</a>. Kind to the environment and my pocket. Yes please!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Write-Wipe-off-Dice-Whiteboard/dp/B001UFYG5E/ref=pd_sim_op_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0DSF6E46T7JMA2HE0BYZ" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxYNXnd-WwUm-a4A77HykGDu78ntR1Uj9hjN2ZRWvl3jKkUTF3DL-7fB4lB7yhRRfjJ_DurtwWAZH5CsDPJ7Y7XjPr8grwm_Ar-SdQhuhkXa07KsidgIWW5nlmEe4QXxtQh36g1XIJ_8/s1600/41WoPXevi0L.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
And then there's these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Write-Wipe-off-Dice-Whiteboard/dp/B001UFYG5E/ref=pd_sim_op_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0DSF6E46T7JMA2HE0BYZ" target="_blank">Write-on Wipe-off Dice</a>. I haven't quite worked out what I will use them for yet, but <i>I need them </i> :)</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
For your chance to turn your wish list into your own, click <a href="http://www.iteachkinder.com/2015/04/100-teacher-appreciation-giveaway.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to enter at <a href="http://www.iteachkinder.com/2015/04/100-teacher-appreciation-giveaway.html" target="_blank">iTeachKinder</a>. And to stack the odds in your favor, enter at <a href="http://www.iteachfirst.com/2015/04/100-teacher-appreciation-giveaway.html" target="_blank">iTeachFirst</a> and <a href="http://www.iteachsecond.com/2015/04/100-teacher-appreciation-giveaway.html" target="_blank">iTeachSecond</a> as well :) Good luck!</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.iteachkinder.com/2015/04/100-teacher-appreciation-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MpHcltViZXOF-yP4YWVJXAnxmldY_ulYcF5A5LlKMeTaVIvlonRSzPX-wRnf4uWX9peIIrhy7CJs5yyTP9J_8aQ4n-vSzAkJ-JQv8m5iHXjjPS0y5cs3Wk4J1vIeuvVLN0MQhyQ0etw/s1600/11167702_10102623615655258_4080137817932986881_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="519473">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=519473" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
</center>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-25847952558173257882015-04-25T16:01:00.000-07:002015-04-25T16:09:28.543-07:00Swap, Share, Give Linky!<center style="text-align: left;">
<br />
I am so excited to be participating in my first Swap, Share, Give Linky with a bunch of Aussie blogging buddies! I have learned so much from these talented and generous teachers through their knowledge and enthusiasm for the profession, and today you get the chance to win some of their amazing resources! More on that soon.</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ038YqPZx8kYPhfnIk83dXw71l6-b0Y8vgm7o-SQQIM5w6y_ust4AhVzXOeC68Qzo1XbwO0RArdBiEXWdrBoYR76AnyJdPij1op5K1pEwZHVTrSQZ_4zCXt-uWmFc14grrh-SwBKBhyA/s1600/11147890_10152723920211479_3586152834038246701_n.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<b>SWAP</b></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I was paired up with the lovely Sheri from <a href="http://earlyyearswithsheri.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Early Years With Sheri</a>. I love her blog, and was excited to have the opportunity to choose a product from her resource collection. </center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://earlyyearswithsheri.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbdFIEzIahZZsG_8Qql2h6uRXXJaHJbYRNnT1IoRvaYK2js-soKoaeloq2wiQpXZG8bpf73eGnuOpK0isqFXjCZOgVeegGHOO-Qk9khE8kC_-eSqgoAwt-InuTn6Z1XIpOeiRNZJiocQ/s1600/sheributton.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I chose Sheri's <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Themed-Math-Centers-1695899" target="_blank">Animal Themed Math Centers</a> as so many different concepts were included in this pack. My own kidlets had fun trying these out and learning as they played.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Themed-Math-Centers-1695899" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0SphEl4tBXahPrKX0ujjuv7ymPOODRfXIw7bkeEh7pE33AGnPFXL0Lq-qcoyF-NzYIQKX2AXFnqqS9DDeyPuBROhdvagMZbHrrj4lSmPICmvP_AHcyvvD1AcD5DbPLyFCJNHFzsJubA/s1600/DSC_4547.JPG" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
From addition, subtraction and number relationships, to fractions and time this resource is seriously jam-packed and then some!</center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Themed-Math-Centers-1695899" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3VUXFnVZEb1yIoI20uA8tunRECCri43ZeMjEpJZRgPW0PQGBd_8qgHMLWc-ejZwazCEKerjFMZbxl2CxNBXsHnP_2cJOhm8Y0JksSIs-n6lA17pLbZXQfUFsh9ko_CfSXBS-CrZ70Go/s1600/DSC_4528.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My kidlets used many mental math strategies to sort these addition and subtraction cards into True/False categories. It may or may not have become a competition to see who could complete the task the fastest. I think they must get that competitive streak from their paternal side ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Themed-Math-Centers-1695899" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sJ6xK7wiJhgOpCNIsmUrUKeTi_lxf2bj3eugPqYCLBm0JKjCRwAWdKg1YQSx6ktbOg-qYPREXA3EmAAZSmUS7fJj6lt2dkMBoLbEaSkxcekcWLVKHrcMGAkeSGeztpWmtRPV45fcxck/s1600/DSC_4533.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was so interesting watching my Kinder kidlet as he balanced the birdie equations. Listening to his counting and watching him make connections was so wonderful!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Themed-Math-Centers-1695899" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1t79NPnoQGpKJA2bZk96PpMIKpGtdwQnbYKaB3ebQwQWPJlvQsznJz0GwZNwOi8AZpFJXREptqYflDUBkG0w_C3iyuvYsOhICKw1Y6I8QD-1KjAPON0nMPquxoRasE6w5rqA5zWhTGi8/s1600/DSC_4539.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Time and money always seem to be the hardest concepts for students to grasp. Well let's be honest, the management of time and money isn't the easiest thing for us adults to grasp ;) While this time matching exercise may not solve our work-life (or bank) balance, it will help your kidlets learn analogue, digital and spoken forms of time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Themed-Math-Centers-1695899" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoM5qDWv78Xc1ckDrUgZm-D0Bd1GJ8-OoB5mNuNR7jaO4Vz6rlkrTkCNejRKThbP-Ta0EUC2Axk6qyiwt6DSNyI7W4N4FBNHGzfGcYD7yeIYKdDJzHx4p4jVk-GlUVNITrsibNM9-rF0/s1600/sheri.png" height="640" width="530" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Problem solving is another area of math that many students struggle with. I was very impressed with the range of problems in this pack. There are both single step and multistep problems, covering a range of mathematical concepts from addition and subtraction to time.</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Themed-Math-Centers-1695899" target="_blank">HERE</a> to find out more about this fabulous resource! And if you want to check out more of Sheri's resources click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Early-Years-With-Sheri" target="_blank">HERE</a> to visit her <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Early-Years-With-Sheri" target="_blank">TpT Store</a>. Thank you Sheri for sharing this awesome resource with me!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>SHARE</b></center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
Now it's time to share a freebie of my own. We thought it would be fun to share a seasonal freebie, but as this is a linky from Down Under, our seasons are of course upside down too ;) I've decided to go with my Northern Hemisphere friends and offer a Spring Freebie, even though things are starting to cool down where I am. </center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Spring-Editable-Printable-Freebie-1826297" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JCup8K2KkzJeVWjbyhneiJC8Fj_G-IKIgdJPSmDyCU8W9a5kOnnaP7dePvCUW8NefSnN9vPP2MMX4YdTDuoaxfW2iBAR4IeOu1J7-KtS7eHVdC6enSKdFW81qfV_lHXng6jsMoKs3sY/s1600/spring+title.png" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
