Hello Instagram!

Hellooooo Instagram!!

I finally jumped on board and got an Instagram account for my teacher-self! (I can't believe all the great stuff I've been missing out on. There are awesome teaching ideas, classroom ideas, freebies and so much more! I'm so glad to be part of this teacher Instagram community.

I'd love to connect with you through Instragram. Please consider following me @teachingthief. Just click the Instagram logo above to do so. More fun posts coming soon!!

I'd also love any and all advice you have for using Instagram as a blogger, teacher, and TPT creator. Please help and guide me. 

Thanks y'all! Let's do this thing!

Magic Squares: Supporting ELA Vocabulary & Concepts {A Magical Giveaway}

I did it! I am taking the plunge.  I finished my first product for TPT.

Ahhhh!!! I'm so nervous and excited all at the same time.

But... y'all... I'm also so proud of my work. :)

Introducing... ELA Magic Squares

An Activity Pack to "Magically" Support 

ELA Vocabulary & Concepts

One of my student's favorite activities we did this year was our Non-Fiction Text Feature Magic Square. I knew it was popular in my room, but then I looked on TPT and it was popular there too! It was right then and there that I started imagining the possibilities and this is the final result! Isn't it cute?!

What are Magic Squares?

In the simplest form, a magic square is a puzzle. The puzzle itself consists of 9 squares that contain vocabulary words and their definitions. When the square is completed correctly, all definitions match up and the border of the square is left completely blank. (Which is awesome for teachers because you can quick check student work in seconds!!)

How can Magic Squares be used?
Magic squares can be used as a whole group activity, literacy station, review, or intervention activity. You can run individual copies for students have them glue completed squares on construction paper or in their ELA journals for reference. You can also copy squares on colored paper, laminate, and use over and over again in stations to build student's problem solving skills and content vocabulary mastery. The choice is yours.

How do Magic Squares support student learning?
Magic squares give students an opportunity to revisit the vocabulary they have learned in a new and different way. As teachers, we present material in many ways to help our students make connections and "lock in" their learning. This is just one more great strategy for students to work with the content vocabulary but in a new context. The puzzle element challenges even the highest students in your class. For the kids who want a quick match up game, the magic square pushes them to think outside the box. They must manipulate the pieces, use problem solving skills, and review the content vocabulary all at the same time.

What vocabulary is covered in this activity pack?
The ELA magic squares that are included in this packet cover the a variety of topics covered throughout the year, including:

• Non-Fiction Text Features & Purpose
• Reading Genres 
• Poetry Terms
• Drama Terms
• Writing Terms
• Parts of Speech

How should I introduce this to my class?
Don't give too much away! That takes away from the fun. I tell them they are getting a vocabulary puzzle.  Their job is to match the vocabulary word with the definition. They will know they have completed the square when the outside border is blank. (I usually draw a sample on the board, so they know what I mean by a clean edge). The only other hint I give is to start in the center. The center square is the only square with all four sides filled with writing (vocab word or definition) From there, I let them figure it out. Do some get frustrated a first?  Yes. Do they give up?  Never! They always want to figure it out and the feeling of success they have when they do is priceless!! 

My class LOVED this activity and I hope your class will too.  

How about a freebie?
Sure! I can't wait to share the fun! Click here to grab your free Text Feature Magic Square from my TPT store today! Your feedback is greatly appreciated and valued.

Now for the giveaway...

To win a copy of Magic Squares: An Activity Pack to "Magically" Support ELA Vocabulary & Concepts Grades 3-5 just enter the giveaway below! 

Don't forget to check out my TPT store for other great activities and freebies!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Fiction Friday: Chapter 3

Hello book lovers! Welcome back for another round of Fiction Friday.

This week I read a variety of books that all fall into the children's literature category. Books for kids have come so far since I was a kid! I loved reading Little House on the Prairie and Ramona, but books are just different now, don't you think?  I'm continually astounded at the variety of high quality engaging texts there are out there for kids to read. There is something for everyone.

Graphic novels have taken off and it is now the norm for upper elementary chapter books to have some kind of illustration or comic somewhere in the novel. We are a fast-paced visual society and thrive on text that uses all our senses. Surely with so many different books, we can find the right book for every kid to get them to love reading. I'm a firm believer that it is all about finding the right book!

