Building A Community of Readers with ThingLink

Have you used ThingLink?  Oh my goodness...it is the coolest and easiest tool for teachers. I just started playing around with it this summer and I have fallen in love. I'm still learning, but I wanted to share one project that I can't wait to use in my classroom.

What is ThingLink?

• ThingLink is an interactive media platform that allows YOU to make an image interactive by adding video, links, comments, images, and more!
• ThingLink works on the computer, iPads, iPhones, and Androids.
• ThingLink offers free education accounts for teachers and students!

 

Why do I love ThingLink?

• It is super easy to use and fast!
• You can create your own image in PowerPoint, upload, and add media anyway you want.
• Teachers can quickly create an image embedded with all kinds of links and media clips. 
• It's perfect for activities in Google Classroom. Just add your ThingLink and let kids click away.
• Kids can explore a topic online in a safe (already approved by you) and fun way.
• Easily embeds on webpages and blogs.  :)

When you log in to your account, there are a ton of tutorial videos right at your fingertips. Literally, they are scrolling across the bottom of the screen.  There are, of course, endless possibilities for using this in the classroom, however, I want to focus on building my classroom reading community!

Building a community of readers is a top priority for me each year. One of the best ways to build a community of readers is to talk, share, and be excited about books in general. And what better way to get kids excited about books then incorporating a little bit of technology.

The librarian at my school does an incredible job promoting the Texas Bluebonnet Books each year and I love to jump on board. One of the things I love about this program is the variety of books that make the list. Because the list includes picture books, graphic novels, and chapter books on a range of levels, there really is a good for everyone.

To help my students learn more about the books, I created my first ThingLink. I linked each book to the book trailer.  This way students can watch 1-2 minute video to see if they are interested in reading that book.

I plan on making this one of my first assignments in Google Classroom. Students will be given some time to watch trailers and find 2-3 Bluebonnet Books they would be interested in reading.  I may even let them vote on one for a read aloud.

You could do this for any list of award books, your personal favorites, or have your students create a ThingLink with their favorite books and their reviews. You could add video, a 1-2 sentence summary, or quick review of the book. You could include videos from the author or a link to the author's website. Endless possibilities. All of which will spark conversation and sharing of books in your classroom.

Now that I am familiar with ThingLink, I can't wait to incorporate it in my classroom.

I've also used it to streamline my Fiction Friday Archive.



Do already use ThingLink in your classroom?  I would love to compare notes. It not, How might you use ThingLink in the classroom?

Teacher only creations or student creations too?  I'm sticking with teacher creations right now. Baby steps.

In addition to promoting reading and talking books, I have plans for a poetry Thinglink, an Alamo Thinglink, and an Author's Study Thinglink and some kind of biography project Thinglink. :)

Check out the ThingLink blog to learn more.

Oh...the possibilities...

Fiction Friday: Chapter 3 {Chicken Edition}

Welcome back to the third installment of Fiction Friday 2016 

The Chicken Edition

Normally, I share Children's Literature with you, but today I'm going to focus on Chicken Literature. That's right... chickens. It turns out there are an amazing amount of great books written for children involving chickens, two of which are on the Texas Bluebonnet list for the upcoming year, so I've been reading a lot of Chicken Lit lately.

Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer

by Kelly Jones

Isn't that a terrific title? Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer -I  love it. Between the bright colors and intriguing title, this book is begging you to judge it by it's cover. You won't be disappointed.

Twelve-year-old Sophie has just moved to her deceased great uncle's farm and is disappointed with farm life.  There is not very much to do on the barren farm and being in a new place is isolating and lonely, especially when you don't look like everyone else. Then as luck would have it, Sophie discovers a rather unique chicken, who she names Henrietta.  Henrietta appears to have talents well beyond that of a normal chicken. She is indeed both unusual and exceptional and she's not the only one. As Great Uncle Jim's unusual chickens slowly return to the farm, Sophie takes them under her care. What she didn't expect was for someone to try and steal them! In her effort to protect her flock, Sophie finds her voice, makes new friends, and discovers she is part of the chicken community.