I have created this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Spring-Editable-Printable-Freebie-1826297" target="_blank">Editable Sight Word Pack</a> to cater for the many different levels in our classrooms. The same format and fun design can be used while students practice words specific to their needs. You just need to type the focus word in the spaces provided to generate your sheet. The sheet asks your students to read, find, rainbow write, color trace, count syllables, box, write and build each word. There is a cover page included too so you can make multiple sheets to create a booklet. And of course, I have included an alternative version for all my Aussie (and other) friends (colour vs color). Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Spring-Editable-Printable-Freebie-1826297" target="_blank">HERE</a> to grab your free copy!</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: left;">
I know some are daunted by editable products, so I have made a quick little how to clip to show you how to edit the template. Super easy, I promise! I was very daunted making this, my first YouTube clip!</center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T7vbA6QbzDY" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<center>
<b><br />
GIVE!</b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
If you would like to win Sheri's amazing Math Centers as well as a copy of all the products swapped, enter below!</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/77b5c9ee21/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="77b5c9ee21" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_mbwuk5lz">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: center;">
Don't forget to check out all the other amazing resources on offer!</center>
<center>
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="517278">
<br /></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
</center>
<br />
<center style="text-align: right;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></center>TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com10Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4710107 153.02344889999995-29.275130700000002 150.44166189999996 -25.6668907 155.60523589999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-41773410710909830442015-03-24T19:26:00.003-07:002021-10-03T21:38:06.715-07:00Teaching Kindergartners How to Login<center style="text-align: left;">
So you have survived the <a href="http://www.theteachergeneblog.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/introducing-computers-in-kindergarten.html" target="_blank">first computer lesson</a> with your Kindergarten class and now you want to teach them how to login for themselves. It will depend of course, on how usernames and passwords have been set at your school as to how you approach this. At the school where I teach computers, the Kinder classes have a class username and password. For simplicity, the username and password are the same.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Before the lesson, I made some color coded login cards.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19UP2QhyWqD5sqVg8yj3lQAwD7dydWvIY/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107494353607025147670&rtpof=true&sd=true" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVmWcm2bHNQJqFxDh84B-nkgdHZ6eyH7U-NNWwH6PkLDlggZt1h6sngOdo7KrrwP9181m1XKOT0LZYcJaSZl9yxvkQPDPMKDCmQABUebEUHS4sctdfG7PJB2zFaoxPdo_Nhs9Jci3O68/s1600/login+keyboard.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
While in the classroom, the little learners practiced 'typing' on their login cards. We discussed the colors and order of the letters. We talked about uppercase and lowercase letters, said the sound and the letter names. We showed our partners how we could type our username and password. The little learners even searched for the letters in their own name. Who knew there was so much learning to be had with logins?</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
When we arrived at the computer lab, the little learners were ready to try typing their username and password on a <i>real </i>keyboard. After I demonstrated typing the username and password (and made a few mistakes accidentally-on purpose to introduce backspace), the little learners took their login cards to their computer. </center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I'm going to be honest here. This color coded login card is <i>not </i>a miracle worker. It did take three adults 30 minutes to guide the class in this process. I did learn that next time I introduce a Kinder class to computers, I will spend more time on light and quick finger touches on the keyboard! But I will say that each little learner <i>did </i>login that day, and a month on the login cards continue to support the little learners as they become independent loggerinerers (that's totally a word, right?). Best of all is the smile on their faces when they have done it all by themselves for the first time! Priceless!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Want to make your own color coded keyboards? Click <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19UP2QhyWqD5sqVg8yj3lQAwD7dydWvIY/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107494353607025147670&rtpof=true&sd=true">HERE</a> or the image above to grab your copy!</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19UP2QhyWqD5sqVg8yj3lQAwD7dydWvIY/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107494353607025147670&rtpof=true&sd=true" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcqv_gMe5vYFNTWDuzEf6VWeA2wbLit6aSvAGZSoQChdiwH-Yttia0xaQJ88atVJbV9u5Ti8irYyjUuidr05JyOXVejrVSRgucGjCtPyW5TUE84D085Pm9heLopqvwFSyep_58Aati5k/s640/login+keyboard+free.png" width="425" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></center>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-14708089378275339122015-03-11T04:10:00.000-07:002015-03-11T04:21:25.635-07:00St Paddy's Day Activities and a Freebie!<center style="text-align: left;">
I am the daughter of one proud Irishman. My dad was a kind, generous, clever, witty (even though sometimes only to himself), sweet man, whom I adored! He was born and raised in Kilkenny. I have fond memories visiting Dad's hometown, listening to him retell stories from his childhood at each landmark. Many years later on a family holiday, I told those same stories to my own children as we walked Kilkenny's streets.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PefreIKHBZMRxH39PK9qKt1ElFJMps_xPVQYYRNeuZhPWC4uiJZl5HMcixPmL-BCZZfz5BjsmVFn9ZWOPZ7E2KqGxUIRYCLg5F8whwu2V72mMWcq3QUUIqxD-lIM-AbHkWJcYe6Tl9o/s1600/kilkenny+castle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PefreIKHBZMRxH39PK9qKt1ElFJMps_xPVQYYRNeuZhPWC4uiJZl5HMcixPmL-BCZZfz5BjsmVFn9ZWOPZ7E2KqGxUIRYCLg5F8whwu2V72mMWcq3QUUIqxD-lIM-AbHkWJcYe6Tl9o/s1600/kilkenny+castle.png" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
When St Patrick's Day rolls around, as well as talking to the class about the origins of the day, it's great to share personal experiences too. I have often had my own 'show and tell' in the classroom, sharing images like the one above that my hubby took of Kilkenny Castle. Having a life outside of school and sharing these anecdotes with our students, helps build relationship which underlies everything we do in the classroom.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
St Paddy's Day lends itself to some lovely activities in the classroom. One of my favorite writing activities for this time of year is based around the idea of a Lucky Star. I encourage the students to use their imagination and dream big! 'If you could wish upon a star and make your dreams come true.....' But my absolute favorite writing activity encourages students to think about what they truly value. Using a planning sheet they draw or write things that make them feel lucky. They then write about it and create a cute <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Writing-1116577" target="_blank">pot of gold craftivity</a>, perfect for the bulletin board.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Writing-1116577" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfY5aPhy7r-v4vUdbdaA2zhFUW8QjCwE6pZyrU8mLaxEusi5vkLADE2e2NggEes8x3ORcsbE3qde_-3dcI1mv_v3J0ill0oXPsfHdaXJsTSL15EKrD9f_psbDMdXQ2IqZgD2IE5-SPjE/s1600/st+paddy's%2Bday%2Bwriting.png" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