So...Let the celebration of children's literature continue!

This week I read...

The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Spelling Trouble
By Frank Cammuso

This hilarious graphic novel was a brand new series to me that is sure to entertain kids of all ages!

Salem Hyde is a young witch who simply cannot control her spells. After she accidentally turns her school crossing guard into a dinosaur, her parents get her an animal companion to help her learn control of her magic. Hoping for a unicorn, Salem is nothing but disappointed when Percival J. Whamsford III, also known as Whammy, an 800 year old cat with five lives left, shows up as her new magical companion. Salem and Whammy are polar opposites.  She is impulsive and stubborn and never thinks about the consequences of her actions. And Whammy is a natural rule followed filled with 100 reasons why Salem should not do whatever it is she is about to do. However different they are, they may be just right combination of to get Salem out of the spelling trouble she's gotten herself into this time.


Full of quirky fun illustrations and wit, this graphic novel reads as if you were perusing the Sunday comics. Purely enjoyable! I laughed out loud several times as Whammy tried to reel Salem in before too much trouble brewed, but he always got sucked right into her antics and her adventure.

Spelling Trouble is the first book in this fun series. I am definitely going to need the rest because my 4th graders are going to LOVE this series. Frank Cammuso also wrote the graphic novel series Knights of the Lunch Table that I plan on checking out as well. I enjoyed his comic style and his humor. You can learn more about Frank Cammuso and his books on his website.

Book Information:

• 95 pages
• graphic novel/ fantasy/series
• grades 2-4

This week I also read...

The Vanishing Coin
by Kate Egan with Magician Mike Lane


The Vanishing Coin is the story of Mike, another impulsive youngster who has trouble sitting still and constantly seems to find myself in trouble. (Are we seeing a pattern here or what?!?) He feels like he's terrible at everything and can't do anything right. Things finally start to turn around when he wanders into the new magic store in town. Mr. Zerlin, the store owner, sees something in Mike that sets him on the path to learning magic, regaining his confidence, and finding his strengths.

Filled with lively illustrations, the book reads very quickly. The characters are clearly defined  and I promise will remind of you students in your past classes. I have had so many Mike's over the years, as well as a few Jacksons (the bully) and Nora (the gifted student).

One of the coolest things about this book is that it includes directions for the magic tricks that Mike learns in the story.  I can't wait to see if any of my students get really into magic after reading it. It is also the first book in The Magic Shop series. I would recommend it as a great independent read for grades 2-4.

As a teacher, I couldn't help but read this book with my teacher hat on. I saw my students in the characters. It reminded me how important it is to make sure to find every child's strengths and make sure they feel valued for all their talents both inside and outside of the classroom. It also reminded me how important it is to have patience, give grace, offer second and third chances and show love to all our students, but especially those who have trouble focusing and never EVER seem to stop moving.

Book Information:

• 142 pages
• fiction/series
• 560 lexile
• Guided Reading Level - Q
• Grade Level Equivalent - 4.0

In addition, I read...

Grandfather Gandhi

by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus

This was an incredible powerful and beautifully illustrated picture book.

Click here to read more about this gem of a book!

And...finally... I did read one more, but I think I'm going to save it for next week. Hehe. But I will say, I couldn't put it down and believe it is a must have for upper elementary classrooms. Join me next week to find out more about this important book about a little boy surviving a hurricane that tore a city apart. Dun dun dun!

Have you read any of the books above?  What did you think?  What else have you been reading this week?  For more great children's literature recommendations click through the linky below and please don't hesitate to add your own link and join the fun! The more the merrier! I already have my Amazon wishlist on standby.

Happy Reading!

An InLinkz Link-up

Teachers Love Summer {Linky Party}

 

Oh.. heck yes... we do! I start looking forward to summer in October, seriously! I mean... don't get me wrong... I love my job. I can't think of anything else in the world I would rather do, except sit by the pool, go to the beach, enjoy hours of free reading time, and lounge around all day.  :)

Today, I'm linking up with Aimee over at Primary Speaking for her super fun summer linky... Teachers Love Summer to share 6 reasons why I love summer, in no particular order.