Written entirely through letters, quizzes, to-do lists, and a chicken care correspondence course this novel is an engaging and quick read. You will love Sophie from the beginning. She is refreshingly honest, smart, witty, and always true to herself.  The different styles of text help keep each new chapter fresh and the illustrations are perfect. They compliment the writing, both enhancing and bringing the story to life. This book would make a fun read aloud grades 2-4 and a great book club read for grades 4-6.  There is a lot of "meat" to this story.  It's not simply a book about a girl and her chickens.  I can't wait to see what my 4th graders make of it in the fall. I'm sure Sophie will steal their heart just like she stole mine.

Book Information:

• Realistic Fiction (mostly)
• Grades 3-6
• 224 pages

The Chicken Squad

by Doreen Cornin

I was thrilled to see that another Doreen Cronin novel made the Texas Bluebonnet list this year. She is GREAT and these crazy chickens are a hoot and a half. I love that it has developed into a whole series.

The Chicken Squad falls right in with this quirky fun series. Dirt, Sweetie, Poppy, and Sugar are solving their own mystery this time. What the heck is the not-so-brave squirrel afraid of??  Told through hilarious dialogue and illustrations, this lightning fast read will leave you with a huge smile on your face.  

Meant as an emerging chapter book for young readers, everyone will enjoy it and older readers will get all the well-timed humor. It would make a great read aloud and with only 92 pages you will be done in no time at all.  You can read about another great chicken adventure, the book that started it all, The Trouble with Chickens here. Also, look out for more books in this series. Into the Wild and The Case of the Weird Blue Chicken both came out in paperback in May 2016.

Book Information:

• Mystery
• Grades K-5
• 92 pages
• Lexile Measure 410L

Love, Ruby Lavender

by Deborah Wiles

Love, Ruby Lavender is an older book (published 2005), but a wonderful book that I simply couldn't leave off the list. Have you already read it? It's another chicken lit book filled with chicken thieves, letters, friendship, forgiveness, and hope.

Ruby Lavender and Miss Eula are a dynamic grandmother and granddaughter team who also happen to be chicken thieves. Of course, it was more of a rescue mission than a chicken-napping. :) These two are the best of friends, but when Miss Eula leaves for Hawaii to see her new grand baby and mourn the loss of her husband, Ruby is all by herself in the small town of Halleluia, Mississippi.   

In a story of loss, friendship, growing up, and letting go and moving on, Love, Ruby Lavender will stick with you long after you have put the book down. A great independent read or book club selection for grades 4-6.

Book Information:

• Realistic Fiction
• Grades 4-7
• 228 pages
• Lexile Level 570L
• Guided Reading Level U

Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken

by Kate DiCamillo & Harry Bliss

If you have been following my blog for awhile, you already know that I have a soft spot in my heart for Kate DiCamillo. She is my writing hero and Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken did not disappoint. Beautifully crafted and illustrated, I love this book!

Louise is not your ordinary chicken.  She longs for adventure and leaves home to venture out into the world. She finds a boat full of pirates and a big top with a high wire. She meets a mysterious stranger in a bazaar and always seems to find herself in a little bit of trouble. However, imminently brave and a little bit clueless, Louise finds her way home where she dreams the dream of a true adventure. Bursting with themes of courage, perseverance, the warmth of home and the power of storytelling, this a picture book every teacher should have on their shelves.

Book Information:

• Picture Book
• Grades K and up
• 56 pages
• Lexile Level AD620L

 

Finally, I couldn't wrap up a Chicken Lit post without at least mentioning these next two books. They are great for all ages and fun for teachers and parents to read aloud.

Little Chicken is ready for his bed time story, but Papa Chicken has a hard time getting through a story without Little Chicken interrupting. Just Hilarious!

On a tiny little farm, one chicken lays a very big egg and out hatches...well, something, but it couldn't be a chicken, could it? Chicken Big follows the story of a group of clueless chickens that try to figure out their new family member. Great illustrations that are bursting with personality and speech bubbles. Fun book!