While a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow would be lovely, I really do feel rich thanks to my family, friends, students I teach and creations I share. I'm so happy that you have stuck with me to the end of this post, so click on the image below for your treasure :) It's a few pages from my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Kindergarten-Math-Activities-Pack-Print-and-Go-1123963" target="_blank">St Patrick's Day Kindergarten Math Print & Go Pack</a>.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_622vZFmWmKOEFQd09sWXZrYnc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaYP1t3jhYjIXhFJwDKFrTkohCeO_NO-yTpM-8eik8vQNLCqkexNAJ74krH2OvXcNek5USp8mMNKc-WDHU2z1uQvdl568nozkB093fWw_p5qzw8dYqXO2SQMZkL_N-8oYPn5ZE1y654E/s1600/st+patrick's%2Bfreebie.png" height="640" width="450" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></center>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-25165388772436218372015-03-10T17:51:00.002-07:002018-05-30T18:39:37.779-07:00Introducing Computers in the Kindergarten Classroom<center style="text-align: left;">
Warning! The first computer lesson in the Kindergarten classroom can be chaotic! Approach with patience and much planning! </center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Here in Australia, our school year starts at the end of January. We now have about a month's worth of computer lessons under our belts, and the progress the little learners have made is remarkable! The majority of the class can now log in using a class username and password (which I.T. have not set to be particularly user friendly), navigate to the program required, complete some simple mouse applications and log off. This is quite a contrast to a month ago, when I logged each child in and out.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
For that first lesson, I set realistic expectations of what I thought could be achieved, and then I cut that in half :) Here's what we did.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Upon entering the computer lab, the children sat down at the front near the demonstration computer and whiteboard. I introduced myself and an attention getter (of the clap, repeat variety).</li>
<li>I asked the children what type of technology they have used and they had an opportunity to share with the person next to them. </li>
<li>We talked about how wonderful it is to use computers and how we need to take good care of them. Lab Rules naturally followed. I read them. The children repeated them. We acted out what to do. We acted out what <i>not </i>to do. You get the idea. Click on the image to grab your copy!</li>
</ul>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Computer-Lab-Rules-Freebie-1754286" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYG6fbtnASHxn7WMxf4NOGN_V8uUOD-68Qt6wZjYLSAN9JDBuKqDPFw9_2WgPgu6InRrpMzGQlGI8GqZhhJWcFL35LYhIB6jMNedCOHF4pVo_Txqmt_G6NfaqWRyb4uZp32qxfqO-L7QM/s1600/computer+rules.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>We looked at a computer and named the parts (monitor, keyboard, mouse, headphones and headphone plug, CPU). </li>
<li>We talked about how some screens we use are touch screens, but the monitors in the computer labs are <i>not</i> touch screens! It has been close to a decade since I taught computers to Kindergartners, so this was the first time I had to give that instruction! </li>
<li>We chatted about the CPU being the brains of the computer.</li>
<li>Demonstrated how to hold each side of the headphone plug as we plug the headphones in and out.</li>
<li>Showed how we use gentle fingers on the keyboard </li>
<li>Investigated the mouse. As using the mouse was the main focus of the lesson, I made up a little song about using the mouse and it has stuck! The little learners want to sing it each lesson. I thought about videoing myself singing it, but I really couldn't do that to you! So here it is in word form. Think (and sing) Where is Thumbkin?</li>
</ul>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
(With right hand, point index finger)</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<b>Peter Pointer, Peter Pointer.</b></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
('single click' once with index finger, then 'double click')</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<b>Click, click-click.</b></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<b>Click, click-click.</b></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<center style="text-align: left;">
('click and drag' with index finger, moving hand as if to drag)</center>
<div>
<b>Click and drag, Click and drag.</b></div>
<div>
(pretend to guide a mouse in figure of eight)</div>
<div>
<b>With the mouse, With the mouse.</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
During the investigation of the mouse, we identified the left and right mouse buttons. If you are able, it is a great idea to put a sticker on the left mouse button. Also important here is to identify any left handers in the class and arrange the equipment accordingly.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The little learners did so well listening and learning the rules. It does seem a lot to go through, but I promise it doesn't take that long! As the computers were already logged in (highly recommend for the first lesson), I then demonstrated a simple mouse activity, handed out the headphones and away they went. While our school has purchased a range of educational software, if your school hasn't there are a lot of great online resources for free. For example <a href="http://practicadelmouse.altervista.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://kidsmousepractice.weebly.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Next time, the fun really begins. <a href="http://www.theteachergeneblog.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/teaching-kindergartners-how-to-login.html" target="_blank">Logging in....</a></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Computer-Lab-Rules-Freebie-1754286" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsq75YwCdXP2qGrp96hwnxUQTY2SRUwqR699kFlB5kQj1nHU8Ox_v64g60xDNTVC5f37SpcbKRsUCJGKtYDKZkZFZ5C5G8IqhoDlnthBpjhFuufOQ3quKwJx7piGUXWtU3lb4nCr_9Ls/s640/introducing+computers+free+lab+rules.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></center>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-82008078205318794192015-02-22T19:53:00.002-08:002015-03-09T04:47:07.463-07:00Classroom InspirationA teacher is really never off duty, are they? While on a family holiday recently, inspiration for the classroom was everywhere! Unfortunately most of the snaps were taken by my aging phone, but these ideas were too good not to share, so please forgive the image quality.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EXYcCZ2tJV19dMUABfUsDFRrwnOTKfofm5fKK8Ii1XX9NBmEeG8FdEreexGs7swK1P47V6fhBk9SGPtJtFmYKct1WCJuIjIGrZUn-XcszKBfYcvQPdtf37vceNe2SKidSrKx-KwaY0s/s1600/display+info.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EXYcCZ2tJV19dMUABfUsDFRrwnOTKfofm5fKK8Ii1XX9NBmEeG8FdEreexGs7swK1P47V6fhBk9SGPtJtFmYKct1WCJuIjIGrZUn-XcszKBfYcvQPdtf37vceNe2SKidSrKx-KwaY0s/s1600/display+info.png" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Loved this idea for displaying animal facts at Auckland Zoo. It would make a colorful display or project for the classroom. I see flaps being added!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YVHpe3YnDhbHNcZw6Gdini8lZxRWi16qBB5uc6euW47YEZHTVvG04Ekx41mCak3Mv3IllRcsRRVjUKJXvBjQWLdvZFvLIRpVHIJ_-40yP3t_ITGZJNbSvGWJ6h42bQPw9w30pFgCwNE/s1600/display.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YVHpe3YnDhbHNcZw6Gdini8lZxRWi16qBB5uc6euW47YEZHTVvG04Ekx41mCak3Mv3IllRcsRRVjUKJXvBjQWLdvZFvLIRpVHIJ_-40yP3t_ITGZJNbSvGWJ6h42bQPw9w30pFgCwNE/s1600/display.png" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This simple idea of adding velcro to the back of a plate and attaching to the felt board made another great display! When the time comes to change displays, take the plate off and send it home :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5gaGkPjzE0QPZNDYwvEv2TzaIein5edo9MSJZbJOeQNmzX2g1eWz2lqnGkfipgCgSTcJTwjGvY62iGvLX4h3aJ6sgl7aZ8RckZU9AsoMsZA_J1uGkSXZ8zc1fAO_lTpTRk85KIUwpfc/s1600/table.