No Alarm Clock Needed

I despise waking up to an alarm clock. I would much rather wake up naturally with the sun shining through my windows. That only happens in the summer.  I love it! I'm getting a full 8 hours of sleep every night and I feel refreshed when I get up in the morning. There's nothing better.

Time

Summer is an opportunity to get caught up on everything. I finally have all the time I need to do everything I dreamed of doing throughout the year. It is so much easier to maintain your house, your yard, your laundry, your workout schedule, your Pinterest boards, your blog, etc. when you are not working 10+ hours a day.   

I love having this time to create some of the wonderful things I've pinned from Pinterest over the last year. I love having time to cook and try out new recipes. I love having time to get caught up on blogs while sipping my morning coffee. I love having time to hit the gym everyday. Okay... most days. It's that feeling of finally having time for things and if you run out of time today, there is always tomorrow. Best. Feeling. Ever.

Beach

I love the beach. It is one of my favorite places to spend the day. Nothing says relaxation like the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the caw of seagulls overhead. I can just sit under an umbrella and read all day. It is pure bliss.

Unlimited Reading Time

Reading is one of my favorite activities, but I find it hard to do during the school year. My brain is so fried by the end of the day, it takes me forever to get through a book. I start reading and two pages later I'm asleep. At a rate of two pages a day, even a short book takes me a long time to read. In the summer, if I start a good book I can devote the whole day to reading if I want. And I usually only take 1-2 quick little naps while doing it. :)

 

Blogging

Oh yes, summer is the time where I come back to my poor neglected little blog and get back into the swing of things. One of my favorite summer blog activities is Fiction Friday. This is a linky party I created several years ago that allows me to share all the great children's literature books I'm reading over the summer and invites others to link up and share their favorites too. 

This year I have committed myself to reading the upcoming Bluebonnet Book nominees and the Battle of the Books list for my upcoming 4th graders. Check out my blog each Friday to see what books I read this week and click through the links to find other great books. I've learned of so many great titles while doing this linky and I always feel so "in the know" when I head back to school in the fall. Come join the fun!!

 Friends & Family

This one probably doesn't need any more explanation. I simply love having extra time to see my friends and family. It's the best! Whether we are bowling, going to a movie, or just hanging out, it is so nice to have the ability to spend quality time with the people you love anytime you want.

So, that's it for me. Those are my Top 6 reasons why I love summer. What about you?  What is your favorite thing about summer?  Please share in the comment below. And don't forget to hop over to Primarily Speaking to see what other bloggers/teachers LOVE about summer!

Happy Summer!! Now let's get out there and enjoy it!

Grandfather Ghandi - A Picture Book with a Message for the World

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

This is my favorite quote. I post it in my classroom every year.  It embodies the kind of leadership I wish to model for my students and the kind of leadership I wish for my students to exhibit in and out of our classroom.

So...

I couldn't believe my luck when one of the Texas Bluebonnet Book Nominees this year was about one of my personal heroes. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and it did not disappoint!

Grandfather Gandhi

by Arun Gandhi & Bethany Hegedus

Grandfather Gandhi is the story of Gandhi's grandson Arun.  Told through the eyes of a child, the story shows Arun struggling to be as "good" as his grandfather and live up to his family name.

I mean... can you imagine the pressure?!? Totally understandable.

He experiences many of the same frustrating situations all children (and adults) experience.  At times he feels forgotten and unimportant. He gets pushed and shoved on the soccer field. He has days where everything seems to go wrong. He is a totally normal kid and has a totally normal responses to things that happen in his daily life.
He experiences the same anger we all feel when an injustice has been done to us whether large or small. But he feels especially guilty for feeling angry because he is a Gandhi.

After a particularly bad day, Arun runs to his grandfather for help. He explains his horrible day and how the anger is bubbling up inside him ready to burst out.
 

The book beautifully captures Gandhi's explanation to his grandson.