**********

I guess I had never thought about the sheer number of incredible books written about chickens. What are some of your favorites? Have you read any of the ones above?  Please share your thoughts and recommendations!

Don't forget to click through all the links to discover more great books or link up to add your own favorites and new discoveries to the list. They do not have to be chicken related. :)

When linking up, please remember to grab the Fiction Friday button and link back to my blog. Also, please choose an image of a book you blogged about for the link.

Thank you and happy reading!

An InLinkz Link-up

Easy iPad Apps for Everyone: Adobe Voice

Technology integration is a funny thing. It sounds so simple and yet it's not. I used to think you could just toss a little somethin' somethin' for the teacher to do into a lesson and that would cover it.  Technology component in lesson...check. But, what about my students? How often are they using technology in meaningful ways? How often is technology being used to enhance their learning and ramp up engagement?

It is important to ask yourself, who is using the technology in your classroom?  Teacher or students? I'll be the first to admit, that in my classroom it was mostly the teacher. Why?  It was just easier. I cringe to admit it, but it's true. I am a tech savvy gal and I love the idea of integrating tech, but when it came down to it I just didn't feel like I had the time or the resources to do it well.

Using technology in the classroom can be challenging, especially in a classroom with minimal access. I'm lucky. I have 4 iPads in my classroom for teacher and student use. However, with 24 students that can still turn into a technology nightmare. So, I had to stop and think.

Question:

How do I get my students using technology in an effective and purposeful way more frequently, even if I only have four iPads and access to a computer lab once a week? 

 

Answer: 

I need apps that are easy for students to use and easy to integrate into my classroom on a regular basis across content areas.

I found a few possible answers that I will share through a series of posts over the summer. If you are like me, looking for easier ways to get technology into your classroom, I hope you'll join me on this journey. I know that together we can brainstorm even MORE ways to integrate these apps into our daily classroom routines and get the technology in the hands of students.

Today, let's take a look at Adobe Voice.

When you go to download the app, it is called Adobe Spark Video. It requires an Adobe log-in which is easy to create online or through your app. Since I teach elementary, I won't have my students create their own accounts. I will just have them use the classroom account.

After opening the app, it is super easy to get started. Just click the red plus sign at the bottom and follow the prompts. The app is very intuitive and after playing around for just a few minutes, you and your students will be off creating story slide show. :)

Below is a great video explaining how to get started and how to use the app.

So, why did I love, love, love this app?

• Its so easy to use. There are enough options to make it "cool" without being overwhelming. 
• You can add voice-over, background music, themed backgrounds, pictures, & text.
• Students can include images from the iPad, Dropbox, or search for Creative Commons-licensed photos within the app.
• The app automatically credits the photos and music at the end of the slideshow. 
• You can a voice-over on each slide and edit each slide individually. That means kids don't have to start from the beginning to fix one little voice-over mistake. :)
• You can create a voice-over on each slide, so different kids can voice different slides making it great for group projects. Everyone can be involved.
• You can easily share the final product by adding it to Dropbox, posting to Padlet, or uploading it to Seesaw.

Student Project Ideas:

• Personal Narrative Writing - Use the "Tell What Happened"  structure to get kids storytelling. The structure has 7 slides that walk students through their own story including: what happened, how it ended, and final thoughts. Students can add icons, pictures, or personal illustrations to each slide to help them tell their story.
• Creative Writing - Use "A Hero's Journey" structure to encourage creative writing. This structure reinforces the idea of plot and climax. It would be a great option for retelling a story and summarizing fiction.
• Class Books - Do a shared reading of a class book. Books on homophones, idioms, or poetry would be a great place to start.
• Book Recommendations - Students could snap a quick picture of a favorite book and talk for 10-12 seconds about why they enjoyed the book.
• Class Rules - This would be a great group project for the beginning of the year. Students could share the classroom rules and why they are important. 
• Show What You Know Presentation- Individuals or groups of students could do any type of show what you know activity: types of reading genres, animals adaptations, proper nouns, etc.
• Tips for Next Year - This would be a great end of the year activity. Students could share tips on how to be successful in your class.