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5gaGkPjzE0QPZNDYwvEv2TzaIein5edo9MSJZbJOeQNmzX2g1eWz2lqnGkfipgCgSTcJTwjGvY62iGvLX4h3aJ6sgl7aZ8RckZU9AsoMsZA_J1uGkSXZ8zc1fAO_lTpTRk85KIUwpfc/s1600/table.png" height="433" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunken tubs for markers. Need I say more?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFEHLgS05F7pvanSY9gKIygN-5LOI2zGh4qSUyduQ6tv3IGXdDGHzfG1X3X3og3tGTnrQnlCS-9fpjvF22ZvyERX8c8x953Qg0SeJeuZttqgT7XvtaT6KZZQPxul8t2uNcDCKWPOqHSY/s1600/light+table.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFEHLgS05F7pvanSY9gKIygN-5LOI2zGh4qSUyduQ6tv3IGXdDGHzfG1X3X3og3tGTnrQnlCS-9fpjvF22ZvyERX8c8x953Qg0SeJeuZttqgT7XvtaT6KZZQPxul8t2uNcDCKWPOqHSY/s1600/light+table.png" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This light box table at Auckland Museum would be great for fine motor, sight word practice and handwriting. One can dream, can't they?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFds0H-jSoLucgjCuJRry9Fn0wJ5kp-b-1RajH16qORLiXsqNT3SRcreh36RHuapAVQKTb9_2vb2g_kkzxpu5a6fww8UsBREjgn9TJehHb7WRbgSJYqLz3lXqWOM5gJRKjj_gemWwlwI/s1600/chair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFds0H-jSoLucgjCuJRry9Fn0wJ5kp-b-1RajH16qORLiXsqNT3SRcreh36RHuapAVQKTb9_2vb2g_kkzxpu5a6fww8UsBREjgn9TJehHb7WRbgSJYqLz3lXqWOM5gJRKjj_gemWwlwI/s1600/chair.png" height="473" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of all the awesomeness that I was inspired by, this one is my favorite! Maybe that's because one of my favorite things about being a teacher is sharing stories with my class! I can see this bookcase story chair being at home in any classroom where I teach!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wonder how my engineer and handy hubby feels about converting some of these inspirations into realities....<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></div>
</div>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-13185577395691163442014-10-30T06:39:00.000-07:002018-05-30T18:00:15.219-07:00CVC Fun and Glue Gun Love!I don't know about you, but I LOVE stationery! I could spend hours (and a serious sum of money) in a store filled with paper, ink and pretty office supplies. A few weeks back, I was in one such shop looking for some glue sticks for my hot glue gun, and what did I see sitting on the shelf right next to the glue sticks? A pink glue gun with 20 glue sticks for $8.99. I didn't even do the 'do I really need this?' dance. I put it in my basket, paid and walked out smiling!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfO8Av569ZTDKG-z7usI8SIUAgPAqJ9LuG_8rd-1SEYj54XcNFEDP07RbqvlxOVnOSzrnwI7ng4AqcUdrVyy9i-konx_16vhd_LtOc-KdLTNn_bvnaxuIIfJgM3QosPc0LENywKCL8FY/s1600/glue+gun.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfO8Av569ZTDKG-z7usI8SIUAgPAqJ9LuG_8rd-1SEYj54XcNFEDP07RbqvlxOVnOSzrnwI7ng4AqcUdrVyy9i-konx_16vhd_LtOc-KdLTNn_bvnaxuIIfJgM3QosPc0LENywKCL8FY/s1600/glue+gun.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For the past 5 years (since we moved back to Australia) I have been using a big, old, ugly, black glue gun with a UK power plug. As the only UK adapter in the house was under the computer desk and attached to all sorts of computer related devices, I would bundle all my gluing up and crawl under the desk to glue and make resources! Needless to say, I have been enjoying gluing in style (yes, on the kitchen table!), armed with my pink glue gun.<br />
<br />
Inspired by my pretty purchase (I really cannot stop thinking of things that involve gluing at the moment), I created a fun resource for my little learners to learn word families while practicing their fine motor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowel-Word-Families-Peg-It-1526626" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgXoHT9hyphenhyphenxl7TV7jnzCARGlwRteQl6sr3ZrUzmQO85bEuDUDI3Ps25TWDmmNexAa0IVofR_Uyzd9CW7WkIZMnrJZc2e0Xuocvxyo_37NIYQ1BF-NDlInrvGWPabWx38buRFGyNBkv4xg/s1600/peg+it.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I like to introduce CVC words once all single sounds have been taught. I start with the short 'a' word family and continue through the vowels. In this activity, little learners decode CVC words by moving the rime down the onset strip. The color coded vowel sets make identifying the medial sound easier, and storage a breeze!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowel-Word-Families-Peg-It-1526626" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrUc8dXSgpW579LGXutThXbNDOiHSEpaJXb_OLBPYNsasCaJ7FgNCt7kGjdMS9YqkJbea0-mXbh2PXmAwGqCjkBtU55eM9Er_QtGKNVehYaBkoq8_bnEB4gkyQcWKKwQM830iUJF4S1w/s1600/peg+it+steps.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This activity works great in centers. Because it is simple yet hands-on, little learners are both able and engaged as they move the 'ug' square next to the 'b' and say 'bug'. They continue to move the rime down the onset, saying the word each time 'dug', 'hug' and so on until the strip is complete.<br />
<br />
Finding new and different ways to teach the same content can be so difficult. I am glad to add this resource to the many others I use to help little learners master word families and become more confident and fluent readers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowel-Word-Families-Peg-It-1526626" target="_blank">Click here if you would also like to add this to your collection! </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowel-Word-Families-Peg-It-1526626" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQxcOSmJhZwX6oCw3C9hGeNX8sJTKj2cHxRvbRS-qEXMGGIgcqxHopjbKcAhnLlyosbaTQwfMXSQhaZndVG2dkhRccIAYbnVfIMe5_oVPE4xB2yxHyZappBezVjA_pplGh1frk-dWGNo/s640/peg+it+cvc+word+sliders.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What are some of your favorite ways to teach CVC words? I'd love to hear them!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></div>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-81723435834021845302014-08-19T18:27:00.001-07:002018-05-30T17:35:51.172-07:00Managing Taking Turns in the Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just love how enthusiastic little learners are to volunteer in the classroom! What I don't love is their waving and begging hands as these little learners indicate their willingness to help. And I find it even more difficult to see their disappointed faces when they are not chosen. To keep it fair and encourage even the shyest little learner to participate, I like to use systems in the classroom to manage taking turns.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hfC6LU_art4b-7Ya-jABw1hOzyCRLTGhfL03ZPlk4FrsV5pI6hDYE6KjrIgZkpdEVlsDugShq81c5bsF9MxXCEGMG7smjXJm70-mUzWhyphenhyphenwYVEH25x56Iy7SLNhSihv8n-NWT6MqkAUw/s1600/name+chooser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hfC6LU_art4b-7Ya-jABw1hOzyCRLTGhfL03ZPlk4FrsV5pI6hDYE6KjrIgZkpdEVlsDugShq81c5bsF9MxXCEGMG7smjXJm70-mUzWhyphenhyphenwYVEH25x56Iy7SLNhSihv8n-NWT6MqkAUw/s1600/name+chooser.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For this system I bought some little white boxes from the cheap shop. I split the class into gender groups, but you could use the whole class or group the students according to reading groups etc. depending on your needs. Then I simply typed each little learner's name, cut to size and placed in the box. When a volunteer is needed in the classroom, simply choose the top name from the box and call their name. Then place that name at the bottom of the pile. Because I have two groups, I then place that box to the bottom, so I know which box I am choosing from next time (anyone else suffer from amnesia in the classroom at times?). To keep the suspense, I also like to include a colored paper at the beginning to mark when each child has had a turn. This way I can shuffle the names after one rotation (or a couple) and the little learners don't get to know the order.