"Anger can strike, like lightning, and split a living tree in two," he said. "Or it can be channeled, transformed. A switch can be flipped, and it can shed light like a lamp. Then anger can illuminate. It can turn darkness into light."          -Grandfather Gandhi by Arun Gandhi & Bethany Hegedus

What Gandhi so eloquently explains to his grandson is that we all feel anger. It is what we decide to do with our anger that matters. And we all have the power to choose how we handle our anger. We can lash out or we can channel our anger into making a positive change in the world. It is in this moment that Arun decides to channel his anger into light just like his grandfather. Powerful!

The illustrations in the book are incredible. They are mixture of watercolor, paper collage, cotton fabric, yarn gouache, pencil, tea, and tin foil.  Each page is a masterpiece to look at and allows the spirit of the story to jump off the page. It is truly captivating.

In the end, this powerful book leaves you with an incredible message.  Live your life as light.

I cannot wait to read this book to my class at the beginning of the year. It will tie in perfectly during the first few weeks when we teach the 7 habits. If you are also at a Leader In Me school, then this is a must have book for you too. It captures the essence of what it means to be proactive verses reactive and opens the door for incredible discussions with your class. It is an absolute gem of a picture book. And don't forget to read the author's note in the back. It is a powerful message to us all filled with compassion, love, and hope for the world.

"Be the change you wish you see in this world." - Mahatma Gandhi

Fiction Friday 2015: Chapter 2

Welcome back to another round of Fiction Friday! I am off to a bit of a slow start this summer. I only got through one book again this week, but that's okay. It still feels great to have more reading time than normal and luckily for me, it was a great book!!

This week I read...

Sky Jumpers

by Peggy Eddleman

Set after WWIII, Sky Jumpers follows the story of one brave girl named Hope. She lives in White Rock, a town built in a mountain crater surrounded by Bomb's Breath, a deadly compressed air that kills instantly once it has been breathed in. The town is trying to survive, but the world has changed. All the technology is gone. Metals like steel that were once strong, have been forever changed by the weapons used in the war. The town is struggling to rebuild itself, repopulate the earth, and recreate the world as it once was before the war. 

Inventing is the most important skill in White Rock. However, Hope is not an inventor. Every year, her inventions for the Harvest Festival go horribly wrong and she continually stands out as the "outsider" in a community filled with inventors. She would much rather sky jump through the Bomb's Breath. Her impulsive nature and sense of adventure often get her in trouble, but when a group of bandits take over her town during the winter and threaten the safety her family and friends, Hope won't back down. Together with her friends Aaron and Brock, Hope sets out to save her family and her town. This problem can't be solved with an invention. This problem can only be solved through courage and Hope. 

Told through Hope's eyes, the story is fast-paced and action packed. Short chapters help the story move along quickly and I devoured 40-50 pages easily in one sitting. In fact, I was reading at the gym before spin class one day and a friend asked me, "Is it that good or are you just trying to finish the book?" And you know what? It was that good.

I would recommend this book to fans of The Lightning Thief and  Dead City. There is a science-fiction element, but it is mostly an excellent adventure story for grades 4-6.  It will keep kids reading and reaching out to grab the sequel (which comes out in paperback in September.) I am very seriously thinking about reading this aloud to my class next year. I think it would keep them on the edge of their seat and begging me to read just one more chapter which is exactly the way I like it!

Book Information:

• 275 pages
• science fiction/adventure
• 860 lexile
• Grade Level Equivalent - 5.4

Have you already read Sky Jumpers? What did you think?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. I bumped into one of my students last week and she read it this summer and loved it too. So now it comes to you both teacher and student approved.  :)

What else have you been reading and loving?  Share your favorite books in the comments below or link up with your own Fiction Friday post.  Let the celebration of children's literature continue!!

 Happy Reading!

An InLinkz Link-up

Six Rules & Our Comma Kingdom

Is there one skill or topic you teach ALL year?  I know I do.

It's those pesky comma rules. It's one of those skills that I keep revisiting over and over again because no matter how many ways we break it down, we have forgotten those pesky comma rules two weeks later.

We all know the importance of good punctuation. Books like Eat, Shoots, & Leaves have shown kids that commas really DO make a difference. After all... commas save lives, right?