Adobe Voice is also a fun teacher tool and a great way to introduce new concepts or assignments.

Here is an example of a quick video I made to introduce a fall descriptive writing assignment. It's still a work in progress, but I wanted to provide you with an example of the possibilities.  The cool thing about Adobe Voice is that you can constantly revise your story, so I can easily go back to add or delete photos or rerecord slides as needed.

Have you used Adobe Voice with your students? What have you found to be successful projects in your classroom?

Are you like me?  A beginner just starting to imagine the possibilities.  Do you think Adobe Voice would be a feasible app to incorporate into your classroom? I invite you to share your thoughts, comments, and questions below.

I'm excited to give Adobe Voice a whirl. I think the ability to easily create group and classroom projects with this app will make it easier to integrate into my daily classroom life.

Fiction Friday: Chapter 2

Hello book lovers. Happy Fiction Friday!

Last week I blogged about three incredible books: Circus Mirandus, Crenshaw, and Raymie Nightengale.  All of which I believe should be added to every upper elementary classroom.  If you missed the post, click here.

This week I wanted to tell you about two more books I recently discovered that are a bit less serious and a lot more silly. As readers, it is important that we have balance in our reading diet, right?

Ratscalibur

by Josh Lieb

 

First of all, the cover absolutely cracks me up. I mean. there is a rat holding a spoon in the air like a sword.  Awesome. I mean who wouldn't love a King Arthur spoof? Including characters like Sir Parsifur, King Uther, and Gondorff this timeless tale comes to life under the city lights with fighting mice, squirrel magicians, and a true tale of friendship, heroism, and adventure.

It all starts when Joey is bit by a dying magical rat and is instantly turned into a rat.  Using his nose to find his way, Joey discovers an entire kingdom that is under attack by the BlackCrows and the dangerous magician who controls them. When Joey unwittingly pulls Ratscalibur from a scone, he becomes part of the prophecy to defend the kingdom. 

Filled with word play and fantastic illustrations, Ratscalibur stole my heart. Josh Lieb, the author,  is the producer and show runner of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, so you know this children's novel is bursting with creativity and fun! It's no wonder the book is getting rave reviews from Judd Apatow, Jon Stewart, and Jimmy Fallon. 

You can't help but fall in love with these characters and get lost in the world Lieb has created. I loved it and I know my 4th graders will too. I am definitely considering it for a read aloud next year. It is fast paced, filled with great vocabulary, and has short chapters that make it perfect for the classroom.

Book Information:

• Fantasy
• Grades 3-6
• 192 pages 
• Lexile Measure 700L

Harriet the Invincible

by Ursula Vernon

 In another great spoof of a classic tale, Harriet the Invincible is the story of Sleeping Beauty.  Sort of.

Harriet does get cursed by an angry fairy upon her birth.  The sleeping curse does involve a spinning wheel.  There are three good fairies that try to help. But, Harriet and her parents handle the curse a bit different ly than Aurora's parents. 

Realizing the curse cannot be outsmarted, Harriet concludes that she is invincible! If she must touch the spindle to activate the curse, then there is absolutely no way she can die before then. Harriet sees this as a HUGE OPPORTUNITY! So, having never been a typical princess, she leaves the kingdom to fight monsters and go on grand adventures. Upon returning to the kingdom to accept her fate, the curse takes an unusual turn and suddenly it is up to Harriet to save her parents and her kingdom for the sleeping curse that was original meant for her.

Harriet the Invisible is told through a mixture of illustrations, comics, and words. Kids will devour this book. The characters are snarky and lovable at the same time. The parents alone cracked me up. Harriet is her own form of bad-ass princess!

Check out all the Hamster Princess Books: Of Mice and Magic, Ratpunzel, and Harriet the Invincible. 

Book Information:

• Fantasy
• Grades 3-5
• 256 pages
• Lexile Measure 810L
• Series Book

Have you read either of these books? Do you think your students and/or children might enjoy them?