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiml2cH5sQan_lYkkqBV8dlJ9zmvt2xTcpa2ujbeVUP9-LMfO3iLzBUVMnC59XAUb21PKuhVp4xH9g_f5tiC0AZ1zMsMEYYbOWUmjIVR0uYHxXuDv6iUTBc5pLnhKCqdaDeSuG_ltYayzo/s1600/name+chooser+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiml2cH5sQan_lYkkqBV8dlJ9zmvt2xTcpa2ujbeVUP9-LMfO3iLzBUVMnC59XAUb21PKuhVp4xH9g_f5tiC0AZ1zMsMEYYbOWUmjIVR0uYHxXuDv6iUTBc5pLnhKCqdaDeSuG_ltYayzo/s1600/name+chooser+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is just one of many systems I have used to keep those little faces smiling and the classroom running smoothly. Would love to hear how you manage turn taking in your classroom!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbnZRMIbSMCCZ7PON_02ubNWK0YgpLrTeb37iW3XCsaDwmZ1g7mqNCTXgIhmEUoMZS8DBtlKc_wdcC6sJUNjrx4MvuwYKiq5vj1PBbw7Lm8g6zxGe23cC-65t0414_t1OvVRao0ziV80/s1600/TURN+TAKING.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbnZRMIbSMCCZ7PON_02ubNWK0YgpLrTeb37iW3XCsaDwmZ1g7mqNCTXgIhmEUoMZS8DBtlKc_wdcC6sJUNjrx4MvuwYKiq5vj1PBbw7Lm8g6zxGe23cC-65t0414_t1OvVRao0ziV80/s320/TURN+TAKING.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></div>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-48677254998354832842014-08-03T03:47:00.000-07:002015-03-09T04:46:09.801-07:00Shop? Who me? Never!Actually believe it or not, I have never really been much of a shopper. Now that I have children and responsibilities (apparently they need to be fed every <i>single</i> day and several times at that), I enjoy shopping even less! I have just never really understood the shoe obsession thing, rarely have I accompanied my girlfriends on shopping sprees and I can count on one hand the number of times I have felt the need for retail therapy. Shops, crowds, bright lights, those horrible mirrors that LIE, shop layouts that make me feel disorientated. I just never did get the whole shopping thing! Until, that is, I found TpT!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Teacher-Gene" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptoYSHgZonsrZxOkoscVNyLqHuunR_ncLEVLy2I5ciAgkDCliw7gX4fHFktkTW-uyi3iH2VjzxAuCOzlhwnTJ-Lkxe5JXsmVr5dess1fffCLnTs5Eoju_aay7Xcj-Y-hY2kfpYgctiM0/s1600/back+to+school+meme.png" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Here in Australia at the moment it is tax time. I have been putting off totally up (and sharing with my hubby) how much I have spent on teaching resources over the past year. While I may not have an amazing shoe collection, I do have a pretty awesome collection of clip art! My clothes may not be this seasons (or the last several), but I do have many resources that reflect the latest innovations in education. So when I heard that TpT was having their big Blast off Back to School Sale on August 4-5, I thought I might just hang off on tallying up last year's bill! Just a few more items won't hurt, right? But just in case my wonderful hubby is looking over my shoulder while I shop on Monday and Tuesday, I have a plan. You see, I won't really be shopping. I will actually be......<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Extending our Holidays and Salvaging our Family Time!</b><br />
<div>
Buying a quality activity that would take me hours to make, in my opinion, is money well spent! I don't have to tell you that working in classrooms is a physically and emotionally draining job! For me purchasing something for a few dollars to help me through a patch where I am time poor is a no-brainer! Besides, have you seen where I holidayed recently? More holidays please!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HFRiLC8fja66bKJKibI8AInJEq_6PNRAUPwCLcbLF56cIr76nmTllf-oSo3SWWA-MUcy-G9a7BIlVdEGJ7ikMx8-1hTqcQvFMlZ39fgFTCTrUKV9StEeuWyizLNPiAvAc8uh7Fy45rI/s1600/DSC_3373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HFRiLC8fja66bKJKibI8AInJEq_6PNRAUPwCLcbLF56cIr76nmTllf-oSo3SWWA-MUcy-G9a7BIlVdEGJ7ikMx8-1hTqcQvFMlZ39fgFTCTrUKV9StEeuWyizLNPiAvAc8uh7Fy45rI/s1600/DSC_3373.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<b>Investing in Works of Art</b><br />
<div>
Over recent years, collecting art has become increasingly popular and financially rewarding. I'm pretty sure investing in clip art is the same thing :) Besides, it is pretty and it makes me happy! Here are a couple of things I have my eye on from two of my favorite artists!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Trees-and-Ornaments-Bundle-65-files-Whimsy-Workshop-Teaching-973041" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpADDdOoNt0VwSpFCeJK_k7xZSgAaXNw80Tsnk6DOUNubkPOeSNN6TlqRmozfTl0uO_rCcITrAlZWIhWTXrj9M29ckYe3PFVFnTU1XV3DnGZq14vxA7iZH-cRQ_DzcpJjXHiPb3WzQeI0/s1600/original-973041-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Trees-and-Ornaments-Bundle-65-files-Whimsy-Workshop-Teaching-973041" target="_blank">Christmas Trees and Ornaments Bundle (65 Images</a>) from Susanna at <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Whimsy-Workshop-Teaching" target="_blank">Whimsy Workshop Teaching</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Directed-Drawing-Printable-Worksheets-1342103" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWVmYu5ZYc2OpcI8rTtpRVQHvFYta5NIxUszsjmAZsIrlnRdfGbedpc-0BQXIpDfPF7LJshj6hWT9qLSjwmyaBdrTcS-7EKCVr1xyOiG4VUMYSOTTr1RTZnUmv12Gdhjm1uLVKc4X4CY/s1600/original-1342103-1.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Directed-Drawing-Printable-Worksheets-1342103" target="_blank">Back to School Directed Drawing - Printable Worksheets</a> from Mel at <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/From-The-Pond" target="_blank">From the Pond</a> and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Graphics-From-The-Pond" target="_blank">Graphics From the Pond</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<b>Encouraging my Family Members</b><br />
<div>
My lovely <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mrs-Emm" target="_blank">mum </a>and very talented <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kinka-Art" target="_blank">sister-in-law</a> have begun selling on Teachers Pay Teachers. I am looking forward to supporting them! I like the look of my mum's <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Activities-Literacy-Math-Get-to-Know-You-1299019" target="_blank">Get to Know You Name Activities</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Name-Activities-Literacy-Math-Get-to-Know-You-1299019" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQpPWpD0acahZd0gGus4RBl84uoOPt_uVqC0dPIX68sm3kuj5MQlZDwzZ9t8ruMOekBVhlo6DOu-mNcLXn5B1hJI0NPkbTekdBCG8b6bO3f3Iz0ZYtSwWokjqPgik61ooiSIyS6ekyuk/s1600/original-1299019-1.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm having trouble deciding what to choose from my sister-in-law's store. I love all of her drawings! I particularly like one of her latest sets: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Emergency-Rescue-Vehicle-Clip-Art-1350218" target="_blank">Emergency/Rescue Vehicle Clip Art</a>. So cute!</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Emergency-Rescue-Vehicle-Clip-Art-1350218" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jK6tXyCAzsqMNKRjowZjkobtCr6pfA5BsvW71dzsKaLTkU-3uByeY8YzkqLuCByX4UDtl_tCICBGmFh5GTTCWBBvgjR8lJ3quLqnNl0zcE5VvVP6onYaUYJYqwYAxLI_OhySF2HMKFA/s1600/original-1350218-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Supporting Friends</b></div>
<div>
One of the wonderful things about beginning a life online is that I have had the opportunity to meet new friends from all over the world that I wouldn't have met otherwise! So fun to be able to support them too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Heres-An-Idea-By-Lucy-S" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaxaj9LfAuthfWQQk9Wo2dVY4VMlEAZQFxvy5SVGhaGENseBppDq3EScTFxxPuunwdUUB7TqVtY4e26itkhRQHYbNgBezCXOszfAFqaJs_PvDIVvfcAolv9cS1ldweobcCIW2xJnSHCU/s1600/3am_LS_button3_zps953c54b7.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Deborah-Kemp" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGi_kAYuvmEqD27t-nlG1ZY92EIgQqQGmhCo9-cmiDKw9bWSx04RRRhUyhdOW7DRN-PpMSnFtiSeWRBWDnfdJ-MAUORPOBkSTv-HP-Ql6WneIXfOSUHebpm5Qs-JBPNmz0gMX3kqqpuw/s1600/ScreenShot2014-04-24at94724AM_zps6b96ff4e.png" height="320" width="171" /></a></div>
<br />