And yet... there are so many different rules for commas.  It's hard to remember it all. Some rules are even disputed (Oxford comma I'm talking to you.) Remembering all the rules can be challenging, especially when you are nine and ten years old and let's face it... sometimes you forget to start your sentence with a capital letter. So...we learn about commas all year long and all different ways! 

On my hunt for quality comma activities, I found some awesome resources from Amelia over at Where the Wild Things Learn. (BTW...how fantastic is that blog name?!?) She created  a great Comma Mini-Lessons Pack that included colorful posters with 6 very specific comma rules and practice pages. Definitely check out her TPT store and her blog.

After all our lessons throughout the year about commas, introductory clauses, fanboys, aaawwwbbis, and lists my kids loved having six very straight forward clear cut rules. Six rules they could manage.  This made sense.

We practiced using these six comma rules with a Comma Graffiti Activity! I'm so disappointed I didn't take pictures of my students doing this because they LOVED it!

Set up was simple. I grabbed six pieces of anchor chart paper and wrote each comma rule at the top. I included an example sentence below that. Then I numbered the anchor chart paper down the side 1-22.  I hung the posters around the room in a place where students could easily write on it.

from Where the Wild Things Learn

I had all students grab a marker (oh yes, a marker!!) and go around the room to add 1 sentence to each poster using the appropriate rule correctly. I had the kids write their sentence next to their classroom number so that I could see who had done what and seize a teachable moment for kids to fix mistakes.

Every child in my room loved this activity. My writers went to town! The crafted creative sentences that went beyond my simple examples. My struggling writers started at the simplest poster first (using a comma in a date) and by the time they got around to the other posters, there were 5-10 other examples for them to look at.   

Everyone was supported and encouraged as they practiced using the six manageable comma rules. They were laughing and reading each others sentences and at times trying to outdo each other. If something wasn't used correctly, they were helping their friends correct it! It was one of those perfect moments in the classroom where the activity does not just go well, but exceeds your expectations.  Yesssssss!

For our culminating activity, I had seen this fantastic comma project on Pinterest.  The link led me to 2nd Grade Rocks: Mrs. Fritts' Classroom and an activity called Mr. & Mrs. Comma that she did way back in 2012! Ahhh! Aren't those adorable?!?

I modified the project a bit for 4th graders, but not much. They had to write example sentences for all 6 rules and then they could create their very own comma person.

Here was my example.

They started getting creative. :)

I couldn't pick a favorite even if I wanted to.

As more and more comma people started rolling in, I felt we needed to create a bulletin board to showcase how awesome all these comma people were turning out. The kids designed and cut out the buildings all by themselves. I just assembled. 

Can you find the Gryffindor? 

How about the disco dancer? 

Captain America is on top of the yellow building on the right.

We just kept adding comma people to our Comma Kingdom. We ended up with a wookie (bottom left by the wizard), Darth Vader (tall yellow building, FYI-the helmet lifts up), Wonder Woman (in the clouds), a pirate, a moose, an astronaut, a nar-whal, and so much more!

The kids had an absolute blast and were so proud of their work. I soooo wish I had a better picture of the final board, but I had to snag this from the background of another photo. How I did not take a picture of the final product, I have no idea. I won't make that mistake again next year. #liveandlearn

My class said it was one of their favorite projects we did all year. Grammar is not always the most exciting thing to teach, so I'm so thankful that I found awesome inspiration online. With their guidance, I was able to put together great learning activities for my students and it turned into something they will never forget. Thank you ladies!

How do you teach commas and other grammar rules? Silly cartoons? This one made me laugh.

I'm always a fan of grammar humor. Of course, you have to understand it to get it.  :)

Reflect & Refresh: Part 1

Yesterday finally felt like summer.

I woke up without an alarm, enjoyed my coffee while catching up on blogs, went to the gym, spent two glorious hours by the pool, met up with friends for happy hour, and then enjoyed a relaxing dinner with my husband at home! 

Pretty much PERFECT! 