Truthfully, I am thankful Harriet the Invincible is in hardback. It is going to need to withstand a lot of hands next year.  :)

Now, it is your turn.  Link up to share a few books you have enjoyed or have been a huge hit in your classroom or home. My Amazon wishlist is on stand by.

When linking up, please remember to grab the Fiction Friday button and link back to my blog. Also, please choose an image of a book you blogged about for the link.

Thank you and happy reading!

An InLinkz Link-up

Volunteer Appreciation Gifts {freebie}

I had great parent volunteers this year. Seriously, spectacular parents. :)

After nine years of teaching, I know that is not always the case. Some years I have had a few great parent volunteers, and other years I've been my own room parent. It all depends. BUT, this year I was blessed with many parents who helped with library research, writing camp decorations, chaperoning field trips, cutting lamination, and sending in supplies.

With so many awesome volunteers, I wanted a thoughtful thank you gift at the end of the year that I could do on a budget.  I found three packs of citronella candles at HomeGoods for a great price and bought 4 packages. I wrapped up the candles in cellophane, added a bow with nice ribbon, attached a cute little tag and... viola... beautiful and thoughtful volunteer gifts that didn't break the bank.

I printed the tags in black and white to save ink because I'm ALL about saving ink, and then used my Pentel Fine Point Pens to add a little color to the border. I mixed and matched the ribbon, candle color, and border color to create a fun summertime happy feel.

Each candle was sent home with a personalized thank you note to show my appreciation for all the support throughout the year. 

You can grab the tag I used in my TPT store. Just click the image above to snag it for FREE.  If you use and enjoy, please don't forget to leave feedback. :)

Attach it to anything that might brighten someone's day. Since I live in Texas and the mosquito are UNREAL this year, I went with citronella, but the options are endless.

Enjoy,

Fiction Friday: Chapter 1

Happy Fiction Friday everyone!

Today marks the beginning of the 2016 summertime Fiction Friday link up. I started Fiction Friday five years ago to share the children's books I was reading during the summer. Having a "deadline" to finish books helped me stay on top of my summer reading list, and gave me a platform to share and talk about the many wonderful books I discovered along the way.

I choose my reading list three different ways.  I use the Texas Bluebonnet Nominee List, my district's Battle of the Books list for 4th grade, and recommendations from friends and bloggers around the world. Thank you all for joining in the conversation and sharing the books you love. I'm always excited to return to the classroom in August ready to talk books and share in the joy of reading with my students.

Circus Mirandus

by Cassie Beasley

Circus Mirandus has been on my list from the moment I saw the cover and the title. Who doesn't love a book about a circus, especially a magic circus?

Circus Mirandus is a beautifully written novel that tells the stories Micah Tuttle, his Grandfather Ephraim, and a magical place I want to visit.

Micah has lived with his grandfather since he was young.  As a child, he would listen to his Grandfather's stories about a magical circus. When Grandfather Ephraim gets sick, he confesses to Micah that the circus is REAL and says that he must get a message to The Lightbender, the great circus magician, who has promised Grandfather Ephraim a miracle.  Determined to save his Grandfather's life Micah sets out to find the circus and show all the nonbelievers (mainly his Aunt Gertrudis) that magic is in fact very real.

Cassie Beasley has created a world of wonder and hope that I fell in love with. Like Narnia and Hogwarts, Circus Mirandus is another magical world we get to visit through books. This novel would make a great read aloud in upper elementary. There is a wonderful mix of magic, adventure, friendship, hope, and love. Circus Mirandus will make you believe in magic all over again.

Book Information:

• Fantasy
• Grades 4-7
• 304 pages
• Guided Reading Level V
• Lexile Measure 710L
• Paperback available August 2016

Crenshaw

by Katherine Applegate

This was another book that hooked me with the cover! Then, of course, I saw the author and knew I had to read it straight away.

Crenshaw did not disappoint.