And if none of those reasons work, I will be able to throw this next one at my hubby. Okay, so it might be shopping, but I am celebrating the release of my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chevron-Classroom-Decor-Bundle-with-many-editable-features-1366988" target="_blank">new decor bundle</a> that I have been working on for ages!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chevron-Classroom-Decor-Bundle-with-many-editable-features-1366988" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4_RuWBuiq3PquBP1eU9YyiedlLPZ93mSB7ZqzVZLc_ay9LXvSz_d6S_ealcd5LHCF0h0t8VAeNWcqixm04M_uaXIROeC7jG4CZYeqjQWq3Usyq3TcM5zLub7uauaI-T6uQ5tTL2r3DA/s1600/bundle.jpg" height="387" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Shop? Who me? Never! But I may do a spot of supporting friends and family, investing in art and salvaging my precious time! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh and by the way, details of Scrooge the Husband have been added for dramatic effect! He really is very generous!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></div>
<br /></div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="431441">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=431441" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-91469504374189039592014-07-25T04:48:00.001-07:002021-10-03T21:26:02.494-07:00Back to School Tips - Set Aside the Chevron Welcome BannerThere seems like there are a million things to get done around back to school time! Classroom set up, lesson plans, meet and greets, labeling, establishing routines and procedures....it can be such an overwhelming time for teachers! With such a heavy load, it is possible for us teachers to temporarily forget what is really important. For me, there is no point in having the cutest classroom decor (and you all know I <i>love </i>to make things pretty!) or the latest innovation in teaching and learning, if I don't know my students and they are not attached to me. Building connection and trust in the classroom affects the way our students learn, the way we teach and the way our class runs. So if you are running out of time before school starts to get that chevron welcome banner finished, set it aside and make a plan on how you will make your students <i>feel </i>welcome as you get to know them.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs21ZXEn9eoNkPGyHQDeYSvO73xyUoM_YkLDC1bJvw7EPnihjjxbugisLhEI1EnrJ2PmTWgOlrY8B_0Z3kMYDME5BHSOGNri1TQwVvB5yvkLt13q3XhZZBJoqnpp64il0oB7tgCz5ELw4/s1600/all+about+me+photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs21ZXEn9eoNkPGyHQDeYSvO73xyUoM_YkLDC1bJvw7EPnihjjxbugisLhEI1EnrJ2PmTWgOlrY8B_0Z3kMYDME5BHSOGNri1TQwVvB5yvkLt13q3XhZZBJoqnpp64il0oB7tgCz5ELw4/s1600/all+about+me+photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
How do we build relationship and connection in the classroom you might ask? Much the same as you or I would in our adult lives - spending time together, starting conversations without being invasive, showing interest, finding common ground, being trustworthy, showing respect, making eye contact, listening. I have mentioned <a href="http://theteachergeneblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/kindergarten-graphing-with-worksheet.html" target="_blank">before</a> that little ones love speaking about themselves. I recently found out that us adults are not that different. The lovely Lucy from <a href="http://heresanideabylucys.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Here's an Idea from Lucy S</a> asked me to be an interviewee for her <a href="http://heresanideabylucys.blogspot.com.br/search/label/teacher-authors%20around%20the%20world" target="_blank">Teacher-Authors Around the World Series</a>. I was flattered that she was interested in my story and initiated a virtual get-together. As we were chatting, I realized she knew and remember many things from our previous interactions. Lucy had listened to me! We communicated about our common interest (education) and explored unknown territory. I am excited about our new friendship, which I hope will grow with time and contact, and all because Lucy asked me to talk about myself :) You can head on over to <a href="http://heresanideabylucys.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Lucy's blog</a> to check out the full <a href="http://heresanideabylucys.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/teacher-authors-around-world-meet-jean.html" target="_blank">interview</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://heresanideabylucys.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/teacher-authors-around-world-meet-jean.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiL-BcLFV0d5TX1LEf03iLAtdT_0vhfOaAZQJdeK5DWks-z7ipPvIuGk5MvNVXekWOyzoKqeBS8KnkAuTdpMzh3CX-6z5QR472u3OSKZ1P1GJ00BqmiSwGVW3bKPquG8KTHHomwjRSD-Y/s1600/TeacherAuthorsAroundTheWorldJea.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Showing interest in our students is the first step to building a trusting relationship. All the cute decor and educational innovations in the world won't matter much if your students are not connected to you. Here's a nice freebie to help get the ball rolling. Just click on the image below. Don't forget to complete one yourself! After all, it is not just the little ones who enjoy talking about themselves ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_622vZFmWmKLVJPc1ljclp1dmc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-tHO3VqFi_D09tl-WFbQmIw" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFQt4XKt8G1KXNhZgS5zt4hzj5gI555qFHrnZOBrfWdZ_OLx-q9CTbHiruDo_BQn7eKITSVECWEm44VBEPo_a1TXvkq0bhI_rabjzFgAbcHxAxqiW6Ag4K2f7JimKlI6yGCa2guBt7I4/s1600/all+about+me.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Linking up with Brownbag Academics Back to School Blog Hop. Click on the image to check out more Back to School Teacher Tips!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://brownbagacademics.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/brownbag-back-to-school-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyhnVIYGRtDBU0RP-y-sALzDMUXge7dqd4tBjjs6Ab-ImD5Jmh1y37sKgELY6NCxOP5JeN9WD4YnYxJe9RfuHUS_Pvm14WpUII8LEfmcA2xtgi8QBL2f0aAcvsvdswC87X7a5kMciJ4c/s1600/brown+bag+Badge.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></div>
</div>
</div>
<!--start InLinkz script-->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=428847&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!--end InLinkz script-->TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-43742944811200423652014-07-01T18:43:00.003-07:002018-05-30T16:54:48.729-07:00Sight Word Interactive Notebooks - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I love using Interactive Notebooks for introducing and practicing individual sight words. I also love to use them for revising a whole bunch of words after they have been introduced and practiced. Today I'd love to show you how we do that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2P5PscXFrIp1Xq2M_vX2-ErchAI_vbbmOIhxOqLUGxkoiDprX-8h4I3gKtaq_I_tiEO_T7_z0JcriJdzNk_EBMSy-6Rkugokg84rU2VxhuG8-9weWWjL7fEAH36L8fPP0KLj-8D_52U/s1600/sight+word+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2P5PscXFrIp1Xq2M_vX2-ErchAI_vbbmOIhxOqLUGxkoiDprX-8h4I3gKtaq_I_tiEO_T7_z0JcriJdzNk_EBMSy-6Rkugokg84rU2VxhuG8-9weWWjL7fEAH36L8fPP0KLj-8D_52U/s1600/sight+word+in.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We begin our revision with a simple cut and paste activity. Students read and color the high frequency words. They then cut and arrange the letters in order and glue to make the word under the flap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe56BFv0kCjLX0J-wD0n_kQKfUoQiRIPPKq5n53O5ZhnKubFYtd2ATuAJTOZ0dLHx8yViBbZuvWaehXGWs-m5VrYTKJ6s2aAWHLO0b1LZXX3dll9amp5qyzwbG46ilgU1vBep1OHWmjI/s1600/sight+word+in+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe56BFv0kCjLX0J-wD0n_kQKfUoQiRIPPKq5n53O5ZhnKubFYtd2ATuAJTOZ0dLHx8yViBbZuvWaehXGWs-m5VrYTKJ6s2aAWHLO0b1LZXX3dll9amp5qyzwbG46ilgU1vBep1OHWmjI/s1600/sight+word+in+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Similarly, in the next activity students read the sight word and make it by stamping (a favorite!), rainbow writing, bingo marking or any other preferred method on the left. On the right, students trace the word on the top sheet and color the word under the flap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvA-xrg7br5WxsQmw6TlCD4uP9W_TydiXPWhOSsCjh6R9tD8TjcTyEStzowOCeFM7b9Hcmh9Go_4X6omMlf02kuy9O_BZ4C8PwuJjP8jhVNc5Iqp1xJoa58E0gMuhcAWvvUeBmbomd8M/s1600/sight+word+in+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvA-xrg7br5WxsQmw6TlCD4uP9W_TydiXPWhOSsCjh6R9tD8TjcTyEStzowOCeFM7b9Hcmh9Go_4X6omMlf02kuy9O_BZ4C8PwuJjP8jhVNc5Iqp1xJoa58E0gMuhcAWvvUeBmbomd8M/s1600/sight+word+in+2.jpg" width="616" /></a></div>