Today, I'm excited to be linking up with Destiny at Terrific Teaching and Learning for her Reflect and Refresh Linky Party. The end of the year is always a good time to think about what went well and what changes could be made for next year. As we all know, live and learn or in this case teach and learn. :)

Communication:

I feel like communication is a strength for me. I really try to keep parents informed of what's going on in our classroom. As a fourth grade team, we send out a 4th grade Newsletter each week with curriculum updates, important dates, and reminders. I always attach the general newsletter to an email that includes specifics for my class. I think the biggest thing I have learned with sending weekly emails is to keep them direct and to the point. I use headings and bullet everything. I want it to be quick and easy for my parents to read. The best part is that if parents have questions, they can reply back to me in that moment. It keeps the doors open for communication all year long!

Remind 101 (now just called Remind) is another absolute gem of a tool for teachers! If you don't use this, you simply have to start. I'm telling you... parents love it! It is easy to send out quick reminders on anything from "Field trip tomorrow - don't forget a sack lunch!" to "PTA Performance tonight at 6. Hope to see you there!" The app has even updated so that you can send messages to a selected group of parents. This was awesome when I needed to send something out to only my tutoring kids or only my students who were missing work. You can also send pictures! I could quickly blast out pictures from our field trips and/or classroom anytime. Simply awesome!

Organization:

Okay, so I had a new room this year which meant I had to figure out the perfect furniture arrangement for that space. Y'all... I NEVER did! I moved things around so many times throughout the year and simply never discovered the perfect way to house all my students, their desks, my teacher desk (which is mandated to a specific spot due to technology and naturally is the worst place in the room for it), my group gathering area, my guided reading table (that bad boy is HUGE), my entire classroom library, etc.  It drove me crazy all year. So... this fall my mission is to figure it out. There has to be a way. I just haven't discovered it yet.

For classroom management, I stuck to my tried and trues.

• I love the positive clip chart that you have seen everywhere! My kids love it too. They work so hard to get above the chart or even off the chart. 
• Wiggle seats have been a lifesaver each and every year for my squirrely kiddos. They are awesome! 
• Go Noodle was a great way to take quick 2-5 minute brain breaks during our exceptionally long morning. The kids loved the zumba dance ones and I have to admit watching them follow along was priceless. Another classroom favorite was Kitty High-Five.

Content:

Student technology. What to say?  Does anyone else have a hard time incorporating technology for student use when you have extremely limited access?  I want my kids to use product based apps and participate in activities like Kahoot but that is so tough with only 4 iPads in my classroom. It takes forevvvvver! And you know one is always on the fritz when you try to use them. Any tips?  Please help! This is one of my major goals for next year.

We made great progress this year getting into more hands-on science and developing our science notebooking skills as a 4th grade. This is the first year where my students filled up their science notebooks and some even ran out of pages! We also survived the first year with new math standards and a new math curriculum. Yahoo! And...I started using some of the strategies from Notice & Note, but not enough. I want to do so much more! 

My Big Summer Goal:

I've already started my summer goal of reading all 20 Texas Bluebonnet Nominees for the upcoming school year. My school librarian does a great job encouraging students to read bluebonnets and I like to be in the know too! I've completed 1/20 of the goal so far and you can read all about Quinny & Hopper on my current edition of Fiction Friday!

My other goal makes me a little nervous. I have a TPT store and have posted lots of different things for free, but I have never sold anything. I'm intimidated by all the copyright mumbo jumbo and I also feel like it is my way of giving back to all the other countless teachers who have shared their awesome stuff with me for free.

Then, the other day I was looking at my product activity and one of my products had been downloaded over 10,000 times!!! Holy cow! I couldn't help but think "What If?!?"

So, now I'm wondering...what if I gave it a try?  Not to toot my own horn, but I came up with some pretty sweet activities this year that I know my class loved and the rest of my team loved, so... maybe others would love them too and possibly pay for them?!?  I would greatly appreciated any advice in this area.  How to get started?  I know it's a huge time commitment, so is it worth it?  Please share your knowledge and expertise.

Whoa... that was some good reflecting.  I feel better. :)  Overall, it was a really good year. It's hard to believe I just wrapped up my 8th year of teaching. Where does the time go?? Now, it is time to relax, recharge, and get energized for next year which has the potential to be even better!!  

Thanks for reading my thoughts and sharing your thoughts with me.