Crenshaw is a cat. A seven-foot tall talking cat who shows up whenever Jackson needs a friend to cope with a family crisis. Crenshaw first appears in Jackson's life when he and his family were living out of their car and his father had just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He then disappears for a few years before returning to Jackson (now age 10) during another family struggle. Jackson is frustrated when the cat returns and refuses to believe he is real. After all, he's way too old for an imaginary friend! But friends show up for a reason, and Crenshaw's advice is exactly what Jackson and his family need to help them deal with the curve balls life keeps throwing at them.

Jackson is a believable and relateable character. Crenshaw is outrageous and not the cuddly imaginary friend you would expect. Together they captured my heart. Crenshaw tackled some tough topics through humor, friendship, honesty, and love. Another great read! 

Book Information: 

• Realistic Fiction
• Grades 4-7
• 256 pages
• Guided Reading Level Q
• Lexile Measure 540L  

Raymie Nightingale

by Kate DiCamillo 

I should probably start by telling you that Kate DiCamillo is one of my favorite authors EVER! I pretty much believe that everything she does is gold. Because of Winn Dixie, The Tiger Rising, Tale of Despereaux, Flora & Ulysses... the list goes on and on. I have loved them all. Raymie Nightingale was no exception.

Set in the summer of 1975, Raymie's father has left her and her mother for a dental hygienist. Raymie is convinced that if she can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, her father will see her picture in the paper and come home. So, Raymie spends her summer learning to twirl a baton and doing good deeds which leads to some pretty wild shenanigans, unexpected friendships, and a hefty amount of self-discovery and soul searching.

I loved this novel. I loved the way Kate DiCamillo tells her story. The dialogue brings the characters to life and the story of loss, friendship, and love fills you heart to the brim. Beautifully written and expertly executed. It's just another book by Kate DiCamillo. GOLD. If you love her, you'll love Raymie too. 

Book Information:

• Grades 4-7
• 272 pages

That's it for this week! More great books coming soon. I've read some truly fantastic chicken books lately AND some creative new twists on old favorites. I can't wait to share.

What have you been reading this week? Month? Year?  Have you read the books above? I'd love to hear your recommendations and thoughts in the comments below. 

Also, don't forget to link up and share some of your favorite books in children's literature. Picture books, graphic novels, chapter books...whatever! We love it all. 

When linking up, please remember to grab the Fiction Friday button and link back to my blog. Also, please choose an image of the books you blogged about for the link. 

Thanks so much and happy reading!

An InLinkz Link-up

Hot Dog! Summer's begun! 2016!

Someone once told me that when you retire you starting counting your days differently. You have regular Saturday, then second Saturday, third Saturday, and so forth.

I think summer for teachers is a bit like that too. So...

Today is my fifth Saturday of the week and I'm loving it. Summer is a much needed time of rejuvenation. I don't know what I would do without.

And this summer, I have big plans for my lil' ol' blog. First up... A NEW DESIGN!

I almost fell out of my chair when I realized I started this blog in July 2011! It was time for a little spruce up.  I wanted something cute, bright, and fun! It is still a work in progress, as I'm doing it myself, but the frugal teacher in me says it's worth it.  Please pardon any random works of creativity that might pop up over the next week or so. :)

Next Up, my favorite book linky, Fiction Friday, will be returning! I have been working my way through the 2016-2017 Bluebonnet Nominee List and there are so many good books to share. Make sure to tune in this week for the first round of books and please consider linking up to share some of your favorite children's books with us.

I also want to share:
1) Thoughts & Ideas from Professional Development
2) Technology Project Ideas
3) Classroom Management Tips
4) Reflections of the Year
5) Freebies along the way
6) And whatever else my brain comes up with 

Finally, this year I have taken the plunge and started creating some things for Teachers Pay Teachers. It has been so much fun and a little addictive. Everything has been tried, tested, and approved by my classroom throughout the year. Fourth graders are never shy about suggesting improvements or finding mistakes. LOL. I'm excited to share some of my creations with you in hopes that you can use them in your classroom as well.

As a summertime blogger, these are my months to reconnect with friends from around the world and meet new ones. I hope you will continue to follow me on this journey and join in the conversations.

Looking forward to the journey,