<br />
In this colorful activity, students repeatedly write the words in the rainbow strips according to the colors on the rainbow review shape.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-xh5IoBEnAjKFtXK1C7q5TOP6u55A6YAQzgN7dOPub95BV_EfWvhr1KGgGePQTPfjrKOUZBGld89AC2zcZkDRYZA8EXa1e2VXfVUNMpxvMfoXWMjfs-BwPrK_01BZcXzn-a8nuwEskI/s1600/sight+word+in+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-xh5IoBEnAjKFtXK1C7q5TOP6u55A6YAQzgN7dOPub95BV_EfWvhr1KGgGePQTPfjrKOUZBGld89AC2zcZkDRYZA8EXa1e2VXfVUNMpxvMfoXWMjfs-BwPrK_01BZcXzn-a8nuwEskI/s1600/sight+word+in+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US">The Sight Words Sliders are a fun way to practice saying these 'tricky' words. Students move the strip up and down, saying the new word each time. They love to have races against themselves or others :)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBdYrJ-cvhb2EQYAFfoHiZ1Ta1ELMOpLhrg_yKB_khIHGB42_fqM-8wABOyrt7jG7BBWU63XRccqsg487wiAAPdO1ZD4k9OvPjd81VsP5rMrLp1-Q6h0u9WAidTDUZ3rjdKi4kaWU8tA/s1600/sight+word+in+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBdYrJ-cvhb2EQYAFfoHiZ1Ta1ELMOpLhrg_yKB_khIHGB42_fqM-8wABOyrt7jG7BBWU63XRccqsg487wiAAPdO1ZD4k9OvPjd81VsP5rMrLp1-Q6h0u9WAidTDUZ3rjdKi4kaWU8tA/s1600/sight+word+in+4.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The alphabet sort is not only great for sorting the sight words, but also great for any additional words we are learning in class. For this reason although not all letters have a sight word, the complete alphabet included is great!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhoxMP3E1cC5ehpeZbtSvTzVv7TIdVKRr6vyTfLMtM4wEtpadZgWOZGZp1WiZ7GEKeVhkCuvMCY7I_pEDx6BqBo4Mz-78oLLuT3YU-rJ4oAESrnm1wix_h2Txz_t9ah1vq-uHQfLfgHY/s1600/sight+word+in+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhoxMP3E1cC5ehpeZbtSvTzVv7TIdVKRr6vyTfLMtM4wEtpadZgWOZGZp1WiZ7GEKeVhkCuvMCY7I_pEDx6BqBo4Mz-78oLLuT3YU-rJ4oAESrnm1wix_h2Txz_t9ah1vq-uHQfLfgHY/s1600/sight+word+in+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Words I Know/Words to Learn pockets are great for me as an at a glance progress report. The kiddies love moving their words from Words to Learn to Words I Know too! To use this activity, students simply cut the word strips, trace and place in the pocket where they belong. (Please excuse my old photo that has word instead of words. It has been fixed, but I haven't had the chance to photograph it yet! Where does the time go?)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YUas1F63vg6m6eDM1yNs0dFKwF8pemhYihkQVpKAOfmj7zyCK86YvJr36BtIclvjyWxahTecFy4Pd3jhRlzFvwy7NpSTYCQ-NU1iU0YzC1TJmD8ykhRegQdFi7dWtggi6hTTAS-W9As/s1600/sight+word+in+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YUas1F63vg6m6eDM1yNs0dFKwF8pemhYihkQVpKAOfmj7zyCK86YvJr36BtIclvjyWxahTecFy4Pd3jhRlzFvwy7NpSTYCQ-NU1iU0YzC1TJmD8ykhRegQdFi7dWtggi6hTTAS-W9As/s1600/sight+word+in+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-Pre-Primer-1164561" target="_blank">Check out this fun learning resource!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-Pre-Primer-1164561" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkrq7iUbtpstvewxhPSrZvlmQPRVMUsI7VzcFhvowBIWPZstpdaxNqu78DjbC55k4f-0O6Xlx6nTUMWSC9K9DoJhE3oGvbfclNjguCQZQmg7O850h23g08OposfYjRGijpKpKQns3jGk/s640/interactive+notebook+sight+words.png" width="428" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-40334965124530870812014-06-26T08:22:00.001-07:002018-05-30T17:27:54.689-07:00Fast Finishers and Meticulous Incompleters {Finished & Unfinished Trays}Does it happen to you too? For the vast majority of your students you hit the nail on the head. They get it and they finish their work in the time you have allocated. You pat yourself on the back and you smile! Awesome lesson, you say to yourself. Well done! But wait, there are two sweeties over there working meticulously on their activity and they are just not going to finish before break. Then there is another who will have the same outcome, but for a whole different set of reasons! And don't forget the ever so eager one who completed the task as you finished explaining it. One of the most difficult things I have found when teaching a class filled with differing abilities and learning styles (which is every class you or I have ever taught), is managing the rate at which work is completed. What to do? Enter the finished/unfinished trays.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_622vZFmWmKX19zanpTdDg0czA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fBukleax6QaRoELfajD06WK_r5PSoXzbls8p7RoGIe_8sugsheo-t18bF4cBW-Wd_nlVBJEM6pCjo6Rkgo_t-HrEWqK7cs1Jdo3Y8coW6PjMgr5lpAVDaalaa1fpNRFfG4JAn7sPjUU/s1600/finished+unfinished.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This is such a simple strategy! When the students finish their independent activity they simply place their work in the finished tray. They can do this as and when they finish the activity without interrupting me. They then work on their 'fast finishers' tasks. One of these tasks is to check the unfinished tray.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_622vZFmWmKX19zanpTdDg0czA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDoZQ1lhlYSXvpICTsFk_jHOSi34L3IfMXRoA0cbdJAnPFjvjpnFsox78ofW4dqgkI3Izf4MeKtYrwQn-SKipKZQX9-bS9nxJXzynes6xJ64LLzxKUcDHSSdY4Pg0ePMROMj8bO6M6wY/s1600/finished.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If any of the sweeties don't finish their independent activity in the time allocated, they simply place it in the unfinished tray. When a spare five minutes arises through the day, students can collect their work from the tray and continue the activity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_622vZFmWmKX19zanpTdDg0czA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh-XIjASxX-j5q2L-jUj3vbV5LXCIgw-mgtDSTCO7F20QNMwjY_DH9LUqhT2mqtQ-7HB9EyArThymQGdnXLrIDb1liSq2f_3NOBCFerQO6IeIi9RAKUIjRI1pU4ycBkRk1GvLi6XCtqU/s1600/unfinished.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The great thing about this strategy is that all the sheets are in one place for marking! I can also see who is struggling (or taking extra care) with a particular concept at a glance. It has made a huge difference in managing this tricky classroom issue.<br />
<br />
If you would like a copy of these free labels click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_622vZFmWmKX19zanpTdDg0czA/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a> or on the images.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_622vZFmWmKX19zanpTdDg0czA/edit" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjAAf0NaaMbO-lwOT0BiNM6Xar_3PfkPgwueTkkVYlVrKLGOV-HPAlJkdCvu5sPzO4-X33yw1LE-9uG0WOuuDrE597lZzrqhJPA1-aVMSFlmo3f3BCilIiQsoCdBUYap5x43vTweFzPU/s640/FREE+FINISHED+UNFINISHED+LABELS.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
So what are your classroom management tips and tricks? I would love to hear them!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></div>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-21691422132669769962014-06-24T06:59:00.000-07:002018-05-30T16:48:01.788-07:00Sight Word Interactive Notebooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Just in case you have been hiding under a rock, let me tell you about a super fun way to engage your students in learning....Interactive Notebooks! Interactive Notebooks are great for introducing, practicing and revising concepts. Today I would like to walk you through my Sight Words Interactive Notebooks, which have been a wonderful help for students learning high frequency (and often tricky) words.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmf2_N56nRPBF6YMRJKvRTXCr9xdgxJcpUyGLHY9FhjGnOxlHfX6LqCbFCD-bz0C38uZlaBGXr4AEUam5ihBRg6De_lMG0bteyZVCHHatrr5-1DWSdZomW5WfnR6eFH1DusYTQg2cs10/s1600/DSC_2940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmf2_N56nRPBF6YMRJKvRTXCr9xdgxJcpUyGLHY9FhjGnOxlHfX6LqCbFCD-bz0C38uZlaBGXr4AEUam5ihBRg6De_lMG0bteyZVCHHatrr5-1DWSdZomW5WfnR6eFH1DusYTQg2cs10/s1600/DSC_2940.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When the sight word is introduced, I like to have the students trace over the word with their finger. After this, the kiddies stick stickers or use bingo markers to dot the word. Any tactile activity works well here! Under this flap students then write the word in the box shapes and glue. Students then find the sight word in the next two practice examples. These activities are completed on the first day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5R0aMWo5B2a7LS4V09VX5MJ2hKSAa6VwWjqShXEuzjfTWv3qOGLNM3NlNhZ9sg3p00SMNJNLsAc3AHGzRleo7vyecxpljXke21b8yBLVXB0W7o-QMiUBw7HQBiLp9JNaBUYVjUiHvbE/s1600/the+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5R0aMWo5B2a7LS4V09VX5MJ2hKSAa6VwWjqShXEuzjfTWv3qOGLNM3NlNhZ9sg3p00SMNJNLsAc3AHGzRleo7vyecxpljXke21b8yBLVXB0W7o-QMiUBw7HQBiLp9JNaBUYVjUiHvbE/s1600/the+box.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
By now you will notice there is no getting around it. Interactive Notebooks involve lots of cutting, gluing and coloring. While practicing these skills in the elementary years is important for fine motor development, it can take away precious lesson time. That is why I find that working in small groups (with a parent/volunteer) is particularly helpful when introducing these activities. As students become familiar with the layout and better with their cutting skills, this can be done as a larger group or independent activity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78UdAo2OaZtqMpSvf5kholDffJqZMRvnIqg1HDO_TvHOoPkkswsem2VNog6kL7pY_vaOX9mKC8xfFj-eW2JJMSmuz_snYN9qNTmDe1x-ss8XMAbyyroqAjDa6AFJ3DG0KLIRu0zaGSjM/s1600/DSC_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78UdAo2OaZtqMpSvf5kholDffJqZMRvnIqg1HDO_TvHOoPkkswsem2VNog6kL7pY_vaOX9mKC8xfFj-eW2JJMSmuz_snYN9qNTmDe1x-ss8XMAbyyroqAjDa6AFJ3DG0KLIRu0zaGSjM/s1600/DSC_2939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Students love making the picture! They read and write their sight words as they create the scene. They print, rainbow write and repeat the word. This activity is completed on the second day. Similar opportunities to practice are included with the 'cross' activity, where students trace, color, rainbow write and print the sight word on and under the flaps.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4x2LZxEQ5DBFsUYP3EJIW2xITlvzUMuIf_yuPu6Q8xXWnf4QITBZCbOraGTP5LFQbp5Jo3oafiZEhcHnesT2jyCODHvePi3wQgS_Q9kdQs5EitFWNvvpkmWD0UDFxR1xuHJfICUsheM/s1600/DSC_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4x2LZxEQ5DBFsUYP3EJIW2xITlvzUMuIf_yuPu6Q8xXWnf4QITBZCbOraGTP5LFQbp5Jo3oafiZEhcHnesT2jyCODHvePi3wQgS_Q9kdQs5EitFWNvvpkmWD0UDFxR1xuHJfICUsheM/s1600/DSC_2941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:rect id="_x0000_s1028" style='position:absolute;
left:166.28pt;top:657.67pt;width:86.51pt;height:54.33pt;rotation:360;
z-index:1;mso-wrap-distance-left:2.88pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:2.88pt;
mso-wrap-distance-right:2.88pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:2.88pt'
o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" fillcolor="white [7]" strokecolor="black [0]"
strokeweight="3pt" insetpen="t" o:cliptowrap="t">
<v:fill color2="white [7]"/>
<v:stroke color2="white [7]">
<o:left v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]" weight="3pt"
joinstyle="miter" insetpen="t"/>
<o:top v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]" weight="3pt"
joinstyle="miter" insetpen="t"/>
<o:right v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]" weight="3pt"
joinstyle="miter" insetpen="t"/>
<o:bottom v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]" weight="3pt"
joinstyle="miter" insetpen="t"/>
<o:column v:ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"/>
</v:stroke>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\LUKENJ~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="DSC_2937" cropbottom="29418f" cropleft="16022f" cropright="11015f"
blacklevel="-11796f"/>
<v:shadow color="#ccc [4]"/>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
<![if pub]><b:otyEscherText type="OplPo" oty="1" oh="286">
<b:FUserChangedFmt priv="200">True</b:FUserChangedFmt>
<b:FMoved priv="300">True</b:FMoved>
<b:Oid priv="C05">(```````````</b:Oid>
<b:OidAssociated priv="D05">(```````````</b:OidAssociated>
<b:Qtf priv="3404">0</b:Qtf>
<b:Ohlinfo priv="3A0E">287</b:Ohlinfo>
<b:DxlMax priv="AA04">1098632</b:DxlMax>
<b:DylMax priv="AB04">689948</b:DylMax>
</b:otyEscherText>
<b:Filename type="OplFileName" oty="102" oh="287">
<b:SzFileName priv="318">DSC_2937.JPG</b:SzFileName>
</b:Filename>
<![endif]>
</v:rect><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="height: 76px; left: 220px; mso-ignore: vglayout; position: absolute; top: 875px; width: 119px; z-index: 1;"></span><!--[endif]--><br />
In the 'read and trace' sentence practice activity, students have the opportunity to see the word used in context. This page is completed on the third day.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the year, each word is introduced and practiced over a 3 day period. As students become more confident with the process and their cutting skills, this can be done over a 2 day period and the house picture can be used as an independent revision activity.<br />
<br />
I love to use these notebooks when there is an extra 5 minutes to fill throughout the day. The kiddies simply take out their books and revise their sight words! They love it and so do I! Of course, not all activities must be used, or used as I have described. That's what I love about teaching - adapting activities to suit the learners in our care!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-Pre-Primer-1164561" target="_blank">Check out this fun learning resource!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Word-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-Pre-Primer-1164561" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVqzn4ZVp32wGOSdp_1nTgb3s_kH1tiwh8YUf_pmoTZ0rTuKoAX0wSb2s1gUsfCDZqsRbR6yqBQWbPJw1J3qOs7rAr6h3Tz0hEZ-DjyPMR1OQWoK1xsWDvmefxJG4LQF3vYQwYjhcqA0/s640/interactive+notebook+sight+words.png" width="428" /></a><span id="goog_651988631"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_651988632"></span></div>
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" />TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999499246305839355.post-85450585531792225372014-04-07T06:50:00.000-07:002015-03-09T04:42:52.076-07:00Popping Math Facts<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CeEoOw1DrVDtm_gOnijtvJ7I9IAASWohNBmpoebeuz_mNdW4VGgazaaAr6ldcoiQ__tYzYW0qtbr1iNJIPwB64g70uDw3XM3yttgATsRTkPQZkK4QLlTmQxPVHPnrt3HykQ7X6glUXs/s1600/POP!.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CeEoOw1DrVDtm_gOnijtvJ7I9IAASWohNBmpoebeuz_mNdW4VGgazaaAr6ldcoiQ__tYzYW0qtbr1iNJIPwB64g70uDw3XM3yttgATsRTkPQZkK4QLlTmQxPVHPnrt3HykQ7X6glUXs/s1600/POP!.png" height="400" width="380" /></a></h2>
<br />
I found this very cute toaster recently (at Smiggle for any Aussie readers) and just had to have it! It was labeled as a notepad - pop the 'toast' and write on the piece that pops. Cute idea, but of course I immediately thought of the uses in the classroom: sight words that pop, popping math questions, exit tickets, review - you get the picture! Whatever I would use it for, I was certain it would be a success!<br />
<br />
I ended up settling on math questions. During transition times, as my Kinders were coming to the carpet, I would get out 'Toaster Ted', select a volunteer and have them pop the toast. It was amazing how quickly and QUIETLY everyone came to the carpet in the hope they would be chosen to answer the question, and thus win the next turn at popping Ted!<br />
<br />
I just love how approaching something from a different angle can disguise learning and create fun! I'd love to hear what tricks you use to shake learning up in your classroom! Comment below!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6XRL8Bkb_lRStRFhmHHu1xvCj0H1o_D2D0k1pZgmEfhOZUL92Ragh8YoRUWQv3E6MpwAUKIBlFW4ASMbFTEItdmBgmuzO7Wq8sb9mqoJs8wOE9MQkoS4UA37Dpbb7S3MKnTSgPO3x7kI/s1600/signature.png" width="175" /></div>
TheTeacherGenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09547551133727211612noreply@blogger.com0